[Console] (Video) ❅ The First

[stonebird]

(She waits until she is sitting primly in a chair, her back straight and her hair braided neatly over one shoulder. Appearance is everything - or so she has learned time and time again. No matter how uneasy she feels, she cannot show it. Alayne Stone won't break.)

I am new to the kingdom of Keeliai, but I have been well-informed. (A small smile - one which doesn't reach her eyes - follows before she continues:) My name is Alayne Stone and I am from a world called Westeros. Should my world sound familiar to anyone, I am eager to speak with you.

(Though perhaps not meet. The fact that is standing on her own hasn't escaped her. She no longer has Littlefinger's protection.

The next part is strange to word, so she decides to just say it.)

Is it true that we are on the back of a giant turtle? I find that hard to believe. Even the largest of turtles are not spacious enough to hold a world, surely?

(What happens when the turtle turns the wrong way?)

Are there other creatures of such a considerable size? I should like to avoid the predators.

(The turtle should avoid them too.)

There are items which I will eventually need. Where might I procure them? Is there a market and some sort of currency?

(Yes, she knows she needs to focus on the things she can control. Otherwise... Otherwise...

She will lose the hope she has been able to retain.)

Comments

[i_speak_softly]

[Almost as though he doesn't realize he's speaking aloud:] Some turtles are bigger than you'd think...

[More normally:] The kedan gangs are what you most need to watch out for. The catch is they can look like anything.

1/3

[stonebird]

(She backs away from the console, one hand clutching her throat. So much for composure!)

2/3

[stonebird]

(But, after a moment, she comes to the conclusion that she has met far scarier monsters in the guise of men and women. Maybe this...other turtle...isn't so bad? There is something pleasing about his voice, at least.

She collects herself, rights her chair and dips her head in greeting.)

Forgive me, ser. I did not know the truth behind your words.

3/3

[stonebird]

What do you mean by "they can look like anything"? The limitations of this world seem to be few. (Yet her mind rebels against the idea.)

[i_speak_softly]

[Yeah, he gets that a lot. Still discouraging, but he decides to ignore it.]

They're shapeshifters. They can change their appearance at will.

[stonebird]

How will I know if one is near? (He could be one.)

[i_speak_softly]

They outnumber us. Better to assume anyone you meet is kedan until proven otherwise.

[stonebird]

Even you, ser? (Might as well pose the question to him. At least she is assuming he's male.)

[i_speak_softly]

You catch on quick. But no, I'm not kedanese.

[stonebird]

I am accustomed to being surrounded by those who wish me ill. (The properness of her tone belies the dark quality of her words.) Do you have a name?

[i_speak_softly]

[Likewise. But no need to get into that now.]

Donatello.

[stonebird]

A pleasure, Ser Donatello. (He seems like the sort that can handle himself in a fight - perhaps he is a knight.)

[i_speak_softly]

[He's in shining armor, more or less, but he's no knight.]

Really, it's just Don.

[stonebird]

You seem quite strong. I'm sure you could keep yourself and others safe in conflict.

[i_speak_softly]

[True, but not relevant to what they were just talking about.]

Do you have something in mind?

[stonebird]

Should I encounter foes, could I call upon you? I shall find a way to repay you.

[i_speak_softly]

... I'm not really that kind of ninja.

[stonebird]

Ninja? Is that some sort of mercenary?

[i_speak_softly]

Historically, yes. But my family follows a different tradition.

[stonebird]

Do you not aid others?

[i_speak_softly]

We don't accept pay for it.

[stonebird]

Then you would aid me for free? (She isn't sure she is comfortable with that.) I have not encountered such kindness.

[i_speak_softly]

Um, well... [He's about to get himself in trouble, isn't he.] It's complicated.

[stonebird]

I do not lack for time. (She's ready to listen!)

[i_speak_softly]

We aren't... [He wasn't expecting to have to explain the Hamato version of Bushido today.] We help where we can. We don't go looking for trouble.