[D3 EE] Sitting Down With Her Lord

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn came from the meeting, happier that the ground seemed to be mostly dry now. She hadn't understood all that was said, but she understood enough to know that these were matters their young Lord should know about. Also, she had something to ask of him hoped it would be well received.

She approached his tent in the Dunn pavilion first. If he wasn't there, she may need to take Tyana and go looking.

"Lord Kevan?" She called softly from outside the tent.

[Kevan Dunn]

"Lady Kaelyn!" He called back, having apparently recognised her voice. "Come in." He would actually be over a desk, writing.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

She pushed the tent flap aside and smiled a greeting. "May I beg some of your time?"

[Kevan Dunn]

"You do not have to beg, dear cousin, just tell me you need it." He dropped instantaneously what he was doing and moved toward her to greet her, with a wandering smile defining his features. He took two chairs on the way and placed them next to each other near the fire.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn stepped in, happy that she wouldn't sully her Lord's tent with freshly muddy boots. She curtsied and looked around for the wine she knew must be about at this hour. His glass was not full and she was nothing if not a hostess, even if it was not her tent. She crossed and filled his wine, handing him the glass as they sat down.

"I just came from the meeting with House Wydman. I'm sure our Maester could explain the goings on in a much more detailed and superior way, but it seems as though they are in need of some of our fighting men. I know it's not a Lady's place to have an opinion on such matters, but I was wondering if I might help."

[Kevan Dunn]

He raised the glass as they sat, having turned to face her. "Only fools think beauty does preclude insight and wise counsel. Tell me what's on your mind, Lady Kaelyn. How did the meeting go?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

She blushed and was embarrassed to ask, lest it sound like her vanity was showing. Yes, it was vanity born out of necessity, but she didn't like others to know just how much she focused on her looks.

"Do you really think I'm beautiful?" she was more than timid, looking down, smile gone from her face. "What I mean to say is beautiful enough to make a good match that could help our House?"

She'd been trained for this since birth and her Lord's approval of her looks would mean she'd succeeded. She doubted she'd ever have such a frank discussion with the Lord Commander.

[Kevan Dunn]

"If my father's preference was to strengthen ties within the family I'd be a happy man to have you as my wife, Lady Kaelyn. In fact it has crossed my mind since you gave me the ribbon that you might be ready for a deeper commitment of that kind, and it made me wondering." His gaze made a journey from her feet to her eyes, and a smile accompanied it all the way up. "But I probably shouldn't assume too much, nor should I misguide you that my heart is free to be given. It has been pledged to another. But then, it probably makes me a more impartial judge of your beauty. Whoever you become betrothed to may well forget about other blessings of Gods in his life because of the magnitude of the gift your hand in marriage would be." He smirked, raising his glass once more. "To your beauty, Lady Kaelyn."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

A dazzling smile appeared, tears just touching her eyes at her Lord's praise. It felt as though what she'd striven for in life had been accomplished. It might be a small thing to others, being called beautiful, but it meant the world to Kaelyn.

"And to your happiness, my Lord." she added to the toast. It did surprise her that Lord Kevan's heart was already filled with love for another, but it brought her genuine joy.

"While I would be greatly honored to be named as part of the future of our House, and to a man as kind, level-headed, and attractive as you, I must confess I did not understand the true meaning behind the ribbons." Kaelyn laughed at herself a bit. "I'd been under the impression they were given by ladies to competitors for good luck. I am most fortunate that Lady Kaliya took me under her wing this morning during the storm and sorted out my misconception. I might have found myself 'favoring' half the participants." Her laughter subsided. "And, of course, I do wish to hear of and meet this extraordinary woman that has captured my Lord's affections. You wouldn't be interested in just anyone." she spoke truly.

"I suppose, all of this winds around to the meeting today. You asked about House Wydman and how things went. They seem to be most interested in our fighting men, as I understood it. They need help defending themselves."

Kaelyn became a bit serious. "So, as I understand it, they need an alliance. And the best way to solidify alliances is with marriage..."

