Though the Old Palace in Sunspear is the official capital of Dorne and the seat of House Nymeros Martell, the Water Gardens, which lay outside of the city near the coast and the Greenblood, are where some Martells pass their days, including the late Princess Elinor.
It is a place of paradise, built by a past Prince for his Targaryen bride who missed her home. Since then, the Water Gardens have become the personal palace of the Martells, and noble children from all over Dorne are warded here, running and playing naked in the pools.
Now, however, it seems to have become offlimits to political and noble lordly visitors, who are all redirected to Sunspear.
Last edited by Dirty Chai; May 08, 2016 at 01:09 PM.
A small group of riders bearing a banner with the sigil of House Redwyne on it approach the Water Gardens, after being directed to the Gardens by a guard at the palace in Sunspear. Cymella watches the distant figures of people running or playing in the pools surrounding the palace while she waits for the guard sent to arrange a meeting with the Princess of Dorne to return.
A small group of riders bearing a banner with the sigil of House Redwyne on it approach the Water Gardens, after being directed to the Gardens by a guard at the palace in Sunspear. Cymella watches the distant figures of people running or playing in the pools surrounding the palace while she waits for the guard sent to arrange a meeting with the Princess of Dorne to return.
The guard returns, and gestures inwards, through a set of now-open great doors, which through can be seen several arches, fountains, and elegant trees. The sound of running water and the laughter of children permeates the place, making the sound of the nearby ocean waves nearly inaudible.
Redwyne is brought through a pavilion of sorts, under an arch and through a wall division to another pavilion overlooking a low step-well, which was a well which descended down like steps, like a giant fountain. It was the size of a large pool, and great sculptures of brick and marble graced it.
The Princess met her half-way as she turned onto the pavilion, walking in her direction. Behind her were two guards, and they stopped in the middle of this half-room. Martell looked her newcomer over, and then offered words.
"Welcome to Dorne," she said unceremoniously, "lady Redwyne."
Elinor Martell was a short lady, but slender with a heart-shaped face. Light brown hair hung from her head, reaching down to her waist in stylish braids of a sort. She wore a spacious gown of yellows and oranges and reds, worn like an elaborate kaftan.
"You arrived by ship? You should have sent word beforehand, we could have made this meeting easier."
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
An envoy wearing Targaryen colours arrives in Dorne unexpectedly, requesting to see the Prince Consort.
The envoy was about to be directed to the Water Gardens by a guard, but another corrected him, and eventually after a wait the envoy was led through the Old Palace to a hall overlooking the sea where the Prince Consort sat in a chair of dark wood, great silken curtains flying in the ocean breeze behind him. The hall was a dark, ancient hall, with pillars of alabaster and sandstone and marble, with geometric designs all over, glazed in turquoises and reds and bright whites. Despite the colors, the hall was a shaded place, overshadowed in a cool brown light, perhaps to compensate for the skin-crisping heat of the Dornish sun.
The Prince Consort himself sat in a kaftan, and set aside a piece of fruit once the envoy entered. In front of him sat a low table covered in parchments, but the man seemed relatively relaxed. When he stood up to greet the envoy, it was clear he had been lounging privately before the envoy arrived and made no effort to hide it.
Beren the Green descended a couple steps, and his emerald eyes came into view, clashing wonderfully with his Rhoynish complexion. A deeply handsome man.
"Welcome to Sunspear, ser," he gestured with open arms.
"I hear you bring word from the King?"
The guard returns, and gestures inwards, through a set of now-open great doors, which through can be seen several arches, fountains, and elegant trees. The sound of running water and the laughter of children permeates the place, making the sound of the nearby ocean waves nearly inaudible.
Redwyne is brought through a pavilion of sorts, under an arch and through a wall division to another pavilion overlooking a low step-well, which was a well which descended down like steps, like a giant fountain. It was the size of a large pool, and great sculptures of brick and marble graced it.
The Princess met her half-way as she turned onto the pavilion, walking in her direction. Behind her were two guards, and they stopped in the middle of this half-room. Martell looked her newcomer over, and then offered words.
"Welcome to Dorne," she said unceremoniously, "lady Redwyne."
Elinor Martell was a short lady, but slender with a heart-shaped face. Light brown hair hung from her head, reaching down to her waist in stylish braids of a sort. She wore a spacious gown of yellows and oranges and reds, worn like an elaborate kaftan.
"You arrived by ship? You should have sent word beforehand, we could have made this meeting easier."
Cymella stares at the ornate designs,trees, and pools of the palace as she follows her guards through the pavillions, having never seen anything like the Water Gardens before. "Perhaps mother will agree to build something similar near the manse, although uncle will probably attempt to destroy it." she muses to herself while watching a small group of children playing in a pool.
