(Collab with [@EricRP]) 

[b]The Explorer, the Mercenary, and the Cannibal[/b]

[b] Dragonstone [/b] 

A handful of voyages in a barely patched-up Ibbenese Whaler had scarce prepared the Lord of Deepdown for this wet hell. A fortnight of lashing rains, howling gales and bitter hails had made the voyage from Skagos to Dragonstone, albeit with a few days' respite in Braavos to collect the bulk of the Company of the Rose's levies, as miserable a journey as ever Kane Crowl had endured. His erstwhile companion and the Company Captain, Albus Norrey had remained chipper enough but his old friend's ceaseless positivity had rankled day by day until Kane had spent the past three nights confined to his cabin- hacking chunks of dried vomit from his, usually, lustrous beard.

The girl had only made things even more complicated. Marga Crowl was Kane's eight year old niece, a sombre and joyless little girl- the only product of his older brother, Kurrgan's marriage to Myrla Stane. She was supposed to be long leagues away back at the Crowl holdfast but had stowed away, bemoaning the notion of being left in the company of Old Corratt Crowl, her Great Uncle who stayed behind to act as Castellan. Kane loved his family well enough, he'd even taken Myrla to wife alongside his own bride, Lady Kendra after Kurrgan died but whilst the odd assortment of Crowls, Stanes and Magnars- all related by blood in half a hundred ways down the centuries- could merrily co-exist rattling around on Skagos, the confines of Norrey's vessel, "The Slattern's Lips" brought everybody into such close quarters that the sight of every single one of them sickened him. 

But, he'd endured. Dragonstone- a speck on the horizon when first Norrey sent word of their approach now loomed like some terrific monolith from the turbulent, churning waters upon which they were borne. The likenesses of the carved dragons, too numerous to count, glared like malevolent phantoms at them through the damp sea-mist. He stood, groggily, beside Norrey at the prow as they rolled up sails and cruised gently into an approach, the company oarsmen guiding the ship like the nervous prick of a virgin lover towards their destination. 

"M'Lord Commander!" called a voice. "The Sea Snake seeks permission to come aboard!" Kane huffed. Could they not go inside onto some solid ground for these formalities? But Norrey, as fucking usual, seemed delighted. "Aye, Perkins, tell Lord Corlyss I'll meet him in my cabin. Come on Kane. You big fuck. Best exchange pleasantries. Don't fucking throw up on this prick, eh?" He laughed but Kane just glared. He had no humour left in him and whilst adverse weather was the norm back home, rolling around like a cat in a barrel all the while was entirely new and entirely unwelcome. He stalked after Norrey and, for the umpteenth time, cracked his head on the low door to the Captain's cabin despite trying to duck. "Urghh Fuck!" He growled. 

"Shush now, y'clumsy cunt! I should take t'price of a new lintel for my door out of your bloody pay! It hasn't closed proper for six nights!" He teased. Kane lumped down into a wide oaken chair and glowered. "Let's meet this shithouse already and we can fuck off indoors!" He checked if the knock had reopened the gash in his forehead. It hadn't and in some measure this left him even more disgruntled.

Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, Lord of the Tides, and Hand of the Queen entered the cabin with a polite smile. He was bedecked in a rich turqouise doublet made from carefully cured leather, a sea serpent pin holding his rich white and blue cloak in place while the chain of his office ran around his neck. A handsome sword with the Velaryon sea horse set into the pommel was at his hip. At his flank were his captain of the guard and nephew, the young handsome Valarr, and one of his grandnephews, the brooding and quiet Aemon. Both were in armor. 

Corlys favored both of them with a smile and an inclination of his head, moving forward to shake hands in a firm grip, "Ah, Commander Norrey, you are a fine sight in these troubled times. You come with an excellent reputation. And you must be Lord Crowl, well met my lord. I've been to Skagos but once before and did not stay long, but I met your father. A fine man. A strong man. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I admit, I was surprised to hear that you accompanied the Company of the Rose. I had thought the Skagosi were unconcerned with our southern politics." 

"Be welcome to Dragonstone, many of the royal family are presently away but I rule in Rhaenyra's name. There will be plenty of room for your ships to moor and your men to be quartered. I would be honored to feast you tonight as well." His squire, Baelon, his great-grandnephew, came with bread and salt and passed it around to all in the cabin, the Velaryons partaking quickly.

"You don't look much like a snake." Came a small voice. Kane wanted to seethe but he could only place his head in his palm and wait for the damnable child to be done. She'd evidently been hiding behind the curtain but here she was and no doubt intent upon embarrassing him.
"Mind you..." Marga continued in her precocious tone, "I never really saw a snake. We don't get them back home do we Uncle?" As if to make this insubordination worse, she had the nerve to curtsey to Lord Corlys. Albus seemed much amused by this but Kane paled whiter than he already had been. 

