Elane's Dining Hall

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"Ships," Elane made a face. "I get sick by the way they rock on the waves sometimes. Luckily, some ships are a bit steadier. If you're interested, I would be happy to show you my swan ships one day. They were a gift from Prince Temilade of the Summer Islands, and they do not make me feel seasick. I'm afraid I'm not very used to the sea." She ate delicately as they were served their fifth course.

"I hope you will be staying in Pentos for a while. It is always nice to have Westerosi here. I have been doing what I can to improve the general health of the city, and the wellbeing of Westerosi in particular."

She smiled at the maester. "And I do not think I have been introduced to this gentleman?"

[theother]

Maester Grimon blinked a few times before he realised he was being spoken too. He'd been examining some of the Pentoshi engravings on his eating implement. Apparently it was a short blessing to some diety to ward against dysentry. Fascinating.

"Apologies, my Lady Buckler. I am Maester Grimon. I've been the maester at Pyke for over 15 years since Maester Denys died. Of course, I'm not on Pyke at the moment" he said, somewhat redundantly.

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"Well met, Maester Grimon. It was most kind of Lord Harlaw to send you on this trip, to see the world. Most maesters never leave the castles they are sent to, they are too vital. Who is tending to the Harlaws in your absence?"

"It will be good to work with a real maester again. I must invite you to visit my clinics in the city."

[theother]

Maester Grimon shrugged a little "Ulfgar, my apprentice is currently serving him. Mainly just caring for the rookery, really as neither Balor nor Dickon seem to care much for maesters in general" he said with a resigned smile. "Your clinics sound intriguing although I never got a ring in medicine. I was more interested in languages, research and astronomy"

He paused and said "Oh, and the Targaryens and the Fall of Valyria. Sort of an obsession of mine"

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"Then you have come to the right side of the world. We are far north of Ghis, Slaver's Bay and Valyria, but this city still runs a government modeled on the Freehold, since we were once a colony of Valyria. The culture here is still predominantly Valyrian. I think you'd find this city fascinating."

[theother]

Maester Grimon smiled "I prefer my learning to be done from books. Less distractions. Most of the valryian heritage has been bastardised for each city so you have to peel back a few layers until you find the unvarnished truth. Even parchments are written by perspective so you have to contrast several to gleam out the true history of events"

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"True," Elane said. "I will be happy to show you round my library one day." She glanced at Erik as she took another delicate bite. "You said Lord Harlaw sent you hear to find allies?"

[Erik]

"I would not necessarily say 'allies', my lady." Erik tells her, "'Friends', I think, would be better. Our allegiance remains with the Iron Throne, but we would speak with the rest of the world. Form...trade agreements and the like, you know."

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"Trade," Elane said thoughtfully. "It is a new idea to establish a relationship between the Iron Islands and the Free Cities, but not a bad one."

[Erik]

"Indeed. We, of course, do not have much in the way of natural resources, though that has improved of late. Following the North's rebellion, Balor was granted Bear Island for his assistance. More wood means more ships, and more ships mean we can devote some to, perhaps, shipping some of that wood east. But actually, I had a question. Information can get so muddled when it travels, and I find I'm not sure who it would be best to speak to, here in Pentos. Some people say one name, others say other names."

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"I can take you to the Magistrate of Pentos when the Prince calls the Magisters into session, I suppose," Elane said slowly.

[Erik]

"And when is that?" Erik asks.

[Deleted]

"When I can get the Magisters to agree, I suppose. The islands of Westeros are virtually known here, and I would need to have something to show."

[Erik]

"Yes, of course, whatever is necessary. I am truly grateful for any help you can give, Lady Elane." Erik tells her happily. He takes a sip of his wine and pauses for a moment, before asking, "I don't suppose you've heard any news from home of late? I assume the realm is still whole, and the king healthy? We heard snippets of news in Braavos, but, again, confused bits and pieces. If one listened to the gossip, the Targaryens have invaded, the Wall has fallen, and the smallfolk have overthrown the lords."

[theother]

Maester Grimon looks around and shyly says "What about this?" and produces a small green gemstone from under this robes and places it onto the table. It is carved in the shape of a squat tower. "I found it in Pyke Treasury. I think it is Pentoshi - possibly even from the days of the Valryian Empire"