Arrival into Gulltown [Red]

[Victoria Reiviv]

Victoria took in the sights and smells in her vicinity as she stood on a fishing boat coming in to port of Gulltown. The wind blowing back her long wavy curls over her shoulders and dancing about the air with a mystical aura. She turns her head sideway in which the wind then catches her long strands to dash across her lips. A small sigh of relief escapes them. The ship finally docks onto the portside and the fisherman captain ropes up the ship to the land.

"Well here we are My Lady. This here be Gulltown." He was a ruggish male in his early 30s. Victoria gives him a simple nod and smile. "Thank you Darius. I appreciate the help."

"Ah no problem, fair lady, you've helped me more times than enough. I'm happy to take you on my rounds to see the sights! So what time will I expect you to be back?" He asked as he watched her take the reigns of her white horse and lead her off the ship carefully, following loyally by her red border collie.

She stopped for a moment then turned around to give Darius a mischievous grin. "Oh I wont be going back. I'm leaving home. I cant live there any longer. Suppressed and confined by what others want for me. That is not freedom." She declares heartfully with her head held high. At that she takes her leave from the port leaving a gobsmacked Loreshore citizen behind. never would he ever thought she of all people would venture out alone into foreign lands.

Victoria braved this chance. She had the company of her pets, and really, that's all she needed by her side to give her the courage to defy her family and find her own husband.

As she trekked further into the town, she hears the squawks of the sea birds above and the sounds of the hustle and bustle of the tradesmen and townsfolk going about their daily business. She was new here in town, she knew no-one. She simply kept to herself as she went about her business, leading her horse Snowflake behind her, Jasper the dog on her right.

The Lady was looked upon strangely by the nobility passing bay. Victoria smiles modestly at people kindly with her bright eyes that could light up any room. She comes to a halt at a wooden post she could tie the horse to and go about her business. After tying her up, she checks the packs on the back of the steed, making sure she had enough food to last her the day, her basket of freshly picked flowers ready to sell to make some money so she could afford a bed for the night, but if push came to shove she could sleep rough with Snowflake and Jasper. She just hoped people would buy her flowers. But would things really go that smoothly for her?

She didn't venture too far away from her companion, Jasper guarded the horse to make sure he warded off any would be thieves. He watched his owner from his perch. Victoria hadn't been in town for more than an hour and already being taken notice of. Or not as the case may be..when a soldier storms past the Lady holding a pretty wicker basket full of colourful flowers. He ploughs right into her, knocking poor Victoria to the ground. A cascade of flowers rained down across the square all around the newcomer as she lay strewn across the floor, draped over with her cloak. Things were certainly not getting off to a great start.

Victoria looks up from the floor, her hands beginning to push herself up. A disheartened expression bestowed upon her pretty face as she sees all of her flowers across the floor and a crowd of people staring at her. She didn't care about looking like a ditz, she only cared about loosing her flowers right now. The only way she could make it out here in the big wide world without her family's wealth to take care of her. She tried her hardest to suppress the urge to weep about her misfortune, as she was quite a sensitive girl.

[Alexander Redhawke]

Alexanders journey had been long, wet and fruitless. He had ridden from Grifins Roost to Kings Landing to Gulltown to the Eyrie and now he had to retrace his steps, with nothing gained and everything lost. His once regal black cloak was now splattered with mud at the edges and blood at the top, when he arrived in Gulltown he looked more like a beggar than he did like a knight. Alexander had only packed enough food to get to Gulltown and would have to get supplies in Gulltowns market.

Alexander tied up his horse and drifted from stall to stall observing chesses, breads, meats paying no attention. His discussion with Torin Lannister had not gone well and Alexander was luckly had Torin didn't strike him down there and then, he would have to keep a low profile. As he wandered through the Lords market noble men and women stared at him, until they saw the glint of his plate armour and the hilt of his sword, then they looked away and hurried off. Once he had enough supplies he strolled towards the docks to book his way home when he noticed the young girl drifting past him. She was a peculiar thing, pretty and young but alone. She was clearly of noble birth as the clothes she wore showed, but the strangest thing was the two animals following her.

A dog and a horse followed at her heels, attracting stares from noblemen, sailors and dock workers alike. Most soon lost interest but Alexander kept his eyes on her, there was something different about her. She was so... happy, something tragicly rare in this day and age. Alexander smiled to himself and turned but as he approached the harbour he heard a cry from behind and turned on his heel, his hand darting to his sword hilt.

Alexander saw the poor girl lying on the floor, flowers strewn around her, tears welling in her eyes. The happiness was gone now, she was just a lost, young girl. Alexander felt nothing but sympathy for her and dropped his goods, marched over, sweeping up flowers in one hand as he went. When he reached the girl he held out the flowers he had rescued from the floor, barely a tenth of the flowers she had dropped but it was still something. He smiled warmly and offered her his other hand, his metal one, and asked; "M'lady, are you alright? You seem a little lost."

