Chapter 29

Harry Potter + A song of Ice and Fire Crossover

Chapter 29

Several weeks later…

"My lady," the servant girl name Meera said softly. "When we reach the top of this dune, you should look up, we will see Sunspear for the first time."

Lysa blinked at the unexpected intrusion into her thoughts and blinked as she looked around.

She was surrounded by desert on all sides and for weeks, all she had been able to see for miles around was sand.

It would be a relief to see something other than endless gold and shimmering waves of heat. She couldn't even remember when they had left the green grasses and rolling hills behind.

The temperature had been almost unbearable for the last few days and she was very glad for the cloak that Lily had insisted she bring not only to keep her warm during the nights but also to guard against the scorching sun.

It had proven to be invaluable.

But if what the servant said was true, then there would soon be no more need for the cloak.

Lysa carefully lowered her hood and turned around so that she could look around the seat where Kaltas was sitting. From this vantage point, she would be afforded an excellent view of the city.

Lysa folded her legs and sat up as high as she could, arms resting against the sides of the vehicle so she could take in the breadth and scope of a city she had been thinking about for weeks.

The concept of this journey finally coming to an end was such an appealing one that a part of her wanted to weep.

For far too long she had been stuck in this wagon with people that she barely knew but whom had promised to look after her. Though it was easier to believe Kaltas and Meera now after they had spent so much time together, their silent assurances had nothing on the words of her own family.

She missed Lily, she missed Elia's kindness, she missed Cat and Axel and Ed and Uncle Brynden.

She didn't think of her father and Petyr. They didn't merit one drop of her emotional energy.

Absently, Lysa rested a hand against her stomach as Kaltas guided the horses toward the top of the sand dune. It was a bit firmer than it had been a few weeks ago and her dresses were a tad more snug than they had been since she left the capital.

They would need to be taken out before long.

Ah well, Meera would no doubt be able to help her with that.

Finally the wagon levelled out as it crested the top of the dune and Lysa was given her first look at what was to be her home for the foreseeable future.

Lying across the sand as if it had been dropped from the heavens by the hand of some ancient god, was Sunspear.

It was far larger than Lysa expected and the high walls gave it an air of formality that she hadn't quite expected from a desert palace.

She remembered her history lessons from Vyman however and that the home of House Martell was surrounded by three different walls, each of which had a different entrance so as to fool any potential intruders.

At the centre of the city was Prince Doran's palace along with its famed Water Gardens where Lysa would no doubt be spending a lot of her time.

She wondered what it looked like but somehow believed that it would be both opulent and indulgent, two words that she was beginning to understand defined the Dornish completely.

The city at the very least embodied those sentiments as the walls were a deep burnished sandstone that appeared like gold in the late afternoon sun. Whipping in the wind from above the main gate was the bronze banner with its golden sun and spear, the symbol of House Nymeros Martell.

"Home," Meera said with something akin to relief in her voice. "What do you make of it my lady?"

"It's," Lysa swallowed hard, trying to put her thoughts into words. "It's formidable to be sure. But certainly, very beautiful. Not at all what I expected."

"What did you expect my lady?" Kaltas asked, turning in his seat to face her, the expression he bore, curious.

Lysa eyed him for a moment, and then decided to choose her answer carefully. Along with being an indulgent and opulent people, the Dornish in many ways reminded her of adders. They moved slowly and carefully until it was the right time to strike.

And when they did so, it was a deadly thing.

She would need to watch her words around here.

"I suppose I didn't expect the walls to be quite so high," she said finally as she took in the structure. "I can see now why the Targaryens were never able to take this city."

Kaltas surprised her by offering an amused smile and Lysa felt relief, knowing she had somehow said the right thing.

The Dornish bastard turned back around and snapped the reins across the backs of the horses, setting the wagon into motion again. "Each invading army had to contend with the desert before they reached the very southern tip of this land. Even for the dragons it was too formidable an opponent."

To that, Lysa had nothing to say but as they neared the gates of the city, the found she didn't want to.

The walls seemed to grow even taller the closer they neared and she found she had to crane her neck all the way back in order to see to the top of it. From that vantage point, she could see guards patrolling the landing at the very top, gripping their spears and generally looking intimidating.

The wagon joined the line of patrons waiting to enter the city and Lysa felt a slight thrill that her journey was nearly through.

What followed immediately after was some trepidation that she was about to meet Elia's family.

