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[ She hands off an empty pitcher to a server before turning to return where she came from, already taking a small sip. She only notices the man from before when he is already approaching the table. She swallows the wine harder than she means to and gives a small cough as a result. She didn't want to seem startled by his suddenly being there but she was. ]

Careful. Death over a glass of wine isn't unheard of. Just make sure that it is a worth selection.

[His voice is a low rumble, unhurried and even. If it weren't for the upturned corner of his mouth there's a chance it would sound like he was serious. Frank has been told that he looks very serious. Now that they are closer he can truly take in the sight of her. The lion dignified lions of beads and gem.T The color.]

[ She coughs again but this time it's more from a laugh bubbling up, ]

Indeed. That's true enough at the Rock.

[ Because it was not simply a generalization that Lannisters enjoyed their wine. ]

But I will say the quality of the wine here is much improved.

[ And now that he was closer, she could see that he was not just serious looking but the robes do little to conceal the warrior's body he had underneath. She has to take another sip of her wine since her mouth felt startingly dry. ]

[He reaches to fill a goblet of his own. Hands are steady and his own expression lightens hearing her laugh.]

Once you have had a taste of Dorne few other flavors can satisfy.

[Frank lifts his glass to her. Her eyes are like gems and he can feel them appraising.]

What brings you to away from your fortress?

[ She raises her glass to him, ]

Exile.

[ She manages a rueful sort of smile in his presence, preferring to laugh in the face of her uncertain future than show any weakness in his presence. He is still a stranger to her. ]

My father believes in the equality of all seven kingdoms and that sentiment was not returned by our House.

[ The bitter sting still remained. Probably always would, to be cast out by family. ]

It is a cruel world indeed where doing what is right is punishable.

[Frank pauses a moment before taking a sip.]

You'll find that this is not a sandpit you've been banished to. The joke is on your House.

[ She shakes her head, ]

No, it is far lovelier than I ever imagined it would be. People speak of how beautiful the people of Dorne are but very little of the land itself.

The people are part of what makes the land so beautiful. Though that was before you had stepped into it.

[Spoken as a Dornish would.]

Have you seen the Water Gardens?

[ It's not the first compliment she has received but it's the first one that makes her cheeks warm. She ducks her head slightly, shaking it again, ]

Only at a distance, from my room. After traveling, I wasn't keen on leaving it.

[The expression on her face, ah it gives him a thrill.]

I'd be glad to take you. When you're more keen.

[Surely she saw that coming. And surely she knew that being here, being as beautiful as she is there would be attention given to her, invitations. The longer Frank stands with her and is in the radiance of her smile, the more he craves it.

He takes another sip of the wine.]

[ She did and it's why she laughs once again, nodding and straightening her shoulders back. ]

I wouldn't be opposed to going now. While the light is still with us.

[ And she wouldn't mind getting some air -- and away from the eyes of the court. ]

[No time like the present is there. He's mildly surprised. Frank drains his wine and sets the goblet aside.]

Best make the most of it then.

[He extends his arm to Karen.]

I swear my intentions are honorable.

[ She doesn't drain her cup but does take his arm, her hold gentle and loose. ]

I should hope so.

[ She's smirking as she says it but adds, as they began to walk, ]

I hope I am not keeping you from your admirers...

[ It's hard not to notice them, watching with dark eyes as they walk by. ]

[He notes her soft hands and careful touch. Very much a lady. She's aware of the game and careless, cunning ways of men. It only makes her more interesting.]

My--?

[Frank turns his head as they continue to stroll.]

Ah. In time I'm sure you'll have your own share of friends.

[Friends.]

[ She raises a brow at the word, certain he's just being polite. But she can't help the bitter taste that forms in her mouth at the thought of those she once thought as friends. She takes another sip of her drink, her voice takes on a colder edge. ]

I thought I had those at Casterly Rock. Can't say I'm willing to open myself to more after that.

[ She's not sure why she's sharing that with him other than the fact that she has yet to speak openly about such things before now. It seemed selfish to do when her parents had already been through much in the past several weeks. ]

[Friendship has so many meanings in Dorne. And feelings tend to be sensual and intimate. The turn of conversation has the airy, playfulness subsides.]

That is a wise way to start. Though it seems your lord mother and father have alliances here that are forged from other bonds.

[His pace is casual, leisurely. Guiding her through the very familiar halls of the Sunspear keep.]

I suppose so.

[ She concedes, looking at the mosaics on the walls as they pass them, ]

I didn't pay much attention to such things, trusting him to do the right thing.

[ Which is why this whole thing still felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her. ]

[She takes in the scene as he watches her.]

He took his family to safety with him. So far, so good.

[Though that is not to speak of the deep seated issues that some Dornish have with Casterly Rock's great and noble house.]

You're still grieving for the lifestyle lost.

[That much is apparent.]

[ She nods slowly at both, not able to deny the truth he speaks. ]

It was the only life I had ever known.

[ A beat. ]

Before now.

And no bodily injury to speak of, I've noticed.

[Which is uh the bright side. Frank slows as they approach an elaborate, marble set of stairs leading down. There's a lush, garden and the bluest pool spread before them.]

What did Casterly Rock promise you, milady?

[ She tries not to roll her eyes at that though she knows she should be grateful all the same. They were quite fortunate to escape with their lives and what belongings they could carry. Far more generous than most that were considered "enemies" of House Lannister.

But the sight before them is enough to leave her speechless for a long moment, staring at the beauty close up now. ]

A future. Stability. Security.

[ All those things that were prized in a world as cruel as theirs. ]

[The response gets a laugh low in his gut. Frank chooses to say nothing. This time. The response intrigues him. There have been other pretty, painted birds from the other six kingdoms to come to Dorne. All of them sing pretty songs and put on pretty airs while leaving their true feelings a mystery.]

And do you believe those things are gone forever?

[They keep walking, closer still. The trees are providing shade to walk through and the air is fragrant with jasmine. Beautiful, white cranes flutter to splash down at the far end of the pool, the ripples cascading outward disrupting the mirror like surface of the water. A tall, solid figure like the man beside her only seems more harsh and out of place were it not for his collected, lordly behavior as her consort.]

[ She doesn't appreciate his laughter, taking it to mean that he's laughing at her and the concerns she has. It's enough to make her mad. Mad enough to be blind to the beauty around her, ]

I suppose if I were a man I wouldn't have to worry about such things.

[ She withdraws her arm from his, thank you. ]

[Frank relaxes his arm and folds them in front of him. His expression is plainly puzzled.]

Though our backs are strong and our shoulders are broad, we have the same burdens. I do not think that being another sex would suit you. Women are more cunning and careful then men. We charge like bulls and are undone by the smallest of things.

[Which sounds very, very contradictory from a man with the edges of scars visible in the long, open neck of his garb.]

My world has changed a time or two. So few a time with my will.

[ She noticed the scars briefly but she still purses her lips, ]

And yet women are not treated in such a way.

[ At least not where she comes from. Women are only heard when they are in a well enough standing or have enough power behind them. And even then they will always be seen as lesser. ]

They are considered emotional and weak-willed.

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