The Queen's tent

[Marie]

Rhaenys' tent

[Marie]

Queen Rhaenys summons Lord Lannister to her tent after a hard day's march.

[Ser Beric Dayne]

Lord Lannister wasn't in the area, so Ser Owen imagined she'd settle for him. He arrived in what served these days for his finest clothes, a doublet of crimson and silver, with a long cloak trimmed in mink for warmth, both soiled from hard living.

"You called for me, your Grace?" he asked, with a slight bow.

[Marie]

"I did," Rhaenys said. "It did not escape my attention that House Lannister did not kneel to me with the rest of the lords. Will you swear fealty to me, Ser Owen?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

Though it had not been of his own design to skip the council, as he had still been recovering from a head wound, he had considered it a bit of a lucky break until now.

"Unfortunately, your Grace, I can not speak for my house, as I've heard no word of my father these past three years. Gods willing he yet lives, and I doubt he would approve of my making blanket statements for the family without his approval. I hope you understand my predicament, your Grace," the young knight said quietly.

[Marie]

"I wish I could, but I am the rightful Queen of Westeros," Rhaenys answered. "I must know if the lords of the realm are loyal or not. If you will not swear fealty for House Lannister, will you at least do so on your own behalf?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

He'd imagined she respond that way. He honestly didn't know what to make of the current political situation. He did not desire to be ruled by foreigners, though he could not deny that this woman's mother had saved Westeros, or whatever was left of it at least. And the Baratheons hadn't exactly been efficient rulers.

"This I can do, though I speak only for myself," Owen said, kneeling. He said the words he needed to say, and remained kneeling, waiting for a response.

[Marie]

"Thank you, Ser Owen. Why do you not know what happened to your father?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"Well, it's because I've been up here in this wretched wasteland I suppose," Owen said, allowing a slight smile. "There is certainly a chance that he is dead," he said, the smile disappearing from his face, "as he was surrounded by enemies. Still, I dare not speak in his name. Not until I know one way or the other."

[Marie]

"That is unfortunate for you. Our situation would be easier if you were Lord Lannister," Rhaenys commented. "What skills do you have, Ser Owen?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"I don't wish to sound the braggart, but I judge myself to be more than fair with lance and sword, your Grace. They are yours should you require them."

[Marie]

"I will do so, certainly," she said. "I must say it's refreshing to meet with a man who does not want something of me."

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"A fair rule would suit me well enough. I imagine a difficult struggle remains ahead of us, and then a great deal of rebuilding. The realm needs peace, the west as much so as any region. Be sure to remind these Reach Lords and Riverlanders of that should they come before you. I've grown sick of the fighting, no doubt you feel the same."

[Marie]

"Yes, though there is more to come," Rhaenys murmured. "I will make it clear to my lords that there is to be no fighting over borders and such. If there are any problems you may be sure that I will have the Small Council deal with them. Do you have a particular reason to believe that any of the Riverlands and Reach houses are going to cause trouble?"

[Ser Beric Dayne]

"Only history," Owen said with a slight shrug of his shoulders, causing his golden hair to shuffle about. "I can see that the time is not right to continue such nonsense, though I've no way to know what others might be thinking. Perhaps to some it would seem the opportune time to strike. This would be a disastrous mistake, your Grace, one that the realm could ill afford."