A Dance of Lions and Snakes (O. Martell)

V

"Men that right there are Pentos, beautiful ports, great wealth, and I hear that they have the best cheese in the world. However we will only be staying six moons. It is constantly under attack by this group of savages known as Dorthraki. Other than that you know the rules, enjoy." I am not risking my men's safety and I also have no interest in meeting one in battle.

Now we are in port, unloading our luggage while our purchases from Braavos stay safely in the ship. The job is not so luxurious but my men take rounds watching over the ship every day, Brienne and Mordrer coordinate that. Also Morgana looks extremely pleased to be on firm land again, Tayta seeing her as well said "I take you didn't like being at sea Morgana, does it move too much for your liking?" haha, she wouldn't let go of the rail the entire time she was on deck.

"Don't mock me Tayta, it's just hard to see when it is only wood and water... and yes I don't like that it is constantly moving" I was about to turn around and tell the men to start loading everything and go to the manor, but instead I'm greeted by a man with a beard and belly of a drunk "You are new here beautiful, before you go get the man in charge, let me tell you I am a very wealthy man and will compensate you greatly for one night" What?! A night with him?! a look of pure disgust appeared on my face, but his gods forsaken smirk remained. I instead decided to walk away before I lose my temper and have him killed.

The minute I walked away he reached and grabbed my arm, what filth "Get your filthy hand off of me or I'll have it removed" with this, three of my men turn to watch the scene and flank me, as the man releases my hand "Pardon me. Let me introduce myself girl; I am Magister Kola Mik I'm here inspecting a shipment of the finest cheese in all of Pentos, when I saw you gorgeous, so you see that I can pay for you" he turned to Henry who was getting red and shaking with anger "You dog, go get your master so we may talk business"did he just offered to pay for me?

Henry had enough of his disrespect and immediately unleashed and pointed his sword to the pig's throat "You will adres our Lady with respect you filthy merchant. Now get on your knees and apologize to her before I cut your arm off," good boy Henry.

What a disgusting creature, this is not how I expected the day to go "Your lady? Is she not the ship's whore?" You sick fuck, whore?! I raised my hand and held back my men from cutting his head off "Well magister you are without a doubt this city's richest pig, you half witted filth. You call yourself a magister when you can't even tell that you are in the presence of a noble lady from the High Houses of Westeros. There are few things I hate, one of them is ignorance and incompetence, however it is a beautiful day so I will give you a single warning to never cross my path again... Henry cut out his left eye" so disrespectful, the magisters eyes practically fell from shock, and tried to escape but Mordred held him down as he screamed bloody murder when Henry's sword swooshed down.

Now Brienne is at my side, hand on sword, as is the attention of my 30 men. The magister is shaking where he kneels, grabbing his bleeding face. Brienne takes charge seeing my rising anger and Henry's murderous stare "Sir, it be wise to step out of the way and allow our lady to settle in. You will hear her warning and take it to heart, because she may not be as merciful next time" and he does, good I was getting annoyed. 

***

Two moons have gone by since we arrived, Pentos is a wealthy city. I'll give them that. However I find it fascinating that their prince, their ruler, is chosen by the merchants, it is not about a birthright or killing for the throne it is about popularity. Even more so he can easily be assassinated under the orders of the Magisters. Magister Tollus however was much more educated than thatKola filth, and asked me for tea, later on he invited me to the Prince's birthday banquet, this will make business much easier.

I'm currently getting ready for said banquet, Elyn doing my hair and Tayta taking care of my feet, they have to stay pristine especially since I'm always barefoot. Brienne however is sulking in a corner not happy with my decision of bringing Toko as my guard and not her or Henry "Brienne will you stop sulking, you'll get wrinkles." "Do you honestly think I care" obviously not, "Then say whatever you have to say" she can be so difficult sometimes.

"Toko is a bird, not a guard, someone more qualified should be protecting you tonight" agh "Brienne you are going to bruise my ego. I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself, or have you forgotten all my years of training or my newest teacher back in Braavos? Not to mention I've survived court and my sister" both scarier situations than an assassination attempt. 

Tayta finished my feet and as she reached for my dress she said "Davi is right Brienne, besides she needs Toko in that banquet with her. We need a bird hub here in Pentos, so that they can report back to Tarth and then to us in Sunspear" at least you understand Tayta.

"Elyn grab me my daggers please" since leaving Lannisport strapping daggers to my inner thigh has become part of my everyday dressing. "Tayta is right Brienne, you know the plan just go with it. Besides I'm a guest why would they even consider attacking me." And I'm off with Toko in my shadow to attend yet another banquet in my short life, as a Lady you can never truly escape court affairs after all. 

*** 

Now that Toko and I are at the entrance it is time for our game plan "Remember Toko, don't worry about me and go mingle. Get me my birdies and an especially good one to report back to Daria in Tarth" and so we split up once inside. I am not alone for long though, Magister Tollus finds me "My Lady, I'm pleased you could join us in the prince's celebration. Here let me introduce you to the other Magisters" and so we walk to a group of six men, all fat. 

Seriously just like Robert, why do men in power always overdo it when it comes to food and ale? "Friends, this is the ever gracious Lady Davina. She is here for a short while... My Lady, this group right here are the men who truly hold the power in Pentos" they are so open about their power, fools that turn them into easy targets.

They afternoon flowed smoothly into the night, talking these men up is very easy, just compliment their skills in the market and ta-fucking-da a puppy. From time to time I would see Toko smiling at some of the servants and slipping them a small bag of silver coins, that is how I get my birdies and their loyalty, information and power are not free and yet it is such a small price to pay for control.

Yet another fat man approached me just as I was leaving with Toko "My Lady, I didn't get a chance to speak with you, how about I arrange for you to come over for tea?" Who in the hells are you? Toko sensing my confusion nodded my way "That would be lovely Sir...." "Magister Illyrio Mopatis my Lady."

A/N

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