To live and die by the sword

@sword-born .

Thus far, the Water Gardens were the young lioness' most preferred location on the tour of Dorne. There was something centering about them that brought her a modicum of calm whilst her nerves and patience were constantly made to fray against the wills and words of her stepmother and half-brother. Thankfully Maelor had found the place boring, his disinterest in lingering there for any amount of time paired with his mother's constant acquiesence to his whims had only served to make the gardens more attractive in Alyssia's eyes. Finding an almost hidden spot on one of the terraces, her eyes shut to the blazing sun above as a gentle inhale and exhale found their way past her lips. For a moment, everything felt steadier than it had since arriving in Dorne. Of course he of all people would find a way to shatter that balance. Whirling around at a frustrating familiar voice, ice-bright eyes bore into Andrik's face. His nerve was apparently as insurmountable as ever. Drawing in a far more intense breath, the Lady Lannister's eyes flashed dangerously as she took a step forward. "It is a pity I cannot say the same, Lord Greyjoy. Though I am sure that is not too large a disappointment. After all, the Islands are where you truly belong, are they not?" Her words never stepped into pure venom but they danced along its poisonous edge with the grace of one of the dancer they had seen at the welcome feast. Had anything he'd said warranted such a reaction? Certainly not. Did that fact matter? Not in the slightest.

Closed Starter for @sword-born

Alyssia was doing her best to find some enjoyment in the time she had been forced to spend in Dorne. She had nothing against the region, quite the contrary, if she had been here of her own accord and not under the watchful eyes of the entire court and her horrific excuse for a step-mother, the Lannister would have been eagerly exploring and soaking up as much knowledge and culture as was feasibly possible. But instead it was almost a chore to attempt to eek out even the smallest pieces of genuine pleasure when constantly overshadowed by the fact that they were all only here to celebrate the Dragon king's newest attempt at conquering the desert. Certainly he could and would proclaim this marriage an equal alliance but Alyssia had no intention of being fooled. This choice would come to haunt the Martells, just as embracing the Targaryens with open arms did to almost all who fell into the trap. Stirred from her sour thoughts by a thoughtful voice, the golden-haired noblewoman looked up and over, eyes falling upon Rosalyn with a small sigh. "I believe if it were truly a griffin's feather it would not be out in the open for a thousand market-goers to dirty with unspending hands. Why? Were you considering a purchase?"

when: morning after the lemonwood banquet, month 07 of 21 ac where: lemonwood, dorne who: qoren martell & open

Having not seen her older sister since ensuring she was alright after the fight had broken out. Daeynara sought out the other Targaryen daughter, figuring the best place to look would be in the area she was sharing with the Martell prince, Qoren. Before she could open her mouth in an attempt to inquire about her sister's whereabouts, he was springing a question on her, looking quite concerned. Looking behind her to see if there was someone else he had sought to address, but finding no one, a puzzled look overtook the princess' features for a moment. "Found anything....Ah, no? But I was hoping you might know where Vissera was. Why? Is everything alright? Is something important missing?" Daey asked, eyes growing wide with concern as her mind leapt to wild conclusions about something potentially being wrong with her sister.

Open ( 0 / 3 ) .

The kerfuffle had been all any of the guests at Lemonwood could speak of since its conclusion. Having been far from the fray in a private conversation inside the main keep with the Ruling Lady Dalt when everything had come apart, the Targaryen princess was quite stunned to see the aftermath. It seemed to her that it had been a true stroke of luck there had not been any more grievous injuries to speak of. Daeynara was under no illusions that all of Dorne accepted her family or the other nobility of Westeros with open arms, but being fearful in this moment would serve no one. She had instead offered to help tend to those affected. The youngest Targaryen was by no means a healer, but she was eager to be of assistance. Turning to hear a question from behind, her eyes fell upon the Allyrion lord. "Ah, Lord Edric, it is most hospitable of you to lend your hands to this. I am sure the Dalts are most appreciative. I must admit I know little of wound care, but is there anything I can fetch you to be of help?"

