[b]Yronwood, Dorne[/b]

With dust and the smell of the desert still all over his clothes Edgar Yronwood entered the courtyard of castle Yronwood. Beside him walked his close friend Baros Deepwell, similarly clad in the flowing black travellers robes. Coming all the way from Sunspear and passing by a few other towns, Baros Deepwell’s merchant caravan came packed with products and wares from the east. To Edgar these matters were of no importance. The places he visited had nothing to do with trade, but everything to do with blood. He rarely received a warm welcome in Yronwood, but the atmosphere this day was especially tense. Word of invasion had spread quickly among the noble houses of Dorne who still had memories of civil war fresh in their minds.

Two serving girls approached the weary travellers. One bringing wine and the other bringing water. “Is there anything you need m’lord? Before I-” 

“None of that. Take me to my sister.” Edgar said matter-of-factly, cutting off the servant’s question. The serving girl, familiar with Edgar, kept her silence and nodded. 

Not even touching the flask of wine, Edgar and Baros followed the serving girls. After crossing the courtyard Edgar and Baros passed a gate and walked through the palace gardens until they reached a long table cast in shade by a large white silk garden tent. The table was set with at least twenty different plates with different foods ranging from simple olives to an entire grilled bass. As Baros took one of the quail eggs and put it in his mouth in one go, Neora, surrounded by her maid, a cook and two more serving girls emerged from the castle and headed toward the table.

The young regent of Yronwood was dressed in a long light green dress decorated with a pattern of small birds embroidered with gold thread. Right behind her the chamber maid was carrying several pairs of ear rings, presumably for Neora to choose from when she felt like a new pair. As she sat down at the table Baros managed a small bow but Edgar only gave her a cold stare. 

“It is good to see you brother.” Neora said as she dismissed her servants with her hand. “You as well Baros.” She continued as she looked in his eyes. She let her eyes linger for just a moment more but turned away in disgust as Baros gave her a smile, showing his teeth covered with half chewed egg. 

“Leave us.” Edgar said to the servants and took a chair. “I do not understand how you can just sit here. What has father said?”

“Father?” Neora said nonchalantly. “Father hasn’t sent anything.”

 “Then what have you done so far besides emptying our coffers?” Edgar snapped. When he heard the rumours of invasion, he hurried back to Yronwood. With Lord Ryon in Sunspear, Yronwood’s defence was in the hands of his sister. His sister he knew to be apathetic, even ignorant to the politics of Dorne. Caring more for her exotic treats and jewellery than the threats that face her family. 

“There are preparations.” Neora said after a moment of silence and sampled a plate with thin slices of beef spiced with Dornish peppers. “I do not know what father is doing in Sunspear… and I do not care. I do know these lands and I know our troops.”

“You only know maps and books. You have not left this castle in five years.” Edgar replied, at this point more frustrated than angry. “I have walked the Boneway. Have you?”

“I know the Boneway. I know every inch of it.” Neora said, suddenly turning serious. “I know where the northern savages will march, I know where they will rest. With or without word from father Yronwood will respond to the invaders. I am not waiting for his approval. I am waiting to hear what he has planned for you...”