To Court

[skyman]

With the seas calmer than for the past few months, the quickest way to reach Storm's End was by boat. The ships of the Calderron navy could not be spared, so a boat was chartered on the mainland. With fair winds the Calderron party took only three days to get there. Dray, Irma, Alys, Maester Kalland, and ten members of the Calderron guard stepped off at the small dock, damp with spray.

Storm's End had been visible long before they reached the dock, its great tower reaching into the sky like a clenched fist, and now it was even more impressive. The walls were 100 feet high and between 40 and 80 feet thick, of dark stone said to be woven with spells. The single castle tower, with many extra spires jutting from it, was large enough to contain everything from the lord's chambers and the great hall to the stables.

They were greeted by Albar Tharon, heir to the throne, a tall and serious young man who wore his fine, stag-adorned clothes well. He had dark brown hair and brooding gray eyes, and at his side was a sword with golden antlers on the crosshilt and a crown at the pommel. Two dozen guards and servants escorted him.

"Welcome, my friends," said Albar. "Dray, and Lady Irma, I presume? My lady, I have been told much of your grace and virtue, but had not realized the extent of your beauty." His voice sounded more polite than amazed.

He glanced briefly at Alys, but showed no more reaction than a slightly longer than usual blink.

[sapphire]

Alys does not like the fact that she spent three days on sea, the sea she still feared so much for sinking her family and what left of her remainders. Still, she spent the entire time, under blanket, refusing to go outside the cabin. Instead, foods and drinks was bought to her which was dutifully eaten up. Finally, they arrived at this dock, and saw Albar Tharon approaching them with his servants and guards.

Alys smiled for a moment as she gave Maester's sleeve a pull as she softly whispering at him in her language, "It is impressive fort, I have never seen anything like it back home. But then, it wouldn't last that long against Dragon-fire. My people tend to judge these kind of forts strength by how long it can stands against the Dragon-fire. Who is this man anyway?" She added as afterthought.

[Cosmichorror]

Irma curtsied before Albar. "My lord flatters me." She replied apropriatly, but also making sure to blush just enough to be noticed. "I am very sorry for your loss, lady (Name Here) will be sorely missed. May the Mother grant her peace." She added solemnly.

[skyman]

Albar nodded, as if Irma's words met with his satisfaction. "Come. You must all be hungry and tired. We will show you to your rooms. Meals are already prepared."

They made their way to the castle. Inside, narrow stairs wound up the great tower. First they reached Dray's room. A serving man waited there. "In the morning we will break our fasts together," suggested Albar.

Maester Kalland spoke up. "I would like to discuss some things with my lord Dray, if it pleases him."

Albar nodded, and led them on to Irma's room. "I hope my lady finds her quarters pleasing. I will see you on the morrow." The room was far finer than anything she had slept in before, with pillows and curtains lined with Myrish lace, a luxurious goose down bed, and her gourmet meal resting, still hot, on a silver platter.

Finally, Albar led Alys to another fine room near the top of the tower. "Good night, dragon-kin," he said. He watched her as she went in, perhaps wondering how well she understood him.

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OOC: Irma and Alys, if you like you can ask some questions of your chambermaids, or just post a dream or something, or just wait. After I give a post for Dray, we'll move on to breakfast.

[skyman]

Albar bowed to Dray lower than was necessary for a king to his vassal, though he retained a permanent slight frown.

Dray was led into his chambers by Kalland, who rubbed his hands to warm them after the cool outdoors. "My lord Dray. It is indeed brave and dutiful of you to come here. Before you face the royal court, however, let me just warn you to be wary. There are certain... influences here that may see you as a danger, or a useful tool, especially with the child here."

[aagon]

Dray bowed in return to Prince Albar, ensuring that he bowed lower than Albar did. He followed Maester Kalland had to say. After the Maester finished, Dray thought for a few moments. "I had expected as much Maester Kalland." He paused and stopped then looked directly at the Maester. "But may I be honest Maester? I mean no disrespect, but how do I know I can trust you? You work for the Tharons who for all I know could be one of those influences."

[skyman]

Kalland raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. "An interesting question, my lord, a very interesting one. The answer, of course, is that you don't, not entirely. I think you will believe me when I say that my loyalty is to my king and his family. If you get in their way, I will not hesitate to use my meager power against you, and to suggest they use their much greater power in the same way. But, my young fellow, you don't have much of a choice, now do you? You came here. You are seeking help from the Tharons for your house's petty plans. If you like, you can ride back home. But if you want the king's aid, you must face the dangers that entails."

He raised one finger quickly, as if another important point had just come to him. "And I would be careful about asking questions like this in the future, my lord Dray. Some might find them more offensive than I."

[aagon]

Dray listened thoughtfully. "Indeed Maester. Neither I nor our house have any intent to be disloyal to the king or his house. And I am well-aware that there are dangers we face, but in truth, as I am sure you suspect, I know little of them. I would be greatly appreciative of any information you could share regarding the dangers of the court and the impact little Alys will have."

[Cosmichorror]

Irma looked dumbly around the room. "Ah, yes, quite... quite pleasing. Uh, m'lord." Irma managed to snap out of her daze to turn and curtsy towards Albar. "In the morrow my lord."


After the others had left, Irma took a closer look at the furnishings of her room. "Real Myrish lace." She said to herself, running her hand along one of the curtains. Irma had a dress with Myrish lace on the neckline, and had in fact brought that with her in hopes of impressing the Tharrons, but that was miniscule compaired to the amount in this room alone.

What am I doing here? I'm no princess, let alone material to be a queen. Irma thought, taking in all of the immense luxuries in her room. No. I can't think like that. Irma shook her head. I can do this. I have to. For me, and for everyone at home too.

Her resolve restored, Irma turned to inspect her meal, marveling over the breadth of ingredents she could recognize, and wondering over the ones she couldn't. The process continued for most of the night.

[sapphire]

Alys wrinkled her nose at the sight which greeted her, although it is better quality than her new home back on that island. It is not of quality she is used to during her first home. Still, she just got used to it. As she rooted through her food, she begun to feel nostalgic of foods back home. Hot, spicy and favourable, not these slightly bland foods she is eating now.

Eventually, she finished her food and soon, turned into soft bed. For a moment, she considered what that nice man told her before he left, Dragons, She can recalls some mighty dragons in her memories and found small measure of comfort in them. Although she did wonder about the fates of these fiery creatures. She dreams.