The princess had painted a welcoming picture of them she knew Lily wouldn't just send her off willy nilly into the arms of people who were dangerous. Her younger sister had met both of Elia's brothers before and had developed something of a rapport with them, so they must be good people.

It's just nerves, she thought to herself. You've always been nervous about meeting new people.

As they neared the main gate, Lysa caught sight of the guards stopping people who entered and taking papers from them, assessing their purpose in the city.

For a moment, she felt panic, wondering if that was something she was supposed to bring as well.

When they pulled parallel to the guards however, Kaltas alleviated any fears by pulling two pieces of parchment from a small leather satchel sitting beside him. He handed both items to the guard who plume on his helmet was slightly taller than the rest.

The man appeared older than the smooth faced guards and he looked from Kaltas to the parchment before examining it carefully. His eyes lingered on the words of the page for so long Lysa began to feel an irrational sense of panic.

What if they turned her away? What if they sent her back to King's Landing? Or worse, what if they sent for her father?

A moment later however, the guard handed back the documents and waved them through the gate.

Lysa didn't release the breath she was holding until they were safely through. And by that point, there was far too much to look at and listen to.

Kaltas guided the wagon into the stream of visitors to the city and Lysa saw various people in garbs and of all heights and sizes, looking eagerly for the next entrance into the city.

The two inner gates weren't as long of a waiting time as the first and when they finally entered the city for the first time, Lysa was struck by the feeling that she had entered a tropical paradise.

The streets were lined with palm fronds on each side and the stones beneath their feet were cobbled. The buildings rose higher the further the wagon went into the city and Lysa caught sight of colorful merchant tents in various stages of teardown.

Still, the faint scents of the day's sales lingered in the air, the smells of spiced meat and saffron mixed with lavender and rose hip as well as homemade bread were enough to cause Lysa's mouth to water.

Though they had had food on the journey, it wasn't nearly what she had been used to at home or in the capital.

It would be nice to eat a full meal again. She was eating for two now after all.

Different languages and dialects mingled in the atmosphere too, reminding Lysa that Sunspear was also a port city and that ships came from all over the known world.

She wondered when she would get to see the harbor.

"Look ahead my lady," Meera whispered beside her. "You can see the palace from here and on either side of it, you can see the two towers. There is the spear tower and the sun tower. One is for prisoners and the other is for honored guests."

Lysa looked to where she was pointing and was surprised at the difference between the two structures. One was tall and thin with narrow slits for windows and a very pointed roof with sharp turrets. It was quite literally the embodiment of a spear stuck in the earth by some giant, it's point facing the heavens.

The sun tower was much wider and shorter, reminding Lysa a bit of the roundness of the golden ball in the sky. It's roof was flat and curved tines poked out at consistent intervals as if to mimic the sun's rays. Its windows were also round and she wondered absently if the chambers within were round as well.

The palace was entirely another sight to behold. It was a low but ornate building that was rounded like the sun tower but didn't appear to have any windows, at least ones that she could see. There was a tall wall separating it from the rest of the city so intricate details were still a mystery to her, though Lysa knew she'd see it all in time.

Kaltas snapped the reins again and the horses picked up the pace, cutting through the masses as they made their way up the hill to the palace.

Lysa could feel both her anxiety and anticipation mounting as her eyes remained locked on those tall gates.

Once they opened, there was no going back. She would officially be a member of Prince Doran's household and as such, would be given all the privileges and responsibilities that anyone in his own family might have.

That was both thrilling and worrying.

Aside from the few things that Elia had whispered to her, there was little that Lysa knew about Dornish culture. She knew they were far freer with their passions than any other people of Westeros. Bastards here might not have been granted the same rights as the trueborn but they were certainly not looked on with the same disdain either.

She did remember that Prince Oberyn himself had a few bastard daughters who Elia had spoken of with fondness. They lived in the palace with him, though Doran had set up a place for them in the Water Gardens. They played with the Lord of Sunspear's own children and were welcome.

That's all I want, she thought wistfully, pressing a hand to her stomach as if she could will her wishes to fruition. For this child to be welcomed and safe.

They had reached the gates to enter the palace by the time her hasty thought had finished manifesting and Lysa pressed her hand tightly in her lap, hoping she looked every incht he lady she had tried to project her entire life.

The guards came forward from their posts on either side of the doors and a brief word was shared between them and Kaltas that Lysa didn't quite catch. They barely spared her a glance before there was a heavy creaking sound and the gates swung inward.

Lysa's first impressed of Sunspear's palace was that it was a thing of decadence.

