[Console] (Video) ❅ The Second

[stonebird]

(A length of cloth is resting on Alayne's knees and she is busy stitching. The sound of thread being pulled through, tightened and then piercing the cloth again can be heard by the keen of hearing.)

Dresses of a Southern make are far more difficult for me to stitch. (Her pink lips purse and she bites off a thread with her teeth.) I fear, should the weather warm, I will be incredibly uncomfortable in wool. Yet silken fabrics are notoriously difficult to piece together. They leave no room for mistakes - even slight ones.

(Sucking on one of her fingers, her brow furrows. It isn't common for her to stab her fingers. Septa Mordane would know something is amiss with her. Yet her dear Septa is long dead.)

I heard some strange noises on the street. I'm certain someone grabbed my skirt, but I didn't stay long enough to look.

(Therein lies the problem.)

Could they follow me to my room?

Comments

action; That's perfect!

[stonebird]

(Her frustration ebbs away at the sound of his voice. She looks up and smiles in welcome, her hands pausing over the fabric.)

Would it be any trouble? I do not know why they would follow me so far, but I am certain they were armed.

action;

[gistful]

[Ah. That explains something; the Snakes do appear to be belligerent, and though they've been better lately they nevertheless skirt their own leader's rules when it comes to violence. Gang-members, while aggressive, are such in a defensive manner, and they are too familiar with Anton's skills to risk making an issue within his domain.]

Most likely Snakes, I think; they are those who feel the right to be openly armed. Gang-members would not dare to accost a patron in my Hotel--they know me too well. Certainly, I can watch your door.

action;

[stonebird]

You are a brave man and I thank you for all the efforts you take to keep the Hotel safe. (To have a place of peace to come back to is a gift that someone like her can appreciate.) Snakes could be frightened by a dog. I know how to train one.

(She trained Lady. This time she wants one that can fend for itself and lacks her sweetness.)

action;

[gistful]

I am afraid there are no dogs here.

[Gently.]

There are few pets at all, save birds, and those rarely; anything else is seen as a food resource.

[He considers. A bird isn't exactly an intimidating thing, but if Alayne simply wants to build a reputation to make it worth avoiding her ... There may be an alternative.]

Have you met Lady Valdis?

action;

[stonebird]

That's a shame. I had a wolf once...

(Her precious, sweet Lady who had a smile and a tail wag for everyone.)

Unless the bird was a large bird of prey... (And then she would be cautious of it.)

I have not?

action;

[gistful]

[Revealing Valdis's secret would have been a betrayal, but perhaps Alayne simply asking Valdis for help intimidating watchers away would be enough--whether Valdis took the form of her wolf to do so or not.]

She will not be able to aid you with a pet, but she may be able to help you draw a reputation worthy enough to be left alone. Make your request gently, however--she has been sorrowed of late.

[It might be a good distraction, besides.]