The Sealord's Palace

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord said, "Under Westerosi law it is illegal to purchase slaves correct? Are you violating all the oaths and laws of your office to acquire thise woman?" He motioned towards Tristeza, "How can she be worth so much?"

[Deleted]

"We do not intend to enslave Tristeza Martell," Aranya looked amused again. "Though, from what I've just seen here, there are some in this room who sound like hypocrites when they talk ill of slavery."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord stood swiftly, "I do not like rude tongues. I will consider your offer." He turned and walked from the room.

[Deleted]

There was a fleeting look of exasperation on Aranya's face, before it was smooth again. "Wait, my lord," she called after him, forcibly stopping herself from barking, Sit the fuck down, you slimy bastard, before I slice you open, and said, "If the deal is not fully to your liking, then I am open to your views on the matter. All we ask in return is Tristeza Martell."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord glanced over his shoulder as he walked out, "I will have a counter proposal for you tomorrow. Some on show her to her rooms." Then he was out of the room.

[Deleted]

Aranya smiled. "That suits me perfectly." She rose from the divan and rolled her shoulders, and waited for someone to show her to her rooms.

[brigida]

"Allow me," Tristeza said to Aranya, with a good-natured smile, and a short gesture towards Timm and Kardaine, who moved to follow her, as she made way towards the door, and the guest chambers that had been arranged for the Westerosi woman's stay.

[Deleted]

Aranya eyed Vikary, and summoned Urzen, Qarl and Ser Allain to follow her to her rooms. "You'll forgive me," Aranya said to Ser Timm with a smile. "But it is hard to trust an oathbreaker, even on foreign soil, under the cloak of diplomacy."

Nodding to Tristeza, Aranya followed.

[Fel]

When Tristeza led Aranya out of the Purple Petal room, Qarl the Shark and Burned Urzen moved to shadow her.

[brigida]

Tristeza said nothing as she lead the assembled company towards the guest chambers; a peace had settled over her, that was both comforting, and transcendant. With Timm and Kardaine close-by, her two most trusted, and beloved friends, there was little to fear, and less to hold in contempt.

The corridors were long, and winding; at points laberynthine, and the walk was not a short one.

[Deleted]

Aranya walked beside Tristeza with long, easy strides, her black velvet cloak lifting very slightly despite her swift walk. She seemed calm, comfortable and perfectly at ease, though she didn't speak, except to make a few sarcastic remarks to Urzen and Qarl that made them chuckle.

[brigida]

When their party finally arrived outside a large set of doors which were flanked on either side by low-burning torches, Tristeza stopped, and pushed the door open; "Sleep well," she said in an assured voice which was devoid of hostility, but spoke little of anything other than tranquility.

She pushed open one of the great doors, and stepped back to wait for the Lady to enter before departing, as was within the boundaries of polite custom.

[Deleted]

"Thank you, my lady. Should I call on you tomorrow for hot water and breakfast too?"

[brigida]

Tristeza nodded politely, "You may call on whoever you like, Lady Royce; you are a guest in what has come to be my home. I fear you would have a longer wait if you were to call on me, but if it would please you, by all means; you may make that judgement for yourself."

[Deleted]

"Your home," Aranya repeated, with a wry smile. "I think I'd rather not see you again, my lady, unless it is as my companion on a sea voyage to...well, my home. Westeros. Good night, my lady." Her three men entered the antechamber, and Aranya gave Tristeza a last smile and disappeared into her room.