(D1 LA) A river runs through it

[Leovall Marten]

"We do need more land to expand. I don't think we're making full use of the forces we have."

[Liliane Marten]

"Well there is something for you to push for to prove your worth with your father, no?" she said with a smile, "Everyone in the Vale would take notice if House Marten's heir pushed back hard against the Hill Tribes."

[Leovall Marten]

Leovall sighs, looking somewhat dejected. "He'd have to permit it. I doubt he would as is. He doesn't even trust your father with fully leading the men at arms. Father keeps things close to his chest."

[Liliane Marten]

"Well Ser Landon has earned a certain degree of distrust even if his lance is as sure as any in the Vale," she chuckles, "I am sure if you try you could convince him."

[Leovall Marten]

"Perhaps with a little support." Leovall gives his cousin a hopeful look. She was, after all, much more persuasive than he.

[Liliane Marten]

"Oh? Well, I could try. He'd listen to your sister first but she'd be much harder to convince..." she mused, "We will need something to encourage him."

[Leovall Marten]

"I'd take it to my mother before anything else. She has been keen on this as well." So keen in fact that he didn't even realise it had been her idea originally, and one she'd planted in him years ago. "Certainly benefits to point to would be helpful. I think he doesn't realise the banditry it allows on our borders. Travellers are wary to enter our lands except by sea. Merchants even more so."

[Liliane Marten]

"It does keep the port busy. I am sure the mines would be more useful if there were less raiders about," she frowns, "If Auntie is already asking after it to him I am not sure our voices will be enough to sway him."

[Leovall Marten]

"She's suggested it in general terms. This will be me asking to lead the effort. If I can prove myself here then he might see it as a good opportunity for me to learn warfare first hand." It made sense to him. Hopefully his father would actually see it that way.

"So, are you stiff from riding for, what... an hour? You would have more endurance if you spent longer in the saddle."

[Liliane Marten]

"Ah, yes! That could be a good way to frame it. You will need to know how if you are to be lord. No sense keeping you from it"

"Well, I don't get much chance to ride around the fief in armour looking for a fight," she laughed, "Mother would actually spank me for trying that. She can at least see the utility in me knowing to use a bow."