It was surrounded by green shrubs both big and small and curious hanging vines wove their way up the palace walls to the roof.

A sweet spicy scent filled the air and Lysa wondered absently which blossom was giving off such a delicious smell. She could barely see anything else save for the greenery that dwarfed nearly every other decorative aspect of this courtyard.

The one thing that Lysa could see clearly was a cobbled path directly in front of them, leading to a gilded archway that marked the entrance to the palace itself.

She couldn't help but look around at it all. Everything was gold, everything was jewelled and there were marble frescoes and intricate lattice work carvings laid over every window.

Prince Doran obviously cared very much for appearances and the marble fountain that dominated the centre of the courtyard was a certain testament to that. It was taller than Lysa herself.

She glanced past the intricate stone work, her eyes fixed on the path to the interior with some trepidation.

Somewhere in these halls, Prince Doran was waiting to meet her. Her host was, from what Elia had described, a shrewd and cunning man who saw all of Westeros as a chessboard and he and his family as only one section of it.

As much as she disliked politics and intrigue, Lysa was no fool. She knew her father played the game of thrones as much as any other Lord and she also knew that Prince Doran's reasons for allowing her to stay with his family went beyond a simple favor to Lily.

He was playing some sort of long game. She just didn't know what that game was.

Nor was she interested in finding out. Her only desire was to impress the man and ensure that he didn't regret extending her this open ending invitation.

In time, she might like to make some friend as well, for though they intimidated her, they were also far more welcoming than those to the North, far more forgiving of mistakes.

Kaltas opened the back of the wagon and Lysa blinked, realizing that now was the time.

She got to her feet and allowed him to help her down from the vehicle, sighing with relief when her feet touched hard stone again.

It was certainly nice to stretch ones legs after so long a journey. Meera clambered out from behind her and Lysa was once more grateful for the girl's presence.

"Lady Lysa Tully?" An unfamiliar voice asked.

The red head looked up in time to see an unfamiliar man coming down the path towards them. He was dressed in robes of dark saffron and his head was bare. He wore a maester's chain about his neck and his hands were tucked into the sleeves of his long robes so that they remained hidden.

He appeared rather unassuming and was half a head shorter than Lysa. When he raised his head to look at her, Lysa caught a flash of dark intelligent eyes surrounded by a mass of wrinkles and framing a kind face.

"Yes?" she asked.

He inclined his head when he came to a stop in front of her. "I am maester Myles, the maester of Sunspear. I have been instructed to see to your care whilst you are in Dorne."

"Oh," Lysa flushed a bit and twisted her hands together. It seems everything had been thought of. "That is good news, thank you maester."

He nodded and then a small group of servants appeared behind him and headed for the wagon where they began to unload the baggage. "Your things will be seen to and placed in a chamber in the Sun Tower. I will bring you there momentarily, however Prince Doran wishes to meet you first."

Lysa swallowed hard. She had known that the Lord of Sunspear would want to make her acquaintance as they had never met before, only seen each other briefly in passing at his sister's wedding a few years earlier.

Lysa tried to remember what he looked like and recalled only a head of black hair, a calculating look in the eyes and clothes of sunshine yellow.

There had been a ring also, a ring with a bright yellow amber stone and fingers that tapped absently back and forth against his chair as though they were sounding out the melody to a tune that only he knew.

How she remembered these little details, Lysa didn't know but she had a feeling that they were important.

Suddenly she wished Lily were there. Her sister knew the Martells well, had counted not only Elia but Oberyn as friends. She would know if there was anything she needed to look for, to recognize.

If anything, Lily was the best at discerning intentions. She could see into men's hearts far more easily than anyone Lysa knew.

A part of her wondered if that was a symptom of her sister's magic or just something that she was naturally good at.

At any rate, it didn't matter. Lily was there and Lysa's own discernment alone would have to be enough.

"Very well then maester," she said, raising her chin, and no doubt looking far more confident than she felt. "Lead on."

Myles nodded only once and turned back around to walk into the palace. After a moment's hesitation, Lysa followed him.

The moment she put one foot over the threshold however, she was transported.

The floors were a cool bronze tiling, the heat of which she could feel through her sandals.

Oh how lovely it would be to take off my shoes and walk barefoot, she thought to herself. In Riverrun it was far too damp for such things.

There were windows covered in intricate bronze latticework on the left side of the hall, interspersed with tall potted plants. On the right side, the odd portrait hung, depicting various landscapes through Westeros, most of them Dorne.

