(121-03-20) Up on the Hightower
Up on the Hightower
Summary: After the Dornish relocation to Hightower, Mariya explores and happens upon Bastion.
Date: 03/20/2014
Related: Wickham's Nest
Players:
Mariya..Bastion..

Middle Tiers - The Hightower - Battle Island

It is a summer day. The weather is warm and drizzling.

The great tower is all of white stone, ancient and beautiful. These two tiers are quite wide and grand enough for any palace. There are twelve stories of these middle three — five, then two, then five again. The tiers grow successively narrower, and each has circular balcony-garden on the roof-space left unoccupied.

On these levels are the suites. Most are near complete households, with bedchambers, smaller dining and reception halls, parlours, reading rooms, and baths. These are the best levels, with their wide gracious windows and beautifully decorated arched ceilings.

There are wide staircases in this part of the tower, and on one side, ramps that allow wagon-loads of firewood for the beacon to be hauled up.


Mariya knows that they are not safe in Hightower. Simply being Dornish at the moment is enough warrant trouble. However, being in a new place is just too much temptation to stay in a suite. She saw the grand hall during court, but now she's able to explore everything much more in depth and without having to worry about looking like the proper Dornish princess that she's supposed to be. Already, she's attempted to dress as 'Reach-y' as possible (whatever that means) a dark gown and not look like a woman who was smuggled into the tower under dark of night. After she's seen Ellia and the children settled, she slipped out to take in the new sights.

She meant to explore everything, but when she finds herself on one of the circular balcony gardens, she cannot tear herself away from the view. Though it is drizzling, she doesn't seem to mind. In fact, she is currently enjoying her semi-freedom with her eyes closed and face turned upward toward the sky.

Another person that is a common sight in the Hightower is Bastion Stark. Not only a common sight but also an easy person to spot as the guard towers over most others. Eyes sweeping the area, giving a few words to a passing by guard. His voice a deep one. At his side is as usual is Hail, his morningstar. And upon his back a shield. Being on guard duty or not, he does stay in the tower after all, being raised and fostered by the Hightowers and all. The sight of the wandering Dornish does have him raising a brow before walking towards her. "Out and walking?" He asks, recognizing her easily from having escorted her when the riders first returned.

With a bit of a start, Mariya blinks and backs away before recognizing Bastion as one of the guards that had been in front of the Manse. Nervously, she greets, "Oh, ah, hello." She trusted in the fact that not many people have seen her about, being new to Oldtown and would not immediately think of her as Dornish. Though introduced at court, she did not say much. Unfortunately there's nothing to be done for the people who certainly would know who she is. "Yes. It felt like I was cooped up for so long, it's good to stretch my legs." After a pause, she adds, "Forgive me. I know your face, ser, but I'm afraid I do not know your name."

Bastion just smiles politely to her, nodding slowly. "Ah, yes. Quite understandable. Restless when one stays inside all the time." He suggests. His voice a deep bass one. As for his name, he chuckles. "Apologies. Ser Bastion Stark." He greets her, smiling. "I do remember escorting you. I apologize if I am not certain which of the Martells you might be." He says, indeed looking quite apologetic as he studies her for a moment.

"Yes. First I was on a ship to get here. Then, I was trapped inside the manse. It feels like the past few months have all just been places I can't get out of." Mariya gives Bastion a bit of a sad smile before glancing back over at the view. "I was really was looking forward to exploring Oldtown." Then, her manners return, and she curtseys, attention snapping back to Bastion and their conversation. "Mariya. The youngest one. No apologies necessary. I can't fault you for not knowing me if I did not know you. Thank you for watching over the Manse so diligently. I should have learned your name much sooner."

Bastion chuckles and nods to her words, "Well, I can not blame you for feeling stuck then." He offers, trying to brighten her mood. "I will offer a tour once you can roam free." He offers. Bowing his head as she bows. "I suppose you are right. And no need to thank me, it is my duty to guard. At least you know my name now."

Mariya does smile at that, as that's the very thing she was hoping to do. Plus, it would be safer with a guardsman. It lends the ability to blend in more. "Thank you, that's very kind. I'll take you up on the offer." As for his duty, she nods, but adds, "It was my understanding that there were those that did their job begrudgingly. Either way, thank you." Her thanks given, she decides to move on to more pleasant topics than the circumstances that brought her here. "The Hightower is quite beautiful. Have you been here long? If my geography is correct, the Starks are from far up North, is that right?"

