The Lord's Solar

Instead of being received publicly in the audience hall, Lord Maekar and Lady Vira met with Sergio in the privacy of the solar.

"I hope your ride was a pleasant one," Vira said with a smile. "It has been nearly two months since we last saw each other at Baelon Waters' wedding. A great deal has begun to change in that time, I think. Please, sit down. What will you have to drink?"

Sergio was dressed as a hedgeknight. He had ridden all the way to this keep in his disguise, only removing his disguise at the doors to the keep. "Some wine would be quite lovely." He looked around slightly bored. "It is a lovely keep you have here." He yawned, and looked out at the night sky. "It was long and dull."

Sergio took the wine, and leaned back against the wall. He stared at Vira, his eyes examining her body up and down with the curiosity of an owl. "I have not returned to Braavos from this visit to your fair city. No, and I have had Arbor wine.... it is quite passable." He eyed them back and forth. He smelled the wine deeply and then took a deep sip.

Maekar brought his own cup of brandy to his lips. "I prefer brandy myself; I've a rather fine Tyroshi vintage that I just imported this week," he replied lightly, though his face grew more serious as he spoke again. "I have sent my servants away. We can speak freely here, unlike in the capital where I am almost certainly under Lord Darklyn's surveillance. Here as well, perhaps, but there are no ears within hearing of our voices, other than the six in this room."

"I may be paranoid, but it is better to be safe than sorry, I imagine," Maekar replied with a small nod. "You and I both spoke rather obliquely in the capital, but I suspect my implications were as clear to you as yours were to me."

"As with most things, it is appropriate in moderation, but can destroy a man in excess," Maekar replied evenly, taking a sip of his brandy and then placing his cup on the table.

"Do you speak for the Sealord, only the Delinaals, or only yourself?" he asked slowly. "If I sought the Iron throne, how would it be in the interest of the City of Braavos to support me over Prince Aegon?"

Vira gazed at Sergio intently as he claimed to speak for the Sealord and the Delinaals, trying to read his face.

[Roll Request Deception]

"In theory, Master Delinaal, of course," Maekar replied evenly. "You know well that my true born siblings are all overseas, and will be so for months yet. I do not know the King's intentions but I do know that his position is not nearly so secure as many assume. I would not trust the fate of the realm if it fell to Prince Aegon, especially while he is as far away as Asshai."

"I know you have been speaking to my betrothed in the Red Keep; I am curious what about, if you do not mind my asking?" he asked mildly, abruptly changing the subject and carefully gauging Sergio's reaction.

"We Valyrians are very generous," Vira purred, with a smile. She took Maekar's hand. "Generous with our love to our friends, especially, and never rash. Of course, Lord Maekar is wondering where Braavos will stand, considering the lurking threats to my beloved brother's rule. There are traitorspawn in the Red Keep, and courtiers who cannot be trusted, and we fear sometimes that our innocent Prince Aegon falls prey to malicious influences. A prince who cannot control his court is a prince who cannot control his treasury, and the Iron Bank must have its due."

"Including you?" Vira asked, with a smile.

"I think you might be surprised as to what I could afford," Maekar replied with a knowing smile. "Assuming I could meet your price, what would i be purchasing?"