Lord Domeric had taken it upon himself to smarten up his boys.
He had pulled Finnegan away from Arystide and had dragged Brennan from Arnaud's side explaining to the young heir that he had needed his son to represent the family.
The Gorlois's goodnatured heir had released him easily enough and all the backtalk he had received from Arystide was a set of raised eyebrows and a smirk that promised trouble.
No doubt the boy would find a way to tease his sons relentlessly.
It mattered not.
The House needed to represent itself, appear proper afterall, he could hardly present them looking like vagabonds.
So after ordering them to bathe and make something out of their wild heads of hair, he had two clean, well dressed young men standing next to him.
Though, Lady Cyra still fussed with her shawl, knowing this would be a meeting to potentially set up their eldest son into his own castle and grounds.
The whole problem with potentially the girl not being willing to enter this deal concerned her greatly.

Manfryd knew the detour was less than appealing to either daughter, but a match for Danelle was of the most dire importance. That House Redwyne was offering an alliance was something he could use. Especially if he were to lean more towards supporting the Targaryens when everything went down. Either way it came out the Lord of Harrenhal suspected all would be well for him. With one daughter married to a Targaryen heir, a few rumors to suggest it was to cover a scandal, and the other married to the Redwynes. It was possible that his house might find themselves in control of the Arbor if the Targaryens decided to have done with the Redwynes.

Not that these thoughts were on his mind as he bowed to the Lord Domeric, placing a delicate and stately kiss on the Lady Cyra's hand. "A pleasure to see you again, Lady Cyra. I do hope your offer of wine still stands?" He greeted the Lady as he clasped hands with the Lord. "May I present my daughters, Danelle and Elayne, and you must forgive our lack of appetite there was an unfortunate incident." Elayne flushed as she dipped a curtsy to the Lord and his family even as Danelle did. Danelle herself looked stiff and formal, but there was a cool mask of polite mannerisms over her face.

"A pleasure to meet all of you." Danelle agreed with a pleasant nod.

Lady Cyra offered them a curtesy aswell before signalling to one of the servants nearby, as the men bowed.
"Lord Manfryd, with house famed for its wine, how could you imagine we'd be so cruel to keep it from our guests." She offered with a smile.
Lord Domeric smiled warmly before gesturing to the raised dais, so they could take a seat.
"It is an honour to meet the lovely daughters of Lord Manfryd. I am Lord Domeric and these are my sons; Finnegan and Brennan. We hope this unfortunate incident did not spoil your good taste in wine, we do hope the young ladies will partake? Unless something more sweeter is desired?" He asked as allowed Finnegan and Brennan to escort the ladies up the dais and have them seated, as a show of gallantry and good manners.
As he allowed the servants to pour them whatever they desired they had sat themselves down strategically. Lord Manfryd would be flanked by both his daughters, with the boys on their respective left and right, seated on the ends were Lord Domeric and Lady Cyra.
"Well, let us toast, to a bountiful tourney." Lord Domeric suggested as he raised his cup.

Finnegan calmly glanced over to his 'potential bride to be'. 
His father must have gone stark raving mad. 
The younger was pretty enough, but both were stiff and formal, rarely showing a crack of a personality. Maybe they had been instructed just like them. It wouldn't surprise him in the least.
Honestly, getting married off was such a hassle.
He doubted they actually wanted any of this.
Finnegan was known as a good natured jokester, but this was more serious and quite frankly the one thing he had been dreading in his life.
She wasn't too ugly, but even he had heard whispers of rumours. Whilst his father might pretend nothing was wrong, he wasn't the one potentially marrying into this family. 
He was. 
"I have to confess Lady Danelle, that I know next to nothing about you, perhaps you could tell me a little bit about your own preferences and what your life at Harrenhal is like?" He offered hoping to at least cease the uncomfortable silence that had fallen over the four of them.  
Brennan cast a curious look at Elayne. 
"I do hope this unfortunate incident was nothing serious?" He asked politely and softly out of genuine concern. "Not brigands, I hope?"

"A bountiful tournament." Manfryd agreed, his voice wry and amused. Afterall either way it went, it was hardly going to effect him if things went according to this new plan that was growing in his mind.

Elayne blinked away from her sister as she heard the question and smiled softly. 
"No, nothing so untoward. I was merely overwhelmed by the tournaments and got turned about." She blushed at admitting that, but it was all very true. 
"I've never been to one before and it is quite large."

