Blood of Dragons

Rickon

It is noon (about 12 pm) of the 17th day in the 9th month. The season is Summer, in the 160th year since Aegon’s Landing.

The sun blazes in the brilliant blue of the sky. At the peak of its long passage, there are few shady places for those who take the air. Still, near the Dornish tower, aged trees here and there spread their branches and ward off the worst of the sun’s rays. It’s no surprise that some congregate at these places, gossiping, trading tales, or finding other ways to pass the time.

One such is Ser Aidan Dayne, famed for his skill with lance and blade and bow, but a different instrument is to hand as he sits cross-legged beneath an old oak: a harp. He is busy tuning it.

The door to the Dornish tower opens and the princess, Ariana Nymeros Martell, steps out between the guards into the bright sunlight. She’s wearing a long, elegant cream and gold gown that flares just above the matching cream sandals on her feet. Her brown curls are spilling down freely over her shoulders and down her back, unrestrained today.

Ariana blinks against the light for a moment as she lets her gaze wander over the landscape around the tower. When she spots the Knight of Twilight the girl smiles suddenly and crosses quickly to where he sits beneath the tree. “Ser Aidan! Do you have a moment?”

“...know what will come to pass, but we may be sure the King will not loose his hold,” comes a voice near to Aidan, soft and musical. “Oh, no no no,” pipes a much younger voice. “If he lets go, he falls down!”

A moment later, a small lad comes capering into the little copse of trees, all sun-browned face and sandy curls. But Tywell Rowan, wooden knights and king in hand, stops dead in front of the Dornishman. “You’re the Knight of the Twilight!” he says excitedly. “Mama, come see!”

A dull note from the harp, as the Dornish knight tests a string, and a look of concentration follows as calloused fingers tighten that string. But then he’s distracted, and doubly so. He looks up at his name, and offers the princess a smile as he makes to sit up, one hand keeping his robes decorous. “For you, as many moments as you wish, my princess,” the gallant Ser Aidan says. And then, he’s about to say more, when a most noble youth calls more attention to him. He pauses in his rising, twisting, and then grinning at the boy. He stands then, leaving the harp leaning against the tree.

“You are gracious, my lord of Rowan, to notice me,” he tells the boy, the Dornish accent drawling. “Well met… and to you too, Lady Reyna,” the knight says. He bows as she comes trailing after her son, before coming back to the Martell princess. “I’m at your command, my lady,” he tells her, and seems to mean it.

The elegant words from the knight only broaden the smile upon Ariana’s face and the distraction of the boy running over is convenient time for the princess to compose herself as a faint coloring takes her cheeks.

There’s a welcoming grin for the lad, “Lady Reyna?” Ariana looks past the boy to find the mother, a hopeful expression on her face. “I do hope she brought her new baby today.”

“Leave off, young jackanapes,” Reyna says to her son with mild reproof, catching the lad up. When the boy whispers urgently to her, she makes a deeper scowl. “Of course he knows your name. Make him a bow, and get back to Ser Conrad.” She watches with quiet pride while the boy does as he is bade, then kisses him and sends him off.

“Hallo, Ser Aidan. It was sweet of you not to box his ears, the brazen lad. Good day, my lady,” she adds, making the princess a low curtsy. Alas, no baby.

It would seem that another lady finds herself in the Eastern Outer Yard once again, maybe her walks are allowing her to roam farther and farther, taking the advice given, now that the Jewel has return to the more public eye. The warm breeze carries not only a soft rustle of leaves but the voices up ahead, which is thankful, as this time Jyana does not walk headlong into someone, but stops at a respectful pace from the gathered group and watches for a moment, that gentle smile on her lips. Either she is waiting to be noticed, or simply being a polite young noblewoman and not charging ahead.

In the shade of a spreading oak on this warm, bright day, the Dornish hostages Princess Ariana and Ser Aidan Dayne, the Knight of the Twilight, seem to be conversing with Reyna Saltcliffe, and one of her children, young Tywell.

“Enthusiasim should never be discouraged,” says Aidan, “and your boy has a great deal of it.” Following on Ariana’s words, he also adds, “And my congratulations to you, my lady, on the birth of your daughter. To you, and to Ser Dagur, of course.” As he turns back to the princess, he sees the familiar face of Jyana Arryn, and inclines his head before continuing on. “What service may I do for you, princess?” he tells the young Martell maid.

