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HIGH TIDE
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GODS were the first to underestimate humanity, fools made of them to believe humans would stay dead after death. If she could choose, Rhaena would prefer the company of ghosts right now, even now when she is surrounded by those who she loves. The carriage ride to Driftmark had been a quiet one, her attempts at small talk with her parents failing as grief had washed over them- as it did with everyone. She hated this, truly despised it.
Rhaena had been fortunate in her life to have not witnessed death up close, until recently. She did not know how to handle the current events of Harwin Strong's unfortunate death and now her aunt's. It has been long since she had last seen Laena ever and she and Daemon had moved to Pentos. The last time they had spoken was for Rhaena's tenth name day, a small celebration between the close family, she remembers the peaceful day. She had enjoyed the day as it had all that she favored, from food to people- even with the limited amount of gifts they were lavish.
Laena had approached the young princess while in the gardens, asking if she could join her for her walk. The princess agrees as they talk, Laena leading her to a nearby bench, sitting beside her, "Have you enjoyed your name day so far Rhaena?"
"I have! Mother surprised me with lemon cakes" Laena laughs at the young girl's excitement over the sweet dessert, a smile on her face as she realizes how much the princess was like her mother. "Oh, lemon cakes! How wonderful those are- may I ask if you have enjoyed the gifts you've received?
"I appreciate them, though most are from lords who wish to marry me to their sons." Rhaena laughs at her own words while Laena nods in acknowledgment, watching the princess swing her legs as they continue to talk. "I was going to wait until we all were together, but I believe I should give this to you now."
She says this as she pulls out a bracelet, holding it out to the princess for her to take. Rhaena looks at it, taking the bracelet from the older woman's hand as she examines it. In awe of the thin piece of silver, the delicate detail made the young princess look back at the woman sitting beside her, "It's beautiful, thank you Laena!" The young girl hugs her, immediately putting the silver bracelet on once she pulled away from the woman.
Laena laughs and nods, happy and relieved to see the young girl had enjoyed the gift. "I was not sure if you would like it, if I am honest with you I did not think you would after seeing you open your other gifts." Rhaena shrugs slightly at this, "that was because they were from lords, but since this is from you I shall cherish it deeply!" That day was the day Rhaena understood the value of fulfillment in her life.
All Rhaena remembers of Laena now was how beautiful she was, and how there was no other like her. The serenity and sangfroid of the woman were something she always admired, born with fire in her while neck deep in the ocean. Her taste for adventure and her intuition would have anyone mesmerized, she was a woman who can not be easily defined.
