Princess Laena's Chambers

"Oh? Do tell." Laena's eyes were bright with curiosity. "And do not think I do not eat well. Some of us are just better at controlling ourselves than others. I do not enjoy gorging myself. "

"They will," Laena agreed. "The war must come first, child. Had you thought to pursue this business of manticores a few years ago, perhaps there would be time. But the lands in the Jade Sea are dangerous and largely unknown. Even if you achieved your desire, you would almost certainly arrive back too late to join the battle. I you are set on this, we shall speak of it again when the battle is done. I shall want to examine the books in the Citadel, after all."

When Daenerys arrived, she was greeted by Taena in a simple green dress and gold jewellry. Taena hugged her friend with a grin. "I'm so glad you came! Come and meet Grandmother!"

She led Dany in to meet the Princess Dowager, who was on this occasion clothed in deepest purple with a silver lining. Her hair, in his customary bun, made her look rather severe but she wore the hint of a smile, as Taena announced "Grandmother, this is Daenaerys Velaryon."

"Thank you, child. Greetings, niece," Laena said to Dany. "I am pleased you could come to see me. I have several kinds of herbal tea, or wine if you prefer. And cakes, of course."

"Oh, Dany, you have to try the lemon cakes," Taena insisted. "Simply divine."

"Oh. Don't they have nice cakes in Braavos? That's a pity. I was going to ask you to take me with you when Grandmother can spare me."

"yes, yes, you young people always want to go off on adventures," Laena grumbled. "But never mind that now. Daenerys, would you prefer peppermint tea, blackberry or nettle?"

"Admirable of you." But it wasn't clear if Laena was serious or not. "Brew the tea, Taena."

"Yes, Grandmother." The bastard girl immediately went to the pot of water boiling in the hearth. She stirred in the peppermint leaves. "Are you going to war now, Dany? You must have learned a lot since I saw you last. I'd have gone myself, if I could."

"I'm not sure. But it's my duty, I think. They don't give dragons to bastards for no reason. And I'm a passing fair archer. I intend to shoot from dragonback, one day," Taena confided. "But I'd be no more use than an ordinary archer if i went now, so it's best I wait."

"I hope so." Taena got out the teacups and started to pour. laena turned to dany. "it does seem that way. I will remain, as I always do. I intend to step into Oldtown only when the city has been taken. I shall spit on the ashes of the dead and take the books from their library. There will be much of interest there, I do not doubt."

"Yes. Thati s always my duty. I am not made for travel or warfare, truth be told. I am of best use here," the old lady explained. "I am not as young as some of you."

"he is not. He will stay here and rule. But my daughters are both going, and my youngest son too. So some must remain behind," Laena explained. "I do not begrudge them the glory. I care only that the deed is done and the war finished."

"You may," said Laena at the same time that Taena cried "Of course!"

Laena looked at the two girls "My dears, this war has been raging since before either of you were born. I was a young woman when it began. I am tired of war. I wish to study in peace and see my grandchildren marry and have children of their own. I have worked all my life for the betterment of my house. So many lives have been lost in this war. It must end soon and this Faith Militant must be exterminated." She looked hard at them both. "This Faith is no good to any man or woman."

Taena had been listening quietly as well.

"I think...I think it doesn't matter what gods a person worships. My mother's house worships the Seven," she said. "But It's the Faith Militant. They are the wicked ones. They killed my father."

She picked up a cake and looked at Dany "What gods do you worship on Driftmark?"