[Kevan Dunn]

"It's probably for the better that we all are more focused than dispersed in those attentions that may lead us to making marital vows." Kevan laughed, pulling out the ribbon to return it to Kaelyn. He had been keeping it in his sleeve. "If I didn't believe in it I would be already trying to... build on our rapport, Lady Kaelyn. But I do, and my appreciation of beauty of other women needs to stop at honest words. The lady of my heart is an extraordinary maiden indeed. I think everyone who gets to know her better will agree with me." He smiled mysteriously, what indicated he was not about to tell who it was right away.

After a sip, he continued. "As far as Wydmans are concerned, there's one thing we should be asking before anything else: what kind of alliance would it put us in? If they have scant military, they can't help us in wars. Have they pledged any other ways? Do they exercise any political clout? These are important questions for you to consider as well. Even if one of their knights has caught your attention, would you be happy living among people without a substantial bond to your family?"

[Kaelyn Dunn]

She accepted the ribbon back. She was tempted to tell him to keep it as a charm such as she had intended, but she did not want to cause her Lord's potential Lady to think he was two-timing. "I do look forward to knowing her better, once you are both ready for that to happen."

Her face became serious once more, her brow crinkling ever so slightly. "I must be clear; I have not taken to any particular person in the Wydman group. And I don't know if an alliance with them would be what is truly best for our House. While I think Lord Wydman would treat me well, my heart isn't set. To be more open than I imaginably should be, I don't expect to marry for love. I suppose I hope for it, but before Septa Ydris passed away, she impressed upon me the importance of my position and the flexibility I must have for the sake of my family. I have a duty to make sure House Dunn benefits from having me as a member."

Her nails clicked softly against her glass. "If the Wydmans can offer us nothing of value in return, I have nothing emotionally invested by the decision. It was simply a thought I had regarding alliances."

She looked up, seriously, to meet Kevan's eyes. "There is one thing that I would ask for in any marriage negotiation for me. My Father is amenable, but only if it serves House Dunn's interests." She swallowed and attempted to project a confidence she did not own. "I would like it if my brother could come with me. He desires to be a kennel master one day. Many cannot see past his face; the greyscale he overcame as a baby. To my mind, that only makes him stronger but... I worry for his future and his happiness. No matter who I marry, I would want some kind of connection to you, the Lord Commander, and my parents. But I see brightness for you that may not be guaranteed for him."

[Kevan Dunn]

"Thank you for being honest with me, my lady." Kevan nodded thoughtfully, his smile giving way to more serious ponderings when she confided her deep concerns in him. "In any particular arrangement I cannot tell how your hopes for a place for your brother can be accommodated and if the success hinges on not raising this issue, I can't in good conscience raise it. Prejudice connected with greyscale may be a liability. What I can promise you is that he will always have a place in the Burrow as long as I will be the Lord Commander." He kept their gazes connected saying this.

"As for Wydmans and marriages, it is too early to make a call for you. We need to speak with other houses present. But..." He reached out to squeeze her hand. "Despite what your Septa might have said, love sometimes is plausible. Sometimes it creates possibilities of close bonds where there would not have been any. Don't give up on it completely, just make your heart and your mind not outpace each other. If you take a genuine interest in a man of honour and promise, I will be the first to ponder if your happiness and family interests are coming together with this match."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I can't tell you what it means to me to know that my brother will have a place in this world. Truly, you can't imagine..." This time she did wipe at a single tear before it dropped. "I would never want to endanger an alliance on that alone, but I appreciate you considering it as an option. And I will try to keep my heart open as you say. I can see what love has brought to your own eyes."

She felt far more light-hearted than she had in as long as she could recall. She was sure this must have registered on her face. And something else he said.

"As to speaking with other Houses present, I have made a friend in Ser Davelyn. He seems to think that Lord Cedric Kelligton might find me suitable. He is arranging a meeting between Lord Kellington and I, just to meet face to face and speak. I would not presume to speak for our House and expect the conversation to be more about common interests. Nevertheless, I told Ser Davelyn that I would bring this to you, and as well see if I should be accompanied by an escort."

