As one of the oldest cities across all of Westeros, Sunspear stands as a sight for any to behold.

With several sides turned towards the sea. Sunspear was composed of three massive winding walls, each intertwined in an escalating form. The capital of Dorne was broad in length and at the same time tight on the heart, with its roads, narrow alleys, hidden courts, and noisy bazaars. All condensed as one. Putting it in a good position for defense.,

Should an army try to take it, troops would get lost in a maze of streets. That if they took the first district.

And countless have tried over the ages.

Out of the seven kingdoms, Dorne was who not only withstood but also pushed back Aegon Targaryen's conquest. The dragon king believed he would get the last sword for his throne. But found nothing but dust and blood. Blood of his men, one his dragons, and of his younger sister-wive.,

Much of Dornish had also been spille. But in enduring the reign of fire, they honored the words: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.

The saying from their lords.

Like the Starks in Winterfell, Sunspear was home to House Martell since its foundation. Even before they became the ruling princes of Dorne.,

And now walking across the halls of thetower of the sun to meet with his mother. Was the latest member successor of the throne.,

In his earlier thirties, with black hair that reached into his shoulders and olive skin, and wearing fine yellow silks clothing Doran Martell held all the grace and confidence of Dornish royalty. His face, having bits of stubble, held a stony vague expression.

Years of education under his mother taught him how to keep it all the time., A face for when one plays the game of most complex and lethal chest board of them all. In a world of assassins and sell swords, there was no more effective killer than it., Neither there was a better ally.

Speaking of allies.,

Alongside Doran walked a towering dark-skinned man with an equally vague but more hard expression. And in his strong hand, a heavy war axe. A fitting weapon and man to guard the next ruler of the land.

Continuing on their way, crossing paths with servents and other guards who gave short greetings to the prince.,The day held an enjoyable heat, and the air had traces of the wet sand of the storm that came to pass.

Both walked up a flight of stairs coming face to face to an open doorway.,

"Thank you for the escort, Areo," Doran received a respectful nod from the large man as he moved past and took his watch by the door's side.

Entering the room, Doran's mother, princess Loreza Martell was lost in her thoughts. Book in one hand while the other held a gem adorned glass of wine. Her hair, tightened by golded braids and skin with no wrinkles on sight, she still had much beauty even by her age.

It was the first time Doran had seen her in almost two years, after she traveled across the neighbor houses and beyond with his young siblings.

Not wanting to interrupt by speaking, the prince tapped with the back of a finger on the wood furniture softly.,

It did the trick as Loreza lifted her black eyes from the book to him. While her expression didn't change, there was a glint in her eyes.

Doran smiled lightly. "Mother," He greeted warmly.

"My son," Loreza replied in kind to her heir and firstborn. "Come, Take a seat,"

Doran did so. "Forgive me for not being present at your return," He first humbly apologized to her.

His mother waved at him. "Think none of it. After all, you've two families now," She gave an honest smile at the mention. One that reflects on his face instantly.

Learning to run an entire kingdom was an arduous and exhausting duty, necessary for him but exhausting nonetheless. A way to relax and find some quiet peace was almost mandatory for the health of the mind. And Doran found such in his lady wife Mellario and his firstborn, now three years old, Arianne.

Taking a calming stroll through the city or visiting the water gardens were simple activities but a godsent at the same time. Not being the prince, just a husband and a father enjoying his time with two who mattered the most to him.,

"How are they ?" Loreza asked next, picking up the mildly dreamy gaze at her son's eyes.

"All well. Arianne is growing more cutting by the day," Doran proudly revealed.

"Not unlike her father then,"

"Maybe. Tho me and Mellario are trying to find ways to survive her more - devious side," Doran jested. Both him and Loreza chuckled. With the latter closing her eyes and taking a breath.

"Oh, you don't understand how it pleases me to be home again, my child," The princess stated.

Doran lost his smile instantly. It's a rare sight to see his mother lose her usual steel composture, even in their private moments. And from what he gathered from her arrival. Some said that the princess walked like a storm trapped in a mortal body into the palace. That the rage in her eyes could make a dragon halt in its steps.,

It was amusing and ironic such stories. Some linked the heavy rain and the star falling from the sky two days before to the princess mood at that moment.

But Doran knew what it really meant.

"Did all go well in your trip with Elia and Oberyn ?" He softly asked.

Loreza huffed, taking a long sip from her cup. It clearly didn't if she was drinking like that so early in the day. Her putting down the glass with a little bit of force spoke for itself.

