20th of the Second Month of 300 AC
Ella of Westeros
The arrival of Dorne had completely shifted the dynamics of King Viserys' admittedly small court. The money they'd brought from her family had properly secured the Golden Company and Viserys had already sent Barristan on a mission to acquire several ships for them to sail to Dorne and eventually create Viserys' own fleet, and his Unsullied, partnered with the Dothraki had attacked several Yunka'i fleet and acquiredcjust enough ships for Viserys to set sail with at least half his army. The money had also reminded everyone just how rich Ella actually was, which leant her some added respect from her peers. Viserys had also decided to buy several gown not only for Daenerys, but Ella and Arianne as well, and a few silks for his daughter that he had administered several former slave girls to sew into something pretty for her. The only thing they waited for now, before leaving Slaver's Bay, which Daenerys had started to call Dragon's Bay, was Barristan's return and Ella and Viserys to find trusted people to rule the city in his stead.
Out of respect, Ella kept far from Viserys' rooms and spoke to him only during meals and meeting where she moved to his left, rather than his right or sometimes sat by Ser Barristan, a seat away from the king. He had not actively tried to exclude her, but Ella was not prepared to have the wrath of Arianne Martell upon her although she was sure she was smarter and stronger than the girl.
Upon their arrival, Tyene and Obara had also resumed their 'lessons' with Ella. Obara re-training with her with a spear and Tyene in poisons. The spear was much easier to become re-accustomed to, whereas Ella found it hard to remember all Tyene and Oberyn had taught her about potions the last time she'd seen them, and had already digested two unpleasant, though not poisonous, concoctions.
"Think, Lady El," Tyene would always snap, using hers and her sister's new nickname for Ella—a copy of Nymeria's own shortname. "What does it smell like to you? An antidote or a poison?"
"It smells like a privy," Ella would usually retort.
During these unofficial lessons, Nymeria would normally sit and watch, quietly amused and chime in—unhelpfully, in Ella's opinion—her thoughts on Ella's progress.
"You have gone soft, El," Nymeria would purr. "Obara's half-drunk and you still can't fall her."
It was during one of these lessons that Viserys found her one day. Luckily, it happened to be the day Obara was feeling pitiful and had been going easy on her pupil, so Viserys watched as Ella knocked the spear from the bastard's hands and pointed her own threateningly against Obara's neck.
"I yield," the woman rasped, a smirk on her face. "Still too slow," she added.
"If I can best you, I think I'll do fine against the Lannister forces," Ella teased.
"That is true," Obara laughed.
From her spot in the shade, Nymeria called, "I'd like to see you take me on."
"Any day, Lady Nym," she called back.
"Well, well, well," Viserys strolled into the small, circular garden, with Arianne Martell on his arm. "What do we have here?"
"My cousins must be sparring again," the princess told him. "I hope you haven't ruined His Grace's gardens with your blood," she tutted.
"No blood spilt today," Nymeria said. "We were only sparring with Lady El, and she would likely faint at the sight."
"Oh please," Ella scoffed under her breath.
"Ella?" Viserys repeated, dumbfounded. "Ella? Fighting?"
"You didn't know?" Arianne asked, looking up at him.
"We used to do it when we travelled together," Ella explained. "Sometimes Prince Oberyn would even step in."
Ella was utterly mortified as Viserys regarded her in a whole new light. I wonder what he will think of me now. Maybe he will like me better if I am more like his Dornish princess.
"So you can handle a spear?" The king asked, bewilderment clear in his voice.
Ella nodded bashfully. "I'm much better with a sword, though," she said, causing Obara and Nymeria to sputter in laughter behind her. "My brother used to train me," this caused them to laugh harder. "And Prince Oberyn." That shut them up.
"I learn something new about you every day, Lady Ella," Arianne said, releasing Viserys' arm. "Just the other day Tyene told me how well you speak the Dothraki tongue, even that you had a beau among them."
Tyene had a loose tongue when around her cousin, whom she saw as a sister, Ella had come to learn. Much like myself and Dany. It made being in the fair-skinned girl's company much less fun when Ella knew she must watch what she says else risk it getting back to Arianne, and evidently Viserys. Though her loose tongue sometimes cuts both ways, Ella thought, reminding herself of what Tyene had told her of the king's relationship with his betrothed. Tyene claims they're closer by the day, and that he even told her of his daughter. Ella wondered if Viserys knew Arianne told Tyene and Nymeria nearly everything he told her on their leisurely strolls.
