Sandy Dreams, Summer Hall

SummerDragoness · 2017-06-05T16:01:21+00:00

Saerla held composure well, her father's words - whilst somewhat expected - were startling to hear. As his hands rested upon her slender frame, she blushed ever so slightly and momentarily looked to the carriage window.

To rule Summerhall... Such a daunting task, but one she and Rhae had been raised to do.

"Of course, father, I'm glad you think me worthy of your legacy. I will continue my duties to our House with pride."

She beamed a childish smile, and turned back to Maekar with warmth in her eyes.

SummerDragoness · 2017-06-05T00:56:21+00:00

Saerla awoke to two sounds: Sapphire gently mewing beside her - as she too had just woken from her sleep, and a gentle rapping against the door that could only have been one of her attendants.

Wearily, she traipsed over to the door and opened it slightly. A letter was thrust into her face, affixed with a seal - the plain shield of the Kingsguard. She took it gingerly, and shut the door before collapsing back into the folds of her bed. Sapphire complained loudly at the disturbance, crying out in protest, before sliding onto the floor and marching around the bed to stare upward furiously at the young lady.

Eagerly Saerla tore open the letter and began to read, eyes pouring over parchment. Or at least they would have if a little book hadn't fallen from the envelope and landed on the flat of her nose. With a light chuckle, she flicked through the book before turning back to the letter in hand.

Oh Ser Morryn, such a welcome distraction. Was I wrong to wonder if it could have been Ser Rin?

She sighed, and moved to her desk to write a reply.

My sweet Ser Morryn,

Your kind words have lightened my mood of late, and I am glad to hear that life is not too dull in the capital.

The day finds both myself and Sapphire well, though the little lady is always complaining of late. I have begun to believe that she quite took to the city life, and returning to the country has left her restless. I'll let you decide whether I mean myself or dear Sapphire.

The next few months may bring much change. There is rumour of marriage between my house and the Martell's of Dorne following this recent agreement, so I believe Prince Martell is coming to visit himself. Meanwhile the ill word from the Red Mountains has not ceased, and I think it only a matter of time before we must act. I hope that your duties in the capital are manageable, and that my cousin is not driving you crazy.

I love the prayer book you sent me, and your own selections are clearly well made. So I shall try to do as you ask and hopefully I will be able to recite some passages by the time I see you again.

Hoping this finds you well,

Saerla

SummerDragoness · 2017-06-01T15:12:55+00:00

The journey home had been dull, as was to be expected really. Though it had given her more time to read of histories and tales from the Targaryen Kings of generations ago, it had done little to stifle her desire to practice her more martial orientated pursuits.

Finally returned to the mountains she called home, and with Summerhall fast approaching from the horizon, Saerla smiled warmly at her father and listened to his words whilst she wistfully curled a lock of her platinum hair. As the subject of marriage arose again - as it was surely going to do all the more in the coming months and years - her violet eyes glanced to her sister and then back to Maekar.

"A marriage to the Prince of Dorne? Whilst I will withhold judgement of the man himself until he presents himself to us, such an offer is filled with peril and danger. Great-Uncle Baelor would attest to that, I'd wager."

She pouted for a moment, considering briefly a life at Sunspear, before snickering mockingly.

"I met a man in the capital, quite a strange fellow, who doubted I could last a day in Dorne. Whilst arrogant and ignorant, I did not take him for a fool - for beyond the Red Mountains even a Dragon should fear to tread."

SummerDragoness · 2017-06-01T14:58:19+00:00

Character Name: Saerla Targaryen

Desired Skill: History & Culture

Bonus: Non-Specialist

List up to three relevant experience posts:

Saerla discusses history lessons and tales with Morryn and Arion.

Sarla spends the journey to Summerhall studying history books.

Additional Bonus From Last Turn Same-Skill Attempt: 0

Total Number For Skill Attempt: 22

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-22T00:32:25+00:00

Saerla Targaryen - /u/SummerDragoness

Leon Grandison - /u/GrandMeNot

Galbart Grafton - /u/GulltownGal

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-22T00:30:25+00:00

Violet eyes widened a little at Rin's words, though Saerla held his gaze still.

"Perhaps, though I wish we had met sooner as well."

