The Grand Veranda

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord replied quickly, both on the board and in the conversation, "You have no need to worry my dear. We all know you will be safe."

[brigida]

"Do we?" she asked in a mild voice, "Because we do not all seem to be unaminously agreed; or else Lord Nero has taken a wonderfully sudden and meaningful interest in my continued well-being," she did not speak out of hostility, but rather in a matter-of-fact tone that acknowledged that Lord Nero thought her a wasted investment above all else.

[The Smith]

Nero stepped forward and laughed, "DO not worry Lady Martell we will never accept the offered deal. You are quite safe." He bowed to the Sea Lord, and then turned and practiaclly skipped from the room.

[brigida]

Tristeza raised her eyebrows at Lord Delinal, as her gaze transferred from Lord Nero, to her opponent; "Does he enjoy causing me anxiety needlessly, or does he have a legitimate reason to act so?"

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord shrugged, "He is a private man in many ways."

Villisander chuckled, "I think perhaps it is time for Lord Nero's annual Cock Suck."

[brigida]

As Tristeza made her next move, her mind was lost in thought; "Why do you bother even to make a counter-offer, Lord Delinal?" she asked quietly, "how much will it take on their behalf to buy my life? You may as well have told her at the last meeting...They will offer almost anything."

[The Smith]

"I am deciding my strategy, Tristeza." He studies the board intently then makes a move, "I do not plan to accept the offer, but every moment we are discussing it is a moment when you are safe. Also I am curious how high they will go, it will be interesting to see the value they place on your life."

[brigida]

"I find it more maddening than interesting," she admitted, "but I am glad you derive some pleasure from this ordeal."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord makes another move, then reaches out to take her hand while still studying the board, "I can take pleasure because I know you are completely safe. Just think to yourself, is there anything I want from the Seven Kingdoms, and if there is tell me so they can trade it for you."

[brigida]

Tristeza thought on this for a moment, but ultimately answered with a question of her own, "Why, for goodness' sake, then, is Nero so happy? I have never seen the man smile before and all of a sudden he is ready dance a merry jig."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord shrugged, "I have seen him like that before. It means he is happy. Drop it Tristeza you have nothing to worry about."

Villisander coughed quietly and eyed the exit.

[brigida]

"My Lord," she said quietly, seeming to forget momentarily that Villisander was still in their company, "I do appreciate your reassurance; and I do not mean in any way to undermine your promise...but you must understand the lendths to which I have seen men go for the slightest gain. The lies, the deceptions I have seen them spin...and many stood to gain so much less than I would buy for you...Can you not understand my anxiety?"

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord answered while making another move, "I can understand, but I do not share them."

[brigida]

"Of course you do not," she answered evenly, "You have nothing to lose."

[The Smith]

He looked up at her angrily. He sneered then stopped. Turning his head to Villisander he said, "Would you excuse us, please Villisander."

Villisander bowed and walked from the room.