Ariana shows only a hint of disappointment that Reyna does not have the infant with her, but the woman is still given a warm smile. “Good day to you, Lady Reyna.” Aidan’s question brings the princess back on task and she returns her attention to him, not yet noticing the Eyrie lady. “Ser Aidan, do you know the knight, Janden Melcolm?”

“Ah, but there is enthusiasm and then there is rudeness,” Reyna says, waving at her son with a broad smile as he capers away. “I only mean him to know the difference.” Then she catches sight of Jyana Arryn, and her brown eyes light with joy. “Jewel!” she cries, moving toward the fragile Arryn with her arms open.

It was of course Reyna that Jyana noticed first, really, how could run miss the small woman with the very enthusiasm son? Or maybe it’s because Reyna is one of her bestest friends and the Jewel is always looking for such when she is out and about. So, as Reyna comes towards her, a stunning smile breaks over her features, and she moves a few graceful steps to be folded into the hug of the slightly holder noblewoman. “Reyna!” She reminds, in a voice made more beautiful in it’s delight. There is a soft chuckle that comes as she smiles at her friend, but she is not so far taken, that she doesn’t return the greeting of Aidan, a shy dips of her chin, in return of his inclining. Aquamarine eyes will take in the Princess, who will of course get a gentle smile before her attention is taken by Reyna once more.

“Ser Janden?” Aidan repeats, and after an instant smiles. “With the anchor on his shield. I’ve spoken him on some occasions, though I cannot say I know him well. He has ridden valiantly in the lists, as I recall.” As Reyna calls over Jyana, he says, “In fact, he defeated the Iron Serpent during the final day of the grand tourney. He took his place as champion for a little while.”

“Yes! That is him.” Ariana confirms, grinning. She glances over towards where Reyna is embracing Jyana, but there’s no recognition for the Arryn woman. Her brown eyes return to Aidan. “Ser Janden has been teaching a friend of his, Elyana Mertyns, how to shoot a bow for hunting. I thought I might learn as well but I’ve never actually had any training with the weapon. Janden was saying how splendid you are with shooting, so I was wondering if I might get your recommendation on aquiring a bow for myself.”

“I’ve missed you,” Reyna says warmly to the younger woman, letting Jyana go. “You must come see me, and see the baby. She is just as pretty as you and Carmella once predicted our daughter would be.” She looks back toward Aidan and Ariana. “Have you met Princess Ariana? She is Prince Cadan’s sister.”

There is a maid hovering not to far behind Jyana, clearly trying to figure if she should interrupt the Jewel or not, but when Jyana needs to leave, she will be called away to speak of matters with the maid. For now though, the embrace is returned and she let’s Reyna lead her over towards Ariana and Aidan, during this short walk, her steps are careful, giving her a grace, one so delicate might not have other wise. To Reyna she says softly, “And I missed you, I am sorry I have been so busy, and of course any daughter of yours would be beautiful. That and Carmella is rarely wrong..” She says in compliment to both her friends, “And yes I look forward to a visiting and seeing the darling..” These words don’t only a short time before the Jewel glances towards the couple they are nearing, “Ser Aidan I have meet only in passing, but word of his deeds are greatly known, but no, I don’t believe I have meet the Princess..’ She finishes, her voice heavy with a note of curiosity.

Aidan listens thoughtfully to the princess. His eyes, a blue verging on violet in the shady light under the tree, suggest some pleasure at the praise from the knight from the Vale. “Ser Janden is kind. We spoke at length on one occasion, while I practiced at the butts. Acquiring a bow should be no difficulty—it need only be mentioned to the master-at-arms, I expect.” He pauses then as Jyana draws nearer, and supplements the earlier nod with a brief by courtly bow, Dornish robes making it seem all the more elegant for the volume of his sleeves. “Good afternoon, Lady Jyana,” he tells her, pleasantly.

“My lady,” Reyna says to Ariana when there is a pause in the conversation, “may I present Lady Jyana Arryn, the Jewel of the Eyrie?” She gestures to the girl with her, smiling. “Jewel, please meet Princess Ariana Martell.”

