[center][color=E8600C][h1]Gabriel Martell[/h1][/color][/center][hr][hr][center]Idly observing. Unsure if he really wants to interact with [i]anyone[/i].[/center][hr][hr]
Gabriel thought to introduce himself to the rest of the room following Tiras, but the tension had only seemed to escalate as ego brushed against ego. Therefore, instead of making himself out to be the bratty child that seemingly could not read a room--which he could surely do, no doubt, lest a Martell he not be--the boy chose only to say a brief thanks to Tiras for allowing him to pet his bear and then moved away quietly.

Approaching with caution, so as to not startle the lumbering animal, Gabriel carefully sat down next to it with his legs out to his side, using one hand to support his weight while the other carefully brushed over the fine fur coat. Listening closely, the young man could hear the bear's steady breathing. His fingers felt the warmth of the high body temperature as they ran along the backside and gently scratched away at a spot that the big beast seemed to react positively to, letting out a quiet-but-pleasured moan while the ears flicked slightly upward. Gabriel grinned and felt oddly relaxed, despite realizing that he was petting one of nature's deadliest beasts, as if it was the most timid creature in the world.

The attempt at conversations that the other wards in the room were making, but obviously failing at, would have been difficult for anyone to follow without fully understanding the context of their ancestors' histories. Who was who wasn't a concern, as their very colors and the air about each of them were dead ringers. Gabriel had read enough of greater Westerosi history to understand the ancient feuds between some houses; but while bad blood may have once sullied relations, any contempt for one another now was wasted effort, given the very reason why they had all been summoned to King's Landing in the first place. Snarky remarks, insults, and unchecked pride would only serve as vain attempts to defeat the King's intended purpose.

Of [i]that[/i] much... Gabriel was certain. But who was he to weigh in on such matters? Oh wait, that's right... he was also a damned heir, just like them.

When Toran appeared in the common room, Gabriel's spirits--which started to feel dampened--were immediately lifted. His cousin's presence was always reassuring to him, especially around strangers such as the ones that now surrounded him. He couldn't very well expect Tiras' bear to keep him safe when half of the men in the room thought to draw their swords when they first saw it (or have their accompanying protectors to do that work for them).

Gabriel thought to stand up and move over to Toran, to once again cling to his cousin's side; but the boy thought twice when he observed Toran sneak his way to stand near Alyssa Arryn. Had his cousin not have had a reputation for woo'ing beautiful maidens, Gabriel wouldn't have found himself suspicious of Toran's proximity to her. At least, Gabriel had convinced himself that his concerns for such things had been born purely of "idle suspicion", and nothing more.