[18:24] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente) wandered in after the feast was had with his loyal advisors within the city, or at least who he thought was loyal. General pleasantries   were had  with the men that were once loyal to his father, though something was in the air and he couldn't figure out what it was .Perhaps it was simply his mind and the going ons within the city, his newly made wife sat near him the entire time her words lost on him as he tried to discern what had happened within Stonehelm since he took over as the lord. When he entered into his mothers room he smiled to her and wrapped her up in a bear hug, a kiss giving to her cheek as he let go and smiled. "Mother, I'm sorry for not visiting or writing more since father's passing." he looked to Daella and held out a hand to beckon her forward "This is Daella, the Celtigar woman now made Swann. I am sure you two have much to talk about." he smiled between the two ladies and kept his hand held out for Daella to take. "I have come back for political reasons, I take this new position
[18:24] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  seriously and I have some questions to ask of you. The Lady Swann as well, I'm assuming you have time?" he asked curiously as he waited for the two to speak
[18:33] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Lady Elizabel Swann, now called by some Mother Swann, curtsied gracefully towards her son, now Lord of Stonehelm and the Lady of Stonehelm: “My Lord,” she answered with a bit of motherly tongue-in-cheek, before she received the kiss on her cheek which made her smile warmly. “And my son and his lovely young bride!” her eyes shone with happiness for the two of them and she truly seemed to enjoy the sight of Daella, giving her a more formal courtly curtsy before welcoming her with a tight hug.

“It is no trouble, Aaron. I know you must be busy in the capitol especially now,” her eyes staring away out the window with some concern: “How are things in King’s Landing? I’ve heard some really worrying news,” she admits. “But please, come, both of you have a seat.” ‘Mother Swann’ walked with grace, and for her age still seemed quite attractive.

A few servants were called to offer refreshments and drinks. Long ancient and timeworn tapestries hung in the halls of Stonehelm, showing the
[18:33] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  family’s history, their victories over Dornish armies, and even the battle fought by the legendary Ser Bryon Swann against a Targaryen Dragon.
[18:38] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) had sat and chatted with those who'd been near her during the feast.  General pleasantries really but she did ensure she was all smiles despite her nervousness at being before these Stormlanders.  Those who had no love for her.  She'd had little enough to eat, her nerves simply wouldn't allow for it.  And now that they were walking through Stonehelm to her mother by laws chamber she felt as if she'd had entirely too much to eat.  Her belly turned and grateful was she that Aaron spoke first, giving her time to swallow down the butterflies that flitted in her belly.  Her hand slipped into his whenever it was held forth and she stepped forward, a warm smile on youthful features as she dipped into a curtsy.  "My Lady."  But found herself soon swept up into the womans arms in a hug.  This seemed to ease the slender blond and her own arms lifted to return the embrace.  "You are kind to say so."  About her being lovely.  As they were brought over towards a sitting space her pale blues shifted, dancing over the
[18:38] Daella Swann (candycorn123098):  myriad of tapestries and the like that hung from the walls.  Later she'd ask about them and the stories they told.  For now she offered only.  "Stonehelm is such a beautiful hold my lady."  She waited to sit until she knew where Aaron and his mother would settle themselves.  As for the worrying news she'd leave all of that to Aaron to explain as he had a far better grasp than she.
[18:44] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente) gave a incline of his head towards his mother as she spoke, even somewhat surprised at the general pleasantries and compliments his mother gave to Daella. It was in direct contrast to the way his father had felt, and indeed his brother and sister. When she finished speaking he took a seat to his left and indicated that Daella should sit next to him. "Please." he said in a simple tone before he made himself comfortable.

Looking to his mother he furrowed his brow and shrugged his shoulders. "It seems that there's much afoot in the capitol." he folded his arms over themselves and sat forward a bit as he looked to her. "Treasonous Lannisters it seems, treacherous Swanns, rumors of the Golden Company abroad." he sighed and laughed as he spoke the words as if to diffuse the situation. Indeed these were troublesome times.

