The Sealord Arrives

[Westeros]

The arrival of the Sealord of Braavos at the Planky Town had been a splendid event, the purple-hulled galleys causing a stir among the orphans of the Greenblood and the Dornish merchants who keep the port busy. From there the Sealord and his entourage—an array of courtiers, bravos, more than one of Braavos’s famed courtesans, bankers, and more—were largely carried by palanquin and wheelhouse to Sunspear. Droves of the people of the shadow city came out to see the meeting of the Prince of Dorne, Maron, with his Braavosi counterpart, Tenesio Velaron. Even though the sun was high in the sky and merciless, the people came to line the way through the Threefold Gate.

Having passed under the eyes of the Dornish and the Threefold Gate to arrive at the Old Palace, the Prince helped the Sealord to step out of his palanquin. The great company then retired to the Sandship’s ancient feasting hall, which was arranged to welcome the Sealord in something like Braavosi-fashion, with seats and benches relegated to the margins, leaving the rest of the area open for the noble men and women to speak together. Wine flowed freely, and servants were constantly coming and going, bringing fresh cups and carrying away old, refilling plates of Dornish delicacies and a few dishes said to be favored in Braavos, and more.

Throughout the night, it was noticed that Prince Maron stayed with the Sealord Tenesio, drinking with him and talking with him as one would expect of one potentate with another… but also taking the time to introduce him to various members of his court, whether it was members of the Martell family or even lowly knights in the service of important lords. Elsewhere, other members of the court conversed with those Braavosi who could speak the common tongue, or in some cases through interpreters, and it seemed the representatives of the Iron Bank and the two keyholders in the Sealord’s company drew particular attention from officers of the court… but it was the courtesans who drew most eyes, particularly the woman known as the Mistress of Swords, said to be the Sealord’s particular companion and confidant these past several years and rumored to be among the most influential women in Braavos.

When the evening drew to a close, the Sealord and his company largely retired… but some of the bravos and more adventurous Braavosi followed young knights and ladies out into the shadow city, to enjoy the hospitality of Dorne once the sun was no longer blazing in the sky.

And in King’s Landing? If King Aegon stews over the fact that his disastrous attempt to invade Dorne has thrown his enemies into the arms of the Free City of Braavos—mayhaps—he does not show it… but it’s known that ships sailing from King’s Landing have been told to keep an eye out for a large fleet of Braavosi galleys making its way south, and that there’d be a reward for the first to report a credible sighting. He and his small council may not show concern, but they seem more than eager to learn what they can of whatever negotiations take place between the Prince of Dorne and the Sealord of Braavos.

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