Discussions Over Dinner

Posted on Mon Dec 28th, 2020 @ 7:25pm by King Aethan Velaryon & Ser Stevron Velaryon & Lady Shireen Velaryon

Mission: The Great Council
Location: Seasmoke Hold, Kings Landing
Timeline: Current

The interior of ‘Seasmoke Hold’, the Velaryon manse in King's Landing, was distinctly Valryian in design. The dark greys and blacks were offset by an exceptional amount of natural light that flooded in the sun setting over the Blackwater Bay.

The dining room was very well appointed, with a long black wood table that sat parallel to an open wall facing the sea. At one end was a large fireplace adorned with Velaryon seahorses, and the other was the entrance to the kitchen.

After a long day of travelling, Lady Shireen was keen to sit down to a nice meal and then rest for the night. The gray haired lady sat at the center of the table with her grandson at the end by the fireplace and her son by the door to the kitchen. The faint sound of the kitchen workers could be heard above the waves crashing just beyond the open wall of the room. Despite the natural light, torches were lit to ensure the room stayed lit as the sun continued to set.

“You know, they say that Seasmoke’s skull is buried under the cellar.” Stevron said, leaning on his elbows to speak to his guests across the table. Stevron had always been fascinated with the Velaryon's connection to the Targaryen dynasty and the dragons.

Aethan smiled at his uncle’s statement. He and Stevron had always had a good relationship. Growing up Stevron was like a friend to Aethan and Aenar. Always taking them out to sail and to fish. He knew he and his uncle shared a love of exploration and of history.

Shireen scoffed. “Seasmoke’s skull is in Tumbleton, all the way in the Reach. Everyone knows that.” She spoke with such contempt towards the ridiculous musings of her youngest, and now only, son.

Stevron scowled. “Why do you have to ruin everything?”

“He’s not a child that you need to entertain with your ridiculous stories Ron. He is Lord of the Tides.” She regarded her son with a dripping contempt. “He is here to represent our family in front of the Six Kingdoms. So stop with the infantile behaviour and act like an adult for once.”

Aethan was clearly uncomfortable watching his uncle get dressed down by Shireen. “Really, it’s okay.” He said. “I’ve always liked Uncle Stevron’s stories. In fact, they’re helping to put me at ease.”

Shireen narrowed her eyes at Stevron. And just as she opened her mouth to speak, the door from the kitchen opened and three servants brought in platters of various foods. A fourth brought wine.

All but the last one left the room. He crossed and poured wine for all three diners. Then stood by the door.

“We should discuss how tomorrow will be working.” Shireen said, reaching for a platter of roasted goose with a Dornish plum jelly.“We will need to leave early. I thought we would take the wheelhouse?” She looked to Stevron as if to say ‘Arrange the wheelhouse for tomorrow.’ Shireen reached for her wine and took a long sip. It was a delectable Arbor red. “We will arrive at the Sept of Recollection where we will be met by the High Septon and the Queen.”

Stevron shook his head. “The Queen and her daughter left this morning for the Vale. I expect the Hand, Lord Sunderland, will be there in her stead.”

Shireen tore into a piece of goose and washed it down with some wine. “We will speak with the High Septon and the Hand before entering the Sept and observing the King’s no doubt bloated body. We will then take our seats and following the viewing, the High Septon will lead prayer. As the Queen departed this morning, I imagine the King’s body will be on its way to the Reach by tomorrow.”

Aethan was indifferent about the whole situation. He had never met King Waynn, and never heard much about him, nothing good anyways. By all accounts, the reign of King Waynn was not bad but it also wasn’t good. The youngest of the three nodded that he was following the proposed itinerary and continued to eat.

The old woman finished off her wine and held the cup in the air to let the servant know she wanted more. “When we leave the Sept, we’ll take the wheelhouse to the Red Keep. There will be a feast in the King’s honour. I’m told the gardens have been manicured for the first time in years for the feast.” Shireen sounded like a gossiping girl.

Stevron put down a goose leg on his plate. “As a member of the Small Council, I’ll be expected to play host at the feast.”

Shireen waved her hand. “Yes yes, we will be mingling anyway. No better time to find a match for Aethan than among the gathered great.” She smiled at her grandson. “Perhaps for Aenar too.”

Aethan was embarrassed. He knew that now more than ever a match was necessary. So many had been proposed before, only too then be deemed unacceptable later. But now, it was paramount to produce an heir.

It was at this point that Aethan tuned out of the conversation and allowed his mind to drift away from King's Landing. He sighed quietly and resumed eating, wishing he was anywhere but there. Talking about anything but that.