Eleana was quick to grab the earring Casella had. It was not hers, but rather Princess Viserra's earring that she meant to hide in order to irritate the Targaryen.

The dramatic shift from sour or anxious that overtook the Dornish princess left Casella mildly puzzled, but perhaps even more curious. Whatever it was about the earring that stirred such a reaction was none of her business, but the Tully could not help but be intrigued. "Of course, it was no trouble at all." She smiled, dipping her head politely as the wheels turned on how to draw out further information or extend the conversation. "I found it by that fountain." The noblewoman pointed, then turned back to the Martell. "It is yours, is it not? If I was mistaken I would be happy to try and locate them instead." The words were cheerful and gracious, but deep down the fish was, well, fishing.

When her brother steadied and stopped her giddy motions, the younger Tully's expression fell slightly, bracing for a denial of her request and perhaps even a gentle chiding, but when her plea was instead met with a query and then fully relented to, the smile on her face broke open into a grin. Clapping her hands together in a pleased gesture, Casella nodded and drew back slightly as to bring Oswyck away from the edge and towards the dance floor. Only after she had begun to move was the Riverlander struck by his playful words. Scoffing in jest, the raven-haired lady rolled her eyes and let out a soft tut of disapproval. "Please, I could never manage actually being royalty, mother thinks me distractable enough as it is."

amira could not help but blush at bellaria's praise, accompanied by the slightest shake of her head.

Bellaria nodded almost sagely, finding her companion's considerations of the matter surprisingly poignant. These visitors by and large did not know Dorne or its ways or what its people had truly endured and enjoyed. In many cases this was the furthest and most they had ever deigned to travel. And it was all to feed the ego of the Dragon king. How many of them would have ever undertaken this journey of their own volition to sincerely appreciate her desert homeland? Before she fell too deep into thought and subsequently grew indignant, the Uller lady pushed herself back into the present moment in time to wink in subtle response to Amira's words. "Mmm a fine question, Lady Yronwood. I suppose that would depend on what you find remarkable. I would consider this unremarkable given the inability of most men to maintain even the facade of fidelity but it will perhaps amuse you nonetheless to hear that the lord heir of House Webber has become infatuated with a lady of House Dayne and has offered to give up his claim to his future ruling lordship in exchange for her hand....this of course, much to the chagrin of his wife of fifteen summers."

It would have been impossible not to see the gears and mechanisms beginning to turn and whir in the Stormlander's mind from looking at him. Anyone with even a modicum of clean vision could observe the thoughts beginning to churn in response to her slightly mischievous tone. If this had been a trap, Bellaria would have witnessed him readily accept the bait and ask for more. But it wasn't a trap, at least, not entirely. Though it would have been easier to pretend that were the case. Ignoring the contemplative mood that fought to take control, the raven-haired lady merely smiled, shrugging ever so slightly in response before taking a long look around until her dark eyes landed back upon Harlan, gaze not wavering. "I would say I find myself most satisfied by my surroundings, thank you for concern, my lord." The words were practically a purr. "And yourself?"

Daerion studied his twin in stolen glances, careful only to look when her gaze was focused elsewhere. He searched her face for some sign of secret strain or weariness.  

As she listened closely, the youngest Targaryen's brow furrowed deeply. There was something in her brother's words that struck upon familiarity. But in that moment she could not recall exactly why or where the recognition emerged from, however faintly. Trying to let the mystery pass her by for the time being, Daeynara refocused on finding something to say. "I don't know if that's entirely true, dear Daerion. After all, you've just delivered words that sound quite wise." She retorted gently, no real challenge in her tone. It was good to have time to themselves, of course they were not entirely alone, but at least for now there was no one and nothing in particular that required their attention in any taxing way. "Do you...do you ever miss it?" She asked, voice growing soft as if she feared offending with the question. Although her twin had adapted remarkably well to the hand fate had dealt when Rhovo had made up his mind, it was not the life that had been planned and chosen freely. Or, at least as freely as the blood of the dragon could choose anything.

when: lemonwood banquet, late at night, sunspear wedding; month 07 of 21 ac where: lemonwood, dorne who: harlan dondarrion & open