"I remember less and less of the language as the days go by that I don't use it."
"And your beau?" Arianne pressed. "Do you remember less and less of him?"
"Or her," Obara interjected, unhelpfully, as Viserys began frowning.
"I didn't have one," Ella answered. "Tyene must've misunderstood me. I told her of the close bond you develop with your horse whilst among the Dothraki."
"Ah, perhaps you are right, Tyene was never one to be patient. She near likely misheard you."
Ella nodded sagely, avoiding the princess' eye, what game is she playing? All week, the princess had scarcely spoken to Ella, despite Daenerys telling her that Arianne had asked plenty about the king's Raven Queen, and when the two were forced to converse, the princess generally asked normal questions without the mischievous glint in her eyes that was present now.
"Well, I think we should see more of this sparring match," Viserys suddenly pronounced.
"I do think I agree, Your Grace," Arianne said. "Come, Obara, get up and show the king how you fight."
Obara waved a disinterested hand at her cousin. Ella was almost surprised that she'd refused the Princess of Dorne until she remembered that Obara was near thirty whereas Arianne was closer to Ella in age, no older then four and twenty. There was no way Obara would let her younger cousin order her about, no matter her being a princess. She was Oberyn's daughter, after all. "I am tired," she declared. "Teaching thick-skull over there is exhausting. Call Tyene and let them brew some pretty potion together and amuse the king."
Ella glanced at Viserys to gauge his reaction at Obara's words and tone and was taken aback to find that he wore a small grin that spoke of his amusement at her casual defiance. It must be the princess' influence on him. Or he must not want to risk offending his future family. "Tyene is entertaining my sister at this present moment. Or the other way around, since Dany is showing her the dragons again."
So that's where Dany took Viserion.
"I'll take her," Nymeria announced, wringing her hands together. "Been a long time since I held a whip."
"It's been a week," Arianne told her.
"Too long," her cousin replied.
Ella felt her heart race, momentarily, until Nymeria added, "I won't use my whip—I would win within seconds and it would be no fun. Obara lend me your spear and Lady El can take a sword."
"I can't use my wooden one," Ella protested as Obara flung her pointed and bloodied sword to her sister.
"Here—take mine," Viserys offered, unsheathing his Valyrian steel.
All the girls, barring Obara, watched in wonder as the impressive silver glistened under the light, the blade seemed to go on for days, getting sharper and sharper. Ella saw how wide Arianne's eyes had become, and abruptly recollected a conversation she'd had with Daenerys some days before.
"He says she always ask to see him use his sword," Dany whispered. "She heard of his lessons with Jorah and how you once watched and cheered him on."
"How the bloody hell did she hear that?" Ella had whispered back. "I haven't watched him in weeks."
"I may have told Tyene," Dany confessed. "But he always refuses. When I asked him why, he said certain things he'd choose to keep private. He won't even let her touch the sword, claims it's too precious. I can't understand why, I know it's Valyrian steel and all but it's not as if it's Blackfyre or another ancestral item."
"Wow," Ella breathed. "She's not missing much anyways," she added as an afterthought. "Remember not to get too chatty or comfortable with Tyene and her sisters."
"Oh I know, I don't truly trust them, but it is nice having more girls around the place, isn't it? Drogon loves the attention."
"It is," Ella admitted, thinking of how much fun Nymeria and Obara could be and trying hard not to think of Arianne and her thin silks and luxurious jewellery as she strolled around the castle grounds on the arm of the king.
"She will surely misuse this and cut my dear cousin," Arianne said.
"Nonsense," Viserys responded. "I trust El's judgement." Despite the circumstances, the compliment gave Ella's stomach small, lovestruck, butterflies.
"I am not afraid of a cut, anyways."
Obara barked out a loud laugh. "Leave them, Arianne. One of them shall learn a lesson and give us something to laugh about at dinner."
"I do agree," Viserys smiled, handing his shimmering weapon to Ella and earning a look of appraisal from Obara.
