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[Birds twitter and bounce in the branches above. The way the sunlight falls through the leaves dappling Starsea.]

Oh? With ivory skin and sapphire eyes? How could she be anything but lovely.

[Enfant terrible? The lady? Frank chuckles again.]

Ahhh, my own dear cousins were quick to test me. They taught me how to not just be stubborn and strong but clever. They had age and experience on me. And while they were my of my father's blood they were not so fond of me. They called me a soft little prince. No prince is a khal.

There's that silver tongue again.

[ But she smiles all the same. She's been told the Dornish either love those kinds of features or hate them, depending on how they feel about Lannisters and those from the west. It was comforting to know which Frank was despite their rocky start.

Though she frowns at his words, looking over her shoulder at him again, ]

All because your mother was Dornish?

[He contently sighs and bows his head as they pass under a low branch. It brushes his cheek close to her's. Quite friendly like. Karen is already in his lap for all points and purposes.]

Yes. I had to prove myself to them many a time. While it was not the most happy of times, I learned many a valuable lesson.

[ Her own cheeks flush at the contact, leaning away slightly before turning back to face forward again. Her body follows when she remembers how close they really are. ]

What kind of lessons?

[The steady tread of Starsea knocks them together now and again. Close as can be. Frank's hand stays respectfully still at her waist. The fabric of her fine clothes is soft, so soft and now and then is pulled by the gentle breeze.]

That I have to be resourceful and fast because I can be overpowered. And running to my father or the arms of my mother won't always be an option. In fact that stopped first or else they would have called me an infant until my death.

[He laughs about that now.]

[ Those are all good lessons. Even when she thinks she could never not rely on her mother for emotional support of some kind. She is a woman now but still loves the times when she can rest her head in her mother's lap. ]

Do you still talk to your mother?

When I can yes. My good fortune is her own. She does not care for courtly life any longer.

[Doesn't help that her choice of lovers has made her an outcast.]

Perhaps one day you shall meet her.

[Quite the possibility. The lioness agreed to a private ride. That is a good sign. There's another break in the trees and more burst of sunlight. It paints her hair a more brilliant gold.]

[ She dips her head when the sun hits, eyes downcast from the brightness of it. For a moment, she voices her own doubt at such a thing: ]

Are you certain she would want to meet me?

[ She's not considering a possible marriage with Frank. Not at this juncture even if her parents are seeing him as a potential suitor. She's thinking more about finding acceptance among these people she now finds herself surrounded by. She is stubborn and set in her ways. There's a good chance she will always be seen as an outsider here. ]

Oh yes. Anyone that believes they have the patience or stomach for my company has her favor.

[They come to another cover of trees, closer to the walled garden now. It shimmers in the distance from the Dornish heat.]

Your lord mother and father seem to be lovely people.

[ She looks over to the wall, feeling a hint of a smile again, ]

You have demonstrated having far more patience than I.

[ She then nods, ]

They are. They deserved better than the treatment they were dealt.

[ And some days she feels as if they deserve a less willful daughter. ]

Nothing worth keeping comes easily, be it a fine horse, glittering gold or a loving wife.

[Sagely words that are not his own. He leans forward into her as the dunes grow unsteady.]

You love them. I can tell.

[The northern countries and Westerlands show affection differently than they do in the sultry kingdom of Dorne. He has caught on by the way the willingly came despite the risk for a better life. And even in sorrow the lord knows his daughter is a prize and has prospects.]

[ She's silent for a long moment, feeling his body press into hers. Eventually, she leans back into his. ]

Which do you seek the most?

I once thought it was the comfort of a keep and riches. They have not served me beyond that. And now that I am a man I have come to think of sharing it with another.

[Another he says. Who ever could he have in mind? Starsea easily paws her way to more steady ground.]

....and yours, my lady?

I thought I knew once...

[ A beat. ]

I'm not sure anymore.

