Honey and Blood

Gulltown

The ride on the ship was terrible. Daerion had never guessed that he was someone who could get seasick easily but the waves of Blackwater Bay were proving to be Daerion's fiercest enemy until now. Every now and then, Daerion escaped from his cabin to blow chunks on the side of the ship. Connor told him to drink some essence of nightshade to calm his nerves but Gidden had once told him that too much nightshade might make slip into a endless sleepless sleep. Hard tack and ale were not full-filing meals but there was no meat or fish on board of the ship because of fear of rats.

He was forced to sleep in a tiny bunk bed right underneath Connor, who had gotten the better sheets. All throughout the night, Daerion didn't even sleep more than a few hours. He spent all night looking at the bottom of the bunk bed, trying his best to not be seasick. He didn't know Connor that much and all interactions with him seemed incomplete. It was almost as if every time they talked, they weren't saying everything they wanted to. One time when Daerion was relieving his seasickness ok the side of the boat, Connor approached him to give him some water.

"-You look paler than usual. - Connor said to him as Daerion took small sips of the stale water he had brought. - You really aren't made to be a sailor, are you? Thank the gods, that you are perfectly made to be a knight."

It almost seemed as if Connor wanted to say something else but he didn't dare to. Sure, it was a compliment and it made Daerion feel less seasick but the compliment felt unfinished. The trip felt endless so when the ship finally made it to Gulltown, Daerion was thankful. When they reached land there were a few carriages waiting on the harbor, Daerion had to hold his breath as the port of Gulltown smelled like rotting fish. As per tradition, Rodrick Arryn had already left to make some arrangements in the next town. The bride's party would be following closely.

From the other boat came out three young ladies, two of them were dressed in pale blue and had long flowing brunette hair and the last one had silver hair fashioned in folded braids. She walked looking down and the other two didn't seem to wait for her. Connor felt pity but it would seem weak if he said it out loud.

"-It is a rather odd task to escort the Princess. - Connor said to him. - One would think that she would simply have to fly a dragon to the Eyrie, like Queen Visenya did but no. Apparently, she is terrified of dragons. Maybe she isn't a true Targeryan. All true Targeryans have dragons...

Connor stopped himself mid way. Had he hurt Daerion? Daerion was silent looking intently at the ladies on the other boat. Connor felt as if the silence was too awkward and he needed to fill it immediately.

-Have you ever tried to tame one of the wild dragons on Dragonstone? - Connor asked. Daerion seemed surprised at the question, he rose his head and tried to avoid Connor's gaze.

-I would never dared. - Daerion answered with a little annoyed tone. - Dragons are dangerous beasts and after all I am not a true Targeryan, right?

Connor felt a sting. He had hurt him. He would push the matter further.

-Maybe we should go down. - Connor changed the subject. Gawin was already there, he was taking their place. He wouldn't let Gawin have an inch of attention. Gawin was cocky. - They probably need us to make introductions."

Daerion followed Connor closely as they approached the carriages. Gawin had been faster than them and was already holding the door of the carriage open for one of the ladies. Gawin smiled proudly. The ladies eyes fell on Connor as he walked near them and one of them even blushed.

"-You must be Ser Connor Beesbury. - One of the young maidens said with a flirty voice. - I saw your performance at my father's wedding. You are quite able with a sword.

-Thank you, my lady. - Connor answered.

-The pleasure is all mine. - She replied with a smile that Daerion didn't like very much. - My name is Elys Arryn and that is my sister Amanda Arryn. I heard that you are escorting my new ... stepmother ... as a price for winning the tourney.