Meria Martell

Born the daughter of Frynne and Yoren Martell in 381, Meria Martell is the Princess of Dorne and leader of House Martell. She is considered both a general and highly social, not only by herself but by her people, showing strength in both military command and conversation.

Appearance and Character
Meria has striking, clever dark eyes and medium length black hair. Her skin is light brown, typical of those living in Sunspear. She enjoys dressing in various colors of long, flowing gowns that accentuate her figure, even when sparring. She also wears a vast array of jewelry, usually thick golden bracelets and short jeweled necklaces.

She feels a deep connection and admiration of her ancestors, namely Queen Nymeria, of whom she keeps several books and scrolls of in her chambers.

History
Meria had enjoyed a life of such plenty that the limited effects of the Great Famine upon Sunspear in 392 were barely noticed by her. She did notice that she had slightly less extravagant dances and her mother's masquerades weren't quite as succulent or obscene as usual, but by that time she was already well into her military studies, her mother preparing her to be the smiling spear behind her bookish older brother Lewyn's learning.

In 396 with the War of three thieves, House Martell sided with King Aenar as would be expected, surprisingly though, Dornish forces were lead into battle, not by Meria who had spent most of her life preparing for such an excursion, but Prince Lewyn himself, who worried that his stand offish nature would hurt his claim to Dorne in the eyes of the commonman if not coupled with some great glory or victory.

Meria though annoyed, used this time to secure her control of Dornish courts. More than a few politically ambitions young men and women meeting their ends or humiliations at Meria's hands during this time. Meria was less than shocked when word of her brother's death in 398 reachedSunspear, cementing her status as heir to Dorne.

With her Mother's death in 400 AC, Meria's first test as Princess Dorne, was the uprising of Galan Warmaker, a bandit that thought to make himself a rebel leader and King by his own hand. Meria personally negotiated with the heads of Noble Tyroshi Houses, refugees that might have otherwise been Galan's allies, and secured their loyalty to Dorne, extending her Mother's policies of welcoming foreigners and treating them with respect and dignity. Leaving Galan without the support he might have hoped to enjoy, Meria then raised her arms and dealt with the troublemaker in a manner he would understand.

In 404, The growing attacks on innocent Dornish merchants during the Scarlet Winter, disturbed Meria. One of the attacks leading to the dishonoring of and severe beating of her younger sister Aliandra Martell, who had been traveling with the caravan of her paramour, a merchant's handsome son. While the incident left Aliandra scarred and broken, and more than willing to remain in quiet shame in Sunspear, this incident gave Meria focus.

It's given Meria an excuse for revenge, which for a Dornish Noble eager for war is spring water to a man dying of thirst. While not especially fond of her sister, Meria spent the last few years bemoaning Aliandra's fate to any that would listen, and keeping a close watch on her younger sibling. And in fact, through various go-betweens personally commissioned several songs that discuss the assault in great detail, both to honor Aliandra and to remind herself of how cruel the world can be.

In the current year of 407, Meria is ruling Dorne with wisdom, stern justice and ambition. She is compassionate to those who respect her rule, and harsh to those who do not. She has in her mind and heart great plans for herself, her house and for Dorne.

Recent Events
Meria, as a sign of goodwill, travels to King's Landing and bestows the crown of Aegon the Conqueror to Queen Visaera Targaryen as a coronation gift.

Visaera promises her son, Laenor Targaryen, to Meria.

Laenor and Meria work well together, Laenor helps Meria achieve one of her long-time desires of flying a dragon, by letting her ride the one he tamed, Starfyre.

Meria decides she would like to have a dragon of her own, and attempts to tame the dragon Sunburst, who is known to frequent Dorne. The attempt fails, leaving her badly scarred with burns on her back that will likely last for the rest of her days.

Meria learns of traitors in Dorne, House Yronwood has decided to rebel against both Meria and Queen Visaera. As a result, her husband burns Yronwood to ashes, atop his dragon.

In late 411, Meria decides to test fate once more following a vision relayed to her by her red priestess - a Red Princess would rise to rule Dorne from dragon's fire. Her second attempt to tame the dragon Sunburst was a fatal error in judgment on her part. She would not live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Eliane, would ascend to the Dornish throne.

Family

 * Frynne Martell (d. 400AC)
 * m. Ryon Allyrion (d. 404AC)
 * Lewyn Martell (379AC - 398AC)
 * Meria Martell (381AC - 411AC)
 * m. Laenor Targaryen
 * Aliandra Martell (387AC - 405AC)
 * Eliane Martell (392AC - -)
 * m. Laenor Targaryen (d. 414 AC)
 * Nymor Martell (393AC - -)
 * Samira Martell (398AC - -)