Elane's House

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The following day, Ser Brandon purchases a waterdancer's blade from a reputable smith, and moves through the simple steps Fredico had been teaching Rose.

[Deleted]

Fredico laughs. "First you dress like us, now you want to fight like us?" Nevertheless, he sends Rose to bed with her maid after the day's lesson and begins instructing Ser Brandon.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"I merely want to learn. I haven't thrown away my heavy blade, not yet."

[Deleted]

The bravo looked at the longsword almost distastefully. "A bravo's blade would serve you better. But as you will."

[Deleted]

One evening, Elane came back from a masquerade ball at the palace (Ser Brandon had declined to come). But she was still in the mood to dance.

Her harpist plucked the strings of her instrument, and Elane invited Ser Brandon to dance.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Brandon was a little surprised by the offer, but readily stood and took Elane's hands. Much to her surprise, he was a remarkably graceful dancer, clearly subjected to lessons throughout his youth.

[Deleted]

"You should have come to the ball tonight," Elane said, pleasantly surprised by what a good lead he was. "Dancing is one of the few thrills I allow myself." For such a demure young lady, there was a high color in her cheeks, and her eyes were sparkling. She looked remarkably animated, an unusual sight. Her face was usually calm and immovable.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Ser Brandon blushes slightly. "I think I would have been out of place amongst a hundred bravos all vying for your hand, Mistress. I'd hate to have spoiled your evening."

[Deleted]

"You would never have spoiled it," Elane smiled. "You're the best lead I've had all evening."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

The Stormshield chuckles. "You won't have me believe none of the famed Waterdancers can dance, would you? I'm sure there were one or two who swept you from your feet."

[Deleted]

"There were a few," Elane glanced down shyly as he twirled her. "Very gallant, graceful bravos. But I wish they'd be a bit more assertive on the dance floor. Take the lead firmly."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Ser Brandon looks thoughtful for a quiet moment as he continues to lead her through the dance. When the harpist changes the time, he switches to a traditional Westerosi dance. "I thought this might remind you of home, Mistress."

[Deleted]

Elane blushed again, smiling. "Thank you, ser. It does." She smiled quietly to herself as they danced, and then asked, "Does this remind you of home, ser?" She glanced down again.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"It reminds me of our long ride to the Vale together, mistress, and our perilous climb to the heights of the Eyrie," he replies. "We had a fine time together then, stressful as it was."

[Deleted]

Elane nodded slowly. "That was a dangerous time. It was lucky we made it to the Eyrie in safety, and complete our task there. Ser Galwyn Fell was invaluable as a scout, leading on secret, hidden trails. And you were very gallant and reassuring, I remember."

The music ended, and they sat down, drinking. "Right now I am also in danger, but somehow I don't feel stressed out about it right now."