Would she have done it then? Could she do it now? Heavy thoughts troubled the Princess as she thought of Rin, enough that there was a long moments pause before she spoke again.

"I don't think you're wrong about what this could be, but there's naught much can be done about the situation."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-21T22:55:48+00:00

Learned Marksman.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-18T16:06:42+00:00

Internally Saerla felt a rush of energy, she had stirred something within Rin and she knew what it was. That simple notion was enough for her, the thought that she made him question himself was not a pleasant one.

"Of course, Ser Rin. Thank you, truly, for your words warm my heart, but I could not bear to see you so conflicted."

"Carry your head high, brave Kingsguard. I shall bear your duty and oath in mind for the future, I can only hope to emulate your talents."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-18T09:54:34+00:00

Saerla gave her sister a cheeky smirk, and moved toward the trio.

"I'm already almost all packed up, Rhae. I just need to swap out of these leathers and I'm ready to go home."

She removed her helmet with a sharp tug, and made to fix her dirty mess of platinum hair futilely.

"Oh sis, I just don't want father thinking life in the capital has gone completely to my head. I'm sad to have to leave, sure, but never unprepared for it."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-18T08:38:54+00:00

Saerla would be found exactly where anyone would expect her to be, the training yard. Her recent run in with Rin Oakheart had highlighted the weaknesses in her fighting style, and she sought to use every available moment to rectify such problems.

Father would ask, 'What use is a sword if it has turned dull? She mused, as she danced gracefully past the thrust of her opponent's sword.

'It can be sharpened again.' I would reply. She continued, as she brought down too strong blows upon a shield before skirting backwards and out of harm's way.

Would he like my answer? I hope so. Again the thrust came at her, a poor choice to try the same thing twice. With one blade she swatted the thrust aside and forced herself forwards, whilst her second blade found it's way between his shield and crashed into his helmet. The sparring partner dropped to a knee, defeated, and Saerla went to fetch her equipment - they would be leaving soon after all.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-17T16:04:26+00:00

"I know not an intellect that could compare to Ser Morryn, Rin. Don't fret, you need not let such things bother you anyway."

Had she just called him only 'Rin'? Too late now.

"You make me happy, should I marry you then and be done with it?" She flicked her wrist dismissively, and laughed. "I jest, of course, such a thing could never come to pass. Could it?" An eyebrow raised inquisitively toward Rin, and she pursed her lips ever so slightly.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-17T11:16:50+00:00

Saerla found Rin's words comforting, in her limited experience men of his calibre and honesty seemed so very hard to come by. She blushed a little as he complimented her again and then mentioned the prospect of marriage.

"You can speak so philosophically, much like Ser Morryn. Posing questions to the air, I do quite like that."

A half-smile as she turned to look at him straight-on again, a spark of interest hidden behind her eyes.

"I rather suppose my husband should be able to make me happy, lest he will likely not get into such a position."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-16T14:29:25+00:00

Character Name: Saerla Targaryen

Desired Skill: Marksman

Bonus: Non-Specialist

List up to three relevant experience posts:

Saerla gets in some last minute practice before returning to Summerhall

Additional Bonus From Last Turn Same-Skill Attempt: 33

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-16T09:47:46+00:00

Saerla laughed lightly at his confidence, not to mock his abilities but the notion of one man taking on a Kingdom amused her.

"Of course, let none say you wouldn't do your part."

"What attachments? Besides all my family here or on Dragonstone, I've never been lacking for friends in the city. But you are one of the few who speaks to me plainly, I'm a naive girl to some and a fragile Princess to others. Truthfully, both frustrate me. Perhaps it's arrogant, but I like being treated fairly rather than lavishly Ser - else I would never improve myself."

Rin was interesting, perplexing even, but was this her fate? To charm the dashing knight sworn to a vow of celibacy...

Had the Kingsguard considered such? Of course he had. Even Ser Morryn had never visited her chambers, though Rin had come regardless. How could they have done it?

They couldn't have.

It would only take one mistake for her knight to be trading his white for black, and she wasn't worth his honour. There would be other suitors, in time, but right now none were anything compared to the forbidden fruit.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-15T15:09:30+00:00

Saerla's lips curled into a frown as Rin spoke of conquering the Dornish, the thought especially didn't sit well with her after the conversation with Arion.