Arianne still looked resentful, but said nothing that confirmed it, merely holding onto her promised' arm and wishing Ella good luck. Surprisingly, Arianne's wish of good luck sounded quite sincere which only reinforced Ella's determination to somehow win this fight. "Take care of my sword, El," he mouthed playfully to her.
She stuck her tongue out at him. "Watch and learn, Your Grace."
Nymeria, who had now applied very light armour, flung her sister's spear from hand to hand, testing the weight. Ella might've normally done the same, but Viserys' sword felt rather heavy and she feared she may drop the thing if she tried acting too cocky. Fiercely, she gripped the hilt and called to mind everything Garlan had taught her about sword fighting, and then, everything Oberyn had shown her as well. They say Loras is just as good, if not better, than Garlan now. I wonder if Garlan taught him as he taught me. She ached to take of her sweat riddled breast plate, but she knew she would be seriously hurt without it.
"You ready?" Nymeria grinned widely, her white teeth shimmering. "Remember not to bleed too much, don't want the Queen of Thorns after me for hurting her dear granddaughter."
"Afraid of a little old lady now, Nym?" Obara teased.
"She should be," Ella declared, proudly. "My family is not be trifled with," she winked at Viserys, willing him to understand that she also spoke of their family. "Particularly my grandmother."
"Big words from a small girl," Nymeria said. "Let's see if the skills match the talk—" and suddenly, the tip of the spear lunged for Ella's chest almost knocking her off her feet.
Instincts willed her to rise her sword to meet Nymeria's weapon inches away from her lungs. The Dornish girl smiled wily. You're slow, Ella said to herself, much slower than her. You won't win with speed. Realising that Nymeria would not strike next, Ella raised the sword which still felt heavy. Luckily, she had managed to keep her strength and endurance up during her years in Essos, even if her speed had decreased, and so was able to manage the sword with some ease. Quickly, she swiped the sword at her opponent's feet, Nymeria only just jumped above the blade in surprise. Before anyone realised what was happening, Ella struck again, striking Nymeria just under her ribs.
"And so the rose grows her thorns," she taunted. "You want to fight? Let's fight."
Nymeria came at her with full force—Ella was only just able to defend herself from the torrent of assaults that left no room for her to launch her own offensive attacks. A wilful lady can do more harm than a pointy sword. Olenna's words rang in her ears, and under sudden inspiration, Ella knew how to win the spar.
"Oh Lady Nym," she cooed. "Has it been too long? Will you let your drunkard of a sister out skill you with a spear?" Ella could almost see the steam escaping Nymeria's ears.
Ella got her opening when Nymeria, quite frustrated, lunged angrily at Ella's chest again. Ella placed both hands on her Valyrian steel and swiped purposely through the spear, denting it and sending it whirling out of Nymeria's hands. The girl sprinted away, apparently searching for her whip. Ella ran after her, not quickly enough as Nymeria faced her again, her eight foot long whip in hand a vicious smile in place. Eight foot long . . . Get in close, Ella! And so she did, again, leaving the spectators and her adversary in shock. Ella flipped the weighty sword in her hand, using the hilt to repeatedly strike Nymeria in effective places, her knees, elbows, stomach and shins, finally flooring the woman. Out of breath and blood gushing from her nose, Nymeria eventually surrendered.
"I yield," she spat. "You sneaky little cunt."
Ella smiled widely, the taste of her own blood seeping in between her teeth. She stretched out her arm and lifted Nymeria up. The Dornish bastard promptly twisted Ella's arm once she was upright. "Remember; a battle is only over when one of you is dead."
"I think I'll take your surrender instead," Ella replied. "Your father probably wouldn't be too grateful if I killed you."
Nymeria laughed. "No, I fear he wouldn't be. Good game, my lady," she added jokingly.
"Ah, the sword did most of the work. Valyrian steel will always triumph."
This time, Viserys answered. "No, you will always triumph, El," his voice and face were so soft and sincere, that Ella flushed profusely, his gaze suddenly making her shy.
"Maybe you'll take me on next time, Your Grace?"
Arianne chuckled, as did Obara. "That I would pay to see," the princess said.
"She's just having a good day," Nymeria scoffed. "I'll go against you again, when we're back in Westeros and see how well you fare in your gowns and silks."
