(Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire nor its characters. Those all belong to George R. R. Martin, aside from my OC.)
(Oberyn Martell POV, Kingswood)
When his brother asked him to heed this Erlend fellow summons on his behalf, he'd thought that he'd gone half mad. In the end, though he agreed to his request if only to gain a measure of the new 'Conqurer'.
He wasn't a fool, the tension between the two had been obvious for all to see since word of what occurred in King's Landing reached them. Despite his anger, he refused to turn against his brother, if only because he knew how Elia would react should he do so.
The failed incursion that he'd encouraged Dagor to lead had eased a bit of the tension between the two as he mourned the loss of a close friend. It was like cold water had been splashed on the rest of the Dorne, that they couldn't afford to lose any more lives for foolhardy actions.
Seeing an opportunity to mend relations, his brother chose to distract him with an important task, that of the future of Dorne. Hotheaded as he was, Oberyn was well aware of his brother's pragmatism, it was a peace offering he was tentative to take, if only for the sake of avoiding bloodshed between Kin.
Instead of wallowing in misery or blaming Doran for their mother's actions that would inevitably lead to his beloved sister's death. Yes, he was slightly at fault for encouraging Elia to agree to the wedding for his own ambitions, but it wasn't as if he could've predicted that the silver-haired shit was as mad as his father, only he was better at hiding it.
The Iron Throne was little more than scrap metal at this point, around it were the burning ruins of the Red Keep and King's Landing. If rumors were anything to go by, monstrous green flames still burned the damned capital.
His brother had given him full authority to act on his behalf, even going so far as to inform every single major Dornish Lord that would be coming with him.
"If you have to, then swear loyalty to Erlend Mudd. Dorne can't afford another war. We can survive it, Yes. But at what cost?" Even now his brother's words still rang in his mind.
Oberyn smiled as he turned his attention to far more pleasant thoughts, his seductive paramour. Ellaria Sand was an exotic woman, who had a sensuous flair to her, while not the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, she was the one he loved and managed to stir him in ways no other woman could ever hope to.
Riding right ahead of him, she gave him a clear view of her lightly covered back. Noticing his gaze, she arched her back at him playfully, the minx.
Pressing his steed forward, he rode side by side with her, pressing a chaste kiss on her sun-kissed skin, earning him a pleasant smile and yearning look.
"My love." She said softly. The unasked question was clear in her eyes.
"Just wondering about what to expect from this Mudd Lord," he spoke.
"He can't be all that bad, I heard he was quite handsome, perhaps we could invite him for a little fun," Ellaria smirked, her dark eyes shined with lust at the thought.
"Maybe." Oberyn hummed at the thought, he wasn't all that averse to a little dalliance with the 'Conqueror'.
The 'Summons Peace' as many called it, allowed his entourage to move around the Kingdoms unbothered, though they were wise enough to take the slightly less hostile route through the Stormlands. Going through the reach would've been immensely foolish and he knew it.
'There is a certain beauty to this untouched forest.' Oberyn pondered.
Greenery was a rare sight in Dorne, its harsh climate making it near impossible for a forest like the vast Kingswood to grow.
"They look at us as if we are poisonous snakes, ready to strike," Obara stated, a look of disgust on his oldest daughter's face, as she peered at the Stormlords who'd joined their entourage.
"Don't be too harsh Dear, clearly they're still recovering from what those savage Reachmen did," mocked Ellaria.
Oberon laughed at his paramour's words. He could see quite a few Stormlords stiffen at her voice, though they ultimately chose to remain silent.
"Oh! How pitiful." Obara shrugged.
"Relax Sis, I'm sure they'll get over it." His daughter Nymeria rolled her eyes at her sister's comment.
"My Prince." A household guard appeared, bowing his head towards Oberyn. "Lord Baratheon has suggested that the entourage stop and make camp here."
Oberon stared at the guard for a few seconds before nodding his head in agreement. Seeing his approval the guard quickly moved to inform the Storm Lord of his decision.
Oh yes, he had nearly forgotten that among the Stormlords was none other than Stannis Baratheon. He held no hostility to the Stag Lord, in fact, he would've outright thanked the man on behalf of his late brother for caving in the Silver Wyrms skull.
Unfortunately, outside of those he deemed close to him, Stannis was a man of few words.
"What is it, my love?" Ellaria asked.
"It seems we'll be stopping soon, the stag wants to make camp," replied Oberyn.
"Mhm… At least we'll be able to get to the fun soon," said Ellaria, sending him an alluring look.
"Quite definitely my beloved," Oberyn smirked, his daughters rolled their eyes at their parent's actions with only sweet Tyene smiling at it.
He could only shake his head at his daughter's reactions, truly they didn't understand the passions of the flesh. Though anyone seeking to teach them would have to be prepared to face him.
