Joanna's Rooms

[Marie]

"A boy. Daemon wishes for another son and I have no son at all yet, though I have three daughters and..."

She trailed off as a wave of grief hit her. She couldn't help thinking of little Silvana in Lannisport, alone but for Aalina, and cursed by some strange malady that the Sages were trying to cure.

"I had four daughters, once," she said. "But the Gods took Leona from me."

[Helyn Caron]

Anni's face fell. 'Oh joanna.' She said softly. 'I am so sorry.'

[Marie]

"It was years ago, but the pain is still there, deep down. I think of her every year when it would have been her birthday, and the anniversary of her death and other times too."

Joanna blinked as tears threatened.

"I'm sorry," she said when she had calmed herself . "I should not burden you with my pain."

[Helyn Caron]

'Your grace, you should know me better than that. if it helps you then it is no burden.'

[Marie]

"Then thank you, I'm grateful. Your friendship means much to me. I hope you will allow me to buy your baby a gift when he or she is born."

[Helyn Caron]

'There is no need for that.' anni said. 'I will always be here for you. We are not only family but i hope we are friends as well'

[Marie]

"Yes, and I would like to do something for you and your child. It will be a gift, not a bribe."

[Helyn Caron]

'If that is what you want your grace, then i accept.' She smiled at the queen. She looked at the pup.

[Marie]

The puppy had fallen asleep.

"do you want to hold him?"

[Helyn Caron]

'Oh yes please.' She said. she took the sleeping pup. 'Oh he is lovely. i would love one but i think my son would terrorise him.'

[Marie]

"A direhound or just any dog?"

[Helyn Caron]

'I would love a dire hound. but my son would terrorise and creature we tried to kep i'm sure. He's truly going to be a hunter when he's old enough.'

[Marie]

"Yes."

Joanna looked down at the puppy.

"Did you ever think it strange that both dogs and men are pack animals?"

[Helyn Caron]

'It has not passed my notice.' anni giggled. Vaen is always trying to chase the cats around here. He even growls at them. its pretty adourable.'

[Marie]

"I'll wager the cats don't think so. I had a lap cat when I was a little girl. I always took her with me when we travelled away from the Eyrie. She was very sweet. I never had a dog of my own, because you can't count the kennelmaster's hounds," she said. "Do you have a lapdog or cat?"