Looking to Daella he smiled broadly. "Daella's brother and I have become fast friends, though I think it's been diminished some by Arthur acting as Lord of the house?" his eyes went over
[18:44] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  towards his mother and he smiled. "Were you aware that he was going to speak on the families behalf? On my behalf? In order to besmirch my name and to diminish the capacity in which I rule the house?" he snapped his fingers and waited for a serving girl to come over, she was plain looking but beautiful in her own right. "Wine for all of us please, I have a feeling that this conversation is going to get interesting and rightly quick." he unfolded his arms and spread them out on the table. "Tell me why i should not have him sent to the wall?"
[18:55] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Aaron’s words gave her some pause: “Aaron, I’m your mother. I can tell when you are trying to be sarcastic with me,” she reminded him, “but yes, my dear. Stonehelm has been in the Swann family for as long as anyone can remember.” She had been born a Selmy but after all the years had grown to feel more and more like a Swann and part of her felt and knew that it would be the same for Daella. In a way it made her feel a connection with this foreign girl, the thought of it made her smile at the woman who in a way seemed to strange to her. “How is Claw Isle? Do they have many farms there, Daella. Is it alright if I call you Daella?”

But Aaron’s continued sarcasm made it hard for her to smile. She slowly waved a hand in front of her to cool herself down a bit, it seemed to be warm for the season: “Why would you ever send your own brother to the Wall?” she remarked with a slightly annoyed tone of voice: “Aaron, look. It is simple. The people of Stonehelm are used to certain ways of life.
[18:55] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  They are born and raised with the history and pride of these lands, and you took the decided choice to step away from that. You can not blame your people for being proud of their history and heritage. Without that history and heritage, you yourself would not be Lord today,” she apologized with a smile to Daella for her opinion.

[19:03] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) moved towards the chair that had been indicated, easing herself down though she shifted for a moment until she was seated comfortably.  Her lips twisted a bit and for a moment she looked at her husband before turning her gaze towards his mother.  "It has been a long journey my lady and after speaking with my brother we decided that we should away to Stonehelm immediately.  Your own letter caused some some concern and with the conversation that my brother and Lord Arthur had....there was much dismay.  He spoke to my brother as if it was he that ruled House Swann and not Aaron.  He spoke of renegotiating the contract between our Houses and he spoke of how he would not send ships with the lumber.  Of course neither Laeron nor Aaron would have sent ships considering the dangers at sea.  It was usurping your eldest sons place to do so and I know that my brother saw it as such.  We do not know if there have been other houses that he has done so with.  And the matter would have been addressed with Lord Arthur
[19:03] Daella Swann (candycorn123098):  himself...save that he has steadfastly avoided Aaron and Neveah both.  We saw him only briefly during the ceremony itself so the matter could not even be addressed then.  It is not the pride of the people my lady that is the concern.  It is the action of Lord Arthur."  Drawing in a deep breath she accepted the wine that was brought forth by the servants, a gracious smile given along with a dip of her head.  "Claw Isle is a beautiful place my lady.  The sea is near enough that twas the waves that lulled me to sleep as a girl.  The farms of Claw Isle are not large no my lady, however we do turn to the lands surrounding us as Wardens of Crackclaw Point.  Yes the people do not pay taxes to House Celtigar.  But they do sell to us.  And that is where the grain will come from.  In the end..it seems to me that what matters is that the grain comes..not where my brother gets it from. As the grain had been a point of contention between Lord Arthur and Lord Celtigar."

[19:15] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente) gave a sigh of resignation towards his mother as she spoke, ofcourse he was being sarcastic. It was a skill he had honed to perfection when squiriing and traveling with the Baratheon lords as a young boy and teen. He had seen them use it many a times with foreign dignitaries and the like when drinking and negotiating. "We are all used to a certain way of life, but it does not mean things can change." he lifted a hand and indicated Daella with it. "I do not love her, those words have never passed my lips. Though, I do feel the capacity to do so in the future." he shook his head and sighed as he said the words, he had not said them to hurt Daella. He found her to be wonderful company and a lore more elegant with her words than he sometimes. That was one of the primary reasons he sought out the marriage in the first place. "What she offers to our family and our realm is much more than just tarnishing our bloodline as father had said. She had no desire to manipulate our children to diminish their heritage
[19:15] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  and lineage, in fact she endorses the fact that they are Swann and not Celtigar." he lowered his hand and let it rest on Daella's.

