The Harbor of Duskendale

[Fel]

Marq rode along the harbour to where Rhae was. He untied her favour from his helm, "I have something to return to you, my lady of Rykker."

[Deleted]

Rhae, quite recovered from her earlier anxiety, flashed him a smile. "Thank you, ser," she murmured, taking the wisp of silk in her small, delicate hands. "I hope it served you well in Dorne. The gods are good to have brought you back unharmed."

[Fel]

"Well I am alive, so it served well enough," he grinned. "No, in truth it helped me greatly to persevere during harsh times. I thank you fot it."

"How have you fared in my absence, my lady? I hope you have not pined too much for me." He winked at her.

[Deleted]

Rhae winked back. "You might be speaking of yourself, ser. This was a swift ride to Duskendale. I think you deserve to be made a little more comfortable."

[Fel]

"I would have come sooner, but I had pressing business in the Reach and the king's city. And luckily I have found my journey was not for nothing, as it would appear there is to be a great tourney had here," he said teasingly.

[Deleted]

"So you came here for the tourney, then?" Rhae smiled. "In a month's time it will start and knights shall be decked out in fine silks and bright steel, vying for my favor, I don't doubt. I wonder which one I shall like best."

Rhae descended from the ship, Daeron with her. "Ser Marq, this is Daeron Blackwood, Lady Aranya's ward," Rhae said. "Daeron, Ser Marq Tyrell."

[Fel]

Marq laughed, "well I'm sure whomever you choose will not be half so handsome as me."

If Marq was bothered the presence of a Blackwood, he didn't show it as he nodded his head to Daeron and said, "well met, Daeron Blackwood, I hope I find you in good health."

[Deleted]

Rhae laughed aloud. "You would make a peacock look humble, ser. But if your jousting skills are as beautiful as your bright feathers, why, I just may have to choose you."

She put an arm around Daeron lightly. "Ser Marq and I will take a walk in the city. Would you do me a favor and watch the girls?" Rhae gave him a meaningful glance and then, with a last smile, walked beside Ser Marq and his horse. "So, what important business called you to the Reach and the capital?"

[Fel]

Marq jumped down from his horse to take the reins in hand and walk beside Rhae. He smiled at Rhae, "such kind words from my lady, I think she is quite taken with me. I suppose I should respond in kind."

He cleared his throat and gave Rhae an earnest look, then got down on one knee and spread out his arms, "my lady does judge beauty as the son does the brightness of a thing, or the ocean does the wetness of a thing. If I am a peacock, you are a magnificent rainbow which makes me appear bland and grey."

A sly grin broke through his serious face, "and I suppose you thought I did not have it in me to be charming."

[Deleted]

Rhae couldn't reply, because she was laughing so hard. She sounded good humored, but clearly very amused."You..." she gasped. "Were not born to be a bard, ser."

[Fel]

Marq laughed at himself and let his head drop, then looked up still smiling. "Nor was the bard I stole those lines from it would appear then," he said. "My lady's standards are high, not to worry though, I like a challenge."

[Deleted]

"Do you, now?" Rhae's eyes sparkled. "Are you a hunter, then?"

[Fel]

Marq nodded, "I suppose I am my lady, when the prey is worthwhile."

[Deleted]

"Well, perhaps you can teach me about hunting...deer, that is," she said lightly, with a smile. "I want to enter the archery contest, but I fear I have no skill with a bow."

[Fel]

"Deer? There are more graceful things by far to hunt," he said with a casual look her way as they walked side by side, "but if that is your wish I shall do as my lady commands."