Parental Advisory: Possibly Explicit Content? (D5, LE)

[Mariessa Tremaine]

She pressed her palm to her forehead again.

"... Well... so... what do you think of him, then?"

[Marten Tremaine]

"Well..." Marten temporized. "While I appreciate that you're asking your old father about this, and I'd like to think my opinion matters... I don't think it matters as much as what you think about him."

He spread his hands. "I don't think he holds anything you did last night against you, if that helps."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Well, it was a small relief.

"... I do value your opinion, father," she said, still embarrassed.

"I wouldn't have asked you about it otherwise. I know you trust me to make good decisions, but... I do acknowledge that you understand things I don't. And well, you do understand young men better than I do, even if it's been some time since you were a young man." Mari couldn't help herself from one innocent barb.

[Marten Tremaine]

"Oof." Marten grinned at her, a little ruefully. "Believe me, I'm quite aware. I may have held my own in the wrestling, but I don't think many of the others felt quite so sore afterwards."

He sighed, shrugging. "I do think... Terrance is not quite sure what it is that he wants. Or perhaps he just lacks the confidence to seek it. Maybe he could get over that. Perhaps as a bastard he learned to behave otherwise. I'm not sure." Marten shrugged again. "When I was his age, I was already the head of our House."

Marten grimaced. "He did seem to have a good opinion of you, though." He added almost reluctantly.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Yes, I... do think that might be hitting close to him. I guess as a bastard, he's not really used to recieving attention from..." she gestured vaguely to herself, "someone like me."

Though at Marten's reluctant confession, Mari was both more intrigued and more embarrassed at the same time. "Oh, did he? He said that?"

[Marten Tremaine]

"Hmph. Well, he can't let that stand in his way." Marten grumbled. "If he did end up in a position to make decisions for House Tremaine, he'd need to grow into the role. Purity of Water, Purity of Purpose." The phrase seemed apropos at the moment.

Marten gave Mari a dry look. "Yes, well. I'm not going to convey words back and forth between you and this fellow." Not that she'd asked, but Marten clearly wasn't entirely comfortable with the conversation. "Suffice it to say, he seemed to have, a, ah..." He scratched at his chin. "An interest in you. At least somewhat."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari nodded as he too repeated the words of their House.

But as he continued, her smile turned wry, and she leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. "... Difficult to think that your little girls are all grown up now and attracting attention from young men?"

[Marten Tremaine]

Marten laughed at that, shaking his head. "Oh, yes. Believe me, you have no idea. Although I suppose you probably will someday..." He looked at her fondly. "I don't pretend to understand how I can both be afraid of you and Jyn growing up, and want grandchildren at the same time..." He shrugged. "I suppose it doesn't have to make sense."

He sighed, his features growing lined as his expression changed. "I'm not sure why it was different with your brother. Maybe because it was he was a man, or because he got there first. Or maybe, having lost him, I want to protect you and Jyn all the more."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Aw, father," Mari chuckled and rose from her chair to approach him and offer a warm family hug.

"You're sweet, but we're grown women now. Even if we will probably always be your precious little girls in your eyes."

[Marten Tremaine]

Marten chuckled, patting her back fondly as they hugged. "I know, I know. But I can't help it. When I look at you, I see that same little girl who always wanted to go out riding with her older brother and her dad, even when she was too young."

He gave her a smile. "That was long, long ago, though. You've been going out with us since you were what, five?" He chuckled. "Perhaps we should have that ride with the Martens. Show them how it's done."