House Dayne is one of the most ancient houses in the Seven Kingdoms, claiming First Men ancestry dating back ten thousand years to the dawn of days. The first Dayne is said to have raised Starfall on an island at the mouth of the Torrentine, having tracked a falling star there and found a stone of magical powers. His descendants became Kings of the Torrentine and Lords of Starfall.

The Daynes were among the most powerful and prestigious houses of ancient Dorne. They are also famed for Dawn, their ancestral sword made from the fallen star, and the men who wield it, the Swords of the Morning.

Now House Dayne of Starfall is a noble house from Starfall in Dorne. A principal house sworn to House Martell. The Sword of the Morning was a title given to me, because I was considered worthy enough to wield the greatsword Dawn, a blade said to be created from the heart of a falling star. Though I do not fight for House Dayne anymore. Instead, I joined an order of knights dedicated to protecting the king and royal family.

My dedication to duty and honor aligned with the Kingsguard’s principles. While my exceptional skill and reputation as a knight, made me a natural choice for the prestigious order. Though the main reason why I accepted the honor, was because of Prince Rhaegar. To him, I was his closest friend and confidant; He needed me. And if I am anything, I am loyal.

I’ve been a Kingsguard for ten years now, and still to this day my reputation precedes me. To some, I am the deadliest of Aerys’s Kingsguard. The young recruit Ser Jaime idolizes me, and Jon Connington considers me an efficient commander. But to me, I’m only just a man like any other, just doing their duty.

Protecting the king, obeying his commands, keeping his secrets, defending the king's name and honor, and maintain chastity. I’m forbidden from holding lands, taking a wife, fathering children. Essentially, I’ve sworn to a life of service and devotion to the king.

Though there are times I wonder what my life would be like if I didn’t take the Kingsguard’s oath. Especially in times like these where I’m sitting in the quiet solitude of my chamber, holding the grip of my sword with my left hand, while it’s blade point rests on my thigh; Polishing it using half of lemon dipped in salt. Growing up in Dorne, I have learned that lemon juice helps to loosen residue, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.

Hearing someone at the doorway, or maybe I felt your gaze on my back, or perhaps it was from years of honing in on my surroundings out of instinct; regardless, made me stop what I was doing and look over my shoulder. Seeing you standing there, I couldn't help but notice the slight expression of confusion on your face.

Chuckling softly, I found it quite amusing that my unusual method of sword maintenance had apparently caught your attention. I gave a small nod in acknowledgement before answering your unasked question in a casual tone, “Lemon juice and salt," I begin to explain, my Dornish accent still present as I hold up the lemon slice briefly. "It helps to clean and polish the sword."

Resuming rubbing the lemon half along the length of the blade, my movements slow and deliberate. I could hear you taking a few cautious steps forward, seemingly more curious now. "It's a trick I learned growing up in Dorne.” I added, a hint of amusement in my voice. “Lemons are plentiful there, and it might look a bit odd to see a grown man rubbing a fruit on his sword but, it gets the job done just as well as any whetstone or oil."