o1 » voice

[isinganyway]

I understand that I am in a distant land very far from my own, and I should like to think I am grateful for the chance to travel. Though - I am sorry to say it, and hope I do not cause offense - the high lords of the Initiative have been misled to think a lowly baseborn girl of simple upbringing could assist them in their struggle.

Even so, I worry for my companions. Perhaps, if any hear this, you might be so kind as to attend for them? I seek the following: A man of middling years, small and thin, with close-cropped dark hair shot with grey and a short, pointed beard, who wears a mockingbird upon his breast. A boy of six, small and pale, with brown hair and large eyes, who may have the sigil of a falcon sewn upon his clothing; I am his guardian and must know where he is at once. A young woman, tall, with dark hair and blue eyes, most likely in men's dress. Alayne Stone seeks them.

You have my thanks.

Comments

[ voice ]

[futurarex]

No pardon is necessary. This place robs us of our introductions. I am Prince Arthur Pendragon, of Camelot, a kingdom as far from this place as your own cold home.

And I would advise you to take care, Alayne Stone. This place can be colder than it may seem.

[ voice ]

[isinganyway]

You do me honor, Prince Arthur. To my great shame I do not know your kingdom, but it must surely be a glad and beautiful place with such a liege lord.

I can endure some cold, my lord. After all, I am a Stone, and the mountains whose child I am are not known for their warmth.

[ voice ]

[futurarex]

Cold is not always found in snows and mountains--in fact, there are no mountains that I have seen. But there is coldness in men, and coldness in battle, and circumstance--especially in this place, where we are kept in service to the Initiative, and know so little.

[ voice ]

[isinganyway]

It is little wonder. Hard lands breed hard people, after all.

[ voice ]

[futurarex]

Then you would call yourself hard?

[ voice ]

[isinganyway]

I hope not, my lord.

[ voice ]

[futurarex]

I would hope not, either. It is unfair for any young woman to known as hard, no matter where she was born.

[it's sort of the usual pleasantries, and sort of teasing--but more the of the former, as he does not know her.]

Have you managed to find the rooms provided for you by the Initiative?

[ voice ]

[isinganyway]

My life has not been without kindness. My lord father is kind, as were the septas who raised me. They believed a maiden's joy was joy to the Maiden.

I have not yet, but a kindly woman has offered to escort me.

[ voice ]

[futurarex]

[the words mean little to him, but he recognizes their style, and from that can get a general meaning. it would not be proper to barrage her with questions. he will ask more politely later.]

I am glad to hear that you have known kindness, and have found it here, too. Take care--not all is what it seems here. There is sorcery, and those who wield it can be a danger to anyone. Even kindly woman can be a danger.

[ voice ]

[isinganyway]

There is wisdom in your words. I will remember them, and take care.