Harbour

[Marie]

The Harbour of Braavos

[Marie]

Lord Ivan Grandison helped Princess Alysanne down onto the shore then turned to Corwyn Storm while their servants brought down their baggage. The princess was noticeably pregnant and so Ivan, having once been a married man, was anxious for her safety and comfort.

"We must find lodgings first," Ivan said as they started along the dockside. "Princess Alysanne needs to rest. Once we've arranged rooms at a suitable establishment we will send a letter to the Sealord requesting an audience with him and whichever of his ministers he deems suitable. Would you be able to deliver the message, Corwyn? I am anxious about leaving the princess alone with the servants in a strange country."

[Flex]

"I was going to suggest a personal visit to ask for a meeting." Corwyn replied. "So I shall do it."

[Marie]

"Good. Thank you. My point regarding the letter was that it should have Princess Alysanne's own seal," Ivan murmured. "I thought it would serve us best if we made the request both in person and in writing, I know not how the Braavosi arrange these matters."

[Flex]

"I don't think it is too different from our way." Corwyn said. "Let us first find a place to stay however."

[Marie]

Ivan nodded and led the way until they found a respectable lodging house. They paid up after briefl haggling over the price and then settled Princess Alysanne in her rooms.

"I shall write the letter in my own hand and then the princess and I shall both sign it," he told Corwyn. "You have my word that I shall watch over the princess in your absence. I know you fear for her."

[Flex]

Corwyn nodded. "I have protected Alysanne before and I shall do it again. Let me know when you have the note finished." With that Corwyn went to the common room to gather some information.

[Marie]

Ivan sat down and wrote the letter to sthe Sealord. When it was finished, he signed the letter, prevailed upon Alysanne to do likewise, then found Corwyn and handed him the letter.

Most noble lord

We, the undersigned, come at the behest of Her Grace Queen of Westeros, Lady of the Andals and the First men etc to offer you greetings. It is Her Grace's most earnest desire that there be friendship between Westeros and Braavos. Her Grace thereby requests that you permit us, her representatives, to meet with yourself and any of your ministers that you choose, in order that we may discuss the question of an alliance between us. We shall put ourselves at your disposal regarding a suitable time for a meeting, if your lordship is amenable to our request.

Princess Alysanne Targaryen of Summerhall
Lord Ivan Grandison of Grandview

[Flex]

Corwyn took the letter and left.

[Flex]

////

Corwyn returned. "He will see us now." He said. "Watch out for whips."

[Marie]

Grandison raised an eyebrow at that unwarranted comment.

"Whips, man? What has that to do with anything? We are a diplomatic party and must be treated with courtesy."

[Flex]

"You think I am not aware of that?" Corwyn asked with a raised eyebrow. "Just stay calm at anything they say; we've already got little enough a chance as it is."

[Marie]

Lord Grandison frowned.

"I agree, as it happens, but something inappropriate was said at the Sealord's Palace, wasn't it? You had better tell me what."

[Flex]

"Is that a command?" Corwyn asked. "Because I only take those from her Grace, the Princesses and Talyn Thatcher."

[Marie]

Grandison winced. Corwyn Storm troubled him by his lack of a clear rank. He was not quite sure how to treat the man.

"It is a request," he said. "Perhaps I spoke too hastily. I meant only that I think it wise for me to be aware of any...difficulties with the Braavosi. I am disinclined to trust them even though we come to seek their help and it troubles me that they should speak of whips."