King Rodrick's Court

[Tristy]

"I would highly recommend it--the scenery is quite breathtaking--it's different than any environment I had ever known before--so seductive, yet incredibly unforgiving--unlivable, even, to those who do not know their way."

[The Smith]

Rod laughed, "Sounds like a woman." Then he smiled, "Its you isn't it... Dorne reminds you of yourself." His smile grew wide with pride at what he thought was a masterstroke of intuitive thinking.

[Tristy]

Ephira raised a brow in Rod's direction; "Something like that, I suppose," she answered, a ghost of skepticism lingering in her tone. "What is your favorite sight in this land?"

[The Smith]

The King shrugged, "I was raised in this city, so for me what I love is the wilds of the forests. I like to just escape all the sycophants and wander the forest with my bow, horse and wits." He laughed, "Well at least my bow and horse."

[Tristy]

"How very rustic." Ephira answered, "I feel we're walking in circles--did we not just navigate this corridor moments ago?"

[The Smith]

The King shook his head, "We are almost there. A design flaw of the Keep is its lack of accessible privies. Right there." he pointed to the appropriate door.

[Tristy]

Ephira nodded in an exacted, business-like manner, "Thank you then, Ser, er...Stagg, wasn't it? Nice to meet you--my bowels are grateful." she bowed her head slightly, and dodged nimbly behind the door with the speed of a woman dealing with a pressing matter at hand.

[The Smith]

The King grabbed a servant and gave him an order, "Spread the world, any who calls me King, or bows to me will be flogged." The man nods and runs off. The King smiles to himself and moves back leaning against the wall waiting.

[Tristy]

After an appropriate interval, Lady Delinal re-appeared, brushing her hands against the front of her gown. She appeared startled to face the same man again. She stopped abruptly as she saw him, looking quickly left and right. There was a pregnant silent pause before she asked, "Were you in line...?"

[The Smith]

Rod chuckled, "I thought it would be unwise to leave you here. My knightly vows demand that I make myself available to serve those in need, and you are most definitely in need. Can I serve as your guide?"

[Tristy]

"Er," Ephira muttered, "Well, I suppose you could, except that to be a guide one needs to guide a body, and in order to be guided, a body needs to require guidance, and in order to require guidance, a body needs to have a destination. I haven't for any of that, so I don't think the circumstances permit that I take a guide, you see," she explained, looking someone confused herself, in the end.

[The Smith]

Rod stifled a laugh, but his mouth slowly twitched into a large smile, "Well I am sure I could guide your body somewhere. How about a ride through the forests? Or I could show you an authentic King's Landing tavern? Or some where more interesting?" He winked at her, and then allowed a small chuckle.

[Tristy]

"I've done all those things before, as it happens, and I'm not sure I'm very fond of the 'more interesting' option." she answered hesitantly.

[The Smith]

Rod chuckled, "Of course, Milady. It is your decision. What were you planning on doing with yourself today? Or did your plans only extend so far." He nodded to the door behind her.

[Tristy]

"I was going to write to my father, send the letter, and then return to Sunspear," she explained slowly, as though she was thinking every word through.