"If you mean by no troubles in the roads? Then the answer is yes," She non-passionly answered, rolling her eyes. "Aside from the carriage's wheel breaking in the king's road, nothing else came to happen. No smugglers, no wild animals, other than those served in feasts, and no accidents,"

"However, if you mean the reason for our travel. Then it was a disaster," Loreza clenched her jaw. "And I still have half a mind to make it bigger,"

"What happened ?" Doran leaned forward at the table.

During their journey back, Loreza kept her feelings bottled up. Not even writing could do them justice. Ever since the death of her husband and her brother leaving to be a king's guard. Doran had been her closest confidante.

"First, we went to the other houses in Dorne. Starfall, Oldtown, and even the shield islands. Later venturing more in the northern houses in the reach for two more stops, Crackehall and lastly Castely Rock," His mother started, raising to refill her cup, the wine swirling up. "While the first three had promising suitors for your sister. None led to anything in the end. The closest, a pretty lad, Baelor Hightower, was becoming fond of Elia during our time with his family. Of course, Oberyn ruined that when a chance presented itself,"

Doran stopped himself from a head shake. He loved his little brother with all his heart. But Oberyn was as bright as he was rash and out of control most of the time. Not only on his words but his actions as well. Him having three bastards daughters, with three different women no less, was the least of them.

Doran feared that which would be the day such attitudes would send him to an early death. By the sword of worse.

"And the others ?" He saw Loreza's shoulders rise and fall as she stopped for a brief moment.

"Crackehall had no better results," She said. "Then we reached the lion's rock,"

Prior to their travel, his mother discussed the possibilities of betroths for Elia and Oberyn. And out of all, the one she had most certainties of success was with the Lannisters., The lady of the rock, Joanna, and his mother were good friends during their young age while being ladies-in-waiting for Queen Rhaella.

Loreza and Joanna liked the idea of joining their houses one day. And since both had two children, boys and girls, the path was clear. Oberyn would marry golden beauty Cersei. While Elia would be the next lady of the rock by marrying Jamie., Who many say was skilled with a blade and handsome for his age.

The unfortunate death of Joanna during her last childbirth was something none expected.

"Instead of being welcomed by an old friend, may the gods have her soul, I was received by the old lion, Tywin," The amount of poison in Loreza's voice was enough to kill a man as she returned to her chair. "The man didn't even try to hide his cold gaze while I discussed the potential of a betroth between our children. He just sat there like a dead man staring at me like I was speaking nonsense. Not even one moment later, he refused. Saying that his precious daughter would be queen. And that there were other candidates for his son,"

She had to drink for the next part.

"Believe me, Doran, had it been just that, no further offense would've taken by me. But no, he wasn't finished. Since he wouldn't give Jaime, he was fast in offering his newborn, Tyrion, for Elia to marry,"

Doran's eyes widened in shock and outrage. "A babe ?!" It was outrageous.

"And a dwarf," Loreza would be haunted by Tywin's words for the rest of her days. At the same time, she pitied little Tyrion. A dwarf he may be, but seeing the way his own father talked about him, Loreza knew that child would've no love in there. What Oberyn had said also disturbed her greatly.

He and Elia were with the twins, walking freely and getting to know the keep and each other. Cersei had insisted on showing them every part of it. But Oberyn's curiosity leaned at meeting the monster present in the rumors about Joanna's death.

To the boy's disappointment and surprise, there wasn't one in the nursery.,

"I told her, "It's just a babe, not a monster," Oberyn didn't spare details that night while they were getting ready to sleep. "She replied, "Yes, he is. He killed my mother". Then she pinched his little cock. I thought she was going to pull it off. Until Jaime made her stop,"

Gods above, how did a kind woman like Joanna could give birth to such a wicked and hateful creature?

That was the main indication that it was better to leave and never even think about going back to the rock. And if Loreza had a say, no future generations of her family would've no contact with a Lannister. She swore to the old and new gods.

"We left in the following morning. With no goodbye from our gracious host, of course,"

While Doran was taking in all that had transpired, he felt something was missing.

"That's not all of it, is it ?"

"Never stop being so perspective, Doran," Loreza praised before admitting. "Is true. I couldn't just walk away from that offense without doing anything about it. There was nothing to do for your brother. I doubt he would even want such. But If Tywin wouldn't see any worth in your sister, a princess in her own right, I would let others show it to him. Before coming home, I ordered a change of directions. And headed to king's landing,"

Doran's mind couldn't be working any faster. It was an enormous and risky move his mother had pulled. To go straight to the dragon's lair., Right into the Mad king's domain. And to ask for his son's hand.

If it came to fruition, it would be because of Rhaella mostly. Aerys has long lost any common sense, functioning by outbursts and constant paranoia of all who surround him.

And it would put house Martell as the next in line for the iron throne. Elia would be queen, her son the next of all of Westeros. Dorne's power and influence were to grow like never before in history.

