Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 28: Conversations About The Heart

Volantis

Alysanne walked on the harbour of Volantis. Again. It was infuriating that nature had forced them to stay in Volantis for days. Her sister was curious and walked through the streets, looking at the many sights of this ancient city. Even the rain did not deter her fair sister. Volantis is a place of many things, history, trade, Old Blood of Valyria, and thieves and cutthroats. Which is why Elaena walked with several of her best fighters. And she was sulking and pacing on the stone and wooden harbour.

Alysanne wants to be on the seas, have the wind in her hair, and see new lands. Her gaze went often to the sky, the horizon, and the sea to see any of the signs that could tell that the storm will die out. As always, she saw nothing that gave her a sprinkle of hope. She went back to the inn.

Each step she placed down was with the splashing sound of water that accumulated on the stones. Her clothes were already soaked by the rain. At least her clothing wasn't see-through no matter how drenched it would become. Her right hand pushed the wooden door open and she was met by the warm air of the common room. Her mind occupied with her troubles, she soon sat at a table, ale in hand while a few curses left her lips.

"Not often have I seen someone curse so often about a storm that held their journey at bay," a voice rang out. Alysanne looked up and saw a dark-haired woman sitting across her, purple eyes piercing through her dark hair and fair skin. Odd combination, Alysanne thought. But it did tug on the name Ashara Dayne.

"And not you?" Alysanne asked a bit annoyed.

"My journey came to a halt when my ship came in port through the storm. Not much remained except for wood that I can sell. I am Jeyne," the woman says with a small smile as she held a hand out to Alysanne.

"You're an odd girl. Without any thought, you sat down with a stranger. Any reason?" Alysanne asked while shaking the hand, an eyebrow raised out of curiosity.

"And here I was hoping you sat down to keep lonely me company. You did not see me sitting here, it seems you were distracted, Lady Velaryon."

"Oh... I did not. It seems you know me? I suppose you saw me sulking at the docks."

"Yes, and I saw your sails. House Velaryon. Rumour has it that you've risen from the ashes. Silver was found in the mountains and hills. Not many Houses can claim such a feat," Jeyne said as she took another deep gulp from her tankard.

"Perhaps, you must be from Westeros. Not many in Essos know of these things. Tell me, where do you come from, Jeyne?"

"Winterfell, my Lady. I am Jeyne Snow, bastard of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell."

"I see..." Alysanne says in a softer tone.

One-half of the famous bastard twins in Westeros. Eddard Stark, the most honorable man in Westeros has forgotten his honour and bore a twin with someone. No one knew who it was. A commoner, a whore, and few say even Ashara Dayne. Speaking of her, Jeyne looks like her. At least from how the stories described the late Ashara Dayne. One cannot be sure as Ashara Dayne is no longer alive.

"I heard about Eddard Stark. My deepest condolences for your loss. It was not just what they did," Alysanne says.

Jeyne nodded again as she took another deep gulp from her tankard. Even her gaze went to her tankard and gave an expression to wish it were stronger. It seems Eddard was at least good to his bastard children. Not many could claim such a thing. At least Jacaerys was one of them when she came with a bastard girl.

"Thank you, my Lady."

"Call me Alysanne. We're far from the rules of Westeros. So, where are you going, Jeyne?"