Looking over Finnegan, Danelle smiled as her sister played her part. Pretty, genuine, and the mask she would wear when Harrenhal produced an heir. 
"My own preferences?" She adjusted a pearl string in her red hair, darker than Elayne's own. "I must admit that life at Harrenhal has much of what I enjoy. Hunting, riding, seeing to the accounts." Her smile was a thin thing as she mentioned the last. In truth, she did like to see and do the accounts herself, it kept her abrest of her father's plans and more able to foil him if she felt he was acting against her own interest. Of course, this was something she could not have foiled, as much as she had wished. "I enjoy wine as well, though our own fields are modest and more to keep our own taverns within Harrentown stocked." 
Taking the stem of her wine glass she admired the work openly. If she had to marry... a boy from the Arbor would do well for the current span of time, needlessly he could be discarded if it came to it. 
"Harrenhal life is quite, but there are pleanty of enjoyments to be had and it quite easy to travel about with the God's Eye feeding straight into the Blackwater Rush if you were to take boat. Riding, we have access to the King's Road which can take us most anywhere we wish to go. If we do not have something, Harrenhal can aqquire it. It leaves us a broad selection."

"What enjoyments and interest fascinate you, Ser-?" She hedged slightly as though unsure of which title to use.

Brennan nodded.
"I can understand, such things can be quite overwhelming. I hope you were not too fearful when meeting us. After all, matches are easily made by parents, who don't always look to who their children actually prefer." He asked.
"Though, I shouldn't say such things I suppose, I should instead compliment you on your dress. It is quite lovely, it does you justice, lady Elayne." He offered.

Finnegan listened, but smiled bitterly.
"I see. No doubt our family offered you a good supply." He commented before he shook his head at her trying to adress him.
"Just Finnegan will suffice, I am no Lord, nor knight of great valour. Just a wine merchant's son." He stated eyeing her calmly and carefully.
"As for my enjoyments, I love the strong bond of family. The occasional teasings and feasts as well as the Midsummer Night Markets and the Masquerades at the Mermaids palace. But I suppose I enjoy being a 'nose' for the family." He joked, before he explained. "I can usually tell what's in the wine before I have drunk a drop."

Elayne's cheeks flushed and the younger sister looked down into her lap. Flattered by the compliment. "I thank you."

"An interesting talent and one that must server a 'wine merchant's son' well." Danelle agreed smoothly. "I must admit I have not seen this Mermaids palace, nor these masquerades, though they sound delightful. Harrentown does boast a harvest fair when we bring in out largest catches from the lakes and crops. Though I would suppose such a thing would not compare." She sighed and arched a brow. A family man who enjoyed wine. How very typical for a Reachman, the woman thought with sardonic humor. "Of course, our seat is set about with dark rumors." She shook her head and chuckled slightly. "False, most of them. Simply said, it has been nothing short of bad luck and the ill deeds of the Lords that have come before. I can attest that the halls are haunted only by our dear Elayne." Perhaps he could take that as agreement to the teasing.

Elayne flushed at the mention of her late night wanderings when she could hardly sleep and tried to not eavesdrop on her sister. It would be better to speak to the young man before her, have a nice conversation. Feeling her cheeks bloom with red again, she thought of another conversation with a pair of silver haired twins and her smile took a beaming quality. "Fearful? Not at all." It was hard to be fearful when your sister was the scariest thing at the table and you had just come from Summerhall and dined with dragons who were as perplexing and exasperating as nothing else! "No, forgive me Ser. I enjoy colors and embrodery and paint when I've the opprotunity. It tends to make my mind wander, however."

"Are these stitched flowers and border yours aswell?" He asked remarking upon them as he tenderly touched the border to point them out.
"My cousins like similar occupations. Though they all have their talents. I know Odette is the best at embroiding, embrodery?" He said not certain what the word was as he never had really need of such language. Still he wanted to offer some comfort and familiairity to her. Before scratching his head and smiling warmly. 
"I suppose I am guilty of wandering about as well. Though cousin Arnaud isn't letting me daydream or wander for too long. Being is squire is honestly hard work and leaves little room for other things, but he teaches me a lot. I can only hope I will one day be as noble of a knight as he is and serve our house proudly." He told Elayne.

