[center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/799b83fad11b11e68c8d757b511b9187/tumblr_otcs4l5gSG1s5m21go3_400.gif[/img]
[color=gold][h3]House Greyjoy[/h3][/color][/center]

The seagulls screeched as waves slammed against the colossal approaching Ironborn warship, galloping through the waters at a determined pace. The imposing seafaring ship was flanked by a sleeker longship on each side. The aptly named [i]Iron Leviathan[/i] led the trio of vessels, as the sun shined brightly upon its blackened wood decks. The wind roared against the towering sails, carrying it across the sea towards the port of Gulltown. The gusts seemed to sing songs of the Drowned God on the day of the tournament. Embroiled on the black sails was the legendary sigil of the Greyjoys, a golden kraken. It seem as if the kraken's eyes were set upon Gulltown as the trio of Ironborn ships approached. Glaring with desire and hunger for glory as the vessels made their approach. For generations the sight of Ironborn ships approaching the coast was a terrifying prospect for the land dwelling denizens, a certain sign of impending pillaging and raiding. This trio came with only peaceful intentions, as the young Lord Eldred Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands gazed upon Gulltown with wonder from his position on the deck aboard the [i]Iron Leviathan[/i]. Around him his crewmen walked and worked, lobbying playful insults at each other as they pulled closer to their destination.

"My lord, it appears we're arriving just in time." The familiar voice of Uller Goodbrother stated, the elder Ironborn lord standing firm with a slight smile etched on his weathered features. He wiped the sweat from his thick grey mustache then motioned for the crewmen behind them to slow in their approach. As Eldred turned his head to reply a detachment of the crew scrambled to control the sails, adjusting their approach accordingly. Their boots echoed hard against the sturdy floors of the warship. 

"I know, don't you see all the banners flying in the harbor? This tournament is gonna be far grander than I expected it to be." Eldred replied as he tried to hide the nervousness in his words. Apart from the visiting ships from around the realm, there were a multitude of other vessels. Merchants from across the narrow sea, travelers from Essos and who knew wherever else. It was what he dreamed to make Pyke to be like, a center of trade. 

"Do you see Lannister red and gold, my lord? Maybe your lion bride is here. Maybe she'll give you a big wet kiss when she sees you." Uller stated, the words followed with a wider smile as he patted Eldred on the shoulder. 

"You're hilarious, Uller. The funniest man in the Iron Islands." Eldred smirked, shaking his head slightly. Lord Uller was an old friend of his father's, every hair on his head was greyed but his wit was still sharp. Someone that Eldred had gone to in the past for advice, in addition to being one of the most powerful lords in the Iron Islands under the Greyjoy banner. 

"That's not saying much though." Uller added as Eldred moved to the side, raising his arm up towards the Ironborn longship to his left. He met the gaze of his younger sister Ryka, as the proud Ironborn beauty issued a nod in reply. Clad in a clean set of leather armor, the kraken branded on her right breastplate, Ryka looked more fit for battle than socializing. Behind her, the crewmen of [i]Grey Retribution[/i] roared as they rowed, pushing through the tides.  

Ryka was his heir, headstrong and standoffish but carried that brilliant Ironborn determination. Part of him wished that she would find a potential groom during this tournament. But he would never pressure her, she knew her what her duty was. Eldred almost pitied her future husband, the thought of some stuffy lord having to deal with her never-ending boldness. He never hoped he would end up like that, some fat stuffy lord with only oodles of gold and a reputable family name to back otherwise unwarranted pride. As Eldred walked to the other side of the [i]Iron Leviathan[/i] his eyes once more caught side of the approaching Bay of Crabs. It caused him to momentarily pause in his stride as he stared at the momentous mountains in the distance. They had no sights like that in the Iron Islands. He pulled himself away to attend to the other longship where his uncle Harren stood at the helm.

The bald Greyjoy hollered orders to the men of [i]Balon's Fury[/i] rowing fiercely behind him, too focused to lock eyes with Eldred. His uncle may have been the toughest man in the family. He was a natural inclusion for their journey across the seas to Gulltown, he knew that Harren would keep the Ironborn in line once they docked. Though Eldred had soundly laid out the law beforehand as a proper lord always did. He didn't need one of his people getting into a brawl and cause a commotion among his fellow lords. A clear mind was necessary for this type of event, even though Eldred did not plan to participate in the jousting. His gameplan today was diplomacy and building friendships. As the [i]Iron Leviathan[/i] pulled into the docks Eldred walked from the main deck, followed by Lord Uller. 

"Hope you brought your manners today." Eldred stated as his eyes followed some finely dressed noblemen walking across the busy streets of the port. He wasn't nearly as dressed up as they were, Ironborn weren't known for flowing gowns of silk. He wore a simple but eye-pleasing set of dark grey clothes befitting an Ironborn lord, his sword in its sheath on his belt. Uller had opted for a set of armor, as did many of the other Ironborn. 

"Always. But you're the one doing the charming today, my lord. I have faith in you, all of the Iron Islands does. You can even use some of my jokes if you want, I know a great one involving a Valeman and a goat." The veteran Ironborn lord stated with a laugh and a nod as the anchor dropped. Eldred was the first man off the ship, flanked by Uller. 

"I think I'm good on that end." The young lord said with a laugh as he stood on the docks, having turned once more to the sea. The waves crashed into each other as Eldred took a deep breath, composing himself. He would make his father proud today if the man could see it, he'd make his people even prouder. He was pulled from his moment of self affirmation by a firm hand on his back courtesy of his sister.

"Lets go, you can't spend all day on the docks." Ryka teased, then followed her brother as they left the comfortable confines of their ships behind.