"And...did you do it ?" He was almost afraid to ask.

And he seemed right to feel that after.

The laugh that escaped Loreza's mouth made Doran uncomfortable. Even more when she downed the rest of the wine in one go, and this time, really banged the cup on the table, shaking it for a couple of moments.

Now he could see the face the servants witnessed. A grown man he was, but the sight of his mother in such pure and raw anger made him feel like a child getting caught in a bad act.,

"It was already horrible enough to see the state Rhaella was," Loreza started, voice filled with more anger but now with sadness merged into it. "Fate is cruel to have her being all but a prisoner to that monster. Her face, and the way she would flinch when I would barely touch her,"

Now Doran shook his head with a sneer. The rumors were true.

Along with his madness and obsession with wildfire, one of the most despicable acts Aerys committed was raping and physically abusing his own wife day after day. And worse, no one could do anything for the poor woman without risking the king's wrath to fall upon them. Not even Rhaeghar had the power to do so. A prince may only hold so much leverage against that of a king.

To think his uncle was there, as a glorified bodyguard for that mad man.

"Between the short hours we spend together in the red keep, without the dammed spies eavesdropping on us. She would confess how our presence was a relief for her. Many times I also had to comfort her as she would break down in tears during our talks," Loreza herself could sense a sting forming behind her eyes but quickly rubbed them away. "The happiest I had seen her there during our stay was when I proposed the marriage between Elia and Rhaegar. Rhaella adores your sister and would like nothing more than call her good daughter. The prince, while a little distant. Also showed great fondness for her. And saw the benefit in having her as a wife,"

Sighting, Loreza went to refill her cup a third time. Before she could do so, Doran gently laid a hand over hers.

"Don't," There was a pleading in his eyes. "Don't continue with this,"

Loreza could scoff at the request. Instead, she lowered her gaze and breathed. With a short nod she let go of the cup and sat straighter. Deep inside, she knew Doran was correct in stopping her.

"Please, tell me rest," He encouraged, giving a light squeeze in her hand.

She did. "Everything seemed to be in place. And on our fifth day, I, Rhaella, your sister, and Rhaegar went to the throne room to speak of the match," Disgust and dread filled her mind at gazing at the Targeryan's deteriorated appearance. The stench that came out of his robes was equally as foul as the one in the city itself., Hair matted in the crown. Nails, more like talons, the size of his own hands. But his eyes, gods, there was nothing left but fire and malice in them. "Unlike Tywin, he actually talked during the topic, random and irrelevant comments most of the time, but he seemed to entertain the idea,"

Doran leaned back while listening.

"At the end, he really looked like considering and accepting the union of our houses. Then, he smiled. And like a fool, I had hope we had done it,"

Oh no.

"He then made a grand show of burning such hope to ashes, as he did with many poor souls before it in that room," Loreza visibly shook. "Doran...The things he said to me, your sister, I wanted nothing more than to call the banners, march to king's landing, and place a dagger at that withered chest. Curse him to all hells!" She shouted, at last, covering her face with a hand.

Doran silently gasped. He was expecting a rejection, but one at this level. His heart cracked, seeing a bitter tear run down on his mother's face. Yet, she stopped him as he moved to brush it.

"Oberyn rage knew no end when he learned of the scene. We had to leave before something worse could happen. But, Elia..." Now the gates opened, and Loreza cried fully. "You could mistake her for a corpse. She didn't sleep, barely ate, drank, and didn't speak a word in the months following our return. I was in a panic, fearing that she would catch to some sickness in the road or worse, that I would return home to lay her to rest with your father,"

Doran had started to inwardly also curse the mad king with all he had. Hearing what happened to Elia cooled it for a moment before fulling the curses more.

He had lost two brothers before she was born, ten years younger than he was. With Oberyn coming one year later., Yet, unlike him, Elia was born prematurely. Many believed that she would die soon after birth.

Against all odds, she survived, becoming the woman he knew and loved today., Her health, however, was fragile, and she would get sick with ease. It's why for most of her life, she never left Dorne.

And now, maybe it was better if she hadn't.

"Where's she ?" He asked. Finding it weird and worrying that there was no sign of her.,

"In the water gardens," Loreza replied, cleaning the tears in her face. "She left earlier, with Brude and other two guardsmen with them,"

Doran knew Brude well. Elia and Oberyn spent most of their childhoods under his care while they ran freely and played as they wished. Now a man almost as old as his mother, he still was one of their most skilled warriors. Partaking in Oberyn's training before the same left to Lys., In the Free Cities.

There were few better people to watch over Elia.

Still..

