Confidants

[james]

I was thinking about Cordelia and Alys (as you do) and I realised that because of circumstance (social standing, security clearance), Cordelia and Alys are each other's most appropriate confidant. But I don't know that I think they are actually suited for oen another in personality and such.

Like, when Cordelia arrives on Barrayar, Alys would be the best person to ask questions of (what did he mean by that, so and so did this thing what does it mean). But they also have huge differences, not just the culture they grew up in. Cordelia is married, Alys is a widow. Cordelia is raising a disabled son, Alys' son is healthy. While I don't know they would out-right resent one another, I don't know if either would feel completely comfortable venting and bitching about things that the other could reasonably resent.

I suppose each woman is mature enough to give it a try - if the other called up and said 'omg this thing is driving me nuts' she would listen and make agreeable noises.

But would they be good friends? Would they truly enjoy one another's company and seek it out for any purpose, not just 'society rules dictate I must hang out with you and not someone else.'

Not that either one would feel required to follow social rules. But with all the family secrets and security, and the ease of just finding someone to connect with - it'd be easiest to turn to one another. Of course the books don't really show either woman having friends, or a life outside their children and husband.

Which means what I really want is for someone to write a story or two. ;-)

Comments

[desertvixen]

I think they both recognize each other's talents and skills and appreciate them in general.

As for after Padma's death/end of the war, I'm thinking of the scene where it's discussions about Drou's wedding attire that brings Alys out of her funk, and Cordelia's realization that Alys needs people/things to organize.

I would argue that they certainly stay in touch - thinking about Memory here.

This is more about Laisa and Cordelia meeting, but it sums up how I see their relationahip: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19469692

[james]

I think the fact Ivan and Miles grow up knowing one another and playing together says they kept in touch. I think it'd be interesting to see a version where they politely tolerate one another because they have no other options, and a version where they become close friends, and so on. But I like the nod to Cordelia noticing that about Alys - it means she is paying attention to Alys and knows her well enough to realise that.

I do like the idea of them being good friends, but fanfic means I can consider all the possibilities. ;-)

And thanks for the story pointer, that was really nice!