parting ways so soon - 6/15 evening - Jacques, Roma

[Jacques]

The next day would be filled with the meeting, and then the lords all taking their leave- most of his own house would be divided now, among several cities. Jacques made his way back to the chambers he now shared with Roma, having just left Elodie and Shireen- saying goodbye to their father was something the girls were accustomed to, but he worried for them now. The realm was uncertain, and they would be in more danger than either of them knew.

He closed the door and looked around the interior of the antechamber. Brightwater was a beautiful castle, and a strong one, but ancient. The worn stone was hidden by tapestries, some themselves that looked as old as the hills- mended well and taken care of, but still, their age showed. He dropped his gloves on a convenient table and went to pour himself some wine from a bottle waiting at the ready, looking toward the bedroom as he did so.

"Roma? Are you in, m'lady?"

[Roma Ashpool]

She was in - reading a book in their bed. It wasn't an easy thing to get used to, sharing chambers after all these years, but she had to say it was getting comfortable. She emerged from their room to meet her husband. He'd been busy the past few days, and she imagined that wasn't going to stop any time soon.

"I'm in, my lord."

[Jacques]

Jacques smiled and put his glass down to greet her with a kiss on the cheek. "How was your day? More peaceful than my own, I hope." He had spent it in pouring over charts, maps, histories, accounts of ancient campaigns, older maps, and yelling at various captains and messengers. If it came to battles they would not be unprepared... he only hoped they were able to move quickly enough.

[Roma Ashpool]

"It was, actually. If Shireen or Elodie got into any trouble, they managed to keep it from my ears, and for that they should be commended," she laughed. She figured if they kept it out of gossipers' ears, then it wasn't a problem.

"I hope your day wasn't too unpleasant?" She knew there was nothing pleasant about planning a war, but one had to have a balance somewhere. All work all the time got nothing done, or at least that was the philosophy on Strom.

[Jacques]

"Shireen likely didn't... Elodie... I think the servants are just tired of reporting on her." Jacques managed a tired smile and went to take a seat in one of the chairs. "The day wasn't bad. I've always liked Brightwater... but the war will look better on paper than in fact. They always do."

[Roma Ashpool]

"Of course... Things always change on the field. Do you know when you will be marching yet?" She wondered - although she expected things to move fast. And because of that, well, there was one thing in the back of Roma's mind. Her lips pursed slightly.

"There is one thing, on my mind, I should probably mention..." It might be early, and she hadn't seen the maester's yet, but she was fairly certain, and there might not be much time. It certainly wasn't the sort of thing one would like to be surprised with when they came back from war, would it?

[Jacques]

"Sometime at the start of July, I think. It will not be long- we need a quick strike into the Castell territory. If we can capture Trista cleanly, we can put this to an end before winter." He tilted his head, curious at her expression. He did not know his wife so well, yet, but could recognize that something was on her mind.

"If you're worried about dealing with Vadra on your own, I can assure you it won't be for long- I'll be sending Aramis back north again to be regent for the north of the province while I'm away. Ethan will need to remain with me since an heir's place is in the field, but... You aren't taking ill?" That thought was bothersome. There had been so much sickness in the land lately, another wave would be disastrous.

[Roma Ashpool]

Roma shook her head and laughed a bit. "No plague, I assure you. And I'll be fine in Vadra, I'm sure, your goodsisters will be there, and Aramis - It's not that." She thought of how to phrase it. She didn't want to go into the gritty details, but it was sort of hard not to.

"I've reason to believe that I'm with child. I haven't been to the maesters yet but... Well, I'm fairly certain actually. I know things are moving fast here and I might not have a chance to meet with a maester until Vadra, but I thought you should find out before we part - well, it's not the sort of thing one wants to find out by raven, now is it?"

[Jacques]

Jacques' brow rose. They'd spoken of a child in a sort of abstract way- he didn't mind having another one, but considering his own age and Roma's hadn't expected it... certainly not so quickly. Still, he smiled. "I've found out by messenger before, but you have my thanks for speaking now." He reached out to touch her arm. "I am sorry it may be that we'll be away during most of your time... do you wish to ask one of your sisters or someone else to come to Vadra?"

[Roma Ashpool]

Roma laughed. She had known what life had been like for Jacques before he had become Lord, and imagined he had found out about a child or two while on his ships. But her mood became more contemplative while she considered being basically alone while pregnant. "I expected it could be a risk, me being on my own during this. But I'm prepared for it. I'll write to my sisters to inform them, but I don't expect them to be able to come - they are scattered across the realm and you know how things are. I'm sure your goodsisters will be of aid, and the girls coming back with me."

She wondered if Rex would perhaps consent to send someone, but she highly doubted it. He had his own issues, and her nephew was not much one for thinking outside of his own brain... or other things.

[Jacques]

He nodded, and was glad she counted his brothers' widows as possible allies in this, and the girls. "Shireen was old enough to know something of what was going on during her mother's last pregnancies, though those were not meant to be... she's not as calm as Aelina but I think she will likely be of help." Jacques had not been home often, but he did not view his children as strangers- he had reports on their actions and their well-being. He loved them, regardless of distance. "Charlotte... well. She's her own sort of company, and I haven't any idea about Sonja."

There he paused, thinking of the Skallding girl who was now an Ashpool. "Speaking of her, how is she faring? I haven't had the time to speak with her much since we returned."

[Roma Ashpool]

She nodded, happy that Shireen could possibly be of some help. Charlotte would... most likely not be of any help, but the girl always proved to be amusing nonetheless.

Sonja was an interesting sort. They must have had a completely different culture, down there in Stoft, but she was clearly trained well in the Forsilvrans courtly graces also. Travis's return must have been planned for quite a long time... "Sonja seems well... she keeps to herself a lot of the time, the library mostly. She does love to read... But it seems as if she is adjusting well enough. With the look of her, I imagine in a few years when the gossip dies down, you'll be able to pass her off as a cousin of a sort." She was only half joking - she did look Ashpool.