The King's Court at Storm's End

[The Stranger]

Where his grace the King hears all petitioners, and where the courtiers are assembled.

[The Smith]

The King sits on his throne dispensing wisdom with a smug smile.

[The Stranger]

Becca Thatcher is present, watching from the back gallery. The Walls are lined with True Sons, their spears glimmering slightly on the reflected light. The Lords of the Small council sit at a small makeshift table not far from the King's seat. Lord Musgood clears his throat.

"Uh.. Your grace.. first item of business on the list today, is a request for an audience from her lady, The Princess of Dorne, Ariadne Nymeros Martell.

[The Smith]

"She is always welcome, Monty. Send her in." Daemon eased himself back into his throne, and smiled warmly in antcipation.

[The Stranger]

The door to the great hall is opened, and Princess Ariadne Martell enters. She has changed costumes now, to a more traditional Dornish gown, which seems to reveal something, and nothing, depending on how the light reflects. She is now in her forties, but the Princess of Dorne has retained her figure well, and walks like she knows it. Two Dornish ladies follow behind her. She reaches the dais, and bows her head.

"Your grace, I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to see me," she says, her eyelashes batting with practiced perfection.

[Sam]

Lord Steffon Baratheon is also present, dressed in a simple elegant tunic of gold and black, seated on a chair below the King's own, but above the others in the room.

[The Smith]

Daemon stood, and walked down to embrace her, "It is always a pleasure. How have you been?"

[The Stranger]

She kissed Daemon on both cheeks, "To be honest your grace, I have been better. The ride here is terribly long, very hot. Especially in summer, you have no idea how hot. You'd want to ride naked," she smiled, indicating that she was still well aware of what happened in the capital, "but of course you'd burn for it. Just awful, and dust. I fear Lord Steffon will charge me to replace the bath tub I soaked in to get rid of the dirt of the road." She looked at Lord Steffon, and smiled, as sweetly as possible.

[The Smith]

"Ohhh. I am sure he would make an exception for you. He is a good subject, and knows that with the rank of paramount comes some privilages." Daemon smiled, "Why if you wanted to sit, I am sure Steffon would let you take his seat. Did your trip tax you too much? Do you need a rest? I have heard with time comes aches and pains."

[The Stranger]

"Some aches, some pains, only some of them of the body," She smiled, "and while I know Lord Steffon is the height of Stormlands chivalry," The way she says it, it is not entirely clear this is a compliment, "and would relinquish his seat for an old woman, I'm content to stand."

[Sam]

Steffon did not rise, though he flicked a hand, and two servants left the room, bringing back a wood chair several moments later.

[The Smith]

"I would hardly say old. More matronly then aged." Daemon smiled, and straightened his sleeve, before adding, "How are your children? I have not spoken with their father since the night he failed my realm so greivously."

[Fel]

Prince Maekar stands in attendance.

[The Stranger]

"Yes, my husband is well, he thanks you for asking after him," She replied, without pause, "and the children as well. They are reaching that age where suddenly they know everything, can do anything, and we elders are foolish, and without our uses. But then, I was that age also once, and some of us never grow out of it." She smiled knowingly.

[The Smith]

Daemon chuckled, "I am sure you grew out of it. You hardly are foolish at all."