Lessons Learned (D1 LA)

[Arwyn Forrester]

"I think you show quite a few of those qualities already, my lord," she replies with a smile. "My brother, Marqus, has ambitions of knighthood in the southron tradition, as well. The Houses of the North don't ordinarily pursue such things as often, but you might find quite a bit to speak of with him."

[Kevan Dunn]

"As do you, my lady." His smile grew wider at her remark, but he chose to incline his head rather than dare her with an appreciative look of the kind that is usually wandering toward the 'desirable'. "I am looking forward to meeting your brother then. Perhaps we could come up with a good plan how to go about it together. The knighthood, I mean."

[Arwyn Forrester]

She smiled at the compliment, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you, my lord." At the suggestion, her smile warms. "That sounds like an excellent idea, in my own opinion."

[Kevan Dunn]

"If it does so to you, it's enough of a reassurance for me, my lady. What else could you tell me about your brother?" He raised his gaze on her; now it felt legitimate to look at her more boldly when the subject was not her, and her warm smile was the prize.

[Arwyn Forrester]

"He's only a year older than I, at seventeen, but our father has trusted him to act as our representative to the Master of Ships in King's Landing," she replies, not minding the opportunity to talk up her favorite of her siblings. "I'm sure it was there he grew fond of the traditions of the South. It feels like he's become at home down here. I don't blame him... from the experience it's been traveling down, it would be nice to have future opportunities to come this direction."

[Kevan Dunn]

"What kind of opportunities would you like, my lady? The Dunns are an ancient family, well-established and respected in the Reach."

Kevan had listened intently, watching her lips moving and her eyes expressing.

[Maester Oswell]

With the period of introduction and flirtation apparently over, Oswell decided to speak up again.

"Lady Forrester wouldn't be trying to improve her brother's prospects to keep him away from the homestead now would she? I'm sure that's one of the reasons I was sent to the Citadel." He jokes good naturedly.

[Arwyn Forrester]

She opened her mouth to respond, then broke into a genuine laugh at the Maester's comment. "As a matter of sibling rivalry, I feel obliged to answer in the positive, but we actually all want him back home. Truth is, though, Marqus and I don't get along about everything, but he is one of my best friends," she replies with a smile, apparently losing some hidden tension. "As for opportunities... Hmm. I'd like to be able to help my family via my travels. Though I know there are a myriad possibilities just in that."

[Maester Oswell]

"Does travel interest you then milady? Would you like to see more of the Seven Kingdoms than you have been able so far?"

[Arwyn Forrester]

She smiles softly. "I'd see every corner of it, if it were up to me," she admits.

[Maester Oswell]

"A woman after my own heart, oh to be twenty years younger." He replies with a cheeky wink.

"Perhaps, if duties permit, a little travel after the nameday celebration might be possible, to allow you to see some more of the Reach before your return home."

[Kevan Dunn]

Kevan followed the flow of the conversation quietly for a moment, letting Maester Oswell deploy his seasoned charm, happy to be learning new things about Arwyn. "And if it comes to pass, my lady, and you'll find me company agreeable in Ashford, perhaps I could be of some assistance in those travels." The young Dunn did not press the matter, just left the suggestion in the air. He was still processing various thoughts and feelings Arwyn's presence was causing.

[Arwyn Forrester]

She lets out a little amused puff of air at Oswell's first comment. "That would be my hope," she says with a smile. "Nothing improves a journey like good company. We will find out as the tourney takes its course, but I suspect that possibility will seem quite agreeable then. Are you also interested in traveling, my lord?"

[Kevan Dunn]

"I am." Kevan honestly admitted. "I am looking for an opportunity to learn about the world, about what it means to be a lord. Maester Oswell has taught me about many people, places and ways of doing things but it's an entirely different thing to experience them, see them operating. My father thinks the old days will eventually return and we'll be at a war with Dorne again. I am not so sure, and would like to prepare for the other eventuality for the Dunns."

[Arwyn Forrester]

She listens, clearly intent, nodding periodically. "That seems wise, my lord. Both to learn about the world, and prepare for multiple eventualities. Especially with Dorne seeming to be on a path to at least a certain amount of integration."

[Kevan Dunn]

"My father insists this is not a given, to put it mildly. Many say he's wrong but then he knows the Dornish better than most. I think the future is less certain than it is commonly assumed." Kevan said, glancing at the Maester. "So yes, preparing for multiple eventualities. My warrior's training has been good but politics is something that needs to be practised before one gets an idea how it's done, and that needs many... interactions." He chuckled at that. "Or so is my impression at least."

[Maester Oswell]

Oswell nods gently at Kevan's assessment of the situation. The young man was developing good instincts.

"Hope for peace, but prepare for war. A wise analogy to draw milord."

[Arwyn Forrester]

She nods in agreement with Oswell's assessment. "I would agree with that assessment," she replies with a smile, "given how focused my own learning has been toward politics."

[Kevan Dunn]

"Speak softly, but carry a large sword?" Kevan joked, but his eyes lit up at Arwyn's words. "It usually takes more than one person to go with complex strategies"

[Arwyn Forrester]

She inclines her head, the beginnings of a grin kept down to a smile carefully. "Specialty is the very basis of exchange in the Kingdoms."

[Maester Oswell]

"Especially when one surrounds or pairs themselves with one who complements the deficiencies that such specialization tends to expose." Oswell adds, hoping that neither of the youths see it as a personal shot at them specifically.

[Kevan Dunn]

"It is like those rings in your chain, Maester. They symbolise different things but they have the strength by being interlocked." Kevan was looking at Arwyn when saying that, his aquamarines flickering with reflexes of afternoon sun.

[Arwyn Forrester]

She considers, then nods with a smile. "An apt metaphor, I think." She looks up at the sky. "Sadly, as much as I am enjoying myself in your company my lord, and that is a great deal, I should take my leave. There is much to do and only so many hours in a day." She curtsies to both of them. "I look forward to speaking with you more soon, though."

[Kevan Dunn]

"I look forward to that too, my lady. Please stay safe." Kevan returned the courtesy with his fist to the chest, then bowing.

[Maester Oswell]

"Aye, milady. Safe travels." Oswell replies with a limited bow.