Upon meeting the Princess, she bows, along with the two men flanking her. "Thank you, your highness...and yes, I came by ship. I do apologize for any inconvenience caused by not sending word ahead."
OOC: Don't take this as me sending new messages out, take this as the old Raven. Just making sure everyone has it and that everyone's seen the update to it.
The messenger, not more than a 15 tear old boy, nodded seriously. "I do, Prince. The King would like you to levy your armies. In return, he is willing to offer your House the Handship - to be taken by whoever you desire - and a betrothal between Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia."
The messenger, not more than a 15 tear old boy, nodded seriously. "I do, Prince. The King would like you to levy your armies. In return, he is willing to offer your House the Handship - to be taken by whoever you desire - and a betrothal between Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia."
Ser Beren blinked, staring at the envoy for a short moment.
"That is a gracious offer. Why, might I ask, was an envoy sent for me and not the ruler of Dorne?"
Is it because she's a woman?
The consort didn't look offended or stern, just genuinely curious of the answer.
Originally Posted by Xion
Cymella stares at the ornate designs,trees, and pools of the palace as she follows her guards through the pavillions, having never seen anything like the Water Gardens before. "Perhaps mother will agree to build something similar near the manse, although uncle will probably attempt to destroy it." she muses to herself while watching a small group of children playing in a pool.
Upon meeting the Princess, she bows, along with the two men flanking her. "Thank you, your highness...and yes, I came by ship. I do apologize for any inconvenience caused by not sending word ahead."
The Princess waved the issue away.
"No problem at all," she smiled, "You're now my guest."
Elinor gestured and turned, leading Cymella towards a more enclosed part of the overlooking terrace, where a desk and fine wooden table were considered safe from the elements. Martell took a seat and gestured to another chair opposite hers.
"What do you bring from the Arbor?" she asked with a comfortable exhale, looking out over the distant balcony at the gardens all about, like an reasoned and weathered mother.
Ser Beren blinked, staring at the envoy for a short moment.
"That is a gracious offer. Why, might I ask, was an envoy sent for me and not the ruler of Dorne?"
Is it because she's a woman?
The consort didn't look offended or stern, just genuinely curious of the answer.
The Princess waved the issue away.
"No problem at all," she smiled, "You're now my guest."
Elinor gestured and turned, leading Cymella towards a more enclosed part of the overlooking terrace, where a desk and fine wooden table were considered safe from the elements. Martell took a seat and gestured to another chair opposite hers.
"What do you bring from the Arbor?" she asked with a comfortable exhale, looking out over the distant balcony at the gardens all about, like an reasoned and weathered mother.
The envoy told him the truth. "The King had heard rumours of the Princess being reclusive, he felt it would be more probable that you would be sent as the Hand, in addition to that he specifically desired your military expertise."
The Princess waved the issue away.
"No problem at all," she smiled, "You're now my guest."
Elinor gestured and turned, leading Cymella towards a more enclosed part of the overlooking terrace, where a desk and fine wooden table were considered safe from the elements. Martell took a seat and gestured to another chair opposite hers.
"What do you bring from the Arbor?" she asked with a comfortable exhale, looking out over the distant balcony at the gardens all about, like an reasoned and weathered mother.
Cymella sits in the chair offered. "An offer of a trade agreement between Sunspear and the ports of the Arbor, your highness."
An older man, longsword by his side, weathered, dirty and bloody requests an audience with prince.
He ascended the threefold gate, passing under the three separate gatehouses arching over an ancient staircase. Reaching the summit, one came to the Old Palace and the Sandship, with a vista over the sprawling shadow city, huddling under the shade provided by the hill and its ancient fortifications.
After a wait, the man was brought into a hall in the Sandship, which was built as a fortress long before the arrival of the Rhoynar.
His weapon is taken from him, not permitted within, and then he is allowed into the narrow hall inside the old halls.
Inside, the Sandship was, as you might guess, constructed of sandstone and alabaster, with decaying frescos and murals all about depicting fish, dolphins, leopards, tigers, swans, and horses with exaggerated muscles.
The man was stopped by guards just inside the Sandship, where a well-dressed herald demanded his name and reason for being here, frowning at the dog-like appearance of the weathered traveler.
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
The envoy told him the truth. "The King had heard rumours of the Princess being reclusive, he felt it would be more probable that you would be sent as the Hand, in addition to that he specifically desired your military expertise."
The green-eyed consort nodded with understanding to the youth's answer, saying no more on the subject.
"Well, you may relay to his Grace that Sunspear will move to support him," Beren began reassuringly, "though I am afraid I cannot currently make any promises of the when and how. His mind can be laid to ease though, banners are being raised and shifted here in Dorne."