"Let me go talk to her," Doran stood up. "At least to see if she's fine,"

Loreza shook her head, turning calmer. "No, just give her time and space. If she found in her to speak to me this morning, as brief as it was, I believe that soon she'll come to us,"

It was relieving but disheartening knowing that those were the first words her daughter had pronounced since leaving kings landing.

"But -," Doran began to protest.

"Doran!" She said more firmly. All fight left Doran.

"Very well," He reluctantly surrendered.

"Good," Loreza stood as well. "Now, let's try to forget what happened for a moment. I wanna see the rest of my family first,"

Nodding, Doran extended an arm for her to take. Both exited the room, with Areo following a few feet behind.

While there was much to think and deal with the outcome of the excursion, one last question came to Doran as he walked.

"Where's Oberyn ?"

"You tricked me,"

"How ?"

"You said we were be going to the water gardens,"

"And we are, dear. Just this one stop here, and we are free to go,"

"I could've gone on my own,"

"A few more years before I can agree with that, Obara,"

Oberyn held into his first daughter's hand tightly as they traversed within the crowded streets.

Anyone else would've found the heatwave unbearable. But to the young prince, there was nothing better. He was a man filled with life and spirit. Qualities his home land fixed into him. And his people.

At every corner and turn, there was movement, laughter, energy, the fresh smell of spices in the air., No better way to put one like him in a good mood.,

Complementing that was the presence of one of the most precious people for him.

It was love a first sight when he finally saw Obara as a babe. The result of a night of passion with a woman he had just met on the other side of Dorne. But one worth the world. The same went for her younger sisters, Nymeria and Tyene.

The sand snakes as they were starting to get called. Oberyn scoffed at the name at first. Like Snow was in the north, sand was the naming bastards received in Dorne. Oberyn could only pity the outdated view of other kingdoms. For him, his daughters didn't need the name to be Martells. That's what they always were since birth and always will be.

And better than many lords do, Oberyn never ran from his responsibility as a father. Whatever they need, he would give them, be it small or big.

Obara was head strong, determined, and aiming to become a fierce warrior of her own. The first gif Oberyn gave her was a small lance, a weapon he had a great affinity. And since that day, she hasn't let it out of her hands for hours. The sight of her by herself, training to master the blade a regular event. And it fit her when he thought about it. Her appearance had mannish traces, and Her clothes were everything but ladylike.

The opposite of her sister in that field., Nymera was five years old but already had more delicate and charming looks than Obara's rough ones and dressed elegantly. No less deadly, though. Her feet were light, and she was fast. Many servants lost a good amount of hair every time she would vanish in a blink. Or have near heart attacks at her sudden reappearances.

Tyene, for now, was the calmest out of them. Merely the same age as little Arienne, she was just at the beginning of the journey of finding who she will be., But her looks already made her stand out. While Obara had brown and Nymera black hair with olive skin, Tyene was bright blond and pale-skinned.

Just their memory is enough to fill Oberyn with joy. In double after spending a year away from them.

And he needed much of that today.

Trading insults, jests, and arguing were three of the things he had mastered quickly. The nickname red viper went beyond his combat prowess and knowledge of poisons. But if there was one, when used right, that could get the upper hand on him.

Silence.

He had experienced such with his mother and brother. And they had other ways of making him shut his mouth. But none of the two was worst than when it was Elia.

Being born closely to one another, they were basically inseparable. Oberyn knew her like no else and vice versa. When one was feeling down, it was up to the other to cheer them up.

It was what he tried, again and again, after the furious wave passed within his heart on the way back from King'slanding. To his dismay, it would go down as the first time Oberyn failed his sister.,

When other methods also didn't work, he decided to stand by her side. To make her company and keep an eye out. Still, her dead silence and avoiding gaze were hard to endure.

His last hope was getting home. Maybe in the land where all loved her, Elia would come to her former self.

In the early morning, he thought it had happened when she found him breaking his fast alone. But it wasn't the case. Elia simply stated that she would be going to the water gardens for the day. Before he could react, she added.

"I want to be alone, please, Oberyn,"

And with that, she left, leaving him speechless in the room.

"Father ?"

The prince came back to the present to find Obara staring at him.

"Hmm ?"

"What's wrong ?" She had narrowed her eyes at him.

Shit, he was lost in thought again.

"I am," Oberyn put on an easy smile. "Was just thinking, nothing more,"

If looks could speak, Obara's would be 'you think I am stupid ?'.

She was definitely becoming so much like him.

Thankfully he saw salvation in the corner of his eye.

"Ah! Look at that, we are here," He said quickly, gesturing to a two-story building towards the left, with a wide doorless opening. Obara recognizes it right on the stop. Out of all ruling Martells, her father was obviously the closest with the smiths.

From their position, she could hear the faint sound of hammers hitting the forges, as well as grunts of workers lifting heavy equipment and the hiss of hot steel meeting water.