"Oh I'll just have my brother's fight for me," Ella retorted. "You have heard of the Knight of Flowers, yes?"
The group continued to laugh and joke for another hour or so. Arianne still made veiled jabs at Ella, but the Tyrell ignored them and did her best to forgive the princess, reminding herself that she would feel exactly the same about a girl her betrothed was in love with. Let her have these small victories, Ella mentally told herself, when we are home at least I will have my family when I feel like this. Although Nymeria complained about losing and made bold statements about how another match between the two of them would go, Ella felt as though the spar had actually brought her closer to the two bastards as well as show a different side of her to Viserys who seemed to very much appreciate it if his admiring glances he kept shooting her way were anything to go by. For a while, Ella forgot that they were to head to Pentos and then Dorne within days and thus end the peaceful limbo they'd all had in Mereen. Back in Westeros, Vis will be king, Arianne his queen, Obara and Nymeria back to being whatever it is they were and me, well, I will be back in Westeros. It still saddened her to think of returning to her birthplace, but now that she'd cleared the air with Willas and herself she felt a lot less unhappy about it and rather excited to finally have her family around. I love Dany and Viserys dearly, but it shall feel euphoric, I think, to have a sister and brothers aplenty and my grandmother back again.
Eventually, Tyene and Daenerys returned with Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion. Tyene looked triumphant for some reason, while Dany looked sheepish, and Ella groaned internally, wondering what Daenerys had let slip to the bastard this time. I should spend more time with her, find her some friends. That must be the reason she is so chatty around Tyene.
To Ella's surprise, Viserys suggested he and her go for a walk with their respective dragons, without his betrothed it seemed. Without sounding too eager, Ella readily agreed.
"You will not take Arianne, Your Grace?" Tyene asked in a melodic voice.
Ella saw Viserys give her a steady stare before replying. "It has been a long time since we've let the dragons truly hunt. I wouldn't want to scare the princess."
Tyene had no reply to this and was forced to let the matter drop. Daenerys talked the Dornish women into accompanying her to a local magister's home and happily, Ella strolled away, Viserion by her side, and his namesake on her other.
"You never told me you could fight," he said once they were out of earshot.
"You never asked," she instantly returned. "And I wasn't positive that I was still any good," she added.
"You're better than I."
"I think we're equally as skilled," she said, hoping to heal his no doubt, bruised ego. "Your stance is better than mine, and you're quicker than I. Everyone's quicker than me," she grumbled. "I've grown much too slow."
"You have a good defence and innovative offences. Seven hells, Ella, you're just full of surprises aren't you? Is there anything you can't do?"
"I don't sing very well," she responded, causing Viserys to laugh.
"At least I know I can trust you to defend your person and not get yourself slaughtered."
"You can," she said. "You can also trust me to defend others too." Like your babe.
"Keep training with them, and watch them spar together to see how they truly fight. I still don't trust them."
"Not even the princess?" Ella tried to keep her voice level, and though she was sure it was, she still didn't think it had fooled the king.
"I still love you," he told her softly.
"That doesn't answer my question."
He sighed. "I don't not trust Arianne. She seems fun and genuine, with me at the very least."
"Birds of a feather fly together, and she flies very closely with the selfsame women you don't trust at all."
"It's complicated, El," he pushed his fingers through his hair. "They seem wild and wanton and she—"
"Seems exotic and lovely."
"No, it's not that. She seems very open with me, perhaps because she thinks we will wed and wants to make the best of it."
"Thinks? It's not a mere thought Viserys, you and her will wed." It still hurt to say it aloud.
"Not necessarily."
"Elaborate," she ordered.
"Just trust me, El," he said. "I told you I'd ask for your hand, didn't I?"
"Yes."
"And I wouldn't lie to you, so trust me."
"I'll try my best," she said, her eyes following their two dragons as they played voraciously in the sky.
Viserion screeched in happiness as Rhaegal blew small flames in his direction. Absentmindedly, Viserys' hand found Ella's and she began to lean against his tall, sinewy frame, inhaling his musky, sweat-tinted aroma. The heat had become less fierce and the sky mellowed to a soft turquoise, the sun hidden behind cotton clouds.