The hallway took several winding turns and at one point, Lysa came across a very large open window that looked down into the most magnificent garden that she had ever seen.

It must have been the size of the palace and was covered with trees and flowering shrubs. Lovely round pools of water dotted the ground and some had dainty fountains rising out of the water as an elegant sort of accoutrement.

The entire space was enormous and the only things separating it from a jungle like atmosphere were the long winding stone paths that snaked their way through the shrubs and the green.

Off in the distance, Lysa could just about make out an archway and beyond that, there was nothing but the blue of the sky and the faint roar of the ocean.

"My lady."

Lysa looked up to see Myles standing only a few feet away. His expression remained impassive but there was a note of firmness in his tone that made her stand at attention. "We must not keep the prince waiting."

"Of-Of course," Lysa stammered. "Forgive me. It's just so beautiful, I've never seen anything like it."

Myles expression softened. "It is. And I will be more than happy to show you the rest of it in time."

"Thank you," Lysa said, relief colouring her words. "I suppose we should carry on then."

It didn't take them much longer to find the receiving hall where she was to meet the prince.

Lysa and Myles took a few more turns down the hallway that was surprisingly winding, before it began to widen and the red head found herself in a long, low hall.

Its walls were the same copper tones as the hallway and several round disks of burnished gold with curled tines hung on the walls. Ornate weaponry hung every few feet, mostly crossed and gilded bronze spears.

The entire left side of the room was open to reveal a long wide balcony that looked out over the Water Gardens.

A series of arches and white pillars lined the threshold separating the room from the balcony and lending the whole space an air of opulence.

At the far end of the hall was s small raised dais surrounded by a pair of marble steps and sitting atop it was a golden throne.

Behind the throne hung the large orange banner of House Martell with its yellow sun and sharp spear.

And framing the entire setting was the man sitting in that golden throne with his hands wrapped around the armrests and an unreadable look in his dark eyes.

If Lysa had to describe the Lord of Sunspear with one word, it would be severe.

Everything about the man seemed to come to a point, from the top of his head to the cut of his hair and the straightness of his nose. Though his chin appeared rounded with youth, the lighting cast it into sharp relief, throwing a shadow over his face and making his expression even more vague.

He was dressed in robes of deep bronze, open slightly at the chest to reveal a saffron yellow tunic. His dark hair was oiled and gleaming and the entire ensemble was tied together with a thin circlet of gold wrapped across his brow.

All in all, the picture that he painted was a very intimidating one and not for the first time did Lysa wish Lily had come with her.

Standing next to him was a man so alike in appearance and height that it could only have been Prince Oberyn.

But where Doran was closed, Oberyn was incredibly open in expression. He was almost unfairly attractive with close cropped dark hair and neatly maintained beard. He was dressed opposite of his brother in robes of saffron with a coppery tunic underneath and tall boots to complete the ensemble.

A long slim sword was slung low about his hips and he had one hand casually resting on the hilt of it in an air of passive nonchalance.

Lysa had a feeling he would not hesitate to use it a moment's notice however.

She hadn't counted on both brothers being in attendance for this meeting, although she supposed it made sense.

She would need to be on her game after all.

Maester Mayles strode into the room and bowed low before the Lord of Sunspear and his brother, completely oblivious to Lysa's hesitation. "My lord, may I present the Lady Lysa Tully of the Riverlands and the Trident?"

He turned back to her and Lysa got her wits about her in time to remember to curtsy deeply. "Lady Lysa, Prince Doran Nymeros Martell, Lord of Sunspear, the Sandship and Dorne."

For a moment, no one said anything else and Lysa remained in her curtsy, waiting until she was bid to rise.

Finally, when she thought her legs might give out from their bent position, the prince spoke.

"Please rise Lady Lysa, you must be tired after your journey and I would not want to add to your fatigue."

Even his voice was severe, although there was a slight accent there that she couldn't place. It was sharp sounding, as if were a man used to giving orders and being obeyed, which of course he was.

Slowly, Lysa rose and folded her hands behind her back so they wouldn't give away how nervous she was.

Surprisingly enough, it was Prince Oberyn who chose to speak next. "You look like her."

His voice was smooth and slow, reminding Lysa a bit of poured honey. He also seemed to be the sort of person who used his words sparingly, saying just enough to make someone nervous before withholding the rest of them and leaving the person he was talking to completely in the dark.

Along with a face beautiful enough to blink several times at, it was almost as intimidating a combination as his brother.

