ofthemvrning
Though he’d returned to Dorne some years ago by that point, it seemed Edric had still not grown used to the lavish parties. Truth be told, the kinds of events thrown in the capital since the armies’ arrival were like nothing he’d experienced, his only point of comparison perhaps the feast thrown upon his return to Starfall or some of Lord Dondarrion’s more outrageous events from before. Still, it seemed that no matter how much he tried to be the perfect little lordling come home, he still felt trapped within the walls of a castle, heart aching for the sound of laughter and crackling fire, the freedom of stars overhead.
He’d made his rounds as was expected of him, but a wave of Allyria’s hand had sent him out of the room for a moment’s reprieve. Thankful that his aunt was so adept at this social game, and so understanding of Ned’s shortcomings, he wandered the halls of the castle until his heartbeat returned to normal. If he had to remain indoors, at least he could find some solace in the emptiness after the overwhelming press of bodies. Had the girl not spoken, he likely would have continued on by without noticing her, caught up in his mind as he was. Something about the appearance of the girl, her own clear desire to step away from the party, made Edric approach her instead of walking on. “In that case, I probably shouldn’t be here either,” Ned shrugged, smiling softly. “So I suppose if we’re about to both get in trouble, it is only proper that I introduce myself. I’m Lord Edric, of Starfall.”
At that point, Elinor was not even sure he had actually noticed her, or what she was doing. She brushed it off and decided to pretend it didn’t happen. It was an impulse, really. She was always drawn towards different pieces of art from different places. It was the one thing that she felt was hers, and kept her grounded. Aside from being a lady and all the things that came from that sort of title, being an artist and drawing, examining patterns, and people to paint or sketch, was who she was. She gave a small laugh, glad that he seemed approachable and kind, at least at first impression.
“I won't tell if you don't." She joked with a small wink. "Lady Elinor Clegane.” She replied. “It’s nice to meet you Edric. I don’t think I’ve met many people from Dorne before.” Elinor admitted, realizing where he was from as her mind imagined the maps of Westeros and it’s regions she had studied so closely. “What brings you here, away from everyone else?” She wondered. Surely this Lord had people to talk to, coming from Dorne, clearly an invited guest to Cersei’s celebration. "You must have important things to attend to. Or are you feeling smothered by everyone in that room, too?" Elinor was prying a bit, and she wanted to stop herself, but the words left her lips too quikly and honestly, she was really curious.
