Stay Refreshed [D1 A]

[Davelyn Sand]

"Yes, something I've missed as well. Perhaps we'll have to go for a dusk ride then," he states with a smile. "It won't be the same, especially the smells, but the company would be lovely."

[Kaliya Redding]

Nodding, pleased, "and afterrwarrds perrhaps we will rretirre to my pavilion forr wine and," Kaliya leaned closer and continued in a husky stage whisper, "take a differrent kind of rride."

[Davelyn Sand]

"I think I'm quite going to enjoy this tournament," he says to her with a chuckle. "Especially if you will be demanding my time frequently."

[Kaliya Redding]

Kaliya casts a glance up and down the handsome young man. "Therre arre many things to look forrwarrd to: the thunderring of powerrful steeds in the lists, the displays of 'prrowess' in the sparring rring," she gave Davelyn an appraising look that said it wasn't their skill in combat she was particularly interested in. "And of courrse, the evenings."

[Davelyn Sand]

As she spoke, his legs gently pushed to intertwine with her own. He was becoming quite comfortable. "I look forward to seeing those things as much as participating in them. There will be many skilled people gathered here."

[Kaliya Redding]

Kaliya nodded at the increased contact, he'll be a fast learner. "I underrstand therre will be an equestrrian event, will you and Qitam parrticipate?"

[Davelyn Sand]

"We will, assuming that we are not facing a challenge on the lists during that time. But I would love the opportunity to show off Qitam in such a contest. Do you think you'll participate as well in that one?" He seems to be happy with the idea of it.

[Kaliya Redding]

"We shall have to see. I rreally only know enough to keep my seat, I should wonder if Perrlerra might do betterr without me," though her tone was light and teasing, a shadow darkened her expression. The Sand Steed was the only companion that remained since her departure from Dorne five years ago, she would never allow Perlera to come to harm, nor could she stomach the thought of another riding her steed.

[Davelyn Sand]

"You might think that, but Perlera would likely disagree since you've been together so long. I imagine that you are as important to her as she is to you, and you not being there would probably throw her off," he says to her with a warmness in his tone. Despite the touches and talk and flirtation, there seemed to be something a bit more there for him. A respect and care that suggested he was not one to simply to get a cheap thrill and move on. That while he'd enjoy a go with a beautiful Dornish woman, she was still a person and one he was interested in.

[Kaliya Redding]

She smiled gratefully. Any noble could 'talk horseflesh' but Kaliya believed that only a Dornishman could truly understand the true passion for horses. She'd been surprised to learn that children of the Kingdoms often learnt on old stots or ponies, but her reaction to discover that many nobles cared nothing or even less for their mounts had been met with a combination of horror and disgust that had left her suspicious and often loathe to discuss horses at all.

There was no way for Davelyn to know that the fact Kaliya had remained to chat with him spoke volumes. It hadn't been her intention to linger. Had she been asked to predict the course of the conversation, she would have anticipated it ending shortly after their date had been confirmed for later that evening, but there was something... comfortable? about the man's company, and she felt more at ease than she had in a long time.

[Davelyn Sand]

"And is there anything about the northern lands that you consider yourself fortunate to have experienced since leaving Dorne?" he asks with a smile. "Or is it all less."

[Kaliya Redding]

"The woman of the Rreach do have some of the most marrvellous ideas about gowns. No doubt you'll have the chance to see some of them beforre the Tourrney ends." She allowed her smile to fall, "my experrences have colourred my imprressions. You may have chosen this, but I did not."

Kaliya suddenly pressed her lips together, a hint of a frown touching her brow, but the expression was fleeting and she regained her composure.

[Davelyn Sand]

"It is a shame that more people do not get to choose their lives," he says, leaning forward in his chair and resting a hand on her knee under the table. "It may be a bit selfish of me to say so, but had you a choice I may not have gotten to meet you this afternoon, and my life would be poorer. Who is to say that any of us really have a choice anyway, and some gods are not playing with us all like puppets on strings? If that's the case, we should simply be glad for the pleasant moments we find in life."

[Kaliya Redding]

"That is trrue," it would be entirely selfish to say that, while his life might be poorer, hers would have been richer, but that didn't stop the thought from crossing her mind. Kaliya had been raised in the Faith, but she had never been particularly devout. She neither blamed the Seven-Faced God for her lot, nor did she thank them either.

"Besides, it is only lunch time and the rrest of my day is looking to be pleasant indeed."

[Davelyn Sand]

"Hopefully not just today," he says with a smile. "With me you can make whatever choice you want. I'd like to be your oasis in the desert if you'll let me, for what time we will have to spend together."

[Kaliya Redding]

"You arre entirrely correct, you have brrightened morre than my afterrnoon. So let us talk no morre of gilded cages. When I left Dorrne, I did not trravel alone, but frrom yourr worrds it would seem you did. Tell me what prrompted you to strrike out on yourr own? Was it a girrl?"

[Davelyn Sand]

"It was Prince Maron," he says, shaking his head. "He asked me if I would do so, for Dorne. If I would devote my life to honor the memory of the man that sacrificed his life for uncle Oberyn during the rebellion. I told him that I would be proud to for both Oberyn Martell and Jerome Kellington, for both houses. And so I have."

[Kaliya Redding]

"Well, it's not drramatic, but it is noble, which makes forr almost as interresting a tale. Arre you close to Lorrd Kellington? What is he like?"

[Davelyn Sand]

"We are not actually close, really. He's a very capable man, strong and clever. But I'm still quite young and haven't had the time in his service for him to truly understand how best to utilize my service.". Davelyn doesn't seem to be disappointed with that, but instead hopeful.

[Kaliya Redding]

Interesting, his response does not feel dishonest, perrhaps it is innocent idealism talking. but she allows it to pass without comment. "And what rrole do you envision forr yourrself? How might Lorrd Kellington best utilise you?"

[Davelyn Sand]

"As a champion, hopefully, if I can earn the skill required to do so," he replies. "And as a personal guard should he ever ride into battle. Though I'd prefer his house not have to face such."

[Kaliya Redding]

"Then this tourrney is an imporrtant showcase for you?"

[Davelyn Sand]

"They usually are for all who participate, but yes. It will potentially have a strong impact on my service. If I can prove my worth I'll be more than an errand boy," he says with a nod.

[Kaliya Redding]

"I have neverr been a guarrd, but I have had a guarrd, it seems a terribly dull business," her pouty tone is teasing.

[Davelyn Sand]

"It is dull, I can assure you. But guards are there in case things become a bit more excited and dangerous. Doesn't happen often, but it's worth the precaution for some," he says with a smirk. "Well, I should correct. Sometime's it's dull, and sometimes you have an interesting charge."