"She finds far more pride in telling people I speak more than one tongue, regardless of the tongue." Bash smiled, shrugging his shoulder lightly and running his fingers over his hair. Baashir felt relaxed and perhaps it was the rule that did more than discourage carrying swords but out right forbid it from happening. Yes, the sword of the morning felt quite strange without the weight of Dawn at his hip, it was a small reminder of how things used to be before the weight of responsibility.
Bash brushed him off, laughing as he shook his head. "Earned the right? My sister is lovely, but she is also mouthy without reason. Then again, I've heard it said that when you give the women in your life everything then prepare for them to want more. I suppose it applies to sisters as well as it applies to everyone else." He reached forward eating olives from the tray, his eyes watching another group walk by them. Even as relaxed as he was his eyes searched the men and the women for the bulge of dirk handles strapped to legs and backs.
"Perhaps not but I trust that you will keep her safe. You are familiar with courtly life and can help her adjust in a way that I can not help her adjust." Because he would always be the big brother would be over protective and never let her grow. It was the reason he wasn't great with flowers, he over watered them and then they died. He drowned them.
Bash looked at him and chuckled a bit to himself. "I adjusted well to court life. The Princesguard was a good for me for a time but we both know, I did not make friends with your brother." He laughed and picked up the goblet of Dornish red and finished the cool drink, it was better than anything else they had. "I also put coin on it being quite interesting."
ravi laughed quietly, a genuine sound that didn't quite reach the groups passing them by. "let her have her pride then," he said, leaning back a little more into the sun. "there are far worse things to be known for than a silver tongue. if she wants to brag about yours, i'm not going to be the one to stop her." he watched bashâs hand drift toward his empty hip, a habit of a man whoâd spent too long carrying a heavy legacy. it was strange to see him without the weight of a sword, though likely it was stranger for bash to not have it.
the prince reached for a few grapes, popping one into his mouth before shaking his head at the mention of greedy sisters. in truth, ravi was not really familiar with such a feeling. having been in braavos, he did not feel he knew his sisters as well as she should. "nevertheless, sheâs got a spark that hasn't been smothered by the court yet. let her have her words. the world is going to try and quiet her soon enough anyway; i wonât start that work for them, but i wonât let her get herself into trouble, either."
his attention drifted back to baashir, noting the way his eyes moved, always watching, always measuring. ravi didnât interrupt it. if anything, he was quietly grateful for it, for it allowed him a rare ease, knowing someone else was keeping count of the room. though he did simultaneously wish bash could find a moment of peace in a crowded room.
at the mention of his brother, raviâs mouth curved into a familiar, wry smirk. he lifted his goblet in a small, almost teasing salute. âmaking friends with my brother is a talent few possess. i mightâve wagered against you myself,â he admitted, a soft chuckle following. the humor lingered only a moment before something more sincere settled in its place. âbut i am grateful for your trust. truly.â an open palm came briefly to his chest.
he let the silence sit for a beat before continuing, voice a touch quieter. âand iâd rather not pretend this is all without risk,â he added. âyouâre her brother. if you have concerns, doubts, iâd hear them plainly.â his gaze held steady. it were not in defense, but in a moment of transparency.. âiâd rather answer them now than give you reason to hold them later.â




















