Swiftwaters (a.k.a. Wretched Bitch) Visits Braavos

[brigida]

In the twilight of a late Braavosi evening, Tristeza was summoned to the main Palace entrance to greet a visitor, who was said to be returning her request for a visit. She approached the entrance hall surrounded by her usual entourage of guardians, expecting to be met by her husband.

[Horas]

Someone approaches the guards, wearing a heavy travelling cloak, its hood pulled down over the figure's face. It is obvious that this figure is not Horas, however, for while the travelling cloak obscures her figure she is too short and slender to be Lord Blackwood.

She bows slightly to Tristeza, then lowers her hood. "I have come to speak with the Sealord of Braavos," Marei Swiftwaters says shortly.

[brigida]

Tristeza narrowed her eyes bemusedly, and considered the hooded figure for a moment. Her voice was familiar, though she had not heard it in a long while--there was no mistaking this woman; the woman to whom her message had, in fact, been sent.

"The Sealord requested an audience with Lord Horas Blackwood--your hood, while wonderfully ominous, and, I am sure, very fashionable in your business of intruige, does not serve as quite such a convincing disguise, Miss Swiftwaters."

[Horas]

Marei bows her head in perfect subservience. "A thousand pardons, my lady Martell. I am afraid Lord Horas does, in fact, have business he must attend to in places abroad -- we cannot all be so fortunate to bask complacently in the luxury of the Sealord's palace." Marei smiles sweetly. "I have come to speak with the Sergyo Delinal in my lord's stead."

[brigida]

"A prison made of marble is no less a prison than one of iron, Marei--but I do concede that a common born maiden such as yourself will never understand that level of obligation and responsibility a Lady must sometimes endure for her people, and therefore, digress. Has your Lord, as you say--" she stopped momentarily with a slight shake of her head and a dignified smile, "Though I suppose he is more my Lord than yours really--has he sent a message?"

[Horas]

Marei's smile slips for the barest instant.

"My apologies, Lady Martell. I suppose I must be mistaken, common born as I am. But no, Horas has sent no message. He trusts me to negotiate on his behalf, you see. It is a pity there was no one else in Braavos he trusts... It would have saved me quite the voyage." Marei looks at Tristeza innocently. "Will you be a dear and fetch the Sealord, my lady? Some of us do have important business to attend to."

[brigida]

Tristeza's smile did not falter, but only widened almost imperceivably as she listened to the visitor's request; "Indeed, I am well aware; but what business do you--? Oh! were you speaking of yourself?" Tristeza laughed modestly, "I apologize; I misunderstood. As a matter of fact, I will be accompanying you to the meeting--Lord Delinal seldom greets visitors, but he awaits us both in one of the parlors. You may follow me."

Tristeza turned, and began to walk away. As she heard Marei's footsteps begin behind her, she flicked her eyes back momentarily, "So, do tell me, Marei, we have so much to catch up on--have you finally managed to find a husband yet?"

[Horas]

"Oh, you will be there as well? How wonderful," Marei smiles sweetly, "I would be glad to answer any questions you may have... I can only imagine how incomprehensible the dealings of the greater world might seem to a girl like you."

Marei follows Tristeza through the palace grounds. "How kind of you to think of me. I remain unmarried, though I must confess I have been in a relationship for some time. He is a man of great power and intelligence, but he has a wife... it is so wicked of me, I know, but I cannot resist."

[brigida]

As Tristeza walked, she seemed not to prevent herself from giggling for a moment. "Oh, forgive me!" she exclaimed, "Is it not a joke you are playing on me, sweet Marei? A man of power, and intelligence, with a wife...?" she turned and looked mournfully into the common-girl's eyes, and brushed her shoulder tenderly, "What could he possibly see in you?" she asked with an affectation of friendly concern.

[Horas]

"Highborn men are forced to marry for politics, of course, but if he chances to meet his true love elsewhere... Such love cannot be restrained." Marei blushes slightly, and one could almost believe she was truely embarassed. "I pity him, truly. His wife is a shrew and a whore. He is... far too good for her." Marei looks directly into Tristeza's eyes as she delivers the last sentence. Then smiles demurely and subserviently redirects her eyes to the floor.

[brigida]

"I am sure she is a victim of circumstances just as he is," she responded sympathetically, with, perhaps more sincerity than she would have liked, "But regardless," as she began, once more, to walk towards the parlor, "I wish you luck, dear--highborn women can be most vengeful. I hope she does not find you out an kill you in a wicked fury of jealousy." the sentence spilled out, like it were any ordinary comment about the weather, or some such simple thing.

[Horas]

"Oh, I doubt that, Lady Tristeza," Marei replies genially. "I am rather less sweet than I seem, I must confess. Any vengeful lady who would attempt to harm me would do so at her own peril."

[brigida]

Tristeza snorted, "Indeed," she answered, clearly trying to hide her contempt, "I am sure you are the fiercest of warriors. And to think I had always wondered why men fled when you came near."

[Horas]

"We cannot all be like you, Lady Tristeza, though I am sure the men love how indiscriminately you spread your charms around." Marei says rather coolly, though a moment later her lips curve into a smile. It appears to be genuine. "I heard Lord Alexander gave you a present recently? How thoughtful of him."

[The Smith]

Stopped before the doors to the Sea Lord's residence, the two woman are throughly searched, and delay for several minutes. When the guards are satisfied they are allowed to procede.