Elane's House

[Deleted]

Elane retired to the privacy of her mansion, weary of the Sealord's anger and the intrigue of his court. Normally she revelled in such things, but lately she seemed to be losing her taste for it. The attempt on her life had not been so exciting, and now Selwyn's death...Elane felt guilty she could not be there for her sister right now. Knowing Aranya, she would need someone calm to rein her back.

After her handmaidens tended to her, Elane invited the First Sword's sister over - they were neighbors - and had lunch.

There were guards all around the mansion.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

A letter arrives to Elane Royce, from Rhodri Arryn.

It reads:

Dearest Cousin:
My friend and former Captain Ser Brandon Buckler has been exiled from Bronzegate by his father Lord Buckler for siring two bastard girls on a serving maid at Storm's End. While the older daughter is several years old, Ser Brandon had not told his father until recently, when he was forced to take the children in when the mother died of the flux. As he is my friend and yours, I commended him to you in the hopes you could find a place for him in your household. As you know, he is a swordsman and soldier of great renown, and whatever transgressions he has committed in the bedchamber, he is a forthright man and honest.

The daughters are named Rose and Viola Storm.

Rhodri son of Alyn
Hand to the King

[Deleted]

Elane looked over the letter in the privacy of her chamber that evening, a little surprised. Ser Brandon was the embodiment of chivalrous knighthood, and she had great respect and liking for him. To be exiled simply for siring two bastards! Elane decided she did not like Lord Buckler very much. And yet...Elane gazed thoughtfully at the letter, and wrote a reply.

[Deleted]

The litter passes through the gates and comes up the the drive to the front of Elane's manse. The eight bearers set it down carefully, and Morho pulls the curtains aside.

Elane comes out to greet them, curious and somewhat apprehensive.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Ser Brandon awkwardly steps out of the litter, his long limbs unaccustomed to that form of transport. He smiles when he sees Elane, and bows his head briefly in respect.

"Elane Royce, it has been too long, but I am glad we are reunited. These are my daughters," he says, lifting the older one out of the litter, "This one is Rose, and the babe is Viola, both Storm. Or perhaps I should call them Stormshield instead."

[Deleted]

OOC: Sorry, my computer is full of crap.

"Ser Brandon," Elane said calmly. "I trust you had a good journey? It is indeed good to see you again. And your two girls." She barely glanced at them, but smiled and led them inside.

They sat at the dining table, which had been heavily laden with Braavosi dishes. As Rose and the wetnurse sat down, Elane glanced at Rose, then glanced again. She cupped Rose's chin and tilted her head sideways.

"My, my, what a pretty child you have, Ser Brandon." She smiled at him. "She takes after you."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Thank you," Ser Brandon says. "She is a good child. When I was Captain at Storm's End, while her mother still served Lady Becca. We were able to be around each other, so I do feel close to her, even though we had to keep my fatherhood a secret. But that is in the past. I have acknowledged her now, and will keep her close to me."

"Since her mother died, I am all she has left, me and her sister. With my father's condemnation, she and her sister are now all I have left."

"Your cousin Rhod had me bear you another letter. I don't believe he was willing to entrust it to any hands but mine."

Brandon hands the sealed letter over to Elane. It reads:

"Dearest cousin:
Thank you again for harboring Ser Brandon and his daughters. I admit I had a secondary purpose in sending him to you instead of finding him service in the Vale: I heard the report of the attempt on your life, and Ser Brandon is one of the finest swordsmen I know. He shall serve as your bodyguard in return for your hospitality. I have lost too many kin; I would not have you share the fate of those who have passed.

I tell you now and please be circumspect with this information: I believe your assassin was sent by a man I counted an ally. I fear he has the means to spy on much of what I do, hence this letter conveyed by Ser Brandon personally. I suspect that Horas Blackwood, a man I had hoped to arrange a close alliance with, envies you somehow and tried to have you killed. I cannot act as of yet for I lack conclusive proof, but please be wary of any "crows" that may descend on Braavos.

For now, any plans of wedlock between our houses will have to be carefully examined, if not abandoned. I regret this deeply since I had believed he was a man I could trust, but I have since realized that nothing that passes between his blue lips can be believed.

Your cousin,
Rhodri, son of Alyn"

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"When we are done feasting, mi'lady, perhaps we should have a private word to discuss our future plans and how I may best serve you. We would not want to distress the girls at the table," Ser Brandon says.

[Deleted]

Elane read the letter with a blank face. "Thank you, Ser Brandon, for bringing this letter to me. It is kind of you to protect me."

She folded the letter and put it away, beckoning the servers to come forward. As they were served their meal, Elane leaned back. "I am sorry your father exiled you, ser. It is an unjust and extreme reaction."

At Brandon's words, she nodded. "Of course, Ser Brandon."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"He is a man obsessed with honor. When he heard of my daughters, it is said that he threw most of my childhood clothes in the hearth to burn, and other personal possessions of mine. His temper is strong; it always has been."

"I still feel like I am an honorable man, but he does not see it so. I will reclaim what honor I can serving you here. It is a new start for me, I think."

"It will take me some time to grow used to this place, though. I can tell already that I am the strange one here."

[Deleted]

"I have always regarded you as a man of honor. Siring bastards is nothing. You have no need to reclaim your honor, Ser Brandon - that task lies with your father.

"I agree, Braavos will take some getting used to. But it is a city for a martial man like you, I must say. The bravos of the city are famed water-dancers. Perhaps you would enjoy sparring with them? I can introduce you to the First Sword, an exceptional fighter. I would not have you bored here."

When they were finished, servants helped the wetnurse take the girls to bed. Elane looked over at Brandon calmly. "We may now speak." She escorted him away.

[Deleted]

After their talk, Elane led Brandon in the parlor and served him Myrish wine. "Let us talk of more pleasant things. How was your journey?"

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"The Falconclaw is a very fast ship, the Hand had it built for the sole purpose of transporting himself and his allies. It should be able to outrace any pursuit. This was its maiden voyage. If you have a letter for the Hand, it can be entrusted with the Captain," Ser Brandon says.

[Deleted]

"I think I may write one before I retire tonight. Let's see. Now, as for you daughter, I will hire tutors for her. A girl her age needs to be schooled. And taught to dance, and sew and dress. She should also learn to play one or two instruments. The harp was always a favorite of mine."

She smiled at her words. "Oh, don't mind me. I'm babbling on. I'm just an old maid who has gotten excited over a young girl. And, if I may say so, I've always wanted to raise a bastard to be a lady. Especially after the way my sister turned out..." Elane shook her head.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Brandon's eyes glaze over at talk of dancing, sewing and fine dress.