[D4 LA] A Gem Among Roses

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Such humbleness, Harben," Mari teased. "I know you are a skilled fighter."

"I know father is not going to be in the melee, but I think Kevith will fight in his place."

[Ser Harben Varner]

Having finished his treat, Harben held up one hand, mock-defensively, “all my skill lies in jousting. I’m not incompetent with a longsword, but even Elwood’s got more training than me.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

She tittered. "Really? Hm, I seem to recall I beat him a few times when we were children... then again, that was with sticks."

Mari finished her lemoncake as well, casting a smug smile over her shoulder at the septa as she just couldn't resist that teeny tiny chance to gloat a little.

[Ser Harben Varner]

The Septa was pretending not to watch the pair, though she missed little. “You were always capable, Mari, never doubt that. Have you kept up practice since then?”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

She nodded in confirmation.

"Mostly with Lawrince... he'd often show me what he had been learning. Though mother never really approved of it," a small shake of her head, "callouses from weapons is not very lady-like, and I'd never land a good husband that way, she'd say. I guess a lot of men don't like a woman who can wield a bow or a sword?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

“I cannot speak for all men. I admire your strength, but it would break my heart to live a life that roughened your delicate hands.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

But... what if I want to roughen them because I like archery and fighting? Mari thought, her lips pressed together in a thin line as she considered what to say.

"Well, I don't think it's something I have to worry about... as I am now my father's heir," she settled on, using her pretext as a good and dutiful daughter as an excuse to deflect. "... Hm, it looks like it's going to rain? Maybe we should head back inside."

[Ser Harben Varner]

“Mari,” Harben looked distressed, “I would never stand between you and your happiness. If you wanted wanted to plow a field until your hands were chapped and bleeding, I would be right beside you to tend your hurts, but only if you did it for the joy of working the soil and making things grow. I would give anything, my life, if necessary, to see that you never go without.”

He sighed, wishing he hadn’t said all of that. But the oncoming rain was a convenient excuse, “you’ll need to prepare for the evening concert soon, let me escort you back to your pavilion.”

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"That's... very sweet of you, Harben," she really meant it, taken aback by Harben's sincerity and dedication.

"... Yes. Thank you."

Mari, in truth, felt very confused. Her mother had prepared the twins for the more practical things of becoming women, like telling them about their flowering and such, but actually being romanced and such was a topic that had been untouched when they were younger, and when they had grown older, mother hadn't been the most stable source for such advice.

[Ser Harben Varner]

With the Septa trailing along like an unfed dog on their heels, Harben returned the Tremaine heir to her pavilion and bowed deeply, “thank you for walking with me.” He knew he should say something about the fun they had had, stealing lemon cakes like duty wasn’t pressing in over their heads, but it all sounded so awkward in his head, so he left it at that and turned to leave.