Outer study

[Marie]

"Because it doesn't sound like something Mother would say."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Then dont beleive me that is your choice, but you will not be going in to see her."

Ganieda said firmly.

[Marie]

Joanna frowned.

"If you let me in I will arrange for you to speak with Aalina."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Gen was silent for a few moments, then her gaze hardened.

"You have never been cruel before Joanna. Your mother did not bring you up to be like that. I cannot speak with Aalina, it was terrible for you to even suggest it. Now leave, before I tell someone that you were here."

[Marie]

"Tell who you like," Joanna said defiantly. "i don't care. I meant my offer in good faith, too. No-one would dare to harm you so long as Mother and I were there to defend you. Why should you suffer as you have done all these years?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Get out Joanna." Ganieda said, her tone lower, still upset by what the princess had said. "You know that I cannot see Aalina, she is better off as she is without me too. Just get out now."

[Marie]

"You're wrong about Aalina but if I see that you cannot be persuaded," Joanna siad. "I'll go, but only if you pass on a message to my mother."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "How could I be wrong about my own daughter?"

"Very well, tell me the message."

[Marie]

"Tell her I love her and I will come again when she is ready to see me. Tell her...tell her that I brought her granddaughters to see her and have had to take them home disappointed.."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Gen nodded.

"I will do." Her tone went soft again. "i am sorry Joanna, and I wish it was different. Would you tell Aalina that I love her. Please."

[Marie]

"Of course. She feels her loss as keenly as you do. You are both so stubborn about it, though. I told Aalina once that she must come to me if I can do anything to better her life. She wouldn't consider it. It's really not fair on either of you."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"It is what was ruled." Ganieda said. "Just take care of my daughter for me Joanna."

[Marie]

"I will."

Joanna sighed.

"A dead man's decree can be overturned, Gen. Think of that, if you will."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Have you heard the saying 'What is done cannot be undone?' I said my goodbye to both my children along time ago, I could never go through that again. That is why I could never face Aalina or Valen."

[Marie]

"Then I'm sorry for you and I admire your strength."

Moved, Joanna came forward and hugged Gen, just briefly, but it was enough to show that she really did feel the emotion of the moment.