The Dungeons of the Sea Lord

[Deleted]

Aranya grimaced, leaning back against the pillows. "For how long? This will delay my return to Westeros." She shrugged, accepting it.

[The Stranger]

"That is not my concern." The doctor said, "good day, and congratulations." He bowed stiffly, and left the room. The bravo, still green in the gills, left as well, locking the door behind him.

[Deleted]

Aranya sank back against her sheets, wanting to nurse the baby, but also desperately tired and eager to sleep. She fought to stay awake.

[The Smith]

The door opened and a single man in fine silks entered the room. Walking over to the sleeping woman he smiled down at her and took the babe from her arms, "Aranya.... he is beautiful. You can sleep now."

Piers moved to a chair and sat gently rocking the baby, cradling Wulfs head in his arms. He began to talk in a soothing voice, "So let me tell you about the world. Its full of many scary things, many funny things, and a couple that are both. There are Kings who think they run things, but those of us who are really in charge don't bother telling them they are wrong." he chuckled into the small child's face, "Did I put you to sleep? How I wish I had possessed that power over the small council." He rocked the child with a warm smile decorating his face.

[Deleted]

Aranya started in amazement at the sight of Piers Bettley in her room, but she smiled with genuine pleasure. She wanted to ask how he had gotten into her room, but she was too tired, and now she felt safe and secure enough to sleep. Piers would never let any harm come to her child.

"Thank you," she murmured, and she turned over and fell into a deep, exhausted slumber.

Little Wulf, sated with his mother's milk, turned in his new guardian's arms, nuzzling Piers' breast sleepily for milk, and then fell asleep as well. It was quiet and cozy in the chamber, mother and child breathing softly.

[The Smith]

////////////////

Piers held Wulf and sang him a song about a Lion who could not find his way back to his den and the series of misadventures that he partook.

Lord Villisander entered the room and smiled at the baby, walking over to Piers he removed a blue rattle, with silver bells and shook it in front of the child's face.

[Deleted]

Aranya stirred on the bed. She had been sleeping everday, for long hours, when Piers visited. The sound of men's voices and the rattle and bells made her stir sleepily and blink awake. Her her gaze snapped into focus when she saw Villisander bending over her son, but she did not move.

[The Smith]

The two mass murderers cooed and laughed at the adorable child. They did not notice Aranya awaken at all.

[Deleted]

"Good..." she checked the window, "Er, evening, Lord Villisander. What brings you here?"

[The Smith]

Meatrios turned to her and bowed with a smile and a flourish. "You have been bought and paid for Lady Royce. We have recieved the documents from Lord Bettley granting Tristeza Martell's exile. You are free to go, or stay as an honored guest of the Sea Lord until your babe is ready to travel."

[Deleted]

Aranya sat up, with some difficulty. She gave Piers a smile, before replying, "Thank you, I am glad to hear it. If a ship could be made ready this evening, I would be ready to sail out." It would be a little less comfortable than this room, but Aranya was more than ready to leave Braavos and go home. Even the disgrace that awaited her was better than the daily reminders of pain and anger here.

[The Smith]

Piers walked over to her and sat next to her on the bed, offering her the babe, "Aranya the Cracked Skull awaits your command." Turning to look at Villisander, "There will be a sedan chair for her, waiting outside these doors to take her where ever in fifteen minutes, and it will await her pleasure. Also send in Onyxskull and his three men on your way out."

[Deleted]

Aranya took Wulf in her arms and kissed him, and snorted at the mention of a sedan chair. "I can walk just fine," she said, standing very unsteadily and feeling herself grow dizzy. She sat down. "Thank you," she said, feeling furious with her physical weakness. "I would appreciate that."

[The Smith]

Villisander nodded and said, "Of course. That will be no issue." He turned to leave.

Piers said after him, "If you ever decide to leave Sergyo's employ I have a position available for you."

Villisander looks back and chuckles. Then stopping he throws the blue rattle to Piers, "That is for Wulf. I think he will get more use out of it then I." The Braavosi walks from the room.

[Deleted]

Aranya sat on the sedan chait and cradled Wulf, nodding to Villisander as he left. Then she took Piers' hand. "Thank you," she said quietly. She looked tired, but she tried to sit straight on the chair.