ELIA
(written by AJ Nolte)
She wept into her brother's shoulder, as the last of her escort withdrew quietly. Oberyn stroked her hair, whispering soothing words. Drying her eyes, Elia embraced Doran as well, and if her greeting was more reserved than that which she had given Oberyn, the difference was very slight indeed.
"We feared the worst," Doran told her as he pulled out a chair into which she sank gratefully. "The first rumors claimed you and the children were all dead."
"I live, as does Rhaenys, but the reality of the sack was bad enough." Elia shivered with reaction. For the first time since that horrible day in King's Landing, she felt truly safe. The closest she had come before that point was in the presence of Ned Stark, of all people.
"Where is Rhaenys?" Doran asked.
"At the Eyrie by now. Robert would have preferred to see her slain, but Stark and Arryn prevented him."
"We will punish the usurper for his presumption!" Oberyn's face flushed with rage. "I am prepared to raise Dorne for Viserys..."
"Don't be a fool!" Elia's tone was uncharacteristically harsh. "Gods, Oberyn, do you wish to ensure the death of my daughter?"
Doran nodded. "It is as I thought, then? Rhaenys' preservation is dependent on our good behavior?"
"That was never explicitly stated, but it did not need to be. I have been allowed to return to Dorne for one reason: to ensure peace."
"Peace! How can we speak of peace when you have been raped and your son murdered!"
Elia gave Oberyn a fond but exasperated look. "We speak of peace because we must. Believe me, Oberyn, I wish vengeance on the murderer of my son more than you can possibly imagine! But it will take time, and planning. For now," she turned to Doran, "we must prove the most loyal vassals the iron throne could possibly desire."
"I agree. But tell me, Elia, what do you have in mind? By the look in your eye, I surmise you do have a plan?"
"The beginnings of one, at least." Elia stood and faced her brothers. "Three men are responsible for my rape and my son's death. The first is Aerys Targaryen, who is beyond our vengeance." Doran and Oberyn nodded. "The second is King Robert, who acquiesced to the slaughter. But the third, is the man who ordered the deed done, whatever protestations he may have made to the contrary."
"Tywin Lannister," Oberyn said with venom.
Elia nodded. "His crimes are the greatest, and so his punishment must be the surest."
"Dorne cannot take on the might of Casterly Rock alone," Doran mused.
"Indeed not." Elia smiled at her brother. "But when the time comes, we will not need to act alone. Already the lion grows ever prouder. His daughter will be queen, and Lannister influence will grow. And as it does, Tywin will continue to make enemies, as he has always done. Some among the allies of the king already regard the lion with disfavor."
"Stark?" asked Doran.
"The Lord of Winterfell first and foremost, but there will be others."
"And will animosity to Tywin Lannister lead Stark to betray his friend the king and opt for a dragon restoration?" Oberyn sounded doubtful.
"Animosity?" Elia laughed. "I am hardly counting on animosity. No, Ned Stark has a more profound motive to side with us against the Lannisters, and the king if need be, when the time is right. A reason we discovered at a place called the Tower of Joy." And so Elia told them what she and Ned Stark had found, and what she planned to do with the knowledge.
"Seven hells, sister, that is ambitious."
"But not impossible," Doran told his brother, as he gave Elia a speculative glance. "If Elia can play her part?"
"Unbent, unbowed, unbroken!" Elia said fiercely. The three Martell siblings looked at one another, and smiled.