Finnegan smiled at that.
"Oh I don't know how popular those harvest feasts of yours are. But our Midsummer Night Markets are held during the fairest weather of the summer. It all over the Arbor and the lit lanterns and other lights capture the towns in a most magical glow. There are bonfires and special rites during those nights. You have the strangest competitions. The Masquerades are a tad different and can happen all year round. Though they're usually held at the turning of the seasons, in fashion of course.
The boats sail off to the small islands and the barges are roped together into one large floating floor, they last from Twilight till the break of the New Day and at the stroke of Midnight you have the dance of the mermaids and the crowning of the Mermaid Queen, who is chosen for her unique special ability, whether it is for her singing or for her fabled beauty. Last year we crowned the finest pie maker..." He chuckled. "Let me tell you I couldn't seen another pie for the rest of the year, as one of the judges I had to sample every single one, I told them next year should be non edibles." He laughed before turning to Danelle again.
"So you tell me I should pay no mind to the many rumours? Though they must come from somewhere, any idea why your family should be slighted in such a way?" He asked clearly showing her he wasn't the halfwit she probably took him for.
Well, no matter. No need to wake up sleeping dogs too much.

"Embrodery." She agreed softly, "And, yes. I do most of the embrodery on our clothes. Perhaps it is silly of me, but I enjoy it and it fills the time." Listening to him talk about being a squire, the young woman nodded and smile thought she found herself at a bit of a loss having never been around such before. "What such does he teach you?" She asked, trying to guide the conversation to his interest and perhaps learn more about the world outside Harrenhal. The Princess's book had been a welcome and enjoyable, but there was something about hearing things first hand.

Danelle smirked at the story of the pie, it was amusing and in good taste. For all her cold demeanor and her stiff attitude, the heir of Harrenhal did have a sense of humor. If she had a dislike of men? It was due to the fact she did not enjoy men the same as women. "I could imagine. We have similar such contests, though I am hardly called upon to judge them." Leaning back into the chair at his question, however, the woman frowned and sighed. "In truth? Most of the black talk comes from former lords. Did you know that before us, a woman called Alys Rivers held Harrenhal? The witch of Harrenhal they called her." Sipping her wine she gave Finnegan a pointed look. "I doubted that helped any. With out sigal being a bat? Well, the smallfolk take notions into their heads. My brother's death falling in a reckless run down the stairs hardly helped along with my father's second wife and son dying to the pox. Unfortunate circumstances. When rumor spreads it has wings, when truth does, I've noticed that merchant wagons travel faster." She remarked.

"Well...all sorts of things really, but I shouldn't really bother you with that. As I doubt you'd really be interested in the different parries and swordtechniques or the way one needs to ride to accomplish certain feats. The chivalry code and other knightly duties, that are expected." He said feeling kind of silly for bringing it up.
"The horses are amazing though. Fantaghiro, which is Arnaud's horse is really clever, I often find her taking things and hiding them from me, in a sort of hide and seek kind of game." He explained. But perhaps if your sister is so interested in finding out what the Mermaid's Palace is, maybe we should invite you both over when they come again this year?" He asked tentively, Brennan cast his eyes quickly down as he took a large swig from his cup, to hide his slight blushing.

"True. Gossip is like wildfire, rather hard to extinguish. No doubt this did not pass you by unnoticed nor leave you with a sour taste in your mouth growing up." Finnegan remarked knowing how harsh the effect of such comments could be. He took the cup in his hand and poured hers full again, before he did his own and turned it around as he stared in it, as if he saw secrets into the blood red depths.
"If I was to accept your father's proposal and be honest here...would you truly wish for that?" He asked, as he had kept an eye on Lord Manfryd who had been kept busy by lady Cyra, so his question might slip by him unnoticed.
"Would you even desire for such a thing?"

"Oh that would be lovely! I, too, would enjoy knowning more about this mermaid palace." Elayne agreed eagerly, her blue eyes bright with wonder at the thought. Perhaps if a certain silver haired fool had not been so blunt he could have been as charming she thought with a irked smoothing of her gown. "And please, do tell me of being a squire, I've no brother and my veiw is rather limited with my studies." She protested his doubt that she would be interested. In truth, they would mean little to her, but Elayne was nothing if not keen to hear about things. Even if she was not so keen as to try them all herself.

Pausing as her goblet was filled, Danelle considered the question as the man asked it. In truth? She would rather marry a pig than a man, yet as heir she had to marry lest she find herself indeed marrying a swineherd. "In truth? I have little interest in the trappings of marriage." Her voice lowering some as her eye flicked to the busy parental figures. "Yet, I see no fuss over a husband keeping his whores, or his gambling, or what enjoyments he might seek." She sipped the wine and turned that consideration to the young knight. A husband would not find himself wanting so long as Manfryd was alive. The man would be able to keep his whores and she would keep her own. "I would be the one to inheiret and run Harrenhal and the lands after my father dies after all. A husband would find I can accomadate and there are benefits." Her eyes flickered to Elayne in thought. If all of Westeros knew she had been scooped up by the Targaryen Prince, with King Aegon's folly so recent, it was possible marriages would be hard to find for Elayne. A thought occured to her slightly, but she set it aside for another time. "Should I take it you would find the life of a unwed son of a wine merchant more to your liking than marriage to any maid?" Danelle quirked a brow.

