[D5, EA] Reflections

[Terrance Stone]

"We've spoken a few times." he nodded. "We met here, actually, much like this."

[Marten Tremaine]

"Oh?" Marten said. Again, it was semi-encouraging. He made a gesture for Terrance to go on.

At the same time, though, so did Marten. "I'm not surprised. Mari does enjoy getting the chance to go riding occasionally. She has less opportunity now that the duties of being my heir have fallen to her."

[Terrance Stone]

"She's a good rider." he nodded. "We spoke here for a while, then went for a ride together. We met again during the next night's feast. We were thinking that our families should go hunting together, to bring our houses closer. And, we danced last night..."

"Mari is an amazing woman." he smiled.

[Marten Tremaine]

Marten gave a slow, careful nod. "I'd certainly enjoy a hunt together, your family and mine. Getting to know each other does sound like a fine idea."

He grimaced, going silent for a few moments. "And I'm glad you recognize how special Mari is. She and I have always been close. I want to do the best for my House, but I also want her to be happy."

He cleared his throat. "So, with that in mind, I think I should like to know of your intentions, going forward." He spoke gruffly, but not unkindly.

[Terrance Stone]

"I want her to be happy, too." he answered. "I'd like to have a hand in that, but I know it isn't that simple. What's best for your House, is what is best for her. I'm sure she can find hapiness that way."

[Marten Tremaine]

"Maybe." Marten said. "As you say, it isn't that simple. But while there's overlap between what's best for my House and what's best for her, if they fell into perfect agreement, I'd be surprised indeed."

"But I'm not asking about that." Marten waved a hand. "I'm asking about what you intend, not how you see things. Speak plainly, lad. I won't hold it against you."

[Terrance Stone]

"I'd like to spend more time with her." He answered. "To know her better. She is unlike other women I've known. I find her attractive, of course. But, it's more than that. I don't know if the friendship we've made can grow into something more, but I'd like to find out."

"I did ask her to have dinner with me."

[Marten Tremaine]

"Hrm." Marten said. "I suppose these sorts of things have to start somewhere." Still, his lips pressed together rather forebodingly.

"Very well." Marten nodded. "I should like to continue to be apprised of your intentions, especially as they solidify. And... a family hunt sounds like a fine idea indeed." Another nod. "We shall see it happen."