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ASTHE sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the small town, Maelys felt a sense of anticipation build within her. The day had been long, filled with the sound of hooves clattering against the cobblestones as they traveled further north, but now they had finally arrived at a quaint village nestled between the rolling hills. It was a welcome change from the cold tension that had defined her journey with Cregan Stark.
"This place is charming," Maelys remarked, her eyes wide as she took in the rustic houses adorned with flower boxes and the bustling market square alive with laughter and chatter. It felt vibrant and welcoming, a stark contrast to the cold Northern air that surrounded them.
"It is," Erryk Dayne replied, a smile breaking through his usual calm demeanor. "The people here are good folk, even if they tend to be a bit wary of outsiders."
"Let's change that," Maelys declared, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she dismounted her horse and adjusted her cloak. "*Come on! We have to explore.*"
Erryk chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, but let's not cause too much trouble."
Together, they wandered through the market, Maelys delighting in the array of goods on display—fruits and vegetables, handwoven textiles, and trinkets that caught her eye. She admired a beautiful silver bracelet adorned with intricate designs and exchanged a few words with the merchant, who shared stories of the craftsmanship that went into each piece.
"You've got a knack for charming people," Erryk said, watching her with a mix of admiration and amusement.
"Maybe I should have been a diplomat instead of a bride." Maelys quipped, her laughter ringing out as they moved from stall to stall.
The locals began to warm up to her as well, their initial wariness melting away. Maelys offered friendly smiles and engaged in light banter, her heart swelling with joy as she felt the connection grow. The villagers told her tales of their lives, the changing seasons, and the harvest festival that was fast approaching. Maelys could feel a genuine warmth in the air, and it filled her with a sense of belonging she hadn't anticipated.
"What do you think?" Erryk asked, glancing at her as they stood near a stall selling homemade pastries. "Do you want to try something?"
"Absolutely!" Maelys exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. She selected a sweet pastry dusted with sugar, taking a bite and savoring the deliciousness. "This is delicious! You have to try it."
Erryk raised an eyebrow but took a pastry for himself. As they continued to sample various treats, Maelys felt the boundaries of her identity as a Targaryen start to blur. Here, among the laughter and the simple joys of life, she was just a girl exploring a new place, sharing moments with a friend.
"You've certainly made an impression," Erryk said, nodding toward a group of children who had gathered nearby, giggling and sneaking glances at them.
"They're adorable," Maelys replied, kneeling down to their level, her heart warming as they shyly approached her. "Do you want to see a trick?"