She had to admit she didn't dislike that this was the place they had to go first. Not that much.

Picking up their pace, father and daughter came to a stop in a counter of sorts. A young man sat over it, legs and arms crossed, his back towards them. Head lowered and breathing calmly.

Oberyn deduced why, and with a mischievous smile, reached and casually rung a small bell next to the young lad. The man's head shot up at the sound. Glancing over his shoulder, revealing a bored and tired expression., It didn't last.

"OH!"

Jumping from the counter like a starlet cat, he lost his balance before landing hard on the ground. He came back quickly to the counter. His face now awake and red with embarrassment. Oberyn's and the workers laughs, making it worse.

"How was the nap in there, Devis ?!" A smith working in the polishing shouted from deeper in the forge. The laughs grow louder at the jest.

Devis murmured a curse, patting dust off from his sleeves and shoulders. Presentable enough, he addressed the still smiling prince.

"Uh-Good morning, my prince, little lady," He said, trying to sound as natural as possible.

"It's past midday. And I'm not a lady!" A non-amused Obara stated, crossing her tiny arms, much to the man's further humiliation.

Oberyn would've loved to keep the fun going for a little while, but other obligations called.

"The lad's tired. Give him some credit," He gave his daughter a slight flick in the ear. Turning to Devis, he said. "Now, you're up for business ?"

Devis nodded comically fast. "Absolutely! How can I help ?"

Oberyn reached one of his pockets, pulling a single piece of folded paper.

"The forge master has two commissions ordered by me. Repairs plus a new piece," He hands it to Devis. "I'm here to retrieve them," While he knew how to use a spear, maintenance was better at the hands of those who had the skill for it.

"At once, my prince," The lad bowed, leaving to the master's private office.

The red viper stretched, relaxing and leaning his back on the counter, gaze turned to the street. His daughter did the same. Yet, a frown was on her face. Oberyn took notice of it.

"This won't take long, Obara," He promised, assuming her patience was at a limit.

"It's not that,"

"What is it then?"

Obara remained silent, staring at nothing and everything for a few moments. She then revealed.

"I know what you were thinking about before,"

Another aspect Obara also took from him was that she rarely forgets what catches her attention. By the early look, brushing it off as nothing wouldn't work again.,

"It's not so simple," Oberyn put it to her.

"Then, you know why aunt Elia was so sad ?"

"...Did you speak to her ?" He asked with hints of eagerness.

Obara shook her head and answered. "I saw her face. She tried to hide it,"

Oberyn took a deep breath. A keen eye, he thought. "She - is dealing with some problems,"

"Why ?"

Even when training them to take care of themselves, Oberyn didn't want any of his daughters to lose their innocence to this fucked up world beyond the walls of Sunspear so soon. That included bringing talks of the mad king and politics.

"Because some people, who don't know what they say, were mean to her," He gave Obara a more clean version of what really happened.

"Who ?!" She asked instantly, venom in her voice. "I'll hurt them!"

Oberyn puffed a chuckle. What would he do without those girls ?.

"No one worth our time and attention, dear," He declared softly, circling an arm around Obara's shoulders, bringing her close to his side. "But, you can help her when we get in the gardens. Since I couldn't do it by myself., What do you say? We, your sisters, making your aunt happy again ?"

While the young sand still believed the first option to be the best, she agreed with a smile, grasping a finger on her father's hand.

"That's my little snake!" Oberyn kissed the top of her head along with a tight hug, getting a short squeak out of Obara as she closed her eyes. She half-heartedly tried to escape while giggling until he, at last, let go.,

Eyes opening, Obara turned to speak but then paused.

In Sunspear, the roofs of buildings all stood over other., Some are out of sight by their height, but others are visible even from the street's point of view.,

And in one of those, Obara's gaze narrowed as she stared at its edge. The sun could get to extreme levels during the middle of the day, even more in the desert. Seeing the ripples of heat, be it close or from a distance, was nothing out of the ordinary for the Dornish.

But this one was - off.

Obara could be seeing things, but she swore the ripple had a shape. A man shape!

Frowning, she didn't turn away, trying to figure out if it was real or not.

"Obara ?" Oberyn shook her out of the stare, causing a snap reaction as she turned to him.

It would be a perfect chance to poke fun at her as retribution from earlier. His fatherly instincts, however, told him otherwise when taking in how tense her shoulders were and how spooked she looked.,

"Dear, what's wrong ?" He asked, placing his hands on them to smooth some tension off.

Obara opened and closed her mouth many times, looking up again.

"You see that ?"

Oberyn stared at the same place as her. "No, what ?"

"There, right at the edge. Something's there," Obara insisted.