[ She knows she misses the sea. But ever since they were more or less banished, she's felt her future was uncertain despite her parents' words of encouragement that they will find her a suitable husband. ]

I am still a stranger in a strange land.

[For a moment he's silent as they close the distance between the walled garden.]

Dorne is not your rock island. There are still joys and riches to be had if you seek them.

[And someone willing to show her. Frank slows Starsea and slips to dismount to walk along side them.]

Don't let your heart be heavy.

[ As soon as he leaves the saddle, she finds herself missing the solidness behind her. The warmth of his body. ]

Have I offended you?

[ He must think her weak for fixating so much on a place that doesn't want her. ]

Edited 2018-03-28 00:25 (UTC)

[Frank turns to look up at her, soft expression on his face.]

No, not at all. It will be easier to get in down here. I have a key.

[A private garden. He reaches up to touch her hand.]

I hope that in time you'll find room in your heart for new people and places.

[ His words make her chest grow tighter, suddenly realizing one of the reasons she's so hesitant to do just that. If her own family could cast her and her parents out, how could she trust strangers to treat them any better?

She was afraid of this place. And of the people in it.

It was shameful and cowardly for a lion to be that way. But then she wasn't much of a lion anymore, was she?

She doesn't pull her hand away from his touch but averts her eyes, keeping her other hand on Starsea's mane. ]

[There are plenty of reasons why kin can and will turn on you. Blood and name do not always mean loyalty. Frank still lightly smiles at her. The lady has her own journey to take. He can only lead the way if and only if she is willing.

He turns away to unlock the door, pushing it open the heavy, ornately decorated door. He leads Karen and Starsea over the threshold. Within the shade of the trees for a moment seems to paint the interior of the garden an emerald. Above them the sun comes through a domed lattice structure above. It allows small, seed feasting birds in and keeps raptors at bay. A few steps in and the sand path becomes smooth artisan tile.

A trough is waiting for Starsea and he leads her there before offering to help her ladyship dismount.]/small>

[ She leans down some as they go through the door, only to straighten up again with wide eyes. It was beautiful. Far more beautiful than anything at the Rock. So much green and vibrant life. It rivaled even that of High Garden.

She's still turning her head this way and that to take it all in, still looking up at the domed lattice when he offers to help her down. It takes her a moment to answer but she accepts the offer graciously, holding onto one of his arms as she moves to slide off the saddle. ]

I never imagined such gardens in the desert...

The sun and sands are hot and unforgiving. Still there is beauty to be found.

[Their touch continues after Karen's fine leather shoes touch the tile. The foliage is eye catching, yes. His eyes keep returning to her. For the sake of his honor, and her own he does not shut or lock the door though it is clear that this is not a place most come to often.]

I like to be alone with my thoughts. Come.

[ She goes where he leads her, not letting go of his hand as she follows. Her eyes move from him to the beauty around them and then back to him. It quickly develops into a pattern. ]

Are you sure I'm not intruding?

Not at all. You can be alone with my own thoughts too.

[His eyes glimmer with his own joke. They stay close as he leads her to a fountain. The tiles on the bottom and sides make the water a crystal blue. It is even more dazzling to the eye amidst the green of plants and bright jewel toned flowers. A bench is close by, made for enjoying the scene. The lady ship can be seated first. He sits after, close to her, daring to be as close as he had while they were in the saddle.]

[ Their thighs touch through clothing once again and Karen ducks her head as she feels her cheeks warm again. Yet she doesn't move away from him. She spots a lizard on the ground, keeping her foot still as she watches it make its way over. ]

I've never seen one like that before...

[If she is accepting of his presence then he so gently puts his arm to rest against the back of the bench, not quite embracing or trapping. Testing the waters. He has a rare, half grin.]

No? Silly, tiny things. They're harmless. They lay on the tile and sunbathe. As a child I was told that they are little priests and priestesses that worship the sun. That explains why they are peaceful and would rather run than fight if they're frightened---and they always seem to be frightened.

Some larger kinds have poison in their fangs and use this place to hunt.

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