When his mother spoke of sending his brother to the wall he cleared his throat and accepted a glass of wine that was brought around the table, taking a heavy sip of it he settled it on the table and looked to his mother. "It's simple, he is my brother, my family, a Swann. Since coming to King's Landing he has spoken to myself or Daella on more than maybe three occasions, he has as Daella spoke attempted to diminish my power as the lord of Stonehelm, he has bent his knee to whomever holds the position of Hand to the king. He does not care on whose bloodline they carry, whether it be my lord cousin Jamie Baratheon or that of a Westerlands house like Reyne." he looked to his glass and shrugged his shoulders. "A man who wishes to be steward does so to their lord paramount, it is tradition..." his fingernail tapped the glass and caused a ringing sound before it was muffled and the
[19:15] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  vibration ceased, his eyes following the ripples.

Looking to Daella he gave her a nod of his head. "The Farms are not the issue, my mother and brother were under the assumption that we were merely trading lumber for food." he tapped her hand a few times pleasantly. "They were not aware that we were to receive a large portion of your brothers pearls as well, or the fact that the Pearls are a great bargaining tool for future alliances with other houses and realms." he looked to his mother and smiled

[19:24] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Lady Elizabel Swann kept fanning herself with her hand, it was one of those courtly things women used to do in her days and it gave herself some confidence if not made her seem a bit more arrogant, but while Daella’s words were well spoken, they were quite challenging towards Arthur. Her own eyes stared down at the table betraying she knew something she didn’t like to talk about: “The men favor Arthur, Aaron. Your father always spent a whole lot more time talking about Arthur this and Arthur that. This is something I told him not to do, but you know how your father was. Stubborn in his own ways, but raised a Swann. It has affected the way the men of Stonehelm think about you. Aaron.”

She sighed briefly staring back at the window again: “Maybe he has his reasons to keep serving that Lord Reyne. He is the new Hand of the King, I’ve heard. And one who seems to have managed to bring the Realm to the precipice of War in a matter of no time, according to all the ravens we received over the past few
[19:24] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  days. Have you read them?” she asked: “It sounds like the Westerlands are about to rebel, and what are these accusations against the Vale?” she merely asked out of curiosity, knowing she was perhaps straying from the subject that was important.

“The Steward was merely concerned that the trade agreement with House Celtigar was a scam, a ploy to rob us of our riches,” Elizabel admitted: “but maybe that is because they think Arthur might have been more suitable to be the heir. In the end, it does not matter what they think, in the end, they will obey. They might be stubborn from time to time, but you are their lord and I will not have my sons going at each other’s throats or shedding each other’s blood.”

[19:37] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) merely dipped her head whenever Aaron said that he did not love her.  She knew this already so she was unphased by the words.  Rather she smiled sweetly and shifted her hand beneath his so that she might lace her fingers with his.  "Aaron and I spoke at length about how our children were to be raised and I agree with him that they will be children of the Stormlands.  Our sons will be squired to whom he feels is best for them and they will be taught the ways of his people....now..our people.  I understand that by look and by blood I am foreign to these lands but I will do all within my power to learn and be the Lady and wife that the Lord Swann deserves."  Her pale blues pulled from him to instead look at his mother.  "I have spoken with Lord Arthur exactly once.  And that was the day of my wedding when he came to tell Lord Celtigar that he would be renegotiating the contract between our Houses."  The tapping on her hand had her lowering her head just a touch, focusing more fully on the man beside her and
[19:37] Daella Swann (candycorn123098):  then a nod of her head.  "Of course my Lord."  Her gaze shifted back to the other woman and briefly her nose wrinkled.    "It has not been so very long ago that the Realm was at war...and I do not know that I count if favor that the new Hand of His Grace has so handily managed to bring us to the brink of it once again."  Sigh softly the slender blond shook her head.  "What then do you suggest my lady to engender the loyalty and trust that Aaron never had the opportunity of gaining from his people?  It is one thing to hold the name, it is another to have someone in your own family attempting to take your seat.  I understand the need for peace within a family and it is my dearest wish that peace is had....it is not Aaron that has acted against his brother..it is quite the opposite.  Speak with your daughter and she will tell you the same."