Finnegan sighed.
"I am no fool. What you propose sounds sound, but you fail to think further than your own ambitions. Who is to inherit when you're gone? If you propose I keep to my own bed as it were, how then to pass on the legacy when we're both cold in our graves. A man doesn't like to lose his line if he is smart he attempts to set a future for his house." He eyed her seriously.
"So who? One of my bastards?" He asked barely audible so only she could hear.

"Well I think I couldn't give you a better description than the one my brother gave just now, but to really understand is for you to simply see it and be there. Upon our invitation of course." He uttered, before she allowed him to steer to more familiair waters and he began to explain what his daily duties looked like, what the code of chivalry meant and what the different types of weapons were he was being trained in.

"You assume." Danelle stated cooly. "No, I would not avoid the marriage bed." No, that would be entirely impossible so soon with her own marriage being spoken of. With Manfryd still alive for sure. Children could be avoided though and that would have to do. "The legacy of my house must be carried on after all." She cocked her head in consideration, "I would not begrudge you your bastards or putting them in some favorable places." She noted in absent thought.

Elayne for her part was listening and nodding. Stowing away what she was learning for when she could use it.

Then suddenly Brennan stood up, after having finished his cup and gathering his courage he held out a hand to the lady Elayne.
"If you permit me, it would be a shame and a sin to have asked you for a dance, so would you permit me, lady Elayne?" he asked with a slight tremble as his nerves turned and twisted his stomache into a knott.

Finnegan noticed his younger brother's action and smiled, rising up himself before offering his arm to Danelle.
"Would you care for a dance, my lady?" He asked with a warm but careful smile.

Taking the offered hand and arm respectively, the sisters stood and assented to a dance. It would turned out that Danelle was not the better dancer though her dancing was aided by her own practice with the sword. Elayne had practiced endlessly in Harrenhal with herself, but for all her slight pauses of uncertainity she was not lacking in grace. Danelle swirled as well but her heart was not in it as Elayne's was. It was as standard as the practice of sword work would be to the lads. Elayne, beamed and seemed utterly jovial at the chance to do as she had been dreaming of for so long in dusty halls.

"You're a very good dancer, Lady Elayne." Brennan commented, hoping he would not screw up this rare opportunity to dance during the tournament. Arnaud was not particularly one who attended the dances and claimed time was often better spent observing or working on one's own skills. Still, this rare opportunity was not one Brennan was willing to let slip. He admiringly gazed upon her lovely face and her fair features that seemed to radiate and glow now as she seemed clearly in her element.
Brennan just inwardly thanked his mother for badgering them to learn how to dance, so he wouldn't make a mockery of himself.
He looked longingly at those bright eyes and those full lashes that framed them.
He couldn't help but lower his gaze to those lips that formed such a wide and happy smile. If he had to marry, he would glady marry her." He thought.

Finnegan, more at home on the dancefloor, smoothly turned Danelle around.
"I must confess, sometimes my sly younger brother has some good ideas." He commented.
"It for one allows us to talk without the fear of being overhead." He stated as he gazed down at Danelle.
"What is it you expect of me? Should this alliance continue?" He asked honestly. "And please spare me pretty lies, I prefer cold hard facts without the element of surprise." He told her. "Would you love me? Could you?" He asked.

"Thank you." Elayne smiled at the handsome man, oblivious to his line of thought as she simply enjoyed the dance and the compliments heaped upon her. The young woman was still a girl in many ways and oblivious to her charms.

Danelle felt the corners of her mouth twitch as Finnegan laid the words out plainly before her. He was right in many ways and Danelle found herself amused by his thoughts. "Without lies? A rarity." Her husky voide was only loud enough to carry to her dancing partner. "Could I love you? No. Be amused and fond of ther service you provide? I could do that." She admitted though there was an bluntness to her words. Not scorn, but frank disinterest in the thought of marriage. "You, for all your skill, do not have breasts." She arched a brow. "Now you find another reason the people of Harrentown speak of witches." That was said full of mockery and scorn as the woman continued the measured pace about the space. "What I would expect is for you to do as you would. Drink, hunt, keep your whores as I will do the same. To Harrenhal's benefit and my own. In turn? We keep our pleasures and our station, your which would move up from your marriage to me. Harrenhal cannot boast having the same wine as the Arbor unless we buy it, but we are not a poor House."

