Chapitre 16: Chapter 15: The Letter
The following day, Aerian did as he said and had a servant bring parchment and ink to Elia's room so that she could write a letter to her brothers in Dorne to let them know she was alive in the North under their care. Elia ensured that she was doing well and that her children were alive, with all three being unharmed and treated very warmly by House Aurelius. She included Aerian's Proposal about the possible trade business he wanted to establish with Dorne and a potential alliance with House Martell.
To help her brothers believe the letter was real, she wrote some things only the three would know, like secrets between them or stuff from their childhood. Once she was done, she sealed the letter with wax and let the servant take it to the master to send by raven to Dorne to her brothers.
On Aerian's side, he can be seen in the god's words of the keep, where he often finds himself when he needs a place to think about plans, taking up Ned Starks's habits of sharpening his sword. Laying not far from him, Kael also enjoyed the godswoods, which reminded him of the forest where he lived before their bond was made. 'The first stone has been thrown; let the chaos begin.'
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A few days later, Dorne, Sunspear, 283AC Eigth Moon...
The sun had just begun to set over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the towers and battlements of Sunspear. Seated in his solar, Prince Doran Martell was meticulously reviewing a bundle of parchments detailing the latest reports from his spies when a soft knock echoed through the room.
"Enter," he called, his eyes not leaving the document in his hand.
The door creaked open, and Oberyn Martell, his brother, swaggered in with his characteristic panache. "Brother," Oberyn greeted, "you have received a letter."
Doran looked up, his curiosity piqued. Oberyn was rarely one to deliver correspondence unless it was of significant importance. He took the sealed scroll from Oberyn's hand, noting the seal that was unfamiliar but bore a sigil of two tigers holding scythes separated by a blade down the middle, a house he did not recognize immediately.
"From whom?" Doran inquired, breaking the seal and unfurling the parchment.
"Read it," Oberyn urged, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and concern.
Doran's eyes scanned the letter, his expression shifting from curiosity to shock, then to an overwhelming sense of relief and disbelief.
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My Dearest Brothers,
I write to you with news that will undoubtedly come as a shock. I am alive and well, and so are Rhaenys and Aegon, who live under the protection of House Aurelius in the North. They orchestrated my rescue from King's Landing on that fateful day when the Lannisters breached the city. I was spirited away before the worst could occur, and for that, I owe my life to House Aurelius.
Lord Aurelius and his family have treated me with the utmost care and respect. Their young heir, Aerian, has proposed a venture that could benefit our houses. He seeks to establish a trade business, and Dorne's expertise and resources are required to build ships capable of withstanding the treacherous seas.
I implore you to consider this proposal for its potential benefits and as a gesture of gratitude towards those who saved me. I long to see you both again and introduce you to the family that has become our sanctuary. I also can't wait to return home with the children and be with you two again.
I also know this letter will be hard to believe, so in order to prove that it is me writing this letter, I want to remind you both of what happened that time in the water gardens when we were children. Your mother caught you two slipping snakes into the water to scare those who were visiting as guests at the time.
House Aurelius is situated a few leagues west of Torrhens square in between House Whitehill and House Slate.
Your loving sister,
Elia
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Doran's hands trembled slightly as he finished reading. He looked up at Oberyn, whose face mirrored his astonishment and joy.
"Elia is alive," Doran whispered, as though saying it aloud would make it more real. "All this time…"
Oberyn's eyes shone with fierce pride and relief. "She has survived, Doran. And now she calls upon us to aid those who saved her and bring her home to us. This House Aurelius… we owe them a great debt; without them, those bastard Lannisters would've most likely murdered our sister and the kids."
Doran nodded his strategic mind already at work. "If what Elia says is true, an alliance with House Aurelius could be invaluable. I remember them now. I received reports from the battlefield about a house with this same sigil that caused chaos and struck fear into the royal army for how strong their soldiers were. Not only would it strengthen our position, but it would also honor the debt we owe for her life."
Oberyn leaned forward, his voice low but intense. "I will go, brother. I will travel to Frosthold in the North and verify the truth of this letter. If it is as Elia says, I will negotiate with House Aurelius on our behalf."
Doran considered this for a moment before nodding. "Yes, you are the best choice for this mission. Your presence will convey the seriousness of our intentions, and your negotiation skills will ensure that our interests are well represented. I wish I could join you, but I am afraid I would not get far with these useless legs."
Oberyn smiled, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "I will leave at first light. By the time I return, we will have either solidified a powerful alliance or uncovered a deception, although it will most likely be the former."
Doran stood, clasping his brother's shoulder firmly. "Be careful, Oberyn. The North is far, and the journey is long. But bring our sister back to us and secure this alliance. For Dorne."
"For Dorne," Oberyn echoed, his resolve unwavering.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone