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

[thequeensown]

[Talia's empathy doesn't do much from such a distance, but she knew herself what it had been like to appear in a different land with different people and customs. The grief of leaving those she cared for behind...]

I understand wholly, Your Grace... what is your dragon's name?

[iwillnotlookback]

Drogon, he is called, and his brothers are Rhaegal and Viserion. Should circumstances change and you have word of them, I will reward you handsomely.

[thequeensown]

[Talia gives her head a single shake almost immediately.]

I require no reward for assisting, Your Grace, but thank you. I shall let you know if I see any sign of your dragons.

[iwillnotlookback]

Certainly you wouldn't keep a mother from expressing gratitude for good service done in reuniting her with her children?

[thequeensown]

[This time Talia's smile is softer and the shake of her head far less severe.]

Nay, Your Grace, I would not... but it is both my duty and my honor to see the right done. Reuniting a mother with her lost children would be something I would offer any in need of such assistance. To expect recompense for doing what is right...? [She shakes her head.] I could not.

[iwillnotlookback]

Then do not expect it, but accept it when it is given.

[thequeensown]

[Talia blinks and then her smile broadens and she dips her head.]

As you say, Your Grace.