A Balcony at the Tower of the Sun

[The Smith]

Horas nodded, "Of course." He closed his mouth and thought for a second, "Still with you more Braavosi then Westerosi it hardly seems like a betrayal for you."

[Tristy]

Ephira laughed, "I must have missed the arithmatic lesson where it was explained how half is more than half," she joked--"and besides...we are both only half Dornish. The only difference between us is that you inherited our mother's name, and I did not. However, it is a moot point, since you are older, and anyway, I have no desire to rule--easier to reap the benifits and shirk the responsibilities."

[The Smith]

Horas nodded, "And that is a very wise decision." He smiled to take the bite out of his words, "We are both half Dornish, but I am completely Westerosi. And raised here. As the Sea Lord's bastard daughter it does not matter if your mother committed treason. I must live with my parent's follies on a daily basis."

[Tristy]

She did not react overtly to his words, but her face was stony, and turned towards the city when she said "I have been legitimized." Her voice was cooler by far than the night-air.

[The Smith]

Horas nodded, "Of course. I only meant that is how you will be perceived, by the King and his court. They will not hold our Mother's actions against you." He looked at her, and offered a small smile.

[Tristy]

She glanced side-long at him momentarily before she looked straight at him again, "Has anyone ever told you that you've got more business in your head than any ten men ought to have combined?"

[The Smith]

"In those words, most assuredly not." Horas replied, "But since I am unsure of the sentiment I can not be cognizant if a similar lesson was instructed to me before." He raised an eyebrow as he stared into her eyes.

[Tristy]

"I mean. You are all work, and I doubt you've enjoyed a moment of total, pure frivolity in your whole life, let alone an hour. I don't know if that's stricly healthy for a man so young. Usually such seriousness is reserved for those nearing death." she lifted an eyebrow, and grimaced slightly as the harshness of her words registered. She seemed sincerely concerned.

[The Smith]

Horas' eyes flicked back out to the near dark horizon and snickered, "As you well know I have been punished harshly for frivolity." He grimaced slightly.

[Tristy]

Ephira considered him closely, "I think I would do well to be a bit more like you, big brother," she said quietly, "but I also think you could learn a bit from me--not about fighting, or ruling, or responsibility, but at the very least, about enjoying life. You will be very good at your job--but you have obligations to yourself as well. It would be a shame if your children grew up to think that fun was a sin in their own house. and what of your young wife? You will have to learn to enjoy her, or your life together will be full of misery and resentment. Certainly, it is an advantageous marriage, but you might find that the advantage of it does not fulfil you in the long-term of your life, and it would be unfortunate if your bride grew to dislike, or even begrudge you--after all, a husband does want something a bit more than just his wife's respect, doesn't he?" she wagered,

[The Smith]

Horas looked at her and winced, "I do not require anything from wife but loyalty and sons. She is but a child, and does not have anything to offer me but her lineage. That may be harsh but it is the truth. And if I could guarantee that with a miserable child hood I would have a suitable heir I would take that bargain not matter how dark." He smiled coldly, "I live for myself, but what you do not realize that the thing that brings me the greatest pleasure is Dorne. Everything I do, I do to make it great again." He growled harshly, "Everything"

[Tristy]

"One day she will be a woman," Ephira explained patiently, "I know you love this place, Horas, but love is more than devotion and effort--the passion you have for your Kingdom is right, but it lacks the satisfaction, the self-indulgence, the...the hedonism of true love. Yet you do love Dorne truly, and I can see that with no great struggle...She enjoys your constant attention, yet you ignore the gifts she offers to you; you ask for more instead of accepting her gifts with gratitude. Dorne's trade wealth has increased exponentially since your ascension; she is richer now than she has been since before our mother ruled--since before Emelia ruled, even. And, yes, it is suitable to expect even greater things of a great kingdom which has unlimmited potential, but have you ever--could you ever simple enjoy the rewards of your accomlishments thus far without further ambition? Even for just a moment, could you revel in those victories without anticipating the next win?"

[The Smith]

"No." Horas replied, "It would make me miserable."

[Tristy]

Ephira bawlked, "...Why?" she murmured.

[The Smith]

"The very idea of ceasing, it disgusts me." Horas replied, "I do what I do for a reason. There is no one else even close as capable as I am. Your own statement proves that truth, that is why no one else will be allowed to do it." He sneered slightly, "No one."