[Kevan Dunn]

During that moment of openness Kevan's resolve to not think of Kaelyn in terms of being interested was put to a test, but he narrowly passed it by going the 'I am like a brother to her' route and imagining she was - or should be - like Maera to him. His supportive squeeze turned into a light pat, and alternative to a pull that could have happened if he had not closed his eyes to think of Arwyn. He leaned back and took a healthy swig of wine. Then, the content of the conversation slowly crept into his awareness and reminded him of the salience of saying just the right thing.

"Lady Kaelyn, I cannot in good conscience allow you to meet with any vassals of the Baratheons on their terms without substantial precautions. Their heir murdered our liege lord today and should stand trial for it, and there is a lot of why that needs to be explained before we can get back to any sort of normalcy. Until then I prefer to err on the side of caution on other transgressions they could be ready to commit against the Reachmen if given an opportunity. I know nothing of Lord Cedric beyond that he is loyal to his liege."

He sighed.

"We may have a war with the Stormlands soon enough."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"Murdered?" Kaelyn was stunned. She'd heard there had been a terrible accident at the joust this morning. She had been hiding in her tent from the rain. "I'd heard that it was an accident, but..." She pressed delicate fingers to her lips, before her eyes began to move quickly, a scene of the previous night playing out before her. And with Davelyn, no less. She was sure it was nothing, but she couldn't be sure. And her Lord deserved to know, just in case.. But it couldn't be...

"I understand, of course. You can always trust me to tell you about any inklings of marriage I might have. But... Last night... I'm sure it's a coincidence, I'm SURE of it. But... you should still know..." She looked down, wondering.

"Davelyn's and my conversation also included other topics." She tried to find the words. "Specifically if jousting can ever lead to war."

[Kevan Dunn]

Kevan tensed. He put the glass away.

"Tell me more. For some reason Davelyn was the first to rush to Lord Tyrell's crushed body, trying to dislodge the carcass of his steed. I don't know if he was moved, tried to provide an alibi or wanted to check if our liege lord was truly dead. But he's a bastard of Martells in Kellington service. I really, really try not to jump to conclusions but all this together, and with my father missing..." He turned his face away to not scare her with the grim promise of violent vengeance that was overtaking his expression.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"I think it was a question on my part. I've never really understood how men can fight one moment and be friends the next." She gently chewed her lip. "I asked how men could fight and then go drink. He told me that most don't hold grudges but that some do and that those grudges can weave their way into existing animosities."

"I asked his opinion about whether or not jousting could be an outlet to dissipate strife. I went so far as to make the joke, 'I've never read the words, 'He unseated his opponent, and there was war.'" 'Maybe it will be written now,' Kaelyn cringed.

"At the time, he agreed that jousts were far more likely to be releases for anger, not causes." She was beginning to feel her mind tail-spinning. Had he been saying that to trick her? He'd been such a gentleman, and very sincere. In fact she was the one who'd started the line of conversation to begin with; that she was sure of. Her hand made an unconscious fist.

"No, I'm certain that I was the first to broach the subject. It was born out of my concern for the safety of the competitors. And it was only after that when we spoke of my possibly meeting Lord Kellington. I know myself well enough that I know I can be fooled. I'm often too trusting. But if I were to give my truest opinion, I believe he is the type who would rush to help anyone in Lord Tyrell's position."

Kaelyn continued to try to think of the other things they'd discussed. At the time, it all seemed so above reproach.

[Kevan Dunn]

Kevan was not entirely convinced, having an ingrained distrust of anything inherently Dornish and a Martell bastard could be fooling an amenable young lady well enough, especially one with a Dornish background herself. But he chose not to challenge Kaelyn on it, appreciating her honesty and loyalty as he saw it, and left the rest of his worries for himself.

"Let's assume you're right about Ser Davelyn. It still doesn't mean he's right about Lord Cedric or either of them is right about the Laughing Storm. I saw how Lyonel Baratheon deliberately killed Leo Tyrell by targeting his horse in a joust. He had come there with some henchmen and a hired Braavosi fence I helped dispatch. Either the Stormlanders are seeking a feud to go to war, or they have been gross idiots to be manipulated into this by some third party."