Finnegan couldn't help but laugh at her statement.
"No, I do not. Thank the Seven, else I'd spend all my time fondling myself." He spoke softly as he couldn't help but hide his mirth at the thought and idea, before turning more serious and listening as she continued.
"You're hardly a witch, you've not casted any spells as of yet, but I appreciate the honesty. Few people value it these days." He pondered her offer for a while longer before he ended.
"All right, I'll do it. Whilst the prospect you paint me seems too good to be true and often will lose its flavour, I do hope a mutual respect and understanding can grow between us, also for the bonus that it would silence those pesky rumours you must have heard so long once and for all. For I would not allow my ladywife to be scorned in such a manner." He promised as the dance ended.
"Whatever your thoughts may be of me, I promise you I am not so terrible as you might fear." He told her, before he escorted her back to the dais.

Brennan watched her as the dance ended and he was forced to escort her back to the dais. Frankly he couldn't help but kiss her hand and hold her slightly closer and tighter as he escorted her back. He offered her her seat first, and poured her some more wine before asking what she would like to receive as a gift. 

Domeric meanwhile eyed Manfryd and stated. "It seems we might find some favourable matches after all. Provided of course you're still looking for those." He asked they watched the pairs end their dances.

"For Danelle? Of course, though your younger son lacks lands or a knighthood to offer Elayne." Manfryd mused, "They like each other enough, but I would see her future more secured."

The woman nodded to Finnegan, "Then it seems we are in agreement." Danelle thought he was hardly the fool she could wish for but his ties to the Arbor could be of use until she disposed of him. "There is one small matter I must insist on. That you do not find yourself fondling my women of choice." She said in a undertone, her eyes sharp as she smiled with dagger sharpness. "Though I would think that would hardly be a problem."

Elayne looked shocked at the kiss and knew her face was aflame as she took her seat. At the mention of a gift she shook her head, looking shocked. "I could not accept a gift! Your company has been quite enough." She insisted softly. "I would feel as thought I was taking advantage of your kindness!"

Brennan looked disheartened at that.
"I...I see." He said. "Twas a mere thought of gifting you something to remember me by, nothing serious..." He uttered feeling conflicted and wondering whether he had understood their intentions wrong. 
"It seems I made an oaf of myself assuming things I mayhaps shouldn't have. I beg your pardons Lady Elayne." He said statically, trying to save face.

Finnegan snorted.
"I hardly doubt those you favour, would favour me likewise. So there is little issue there. Besides, I do not particularly want those belonging to others. As for my demands there are relatively easily as well, but we can discuss those at a later time." He said calmly as they arrived at their parents once again.

Domeric instantly narrowed his eyes.
"Clearly your fortunes must have shifted then. Perhaps enough that you would not care for match with us?" He asked intending to know the full extent of this specific turn.
Earlier he had been adamant it would be Brennan to marry Elayne if Danelle and Finnegan did not match. As Brennan was considered more worthy of her then, clearly something must have happened to turn his youngest son into sloppy seconds.

There was amusement in Manfryd's expression as he arched a brow. "No, Lord Domeric. I merely want my youngest daughter to have a very solid foundation in life. Though I shall keep your youngest in mind. I am in no rush to marry Elayne off to the first young buck that comes along. She was the last child my dear Calera gave me." His voice took a a sad tone as he watched Elayne. "She looks so much like her mother. You must understand if your own wife were to pass delievering to you such a treasure? Seven forbid that to ever be a concern Lady Cyra."

Danelle seemed agreeable and motioned subtly for Finnegan to take the lead in speaking to their parents with a flick of the eyes between them and a pointed arched brow at the young knight.

Elayne shook her head and looked utterly confused. "Oh, do forgive me. I have nothing to offer in turn. You have hardly made an oaf of yourself!" She protested laying a gentle hand on the man's arm. "My pardon is given, though I see it hardly needed. Rather I ask for yours. The day has been quite long and hectic for me, perhaps that is why I am making such a fool of myself." She shook her head and sighed, blushing. "Oh, I am prattling on and making a mess of things!" 

Domeric was not wholly convinced by that argument, not with the other conversation fresh in his mind. No something had occured and right now he wasn't certain he should tie himself to a family that was not forthright. Family was all in Domeric's eyes. Hence he would keep his caution.

