[color=Goldenrod][h2]Syla Greyjoy[/h2][/color]
[i]What is Dead May Never Die[/i]
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The longboat creaked as the gentle wake rocked the boat from side to side. The crew shuffled about on the deck to begin preparations to dock. A calm breeze gave them a headwind and it was only a matter of time before they'd reach their destination. King's Landing. A place of overcrowded squalor where one man claimed to be the most powerful in the known world and where many lords and ladies spent time kissing up to that man in hopes of recognition and reward. The place hardly suited the tough rigor of the maritime raiders, the Greyjoys, and for the most part, history had always upheld that. Today, however, was going to be one of the few exceptions that the Krakens of the Iron Islands would dare the politics and intrigue behind those walls of the Red Keep. The Greyjoy ward, Syla Greyjoy, was the youngest of Bailin Greyjoy and to the lord of Pyke, his daughter offered the least value if held as a captive. She was not likely to be an heir at the Kingsmoot and the scandalous rumors of her being a homosexual brought mixed opinions. 

Besides, the position of "ward" to a Greyjoy was nothing to brag about. Sitting around, playing petty politics wasn't a Greyjoy ideal and there was no strength in it according to any Islander. In fact, it was a curse that doomed whoever to be stuck on land for however many years of wardship. It was a waste and nothing more than a distraction as any Iron Islander worth their salt was out raiding plump merchant vessels and innocent coastlines. Indeed, as even Syla protested her father's wish to become a ward in King's Landing. Hell, she even felt insulted and rejected by her father at the offer. It wasn't until he offered Syla the promise that she'd have an opportunity to raid during her long voyage around Westeros, that she accepted the offer because up to this point, she still hadn't had her first kill.

Sure enough, Syla and her longboat vessel did raid several unsuspecting ships around the coast of Dorne, plundering loot to stock their ship. Syla did manage her first kill to and in the eyes of her people, she was a true Ironborn now. Easily the highest part of the trip for her so far. But now, seeing King's landing on the Horizon, Syla got a feeling of dread and depression as she would soon leave the sea behind.

"Well, lass, there it is." Syla's captain, Armin Tawney, said as he snuck up behind Syla's nervous vigil on the bow of the longboat. Syla remained focus watching the distant red of the Red Keep but responded to her captain. [color=Goldenrod]"Too late to turn around now?"[/color] Syla's question made the old captain chuckle. "Aye. About two months too late." Armin said and stepped forward placing a hand on Syla's shoulder. "Don't worry lass. The moment yer done with the bootshiners, you'll be back out here leading yer own crew." Armin said, trying to sound reassuring. It was strange, but Syla had grown rather fond of the old man as he gave Syla her first kill, her first raid. It was special and this whole trip around the continent of Westeros would be etched in Syla's memory forever.

Syla took in a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air as if it were the last breaths she'd ever take. She had a feeling that upon her return, things would go back to the way they were. Her father didn't care for her, not like his sons. She wasn't going to lead men, her father would forbade it. But she didn't relinquish her feelings and superstitions to Armin as that wasn't strength. Not Ironborn strength anyway. So she simply nodded and Armin stepped away quietly to continue his command of the crew, leaving Syla to watch as King's Landing grew larger and larger as they got closer and closer.

--

Docking went smoothly and it appears they were expected as a group of several Gold Cloaks and servants from the Red Keep were awaiting on the dock. Syla hadn't moved from her perch on the bow as she watched the hustle and bustle of King's Landing with a quiet intrigue. It wasn't until Armin piped up behind her again. "Time to go, lass." He spoke softly, almost sounding sad that this moment had come. Whether intentional or not, Syla had appreciated the sentiment. She turned and smiled at Armin, [color=Goldenrod]"Thanks, Armin."[/color]. She gave him a nod and he returned it. No need to get teary-eyed over it.

Syla stepped from the bow and walked over to the ramp. Joining her were a small house guard of about seven with an eighth man, Garrow Blacktyde, serving as an advisory role due to his better education than most on the Iron Islands. He wasn't the current lord or prospective heir to house Blacktyde so he wasn't needed per sae on the Iron Islands. Still, his knowledge and cunning were noted by Syla's father and he would be a perfect instrument to keep tabs on the politics of the King's Landing and relay information. He gave Syla a nod as she stepped off the ship, her black overcoat flowing in the breeze as she moved with a purpose.

"Lady Syla of the House Greyjoy?" One of the servants stepped forth and inquired. Syla rolled her eyes at the formal title and obviousness of the answer. Their longship's sail was the rust golden kraken after all. [color=Goldenrod]"Yes."[/color] She shook her head as the servant nodded and turned to lead with the Gold Cloak escort that accompanied them. It was at this time he mentioned that they other servants will bring up Syla's other stuff and she need not worry about it. Which was fine by her account, and thankfully some of her guard hung back to make sure their stuff would make it.

The long walk up to the Red Keep was an educating one. Everything that was rumored about in King's Landing was true in Syla's eyes. The place stunk of feces and the streets were packed with people. That reality completely changed when they reached the gates of the Red Keep where the servant escorting them announced Syla's full name as a sort of password to enter. The gate opened and Syla and the other Ironborn were ushered inside. "Lady Syla, good day to you." Another servant said with a bow. "If you would please follow me, the other wards have gathered in their commons room. I'd be glad to show you."

Syla nodded and followed, discovering very quickly that she was meant to go there alone as the rest of her Ironborn were lead elsewhere. The Red Keep was massive, Syla soon found out, as she was lead through the building, but eventually the servant bowed again and gestured towards a door that lay in front of her. "The ward's commons. Please make yourself at home." Syla thought by his tone that she was being fed to the wolves but she steeled herself and marched through the door discovering quite the scene.

The place was a zoo as animals were all about and yet everyone seemed okay with a bear just sitting in the center of the room. Syla scowled as she mouthed the words [i]'What the fuck?'[/i]. That seemed wildly inappropriate but the happenings of mainlander people were lost on her. Maybe that was a normal thing, though in some way, she doubted it. Outside of the literal bear, there were many figurative animals in here as well. Direwolves, Lions, Stags, and Snakes. Even Syla could roughly tell them apart based on what was recorded in history books. 

Syla stalked quietly along the edge of the room, eyeing all the other individuals who were all deep in amidst of their conversations. Syla had little intention to join and actively participate but it seemed like several were bickering like children while the others seemed not to care. It also seemed that Syla wasn't dressed for the occasion, whatever that might have been. Everyone appeared to be wearing their best robes and dresses while Syla adorned herself in her weathered overcoat and hardened leather as if she were still on a longship. The one oversight was that she didn't have a sword as she didn't put a lot of faith in those wild animals. But Syla didn't care all that much, though she had to admit to feeling a bit isolated from these people already. 

Normally quite gregarious, Syla chose to remain quiet for a moment as she slipped into a regal-looking chair next to some brown-haired girl who sat further away from the group but chiming in just loud enough to give some other girl some lip. In all honestly, she couldn't tell which family these two were from but the one sitting was most likely a Tyrell due to the very revealing nature of her dress. That was partly the reason why Syla chose this chair apart from the rest. Eye Candy.