Bellaria approached quietly and with intention. She had seen the Dondarrion Lord head towards the grove and had slowly drifted her way over, curious to see if anyone might join him. But, seeing the instruments he had taken with him it soon became clear to the raven-haired noblewoman that his goal had in fact been solitude to engage in a hobby he'd made mention of before in their correspondence. A small and perhaps even sentimental smile formed on her lips as she watched, enjoying the observation for a moment or two before stepping more heavily to announce her presence. "Not long. Would you like me to depart, my lord?" Bellaria asked coyly, raising one eyebrow. "I was merely enjoying the atmosphere."

recognition came a moment too late, though the warmth that settled across amira's expression upon finding bellaria beside her was immediate.

Bellaria raised her hands in playful concession to Amira's counterpoint, smile still broad on her features. "Well, I could certainly never see fit to argue with such sound logic, especially when it is so firmly delivered" The Dornishwoman returned to her companion with a quick wink. "And if they are indeed intended primarily as gifts, then no one could question your choices either. Regardless of price you have undoubtedly acquired things in only the most excellent of taste I know you to be capable of." The flattery was undeniably clear in her tone, and yet still quite compelling. "As for my interests, I have merely been keeping an eye out. These nobles who do not regularly walk among us are a fascinating bunch. If the Water Gardens ever ran dry I have seen enough to easily refill them with succulent gossip. You would think they would see fit to guard their secrets more closely away from the comfort of home. But then again, they are not as accustomed to the power of Dornish Red as you or I."

Open Starter Setting: Banquet at Lemonwood

If all went to plan, Casella would be living in Oldtown within the year or so as the newest member of House Hightower. With that would come learning the people and politics of the Reach in a more in-depth manner than she had prior. Of course, there was no time like the present to begin making inroads, which had led her to seek out Lady Rosalyn during a free moment at the Lemonwood banquet. Waving off the apology quickly, the raven-haired noblewoman smiled in return. "No, no, if anything it is me who ought to apologize for interrupting your respite." She insisted politely. Stifling a small laugh the Riverlander nodded. "I have come to a similar conclusion. Though I do not see any harm in it at such a time of celebration. And as for the lemon cakes, you have merely incentivized me to try them. I hadn't gotten around to it just yet." Hesitating a moment before continuing, the Tully Lady decided to soldier on. "Have you been to Oldtown much? I would be curious to hear a Reachwoman's opinions on my potential future home."

location: grand bazaars open starter (0/5)

Bellaria had merely entered the market to window shop. In some respects for the goods, both rare and pedestrian being peddled by familiar and new faces, drawn by the descent of the Westerosi nobility upon Dorne, but more accurately to observe. While nobles and their retinues were focused on haggling with merchants and evaluating wares, they were not as guarded to the analysis of her watchful gaze. Seeking a small reprieve from her studying, the raven-haired lady approached a well known figure. Allowing Amira to get a few words in before realizing who had approached, the Uller shook her head lightly. "I have no mind for temptation today, Lady Yronwood. Though I am sure you have provided more than enough business for the both of us. Which I am grateful for." Bellaria noted, a playful smile emerging.

Open ( 2 / 3 ) .

Bellaria had quite the mixture of feelings about the entirety of the Westerosi nobility descending upon Dorne. In one respect, perhaps the more dominant one, the Uller bristled against seeing her precious desert home overrun by those who not too long ago had sought to conquer and subjugate its people, many of whom still did not show the south the respect it was due. But there was another side to the coin, getting to show off just how beautiful and rich Dorne was, a paradise, however fierce, that many of these individuals would only get to taste or touch once or even twice in a lifetime. And a few of them even seemed to be appreciating it in a manner nearly approaching satisfactory. Standing at the edge of the crowd, the raven-haired noblewoman smiled as she took in the vibrancy of movement. Eyes moving slowly to her as Amarei approached, the lady laughed softly. "I would not worry about Sunspear too much. They have plenty on their minds. And, if anything, as a Dornishwoman, that you are enjoying my home as it is meant to be: fully."