Meanwhile Brennan took the lady's hand in his again.
"You would not need a pardon from me, but if it would soothe your mind I would tell you you are without fault. You would never be able to look like a fool, for such a fair maiden could only make minstrels turn to song and inspire ballads of old." He looked down at her hand he was still holding, before releasing it quickly, with a clear sigh of misery. Tis but too true, I simply at not worthy of thee. I hold no knighthood or land. Am no great warrior of renown, I would only be in your way as you no doubt attract the attention of more famous knights or richer men than I."
He eyed her with a look that bordered on hope and despair.
"Tell me I might hold onto hope...to have a chance at gaining your heart for mine own."

But Finnegan shook his head, nodding to the their two younger siblings. "Not yet." He told her. "It isn't the right time."

Glancing at the siblings, Danelle arched a brow. "He's falling and she will give him nothing." She remarked quietly. "Her options are to stay open as of yet."

Elayne blushed at the flowery language and fidgetting nervously. Her eyes flicking towards Danelle nervously. "You flatter me, I would gladly tell you such." She whispered. The mask, she had to hide behind her mask and play the game as Danelle expected her to. She had seen Danelle nod her head subtly after all. But to give hope to this young man? Was there any? She wanted to work on something, take her time to sort out the tangle of her thoughts. Paling slightly, she swallowed. "Forgive me, I feel faint." It was hardly a lie. She was granted permission to eye and look with pleasure at this man but not at the Prince?

The Lord of Harrenhal sighed and gave Domeric a sigh. "Let the boy try when he has his knighthood. When he has won some fame to his name. I am not against him trying to win her love, but I also desire security for Elayne. Calera married a knight and it went badly for her. I would not expect that from your son, but I am not yet ready to give over Elayne into a hastily made marriage as Danelle seems to have taken your elder son as acceptable." She wasn't trying to chase the man away with a barbed tongue. "Let them court, if he wishes while he gets his shield." That he was encouraging it Manfryd thought was something of a sign there was hope.

Finnegan sighed. "Then Brennan should not be given false hope. It will end badly for him then. Intending to fix this mess himself.
"Brennan." He said speaking up. "You're 'frightening' the girl. Let it 'rest'." He spoke aloud. His words cryptic, but the message was clear between brothers and Brennan eyed him with a look of utter broken misery.
"Forgive me Lady Elayne, I spoke out of turn." His voice turned softer. "You need not fear me, I perhaps frightened you with my forwardness. I do apologize, mother...lady Elayne, if you will excuse me, I shall remove myself from your presence so you won't be so disturbed by me." The words were clinical, hurried as the boy rigidly bowed and disappeared. He was in need of his cousin, to work out his frustration and his churning emotions, preferably by hitting something.

Domeric sighed.
"It seems one problem seems to have resolved itself. The boy will calm down and I'll have a conversation with him later, he's a proud lad. She just hit him where it hurt the most." He said calmly, nodding to Cyra who in turn had attempted to comfort Elayne.

Danelle cast a side-eye towards Finnegan. "Was that necessary? His court of her could have proved useful to the both of us." She remarked, easily using the us. In truth? Brennan marrying the girl could have given Danelle the answer to all her problems, though it would complicate getting rid of the elder brother when the time came.

The gentle Elayne looked horrified at Finnegan's comment and stammared her protest, soft and muted as she watched the squire flee. Looking to the Lady mother, Elayne gave her a pleading look that bordered on outright shame. "I truely was not so frightened!" She whispered. "I- His words took me off guard and after such a day!" She shook her head and sighed. "Oh, I've made a right mess of things!"

Manfryd sighed and nodded in agreement. "Danelle shall have to comfort Elayne, I imagine she will take it poorly. The girl has not been outside of my lands before and I fear this first tournament had overwhelmed her. Let alone being so admired by a young man." He shook his head and sighed. "Your thoughts towards matching our eldest, Lord Domeric? As my own daughter has voiced no objections, I see none."

Lord Domeric turned to Finnegan, who on his turn turned to Danelle, giving a simple, why don't you tell them gesture as a show of good faith.

Lady Cyra sat a little closer to Elayne and rubbed her back.
"It isn't your fault dear, sometimes, my sons can be difficult. I know he knows you were not so frightened of him, he perhaps hoped for more than you were willing to give him. It will be a good life lesson to learn." She calmly soothed.
"At least you can be assured that you are a very beautiful young lady and that you'll attract more than your share of suitors, like my son." She spoke softly.

"Father, Lord Domeric." Danelle continued accepting Finnegan's offer. "I would like your accept that Ser Finnegan and myself might marry and he might be taken into House Lothston as my husband and a furture Lord of Harrenhal." She smiled politely and ignored her sister's fretting.