[Victoria Reiviv]

The first thing Victoria heard was a kindly voice speaking in her direction, it was closer than normal than that of anyone in the crowd, it drew her attention upward to see a hand extended down toward her. The first sign of any real kindness here in Gulltown. It surprised her somewhat as she expected nobody to really give a damn. This gesture meant a lot to the Lady as a smile appears once more upon her face.

"I-I'm fine..really.." She was far too busy thinking about how to save the flowers to even notice that the hand she had just taken was entirely made of metal, just that it felt a tad cold to the touch, it was a strange sight but she barely registered it nor cared to pick up on it. She wasn't one to judge anyone by any standard. Each to his own was her thinking.

"Thank you, kind Sir." She states shyly as she was helped up to an upright position. She was a little muddier now but she could simply wash it off later. At least her cloak had protected her purple velvet dress underneath. "Some people can be very rude." She tried to make light of the situation at hand, trying to brush the incident off as just bad luck. She looks in Alexander's eye with a warm glow about her. This was true freedom and she had just met her first random stranger. It had been too long since she socialised. It made her feel less insecure about being here.

[Alexander Redhawke]

“M’lady, you’ll meet many a man ruder than that if you intend to stay in Gulltown.” Alexander could tell she was new here, too regal to be a commoner and too sparky to be a local lord. The Knight picked a few more of the flowers from the ground. "M'lady, what brings you to the city? You don't seem to have much on you besides.." he gestured to the flowers scatters all around, "Well these." Now that she stood before him Alexander finally got a good look at her, she was pretty, young too. It was a mystery what a girl like her was doing alone in a city in the Vale, she was clearly alone, why else would she travel with a horse and no father or husband? He saw her coming from the bay so she had clearly just arrived, all of this was very strange and Alexander was intrigued.

"May I know your name my lady? It's rare to see one as optimistic as you, especially in this... town." Whoever she was she was a mystery, maybe running, maybe lost, he couldn't know which side of the war she was on, if she was on a side at all. It had been a while since Alexander had had proper interaction with another, since he had lost his wife Marriene he had spent his time in the forge, tournaments or spending time with his son. It was good to meet someone new and he knew this girl wouldn't last long if she went on like this, as though it lightened Alexanders heart to see someone as optimistic and naive as her it would get her killed if she wasn't careful.

[Victoria Reiviv]

Victoria finished picking up the rest of her flowers from the ground. Her long hair sweeping around her shoulders and following the line of her arms as she crouched. She leans upward to face the elder male, a good 10 years or so on her at least if not a little more. Still he had a kindly face, weary and scarred from an experienced life but still she could tell he had a good heart by the way he held himself.

"I know it's a little strange!" She chuckles lightly, holding her basket neatly in front of her with both hands, filled with bright flowers. "But this is the only way I can make a living now....well, ever since I left home." She confesses with still a light airy tone and pleasantry about her despite her misgivings.

"I'm used to being considered strange by now anyway." She made light of the situation at hand with an attempt at humour. It was all just a ploy though. A cover up to keep people getting too close so that she would never fear losing anyone dear ever again. Especially anyone who was combat worthy.

"My name is Victoria. Victoria Reiviv." She takes a simple bow respectfully toward the knight.

[Alexander Redhawke]

Alexander smiled, "Theres no need to bow to me m'lady. Lady Victoria, if you don't mind me asking, why did you run away from home? Gulltown isn't a safe place for a young girl to live alone." He walked over to where he had dropped his supplies before returning to Victoria. Then he had a brainwave, he had heard the name Reviv before. Draegear Reviv was one of the names that had come up during Alexanders search for loyalists, perhaps his cauze was not doomed afterall."M'lady," Alexander leaned in close and began to whisper.

"I have been searching across Westeros for... friends of dragons, those loyal to the old kings. During my search a name came up, Draegar Reviv. Is this man a relative of yours?" Alexander was excited, though he had failed in his plot perhaps this girl would be his key to bringing the Targeryens back to the throne. His last chance to succeed before he left for the east.

[Victoria Reiviv]

Yes Victoria knew that House Reiviv were secretly in support of the Targaryens on the throne. They served under Rhaegar and the mad king long before she was even born. And yes she knew this was treason the man spoke of. He was that daring to mention it here in the Vale of Arryn? Was this a fated meeting? The first person she had come across was a Targaryen supporter. Does her path truly lie down this route? Must she always swear fealty to the Reiviv cause and be intwined into politics she never fully understood when growing up due to her inquisitive mind. Of course she herself didn't really care who owned the throne as long as there was peace, and the people responsible for her father's murder were brought to justice.

Victoria could hardly lie to the stranger. She was truthful and she gave Alexander a small nod to his question. "He is my Uncle." Careful not to let spill any of what the two were talking about. "But I pray you do not let on...of his standing, Ser....?" She poised for his name in this line of enquiry. As much as she disliked the man for ruling her life, she cared deeply for him like a father.

[Alexander Redhawke]

Alexander had never been more relieved than when Victoria confirmed his suspicions. This time it was Alexander that bowed. "Ser Alexander Redhawke, of Griffons Roost. Well, not anymore. M'lady I am immesuarbly glad to meet you here and I am sorry for my bluntness but I may not have much time. Your families secret remains safe with me, I would never endanger a fellow loyalist." Alexander had lost all subtlty and patience at this point, finnaly progress! He didn't want to drag this girl into a war that was nothing to do with her but at the same time he had to take all the help he could get.

