Maekar & Vira meet Maelys

If Maekar was astonished to see the Lord of Oldtown answering the door to his own house, it did not show on his face. "My lord uncle," he said, with a small nod of greeting. "I trust your flight to the city was pleasant? How are you finding Oldtown, in the months since the army disbanded?"

"Indeed that's me darling... But those days are gone. Now I'm just a poor old Lord." Maelys sat on his armchair, offering the visitors a seat. And enjoying the fact that the words "M.T. Lord of Oldtown" were sewed in his bathrobes. 

"Fine enough, nephew. The city is beautiful, though I'm still getting used to walk around that maze." He took a sip of his tea. " There's still much work to be done, principally where the Hightower stood."

"It is no more than you deserve," Vira added. "Though to be sure one could say you deserve even more."

"My name is Vira," she said with a smile. "I'm a seed, sired by Prince Maeron ten-and-seven years ago. I tamed Aegerys the Ghost two months ago, and I have heard much of your valor."

"I will have just tea," Vira said, "As I'm with child." She touched her belly lightly. It was a very small bump, but just beginning to show.

Coincidentally, the tea-pot and two cups were lain on the table. He poured them some.

"Aye, though I believe I won't see them so soon. Before I finish my castle I still may find under a heavy load of debts." That last part of his nephews question was a bit strange, deep inside a part of him was not liking this surprise visit.

Vira gave Maekar a light kiss on the cheek in thanks for pouring her tea and sipped it slowly. She looked perfectly peaceful, calm and happy, as if she trusted Maekar very much indeed.

"You are wise, to see the neccessity of such, my lord," Maekar replied. "Now more than ever, will the crown need strong allies throughout the realm, to keep order and peace and to maintain stability. From the quality of the City Watch while under your leadership, I know that you are well skilled at maintaining all three, even under the most difficult of circumstances."

He took another sip of tea, before setting his cup down on the table and slipping his arm around Vira's waist. "I can only assume that the Oldtown Watch has fared just as well under your command, though I fear their skills and discipline may be tested sooner than one might wish. Has his grace the Prince of Dragonstone spoken with you regarding his plans for the Faith of the Seven in Oldtown?"

"Prince Aegon approached me after the battle, and sought to convert me to his religion, though I declined his offer," Maekar replied. "It was not just my conversion that the Prince sought, but my personal allegiance, though he would not specify for what reason he was asking. In truth, I was purturbed, though the King waved away my concerns when I broached them; I fear that he still sees Prince Aegon as a boy rather than a man grown, one capable of action. I know that your loyalty to the King is without question and far above dispute."

Maekar hesitated for a moment, before continuing in such a soft voice that Maelys had to strain to hear him; it was certain none of the servants could be eavesdropping, unless one of them was crouching under the low table that separated the two men. "I dare not speak the words in public, without proof or even evidence to support them, but it is my suspicion that Prince Aegon has been gathering allies for himself and intends to move against the King."

"It wouldn't surprise me." Maelys muttered thinking aloud,he realized his mistake right after speaking. "Eeeerm... Well... I'm sure we can't afford another War against the faith so early. If this is true, this must surely be pruned before it takes roots. Have you talked of this with anyone else, my lord?"

"Indeed... You did the right thing. The Queen may be reluctant to hear, but she'll take it better from me than you." Maelys stroked his mustache. "Although I won't take a risk this soon, we'll need those proofs you claimed not to have."

"I may still have some friends on the streets, I'll see if I can get something from them."