Oberyn

When news of Rhaegar's disappearance, and the growing rebellion reached Oberyn in Essos he hadn't hesitated in sailing home. Only to be cautioned by his brother and kept in Sunspear doing what he hated most.

Sitting by and waiting for news.

Their sister was kept hostage, her children kept hostage. And with them unable to do anything but send men north for a king Oberyn had disliked from the second he wrinkled his nose at Elia during her wedding to Rhaegar.

Then their uncle died, and Rhaegar died, and news of the city falling arrived to them before the Spiders letter telling them of Elia's escape with the Stark girl.

Oberyn had wanted to head north the second they learned of it, but Doran had kept him waiting longer, until they heard of her arrival in Dorne proper. He understood his brothers reasoning, it would have done them all little good as he would have had no way of knowing that Elia and her companions took the Boneway rather than Prince's Pass. But the moment the news of them passing through into Dorne reached Doran and Oberyn was the moment he rode out with a small retinue of guards in search of his sister.

Seeing her, out on the arid desert, was the best sight Oberyn had had in months.

Their return to the Water Gardens, the better choice to hide and blend the children in than Sunspear, was a welcome one. Though Elia spent the first week of it resting, the journey harsh on her. Oberyn was glad when he saw that she began to regain some energy near the end of the first week.

She did join Doran and his discussions though, the three Martell siblings talking over what came next. They were all in a precarious position. Robert Baratheon had declared himself king and had a large portion of the Seven Kingdoms supporting him. Aerys had garnered little support in his last years, and Rhaegars actions for the last two hindered his own image. The Stag King was already becoming popular amongst the people.

And from what Alys Stark had told them he was determined to see the Targaryen line end.

They'd been discussing it near two weeks, and it seemed the decisions were finally made when Oberyn finds his brother sitting on his balcony overlooking the Water Gardens, writing letters carefully upon his desk.

"You already know what you wish to do," Oberyn remarks, walking past his brother to the railing of the balcony to look down upon the gardens.

He spotted Elia, sat on a bench in the shade looking much healthier than she had two weeks past when he'd found her. Beside her is the crannogman who'd been riding with Rhaenys, and the pair of them were watching the little princess run about with Alys Stark in the water. Splashing and laughing as the older woman chased her about, whose skirts were tied up above her knees to keep them some semblance of dry. Oberyn's eyes trail after the pair as they move about, and he smiles lightly with the renewed relief that his niece and his sister were safe here in Dorne.

"Yes," Doran replies, drawing Oberyn's eyes back to him as he writes. "Varys offered a solution for Aegon, it goes well with what we discussed with Mellario about smuggling him to Norvos, hiding him within the estate she still holds there."

"Just Aegon?" Oberyn inquires, they'd discussed the three of them making the travel. Now Doran intended to send just the baby it seemed. "And what of Elia?"

"Elia will stay here," Doran states, finishing his letter and returning his quill to it's spot on his desk. "Aegon's best chance for safety is if no one believes him alive. Arrangements are already in place for that, the Red Keep will believe he died on the journey south."

"You would separate him from family? From his mother and sister?"

"If Elia and Rhaenys go with him it's more likely to be discovered that he lives," Doran rolls the letter he'd written. "More likely that Robert Baratheon will send assassins after them all."

"So if they are not to go with him, what are your intentions?" Oberyn watched as his brother poured wax onto the letter, sealing it with the Martell speared sunburst.

"The rest of the seven kingdoms are not like Dorne," Doran notes, setting the letter aside to be sent later. He looks to Oberyn now, with a look to his face that Oberyn recognizes to mean that he'd determined it all already. Thought it through hard and long and come to his decision, which they all must go along with. "She poses less threat to Robert, at least in their eyes, by virtue of her sex. I intend to negotiate for her, and Elia's, safety."

"They will not let her stay in Dorne," Oberyn protests, "they will not let her stay with family. I do not see why we can not fake her death as well, she is a girl of four. They left in a storm, it would not be a hard thing to tell them she fell into the Blackwater during their escape. Then she could stay here; grow up here."

It was a plan Oberyn had proposed earlier, he had bastard daughters already. Claiming another would raise little brows, and Rhaenys would be free to be amongst her own people rather than those who'd killed her father and would see her dead with him.

But Doran shook his head, standing from the table and moving to rest along the balcony railing with his younger brother. "The likelihood of discovery is too high with that plan," Doran states, "it is better to play at their mercy, as you said she's a girl of four. Little threat."

"Until she grows, a fact that apparently Tywin Lannister was quick to point out to Robert." Oberyn spits out. "We send her anywhere outside of our own lands and the threat of what he tried the night of the seige is inevitable." Alys and Elia had told them of what occurred the night of the siege of Kings Landing. Of the two men who scaled the walls and entered Elia's chambers in search of her and her children. Alys had stated that they were, in fact, Tywin Lannisters men sent to do the deed. It had planted a seed of hate for the Lannister lord deep in Oberyns heart.

