To live and die by the sword

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Alyssia raised her hands in pacification towards her cousin. "You know me better than to think I wish to engage in such idle nonsense at a time like this." She chided gently, knowing that Eliana was merely redirecting a rage that had no other outlet or recourse. "Perhaps we should go somewhere quieter, less public so errant people cannot cause us any additional ire." She offered, gesturing towards the guest chamber areas.

starter: @violetamaisonx @glittxeringgold + 2 open spots

Alyssia was buzzing with excitement and fear at what lay ahead when she returned home from Dorne. What had happened had been an unnecessary tragedy. While Maegor was technically a child if one was counting the number of name days he had experienced, the Lannister lady knew better. He was a monster. He had been from the very start. And her father's death leaving him with only Visenya as a parent had taken matters from bad to worse. It would be a lie for the lioness to say she'd never thought about his death...about killing him herself. Of course, there was no way his hideous mother would ever let something like that happen and allow Alyssia to survive. No, she had to bid her time and help bring about his and the other dragon overlords' demise. For the briefest moment during the trial, the golden haired noblewoman had felt the faintest flicker of hope that the king might condemn his nephew, to some dastardly fate. But no, of course not. He could burn an entire house to the ground for the sins of the few, but not a single hair on Maegor's horrid little head could be allowed out of place. This ridiculous hope had been replaced by a stronger and more grounded one in the wake of the meeting. Perhaps something good, in the form of allies and planning, could come from such an atrocious incident. Shaking her head at the Master of Laws, the Lannister approached slowly. "I would hardly think to do so at this particular moment, Lord Massey. I am sure you have plenty weighing on your mind without further addition." She noted, tone polite but distant. "Though perhaps some other time."

starter: @gqldblqqded @gildedheirs @glittxeringgold @violetamaisonx + 1 spot

Bellaria was thrilled to see the Martell fuming. It was clear the cracks were beginning to form and spread thanks to the dragon king's idiotic leniency for his family. Perhaps this union of Martell and Targaryen would lead to some disunity as well after all. She was not happy about what had happened to the Yronwood lady or the staff and animal involved, or the Northern lord, but she was pleased about how the results had stirred up fury. Looking up to where Arianne stood in the window, the Uller lady nodded and let out a sigh. "This is what happens when we let these people get too involved in the business or Dorne...the lengths some will go to to excuse poor behavior is disheartening, but perhaps not unexpected."

Bellaria nodded, laughing softly at the mention of the cake. "It did look quite delectable, but perhaps not enough that I would be equally happy to end up wearing it as potentially eating it." She glanced back towards the gathering then down the corridor before looking back to Harlan. "If it would not be too much of a taxation on your courtesy, would you be willing to escort me back to my chamber, Lord Dondarrion?" The lady asked gently. She was of course more than capable of protecting herself from any stray hooligans and finding her way back to the guest chamber that had been given, but it would be preferable to have the company. And give her more time to try and coax Harlan into easing his guard slightly.

Rhaena shrugged at her friend's observation. "I know how to bargain" Though, her mind may be in other places with so many eyes on the Valarians in attendance for the wedding. For the implications further for their own. She kept pace and watched her feet.

"Of course, I would not dare doubt your skill. I merely want to ensure we all exercise caution. For as much as I am enjoying it, Dorne is not home. We must keep our wits about us." The princess noted, pausing behind Rhaena when her companion stopped to evaluate wares. Dae had not expected the apology and was caught slightly off guard but did her best to hid it. "I....it's alright." It had stung, but there had not been time to dwell on it for the past many months. "I assume your plans remain unchanged though?" She asked tentatively.

Daeynara was suddenly grateful for the cover of darkness over them when she blanched with embarrassment over her question. Of course Ser Caron was among the last people likely to have found feelings or memories associated with Dorne. She tried to get to know those who served and protected her family as well as possible, make them feel valued, because they were in her eyes, but sometimes things slipped through the cracks...especially when she was distracted by dreams and politics. "There is nothing to apologize for, if anything I am the one who ought to be sorry. But, I am doing my best to enjoy it. I am hopeful for my sister, Qoren Martell by all accounts and my interactions with him seems to be a decent man. In these times that can be rare." She murmured, thoughts drifting momentarily to another knightly lord.

when: day 7 of the wedding celebration, during the dinner after the wedding, after the arryn/dayne scandal is revealed; first month of 21 ac where: sunspear, dorne who: harlan dondarrion & bellaria uller ( @sword-born )

The speed with which the festivities turned from merriment to chaos was almost impressive. Bellaria had heard the initial shouts and the beginnings of a fight break out but had been too far to make out what had caused everything to come undone. That was irrelevant, of course, in the grand scheme of things. The raven-haired lady had been alive long enough to know that plenty of the guests here would happily take advantage of the turmoil to add their own. The Uller rose from her seat to begin stepping away but she had barely risen before glass came flying towards her. The noblewoman tried to duck but it was not in time...but the glass never shattered and rained shards down upon her. Blinking slowly for a moment, it took a moment to piece together that something, no, someone had shielded her from harm. Without much time to consider the implications and seeing the further deterioration of the situation, Bellaria accepted the Stormlander's hand as they made their hasty exit. Moving into a quiet hall, she finally realized her heart was racing, from the shock, surely. Taking a deep breath, it was time to regain control of herself and the moment. Smiling evenly, the lady shook her head. "I am unharmed, and it appears I have you to thank for that...but I imagine neither of us is eager to return to the feast." She noted, voice soft but steady. In a way, it had been a fortunate twist of fate to find herself here.

who: @sword-born (daeynara targaryen)

It had been a beautiful day, including in some ways Daeynara had not initially anticipated. It was clear something real and true was blossoming between her sister and the Martell prince beyond the bounds of duty and mere tolerance. Although she was intrigued, Viserra's wedding feast was not the time or place to let that curiosity lead. The elder sister had much to attend to beyond enjoying herself and there would be time later. As the event continued on past its initial dining and discussion and the guests began to loosen up with the help of Dornish reds and Strongwine the atmosphere became more fluid as people moved around freely, some dancing, some chatting in errant corners, but all in good spirits.