Alexander was so pleased to have made progress he almosst missed the two Redcloacks coming around the corner. They didn't seem alert and it was unlikely they had been sent after him, but still it unnerved him to have Lannister presence so closeby. "M'lady, I would not drag you into a war you do not want to join but please, for the sake of myself and the throne..." Alexander drew one of the Targaryen broaches from his pocket, it was forged of black steel in the shape of the Targaryen Dragon, with red crystals set into the eyes. "Take this, I know I just met you but I must ask a favour. Remain loyal, do not put yourself at risk, but serve the Targaryens how you can, if you can. Your family is an honourable one to stay loyal so long, if you should ever return to your family. Ask them only to wait a little longer."

[Victoria Reiviv]

Victoria was overcame with confusion, her one eyebrow raising higher than the other, and her lips part to reveal pearly white teeth. Her expression was one of pensive thought. She never met this man before, but felt compelled to help him, he looked desperate in his cause. And who knew what would happen in the future?

She decided to keep the broach to hand over to her family if she ever saw one of them again. She had a feeling she would see a cousin soon enough in pursuit of her. Be it Charles, Marius or Kelrick. One of them would be beside themselves with joy at Alexander Redhawke. For now she concealed the broach in her pocket, hiding it from sight. She then returns to look at the taller man before her. "Pleased to make your acquaintance Ser Redhawke. May your journey be fruitful and I bestow you with my best wishes." She stated kindly with her sweet endeavouring nature. She didn't know him, but she felt she could trust him. Maybe even look upto in life.

[Alexander Redhawke]

Alexander bowed low once more. "May the seven bless you m'lady. I hope we shall meet again someday, I apologise for foricing you into this war, but some things are unavoidable. Farewell Lady Reviv, I wish you luck with your flower selling." Alexander flashed her one last smile before he turned. Perfect. He may be on the run but even here, surrounded by foes, he could still find those friendly and loyal. Now he could travel on, find the last dragon and... Alexander was so wrapped up in thought he didn't notice the Redcloack who collided with his shoulder. "Watch it Grandpa... wait a minute..." The Lannister soldier looked Alexander straight in the eyes before scanning him up and down. The Redcloacks hand drifted towards his sword and Alexander acted.

Alexander threw his fist into the mans face, sending him spiralling to the ground. A few locals gasped and one woman screamed, Alexander shot Victoria one last look before a group of five guards came storming round the corner. Bugger. Alexander bolted, weaving in and out of the crowd, as the guards tried to follow he grabbed a brown cloack from a stall and darted into an alleyway. He heard the sound of steel boots storming across the dirt road and knew he was still being followed. As he navigaged another corner he saw a group of beggars lying in the steert. He threw himself down next to them and draped the brown cloak across his body. The Redcloaks ran past without a second look. After he was sure they were gone Alexander threw off the cloak and headed to the docks. He found a trading cog with two sails. Alexander strolled up to a crewman. "Where are you heading?" The crewman spat before replying, "Astapor, 15 dragons for travel." Alexander pulled a large bag of money out of his pocket and placed it down in the sailors hand. "Heres 50, but we leave now." The sailor stood slackjawed for a second before nodding and beckoning Alexander onto the boat.

Alexander stood on the bow of the ship, staring out across the Narrow Sea. Soon he could meet Daeneryes in Astapor and then his journey would truly begin. His thoughts drifted to young Lady Victoria. She would do well, that he knew, before the gods were done with her she would have achieved greatness. Alexander just hoped he could say the same thing about himself.

[Victoria Reiviv]

Victoria had seen all of that commotion after waving him goodbye in her usual friendly and happy way. This action had truly shocked her to the point of worry. She placed both hands upto her mouth in anticipation of hoping Alexander would be alright. She hated any type of conflict. Why couldn't everybody just get along?

She had to follow him and see if he made it out safely. So she hurriedly strides along the street and sees another soldier in pursuit. If there was anything she could do to help she would. So then she steps in front of the soldier pushing a flower in his face, acting lively. "Flower for Ser?! For your wife!" She was being a pushy merchant, she knew how to be theatrical.

"Not now!" The soldier was stopped for a few moments, then taking the Lady's shoulders and manhandled her to the side so she was not hurt. It would not look good for a soldier of high standing to hurt a Lady.

So after having stopped another soldier from following Alexander, she skipped around the corner to see Alexander had made it safely to the dock and to a ship. A small sigh of relief escaped her naturally rosy lips. She then smiled in his direction.

"I pray you have a safe journey Mister Alexander." 

Lady Victoria watched Alexander Redhawke leave the port on a small boat from an alleyway, satisfied he was safe, she then turned and made her way deeper into Gulltown with her comrades, Jasper and Snowflake behind her. She held her basket of flowers out in front and chanted for people to buy them in a sweet voice.