[19:49] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Daella spoke of the ways of Swann’s people, but that made the Mother Swann frown somewhat in disbelief. How could this new young girl even know about the traditions of Stonehelm? “Aaron, you are now the Lord of Stonehelm, but you have always been my eldest son. And you, Daella, you are now part of the family, part of Stonehelm history, and your choices and actions together with that of my son will become part of the annals of history for ages to come, long after we’ve all joined the Seven heavens above.”

She turned back towards the many expensive and ancient tapestries hanging across the hall, like beacons of victory and pride, thousands of years of heritage or longer, from the Dance of Dragons to the war against the Westerlands and the Blackfyre Rebellion, but most of them shared a common theme: Dorne.

“Do you know what the Master-at-Arms call the wooden dummies our men use to practice again? Our squires and youngest lads start with wooden swords against them as early as the age of five,”
[19:49] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  she pointed out: “Do you know what they call them? Dornishmen.”

“Do you see this tapestry?” she asked: “That is one of your ancestors standing in a river of blood in the Boneway Pass. The blood of Dornishmen.”

“Do you see that one over there?” she asked about a man standing on a pile of corpses: “He stands on Dornishmen.”

“Your men will not turn away from you Aaron, not unless you break their traditions. They can overlook this one choice you make, and I hope for the both of you that Lord Celtigar will never forget who his blood is if he has to send ships all the way from Claw Isle to Stonehelm to help defend our lands against the Dornish or who knows who else might threaten us. It sometimes does not take long for a keep to be taken, and sometimes having to wait for a few days is a few days too long. Why do you think your cousins and ancestors married Baratheon so often?” she asked: “Because we need neighbours who can defend our lands and because this very union between you and
[19:49] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  Celtigar might be seen as treachery by the King. Many Targaryen Kings have weak and thin blood and see treachery easily in everything. Some of them are crazy and power hungry.”

“The only advice I can give you. Make wise decisions and respect tradition. Respect the way things have always been and slowly, but surely the men will accept that you are their lord. Give them the time to accept it, do not give them reason to think of you as someone who hasn’t been raised a Swann.”

[19:52] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente) looked to his mother and lifted a brow a shake of his head given in response. "I was the favored son until such time as I decided I wanted to marry outside of the house and bring our family into the future as our Lord Paramount has done or for that matter Lord Dondarrion for marrying a Corbray from the Vale." he tapped his finger against the glass a few more times and shook his head again as if trying to clear his thoughts. "It's simple mother, you know what Arthur's designs are. You keep trying to avoid the question that I posed not a few moments ago, so I can only assume that you are attempting to conspire with him in some way." his finger stopped tapping and his face grew more stern. "All missives sent from Arthur to Stonhelm will pass by me first, I do not care if it takes a month to be responded to. If I find that anyone in this household is trying to diminish my authority as a lord, I will see that repercussions are had." he folded his arms over his chest and looked to Daella. "Furthermore, taxes
[19:52] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  will be reduced amongst the populace by five percent, anyone who is attending as my counsel will answer to me and me only. The shipment we are getting from the Reach will be dispersed amongst the smallfolk and he surroundings areas." he looked back to his mother and lifted a brow. "I am not upset at you mother, nor am I upset at Arthur.  You two are only doing what you feel is best for MY lands, but the simple fact is... So am I, and unlike you two I am the Lord." he settled back in the seat and grew more comfortable.

