Author's Notes: Hey everyone, glad that you liked the last chapter and I hope that you like this one as well. As always I own nothing, Martin does.
Once inside they were inside Arianne led them through the castle till they came to the throne room where her father, Prince Doran Martell, awaited them. The throne room was a large room roofed with a golden and leaded glass dome. The floor was made of a pale marble and at the back of the room was a raised dais on which two thrones were placed; they appeared to be identical and on one the prince was seated.
He appeared to be in his fifties with white hair. He wore loose flowing robes that covered him from ankles to wrists. He looked like a worn and aged version of Prince Oberyn but that was not what drew Sansa's gaze. She had heard that he suffered from gout but even so she found herself struggling not to stare at his swollen distorted fingers, and if she looked closely she could see some disturbing bulges in his robes where his joints would be. Determined not to stare she looked up into his face. His eyes were striking, they were not as fierce as his brother's but they were shrewder. It might have been Sansa's paranoid-fueled imagination but it seemed to her that his eyes concealed depths, hooded like a snakes. She gave herself a shake and looked about at the other people in the room.
Standing behind the prince was a large man with broad shoulders and white and who carried the largest axe that Sansa had ever seen. Also present were several women who also looked vaguely familiar. One was tall with brown hair who was regarding Tyrion with a look of barely hidden dislike. The second looked to be a few years younger and was far more attractive, with olive skin a willowy figure and dark hair. The way that she looked at them made Sansa think of a hawk circling its prey just before it struck. The third was as fair as the other two were dark with blond hair and an air of innocence about her, and innocence that did not quite meet her eyes as she regarded the party as it entered the throne room. Also present was a short fat man who wore a maester's chain on his neck. Arianne came to stand between the dais and the Lannister party, with a sweeping bow she began the introductions.
"Lord Father, allow me to introduce to you Lord Tyrion Lannister of Casterly Rock and his wife, Lady Sansa of Winterfell. My Lord and Lady Lannister, my father, Prince Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne and Lord of Sunspear." She then turned to the three women; "And these are three of my uncle's daughters. Obara Sand," she said, indicated the large woman. "Nymeria Sand is next, followed by Tyene Sand." As she finished speaking Prince Doran rose slightly in his seat and began to speak.
"My honored guests, be welcome within my walls and at my table. I extend to you my hospitality and protection in the light of the Seven." At a slight motion from his hand a servant came up to Tyrion and Sansa with a plate of bread and salt, as well as a pitcher of wine and several glass. After Tyrion, Sansa and their companions had eaten and drunk Tyrion began to speak. Or at least attempted to but before he could speak Obara spoke up.
"And may it serve you better than it did the Starks at the hands of the Frey and their…allies." Sansa's breath caught in her throat at the mention of her family's fate and she could see Tyrion's face go red at the implication of his family's involvement in the affair. Before he could say anything Prince Doran interjected, glaring angrily at the woman.
"That is enough Obara! They are my guests and I will not have you behave in such a manner towards them."
"You must forgive my dear sister." Nymeria said; "She has always had our dear father's temper and I fear that the Lannisters are not well liked here in Dorne, where the memory of our dear aunt still runs deep." The prince's face went red and he seemed to be struggling to find words but before he could say anything Tyene spoke up.
"Nymeria, there is no need to speak to the Lord Tyrion in such a way. He is hardly responsible for what occurred so long ago and he is now the guest of our beloved uncle. Such an action would sure be an offence to the Seven." Her words and tone were both sweet and pious, almost excessively so. Tyrion managed to rally himself and quickly interjected.
"We thank you for your welcome and your generous hospitality and we accept it gladly." Turning to Brienne and Podrick he indicated them with a hand; "Allow me to introduce our party. Brienne of Tarth, my lady wife's escort and my squire, Podrick of House Payne." Prince Doran nodded toward them.
"I greet you Brienne of House Tarth, you served Renly did you not? I grieved when I heard of his passing." Brienne stiffened a little then bowed her head.
"Thank you my lord, you are too kind." The prince then turned to regard Sansa.
"I am pleased to meet you as well, Lady of Winterfell. I grieved to hear of your family's fate but I am glad that you are here now and I hope that you will be happy here. In a few days I will be returning to the Water Gardens, I hope you will accompany me when I do so. Now I am very tired and I must rest before dinner tonight." With that he rose and leaning, on the arm of the large man, he left the room followed by the maester.
After he had left Arianne called for a servant and instructed him to take the guests to their quarters. She then told them that feast was being planned that night to welcome them and she urged them to rest till then. She then excused herself and departed as well, the other three women accompanying her. Following the servant Sansa and the others left the hall as well, as they did so she heard Tyrion mutter something, he did so so softly that she was not certain that he knew that she had heard him.
"The board changes but the game continues."
Author's Notes: Well there you are and I hope that you liked it. This and possibly the next chapter or two will be more set up before things get going again, please let me know what you thought of it in the reviews. Till next time please pray for persecuted Christians and all others who suffer persecution, the sick, the homeless and runaways, victims of human trafficking, those who suffer, Gail Berry, a friend of the family suffering from mental deterioration and all others who suffer from physical and mental degeneration and all who need prayer, especially in Africa where they are having an outbreak of Ebola so please pray for the sick and their families and for comfort for the families of those who have died. Bye and may Jesus bless you.