Bastion nods and smiles a bit, "I would recommend waiting until things are safer though, but I would guide you happily." He assures her. Clasping his hands behind his back. "I have been here since I was a child. And I did my job without complaint." He assures her, grinning a bit. "How about you? Can you offer anything about yourself?" Though as she goes on he nods, "Ah yes, far north. But I was sent here when I was young."

"I've heard it's unimaginably cold there." It seems that Mariya's interest in new places is not only limited to those around her. "I see," she adds when he adds that he's been here since he was a child. "I know you must have been here for so long that it is home, but do you ever miss the North? I'd imagine it hard to have to come to a place so far away as a child." As for herself, she laughs and shrugs. "Me? I'm a Dornish Princess who is hiding amongst Hightowers for fear that I would be murdered for a travesty that my family is being unjustly blamed for by men who seem to have more interest in their sword arms than their brains. Other than that, I enjoy music."

Bastion chuckles and nods a bit about the cold, causing his hair to move a bit. "It is, compared to this." He explains. Just seeming amused. "I have been home a few times, but not too often." Though despite her words he seem a bit amused. "Well, I will try to keep you all safe. I am large enough to hide behind." He teases with a wink. "Ah." He offers about music, starting to sing. His deep voice fitting for a slow song.

For Mariya, most things are cold compared to Dorne. If she were ever to travel that far North, she would most likely freeze solid halfway there. She simply doesn't have the concept of how cold it is. "I see. I am quite the opposite, actually. I've barely left Sunspear. It's a wonderful city, but I wanted to see more." As for being large enough to hide behind, the quip is rewarded with a surprised laugh. Indeed, the knight stands more than a foot taller than the princess. "You have the right of it, I suppose. Should we see trouble, I will hide in your cloak." Her laughter slows as he begins to sing and she listens with rapt attention.

Bastion ahs and nods, "Well, that is something fun as well. To be able to stay at ome place that is nice. Though I suppose seeing different places are interesting." He suggests. Chuckling at her words. Though not saying much as he sings. Once he does finish he smiles to her, "How's that?"

"Staying in one place to learn it is nice," Mariya replies. "However, how can you ever truly learn something new without experiencing it?" It's a viewpoint the young Dornishwoman ardently believes. Once Bastion has finished his song, she claps - as is only proper after one enjoys a performance. "You sing beautifully, ser. Do you sing often?"

Bastion grins a bit at her words, shrugging. "You don't.. Although you can get to know a lot." He offers, shrugging a bit. Bowing as she compliments him, "Thank you. I do sing once in awhile, if not extremely often. Glad you enjoyed it."

"That's true enough." However, Mariya is certainly more interested in new things. With a smile, she adds, "As I said, I enjoy music. You should sing more often. Do you play any instruments?"

Bastion just chuckles to her words, giving her a teasing nudge. "You will have your moment to see new things soon enough." He assures her, running a hand through his hair to push it back a bit. Though then comes the shake as she asks her question, "Not currently, just sing."

With a smile, Mariya nods. "Yes. And I'll have a proper tour guide. Having lived here most of your life, you must know many interesting things about the Hightower. If you ever wish to learn an instrument, I would happy to teach you. Depending on how long we are required to stay here, I may have plenty of free time." After she's through exploring everything she is allowed.

Bastion nods and smiles, looking about a bit. "I could show you around in here for now if you wish." He suggests. AS for an instrument, he chuckles. "Any time you have a moment, I would be happy to at least learn a little bit."

Eager to learn and see more, Mariya nods. "I'd love that. And I'm sure I will quite a few moments in the days to follow, should the truth about Wickam's Nest not be uncovered soon." But, that is unpleasantness that she does not wish to dwell on and she moves past it. "Whenever you have free time and wish to learn, stop by."

Bastion nods and does offer to show her now if she wishes. "I am sure we can figure it all out soon enough." He tries to reassure her. Though as for her offer, he smiles and nods. "Almost too kind of you, princess."

"Almost, but not entirely," Mariya replies with a grin. "As I said, it would be nice to have some diversions and music is the highest form of distraction." In her opinion at least. "Thank you," she adds as she takes him up on the offer for a small tour. "I appreciate it."

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