“He mentioned that he thought he might ask for some instruction from you, ser. Perhaps he has already spoken to you about it?” Ariana asks before the approaching women take her attention away. The Dornish princess gives Jyana a warm, charming smile as she dips gracefully, catching her cream silken skirts from brushing the dirt. “A pleasure to meet you, Lady Jyana.”

With a boldness, that seems at odds but also complimentary to Jyana’s demeanor, the young woman lifts her eyes to meet Aidan as she returns the greeting with a graceful dips of her chin, “Ser Aidan, a good afternoon to you as well, it’s a pleasure see you once more..” Those aquamarine depths peek curiously into the violet of his own eyes, before her lashes fall, and she turns to the introduction by Renya. Ariana is given the same bold look, and her smile is just as warm, though still holding that touch of shyness. “Princess Ariana, I have heard such wonderful things of you, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you as well..” This is followed by a soft gentle curtsy, a sweep of her own skirts. And just as the introductions are given, the maid finally can wait no longer and comes over to Jyana, flushing darkly, the child muttering something about flowers and vases, and just.. well it’s clear the Jewel is needed. She will give an apologic smile as she excuses herself, with hopes so seeing each again soon.

“He has not, but I fear we’ve not had occasion to speak since… well, I do not know when, to be truthful,” Aidan tells the Martell princess. “I should be glad to share such advice as I have, if he wishes it. Or you, if you’d like, although perhaps one of the other ladies would be better suited to instruct you…” He starts to say more, when Jyana takes her leave. That’s met with brief words of farewell, all right and proper; none can say the Dornishman lacks in fine manners.

And so as Jyana and her maid departs the conversation, the shade of the oak tree shelters just three: Ser Aidan, Lady Reyna, and Princess Ariana. The heat of the day has led most to flee to cooler halls and chambers, but the occasional breeze makes these shady spots beneath the trees along the castle walls most pleasant.

Ariana blushes again at Jyana’s compliment, but doesn’t have much chance for response before the Jewel is hurrying away. “Thank you, Lady Reyna, for the introduction.” The princess says.

She looks back to Aidan. “If you have the time, I’m certain he would appreciate it Ser Aidan, and I have no doubt that I could only benefit as well from anything you could teach me. Or anyone for that matter.” Ariana says, grinning again as she looks down to carefully smooth over her silk skirts with her hands unneccessarily.

Reyna bends her head in welcome to Ariana, then stands quietly so as not to interrupt. She edges deeper into the shade, however, where it is not so hot, and settles herself on another of the stone benches set here and there.

From out of the Guest Tower another joins the group. Ser Janden makes his way out into the hot day - lifting his face briefly into the sun and nodding as the breeze passes through. His steps lead him onto the well tended paths and his eyes catch sight of the small group near by. He sets his direction toward them.

Anyone who saw the knight yesterday would have taken note of his clouded expression. Today he looks slightly brighter - but his eyes look tired.

“You mentioned ... Elyana was it? Of House Mertyns? Some kinswoman to the royal huntsman, Ser Ethos, I suppose?” Ser Aidan asks the princess, and there’s something about the way that he asks—something in the tone—that makes it more than just a casual query. There’s a certain gravity to his expression, but then it flits away in a brief smile. “I had thought perhaps to try for a chance at the royal lottery, for a hunting license,” he says, perhaps to explain the seriousness of his questions. As Reyna draws back into the shade, he adds, “I fear my last attempt at hunting did not go as I had hoped. That was with the Sealord. A most magnificent departure, I’ve heard—did you attend with Ser Dagur, Lady Reyna?”

“Dagur was there, of course,” Reyna answers Aidan, looking up. “But I was not allowed, owing to my health. Too crowded, too hot, all that sort of thing.” She makes a self-deprecating gesture with her thin hand. “But he was not impressed. Very hard to move is my lord. But… Ser Aidan, if you wish to hunt, let me speak to Ardon. He hunts often at Rosby, and it would be far nicer to simply hunt without wasting good coin on chance.”

She lifts her gaze to Ariana then, still smiling. “And you, of course, would be invited. Do you hawk, my lady?”

“Yes, the royal huntsman is her brother, though she has warned me to keep a distance from him. Winning a license sounds like it would be a splendid chance, though, ser! I can ask Elyana about .. oh, there is Ser Janden. I’m sure he knows about it as well.” Ariana gives Janden a brilliant smile when she spots him, “Good day to you, ser.” The princess says in delighted greeting.