"P-Pardon my lord?" she asked at the odd opening.

Oberyn's mouth curved upward in a sultry smirk and Lysa felt her cheeks flame.

"Your sister," he said, looking at her far too long to be strictly polite. "Although your hair is less wild than hers."

"You're well acquainted with my sister my lord?" Lysa asked. She knew the answer reasonably well but she was interested in hearing his interpretation.

"Oh yes," the prince said, his smile widening. "Quite a woman your sister. Often time I'm surprised that your house symbol is a fish and not a lion given her character."

Despite herself, Lysa smiled at the oddly perfect comparison to Lily and then grimaced at the reminder of lions.

"Well unfortunately that symbol is already taken by a house that I don't like very much so its unavailable."

For a moment, Oberyn's face darkened and Lysa wondered if she had said the wrong thing.

Fortunately Doran saved her by speaking up. "In that regard we can agree my lady. Allow me to welcome you to Dorne and to Sunspear."

Lysa blew out a breath and gave him a relieved smile. "Thank you my lord. I am very glad to be here. When your sister proposed this plan I wasn't sure what the outcome would be."

"You need not thank me Lady Lysa," Doran said, brushing past the gratitude smoothly. "Your sister has proven to be a great friend and ally to House Martell. I was desirous to thank her in some way and the opportunity has presented itself in you."

Lysa nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed at the irony. She knew Lily despised politics but here she was making herself a trusted ally of the Martells. Lily wouldn't see it that way as she was fiercely loyal to her friends, but even still.

She had saved the princess's life twice from would be assassins….assassins that were still whispered about years later.

The attacks had simply vanished, dried up like water and no one knew why.

Perhaps the coin of whoever had sent them had disappeared too.

"Even still my lord, my sister was not the one who proposed this idea. It was the princess who is owed the credit for that and you have accepted my desperate plea for safety. It remains that your house is one to whom I owe my gratitude."

For the first time since she had laid eyes on Doran, a small smile curved the prince's mouth, making Lysa feel as if she was now standing on steadier ground.

"Then I accept your thanks my lady," the prince said. "Do not feel as if there is a time limit on the duration of your stay also. Your circumstances render your future a delicate thing and as is usual in monumental decisions, I always encourage time as being the best remedy."

Though Elia had assured her that she would be welcome to stay in Sunspear as long as she wanted, those words meant something different coming from Doran and Lysa was suddenly alarmed to feel the corners of her eyes begin to sting with sudden tears.

"Thank you my lord," she said tightly in order to hold back the flood of emotions. "That is very relieving to hear."

"Myles will show you to your lodgings in the Sun Tower," Doran continued smoothly. "Please feel free to rest after your journey. Later in the day someone will arrive to show you about the Water Gardens if that is your desire."

Lysa curtsied low again, almost overcome but determined to keep it hidden until she was alone.

She was safe, her child would be safe.

Her father would never be able to find them here.

She turned when Myles appeared at her side again and quietly followed the maester out of the room and back into the corridor.

She would sleep well tonight for the first time in months.

The moment she was out of sight however, Doran reached for the decanter of wine sitting on the small table next to his chair. He calmly filled the two goblets sitting there and passed one to his brother before selecting a fig and rolling it back and forth between his fingers.

A lazy chuckle filled the silence of the room and Doran didn't have to look at his brother to know he was laughing. "And just what is so funny Oberyn?"

The younger prince continued his quiet laughter as he sipped from his goblet.

"You," he said finally. "You looked like the cat that has caught the canary as soon as the Tully girl walked into the room. You've been scheming for weeks ever since Elia's letter arrived."

Doran raised an eyebrow at him. "You know I dislike that word. I was not scheming."

"Would you prefer planning, devising, designing or calculating then?" Oberyn asked, cheerfully swirling the wine in his goblet about before taking another sip. "You may not like the word but that was exactly what you were doing. Would you care to let me in on why our sister's letter has had you deep in your own counsels since you read it?"

Doran snorted and took another sip from his goblet. "It is always good brother to make allies of other houses and curry favors from them so that the same might be done for you. From what our sister's letter said, very few people are privy to Lady Lysa's whereabouts. Of course that is desirous given her current state. An interesting turn of events this is."

"And what do we stand to gain from it brother? As I know that this thought is chief in your mind," Oberyn said, still looking amused.

In answer, Doran got up from his chair and taking his goblet in hand, walked down the dais and across the room until he was out on the balcony overlooking the water gardens.