The knight in the kaftan paused, changing his tone.
"On the matter of what King Aerys lays in front of House Martell.. Well, House Martell is most definitely grateful for these fine offers."
Beren froze, deliberating. He scratched his hip, fingers pressing against the silken fabric.
"You may tell His Grace that we accept them."
Originally Posted by Xion
Cymella sits in the chair offered. "An offer of a trade agreement between Sunspear and the ports of the Arbor, your highness."
Elinor continued to stare into the distance for a long moment, visibly considering the officer.
Turning to Cymella finally with a weak smile, "That sounds acceptable, I accept the offer. I must warn that the waters to the east of here are not ... eh.. completely safe." The smile deepened as if admitting something.
Originally Posted by Gandalf.
A party of horsemen approached Sunspear, dressed in the traditional Dornish garb that is designed to protect from the blistering heat and fine sand. Black portcullis banners flutter in the wind as the group diverted towards the Water Gardens, where Yorick had spent some of his youth. Making himself known to the guards, he requested an audience with the Princess of Dorne.
The Yronwood party followed the Greenblood road until they hit Sunspear, then following the rim of the shadow city further out to the coast, and within a couple hours, Sunspear sat on the horizon behind them when they came upon the Water Gardens, which appeared as a walled complex which sat upon a short plateau overlooking the ocean, surrounded by long ridges of hills which guarded it from invaders and sandstorms.
They ascended to the walls, which while looked strong and stout were actually quite basic, and entered into the massive complex.
Let into the opening courtyard, they were made to dismount, and their horses were taken to stable just to the left, while the men were led forward out of the sandy square and under a pavilion and through a hall of pillars. At the other end of the pavilion, they overlooked from a balcony over a low central step-well, which went deep into the earth, surrounded by fountains and small pools. They were led to the right, following the balcony around to an open-air garden. The retainers were told to remain behind at this point, and Yoric could proceed forward under an arch and down some stairs into a thick jungle of fine vegetation and fruit trees.
The Princess stood with a few guards, her back to Yronwood, looking up inquisitively at a tree full of great red flowers that commanded one's attention. Hearing Yoric's footsteps, Elinor turned to face her visitor.
Elinor continued to stare into the distance for a long moment, visibly considering the officer.
Turning to Cymella finally with a weak smile, "That sounds acceptable, I accept the offer. I must warn that the waters to the east of here are not ... eh.. completely safe." The smile deepened as if admitting something.
ooc : Sorry for the late reply.
Cymella smiles. "Excellent." she then signs the trade agreement and has one of her servants bring it over to Elinor. Cymella then thinks on the warning about the dangers of the waters to the east before nodding in agreement with the Princess. "The storms of the Narrow Sea and the dangers of the Stepstones always are a risk to those who make a profit through trade."
Cymella smiles. "Excellent." she then signs the trade agreement and has one of her servants bring it over to Elinor. Cymella then thinks on the warning about the dangers of the waters to the east before nodding in agreement with the Princess. "The storms of the Narrow Sea and the dangers of the Stepstones always are a risk to those who make a profit through trade."
Elinor nodded and then was silent briefly.
"Is there anything else? You may stay here for a few nights if you so desire, before you go back to sea."
Originally Posted by Zeus Almighty
"Clearly I do not. That is part of the reason I am here, aside from mounting dehydration and starvation. I've been through battle, swam through the waters of the Stepstones, confronted by pirates, aided by other pirates, and here I stand...somehow, three days past my last meal and clean drink of water. So my apologies if the words of a starving warrior wounded your sensibilities." Brynden was beginning to get frustrated but his body did not allow much reaction.
The Prince seemed to start to grasp why a dog had appeared at his door and claimed to be of a distant noble house... a house he had never met. To be fair, he was not even sure he had ever met a man of the Trident.
He gestured with a hand, sending the earlier courtier into action with servants hurrying off.
"Bring this man some food, and a table. Then get him cleaned up. Afterwards," he added, looking at Brynden sternly, "Ser Tully will tell me more clearly how he got here."
Elinor nodded and then was silent briefly.
"Is there anything else? You may stay here for a few nights if you so desire, before you go back to sea."
The Prince seemed to start to grasp why a dog had appeared at his door and claimed to be of a distant noble house... a house he had never met. To be fair, he was not even sure he had ever met a man of the Trident.
He gestured with a hand, sending the earlier courtier into action with servants hurrying off.
"Bring this man some food, and a table. Then get him cleaned up. Afterwards," he added, looking at Brynden sternly, "Ser Tully will tell me more clearly how he got here."
