[center][color=E8600C][h1]Gabriel Martell[/h1][/color]
[img]http://41.media.tumblr.com/a15ed432eabddce34c9a53d4a779ec9d/tumblr_n7rghw6OpQ1swwx3co1_250.png[/img][/center]
[hr][hr]
Being slightly more introverted than most other Martells, the young Gabriel had, for the most part, remained practically glued to his second cousin's side. This had probably caused some grief for poor Toran, though. Earlier that day, Gabriel took the liberty of sneaking off toward one of the Red Keep's many studies, choosing the main library this time for his book reading. He had hoped to both give his cousin a chance to relax as well as seek out some peace for himself. Of course... that whole plan could backfire if he were to give Toran a panic attack. Oh well...

The Martells had arrived in King's Landing three days prior by ship. The journey across the gulf from the shores of Dorne had been long and arduous, with a relentless sun on most days, followed by a whirling storm that seemed to last for the first half of an entire week. The constant rain had forced him to stay in the captain's cabin, where it was warm and dry, in order to keep himself from falling ill. Needless to say, Gabriel was glad to finally set foot on land again and breathe the dry air of a fair and mild climate. If this calling to be a ward of the king had taken them any further north, Gabriel's parents would have reconsidered the very idea; but King's Landing was in a gentle enough place to live, keeping in mind the boy's lungs.

When a murmured ruckus was heard beyond the threshold of the library's main doors, Gabriel peeked over the heavy leather tome in his hands and saw several servants rushing down the corridor in the same general direction. Curious, he set the book on the cushion of the sofa he had been reclining in and made his way over to the door.

[color=E8600C]"Excuse me,"[/color] Gabriel said, catching the attention of the one of the servants, who stopped to turn and bow their head out of respect.

"My lor- er- prince?"

Ignoring the common misappropriation of titles, the young Martell asked, [color=E8600C]"What's all the commotion?"[/color]

"More of the wards have just arrived, sir. They're gathering in the common room."

Allowing the servant to be on his way, Gabriel paused and pondered whether or not he should wait before meeting the others and seek out Toran and Reina, or if it was safe to proceed with introductions... Eventually, too eager to stand by on ceremony and find his cousins, the boy took off with a brisk walk through the keep until he found his way to the wards' common area. He could hear the voices of several that had already arrived, but was still rounding a few corners before fully entering the main chamber. When he finally came about, he paused to hide nervously in the shadows and glance around the room from a distance. He didn't know any of them, but he could take some educated guesses based off of the obvious apparel and designs, or by the descriptions of their persons from stories.

Gabriel also noticed the animals, of which there were several. Odd, but also fascinat-

[color=E8600C]"Is that a bear?!"[/color] he exclaimed excitedly. A wide grin appeared on his face and the boy forgot all manners before darting into the room unannounced with a giddy step. Seeing where the bear had chosen to lie down, Gabriel stopped in his tracks and then turned to the man that appeared to hold dominion over the large beast; the one with coal-black hair, a thick shadow, and dark clothes. [color=E8600C]"Is he yours?"[/color] he asked, collecting his bearing. [color=E8600C]"May I pet him? I promise I'll be gentle."[/color]

Judging by the expressions of the others, he was probably the only one in the room that had not been remotely startled, but playfully excited, by the presence of the bear.