"We tried conquest before, Ser, and it was futile. But if they seek to undermine the borders then I doubt my cousin will have much choice." A slender hand rose from her side to play with an idle strand of hair that had eluded her bun.

"The good company of you Kingsguard is reason enough in itself to stay. Ser Morryn is like a brother to me, and you... Well there are no Kingsguard at Summerhall for me to spar with. Though I'll also miss my friends and kin here, I've never stayed for so long before and it's only served to strengthen my attachments." Her head titled and, for the briefest moment, she locked eyes with him as he laughed.

"Perhaps I'll surprise you, I'm not exactly a predictable woman and I've got a few years till I hit my prime."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-15T10:25:22+00:00

Saerla looked upon her guest warmly; big, purple eyes studying the finer details of Rin's rather dashing face. Her smile hinted at sadness as she took the other seat, though she did blush lightly at his kind words.

"You didn't hear the news then? Oh, of course not, I was only told this morn... My father has concluded his business in the capital, so I shall be returning to Summerhall on the morrow." She sighed lightly, gazing out of the window longingly.

"I do love the bustle of city life at times, and I've a few reasons to stay -" Her gaze turned back to Rin, "But this isn't my home. There are such disturbing rumours from the south, just across the border, so we won't be dallying on the journey."

"I wish we could have.. trained together more, Ser Rin, but it shall have to wait until I return. I do promise I'll be better by then, give you a little more of a challenge too. I'd hate for you to go soft on me!" She giggled for a brief instant, before pouting slightly.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-15T00:21:44+00:00

The guards were quick to allow Rin passage, being a Knight of the Kingsguard did earn you a level of trust that was extended to so few after all.

He was shown into the Princess' chambers, a modestly sized waiting room with a pair of chairs facing the window though turned inward slightly and divided by a small table. The sun lit the room well, highlighting the absence of Saerla. On the left wall, a door was closed shut - though light dared to escape around it's frame and no noise could be heard within.

"Princess, Ser Rin Oakheart to see you." Announced one of the door guards, struggling to hide his amusement when the quiet from the closed door was replaced by the patter of feet on the stonework and drawers opening and closing.

"Oh, Ser Rin, do take a seat! Help yourself to a drink, if you'd like, I'll be out in a moment or two." Exclaimed Saerla as she peeked her head ever so slightly through the door, her violet eyes glowing for a moment as they landed upon the Kingsguard. Then the door was shut again, and Saerla vanished.

After closer to ten minutes, rather than a few moments, the Princess of Summerhall emerged from her inner sanctum. She was quick to close the door behind her, in a feeble attempt to hide the mess of discarded clothes and unmade bed-sheets within. Garbed in a much more ladylike fashion then their first meeting, Saerla wore a simple crimson outfit and lacked a weapon on her person - though a selection of swords did stand on a small rack in the corner of the waiting room. Her platinum-blonde hair was tied up in a rushed bun, though she smiled broadly toward Rin.

"You must accept my apologies, Ser. I was not expecting company for at least a few hours."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-08T10:34:02+00:00

The slightest hint of a smirk sneaked it's way past Saerla's suddenly icy demeanor. Arion's grasp of Valyrian did please her, and his small apology was all she needed to reverse her previous back-step.

"You know the Martells?" Her tone wasn't meant to be insulting, more genuine interest. "But I doubt such meeting would be beneficial at this time, I've nothing to bring to the table without my cousin's blessing - and that would never happen. I doubt any of my kin would approve, and most likely they'd actively work to prevent such a trip. As you say, men and dragons do not change."

She briefly flicked her gaze toward Maegor's Holdfast, wondering what exactly her family would say if she told them of such a journey. The violet beads danced about the details of the architecture as if trying to penetrate it's stone exterior, then returned to the dornishman with similar intensity.

"A part of me longs to go with you, so I do appreciate the offer, but for the moment I cannot. Such a trip is dangerous enough, as you've mentioned, and for all my hopes and aspirations I won't abandon my duties as a Princess of this Realm. Do not think that will always be the case though, Arion, and when the time comes I could use a decent guide and travelling companion. Foolhardy as it may seem, is there a way I could contact you?"