She looks to Reyna then, surprise on her face. “A trip to Rosby. That would be wonderful. I do not hawk, but I would be quite happy to watch.”

“Princess. Ser. Lady.” Janden dips a quiet bow when he closes in on the group, tilting his head slightly at Ariana’s words - “What do I know about, Princess?” His eyes might look worried for a moment, but that expression quickly clears. “I find it safer to know as little as possible, sometimes.”

” I did plan to ask Prince Cadan to petition the king for leave for some of us to travel to Rosby,” Ser Aidan says, dark brows furrowed. “For Lord Whalon’s tourney. Yet, if Ser Ardon would be so gracious—and you are kind to suggest it, Lady Reyna—perhaps we’ll need to ask an extra day dispensation…” He trails off in thought, considering that, when Ariana notes Janden’s approach. “Good day, Ser Janden,” the Dornishman says to the other knight. “The princess is referring to the royal huntsman’s lottery, ser. I was thinking I’d take a chance on it.”

“I will speak to him, Ser Aidan, and see if he won’t plead an extra day or two for you all,” Reyna says sympathetically. “You have all been so long in the Keep, save for that one small hunt, and all so patient and good, save for, erm…” She clears her throat delicately, and no one should have to guess which hostage is not well-behaved.

She listens to talk of the lottery, and though for a moment she looks inclined to speak about it, she chooses instead to keep her thoughts to herself beneath a slightly furrowed brow.

Ariana grows quieter as the others talk, but there’s a smile still upon her face. “I will speak to Cadan about it as well.” She states, then adds. “I’ll make sure he gives it proper attention.” There’s a nod for Reyna, “And you are indeed very good to make the invitation. That’s so kind of you, Lady Reyna.”

“Oh. Right. The lottery. Ser Ethos. It had nearly escaped my thoughts. Ethos seems to be always moving on to bigger things only days after his most recent ideas.” Janden rolls his shoulders in a shrug. “It’s a fair game. A good prize at a reasonable price. Ethos would likely frown on my saying so - but I have more licenses then I can really use. Maybe I would offer some up as gifts.” He gives a small smile - “Though, a trip to Rosby would surely be more exciting than just into the Kingswood.”

There’s a distinct pause, as Aidan looks between Reyna on the one hand and Janden on the other. Clearly, something’s tugged at his attention. Then he says, “Well, that’s certainly generous. We shall see what Prince Cadan and Ser Ardon manage first, perhaps.” Deciding this talk of hunting has somehow caused some ill-ease, he moves to something else. It’s rather predictable, in fact. “Will you be riding in Lord Whalon’s tourney, Ser Janden?”

And just then, a fresh face arrives: his squire, Danyll Toland. The youth bows to all and sundry, glancing fleetingly at Ariana before saying—croaking, actually—“Ser, Tamlyn’s asking for you, and Tanyth as well.” Ah, well. Aidan looks to everyone, and says apologetically, “Well, it has been a pleasure, my lord, my ladies. Thank you for the company. With any luck, we’ll have a chance to disport ourselves at Rosby, eh?” He moves to the oak tree, where he leans down to pick up the harp he left there, and smiles ruefully before making to leave.

“It is my brother you must thank, my lady,” Reyna says, bobbing the princess a pretty curtsy. “He and Lord Whalon are great friends, and it is he who will wangle the invitation from him, not that he ever declines a chance at hospitality. Good day to you all; I must away myself.” She makes them all a curtsy and takes her leave, gliding across the lawn in rose silk and cream lace.

Ariana seems oblivious to the stressful topic, or the princess is masterful at subtlety. She’s still smiling as Aidan changes the subject, nodding along at his observance of seeing what pans out in the end in regards to Cadan and Ardon. When the knight brings up the tourney, the Martell looks over at Janden again with sudden interest for his answer. “You will be attending, won’t you, Ser Janden?”

Aidan and Reyna’s departures capture her attention only long enough for Ariana to give proper words of farewell before her brown eyes are on the knight of the Reach once more.

Janden offers his farewells to the departing pair and turns tired eyes back to the young princess. “Attending? The tourney. I expect I will. I try to make it to whatever events that I can. I enjoy them. Though, I’d have to train a great deal more with my lance to have much of a chance at any great finish. Hopefully you will be able to come and watch.”