Eleana sat on the edge of her favorite fountain, sulking. Everyone else may have been enjoying the wedding and the new era of peace but Eleana certainly was not. How could her mother be so careless with her own children? Using them as a sacrifice to those cruel invaders would only make everyone's life worse.
She crossed her arms as she listened to the gentle gurgle of the fountain. Any guests that made it her way earned a chilling glare. One guest was bold enough to approach the young princess despite her glares.
"I suppose you're enjoying all this?" Eleana muttered with an annoying tone. The usually generous Princess was not in the mood to celebrate.
The caravan reached one of the sheltered rest stops and most of the guests on the excursion sought the shade. Daerion had come to find he much liked the warmth of the Dornish sun, however, and wandered instead towards a grouping of strange desert plants growing against a fluted pillar he thought he recognized from his studies at the Citadel.
He crouched before them and gently touched a gray-green shrub, this one he knew stored water in its roots so it never died in between the sparse desert rains. Another plant at its base had tiny silver leaves and Daerion recalled that the guide had told them it was used in medicines.
The ruins called to him next and he followed triple arches to a dry well within the heart of the crumbling holdfast.
He took his time admiring the weathered mosaics and half-buried statues that the desert had not yet reclaimed. Time had dulled their colors and sand had scoured their faces but not their story. He found himself wondering about the people who had once walked these paths and whether they had ever imagined strangers from distant kingdoms would one day stand where they had.
The soft crunch of boots over sand and stone drew him from his thoughts.
Turning, Daerion greeted the approaching figure with a warm, easy smile.
"Tell me, my liege," he said, a tone of playful curiosity in his voice, "how do you think the histories will remember this wedding?"
the winding walls had transformed into something almost unrecognizable. where familiar streets ordinarily carried the steady rhythm of daily life, they now overflowed with voices in different accents, laughter weaving effortlessly between merchants calling out their wares and musicians whose melodies drifted through the warm afternoon air. richly dyed silks stirred overhead in the breeze, casting fleeting shadows of crimson, saffron, and sapphire across the stone beneath her feet. the scent of cinnamon and cardamom lingered alongside citrus blossoms, while somewhere nearby a brazier crackled beneath skewers of spiced lamb.
amira wandered at an unhurried pace, pausing wherever something managed to catch her eye. a merchant from lys demonstrated delicate glasswork that shimmered like captured seawater. further along, an elderly woman from the east patiently explained the meaning behind embroidered patterns stitched into bolts of silk, each one carrying the memory of a different city, a different family, a different life. amira listened with quiet fascination, asking thoughtful questions before thanking the woman with a smile that lingered long after she'd moved on.
by the time she reached another stall, a small collection of parcels rested within the crook of her arm. none were intended for herself. a carved wooden toy for one of her younger cousins. a ribbon dyed the color of ripe pomegranates that reminded her of a lady she'd befriended only days before. a pouch of fragrant mountain herbs she thought the castle's maester might appreciate. when was the last time someone bought something just because she would love it?
it was while examining a tray of small, hand-carved trinkets that she sensed another presence beside her. lifting her gaze from the display, she met the stranger with an easy, welcoming smile before stepping just enough to grant them room.
"i fear i may have spent rather more time here than i'd intended," she admitted with a laugh, her eyes returning briefly to the crowded stall before settling once more upon them. "though every merchant seems to have another story worth hearing."
her gaze drifted toward the bustling market stretching beyond them.
Location: During a traditional Dornish dancing lesson.
She had taken a quick liking to Sunspear, its vibrancy undeniable. The Lady Hightower had taken to dance from a young age, an effortless grace to her being that years of tutelage had only refined. Yet the dances of Dorne were unfamiliar, bolder, their spirited pacing akin to a courtship rather than the respectable elegance of the ballrooms she had known before. Even though it had required much of her attention to seamlessly step into the rhythm set by accomplished dancers, Amarei did not shrink from novelty, far from it. Beneath the unrelenting sun of Sunspear, dance and music beckoned with an easy insistence, as warmly and openly as the Dornish themselves.
Amarei slipped away from the circle of dancers for a moment's respite, drawn to the selection of sweets and refreshments served. She chose a honeyed fig, lush and sun-sweet, clinging to her fingers at once. In the spirit of slackening courtly restraint, she ate it slowly, unhurried, savouring its decadence. As she attempted to brush the last of the nectar from her fingertips, she turned to another, momentarily disregarding her desire to reach for a glass of chilled wine.
"Sunspear would think me poorly mannered," she lilted, her silvery voice carrying light amusement. "But one would be remiss to deny what delights are so freely offered." She smiled, brilliantly, lifting her attention fully to her companion. "I would recommend the figs, but they do leave rather a mess behind."
when: lemonwood banquet, late at night, sunspear wedding; month 07 of 21 ac
where: lemonwood, dorne
who: harlan dondarrion & open
Westeros’ nobles being split into three different groups allowed Harlan to get some fresh air, even if this air was filled with the overwhelming scent of ripening citrus. With the smell, it brought prosperity for its people, but Harlan viewed it as stubbornness. He shouldn’t have viewed it as anything less than what he had inside of him, that same stubbornness.