The older Velaryons didn't skip a beat when Marga appeared, and the grandfatherly Corlys even favored the girl with a warm smile. His squire, Baelon, however blushed mightily and tried not to stare. Lord Corlys spoke, "I am called the Sea Snake for the name of my ship, which has seen me through many adventures. But perhaps one of my kin can show you a real sea snake at some point if you ever have a wish to explore."

"My apologies, Lord Snake.. I mean, Lord Corlys " He rose but had to stoop to cram his seven foot plus frame into the low cabin. "My niece was never much disciplined since her father passed." He put an acid edge into his words, "She lacks courtesy and manners alike. Commanded to remain at home yet she has stowed away like a rat and seems determined to irk me at every turn." It surprised Kane that he could speak so formally, Corlys' station and attire made him feel a common savage and he'd be past relieved when the fighting began and he could focus on something he was actually good at.

The Hand of the Queen laughed charitably, "It is no bother, my lord. She seems quite a bright and precious child. We would be glad to host her, several of the bannermen have brought their children to court and the royal children would be glad to have another playmate." Corlys mulled it over for a moment, brightening, when he retrieved a plainer sea snake pin from his belt and slid it into his cloak before handing his ornate brooch to the young Marga, "Here, not a real one but a handsome fellow all the same. If your uncle allows, consider this a gift. A reminder that there's always another adventure to be had. If one is smart and brave enough." 

Kane was clenching his teeth so hard they might shatter. Marga never said 'Thank You' and this was like to be no exception. In all honesty, she rattled around the Keep back home making glib remarks and everyone had learned to pay her no heed. Now though, she'd be able to infect everyone with her gloomy countenance and utterly untempered retorts. She gazed at the brooch in wonderment and said,

"Children? There's scarce any children at home. Father wanted a son but Mummy never grew big with child after me. Mayhaps I broke her. She's Lady Crowl too now, you know? Aunt Kendra is Lady Crowl and Mummy is Lady Crowl again too because Uncle Kane has two wives. My betrothed is called Halys and he's eleven or twelve already. We're to be married when I'm flowered but I hope he doesn't want two wives. i don't like to share." Kane heard the whole dialogue in a kind of stunned horror.

Norrey put in. "My reputation is nought aside yours, Lord Corlys. I make no apologies for little Lady Crowl, she's sharp as a caltrop and thrice as savage. Lord Crowl has joined the forces of Skagos to our own in recognition of their friendship to our Company. He might stumble over his heirs and graces some but this man is as fearsome a warrior as ever I've seen and you'll count me a good judge o' character." 

Corlys smiled at both of them, "I thank you, though I fear my warrior and adventurer days may be behind me. Now, I am old, and primarily I write letters. Such is life. Ah, the young lady Crowl reminds me of Rhaenyra in many ways, when she was her age. There is no need to be shameful of her. And Lord Crowl has been the picture of chivalry, his father's son indeed. I'm glad to make both of your acquaintance. If it comes to battle, I'm sure you and your men will be quite brilliant." 

Kane felt he ought to say more.
"Lord Sna... Corlys." He had to stop doing that. "I thank you for your kind words about my father. He said you were an honourable man.. I wish..."
"You told me Grandad said "That Snake is a poxy Southern cunt!" Protested Marga. Kane felt like all the air had been sucked from the room. "Excuse me..." He said, he felt his white face boil red from shame and anger. He hoisted the child bodily into the air and stalked from the cabin, cracking his head upon the lintel and splintering the wood in twain. "Fuck's sake!" He bellowed and hurried away, wishing he could topple overboard and let the waves wash the shame from him.

Valarr had to fight to keep a smile from his face while Aemond smirked slightly. Baelon was quite embarassed but Corlys was the only one to seem nonplussed, making no movement or comment as the two Crowls had their disagreement. He coughed as Kane left and nodded at Norrey, "I can see the confines of this ship may be setting the Lord's nerves on edge. I invite everyone to join us ashore, I can give you a short tour and have you all settled into rooms if you wish. The luncheon meal would begin within a few hours and your officers and highborn are all invited." 

Norrey had tears in his eyes when he responded. "Forgive me, Corlys, Kane was most wroth when the girl was discovered but I piss my pants laughing everytime she opens her mouth that one!" He chuckled heartily. "Kane, as you'll have guessed, is a Lord in name and status aye but he's no talent for diplomacy and loathes smalltalk. Speak to him tonight when he's on solid ground with ale in hand and a more entertaining fucker you'll never meet!" He finished his salted bread. "His sister's an odd one too, they barely speak but she runs his cavalry. Unicorns Corlys! Have you ever seen these fuckers on their unicorns? We've got 'em penned up separate in a great cog with t'other horses but they're a sight to behold. Only about a dozen but they'll rip an enemy line to bloody ruin." He felt bad for Kane, he worried Corlys might have a negative impression and worried that might jeopardise his confidence in the Company. 

