Elane's House

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The Stormshield finds an open air courtyard and starts practicing his swordwork.

[Deleted]

One of Elane's bravos offers to duel with him.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

He accepts, and draws his heavy blade.

[Deleted]

Elane hears the sounds of steel clashing against steel from her window, walks out to her balcony over the courtyard, and leans over to watch.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The Stormshield sized up his foe. The key to victory was understanding your enemy, as his father had always taught him. The bravo had a light, quick blade, so he would have the advantage of speed. But Brandon had the better of him in both size and reach, and likely power too -- these things would all come in handy, as long as he didn't let the smaller man inside his defenses.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

As the two opponents circle, the Stormshield glances up and sees the Lady Elane watching. He keeps his focus on the fight, however.

[Deleted]

Elane felt herself blush when the Stormshield saw her. She had not meant for him to catch her, and felt strangely embarrassed.

[Deleted]

Elane watched as the duel began, the bravo circling and dancing just outside the reach of Brandon's sword, feinting and jabbing and tiring him. Brandon was bigger and stronger, but he was not used to this style. Elane found her eyes fixed on Brandon's sword.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

When the bravo loses his feet, the Stormshield gallantly steps back, allowing him to regain his feet and pick up his sword.

[Deleted]

As Brandon leaps forward and smashes his sword into the other man's gut, Elane smiles and applauds. "Well fought, ser."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Brandon drops his blade and helps the Bravo to his feet. "Well fought, good man. That first blow, if you had wanted, it would have sliced right through me."

The Stormshield looks up when he hears Elane applaud, and smiles and nods in her direction. He gathers his things and heads to the chamber Elane had assigned to him.

[Deleted]

"Be sure to take another bath, good ser!" Elane called after him, smiling. The bravo limped away, and Elane turned back to her bedroom.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Another bath? Brandon thinks....the idea is shocking. But somehow tempting. The warmth of the water would help loosen the muscles tightened by fighting, undo the knots and bruises. He finds a servant that can help show him how to draw one, and then settles in -- this time with the water still hot -- and relaxes.

[Deleted]

Over the next couple of weeks, Elane teaches six-year old Rose reading and drawing, and is pleased to find that the girl had already begun to receive her education and catches on quickly. Viola becomes the new interest of many of the female servants.

[Deleted]

Security is tightened around the mansion. When Elane leaves for work, her litter is guarded by eunuch warriors.

Noting his distaste for the litter, a horse is found for Ser Brandon. "What happened to that grey stallion, ser?"