The Sealord's Palace

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

"Princes?" Temilade spluttered, "Why none but myself fair lady. There are other merchants no doubt, but none have the depth of vision or strength of will as myself. I dread to think of my poor islands under their greedy, self-interested rule" he said, a look of feigned shock on his face.
Looking around he continued "Where is the young lad? I hope you haven't worn him out with your exertions?" he said, a broad smile on his face.

[Deleted]

"A thousand pardons, prince," Elane said. "I should have known that there would be none such as you to rule the Summer Isles. As for the young lad, why, he's almost a young man. I'd put him at fifteen or sixteen summers, very nice." Her cheeks were flaming again, and she cast her eyes down at her plate. Elane was an excellent actress, but there were some things that she just could not do or talk about.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Temilade sipped his wine and looked at the Second Naemyr of Braavos. I do believe she's blushing he thought. Ha! Perhaps she's fallen in love with the boy!
"So my lady, I see I am not the only visitor to Braavos. I can tell from your accent you come from the west, yes?"

[Deleted]

"Will I never lose my accent?" Elane smiled. "I thought my Braavosi had become so good. You are right, I am from Westeros, but I am no visitor. Braavos is now my home. I have renounced my religion and my old ways for the new. Only my name, Elane, remains - they gave me a Moonsingers name, but it didn't feel right." She smiled again at him as she sipped the Myrish wine.

"You came to Braavos with many fine gems and beautiful things - oh, so lovely, I must say. But what of the real wealth of the Summer Islands? Your extraordinary archers, your lovely, swift swan ships. I have not seen as many as I would like. You are a fascinating people."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Another Westerosi? Temilade thought. He shifted uncomfortably as her interest in the boy took on a new dimension.
At her questions, Temilade shrugged. "We are not at war, my lady. The Summer Islands have not known war in hundreds of years. We are a loving race, not prudish like your Westerosi septons. However, I have been known to offer my ships and archers to aid others...so long as the price is right. Do you have need of such, my lady? The way you have the Sealord eating out of your hand, I'd have thought you'd have all the bravos and water-dancers you'd need".

[Deleted]

"Braavos is not at war either," Elane said lightly. "There is peace, for now. But in the future...the Free Cities are not a loving family, see? Not like you Summer Islanders. I cannot bargain to hire ships and archers myself, not without the other councillors and the Sealord..." she smiled when she heard his words. "Eating out of my hand? You do flatter me so. The Sealord is a very great and noble man." Her eyes twinkled, as if she guessed what he was thinking.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Temilade choked on a grape at her last sentence as coughed for a time.
"More war..." he said hoarshly "With who? Braavos has beaten off Tyrosh & Lys. Pentos and Volantis do not care about anything but trade and the others will not move against the Titan without cause"

[Deleted]

"That is true. That is why I said there is peace, for now," Elane said blandly. "More wine, my prince? It'll wash down that grape."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Temilade reached for the goblet "My thanks, my lady" he said, gulping down the wine as though it were water. After a hearty belch he continued "Well, I thank you for the lovely dinner and company, but I must be off. I see no point in remaining here any longer. The meeting with the Sealord was not, ah, as productive as I had hoped so I will return home and see what can be done about those whisperers and troublemakers I have left behind. Where is Mashuda?" he said drunkenly, blinking around the room.

[Deleted]

"Well, what did you hope to achieve from the meeting in court?" Elane asked. "Perhaps I can do something about it. As for - Mashuda, did you call him? I will summon him for your inspection." She glanced at her attendant, who bowed and left to get the slave boy.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Temilade shook his head a little. That wine was more potent than the honeyed coconut liquor favoured by his people. He stared at Elane for a few moments before realising she had asked him a question "I...I beg your pardon, my lady. I didn't quite catch the ques...the que...what you said"

[Deleted]

Elane watched him for a moment, then leaned forward and said quietly and clearly, "What did you hope to achieve?"

Her attendant returned with Mashuda, and at Elane's signal he caught the swaying Prince, lifted him gently off the chair and carried into an adjacent room, Elane following. The door closed and the prince was gently laid down on a bed.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Prince Temilade started snoring softly.

[Deleted]

"Well," Elane said with a satisfied smile. "Mashuda, I think you will not be needed now. You, Sallador, will stand outside the door." She went back to the dining chamber and waved away the eunuch and the pretty girl. When she reached her own chamber, she sat for a while, lost in thought. It was some hours before she finally fell asleep.

[Deleted]

Elane entered the prince's room the next morning, bent over, and shook him gently. Her long braid fell over her shoulder, brushing his cheek and nose. "Wake up, Prince Temilade. Morning has come."

Behind her was a bearer carrying fresh clothes. "I can speak for you in court today," Elane continued, not entirely sure if the prince was awake. "I can get you what you want...if you will give me something in return."