News of the Lysene delegation's arrival in Valyria came with a lavish sailing ship flying a flag emblazoned with a pearl and a teardrop.
Vines and roses were carved into the ship's hull, lending it the extravagant elegance typical of Lysene craftsmanship.
The delegation was small, numbering only a little over twenty.
Its leader was a Lysene nobleman who introduced himself as Tormo. Around fifty, he wore a coat embroidered with gold thread and an excessively eager smile.
But the young woman at his side drew the most attention.
She looked about eighteen, tall and slender, dressed in a moon-white gown whose hem brushed the blackstone floor. With silver hair, violet eyes, delicate features, and snow-white skin, she inspired tenderness simply by standing there.
As soon as he stepped off the ship, Tormo bowed deeply to Earl Alliser, who had come to receive them, lowering himself until he almost touched the ground.
"Most esteemed Earl, please convey our most devoted greetings and blessings to His Majesty, the Emperor of Valyria. We Lysenes have always longed to behold the glory of the True Dragon. To meet His Majesty in person would truly be the highest honor." Every word seemed coated in honey.
Noticing Alliser glance at the woman beside him, he introduced her. "This is Lady Liana, whom we mentioned in our earlier correspondence. She is our governor's daughter and the most precious pearl of Lys. Her mother was a descendant of Valyrian nobility who found her way to Lys, but sadly, she died young, leaving only our little pearl behind. Liana inherited her mother's pure Valyrian looks and is also accomplished in music and poetry."
He paused, then continued in a somewhat suggestive tone. "Of course, her greatest wish is to see His Majesty Viserys in person and offer him