Taking a few steps closer and putting a hand on his forehead to block the sun, Oberyn again saw nothing in the roof.

"I don't see a thing, Obara. What'd you catch ?"

Obara didn't get to say it in time.

Nearly all activity came to a halt. Everywhere the people of Sunspear almost jumped out of their skin at the horrified cry of a woman.

The prince was the first to act.

Telling Obara to stay put, he rushed across the street. He found the woman sitting on the ground, a basket of fruits at her feet and a hand covering her moth. Eyes wide and mirroring the nature of her scream. She didn't make a move when he approached her.

"Hey, hey," Oberyn slowly placed a hand on her arm. There was no rash reaction, but she did turn to him. "Are you ok ?"

By her eyes, which were now leaking with tears, he could see that he was recognized. However, she spoke no words. Slowly, she raised a hand and pointed at the cause of her scream.

Oberyn followed. He knew the place. It was an old inn in the city, simple in its stone appearance. But tall and famous among travelers. The windows were closed, and there was no activity. Yet, he could see the door slightly open. With only darkness inside.,

More citizens crept near the scene to see what was going on. They weren't alone in that.

"My prince!" Oberyn saw a group of guards in similar moving to his position. He gestured for them to get the shaking and crying woman out of the street. They did instantly, gently pulling her up.

The one who had called moved close to him. With a golden shield in hand and a scarf wrapped around his mouth and nose, showing his superior rank on the group.,

Bowing in respect, he stated. "We heard the commotion and came fast. Are you harmed ?"

Oberyn shook his head. "No one is," He then pointed at the woman and the inn next. "She saw something inside,"

The guard made a once over in the building.

"Strange," He narrowed his eyes.

"What ?" Oberyn asked.

"The man who owns this place, I know him well. He goes out from time to time and never leaves anyone else in command of the establishment," The guard explained. "Usually, he only asks for some of us to keep an eye out, should there be a theft,"

"Any chance he's back ?"

"I doubt it," The guard pondered. "He left just one day ago. I saw it myself. Just as I know that robbing this place would be a hard task,"

The more Oberyn stared, the more he could see why.

Smooth stone walls, without cracks or spaces to grab., And High walls make it impossible to climb. The windows, he wasn't mistaken, were covered with a unique kind of leather found in Essos. Expensive, but for a reason. A boar's hide was easy to pierce compared to them.

Whoever the owner was, he knew how to secure what was his.

Yet, the door was open..

The Dornish prince snapped his fingers a couple of times to catch the attention of another guard.

"If you may ?" He said with an open hand at the man's spear. With a knowing nod and no hesitation at the silent command, the weapon was thrown, landing in on Oberyn's grasp.

Twirling it behind him, the viper took its measures.

"I little off-balance, but it will do," He concluded, slamming the bottom on the ground. "You're welcome to join me," Was the invite to the guards before Oberyn strode ahead. None tried to stop him. How could they?

Following their prince's lead to the building, the guards stood side by side two steps behind him.

Oberyn stared at the entrance, unmoving. A second later, he went into action, kicking the door wide open. Holding the spear in a thrusting fashion.,

And it was by sheer will he didn't drop it from what he saw.

The door had enough space for three people to pass through at once. Seeing their prince suddenly freeze worried the front guards. Peaking over his shoulders, they soon became just like him.

With ropes wrapping the feet together and leaking drops of blood, three corpses hung from the ceiling., Each skinless.,

The main hall was a sight equally disturbing. Blood and gore were all across the walls. And on the floor was a pile of flesh with flies hovering over it, along with other organs. And worst, most of it was fresh.

A guard on Oberyn's left had to jerk his head away from the gruesome scene and the potent stench coming from it. Ripping his scarf off, he breathed and repeatedly swallowed to stop himself from retching.

One of his fellow guardsmen didn't fare the same. Emptying his stomach in the street upon laying his eyes on the inside., The rest stooped in pure shock at the sight.

The citizens how dared to take a look themselves had similar reactions. Some gasping and gagging., Others covered their children's eyes, turned away themselves, or even fainted.

"What happened here ?" The high-rank guard muttered about the carnage, ashen-faced.

Oberyn didn't seem to register the question. His eye went through the blood path until one section caught his attention. Far right was a set of stairs. Both led up and down.,

He chose the one with footprints in it.

The high rank saw him slowly and silently make his way there. A scare wouldn't keep him away from his duty. Joining the prince in his walk, both followed the trail. Weapons and minds sharp, as the killer, could very well still be hidden in the inn.

Its victim, whoever it was, left signs of desperation there. In their rush to go up, they even used their hands along the way. Whether the blood was theirs or not was the question.