There was something he loved to do at night, and he thought this would be the best opportunity to do so - to look at the stars. He had brought blank parchment, ink, and a quill with him for this very reason. He was the picture of perfect concentration as he jotted things down on his knee.
To anyone, would this be suspicious? Maybe not, but the way his eyes widened, refolding the parchment shut, risking smearing certainly could when someone else came by certainly could. "How long have you been there?" he asks, voice gravely.
Dominic walked through the stalls, the temptation to just put an item into his pocket was strong but he also knew he should not be drawing attention to himself. Not that he would not be abke to defend himself but people would talk and it was last thing he wanted. Though the thought of how dornish prison cell was like did cross his mind before he let out a chuckle.
He stopped at all stall, looking over the figurines, when heard voices speak between the stall owner and another liege. The stall owner satung some words in another language under his breath as they turned away. "Just so you know, they might be trying to swindle you. I could offer my services for a price or a favor if you wish."
Location: Sunspear, on the beginning of the 1st week of the 7th month of 21 AC, Event 01, Chapter 1
After having given her guests a couple of days to arrive, settle in and rest after their long and arduous journey, the Ruling Princess of Dorne then assembled everyone in the magnificent throne room housed within the Tower of the Sun. As the hum of whispers and conversation finally quietened down, the highly respected Princess Deria finally arose from her seat of gold inlaid with the Martell spear on its back and addressed the crowd of nobles and Targaryen royals. Sunlight streamed in through the many coloured glasses of the room casting almost an ethereal glow around the Dornish beauty and making the glossy marble floor of the room seem luminescent.
Her naturally calm and elegant face uplifted into a beaming smile as she began to speak in her usual regal and warm manner. "My esteemed guests, it is with great honour and gratitude that my family and I welcome you Sunspear; where the sun never forgets to shine, even after the longest of shadows. We gather not merely for celebration, though there is much to celebrate. Today, we stand at the meeting point of histories long set apart. Of paths that have crossed in fire, in grief, and in pride—and yet, still lead us here.” She paused briefly as she quickly glanced through the assembly, before she continued in her composed tone though there was an unmistakable gentleness now in her gaze and voice. “There are those among us who remember when our banners faced one another across the field. When loss was counted not in numbers, but in names. Such memories do not vanish simply because we wish them to.”
“Nor should they. For it is only by remembering the cost of division that we may understand the worth of unity.” She then turned slightly to her firstborn Crown Prince Qoren Martell, and to Princess Viserra Targaryen beside him. “These two stand before us not as symbols alone, but as a promise. A promise that the future need not be bound to the wounds of the past. That what was forged in conflict may yet be remade in purpose.” Her gaze lifted once more to the gathered court.
“Peace is not the absence of strength. It is the discipline to wield it wisely. And alliance is not born of convenience, but of choice, renewed again and again.” Her hands folded lightly before her. “Let it be known that Dorne does not forget who she is. Nor do we ask any of you to forget who you are. But we ask this—” Deria inclined her head slightly as her voice lifted. “That you stand here, today, not as remnants of what was… but as stewards of what may yet be."
"With the union of my son, Qoren Martell, and Princess Viserra Targaryen, we do not simply bind two houses. We lay the foundation for something stronger than either alone: an alliance not easily broken, not lightly shaken. Let the past be honored—but not obeyed.”
“And let the future begin here.” And with that Deria turned with a loving smile towards her firstborn daughter Arianne who then gracefully got up from her seat before starting to brief the crowd on what festivities they could participate in during the celebrations.
1. The Desert Race
At first light of tenth day, riders will gather beyond Sunspear at the Sandgate Fields, where the desert begins and the race takes form.
Spanning roughly thirty to forty kilometers, the course winds through open sands, towering dunes, rocky crossings, and heat-warped stretches that test both instinct and endurance. This is no simple race of speed: riders must pace themselves beneath the rising sun, navigate treacherous terrain, and choose wisely when to push forward or hold back.
The course moves from the Ember Reach into the Vaith River March, then continues through the Broken Steppe and the Red Dune Expanse, with designated checkpoints marking each stage of the race. Riders are tested at every stop, where pace, endurance, and control are reassessed under increasingly punishing conditions. The route then leads into the Shimmering Hollow before a final return via the Sunline approach to Sunspear, where the last checkpoint transitions into the final sprint home.
Minimal interference are allowed such as bumping, blocking, cutting off paths. No lethal sabotage but clever tricks are admired. Water stations in large tents constructed for a brief rest exist but are limited.
The race is expected to last about three to four hours, with victory awarded not to the swiftest alone, but to the rider who best masters the desert itself. In Dorne, survival is as worthy a triumph as speed, and only those who endure both will cross the line to claim the title of the Sun’s Chosen Rider.
The winner will also be awarded with a prized desert horse and gold.