Upon hearing Daella speak he gave a nod of his head at her words, they were sage and he would not have much to add to them. "You are a Swann, as am I. The sooner that our people realize that the better, if you can think of any other way of bringing peace to Stonehelm do so. Unlike my brother, I trust your judgment." he looked back to his mother to speak the final words that he would say. "Understand that if i find Arthur is trying to undermine me anymore, he can serve under the new hand in a
[19:52] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente):  greater capacity but he will not be the Castellan of Stonhelm, nor will he serve in any other capacity than a loyal knight. Once he has redeemed his honor I will consider what station he will have." he listened to his mother speak and he gave a nod of his head. "Ancestral enemies can become ancestral allies, we will see what the future holds.  The king's own family gave their blessings to our marriage."

[20:01] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente): (( Alright, can you all NC this for me so I can peruse it later? I really need to log, thank you for the RP citadel. Hopefully next time we can have more time to spend in a RP session yeah? ))

[20:01] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) turned her gaze towards the tapestries as they were pointed out.  She would have answered what the Stormlanders called the training dummies.....and she would have had the correct answer.  Nothing was said as the tapestries were explained...traditions explained as well.  Quietly she listened and then finally there was the quiet.  "My Brother will remember where I am.  And he will remember who is family is.  We are not Targaryen Lady.  We are Celtigar.  While I realize the pale hair and fair skin may make us seem so...we are not.  It has been a long while since last the Celtigar mingled their blood with the Targaryen.  We do not wed sister to brother.  I think...that it should say much of my family that my brother has tied my hand with a Swann and not a Velaryon or any of the other Crownland Houses.  I think that it says much that he is now betrothed to a Payne and not a woman of the Crownlands.  Lord Baratheon has wed outside of the Stormlands.  Lord Dondarrion has married outside of the Stormlands.
[20:01] Daella Swann (candycorn123098):  Indeed...they are not the only Lords to have done so.  I understand the need to hold to tradition.  Your sons traditions will become my own.  I mean to be a dutiful wife to your son and a loving mother to his sons.  I will stand my his side and I will counsel him in the privacy of our own chambers and never in the public eye.  I will soften his harsh words when it is necessary and I will remain silent when that is necessary.  I hope that this puts aside any concerns that you may have over your son marrying a woman of the Crownlands.  We have decided that we would give away a great many of the gifts we were given on our wedding day to the smallfolk of Stonehelm in the hopes that it eases their burden and warms their heart that their Lord has a new wife and soon, the Seven willing, a son."

[20:02] Lord Aaron Swann (mordrex.serpente): (( The response as well ))
[20:02] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): (( Thank you too! ))
[20:18] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Her words would be sharp but concise: “Stonehelm will never accept a future which is too different from how it used to be for as long as anyone remembers time existing, Aaron. The keep’s very walls and shadows will turn against you and your lady wife. You can try placate your people with bread all you want, but they are proud of their history. I’m saying this to help you understand, not to scare you. But the future of Stonehelm is in your hands as it’s lord. Be mindful of your history and heritage.” - she would advice him.

She gave a brief smile at Daella when she explained how other lords have started wedding outside of their nearby lands: “My dear. Maybe they are wedding outside of their lands, but they will have to pay the price for it soon enough. Families torn apart, lords beating their wives because their father joined another side during a conflict. Westeros is young…” her tone of voice seemingly implying that many of these lords didn’t know what they were doing: “Back in my
[20:18] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel):  days, King Maegor would’ve hung you for a traitor if he even suspected anyone was plotting against him. Did you know he humiliated even Lord Hightower back at Tumbleton? He made the man walk around naked because he had dared raise his voice against his King. Oh, he could be pleasant sometimes, he gave you his blessings and smiles, but as soon as you turned your back on him he would try to hurt you. How many bastards did he have? Three, four, five?” she asked: “I can assure you, some of those were from noble women who already were married and mothers. You should watch your back in King’s Landing, my dear. Like father, like son,” that made her stare at Aaron again, as if she knew that sooner or later, through life experience, he too would turn out to be much like his own father. “You remind me so much of your father when he was your age,” she added.