Perhaps there's a bit of hope they're up to the task.
…
(Erlend POV, Firmridge)
"Prince Oberyn. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Erlend.
"When the most powerful man in Westeros requests your presence, it's difficult to deny," said Oberyn.
After Horton, joined by Yohn had greeted the Stormlands and Dornish entourages when they arrived and guided them towards their assigned chambers. Erlend had sent servants to invite the Red Viper and his family to this solar.
"Perhaps, I assume Prince Doran was unable to make it here due to health concerns?"
"It's unfortunate, but the gout has not had the best effects on his wellbeing."
"I would be happy to lend some of my healers to see if they can do anything in regards to it." Earning a raised eyebrow from the Prince. "They're some of the best I assure you, nearly all had dedicated their lives to the art of healing." He assured.
"Better than the Maesters?" Oberyn questioned.
"Unless you try, you'll never know."
Wanting to change the topic for now, Oberyn introduced his family. "My daughters. Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene." Left unsaid was that they were all bastards.
Not that he cared, the stigma of being a bastard carried little weight in Essos. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if a not-so-small portion of his ancestors had been bastards, survival tended to be more important than holding a proper marriage ceremony.
Taking a proper look at the future sand snakes, he could the difference between them. Obara his eldest was somewhat big-boned, she had rat-brown hair and close-set eyes. Her sister Nymeria unlike her had pale white skin though he figured she'd gain a natural tan as she grows older, her straight black hair and dark eyes did showcase some of her Dornish heritage. Their younger sister was a heavy contrast to the two of them, fair of skin, golden hair, and deep blue eyes, Erlend would have easily mistaken her for being of Andal heritage.
It wasn't just in looks, their characters also set them apart from each other. Obara had a confident aura about her, her stern gaze and annoyed expression told much about her temperament. Nymeria could be said to be more graceful, more lady-like compared to Obara, but the challenging gaze she held told a different story. Tyene looked to be the most innocent of the three, her dimples and near pious aura made her seem look almost harmless. Perhaps she was for now, but Erlend doubted if that would last.
"...and last but certainly not least my paramour Ellaria Sand." Oberyn continued.
He, like most of Westeros had heard of the famed paramour of the Red Viper. The bastard daughter of Lord Uller was quite attractive, with black hair and dark eyes, she was like an older Nymeria, though more seductive rather than cute. Her skin tone was olived skinned rather than pale white, Erlend would've believed her to be Nymeria's mother if she said so.
It was amusing to him how Oberyn seemed intent on riling him, instead of the expected reactions most Lords would've had at being presented with so many bastards, he acknowledged them with a respectful nod.
There was some disappointment in the Prince's face at the lack of reaction, though Erlend could tell he had earned some points with the part at his reaction.
"If I may ask Lord Erlend, what is the point of inviting us to your Solar?" Obersyn spoke, wanting to get to the point. "I doubt it was to exchange pleasantries or discuss my brother's health."
"Ah… It wasn't me who invited you here though," Erlend said with a smirk.
That seemed to irritate the other party, but before any of them could respond, the Solar's door opened to let in two individuals.
Oberyn for his part ignored the new entrants. "I was unaware that you liked to play games, Lord Mudd." Oberyn snarked.
"Why don't you turn around then," Eerlend responded with a cheeky smile.
"If it's not a sensual woman, then I don't particularly care to," said Oberyn, rolling his eyes.
"Oh… I see you're still thinking with your lower head little brother." was the stern yet gentle voice of the newest entry.
Erlend watched with amusement as the infamous Prince of Dorne slowly turned to face the newcomers, his eyes beginning to tear in joy at the sight before him.
There Elia stood with a curious little Rhaenys staring at the solar inquisitively, there was some recognition in her eyes as she laid upon Oberyn and his family.
Preferring to focus on his lover and daughter than the weeping man, Erlend let out a soft smile at the scene.
Oberyn wasn't the only one shocked still by Elia and Rhaeny's entry, the Sand Snakes and their adoptive mother stood stiff at the sight that greeted them, had their jaws dropped any lower, it would've hit the ground.
"Elia… Rhaenys?" his voice was hoarse, not believing his eyes.
"Little brother." was the only words he'd get from Elia as she rushed to hug the still form of brother.
Rhaenys seemed to have other ideas, now that she wasn't holding her, "Papa!" she squealed, as she barreled toward him.
"Papa!" was the joint response of the Viper's clan as they stared in bafflement at Rhaeny's actions.
Erlend for his part ignored the Dornish party, as he cooed at the adorable sight his daughter made.
[Note: So this is the more human side of Erlend, he does have weaknesses and they are his connection to his loved ones, and they are a large reason why he's averse to showing off his magic. His dragons on the other hand…]