It was a stunning evening and in the distance, the call of cicadas mixed with that of the rumbling ocean. The sweet scent of mango and hibiscus was heavy on the air and the western sunw as casting warm soft glows on the garden and the palace.

The lord of Sunspear leaned against the railing and raised the goblet to his lips.

Out of the corner of his eye, he took in the fact that his brother had joined him at the balcony ledge and was looking at him expectantly.

Knowing how impatient Oberyn was, Doran was silent a moment longer with his perusal of the gardens and busied himself with his wine before he spoke again.

"How many children was Hoster Tully have brother?" he asked.

Both of Oberyn's eyebrows rose at the unorthodox question. "Five if my memory serves me right. What of it?"

"And how old is his heir?" Doran asked, answering a question with another question.

Oberyn's eyes narrowed. "Only a few short years younger than Lady Lilian I believe."

A moment later, Doran's point of view sank in and he reared back a bit in surprise. "You can't be serious."

Doran sipped casually from his wine. "Think about it brother. Lady Catelyn is engaged to be married to Brandon Stark. Up until a certain point, Lady Lysa was supposed to wed Jaime Lannister although with his induction into the Kingsguard it doesn't seem as if he'll be marrying anyone any time soon. And Lady Lilian is set wit wed Elbert Arryn in a few years. If he plays his cards right, it is possible that Hoster Tully will be connected to each of the major houses in Westeros. How foolish would you think me if I didn't seek to take advantage of that?"

Oberyn narrowed his eyes at the older Martell. "Even so. This all seems a little elaborate for something as simple as a marriage request."

Then Doran did something he normally did not. He smiled, an action that thoroughly unnerved his brother.

Oberyn regarded him for a moment and grimaced before taking another sip from his wine. "Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like what happens next?"

Doran than continued to surprise his younger brother by chuckling softly. "Oberyn, I can happily assure you that every move I make is for the good of this family."

"Of that I have no doubt," the Red Viper drawled. "What worries me is that I do not know what moves those are before they happen."

Ω

It was amazing how much better she felt after she had bathed, eaten, and rested. The ambience of the palace was one of relaxation and had done wonders for her soul.

The chambers that Lysa was staying in were large, airy, and bright, giving her the oddest feeling that she was staying in a room in the sun rather than a normal palace.

After a bath, Meera had brought her a tray of roast chicken, bread and lovely ripe fruits as well as a decanter of wine.

After eating and drinking her fill, Lysa had lain down on the bed and had fallen asleep for the rest of the night.

When she had awakened the next morning, the sun had been nearly blinding, but she had risen feeling remarkably light hearted and full of energy.

She had immediately dressed, broken her fast and departed her chambers with a book, eager to see the rest of the Water Gardens.

She found herself sitting on a marble bench with her back to a tall spreading palm tree, feet only inches from a pool of water with a fountain at its center.

The sun beat down on the water gardens like a spotlight and in the distance, Lysa could hear the rumble of the ocean.

She made a mental note to see if there was someone who would be able to take her to see it later in the day when the sun was at its hottest.

In the meantime, she was quite happy to read, one hand casually resting against her stomach.

It wasn't long though before she found herself interrupted by unexpected visitors.

There was a sudden rustling from the underbrush and Lysa looked up in time to see three small faces peering out at her from the shrubs.

She set down her book, feeling a delighted smile come over her face. "Why hello! Who are you?"

There was a moment of silent indecision between those faces and then slowly, one by one, all three, attached to bodies, emerged from the underbrush.

Lysa found herself looking three little girls no older that maybe five or six years of age. The youngest appeared to be four and they were all looking at her curiously.

They were dressed in saffron colored tunics and trousers and had their hair done in rather dramatic styles. The youngest's hair was shorn to just below her ears while the one in the middle had her hair done in a tight bun. The last had her hair hanging long about her shoulders.

Something about their eyes was very familiar to Lysa until she remembered that she had seen those eyes before in Prince Oberyn.

It dawned on her then that these must have been his daughters that Elia had mentioned in passing. She scrambled to remember their names before deciding that they would just have to tell her.

"Hello," she said getting off the bench and getting down on her knees in front of them. "My name is Lysa, what are your names?"

Another look was exchanged between them, obviously the three being playmates and confidantes.

After a pause, the tallest one spoke up. "I'm Nymeria but you can call me Nym." She pointed to the two others. "That's Obara and this is Tyene."

Lysa smiled at them all gently and the suspicious look on all of their faces smoothed out somewhat. "And your father is Prince Oberyn?"