“Oh, a son? That is such great news!” - ‘Mother Swann’ seemed to smile genuinely, despite all her words of disagreement she seemed to care for the both of them, somewhere deep down in there, she wished to best for her son and his new lady wife. “I’m so glad!

She smiled at Daella: “I’m certain you will give him wise counsel and will take good care of his children. I really do, but Westeros is treacherous and hard, even for nobles. Do not let kind smiles fool you. Everyone smiles in King’s Landing. Yet despite all the smiles, so many keep being put to their graves there. And even if you might forget Stonehelm’s heritage, there will always be those of Dorne, who will remember it.”

[20:30] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) listened in silence once again, obviously paying careful attention to what was being said even if she did wrinkle her nose now and again.  She knew well the smiles that hid daggers ready to stab you in the back.  "Then....let us hope that His Grace will be able to quell the war before it begins so that husbands do not go about beating their wives for the actions of their fathers."  The words were meant to help lightening the somber tone of the room but...peace was wished for just the same.  "I did not know that no....  I...do not know if His Grace would do such a thing.  He spent some time on Claw Isle before he..."  Hm....polite way of saying became not a bastard....  "he wore the crown.  He was a good man then and I would like to think that he has remained so.  He certainly seems to be whenever my brother and I have spoken to him."  But then again she'd not read any of the missives out of the Landing over the last four days.  "You spoke of many letters...arriving from the Capital my lady?  I do not
[20:30] Daella Swann (candycorn123098):  know if Aaron has had the opportunity to read them.  Ill tidings it seems?"  There was then a sigh as she shook her head.  "I do not involve myself in many of the activities in the Capital my lady.  There are too many sweet smiles with plotting eyes."  But then she moved her hand to press against her own belly, the corset wrapped around her waist made her seem all the more slender  "Oh....It has been only a short while since we have been wed...not even a full seven days.....I pray...but we do not know.  I have learned well of the Dornish...."  There was a narrowing of her eyes  "and their snakes tongues.  Their women parade about in Kings Landing and they bed as many as they are able and once those men become infatuated with them they are off to another.  And...they have the gall to chide we ladies of the Capital for not being light skirts?"  A derisive snort is then given.  "And...I am getting well and truly tired of being called a...and do forgive the language ....sheep fucker."
[20:40] ROIAFTheCitadel (roiafthecitadel): || Daella’s latter words seemed to do the trick, it made the former Lady Swann look upon her own successor with a lot more respect and mirth: “You are learning quickly then, my lady. Don’t trust too easily those who wield power over you, smile at you and promise you great things,” she counseled towards both Daella and Aaron: “It’s how they try to manipulate you and keep you under their heel. If they promise something and it takes them too long to deliver upon that promise, be aware,” she smiled seemingly enjoying sharing her insights into the politics of Westeros.

The remarks about the Dornish made her laugh briefly. “I assure you, the men here will obey Aaron’s words as long as he does not give them a reason to turn to Arthur instead. We are an ancient and proud house, and I’m certain that they will appreciate the feast you made for them, the food you provide for them and the fact that you showed your face here. They will appreciate it, truly.” she tried to assure.

“Just give it time, the men of Stonehelm will come around.” - but the orders about the communications would be heeded.

They would share the rest of the evening drinking and conversing about the small things, about the clothes she can’t wait to knit for her grandson. The next day the feast continued and the people at Stonehelm were overall pleasant and seemed appreciative of the visit. Some would confirm that Aaron’s father indeed had favored Arthur a lot, but the Lord was the Lord and the ancient hereditary rights of blood meant a lot too. Some expressed concerns about the hostile ships towards the south though, some still ciaiming those must’ve been the Dornish too.

[20:44] Daella Swann (candycorn123098) listened and nodded with the womans words, smiling in appreciation for the insight given.  The final words seemed to ease the slender girl and she finally relaxed and took a sip of her wine.  For the rest of that evening she chattered with the woman and her husband about Stonehelm itself, asking questions about the tapestries and the battles.  The heroes of the lands and the seldom sung ones too.