"You'll have to forgive some of their customs. The wives and the thralls and what have you. They're a wild people and they live as such. Aye, they've a castle but put a pig in a stable and you can't call it a horse..." He smiled faintly. 

Corlys smiled back at Norrey, "There's nothing to fogive Commander Norrey. We all have our talents, and I'm sure Lord Kane's is of a more martial nature. I have great faith that your combined forces will be extremely effective as such."

"I may be a fancy lord now, but I spent my youth travelling the world. I grew up with sailors and soldiers and I've broke bread with Ibbenese and Dothraki and all manner of peoples. The difference in customs and temperment do not bother me, that you can count on. As for unicorns, well that is good news. Tales of their effectiveness in battle are widespread. I saw them, on my visit to Skagos. Awesome beasts. We have a half-dozen elephants in our army as well. Put together, they should be spectacular." 

The Sea Snake said, "Rest assured, Lord Kane is as welcome here as any friend to my good daughter. None will want for comforts here. Once the Lord returns, mayhaps we can show you our facilities and speak about how we shall proceed." 

Norrey needed no assurances from this man. "We'll do you proud. Aye, we're sellswords, we make no apologies to that end but we'll do t'job alright. Just tell me plainly as one old soldier to another, how rough is this'n like to get? We bring eight thou men and horse plus two thousand Skags but I've made it my custom to let my lads know exactly waht to expect. Then none of 'em can say as they were surprised. We don't stand for excuses. Once under hire we never tire!" He beamed, the little rhyme he'd coined himself and he loved to use it. "Come, let's get inside. I'm sick to death o' salt beef and we've only been asail a fortnight!" He laughed. 

A sharp gust rocked the [i]Slattern's Lips[/i] again and an echo of 'Fuck's sake' carried on the wind. Norrey laughed.

The Velaryons all rocked with the boat expertly and Corlys chuckled good-naturedly, gesturing for them all to leave the cabin and walk along the deck before heading down the gangplank to shore. They saw that well over a hundred dromonds, cogs, and carracks were at port, with the massive Sea Snake towering above them all. A few score more were just now mooring, with the striped sails and painted hulls proclaiming their Lysene origin. 

They saw soldiers patrolling and levies being drilled, as Corlys spoke, "We've gathered just over twenty thousand men and horse from my own forces and those of the other loyalist Crownland houses, as well as sellswords and free riders from the mainland. With the Lyseni, mercenaries, that's a few thousand more fighters there. But I won't lie to you, it will be extremely difficult if it comes to war." 

They passed an elephant, Rhaenyra's arms flowing from barding as it stomped past, "We're hoping to secure the aid of the North, the Iron Islands, the Vale, the Stormlands, and many more. I've sent ravens to every house in the kingdom that can be persuaded to help us. But the greens already have many more men than we do, even without those who are yet undeclared." 

Corlys looked off to sea for a moment, "Word has it that Aegon is building up the Gold Cloaks, and has hired companies such as the Second Sons and others. The Second Sons alone have well over ten thousand men, closer to twenty if some tales are to be believed."

"And he already has the forces of the West at his call, one of the largest armies in the realm. With House Hightower and half of the Reach, he has even more men. We also fear he is sending to Dorne and the Triarchy for aid. He's well on his way to having a hundred thousand swords. More if the worst comes to pass. That's why we need the North. The Vale. And every house we can get our hands on, as well as the other free cities and more mercenaries. But we do have more ships at the moment. And more dragons." The statement was punctuated when one of the beasts flew overhead with a screech. 

The Sea Snake smiled as a man in a flamboyant silken silver outfit with a ridiculously big black cap approached, rings on every finger and a gold medallion hanging from his neck, with a curved saber at his side. The man had long silver hair and lilac eyes and jauntuly swaggered over, "Ah, Commander Norrey, this is Captain Solaro Saan, I met him campaigning in the Stepstones, he was just a stripling no older than Aemon here then. Now he's as good a sellsail as you are a sellsword." 

Solaro took off his cap and bowed with a flourish, "The Sea Snake is too kind. Pleased to meet you. I've heard many things about the Company of the Rose. Welcome to our little band." 

Corlys smiled, "Shall we get you and your men settled?" 

