It took them two months to reach Dorne, and Sunspear in general. As they arrived they were greeted by four women. Oberyn smiled as he embraced the oldest woman hugging her tightly "Storm, this is my paramour Ellaria Sand." John blinked in utter shock he knew a bit about Dornish ways, but never expected that a prince would ever take a base-born to bed. He then turned to the three girls "My daughters Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene. They and all my daughters are known as the Sand Snakes."

He bowed to all four of them "It is my honor to meet you all."

This got a laugh from all four of them. This in turn made John blush as he felt like a fool still it didn't last long as the prince spoke "This is John Snowstorm."

This caused all the laughing to stop. None of the women knew how to react, but they didn't have to as Oberyn began to lead them through Shadow town and to the keep of Sunspear itself. As they walked into the courtyard two men were there to greet them. One man was as big as anyone John had ever seen, the other was thin and tall, but only just a bit taller than Ellaria. He had the same facial features as Oberyn so it wasn't hard to guess who this man was. As they neared John bowed low "Prince Doran, it is an honor to meet you, I am John Snowstorm."

The prince and Lord of Dorne looked to John interested "It is good to meet you as well. Yet, I must confess my curiosity as to whom you are, and your purpose here."

It was at this point that Oberyn stepped up "I was the one who brought him. I saw he was wasting his life and talent as a maester, I had to help."

His brother looked to John again frowning a bit "From the look of that chain he is wearing, I'd say he was quite the maester already." Slowly as the conversation continued John began to get angry. He knew he was lower than these two men, but he didn't enjoy being spoken about as if he wasn't there. Yet as he was about to say something the prince spoke "Well then, please consider yourself a guest here at Sunspear."

John smiled as best he could bowing again "I am very honored, Prince Doran." The group made their way into Sunspear's main throne room or sitting room would be the more appropriate term. As they sat there a few servants came and went bringing wine, and other drinks. Doran and his brother were having a talk in another language that John didn't understand, but he knew it wasn't a language nature to Westeros.

After they finished Doran spoke in the common tongue "So Oberyn, when are you going to Braavos?"

Oberyn smiled lightly "Within the fortnight. Once I have given our guest a taste of true Dornish living. He could use it."

John nodded his head in agreement "I would be very grateful. I do know a bit about Dornish history and their houses, but not their culture." He suddenly realized what he was saying clearing his throat gently "I am very sorry, Your culture."

Prince Doran smiled taking a sip of wine "It is quite alright. No offense taken. You seem very interested in Dorne. Why is that?"

John laughed ever so softly while he sipped his Dornish wine "Well, Prince Doran, it is because in all my studies of Dorne one thing stands out to me. I am sure the grass that hides the snake is clever enough to guess it."

The prince's knowing smile appeared "It is our view on Base-born children and the common people. It is this you love the most about us yes?"

"Yes, in all of Westeros, Dorne is unique in its views of bastards like me. It is for that reason alone I love Dorne so very much." He then glanced to Oberyn and back to Doran "However, I am quickly finding many more reasons to love it."

Oberyn smiled as he stood carefully "I like you even more my boy. So, I shall help you learn more about the Dornish way." He said with his cheerful tone of voice. John smiled as he suddenly noticed that Ellaria was not drinking wine. Also, the meal of spiced fish they were eating was not served to her. Instead, she had quail and a salad. John then realized she was wearing a much less form fitting dress and that she was also bigger while she was sitting. It was all these signs that spelled to him that she was pregnant. It wasn't any of his business so he kept it to himself. As Prince Oberyn left John was behind him, they hadn't gotten far before the Prince was swarmed by children. These were the children of his brother Doran Martell; Arianne, and Trystane. Oberyn smiled as he hugged and kissed them both. They looked to John and he knew his place. He bowed his head to the two royals smiling softly keeping himself in his place. He knew his role in things even in Dorne his place was still under them. Oberyn smiled as she gestured to him "This is John Snowstorm. A friend of mine. He will be coming with me to Braavos. Treat him as you do friends."

Arianne smiled to John in a regal way "Welcome to Sunspear, John! I hope you find it to your liking." She said in a regal voice far too old for one so young.

Still, John smiled "Well, thank you little princess. I am honored to meet you." With that she and her brother left towards the sitting room.

This left John to follow the prince. He led him to an open space that could be called a garden. So, tell me John what is it that you see here?"

He looked around a bit confused, but spoke "Well, it seems like a garden yet it is very large. I would imagine that this is where one of the Conqueror's sisters tried to land."

The older man shook his head as he moved to a weapon rack "No, this is the only Kingdom in Westeros that was never conquered. We only swore ourselves to the iron throne when friendship had been established. We are the first truly free Kingdom. Yet, we don't fight, we don't even get involved with the wars of the rest of the kingdoms. Not since the mad king. You told me that you commanded troops during the Greyjoy Rebellion. Tell me what do you think of war?"

John frowned deeply as he sat on a stone bench and thought about this "It is a hell like none we even know. Yet, killing a foe, and taking your life from him is a feeling that little else can match."

The prince smiled as he pulled up a spear and he began to brandish it with an impressive display of skill. He then pointed it at John "Well then, you know the joy of combat. Let us resume where we left off on the ship."

The younger slowly drew his Valyrian sword; Stormbringer smiling "Yes, let's." with that they engaged in combat. John was doing all he could to avoid the blade. He didn't think that the prince would use his deadly poisons against him, but he would not risk it so he was fighting for his life, in his own mind. He continued to fight using his blade to deflect the spear while he tried to move in closer to him to take his weapon. This was not something he thought he could accomplish. They kept at it for a long time finally, John backed off and sheathed his blade. Oberyn put his spear up as well smiling "You did well. I am very impressed it's almost as if you are already a true fighter."

John smiled as he shed his top "Thank you Oberyn. Tell me is there a forge here?"

Oberyn moved towards John running a hand along his naked chest smiling "Why do you want him? Have a thing for great craftsmen?"

He smiled softly as he enjoyed the touch of the Prince and removed the chain from his neck "I have uses for the metals in this chain, and that means that I can make them into something else. The Iron and steel can be used to make weapons, while the gold can be used for ornaments. What I can't use I will throw away."

It took a long moment before Oberyn kissed the young man hard and fiercely pulling away from him speaking gruffly "We have a very fine metal worker who would be happy to help. Go through that gate there, his forge will be there and so should he. Once you are done with him come to my chamber and we shall enjoy each other's company again." He had pointed to a gated fence that was opposite the one they had entered the garden from.