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[ Lannister gold, it seems, can run out. When your family is in turn no longer welcome at The Rock. And then exiled to Dorne. A land not exactly fond of Lannisters but then it was a kinder punishment compared to what could've happened when her father's ties to the King of Dorne were brought into question. Her father had always been a generous man and had given help to all Seven Kingdoms. However, his help of certain ones was frowned upon and when he refused to stop, he was cut off from such riches and sent away.

It was only due to his loyal service and giving nature to all that he was spared and not deemed a traitor. Instead, just given the title of "fool". The Dornish, however, welcomed them with open arms when they found out who he was. A banquet thrown in his honor and all of them given rooms at the palace as guests.

Karen was still reeling from it all, missing the shore and cool ocean breezes. She also wasn't too sure of the fashion here, either. But she was dressed in red and green, gold hair pulled back and flowing down her bare back. She smiled and was polite to those that addressed her but she didn't feel much like starting those conversations herself. She nibbled at some food, drank the wine (it was quite good), but she couldn't help wondering what this meant for her now. Any hopes she had of marrying someone in higher standing was uncertain and she didn't feel all that comfortable with the... ways of the Dornish. How marriage and taking lovers was treated the same. And how freely such "love" was demonstrated in front of the court. ]

Edited 2017-10-25 06:35 (UTC)

[A party is the perfect place for introductions. Karen is meeting so many people, would-be friends and potential suitors. Her father might have been given the title of fool but he is indeed a Lannister. Their ties to the old world they know are strained. New bonds must be forged.

The music is intricate and the air is rich with spices. So many embraces and shared kisses. Lord Page spares a sympathetic look with his daughter and smiles. The weight and future of their house is hanging in the balance. She surely must already be aware that as his daughter she has duties.

Later. Tonight is for enjoyment.

More guests arrive as the hours grow long and the hot, Dornish sun hangs low. A man comes in, his hair pulled back and beard long but groomed. His clothes are finely made, long dark robes in earth tones with silver and gold detail. It's as if some manner of style was favored more than current fashion. While this is a happy occasion, his expression remains dour.]

[ Karen doesn't notice the man when he initially walks in. Only when whispers start floating over the music and she sees more than one person looking in a specific direction and her eyes follow. They widen as they take the man in; he looks different from all the other guests. Not just how he looked but the way he held himself. She averts her gaze when women start to approach him, moving to cross the room to refill her cup.

She won't bother waiting on a servant to do it for her. ]

[She sticks out like a sore thumb, her and her lord father. The room is filled with many different people of all stock. The golden hair of Lannister is distinct. At a distance she's a curiosity for Frank. His childhood on a horse riding though the Dothraki sea made him hardened and worldly. He has not been formally acquainted with the ways of the Seven Kingdoms aside from the small customs kept in Dorne.

Frank decides he should see her closer. And like tracking a deer in the plains of his foundling years, he shall do it slowly and at a distance at first. The women he greets get kisses, brief and gentle things. They in turn coo and twitter. He knows he is a novelty. And sometimes being that has it's perks. A stallion shall know many mares.

Finding he too has a thirst for wine, he crosses the space.]

[ 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. ]

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