They all nodded.

"Who's your father?" Nymeria asked curiously and Lysa sighed, not knowing how much they had been told about why she was here.

"My father is far away from here," she said, thankfulness creeping into her tone. "He lives in the Riverlands."

For the first time a spark of interest shone in Nymeria's eyes, winking out the suspicion that had previously been there. "What does it look like?"

"Well," Lysa placed a hand on her chin and cocked her eyes to the sky, making a big show of thinking. "There are a lot of forests and castles and trees and rushing rivers. Its not as hot as it is here and its very green. My sisters and I would sometimes go riding beside the river. We liked to race it and try and go as fast the water was rushing."

"Did you?" the quiet child with the tight bun asked finally.

"Never," Lysa said with a smile. "The river is too fast, faster even than a dragon. We have stories about the river."

"What kind of stories?" the smallest one, Tyene asked.

Lysa could feel herself relaxing completely. Prince Oberyn's children were adorable and seemed to be naturally curious.

If this is the sort of company I'm going to have while I'm here then I could get used to this, she thought happily.

"Well," she said. "Why don't you all sit down and I'll tell you?"

Another look was exchanged between the three and after a moment's hesitation, the all gathered round the pool and crossed their legs, waiting.

Lysa leaned forward conspiratorially. "Long ago, before the dragons came to Westeros and the Andals with their weapons, gods and goddesses lived in the rivers and the trees and earth all through the realm. They were fearful of men and their ambition and so they watched them with all seeing eyes. Deep in the riverlands however, there dwelt a goddess in the river that was more curious than afraid of men."

Lysa glanced quickly at the children and noted that Tyene and Nymeria were hanging on her every word. Obara looked a little skeptical but she wasn't saying anything so Lysa decided that was as good a reason as any to continue.

"Her name was Tyrza," Lysa went on looking between the three girls. "She had blue skin like the water and grey hair and eyes like the rocks that sit along the river bed. She was very beautiful but very strong and frightening to some of the other gods and goddesses. Hers was the largest and fastest river in the land and she would often challenge the other river gods and goddesses to races, but none of them could best her.

"One day there was a great battle fought on the edge of Tyrza's river and one man fell into the water, the current carrying him downstream and away from the conflict. Tyrza saw him and caused the water to push him to the surface so that he didn't drown in all his armor. She saw from the circlet on his head that he was a great king and warrior and she was curious about him. She used the water to push him to shore far away from the better and emerged from the water so that she could watch him. After a time, he woke up and saw her sitting on one of the rocks watching him. He demanded to know who she was but was also entranced because she was very beautiful.

Tyrza just smiled and dove back into the river, content to watch him as he got to his feet and staggered off into the forest, unharmed."

"Tyene? Where did you run off to?" a sudden sharp voice interrupted Lysa's story and something akin to horror came over the littlest girl's voice.

"That's Mama," she whispered loudly and jumped to her feet, surprising the red head by running over and hiding behind her.

"Hide!" she hissed at her sisters, but before the other two girls could even get to their feet, a tall figure emerged through the trees and came to a stop in front of them.

Lysa looked up to see a woman standing in front of them. Like Tyene, she had short dark hair, but it did nothing to detract from what Lysa could only call, a sultry beauty.

She had burnished bronze skin and was wearing a long vermillion tunic that appeared to be gossamer and nearly see through. Strange gold bracelets encircled her biceps and there was a rope of intricate beads draped about her head almost like a crown. She was barefoot, also with bracelets wrapped about her ankles and there were odd designs painted on her feet and arms.

She was altogether strange in appearance and yet intriguing to look at.

Her eyes meanwhile, were dark and snapping with amusement at the little girl who was hiding behind Lysa's shoulder. "There you are sweetling, I wondered where you had run off to."

It was then that she noticed the other two girls and nodded at them. "Nym, Obara."

Finally she took in Lysa, and a slow smile curved her mouth and Lysa felt almost as if she were something on display. "You must be Lysa Tully. Oberyn told me you had arrived yesterday. I was looking forward to meeting you."

"You-You were?" Lysa stammered as she scrambled to her feet. "Forgive me, but I'm not sure who you are."

"I am Ellaria Sand," the other woman said feeling amused. "Prince Oberyn's paramour."

Lysa blinked and tried desperately to remember some of the people Prince Doran had spoken of in his letter. Then she nodded and smiled. "That's right, I remember Elia telling me about you. It's wonderful to meet you."

