paged | ❢ open rp ❢

Yes. Because we're talking.

[Frank tilts his head to one side.]

And many ladies aren't interested in conversation. And many are not so willing to argue with me. It's refreshing.

[ She sighs, shaking her head. ]

You come here because you like that I argue with you?

I confess that it would be more pleasant if there weren't so much arguing.

[Though there is something else there. Something in his smile.]

Wine?

[Since it is available.]

[ She shakes her head to the wine, still eyeing him with suspicion. ]

Why do you really want my company? Surely you know my feelings towards you and your heritage.

[The glass clinks and the wine pours beautifully into the goblet. He has a steady hand and fills it just so. It's not until he's finished that he turns back to her.]

I do.

[A careful sip before coming to a seat.]

My heritage is not well liked. I understand that. I'm not so sure why it is extended to me. If...that is the same issue.

It is when you've ridden with them. Lived with them and engaged in their "culture".

[ There's a bitterness to that last word and she doesn't refrain from letting it coat her tongue. ]

I don't like when men treat women like animals. I don't like it when Westerosi do it and I certainly don't like hearing about how it's done frequently across the Narrow Sea.

No Khalasar dares to follow the old ways as we had before the reign of our queen, my lady. And my father's was no exemption.

[He takes another drink and only allows his hand to curl into a fist.]

I am no khal. I came of age and chose to return to my mother and her land. That was a conscious decision.

[Frank shifts in his seat and leans forward.]

Are we the crimes of our blood? Are we the choices of our kin?

Only if you have committed those crimes.

[ She pushes defiantly, feeling this is a point that must be made clear if they are to ever move beyond this. She is not the other Lannisters and that's why she maintains such a stance. She will not turn and look the other way when such things are brought up. ]

I did not enslave a man, woman or child. And I did not take a woman for myself in anyway at all.

[Her stern sense of what is just is refreshing, direct. Usually women of the northern kigndoms choose to hide behind diplomacy or care. Lady Karen may not have a reason to fear for her life here there is no threat to her safety, not from Frank of all people.]

[ She watches him silently for a long moment, judging if he is telling the truth or not. Something tells her he is and she slowly gives a nod. ]

Good.

[ She looks away again, ]

What made you decide to come back?

[Stern silences were a staple of his youth. There is a little comfort in that. Frank takes another drink.]

My mother stayed in Dorne and I hadn't seen her since I was a child. My father died in the saddle the way all Dothraki wish to. It reminded me that life is short, that I had neglected another way of life.

[ A part of her feels bad about the things she had said, hating the very idea of losing either of her parents. But there wasn't any way for her to apologize for it now and sound sincere.

So, she went in a different direction. ]

She must've been happy to have you back after such a long time.

[Perhaps there will be a time for apologies. Perhaps not. He holds the goblet thoughtfully between his hands.]

Yes, very much so. She had thought me dead. My father was not one to write.

[A sniff is there in place of a laugh.]

[ She's silent for another long moment, looking at her hands in her lap. It's not really any of her business and yet... She's always been a curious girl. ]

What was she like? Your mother?

Very willful.

[And while it would usually be a negative or a complaint, he smiles wide. His eyes grow distant.]

She was always on the brink of being disowned. It never happened. She was too dear to my grandfather. Her journey to Essos tried his patience to the brink.

[As she can tell. Perhaps.]

[ She looks over in time to see the smile and it is both unexpected but welcoming. It makes his whole face seem... brighter. Warmer.

She feels a laugh bubble up at that, not able to really stop it so she turns her head away again, ]

I can only imagine. Coming back with a gift from the Gods.

[Her laugh is a magical, unexpected sound. He shifts a little, blinking. And it isn't a sound made in mockery.]

Yes, well, for a time. They were pleased with a younger me. An older? Well, it depends on the day. We all have such expectations to live up to with our elders.

[Frank drinks down the rest of his wine.]

[ Her smile dwindles into something more serious, knowing very well what he speaks of. She nods, ]

You seem to have done well done yourself. From what I've heard, you're quite respected in Dorne. Admired.

I try to do my best with my own investments. That's why it puzzles me so that the Lannisters who know the value of connections and money would so greatly disapprove of your father's decisions.

[He stretches to set the glass on the table.]

There are plenty of fledgling businesses and artists that need support. And I have done my share to be a brother's keeper of sorts.

It's because pride is as frequent as gold in our House.

[ Can she really claim to be apart of that House anymore, though?

She looks back over to him, ]

You are a fan of art?

Ah, but of course. The lion's pride.

[No tone of mockery or surprise. Just a fact.]

I am. There are a few artisans working on commissions. Did you happen to see the statue of Nymeria burning the freighter when you passed from the shipyard?

I cannot deny it exists.

[ There's a small, self-depreciating smile at that because he should know it very well by now.

But she shakes her head, ]

I don't think so. I... wasn't exactly looking around when we arrived. I have heard the story. I'm glad to hear of such women.

Gold and golden hair cannot be the only pieces of legacy.

[His smile is muted but still returned.]

She is not only a founder but a legend to our people. My mother would tell me stories. I've commissioned the statue to be renovated. It was made in the time of Aegon the Conqueror with a resurgence of kingdom pride.

[Which goes with the issue at hand definitely.]

Perhaps on a day you feel more up to explore I can take you to see it. Or at least the workshop of my chief sculptor.

Why?

[ Why does he want to show her his kingdom? Is it out of pride for it all or a means to convert her? ]

A few reasons. First being that you admitted you didn't see it the first time. And secondly, I enjoy your company and feel that I owe you a pleasant outting to make up for the first.

[The one where he discovered she is still a maiden with intact virtue and very much instilled with the Westerlands and Crownlands concept of modesty.]

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