"Not if we play our hands right." Doran states, "if we hide her, and it's discovered, we risk this newly formed kingdoms wraith coming down upon us. A kingdom that now is united save for our own. If what I've heard about the Tyrells bending easily upon Lord Starks ending of their seige is correct."

"Let them bring their wraith here." Oberyn declares, fire burning in his veins at the thought of war. "We never bent to the dragons, I doubt the stags or wolves would fare any better against us."

"Rhaenys is young, Aegon younger, let them grow before we go to war for them." Doran replies cooly, "now is not the time for it. A sentiment the rebels will likely share, giving us ground to negotiate upon."

"You are playing a game," Oberyn looks fully to his brother, whose own eyes are down upon their family below. Doran's wit was always his greatest asset, as the spear was Oberyns. The Prince of Dorne had always been one to move pieces around for political gain, always with the interests of Dorne and their family at its heart. But it was this political agenda that had landed their sister in a marriage to Rhaegar in the first place.

A thing Oberyn wonders over whether was the right choice now.

But Oberyn wondered further, whether the choices his brother was making now were the best for them all.

"We'd be bending to them," he states, "when they should be bending to Aegon, or Rhaenys." He looks again to his little niece, down below and laughing. "It is their birthright, not Robert Baratheons."

"I am not arguing that," Doran says, turning to meet Oberyns gaze. "Only that we wait. The risk we run fighting now to put a child or a babe upon the throne is great, especially when we'd be putting them against a man who garners more support by the day."

It was true. Robert Baratheon seemed to gain followers easily, and even now word had traveled that even the maesters of the citadel had found loopholes for support of him through the mans blood-ties to house Targaryen by way of his grandmother. It seemed by now, nearing two months after the death of King Aerys, Dorne was the only kingdom to have not declared support of Roberts claim to the crown.

And Doran would have them do just that.

"We bide our time, brother." Doran looks back to their sister below, "and make our plans." Laughter echoes up to them, and Oberyn sighs as he knows there is little he can do. His brother is the Prince of Dorne, his brother is who decides. "Besides," Doran remarks, "Elia has already agreed with this."

"She is fine with potentially being separated from not just one but both of her children?"

"She wishes them alive, and safe more than anything else."

"They will never be safe," Oberyn states. The world can be cruel, especially to those as young as his niece and nephew.

"No," Doran concedes. "But we will do all we can to make them prepared."

Alys

The Water Gardens of Dorne are a pleasant place of recluse, especially after the hard period of travel they'd been on. Warm days easily cooled by the many pools of water that are frequented by nobles and small folk alike. It's a welcome locale, especially as the heat is more than Alys has felt in her life, and even with the dornish style dresses the Martells had found for her she still ends up sweating and overheated if she is not careful.

But she doesn't mind it, not when she spends her days with Elia or Rhaenys amongst the pools. The little girl taking it the most in stride, running about with the other children in the gardens and spending more time laughing than anything else.

It would have been entirely peaceful, and she would have been content to enjoy it, if not for the looming worry over her sister that seemed persistent as her time in Dorne continued.

She considered departing with Howland, but it seemed Doran Martell wished her there until he deemed ready to release her. She couldn't blame him, not truly, it was smarter to keep her until they'd decided what was to be done next.

She just hoped it was soon.

Elia was doing better at least, healthier than she'd been on the road. It seemed home was something she had missed as much as Alys misses Winterfell. The Dornish sun and cool breezes off the Summer Sea doing the Princess wonders and leaving her looking more content than she had in all the time Alys had known her.

Alys was alone right now, out in a more secluded alcove of foliage of the Water Gardens. In a spot where a pleasant sea breeze came through on occasion to ruffle her hair and the thin fabrics of her dress. She had wanted some time alone, and some time to work on the letter Doran had asked her to write the day before to her brother. Howland would have accompanied her if she'd not told him that she wished to be alone. Her friend and fellow northerner had stayed near her side most of their time here. Today instead he was with Elia and Rhaenys in the more populated parts of the Water Gardens, likely playing with the little princess who had grown fond of him and his tales of the Reeds moving castle in the swamps of the north.

She finishes her letter, but doesn't seal it, knowing Doran wanted to read it before it was sent off. She only knew a little of what they planned, only what Doran had trusted her with so she could play her own role. She was part of it, regardless, just by virtue of her getting Elia and the children out in the first place.

She knew Aegon's death would be faked, and the boy smuggled away. She'd had to write of the babes death in her letter to Ned, along with her confession of her actions. It was decided she would admit her part in their survival, and her part in their escape, in hopes that it would lend believability in the lies they'd tell to keep the boy safe. Ned would trust her, she knew it and had said as much when Doran asked, as she can't recall a time she ever lied to any of her siblings. Thus she has never given them cause to distrust her or her word.