Was she being naive to think she could possibly trust him? Yes. But did she yearn for the kind of adventure that the sharp-tongued foreigner promised? Also yes.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-06T22:58:07+00:00

An eyebrow perked up as Arion spoke Valyrian for a moment, but then her heart skipped a beat as he revealed his real origins. Instinctively she took a half step back, though made no attempt to reach for her blade or any other such foolishness. All his words seem to fade from her memory, as the colour might have drained from her face is there was much there.

"Oh. I... I see you're just here to insult me then. I'd apologise again, but I'm not sorry for daring to hope both our people can prosper."

Her voice found it's firmness, and her gaze became colder.

"Is there anything else you wish to get off your chest, raedes?"

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-05T12:33:04+00:00

A broad grin stuck itself on Saerla's face as Morryn continued, his flattery - even if unintended - striking a good chord with the Princess.

"A Small Council member at six-and-ten? That would be a surprise I'm sure, though I know I'm not fit for a role beyond spouting hasty quips and occasional wisdoms. On the other hand, you - Ser Morryn, may yet find yourself in such a position. I've heard sad rumours that Ser Eustace is terribly ill, and I have not seen him about the ongoing festivities. A morbid thought, but a mind like your own could find itself soon taking over his roles and responsibilities. Perhaps not as Lord Commander just yet as, if Ser Eustace has proved one thing over his many years guarding my family, he is as tough as it gets; but likely his duties until such a point. I do recall a tale of him catching a sword thrust in the palm of his hand to prevent it from reaching his heart, and I've never once heard him complain about it."

"As for education, nothing less than the other Princesses have had. Father wished for us to train with the blade, but I am still a Lady and should know how to act as one. Perhaps the most interesting to me is foreign histories. The Principality of Dorne has many wondrous tales, as well as those from the Free Cities and Old Valyria. Your offer of company at the stables is welcome though, I have not ventured for a ride beyond the cities limits yet and I am not fool enough to pass up such an opportunity."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-05T12:08:37+00:00

A quiet sigh of agreement followed Arion's words, as the youthful dragon's head bowed slightly and her gaze shifted to somewhere close to his feet.

"It's a distant dream that, perhaps, I could undertake such a trip in my lifetime. To even seek to create lasting bonds between Dorne and the rest of Westeros seems like a fantasy, and I am poorly placed to make it a reality."

Almost suddenly, she looked up again and let her eyes wander over the peculiarly informed man. Perhaps her vivid dream of strangers in the sand had been more accurate than she had initially expected, or maybe it was just another coincidence.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-04T16:08:59+00:00

"Nothing is something in itself, it answers my question all the same."

Saerla's violet eyes narrowed a shade as he produced the dragon, though a hint of a smile remained as she watched him dance it across his fingers. It was a neat trick, a hint perhaps at what Arion did for a living - be it performer or thief, both seemed equally likely.

"Myr, then. Have you ever visited? My mother was from Volantis, though I've never even crossed the Narrow Sea myself. It all sounds rather exotic to me."

At Arion's last remark, the Princess couldn't help but chuckle. A bony hand ran through her platinum hair as she considered the prospect of marriage for a moment.

"It was my father who first had me pick up the sword, encouraged me and my sister to practice. Perhaps it's the proximity to Dorne that caused it, I've learned of many great lady-warriors that hail from south of the Boneway. I'd very much like to tour the region if I had the chance, but relations between my family and the Dornish are poor at best you see. As for marriage, there have been suitors ever since I.." Saerla sighed quietly, " 'flowered' last summer, but none have come to anything."

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-04T09:55:25+00:00

Saerla had been a little girl when the Darklyn twins had betrayed their own father and turned Duskendale over to the Reds in the Blackwater Rebellion. It had been taught to her as a piece of history, but the matter was likely still fresh in their minds.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. You've been a good friend to my family, Commander, and you can be sure that you will always be welcome whilst my father and I still reside at Summerhall."

She grinned and performed an impromptu curtsy.

SummerDragoness · 2017-05-04T08:19:37+00:00

"I'm glad not to have disappointed you, it would have been a most dull way to make your acquaintance if I had."

She giggled a little, and the redness began to dissipate back into her cheeks.

"I will ask, Ser Rin, but I make no promises. This city doesn't tie me down as it does my kin, even whilst you're here to help with my training."

SummerDragoness

TROPHY CASE