Blinking at the gentleness being shown her, Elayne gave the Lady Cyra a desperate look. "My Lady, if you would. Would you give him my deepest apologies? I would give him more but..." But what? She had given her favor to a Prince of the Realm? That she was exasperated and perplexed by a man that made her heart flutter who she could never have? Even if her father had suggested the match and the Princess had too... Could it be? It could not surely, for Danelle would not allow it. "I fear my father desires to see me wed to someone he sees as able to provide for my future." She sighed and looked into her lap. "Please, My Lady, give him my apologies and that I did not mean to be so rude to him. I truely was merely overwhelmed. He is a handsome and lovely young man, especially for speaking of me so." She blushed at remembering those kind words and smoothed her gown. Falling to silence as Danelle put her proclaimed request before the two fathers.

Lady Cyra couldn't help but smile apologethically and promised she would, before being interrupted by the announcement.
That had escalated quickly.
"My dear are you certain of this? Would you not prefer to have more time to get to know oneanother?" She asked wanting to be certain her husband wasn't forcing her son into something he did not approve of himself.
But Finnegan merely raised his hand.
"I am fairly certain mother. Though we may not know one another all that well, I can find myself in agreement with the lady, I believe we would do well together." He stated cordially, taking Danelle's hand in his and kissing its knuckles to add strength to his words.
And with that Lady Cyra could hardly refuse.
She would have to put her worry aside and apparently see this through. Words were bond and rarely broken.
Lord Domeric smiled widely however. 
"Brilliant Fin, we shall have to celebrate your betrothal then, assuming you would protest this Lord Manfryd?" He asked turning to their guest.

"I shall not protest this, Lord Domeric." The Lord of Harrenhal noted, though he approved of the match. That Danelle had accepted it so easily troubled the man. Perhaps it was simply that his daughter wished to settle the matter of a husband and move on if he would not be put off the idea. "Let us celebrate this union." His smile was genuine even as he noted Elayne had calmed remarkable. Another good things. If all went well there it was possible she would have the favor of a Targaryen Princess and perhaps the interest of a Targaryen Prince. The rumors around the tournament's city of tents for one would run faster than wildfire and surely have the Prince and his youngest daughter in some sort of relationship. It was something that would cause trouble, but there was also the fact he could seek recompensation for the slight of honor towards his House. If the Targaryens compensated? It would be a start to their slight, even as the boy's flattery had been a start. If they did not? Just another reason to urge Daemon to press for the throne. A different house, the same house in a sense, but perhaps one of stronger honor.

Danelle endured the kiss, giving a small curve of her lips that could pass for a smile.

Finnegan toasted for a moment before stating to his father and turned to Lord Manfryd.
"As I have little knowledge of planning such affairs, I would, with your leave Lord Manfryd, take the lady out for a stroll accross the Pavillion. The night is fair and I would have the ladies enjoy their time whilst you are with us. 
The Lady Elayne could accompany us as means of a surety that I have no unsavory intentions, merely wishing for some diversion from the earlier incident. Some of the games will be held tonight so I believe it would please both ladies as well." He suggested seeing his father nod in approval. "They would have little to fear within our grounds and it would give you and my parents some time to give thought to planning the happy affair." The redhead spoke with his usual charm.

"You may go, Ser. My younger daughter shall accompany you." It was a wise move of the lad and Danelle agreed. Elayne for her part rose and followed her sister and the knight, blushing at being 'escort' for her elder sister. As if anything untoward could hamper Danelle! The man would find himself spitted on his own sword. Noting the hand tucked under Finnegan's arm Elayne sighted, at least she found him acceptable enough to agree, though the girl knew Danelle would be fury when they reached their own tents.

Finnegan stood up and offered an arm to the Lady Danelle and aided them both getting off the dais, before he took them for a stroll around the different tents.
There was liveliness in the air tonight, a large crowd had gathered around a tall pole made slick with grease and fat. From its top hung a large leg of ham and the brave young common men tried their luck at reaching it. Several young lordlings of lesser houses and squires also made vain attempts, but despite the crowd's eager cheering they had not succeeded yet either.
A little further the applebobbing barrels had their own ring of crowd, mostly young boys and young women, attempting to catch as many apples before the hourglas ran out of sand. In between all that vendors sold curious spices drinks and the smell of grilled meat filled the air. Finnegan allowed the girls to watch for a moment before he asked.
"Lady Elayne. Would you be so kind to fetch us some cups of drink. Ask for '3 Arbor Nights' and tell the barmaid it is for me. You should have no problems then." He suggested as he hoped to ask his practicular question without the young lady present.

