With the upcoming peace negotiations set, everyone has begun to set forth to Dorne.There they are greeted by the Martell family and shown to the estates they all will be able to live in during their stay in this new kingdom.
The Kingdom of Dorne and the Reach
The Martells have invited the noble families from both the Kingdoms of Dorne and the Reach to reside within the Old Palace; a show of good faith for the close relationship the two regions have established since the end of the Dance of Dragons. Gilded beneath a large golden dome, notable areas include the throne room, a long gallery, a feasting hall and the solar of the ruling Prince of Dorne. The towering Spear Tower and the Tower of the Sun are said to be the first thing visitors who arrive upon Dornish land, whether by sea or land, spot through the hazy dunes. There are ample gardens, filled with fountains and leisure pools.
The Kingdom of the Crownlands and the the Stormlands
Whether it be a show of good faith or something more testing, House Uller has offered to allow the court of the joined Crownlands and Stormlands to reside within their lodgings within the bustling city of Sunspear. Overseeing the winding streets and busy bazzars, an ornate door of black and yellow has seemingly been encrusted with mosaics not only of the Uller sigil; but a most peculiar image of a toad upon the door. The lodgings are draped with velvet red and black; though there is not a dragon symbol in sight, only a magnificent tapestry of a scorpion being used upon a battlefield. Some claim the lodgings to be haunted with the ghosts of those who once perished in a fire; some insist they can still smell the smoke as they drift to sleep.
The Kingdom of the Vale
Hidden beyond what appears to be a quiet path just when entering through the large iron gates of the city’s keep, the Kingdom of the Vale have been granted one of Sunspear’s keeps, nestled within the Prince of Dorne’s private orange and lemon grove. Painted in white with ornate patterns of blue, a key feature of the keep is the spiraling tower within the middle of the courtyard. An open roof terrace is a key feature of the other lodgings. It is said one tree is home to a strange spirit guide; one able to soothe the soul, and it is customary to leave a thread tied to it. From atop the tower, one can see a view of the sprawling city beneath, the rocky cliffs, the glittering ocean as well as the dunes further away.
The Kingdom of the North
Along the main road of Sunspear, the North has been given a collection of homes to use as their estate. Seeing that the people from the Northern Kingdom will have the toughest time adjusting to the new weather, Myriam has given them an estate with ample pools of cool water. Large ferns and awnings provide shade for the northern visitors. However there are rumors amongst the household staff about the small pool tucked into the corner of one of the estates. It is rumored to believe that if one looks into their reflection at midnight they may see visions of the dead.
The Kingdom of the Westerlands
While the estate given to the Westerlands to use are not directly on the main path of Sunspear the airy, terracotta red brick keep gives an air of elegance to it. Being near the main bazaar, the sweet smell of the spice trade drifts in on the wind from the ocean breeze. There is a path that leads down to a private section of the beach, blocked off from the public by a rocky cliffside. The sailors recently have been warning people of a sighting of a beautiful woman singing on the rocks, able to transform into those you love the most. It’s said not to follow her voice or you may disappear like the others.
The Kingdom of the Riverlands:
As a show of good faith to both the Martells and the Riverlands, the Fowler family has given their Sunspear estate for the Riverlands to use while they are in Dorne. It is located close to the Old Palace while not directly within the walls of the Martell’s keep. The walls of the estate are covered in lush greenery with blooming flowers of every color. Grapevines create a small shaded twisting pathway to a pool the Fowler’s made for relaxation. A pair of song birds have nested in amongst the vines, and the Fowler’s believe it is good luck to find one of the multicolored feathers on the walk to the pool.
The Kingdom of the Iron Islands:
Most of the Iron Islands have already settled into their new home as the Martell’s welcomed their cousin and entourage after escaping the coup attempt. Mors had started the construction of newer docks to be built in Sunspear to allow new trade to come in directly to the city. However with the large arrival of all the Ironborn ships there is a need for bigger docks. Morra has helped to oversee the creation of newer larger docks in the new ports of Sunspear. The Iron Islands have been given homes close by the ocean that are newly decorated as a gift from Mors to his cousin. He was sure to include a large war room in the home of the Ironborn King. Although the rumors of mysterious footsteps are said to be heard running through the halls at night.
Locations around Sunspear:
The Bazaar:
A bazaar of Sunspear is a lively and bustling marketplace, bustling with entertainers and traders alike; the sight is truly an overload to one’s senses. New trade has been brought into Dorne as it has opened its borders to outsiders. Vendors have set up their shops and stalls all along the marketplace, some coming as far as Yi Ti to sell their wares. While there is a strong presence of guards keeping order within the bazaar, there are always a few pickpockets who are able to fly under the radar.
Spring Tea’s Fortunes
One of the most beloved members of the city is Lady Yeleti. While she is not an actual noble lady, everyone treats her with the respect of one. She has been reading fortunes in the palm of hands and in tea leaves since she was a little girl, and she learned it from her mother and her mother from her mother. Working alongside her is her daughter, Mallie who has also inherited the same gift as Lady Yeleti. Here you may enjoy a cup of some of the best tea in Dorne along with the reading of your future. It is customary to bring Yeleti a small gift in exchange of your fortune, as most believe this can help to bring a favorable change to your future.
The Home of Distant Lights:
This elegant, colorful building hosts one of the city’s most famous Pillowhouses. It is owned by a husband and wife, who take extra care to ensure all who work or visit there have the best time they can. They are used to catering both to the high end of society as well as some of the common folk. The Distant Lights is home to one of the more famous courtesan Kamali - when she performs, there is rarely a seat left in the house as people from all over hope to get to spend just one night with her. However famous she is, her background has always remained a mystery.
The Sept of Dorne
While this Sept it the newest one built, the Faith of the Seven did not hold back on making the building truly beautiful. Large stained glass windows cover nearly every side of the sept, an array of colors and mosaics depicting images of all the seven Gods. The inside of the sept is in a wash of beautiful colors, giving a feeling of serenity and awe. The large courtyard outside has various fruit trees that always seem to be in full bloom, fruit that never seems to go rotten. Some say the fruit from the trees can make even the most dishonest man tell the truth, and many seeking to conceive believe it to be a place of pilgrimage.
Toodles! I'm currently writing my book and I try to follow all rules but I'm unsure about one thing. I know that in the first chapter you should introduce the MC and the setting and all but my protag is finding out about where she came from in chapter two or three and then the setting changes to her home country. Should I still describe the first setting in greater detail even though it becomes irrelevant one chapter later?
Hey there! No, I wouldn't use great detail unless it's important in understanding the character's past and could be incorporated in a way that doesn't involve info dumping. I'd give enough info for the readers to be able to imagine the scene(s) and understand the world, but I wouldn't go to any great lengths. Actually, even when you do switch over to the main setting, still don't overload the pages with detail. Spread it out along the way. Remember that some rules are meant to be broken :) They're meant to help, but in the end you know what's best for your story.
I want to write a story about a girl who moves in with her father and his new family. She used to live in a big city, now she lives in a small village. Do you have any prompts about that?
“Well, this definitely isn’t what I’m used to.”
“Is that bad?”
“No…I could…I could get used to it. Why is that kid staring?”
Or…
“So, did you tell the whole village I was coming?”
“It’s a small place, news travels fast.”
Or…
“What do you guys do around here? Like, for fun. Is there any movie theaters or anything?”
“There’s one, I think. Down the street. Not many people use it, though.”
“Why?”
“Who knows? Everyone kind of just does their own thing.”
