Festival of Roses

The dream last night and meeting its subject earlier today had complicated Alicent's intentions considerably, but she had still promised to see Ser Cortney this evening, and she was never one to refuse to keep her promises. It was one of the things that had kept her at home and had her seeking a husband now instead of becoming a Maester at the Citadel. She sighed and looked up at at the sky. She felt like it would have been much easier to go that route. But it was what it was.

She wasn't sure what she wanted.

Cortney was seated in the same place in the gardens, reading a slip of paper by the light of a lantern. The twinkling lights of the previous evening had been replaced with plain, less numerous lanterns, and while the effect was less enchanting, the gardens were still pleasant. Noticing her approach, the knight pushed to his feet and bowed, “Lady Alicent.”

She curtsied with a smile. "Ser Cortney. Thank you for coming," she replied with a warm smile, the cloak pooling around her as she stopped. With the way it blocked the light but not fully, it almost looked as though she was dressed in a gown of shadow... or, with the texture of the dress, like she was adorned in black scales like a miniaturized dragon. Her eyes were drawn to the slip of paper, and an image of black wings passed through her mind. "... Not bad news, I hope?"

“No,” he gave a small smile, “just keeping abreast of the goings on at home. I trust you are well?”

She looked perhaps more relieved than that called for. "I'm glad to hear it."

She stepped over to sit next to him. "I am... It's been quite a busy day. And yourself?"

He shook his head and offered Alicent a seat, "the calm before the storm, the Grand Melee is tomorrow."

She nodded and let out a breath. "Caim will be part of that, as well... I guess I'm a bit worried about both of you."

Cortney inclined his head, surprised by the sentiment, "thank you, m'lady, fortunately I am from the Stormlands, we have never feared a little rain."

"I suppose if anyone was prepared for a storm it would be you," she agreed with a soft chuckle. "I wonder if you're prepared for any sort of storm?" Her smile toward him gained a little bit of the edge from the previous evening.

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Intrigue Start!

LE 5 Intrigue (Charm) Initiative: 3d6 14

Disposition: Friendly
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 12

More than a touch oblivious, but remembering the stirring she'd awakened the previous night, he inched closer, "it's all in how you ready yourself."


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[D5 LE] Intrigue Initiative: Status: 4d6 9
Starting Disposition: Affectionate (1 DR, -1 Deception, +5 Persuasion)
Intrigue Defense: 8
Composure: 9