Worldbuilding of «Empress of the World», part IV ~ the court of the Emperor and his Chosen, part I
People would later say that a whisper of hers could reach from the heart of Valyria to the planes of Vaes Dothrak, to Yi’Ti and the Lands of the Far-East, the Lands of the Southern continent as well as west of the Lands of Sunset.
— from Fables of the Empire, Jaehaerys and his Empress
The emissaries from the kingdom of Shebay in Sothoryos
It is later that very week, after Rhaenys has returned to Valyria, that the first guest of their court comes to Tyria. His name is Zub-h-er and he has been sent by the queen Adira of the kingdom of Shebay in Sothoryos.
He remembers his time there fondly for the warriors of the kingdom of Shebay are well renown for their ability with spears and in the combative run. So, he is profoundly touched when the man offers to him, for Jacaerys a finely and intricately carved spear of ironwood with an obsidian edge and several ceremonial chains attached to its handle, because he knows the meaning of such a gift.
Queen Adira is basically making good on her promise to always stand beside House Targaryen as allies and friends, Jaehaerys does not miss that the woman has sent forth also one of her daughters, offering for her to be a cupbearer for his favorite. A girl no older than six namedays, with a mess of long dark ringlets and ebony skin and onyx eyes, all knees and elbows and lips, she wears the traditional kente of her people in hues of gold and black and white, the colors of her family, which symbolize, if he recalls correctly royalty, purity and spirituality in their culture.
The emissary from the Rock
“I am the lady Hellen of House Broom, cousin to the queen of the Rock, Brienne of House Tarth,” the woman introduces herself “and this is my protector Podrick of House Payne, squire of the Rock and priced friend of the crown prince Galladan Lannister” she says gesturing to the boy standing behind her somewhat awkwardly. He is plenty tall for his age, with a taurine neck and dark hair and kind eyes which shine with honesty. Sansa would sooner trust his word, if he were to speak.
“My queen has ever been an ally of House Stark in her heart,” the woman says “and her son, prince Galladan is the same. She sends me in hope that we can foster friendship and kinship between the great Houses of Lannister, Stark and Targaryen.” she snaps her fingers and claps her hands and her servants bring forth a small chest offering it to her.
Sansa accepts it fairly as the woman continues “Her Grace the queen of the Rock is no lion, she's a star of Tarth,” she says “and the stars always did look favorably down on House Stark. Inside that chest you'll find a gift by the queen herself. It's a tiara made from the purest of gold from the mines of Casterly Rock. The queen hopes this small gesture in truth may convey House Lannister and Tarth moral support to your just cause” she tells them “to bring you good fortune in the wars to come”
The emissaries from Bear Island and Skagos
Jaehaerys sees the way Sansa steels herself the moment the names are called. He can feel how nervous she is, how much she wants to make a good impression, want them to see her and their son as the Stark he also is.
“Lady Lyra of House Mormont and Edwin Stane from Driftwood Hall” the herald calls and Jaehaerys can scarcely contain his curiosity. From Sansa's stories House Mormont had been her staunchest supporter, though not staunch enough to support a military campaign with winter at their backs to take back Winterfell in her name.
“It is you,” Lady Lyra comments without preamble studying her eyeing Jacaerys sitting supported by Sansa on her lap “and that I suppose is your son”
Sansa doesn't shrink under her unblinking gaze “Aye, this is Jacaerys Brandon of House Targaryen,” she says “heir to the throne of Valyria and to Winterfell” and Jaehaerys easily rests his hand atop the child's head, cupping it in a fatherly caress, before caressing her cheek.
(...)
“You did not break faith with House Stark when tragedy befell it,” Sansa proclaims “and I ask you now, will you break faith now?”
Lyra Mormont wields her morningstar high in the air “Bear Island knows no queen but the queen in the North whose name is Stark! The Queen in the North!”
The man at her side echoes her with his sword held to the ceiling and Valdyr at the feet of her throne throw his head back and howls.
The prince Quentyn of House Martell
“House Martell has lived in prosperity for centuries, allied with the greatest Houses of the continent. We sit at the far ends of the continent, Dorne in the South and the North before the Lands of Always Winter. Together we are the pillars of the Seven Kingdoms.” prince Quentyn tells them, as he nurses his cup of dornish red.
“Rhaenys,” he says “is my blood, the blood of Dorne as much as she is the blood of the dragon,” he rises his cup “she supports you and honor and kinship compels House Martell to support you and yours as well” he tells her “You have Dorne in your corner, Your Grace. May your blade never blunt and your wit always stay sharp”
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