After finishing his meal, and getting cleaned up, Brynden fell asleep preparing to lace his boots once more. Upon awaking, he sought out the man to tell him his story.
OOC- fixed as it was meant to happen.
Last edited by Zeus Almighty; May 05, 2016 at 08:40 AM.
A party of horsemen approached Sunspear, dressed in the traditional Dornish garb that is designed to protect from the blistering heat and fine sand. Black portcullis banners flutter in the wind as the group diverted towards the Water Gardens, where Yorick had spent some of his youth. Making himself known to the guards, he requested an audience with the Princess of Dorne.
Yronwood strolled leisurely through the gardens, memories of the time he spent here as a child returning to him. The Princess had not been much older than himself when he had dwelled in the gardens, but he had been but a young boy then. Now, he was a man grown.
"Princess." He said with an easy smile, coupled with a courteous bow. "It has been a long time."
Yorick had not seen the Princess for a long time, truth be told, with her venturing scarcely out of Sunspear. But necessity had brought him to see her, with the realm threatened.
Yronwood strolled leisurely through the gardens, memories of the time he spent here as a child returning to him. The Princess had not been much older than himself when he had dwelled in the gardens, but he had been but a young boy then. Now, he was a man grown.
"Princess." He said with an easy smile, coupled with a courteous bow. "It has been a long time."
Yorick had not seen the Princess for a long time, truth be told, with her venturing scarcely out of Sunspear. But necessity had brought him to see her, with the realm threatened.
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"It has." Elinor agreed, glancing down at the base of the tree she had just been admiring.
"Tell me, Yorick" she looked back to her guest, "Why do you visit now?"
Yorick and Elinor could be said to be childhood friends in a way, familiar with each other in the way that the dozens of childen who paraded the gardens and pools now were familiar with each other.
Yorick could be said to have been a strong-willed boy, and had predictably grown into a determined man.
Elinor squinted slightly, observing him, and offered a guess. "Do you wish to march beyond the Boneway?"
Originally Posted by Zeus Almighty
"I am not here of my own volition nor am I here with ill intent. My weapon has been taken and you're lucky I allowed that to happen. My name is for a Martell only otherwise I would have spewed it at the gate you presumptuous ass. I do apologize for my rudeness but I do not have time or patience this day. I've been on a long journey in case it escaped your observation. Some water and bread would be nice." Brynden Tully spewed out quickly. The undertone of anger was certainly noticeable.
I survive the damn Stepstones after being thrown to the wolves and this is what I get, he thought
The herald squinted at the vagrant, scrutinizing him for a moment before ordering guards to let him through and situate him at the end of the hall. The man himself wandered off with a stride, and some while later another man in an elegant kaftan arrived, coming to stand beside an empty low throne made of ancient alabaster.
Brynden stood some twenty paces before the old throne. The man recieving him had piercing eyes of emerald which had a striking appearance with his sun-kissed complexion. The kaftan was ornate and geometric, with colors reminding one of the sea and of fruit orchards.
"I am the consort of Dorne, Beren, son of the Rhoyne;" the man said calmly, watching the vagrant curiously.
"Who are you?"
Last edited by Dirty Chai; April 29, 2016 at 07:40 AM.
"I am not here of my own volition nor am I here with ill intent. My weapon has been taken and you're lucky I allowed that to happen. My name is for a Martell only otherwise I would have spewed it at the gate you presumptuous ass. I do apologize for my rudeness but I do not have time or patience this day. I've been on a long journey in case it escaped your observation. Some water and bread would be nice." Brynden Tully spewed out quickly. The undertone of anger was certainly noticeable.
I survive the damn Stepstones after being thrown to the wolves and this is what I get, he thought
Last edited by Zeus Almighty; April 29, 2016 at 04:50 AM.
"It has." Elinor agreed, glancing down at the base of the tree she had just been admiring.
"Tell me, Yorick" she looked back to her guest, "Why do you visit now?"
Yorick and Elinor could be said to be childhood friends in a way, familiar with each other in the way that the dozens of childen who paraded the gardens and pools now were familiar with each other.
Yorick could be said to have been a strong-willed boy, and had predictably grown into a determined man.
Elinor squinted slightly, observing him, and offered a guess. "Do you wish to march beyond the Boneway?"
Pausing, Yorick frowned for a moment, before offering a simple nod of agreement.
"Yes, Princess. It does not seem right that we should be still as the rest of the realm stirs."
Glancing at his surroundings, he could understand why the Princess would choose to remain in this place of paradise, separated from the harsh sands and harsh men of Dorne.
But the world was no such place.
"Blackfyre marches north." He continued. "Are you confident that he will be defeated?"
The Water Gardens
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Originally Posted by Xion
