first. }{ video.

[iwillnotlookback]

 [ The girl on the screen looks younger than her years, and she is still rather young. Only sixteen, the burnt-away stubble of silvery-blonde hair highlights her sharp cheekbones and draws attention to her large violet eyes in a way that makes her look like a doll. A very feral sort of doll. Her expression can be best described as a mixture of irritation, weariness, and childlike curiosity. And over it all a mask of regality. Nearly bald and ragged-looking she may be, she still looks every inch a queen. ]

Tell me, are all our dear hosts so exceptionally skilled in making obeisance and providing obfuscation for their master? I ask the reason for my presence and they tell me that knowledge is the Emperor's. I demand to know where my dragon is and they simper and apologize. Not one will deign to give me a clear answer, only riddles. More riddles. I am weary of riddles.

[ Dany sighs, a certain something in the way her eyes slip briefly closed betraying just how very tired she is. It never ends, does it? At least she is clean now. The first thing she did when the kedan led her to her quarters was bathe, soaking away her aches and pains and scrubbing off the accumulated weeks' worth of filth and blood in water heated near to boiling. Merely world-weary is marginally better than being both world-weary and filthy. ]

Very well. If we are to be companions in entrapment, we might at least know one another. I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Mother of Dragons, a khaleesi of the Dothraki, Queen of Meereen and rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. I would know you, and whatever you can tell me. [ Pause. ] And if you have seen a dragon, say, the size of an aurochs, colored black and red, I would know that too. You will be well rewarded, I swear. Though I beg you not to approach him, as his temperament is…quite volatile.

Comments

video;

[imaginate]

Ma'am. [He does not look particularly well off, and his hair is a little messy. He's standing, not tense, but holding his own ground, and nods, respectfully. Anyone can list their titles but she has an air of authority, which he recognises. And there is something else - in her eyes. Fire.

Steel.] It's likely your dragons are not here.

[He doesn't qualify with it 'I'm sorry' or 'I regret to inform you' because she doesn't truly want her family to be trapped here with her.]

[iwillnotlookback]

Is it known what happens to those left behind?

[imaginate]

They say time stops. Personally, I don't put much stock in hearsay.

[iwillnotlookback]

Indeed. A wise man knows common truths may well be false.

Who are "they"?

[imaginate]

The locals, and some of the people I've met.

[He adjusts his position to stand more comfortably, and she will notice the distinctive ring on his right hand and its insignia: a stylised lantern.]

[iwillnotlookback]

[ The ring she merely assumes to be the insignia of some noble house. ]

But none you trust, I take it. Very well. What other knowledge might you be able to share, my lord?

[imaginate]

[Oh, it's not that - well, actually it is. She's sharp. He has to watch himself now.

At the title, however, he nearly fumbles but maintains his air - he is speaking to a lady, after all.] I'm not a lord. I'm er - [well he couldn't very well say he was from space; it might freak her out.] a soldier.

[iwillnotlookback]

Is your ring not some noble house's mark?

[imaginate]

No [your majesty? He doesn't know how that would translate, and he can't really parse the rest of the titles so he just picks the one that makes the most sense to him.] khaleesi. It's the sigil of... an army.

[iwillnotlookback]

Yet you wear it as ornament rather than as a badge sewn to your breast or painted upon your shield. Forgive me; your customs are strange, but I will endeavor to learn them.

[imaginate]

[A small smile.] This is not my [uniform?] armour. When I do wear it, the badge is much more prominent.

[His tone is still carefully neutral, but warming up. A queen who is concerned about a stranger's customs? Is it because she's new, or because she actually cares?]

[iwillnotlookback]

If you're a soldier, why do you not wear your armor now? To be sure, I am only a young girl and know little of war, but this seems a place a soldier might wish to be armored and armed.

[imaginate]

Thank you for your concern, but I am more than prepared. [Kyle may not look much older than Dany is, but his voice betrays his experience.]

[iwillnotlookback]

You know best, I'm sure.

[ She says, though she feels dubious. He could be a boy boasting and blustering, but in truth he's said very little. Perhaps he wishes to hide his armor and thus his skill from knowing eyes; if so, he is more cunning than he appears. ]

You have not yet given me your name.

[imaginate]

[Oh-kay royalty actually conceding the point? That is new.] My name is Kyle Rayner [of Earth?? She looked human enough that he doesn't need to mention it.] The army I serve in is called the Green Lantern Corps.

[His ring is green and has a lantern on it. Not very creative.]

[iwillnotlookback]

[ Or she recognizes the value in letting things go...for now. ]

Here is where I would praise the strength and valor of your company, were I acquainted with its reputation. Sadly ignorant as I am, you must be the one to inform me.

[imaginate]

[That's clearly a very political move to gain an ally, and Kyle can't himself say he's very fond of politicians, but what's the harm in swapping a few stories.] That goes for you too, khaleesi. A title such as 'Mother of Dragons' has quite the tale behind it.

[iwillnotlookback]

I believe I asked first. [ Her smile is almost teasing. ]

[imaginate]

[And the neutral veneer breaks, for a wide, genuine smile.] All right, I concede. When you're more comfortable with the city and have time to spare?

[iwillnotlookback]

Very well, we have a deal.

[imaginate]

[He nods again, respectful.] Should you need assistance of any kind, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[iwillnotlookback]

How good of you to offer. I will remember.