Rhaena kept by Daeynara as they continued with the small talk. The last interaction Rhaena had with the princess ended more sour than Rhaena would have liked. The discussion of Rhaena leaving Mikael on her wedding day and leaving this chaotic place had put a pallor on further conversations.

Daeynara dipped her head graciously, unable to help but giggling a little herself but trying to maintain composure. Although she wanted to feel free and relaxed, she could never be fully out from under the weight of the crown. And even though they were far from the capital, with the wedding in particular, plenty of eyes were on the Targaryens and their retinue. That meant a very fine line for the princess to walk. "Is there anything in particular you are after? Or merely to explore the options? I have heard the markets can be somewhat ruthless so I would be careful not to be tempted into overpaying."

Elyse dipped her head in brief acknowledgement before straightening fully and taking in the dowager lady Hightower in full. Somehow she looked entirely unaffected by the heat, a claim the red-headed noblewoman wished she could lay claim to herself. "Lady Morgaine, it has indeed been too long. Yes, I must admit I do find the heat to be a bit of a challenge, but not an untenable one." She agreed politely "It is but one of a great many obstacles I must seek to overcome while participating in the desert race." Glancing back to the stable to follow her companion's gaze a moment before returning her full attention to the conversation, Elyse continued. "Is Dorne treating you and your family well thus far? I have not had the pleasure of seeing any of them yet."

As soon as Elyse saw who had crossed her path, any pretense of worry or formality evaporated to be replaced by an affectionate grin. Carefully and once her good sister had wordlessly consented to the gesture, the ruling lady of House Rowan embraced Priya in a gentle hug. "Well, you once again demonstrate yourself as the Rowan with the most sense and intuitive intelligence, and have found me." The auburn-haired noblewoman chuckled softly. "Are you in need of anything? Are you comfortable enough? I do worry about you, always so focused on caring for Wyllam and the children. Someone needs to ensure you are properly looked after too."

location: at the grand bazaar,   status: open to 1/2!

Bellaria fluttered through the market stalls like a bird on air. Certainly there were more merchants than on a typical day, but it was simply more of the same, a sameness she had grown up on and could ride through easily. As she parted ways with a particular seller a familiar tone pricked her ears. Smirking, the raven-haired lady turned to lay her eyes fully on Nymeria. "Who? Ulrick?" The Uller noblewoman let out a playful scoff and her dark eyes rolled gently. "No, no. He knows better than to even attempt to hold ill will towards me. But, perhaps he will delude himself into thinking such a feat is possible while our visitors are here to occupying his attentions and his purse strings." She offered with a slight grin.

As it had always been, it had taken a moment for Qoren to fully process her presence. Of course that was not unique to him, but given their fondness for one another, now as friends, once as something more, she found it particularly endearing. Smile broadening, Bellaria turned her full attention to the prince. "I suppose I should take that as a compliment, being of service when needed." The Uller noblewoman murmured playfully. "Have you been quite busy with the preparations for having all of Westeros come to our beautiful home? Or perhaps hiding from the fuss?" She was mindful to tow the line of speaking and acting in such a way that could be construed as too familiar or provacative but even still, there was an innate level of warmth and teasing to the raven-haired lady that could not be fully stowed away when among those she looked upon favorably. "Would you like to be alone for a bit? I can certainly make myself scarce if need be."

Who: @sword-born ft upt Where: Standing in the shade, expertly avoiding the heat

Although Daeynara was allowed out on the streets of King's Landing with kingsguard in tow, or at least parts of it, she felt freer in Dorne out in the city of Sunspear than she typically did at home. Perhaps it was due to there being fewer guards, or simply the reality of being away from home, or some combination thereof. Regardless, the princess was pleased to stroll the bazaar with a friend. "You have a way of making many things a typical person struggles with look effortless, dear Rhaena." She noted with a smile and faint undertone of teasing. "You must spare some grace for those of us less light."

The princess waved off the apology both because it was unnecessary and because she was well aware Rolland took very few things seriously so taking the apology or the initial potential offense to heart was of little point. With a smile she strode past him, setting a fairly leisurely pace. There was no need to rush as there was no where in particular to be. As they made it out into the night air, Daeynara paused for a moment to take a deep breath and relish in the cooler temperatures evening had brought on "How are you finding Dorne so far Ser? I cannot recall, have you ever had occasion to visit before?"

"I think either option is fairly plausible." Alyssia concurred with a small sigh "Gods only know, war and love are the two favorite past times of their little human creations. And they are unlikely to change any time soon." Forcing herself to be more present again with Emberlie instead of waxing poetic in such a gloomy manner, the lioness nodded slowly. "I will never fully adjust to this heat, I fear. But all in all it has been a pleasant adventure thus far. The Water Gardens are certainly impressive." She smiled, thinking of the cool oasis for a moment. "And you, my friend? Dorne has been kind during your visit thus far?"