Elayne dipped a quick nod to the knight at Danelle's agreeable smile towards Finnegan and was soon making her way to get the drinks as requested.

When she was gone he turned to Danelle and kept his eyes on the retreating form of her sister.
"Now,I did have a question I wished to ask you about. Word has reached my ear, naturally I do not want to place much faith in such matters, but I have to ask, for Brennan's sake as well as that of both our families. There was an incident with your sister and some dragons I believe? As you can imagine I would appreciate your honesty in this particular manner as well." He spoke, though the words were more clinical.
As he turned to her and looked at her, she could see the seriousness replace the once  misschievous eyes. "As you can imagine I would hate it if my brother got dragged into a mess, his honour and feelings for the girl would urge him to do stupid things and cause problems for both our houses." He pointed out, the smile fading as the voice trailed off at his last words.

Danelle arched a brow, and gave a small hum of consideration. "Has word reached that far?" There would be no use in denying it. "I would not suggest asking Elayne about it. She found the entire thing distressing, little wonder she was so over wrought by your brother's straight forwardness." She had been slighted by those dragons and Danelle felt her lips curve in a snarl. Oh, she could use this to play the game and she would find that girl- the one who had so claimed she had seen Danelle's end- in her hand. Fluttering like a bird. The Targaryens had lost the dragons and with that loss had gone their power. The girl would answer for that cryptic message, even if she had to pluck every feather. "The sister insulted me at every turn." In truth? Aelor and Aelora had fended off Danelle's jabs and insinuations. Pulling Manfryd from the path she had laid out for him, turning Elayne into a willful little beast. The girl had dared to interfere when her orders had been specific.

"The brother was drinking, his words to my father were smooth. Using his sister to ensure that nothing had been improper with Elayne. You know the custom, sister to brother. What better match than twins? Already paired in the womb." Danelle noted with a grimace. "Your brother's feelings are not alone. I think Elayne finds him very acceptable, though I can imagine after such a day she was overwrought with all that had happened." Raising a hand, she squeezed Finnegan's arm. "I cannot say if anything untoward happened, I have not had time to question Elayne yet on the matter. When I do so, it will take time and shall have to be delicately approached. Given the last King however, I have my suspicions." Danelle felt her mask curl in disgust, even as she nodded in satisfaction. That answer would buy time and give Elayne a potential suitor that Danelle could perhaps find acceptable if she had no other options. If she was extremely lucky, perhaps the squire would get lucky enough to land a blow on the Prince and remove him from the situationn entirely. Then Elayne would not have this foolish streak rear up in her!

"Hence why I send her with a long taking order." He stated. "I would not want to bring further embarrasment to her. Despite of what you might believe me to be, I would prefer not to be cruel, when I can avoid it. That being said..." Finnegan felt her squeeze his arm. "I hope you understand that Elayne should attempt to avoid any further run-ins with them, for her own reputation's sake and we might have to keep a wary eye out for her. Whilst we could suppress such rumours, we cannot avoid them being spread at all. Your sister seems to be too tenderhearted and innocent to understand the damage a tarnished reputation can do." He eyed her with a softened expression this time.
"Now, I'll not inform my brother of what I have heard, doing so I believe would diminish his hope and would completely cease his interest in her, unless he truly has lost his heart to her. Arnaud would keep him busy enough during the tournament. So perhaps something could be salvaged at a later time." He ended.


"Why do you think I keep her close?" Danelle commented simply. "I plan to do just that, Ser. Though, I should think perhaps you might warn your brother as to her innocence, if nothing else? He might find her words confusing when he expects someone with experience as some other ladies might. Elayne is of a slightly simple mind." She advised and noted Elayne returning with the drinks.

"You can be assured of that." He promised Danelle before gracefully smiling and accepting the drinks from Elayne, before explaining.
"This my lovely ladies is what we know to be an Arbor Night. A drink made by mixing certain elements and known to be our own special little secret. 
Take the wild spices, warm twist of caramel, a splice of lemon and his quality liquor you gain an intoxicating beverage that smoothly glides down your tongue and warms your senses." He explained before offering a toast to the two of them.
"May the sweet summer nights never end and wrap us in its embrace." 


"May they never end." Both women agreed, Danelle looking satisfied. Elayne was far more muted and smiled gently at the two set to be wed.


[hider=Recap]
The Lothstones and 'lower' Redwynes meet.
Young love and infatuations.
Marriage forged. 
[/hider]