Norrey reciprocated Saan's greeting. He'd been impressed by the elephant and more so by the dragon, a dark shadow. Some of his men could tell you the names of all the known dragons but he'd never troubled himself to learn. It was a big 'un. That was all he knew. The news of how much support the Greens had garnered was sobering but he had no major misgivings over aught he heard. "A pleasure to meet you Captain Saan. I would be much obliged to get my arse ashore and have the animals..." A thought struck him. "Would the horses, unicorns and what have you be safe? Y'know... from these bastards?" As though on cue, another dragon he couldn't name screeched and lurched into the grey gusting skies. 

Corlys nodded in understanding, "The horses and unicorns should be quite safe if they remain in stables or in the company of attendants. Our own dragons are trained to recognize our men and our war beasts. For the more.. free-spirited ones, we keep them well supplied in sheep, cows, pigs, and other labor beasts. There is plenty of fish as well. As long as they remain in numbers in stable or with soldiers nearby, they will be quite safe. Are there any other matters you wish to discuss?" 

The Commader clasped Corlys' arm genially. "If aught occurs to me, Lord Corlys, I'll ask." He misliked the flavour in the salt tang that blustered across the walkway here. A metallic, steely texture. Quite what preyed on his mind in the midst of this great circus of teeming forests of masts, hulking throngs of animals, swarming multitudes of men and swooping shadows of the occasional dragon he could not say. It was intangible but he felt it nonetheless. "I'll rest and repair some, methinks and get meself spruced up in time for't feast. It'd be best..." He cautioned, glancing around at the maelstrom of churning war bubbling around them, "if we could take to't field sooner rather than later, M'Lord. Eh? But what do I know?" He fancied he might have been too forward but Albus Norrey had never been one to mince his words and that many people, ships, animals and all the rest of it cooped up around the rocky outcrop that formed the Targaryen ancestral seat was a kettle that'd soon boil unless some pressure was released. He'd watched his men and the Crowls spark tensions over nought in a fortnight cramped under one another's noses on the [i]Slattern's Lips[/i]. This was like to be the same only magnified. 

And on such details could campaigns be won or lost.

The Sea Snake looked around at the men and material gathering on the island. Already there were some tensions between mainlanders and the clawmen, and between the sellswords and the soldiers. Nothing serious, but having so many armed men on Dragonstone without any outlet could prove dangerous. Corlys kept the men busy training, patrolling, and helping build fortifications. There was no lack of gambling, women, drinking, and food either, but a way to relieve the pressure may be well-advised for the near future. 

"I'll make sure all of the nobles and officers in your company find suitable accomodations to their station. There will be room in the stables for your mounts and in the barracks for your men as well." 

Norrey offered a concilliatory wave in acknowledgement but had already begun his walk towards the steep, stony pathways that climbed in miles of zig-zags towards the entrance to the great keep. The stream of guards, squires, Knights, aides and the like traversing the climb in one direction or other was a dizzying sight; like ants marching hither and thither in an endless frenzy. He must have heard a half dozen different tongues each with another dozen accents and dialects during his climb. He was every inch a Northman but his boiled leathers and matted, torn furs were accessorized with oddments of plate or mail from half the known world. He would have stood out in any civilised gathering under the sun's reach yet not a single pair of eyes did anything other than pass expressionlessly over him before falling back to their task of picking out a route up or down the stony stairs. 

Yet upon gaining the summit of his climb, a comely, silver-haired lad bowed to him and greeted him by name before escorting him down long torchlit corridors and under splendid archways, evidently carved by master stonemasons long centuries past because each keystone of every archway was shaped in the fashion of some heraldic beast. Aside from the usual dragons, he spotted growling manticores, thrashing krakens, fearsome hairy giants, a sharp-tusked yale and a prancing unicorn. "Is this Lord Crowl's rooms perchance lad?" He quipped to the silver-haired squire but the lad showed no comprehension of the joke and they continued. They came to a stop at length beneath an archway with the likeness of a direwolf carved into the keystone and Norrey shook his head in resignation. "It fucking had to be, eh?" He muttered but the lad only pressed the keys into his hands and scampered away again. They were a handsome suite of rooms; Norrey only needed a narrow cot or straw if no cot was to be had but Dragonstone had bequeathed him a lavish set of chambers with silken sheeted beds, ornate varnished furniture and drapes of Myrish lace. The carpets were of Essos but he couldn't quite discern their origin yet. Pentos, perhaps? He lit a fire in the hearth, taking in the quaintly painted tiles of the fireplace as he did; all the great houses' sigils were represented and nigh on every other Lordly or Knightly House that had ever been was represented somewhere. When he had time, he resolved, he'd make a point of locating the Norrey thistles and if he could not he'd declare for the Greens! Ha. 

His idle fancy forestalled a huge yawn and he undressed and settled down upon the feather mattress; His breath caught as he sank into a luxurious comfort he'd scarce known. Softer than the embrace of a maiden... Sleep came swiftly.