The trail continued in the dark corridor on the upper floor. It came to an end at the only source of light there., It was one of the paid rooms, not very big by the looks of it.,

Oberyn almost took a step before the guard grasped his shoulder, head shaking. His doubt died when the man gestured to himself, saying he would go first this time.

The viper knew it wasn't a place to argue, so he allowed it.

Stealing his nerves, the guard leaned against the wall, taking careful steps, not making a sound. He got the edge of the door and dared peak.

Another bloody scene met him. Maybe worse them the one below.

He had never seen such a level of brutality like this. The body laid on the floor, still in clothes and normal skin at parts.

But the head and spine were gone.

The guard lost his composure as he stumbled sideways, using a drawer for support. Oberyn was next to him instantly. He saw all the emotions go through his face when he witnessed the brutal death that occurred in that room. But the last made him feel a little off about the prince. One that he, by all means, shouldn't have.

Recognition.

On the outside, Obara avoided the large gathering that formed around the front doors., A part of her boiled with curiosity over what happened. But with many people blocking the view, she chose to obey her father and stay in place.

Yet, while everyone's attention was on one place, she felt a strange feeling. Like a pair of eyes were watching her., A chill ran down her spine.

Quickly, she turned back, carefully searching the roofs. And there it was. Now in a different one than before.

The shape.

Uneasy started to form as her breathing picked up in speed, and small traces of sweat dripped from the side of her face.

She would remember this day till the end of hers. When the rippling shape's eyes blinked red in her direction from above, before it disappeared in the air.,

Later that day

The gardens were beautiful in all months of the year. Even more so in the times of spring or autumn. A unique work from the union of Targeryans and Martells.

A safe haven from all Dornish.,

Hot days, cool nights, the salt breeze blowing in from the sea created a sense of comfort. The sun shining down over the pale pink marble paved gardens and courtyards were views worthy of paintings. And the sound of laughter from children from all walks of life. Their joy reached everywhere while they played in the many pools and fountains. From morning till late afternoon.,

A combination that many came to find peace in it.

Today, one couldn't.

Elia Martell stood in her private chambers, regarding the pools from the balcony. There was less movement now due to day time. It didn't matter to her nieces, however.

Her heart went out to poor Mellario and the septa when they tried to get a hold of the girls. Emphasis on 'trying,'

Arianne and Tyene were little menaces already. After learning to walk, no place seemed off-limits for them. Curiosity and wonder were ever high with children. All were new in their young eyes.

And leading the constant drive to explore was the older and bigger Nymeria. Her cousin and half-sister followed after her everywhere like puppies. Almost worshipping the very ground, she walked. The second sand snake took the most enjoyment. Never for a moment, the three were apart.

Now they ran wildly, laughing and giggling with not a single care in the world. Even with the countless shouts not so far behind. Telling them to go inside and ready for dinner as the sun was setting.,

Such a scene never failed to bring Elia joy or a good laugh. Yet, all it did now was make her lips tug up for the smallest of moments.

All for the weight of dreams being possibly broken.

For years she watched Doran with his family, how happy his smile was, and the love in his eyes shinned. Then Oberyn, forming a family of his own even earlier than was expected from him.

At one point, it became a constant thought for her. One, maybe two babes of her own. Boys and girls, one of each. She imagined seeing them grow, playing with their cousins, enjoying the sweet taste of blood oranges together under the trees, read stories before bed.

She also thought about a loving husband beside them.

Knowing how the world was a cruel place, with even worst people living in it, Elia didn't believe there would be a perfect radiant knight waiting for her out there. Yet, her mother gave her a little more hope. Saying that there were still decent and good men., Mentioning her deceased father and an old friend, Rickard Stark, the warden of the north.

To her credit, those kinds of men did exist. But few found her suitable. For those who did, either the spark didn't last long. Or they had to bow for others that didn't see any worth in her. None said it out loud, but she could see in their eyes.

Elia knew she wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world, not even Dorne. Her dear friend Ashara was leagues above her in beauty. Which was enough for some lords to turn away.,

And now that the king himself had spurned her, none would blink at her direction.

News of the affair no doubt were running across the other kingdoms. Of course it was.

It would be her song. The poor rejected princess of Dorne.,

Elia wasn't sad about it anymore. She was just tired. Wanting to find a way for her to lay in her bed and never wake up again., But at last, the gods would not even give that much for her. Deciding that she should live with an everlasting feeling of a hollowness within.,

Quite the jokesters, weren't they ?

"Thought I might find you here,"

The sound of her room's door opening fell into deaf ears. It was from the call and continuous echo of metal meeting the stone floor that Elia did look behind her.,

It was Brude.

He closed the door behind him and placed a bag of sorts on the floor next to her bed.