Kevan had ideas who was the greatest beneficiary of any war between the Reach and the Stormlands.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"At first I considered myself lucky to have missed Lord Tyrell's death. I was in my tent hiding out from the rain." She rolled her eyes at herself for being foolish. The rain wouldn't have bitten her. "Now I wish I'd been there so that I could help you more with this."

"The rest of the conversation was about animals, reading, and what Lord Kellington was looking for in a wife. Ser Davelyn told me Lord Cedric has only recently been open to the idea of marriage. He wanted someone he could have a friendship with, and more than anything wants to be happy. That he treated his people well and he would like to enrich his knowledge of the world." She sighed. "I suppose, these too, could all be lies, but I didn't get that impression."

She stood up for a moment, looking around the room, restless. Had she been too open with people? She turned back around. "He never asked about the Lord Commander's absence, and didn't try to pry any familial details from me. It was mostly about things I personally valued; who I was as opposed to finding out information about our House. Those details I am careful with, not that we have anything to hide to my knowledge. He didn't ask about our standings, politics, finances..."

She thought for a moment, sitting back down. "You know, both he and Kaliya are Dornish by birth. They are the only Dornish I've seen here. I believe I would have noticed, being Dornish on my mother's side." She absently ran her fingers across her black hair, noting for the millionth time that her skin was pale like her Father's. "They have probably spent time together. Kaliya would have a much better read on him than I. I'm certain if you asked she would dig further."

[Kevan Dunn]

"Friendship? Is he gay?" Kevan snorted, perhaps judging Lord Kellington unfairly, but he was deeply angry at the Stormlanders. There was after all nothing wrong in seeking friendship in marriage, and yet it felt odd to start from that rather than something about securing a strong heir. He nodded at all things that didn't get disclosed in Kaelyn's conversation with Davelyn with a small sigh of relief.

Spending time together with Kaliya sounded euphemistic, and yet was a useful bit of information that both Dornish were actually staying in touch. "You are a Dunn, Lady Kaelyn. That's all that matters to me. I believe you when you speak about your dedication to the family." He hoped he was not making a mistake there but he was too honest at heart to lie about his leap of faith.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn nodded, and made eye contact. "I promise, I'll never betray the trust you have shown me in this."

She didn't know what being happy had to do with wanting only friendship from a wife but she chose not to dwell on it. "If there is something you would ask of me, something I can do to help our House and House Tyrell, please ask it of me. Now or in the future."

[Kevan Dunn]

The eye contact reminded him of something, the discomfort he had been left with, but he killed the thought before it budded. "I... we would need to have a chat with someone from the Terricks and the Algoods, to get their piece of mind on the current affairs, and learn something on what they are up to. Also, if you learn something interesting in general, just come back to me." He moved his gaze onto the paper on the table, just in case his incessant fantasy of her storming his tent at night and giving herself to him on the fur by the fire was about to come back with the vengeance.

[Kaelyn Dunn]

Kaelyn blinked. "Well, I'm not sure how much guile I possess - probably next to none - but I did invite Lady Wylla Terrick for tea and cakes tomorrow. At the time none of this horror had happened. I can't promise to be wily, but I'm sure these happening will naturally come up in conversation."

She thought another second. "Now, the only Algood I've had contact with is their man at arms, Derrick. He, Tomas, and I spoke during the first joust. He reminded me of my brother, and when Tomas arrived they seemed to get along. I'd doubt Derrick would think it strange for Tomas to talk with him. Or even for me, if I saw him again."

[Kevan Dunn]

"I think a friendly chat is enough to learn something. At least this is what I need to believe not being savvy in courtly ways myself." Kevan chuckled reassuringly. "Just get back to me when you learn something interesting, like you already have. Your instinct is good in this regard, you can have my ear any time."

[Kaelyn Dunn]

"Then you can count on me for that." She smiled and inclined her head. "Thank you for making time for me, Lord Kevan."