The Tent of King Selwyn

[The Smith]

A large fire illuminates the tent of the King. He stands in front of canvas leaning over a table. Ser Musgood, Lord Roxton, Red Ustice Mills, and Rolf Groomsmen stand next to him.

[Marie]

When she'd finished speaking to her newfound sworn men, Rhaenys walked with Maekar to King Selwyn's tent. She'd wanted to take one of her other companions but Maekar had been so eager to be the one to accompany her that she'd agreed. They stood shoulder to shoulder, Rhaenys bearing the sheathed Blackfyre, Maekar the banner of House Targaryen.

"Greetings, King Selwyn," Rhaenys said in a friendly voice. "Have you time to spare for an ally?"

[The Smith]

Lord Roxton stood and moved forward, but Selwyn reached out and stopped him. All the men looked at Selwyn for a moment, before turning their gazes back to the Targaryen.

King Selwyn rasped, "I have some time." He turned his good on her, his voice cracking.

[Marie]

She'd been in his presence enough times not to flinch at his scars, and kept a straight face while she looked him in the eye.

"Good. I wanted to know if you still consider your alliance to House Targaryen binding now that my mother is gone."

[The Smith]

Selwyn stared at her, "Do you doubt me already?" He ran a finger down the scars that seemed to drip down the side of his face.

[Marie]

She shook her head.

"I don't know you well enough to be sure of your feelings. It occured to me that you knelt to my mother, who is now dead. You made no such promise to me. I wish to maintain our alliance and I am willing to discuss the terms if you so desire."

[The Smith]

"You offer terms." Selwyn repeated. He glanced at the other man beside her, studying him intently.

[Marie]

Maekar's gaze was less friendly than Rhaenys', he was loyal to the bone and had no liking for the Baratheons, besides being confident in his post as his cousin's right hand man.

"That is my intention," Rhaenys answered. "I want your men under my banner, Selwyn, and I'd sooner have you on my side than not. There's been enough bloodshed already, and will be more to come. Your brother holds Storm's End, I believe. I'm of a mind to marry you to one of my sisters, or take you as mine own husband. I have not decided yet."

She watched his face to see his reaction to that.

[The Smith]

Selwyn blinked, "You have my sword, Princess." He scratched at his chin, and looked to the table, "We are planning the trip back. Our supplies will last a good deal longer then planned. We will move south tomorrow or the next day."

[Marie]

"The day after," Rhaenys said quickly. "I wish to hold a council with the lords of the realm first. Would you care to be my7 Warden of the North, at least until things are more settled?"

[The Smith]

The King shook his head, "I am not a Northmen." He waved his hand, "I will come if you want me there but I will not be a man I am not." He looked to Musgood, "We move the day after next." Turning his head he barks at Groomsmen, "Get the Squire and his men moving south. If there is a bear with a fucking sour tooth I want to know it."

Rolf nodded.

[Marie]

Rhaenys was secretly impressed by his efficiency but she hid it beneath a solemn expression.

"I would not wish you to be something you're not," she told Selwyn. If you will not accept the position as Warden of the North, will you consider being my Hand?"

[The Smith]

Selwyn looked at her and licked his lips. He looked at Roxton then suddenly. Baratheon looked at him, and opened his mouth.

Lord Roxton cough and shook his head. The fop bent over to study the table.

Selwyn blinked twice, and then looked back at the Targ princess, "I will serve as you command."

[Marie]

She hoped she'd made the right decision but she needed Selwyn and she fully intended to honour her mother's request, or see that one of her sister's did. It would be good to know Selwyn better before she decided which of the four sisters should marry him.

"Thank you...Lord Hand. Tell me, is there anything you desire? I would like to know so that I can consider the matter."

[Aerys]

Aurane Velaryon, dressed in the sea-green colours of his house arrives at Selwyn's tent to discuss the move south. His eyes narrowed at the unexpected presence of the Targaryen princess, but gave her a short clipped bow anyway.