Elia remembers him as the young lad her mother had placed as a personal escort., His hair was short, body lean but skinny, face shaved, and a warm personality. Simple white robes, a shield strapped to his back, and lance in hand.,

And now she would look and see an older and more gruff man almost at the same age as her late father. A full beard covering his mouth, more burly but lean all the same and bald., Daunting a Light silver and copper armor and a short sword in his belt.

Yet the years didn't change him at all. Much to Elia's joy.,

"The view is pleasant," Elia shrugged in greeting.

He came to stand by her side at the balcony. Had it been any other day, both would be already lost in random topics, jesting or even talking about her first travel beyond Dorne.

Instead, a somber atmosphere hung around them.

Elia could see, his light brown eyes filled with pity and sympathy, as everyone else. Oh, how she, in her solitude in Sunspear, had the desire to scream at then to stop it. To grab a chair and smash her mirror to pieces. She would not in the end. There wasn't even strength in her to let the rage out. And she was a princess.

She would endure all of it with dignity.

"Am I intruding?" Brude broke the silence as both continued to look ahead at the sun setting on the horizon. Speaking no titles with the princess., By her own orders, they had moved past those decades ago.

Yes, no, perhaps. Elia debated before replying.

"Does anyone need me for something ?"

Brude gestured below to Nymeria, Tyene, and Arianne, walking inside with the latter's mother. "I bet they did before,"

The princess inwardly scoffed.

"They were enjoying their day. No need for me to ruin it,"

"After being almost two years away, spending time alongside my aunt wouldn't ruin my day," Brude rebuked the statement. With a raised brow, he added. "Unless, of course, she doesn't even bother to think of that,"

As mentally tired as she was, Elia wouldn't stand those kinds of assumptions concerning her family. Not even from him.

"But, since it's you, I know that's not what it is," Brude said before she could respond. His expression turned to one of shame.

"I'm sorry, Elia, for what happened. I should've been there,"

Elia shook her head.

"What difference would it make ?" She asked him. "What happened, happened,"

"Still, I could've -,"

"Could've what ?" There was more strength in her voice as she pressed. "Pulled out your sword and threaten the king? Lord Lannister? Or any other lord who didn't approve me? Tell me, Brude, is it's what you would've done ?!"

A part of him considered that. Especially for cunt sitting the throne.

"No," Brude said calmly after Elia's small outburst. "Just stayed by your side when you needed. It's what I always did,"

"When I was a child,"

"My oath to protect you and your family is for life. It ain't going be you getting taller that will change it,"

"I can consider it fullied and cut your ties to the Martells," Elia stated.

Brude crossed his arms.

"And I dare you to look me in the eye and say that's what you actually want,"

Elia stared back at his taunting expression. Brude took her turning away as a declaration of defeat. His challenging stance gave away as he asked in a soft tone again.

"Elia, I don't know what you're going through, and it's obvious you don't want to share your feelings much. At least say what could help you. What do you want ?"

The princess pressed her lips together, looking for an answer to give her old friend.

"I don't know," That was the bitter truth. So many thoughts and emotions convoluted in a mess inside Elia's head., She didn't even know what to feel. Maybe it was the reason she was tired, the fog wouldn't clear, and she was left wandering in a valley of numbness.,

Brude was about to insist when both heard three beats of a bell throughout the gardens. It was the first sign for the feasts. The second would mean it was ready to be served in the haul.

The Dornish guard put it to Elia. "You may want ready yourself for dinner,"

By her stillness, he knew that wasn't in her plans.

"I asked for the food to be served in my quarters beforehand," She revealed to him.

If Brude had any hair left, they would've been ripped out already in frustration. But no use of citing her choices, there was no ill intentions with them, he noted that himself.

Didn't mean he, in his right mind, would leave her there in a room in the dark all alone. Not all night, at least. And he had just what he needed for it.

With a quick inspection of her look., Brude pointed out at her feet. "You, change those,"

Elia frowned. "Why ?"

"We are going out," Brude replied matter of fact over his shoulder, grabbing the bag he brought.

"No, we are not," Elia protested while watching him open it.

"Yes, we are, young lady,"

Elia's words died on her throat when Brude revealed the content inside. It was a crossbow! One he gave her as a gift when she was 12. She thought the weapon was lost.

"Show me if you still know how to use this,"

I know, I know, a major delay on my part. Honestly, this chapter was going to be way longer, and it should've been published earlier. But in the last month, things for me got a little complicated in life.

Not going to get too deep into it, but hopefully, things will work out better from now on. At least, I'm happy it was ready today.

The next one, we will be back with Noc'ture, and finally, have the first meeting between two worlds.

I wish all of you a happy Christmas with your families and an even happier new year.

Until next time people.

Peace