The closest she ever came was omitting truths. A different form of lying, to be sure, but one she felt more comfortable with.

Now she would be lying outright. Telling him something happened that did not.

She didn't like it, lying to Ned. But she recognized the need for it. It was not her truth to tell. She would do as the Martells trusted her to, as Elia trusted her to.

"My sister informed me you enjoy chess," she jumps, just slightly, at Oberyn's voice as he enters the little alcove she's sat in. Her thoughts far from her and thus her attention distracted to not see him when he arrived. "I personally enjoy cyvasse, a game I learnt over seas, but they have their similarities."

She glances to him, and smiles "well, I've always enjoyed chess, but I am more than willing to learn something new." She tilts her head towards the set he holds in his arms.

"Good," he smiles, a tilted and teasing looking thing that reminds her of when she'd danced with him in Harrenhal. He'd smiled then too, and answered all her questions of Dorne when she asked. She'd thought him quite handsome then, and found he still was now. "I didn't disturb you too much did I?" he inquires as he sits upon the bench with her, his eyes glancing to the letter as she moves it to make room for the cyvasse board between them.

She shakes her head, "no, I just finished writing it." She watches carefully as he begins to set up the board so she could perhaps start to garner an understanding of it. "I was just enjoying some peace before I brought it to your brother."

"You believe that your brother will trust your word?" Oberyn asks, glancing up at her as she sighs at the reminder of her impending dishonesty to Ned.

"Yes," she nods. "I've never given him reason not to."

"Other than running off in the night," Oberyn jests, and she laughs lightly.

"I suppose other than that," she sighs. "I've never truly lied to him, or any of my siblings. If anything I was the one always mediating their misunderstandings."

"I apologize then for the position we put you in," he offers, and she feels he's genuine that. "And offer our appreciations for it. And for all the rest you've done at great danger to yourself for my family."

"It was the right thing to do," she says. "I can't imagine a scenario where I wouldn't have."

"And I am glad for it," he tilts his head in thanks."Now, the rules of cyvasse…" he starts and she smiles, ready to enjoy just a bit longer of peace and distraction from her worries.

Oberyn was right, cyvasse held plenty of similar qualities to chess. Though it was more complex. Thus where Alys felt quite secure and certain in her ability to win games of chess, she didn't win a single game against Oberyn for the few hours they sat together playing. She did get close, apparently, and in that she took some pride as he began to pack up the game.

"I wished to offer something," he spoke carefully. "Well, Elia and I did, but it would be I that would be helping you with it."

"Something other than a game?" She ponders, a smile playing at her lips.

"Yes," he chuckles. "Something I believe you'll appreciate much more as well."

"I appreciated this cyvasse game quite a bit," she muses. "So I imagine it would have to be something quite big."

"Elia and I have discussed it," he starts, "we believe we know where Rhaegar would have been in Dorne." Alys stills, eyeing Oberyn carefully. "Where your sister likely still is."

"Really?" her teasing tone from before is gone and now just quiet tentative hope. She hadn't planned on asking them, perhaps Elia but not her brothers. As she had worried when she'd first met Elia over what views she'd have of her because of Lyanna's actions; she'd worried on what the Martell Princes would think as well. She recognized they'd have more than plenty of reason to dislike her because of it, and more than enough reason to not assist her in finding her sister.

Oberyn nods, "really." His grin growing larger and prouder at her apparent dumbstruck look. He stands, offering a hand to her as she stands with him. "There is a tower, in Prince's Pass, called the Tower of Joy. My family gifted it to Rhaegar upon his marriage to Elia, a wedding gift."

"And he would have taken my sister there?" Alys asks.

"Aside from the irony of bringing a stolen girl to a gift given by his wife's family," Oberyn says glancing away, and in it she spots a bit of dark anger flash on his eyes though it leaves after he looks back to her. "It would make sense. It's secluded in the mountains, hard to find if you don't know to look for it."

"And you said you'd help me with it?"

"I will escort you and your man Howland to it," Oberyn says. "My brother may not entirely approve, as it will postpone his plans until we return. But, Elia and I both believe it is the least we can do for you. Considering."

Alys looked him over, and let out a light breath of relief before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around him. He chuckled, so she didn't feel as bad for invading his space with it. "Thank you," she says against his chest. Pulling back she looks at him, his hands resting upon her arms as he looks down and nods, "I… I could not be more grateful."

"I am happy to be of help to the woman who likely saved my sister and her children." He says it, seriousness to his tone and sincerity to his eyes. "Now, let us go give my brother your letter and inform him that we'll be departing in the morning."

She nods, and together the pair of them head off in search of Doran. Alys feeling light as air with the knowledge that she would soon be heading for her sister.

Thank you as always for reading and for all the amazing comments! Let me know your thoughts ands theories as they always make my day. I'm very happy that I've been writing so much for this, lets hope it keeps up for a long while!