The air in Sunspear's council chamber was thick with the scent of smoldering oil lamps and the coolness of stone beneath the bare feet of those gathered. Princess Loreza sat upon her high, carved chair of dark wood, her expression unreadable. At her side stood Doran, still as ever, hands clasped neatly before him. Oberyn leaned against a pillar nearby, his face sharp with attention, though a hint of impatience flickered in his dark eyes.
Lord Beric Dayne, Lord of Starfall, had come far to attend. His silver-black hair caught the light of the flames, his face weathered, yet his violet eyes remained sharp.
"It is time we spoke of the children," Loreza began, her voice cool and steady. "Of Mars and Ashara."
Beric nodded. "I agree, Princess. After… the incident, it would be wise for Ashara to remain here, at Sunspear. At Lady Elia's side."
"Officially as a companion," Doran added. "But truly, to safeguard what must remain hidden."
"In the long run," Beric ventured, glancing at Loreza, "a binding between them could be… advantageous. Politically, and otherwise."
Loreza was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Perhaps. But for now, they are still children."
"All the more reason they should train together. Sword, spear, bow, survival. Let them find what suits them."
"And the other matter?" Doran's gaze moved between Beric and Loreza.
"Carefully," Loreza murmured. "We'll begin discreet inquiries in Sunspear's libraries. Rhoynar histories, perhaps records of… Nymeria or her age."
"Essos?" Beric asked.
"Too risky. Too distant. Too obvious. Reports from Essos take months, and even then, we might find nothing of use."
"And Mars?" Doran asked.
Loreza's smile was thin. "He will train. As any son of Dorne should. But watched closely."
Beric nodded. "Then we are agreed."
They raised their cups, the wine catching the firelight.
"To Dorne."
"To our children."