Participants are encouraged by Princess Deria Martell to make use of their famed and exquisite Dornish sand steeds loaned out for the purpose of the race, though they are also welcomed to use their own horses if so desired.
2. Traditional Dornish Dance Lessons
Guests are warmly invited to immerse themselves in one of Dorne's oldest artistic traditions beneath brightly colored pavilions within Sunspear's palace gardens.
Skilled Dornish dancers and musicians will guide participants through a variety of traditional Rhoynish and Dornish dances, ranging from slow, elegant partner dances to lively group performances.
Musicians playing lutes, drums, flutes and hand cymbals will accompany each lesson, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Throughout the session, refreshing citrus drinks, chilled wines and light Dornish delicacies will be served.
3. Desert Caravan Ride
Guests will journey atop gentle, well-trained camels led by experienced Dornish guides familiar with every dune and trail.
The route winds through rolling golden sands, scattered rocky outcrops and hardy desert flora, offering breathtaking views of Dorne's unique landscape.
Along the way, guides will share stories of Rhoynar history, local customs and the many plants and wildlife that thrive within the desert.
Several shaded rest stops will allow guests to enjoy cool drinks and fresh fruit while admiring the scenery.
The ride is intended as a relaxed excursion suitable for riders of all experience levels rather than a competition.
4. The Starlit Desert Banquet at Lemonwood
From Day 3 to Day 5, and in 3 separate batches, guests will depart Sunspear for the lovely location of Lemonwood, the seat of House Dalt. Unforgettable evenings awaits amidst fragrant lemon orchards and beneath Dorne's brilliant night sky.
Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with chilled lemon water, citrus wines and sweet lemon pastries before being escorted through the estate's renowned orchards, heavy with ripening fruit and perfumed with the fresh scent of citrus blossoms.
Long banquet tables draped in vibrant Dornish silks will be arranged between the orchard's shaded avenues and open desert sands, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns as the sun sets.
An extravagant multi-course feast will showcase the finest of Dornish cuisine, an abundance of celebrated Dornish wines and citrus-infused delicacies.
Before retiring for the night, guests may wander the moonlit lemon groves, where the cool evening breeze carries the delicate fragrance of blossoms and ripening fruit.
Rather than returning to Sunspear, guests will spend the night in luxurious desert pavilions erected upon the outskirts of the orchards. Each richly furnished tent will feature fine bedding, carpets, lanterns and attentive servants, allowing guests to enjoy the serenity of the Dornish countryside beneath a canopy of stars.
5. Grand Bazaars:
Bazaars like you've never experienced before would be set up within the Winding Walls. Dornish trade wealth is on full display with silks, spices and gemstones.
Merchants from far and wide have been invited, including several from Essos and some from Yi Ti, to peddle their highly varied range of exotic and extraordinary wares.
6. Feasts & Performances:
Every night, the vast feasting hall in the Old Palace would host feasts featuring tropical, native Dornish delicacies many of which are accompanied with well-known Dornish spices.
Guests with different talents are also invited/ encouraged to perform on stage during the feasts as part of their wedding gifts to the betrothed royal couple.
7. Water Gardens:
In celebration of the wedding, the favorite private oasis retreat of the Martells are now fully opened to all guests. The tranquil gardens have been expanded with more pools and new artistic fountains and waterworks have been added to make the experience there even more pleasurable and awe-inspiring.
OOC info:
The festivities would last for 10 days in-character whilst threads can take place till the 27th of July. Though there will be a few plot drops happening during the event so keep your eyes peeled for them hehe
The official wedding ceremony and reception will happen on the 7th day but for now please refrain from writing anything to do with the wedding ceremony and reception feast as a few special things might happen on that day! ;)
Your threads may take place anywhere and at any one of the mentioned festivities at any time. You don't need to follow day by day.
Please tag all starters with the tags of tc.event01 & tc.starter
Most importantly have fun & be inclusive! If you have any questions, at all please do not hesitate to ask the main!
Where: Any Corridor in Dragonstone
When: Sometime in the afternoon, shortly after the King's speech.
It itched her skin to walk amongst the halls of the ancestral home of her most hated enemies. In her dreams, all she could ever think of was burning this place to the ground with the same fire their repulsive house was built upon. However her current reality did not permit her to do such a thing, and thus all she could do was play the grateful, submissive and silly little puppet of a Baratheon deer they all thought her to be. Stealthy and cunning as a fox, Myrcella watched the tactical precision of a strategist on who her target would be today. The moment she found the perfect one, the petite brunette then moved out from her advantageous hiding place and begin to walk down the corridor in a casual, unsuspecting manner, her facial expression shifting to a worried one as her bent down as if inspecting the gift with concern in her hands, when all out of a sudden, her feet "accidentally tripped" over her long gown and she stumbled sideways, instantly colliding hard with the oncoming person in front of her. What happened next was of course a fall backwards and the precious box flying out of her hands and smashing on the hard stone ground, the edges cracking as the glass panels shattered into a million pieces and soil tumbled out of it. Myrcella groaned loudly in both pain and dismay.
