conversations: human
conversations:  The invitation had gone out a few days before.  The manor had been spruced up once again, a feast put out.  This wasn't a social gathering, there weren't hundreds of guests to fill the halls of the Dornish mansion.  Tonight there were only a few guests -- the Saltcliffes, and whosoever of their houseguard they wished to bring.
  
  The business on the table was simple: an economic treaty, similar in kind to what she had struck with Lord Ridkard Ray for food.  But this one would be longer and larger in scope, and perhaps even include trade going both directions (beyond the simple exchange of gold for goods, as was the norm for Dorne).  She was excited as well to finally meet with Anarys Saltcliffe in private.
  
  Decanting a carafe of Dornish red, reading over news from her homeland, Princess Nadia awaited the arrival of the Saltcliffe delegation.
conversations: Glarx:
conversations: human
conversations:  At the appointed time, Lady Anarys and two Ironborn guards arrive at the manor house. Anarys instructs the guards to wait outside, and then goes in alone. She smiles when she sees Lady Nadia, a somewhat weary look on her face.  "Princess Nadia, thank you so much for your gracious invitation. I regret that my Lord husband will not be able to join us this evening as he has other business to attend to. I hope you don't mind, but he sent some guardsmen along with me. He seems to believe that there are thieves and assassins around every corner in King's Landing."  Anarys takes her seat, and breathes a sigh of relief,  "To be honest, I think that you and I can get more accomplished this evening without him. Polite conversation is not among his positive qualities." 
   
   Spoiler: OOC 
  Let me know if Nadia can make a DC 31 spot check.
   
conversations: Deadline:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler: OoC 
  If she could, she didn't.  Natural ones are great. 😩
  
  For the record, it's Princess Nadia.  The Martells are allowed to style themselves as Prince or Princess, because they joined the Seven Kingdoms of their own volition instead of being conquered.  Of course, Anarys might be trying to insult her, so that's entirely possible too.  I just didn't want an OOC mistake to be causing an IC misunderstanding. 😳
   
  
  
  " Of course, Lady Anarys, I'm happy you were able to make it.  I have seventy of my own men currently in the manor or in the streets around, so you need not fear.  But if you would like your men to come in, I would be happy to feed them as well.  As for your husband, I regret not being able to host Lord Saltcliffe, but I do wish him the very best.  He's correct, though -- thieves, assassins, they seem to make up almost half the Seven Kingdoms.  But you made it here safely, and for that I am grateful to the Seven ."
  
  She moved through the manor, a mixture of Dornish and Essosi architectural norms.  The dining hall had a great fireplace at one end, with only a small fire currently burning.  " I understand the Iron Islanders may be more acclimated to cold weather, so I instructed my steward to keep the fire low tonight.  If you get cold, however, say the word and I will happily bring the fire to a roar.  Have you eaten dinner yet, Lady Saltcliffe?  We have a very special selection of foods tonight.  A shipment of fruits from the Reach made their way to my house, and with the fruits we brought from Dorne... the chef assures me the parfait is unparalleled.  And fear not -- I will happily take the first bite, to redress any fears your husband may have sent you with about poison.  Do you drink wine, my lady? "
conversations: Glarx:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler: OOC 
  Oops, I didn't realize that. Anarys is definitely not trying to insult her, so I've edited my post above.
   
  
  
  Anarys follows Nadia through the manor, taking in the beautiful architecture.  "Thank you for the security and hospitality. Those fruits sound positively delightful, and a glass of lovely Dornish wine is a delicacy I'm afraid I've sorely missed."  She laughs lightly,  "I'm sure my husband would caution me not to eat or drink anything you have to offer, but I do not think he realizes that it is worth risking one's life for a taste of Dorne. Don't worry too much about the fire, you and I apparently have the blood of dragons in our veins. I'm sure it will keep us warm." 
conversations: Deadline:
conversations: human
conversations:  Nadia laughed and nodded.  " Of course, of course.  Please, have a seat! "  Nadia herself sat down at the small table, one reserved for special meetings.  The wood was rare, weirwood, and the carvings were absolutely intricate.  An heirloom, no doubt, and small enough for only four occupants.  Nadia reserved its use for meetings of great importance.  The first dish was a salad, topped with pickled fish and braised boar cutlets.  True to her word, the Princess of Dorne took the first bite.
  
  The steward poured wine and water for both women before retreating out of the room.  The doors were closed, and the curtains were closed.  They were alone, with only an audience of a fire and a thousand candles in the candelabras and chandeliers that dominated the ceiling.
  
  After a sip of wine, Nadia leaned in conspiratorially.  " I must ask, have you ever tried it?  Testing the theory about the blood of dragons?  Seeing if the flame will burn your skin? "
conversations: Glarx:
conversations: human
conversations:  Anarys pointedly waits until Nadia takes the first bite, and then does the same. Her pleasure in the taste of the food is plainly evident, and she slowly savors the meal. She mostly enjoys the meal in silence, but does take the time to make the occasional remark of,  "This is truly magnificent." 
  
  At Nadia's mention of testing her blood, Anarys shakes her head,  "No, I haven't tested it. To be honest, I had always assumed it was an exaggeration which was popularized to further cement the idea that the Targaryens were the rightful rulers of Westeros." 
   
   Spoiler: OOC 
  Sorry for the delay.
   
conversations: Deadline:
conversations: human
conversations:  " I see... it does seem like such a ghastly ritual, doesn't it?  I really can't imagine who the first Targaryen was who experienced such a situation, that he or she would spread the word around.  But, as you say, it may have simply been a rumor, to throw off the populace.   Steward!  "  The steward opened the doors and hustled down the long, mostly-empty room.  He stopped before the rare table.  " The next course, if you please ."  He nodded and turned on his heel, marching off to collect the next round of food.
  
  " I fear, though, that the Targaryens were the rightful rulers of those six kingdoms because they had the strength of arm -- and, if the tales are true, of  wing  -- to secure the lands and the loyalty of those living on them.  What would a little fire in the veins do to improve such a claim? "
conversations: Glarx: