Bronzehouse

[Horas]

Bronzehouse is the old manor of House Royce within the city. The distinctive bronze tiling that makes up its roof is easy to spot from a distance.

[Ollie]

Damian and Lillian Royce lounge in the Bronzehouse sitting room, playing a leisurely game of cyvasse on a fine looking ivory-and-pearl set. It's readily apparent that Lillian's interest in the game doesn't match her brother's, and with a supressed yawn she sends her last elephant down the mouth of Damian's dragon. The oblivious look of excited triumph on his face draws a slim smile on her own.

[Ser Donnel Royce]

Donnel entered the room looking slightly uncomfortable in his noble attire. He made his way to a side table where fruits, cheeses and cakes were spread out in varying selection and chose for himself a handful of choice plums. "How was the meeting with the King?" he tried to ask his elder brother casually, though the keen look in his eyes gave away his interest in the subject.

[Ollie]

Damian's attention to the board was rapt. A studied eye surveyed the field before him and with a succession of deft moves the young knight claimed victory. "Donnel! Come, sit!" he beckoned, his attention snapping up. "Quite a poor showing, Lillian," he chided his sister with a grin. "She keeps throwing away her pieces like that and it's no surprise she was bested."

Lillian's smile broadens, and she rises from her place opposite the board. "Oh, with a wit like yours Damian, what chance did I have?" She gives Donnel a sly wink, and runs a gentle hand across her younger brother's hair before she leaves the two of them.

"A waste of time and air, truly brother," Damian answers, the irritation in his voice poorly hidden. "The king sought to remove the Wardens from their post and titles, although father did his best to dissuade the council. Seems his grace seeks to fill another position, Lord of Roads or some nonsense. I thought to offer Uncle Harlan's name in consideration, although it would be incredibly cruel of me to inflict such a man onto the small council." Damian chuckled wryly.

[Ser Donnel Royce]

The younger brother smirked. "I have never known uncle to show an interest roads. If it were up to him Westeros would be one big castle." His smile slid away as his thoughts returned to the more pressing topic. "Father has always had a way with words. Why did the King want to revoke the Warden positions? They've been tradition for centuries."

[Ollie]

Damian's grin soured, and he began resetting the game board absentmindedly. "It was not the king himself I must confess, but Prince Aenys. He spoke of finding the best men for the jobs." Damian bristled slightly, experience his irritation all over again. A slight against his father was a slight against his house. "Apparently his grace no longer concerns himself with the letter of law. Father has done nothing to deserve such an insult."

[Ser Donnel Royce]

He nodded his head in agreement. "That seems ridiculous. The Warden's are an honorary title more than anything, no one in Essos can challenge the Iron Throne and the Wildlings are hardly a threat to anyone but themselves. Why does the King insult us with trivial cause?"

[Erik]

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////

A pair of carriages pulled up outside of Bronzehouse, the doors opened, and Starks began to exit.

"Looking forward to seeing your family, Robert?" Eirek asked his ward, "Been a long time."

[Deleted]

Robert looked up at the old manor with a uncertain look upon his face.

"I am not sure, Lord Eirek. I'm a bit confused, I haven't seen them since I was five, so to me they are as much strangers to me as most I've seen since coming to King's Landing" the young boy answered truthfully.

[Erik]

"It will be fine. Kin are never strangers, no matter how long it's been. You'll see."

Once everyone had gotten out of the carriages, Eirek began to lead them toward the manse.

[Deleted]

Robert nodded to the man that had more or less had raised him to the man he was today. He placed himself in the end of the line, leaving the Starks to lead the way to the door.

[Elyssa Stark]

Elyssa took up her place at the end, looking at Robert curiously. Until recently, when she met Isabel in the gardens, she had thought only boys went to foster. "It won't be bad, Robert," she said fondly, with the air of an older sister, though she was still a great deal younger. "You'll see."

[Erik]

Eirek knocked loudly upon reaching the door.

[Ollie]

The glittering bronze emblazoned door opens, behind it standing a cheerful Lillian Royce. She wears a lovely indigo and pale blue gown of rich silk samite, ornamented with bronze and silver metalwork. She stands aside and beckons the Starks inside with a warm smile.

"Lord Eirek, it is so very good to see you and your family. Please, do come in. Lord Bayard should be here shortly, but Damian and Donnel are just in the other room. I hope you'll make yourselves comfortable." She stands beside the door and allows them to pile in.

"Oh sweet Robert, look how you've grown!" Lillian exclaims, and rushes to embrace her cousin. "We've all missed you terribly."

[Erik]

Eirek smiled when Lillian greeted them, giving her a quiet thank you. He left her to catch up with her cousin, and went into the other room she has indicated.

"Ser Damian. Ser Donnel. How do you do? I'm not sure if you've met my brothers and sisters - here are Elyssa, Damin, Torrhen, and Edric."