Ellaria looked her up and down before responding. "Oberyn also told me that you came all the way to Sunspear in a wagon with only a guide and a servant girl. Is that true?"

Despite herself, Lysa chuckled softly. "Yes it is."

Ellaria appeared horrified. "But you're with child aren't you? Why on earth wasn't something more comfortable arranged?"

Lysa shrugged, she had wondered about that in the early days of this scheme before the reasons became plain. "I think it was my sister's and Princess Elia's wish that very few people know where I was and a ship requires many people to crew, people who may or may not gossip. It was more difficult but also easier to retain secrecy this way."

"Be that as it may, it still sounds like a dreadful way to travel," Ellaria insisted. "Traveling hundreds of miles from the capital to Sunspear through the dessert in a fruit cart would certainly not be the most ideal vehicle. How awful was it?"

Lysa smiled, she was beginning to relax again. "Let's just say after I left my meeting with Prince Doran yesterday evening, the only thing I remember doing is bathing and eating before waking up this morning."

Ellaria chuckled. "I would get used to doing a lot of eating here. We are very big on our food here in Dorne."

"Mama, Lysa was telling us a story," Tyene piped up from where she was still hiding behind the red head's leg.

"Was she?" Ellaria asked, her expression going slightly animated as she looked at her daughter.

"She was," Obara confirmed. "It was a good one."

Ellaria raised an eyebrow and straightened up. "You've got Obara warming up to you already. That is no easy feat, normally she is the quietest of the three."

"Are they all yours?" Lysa asked.

Ellaria chuckled. "No, actually I am not their mother at all. They all came to Sunspear when they were very small."

She jerked her head towards the path. "Come, walk with me. Oberyn asked if I would fetch the girls at any rate and I would like to get to know you better."

And having no other excuse to make, and eager to gain a new friend, Lysa followed her down the path through the Water Gardens with the small children running on ahead.

"Where are the girl's mothers?" Lysa asked softly.

Ellaria waved a hand dismissively. "Obara's mother was a whore from Oldtown. Oberyn brought her here because he wished to educate her himself. Nymeria's mother was a noblewoman from Volantis who is no longer alive and so Oberyn brought her here to live with us, and Tyene's mother was a septa."

"Is it just the three of them?" Lysa asked, trying to keep all this information straight. She had known about Oberyn's daughters but Elia had not told her that they were all from different women.

"So far yes," Ellaria said cheerfully as they continued walking through the shrubs. "But I am hopeful that there will be more. I do so love children, I would be happy with a passel of them."

"Goodness, I'll be just glad for this one," Lysa said patting her stomach absently.

"When is the child to be born?" Ellaria asked, slowly so that she might walk beside the read head.

"Not for some months yet," Lysa said with some relief. "Thank goodness or otherwise the journey would have been much harder."

Ellaria linked her arm through Lysa's, surprising the younger girl. "When the time comes, I will be sure to help you. Child bearing is not easy but the end result is wonderful."

Lysa felt her eyes prick with unexpected tears and she gave the Dornish woman a watery smile. "Thank you. I would be most grateful."

Before Ellaria could answer, Tyene ran up to her mother and tugged on one of her long sleeves. "Mama, may we show Lysa the beach later? Please?"

"Yes, and she needs to finish telling her story," Obara chimed in having come up behind her younger sister quietly.

"I think that would be a wonderful idea," Ellaria said, emphasizing the word and she turned to the younger girl who was almost full to bursting with emotion. "What do you think Lysa?"

"Yes," the red head said softly. "Yes I would love that."

"Well come on then!" Nym said suddenly impatient. She grabbed hold of Lysa's hand and began all but pulling the older girl down the half through the shrubs. "The sooner we find Papa the sooner we can go to the beach!"

The giggles of Tyene filled Lysa's ears and when she looked back, even Obara was smiling slightly as she trotted to keep up with them.

And in that moment, Lysa had never felt so at home.

Ω

I know that this chapter is all about Lysa but I really wanted to highlight her time in Dorne. I also love the Martell so any excuse I have to talk about them, I will take. Next chapter we will get back to Lily in the capital as the rebellion is beginning to gather steam. We will be checking in with Lysa every so often however, just because from here on out, her story gets very important too. Only a few short more chapters before the real fun stuff begins! Don't forget to review!

Also, here is the link to my youtube channel, KaetieMac really a booktube channel because I love to read so if that's your schtick too, be sure to have a look, and drop a like and subscribe. I really do appreciate it