The Splendid Times of Braavos

[Quenton Baratheon]

"It worked for the usurper Callen, let's see how his brethren like a taste of their own medicine." Steffen responded with a grin.

[The Stranger]

"Indeed. Welcome Baldy. You'll be a good addition to our court. Buy these fine men a round or two will you." Aellion gestured to the thieves, rogues and sellswords which clung around.

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen saw to the procurement of drinks for Aellion's court. He continued to sit around in the man's presence for some hours, taking the measure of the man and his confidantes. Come the late evening, he tries to excuse himself.

[The Stranger]

As Steffen attempts to steal off, Aellion opens one eye from where it rests at the table and grunts,

"Where are you going?"

[Quenton Baratheon]

"Your grace, I was hoping to find a bed for the night, and to speak with the two knights accompanying me..."

[The Stranger]

"This is an inn Lannister, there are beds up stairs." Aellion said. "You're friends can come visit in the morning. You're the very best source of information I have on the state of Westeros, and I know you are a loyal Targaryen supporter from the days of my father. I can't very well do without you now. I know its not the Red Keep, but you'll learn to get comfortable, because you'll be staying close to me from now on, until we make our triumphant return. Play it right, and I'll make sure to recommend you to my brother to serve as his Lord Hand."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen started back towards the Targaryen Prince. "You honour me your grace," he said with an incline of his head. He takes a look around his surroundings with a smile. "So it would appear that these are to be my new lodgings."

[The Stranger]

Aellion smiled. "Only until we rise again my friend, in Blood and Fire."

[Quenton Baratheon]

//////////////
A few days into his sitting at court with Prince Aellion Targaryen, Steffen plucks up the courage to ask how Rhaegar might be getting on with his obtaining of the dragons.

[Aerys]

Godry Farring and Walter Sarsfield visit Steffen at the inn every day, making conversation with him. Ser Godry mentions to Steffen on a couple of occasions that perhaps meeting with the Sealord to procure further support for the Targaryen cause might be in order. Godry of course leaves to Steffen's good jusgement to decide when that will be.

[Quenton Baratheon]

Steffen agrees that speaking with the Sealord may be beneficial, and makes plans to speak to Aellion about it.

[The Stranger]

Aellion listens to everything said to Ser Steffen, who is at all times seated at the Prince's right hand, never more than arms distance away.

"If you'd like to speak to the Sealord, you're welcome to try. And King Rhaegar wrote to me just the other day, to say that the dragons would be ready shortly."

[Quenton Baratheon]

"Then I believe I shall speak to him," Steffen says. "His ships could be put to excellent use. Might I have your leave to go and visit his palace?"

"And on the subject of dragons - simply excellent news your grace."

[The Stranger]

"Yes, but don't dawdle. Hurry back. I want your opinion on something important when you return."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Ser Steffen returns to the 'court' of Prince Aellion Targaryen.

He introduced himself with a much lower bow than that he had offered in the Sealord's palace. "Your grace, I return from speaking with one of Lord Delinal's advisors. Unfortunately, they were mostly unhelpful. I regret that we shall not be able to rely on support from Braavos, at least in the early stages of any movement on taking Westerosi soil." He frowned helplessly.