(D1 LA) A river runs through it

[Leovall Marten]

"Heh. The outer parts we don't really control. Some of them could be spared I'm sure." He taps his cheek. "Otherwise convincing the Arryns is a possibility. I'm sure they'd like another defensive fort south of us to better watch the bay. Of course, heh, we could always just take some land. The Graftons and Waxleys each have much more land than they can legitimately control."

[Liliane Marten]

"Graftons have money enough to fight that. Waxleys though... hmmm," she muses, "It is possible but it'd be a bit of a stretch. We would need a real reason for it."

[Leovall Marten]

"True enough, but many don't like the Graftons. Still, the Waxleys would be the easier target and the land to the South-West would be easier for us to defend and hold than the East. The Redforts might join us against the Waxleys too." Leovall leans forward to rub Cole's neck. "Good boy."

Sitting tall and proud he adopts a thoughtful expression. "The reason is the real challenge. That and father's approval. Asking the Arryns would be the best starting point."

[Liliane Marten]

"If you are lucky the Hill Tribes are dogging them and we can come to the rescue and plead our case," she smiled, "It'd be the best option. Otherwise Uncle sort of needs a slight to avenge or the other way around."

[Leovall Marten]

"I don't actually know if they are being bothered by the hillmen. That's really something we ought to look into. After all, as it has been relatively quiet of late with us then they must be harassing someone else. They don't dare attack the Redforts or try to the East where there are few hills and mountains, but the South..." He smiled wryly. "They may be. If they are then, as you say, we could move in and then pleased that we'd be better caretakers. That would be quicker than a slight with them - they're a humble lot. Not like the Graftons."

Thumping his right fist into his left hand with the reins he looked energised. "Good idea that one Lili. We just need some news of their lands. Of course it'd be smart for you to keep an eye open for any handsome, capable and wealthy suitors just in case, yes?" Those three qualities were the bare minimum for someone to be deserving of his cousin.

[Liliane Marten]

"Of course. I am here under orders not unlike that from both our mothers you know," she giggled, "We can take a trip through their lands on our way back then, yes?" It would be a route that involved going into the Mountains of the Moon. "It shouldn't be that big a detour."

[Leovall Marten]

"Or we could take a ship stopping at Wickenden and buy some of their candles as a pretense. Spending a couple of days there would give us enough time to listen to the locals talk." He swayed left and right merrily, and on purpose, in his saddle. "I do feel devious even considering this. It would keep you close however, and tied to the family. A bannerhouse would increase the Marten's strength as well. This is... something you approve of, isn't it?" Leovall goes on to query with some care.

[Liliane Marten]

"That could work. It is less fun than the road but it could work," she smiled, "Well, it is all a plan B if I don't fall into a solid betrothal to some noble. This is all very nice but I feel your parents would prefer something like that to befall your sister."

[Leovall Marten]

"Safer than the road." Leovall points out. "Ser Keaton gave me a stern warning to avoid them on the way back with our group being as small as it is."

Accepting her point he faces forward. "If you don't find a nobleman, sure. And you know my sister. If anyone can adapt to life in another House it is her. She's been brought up to be the perfect lady - you've said so yourself."

[Liliane Marten]

"Fine we can go the safe way," she said sarcastically.

"Yeah, let's keep this as a back up plan. I have seen a bunch of maesters and older nobles so far so... I think there are more daughters than sons about. Good for you though."