ａｕｄｉｏ + ａｃｔｉｏｎ.

[wolfchild]

[ she begins without preamble, speaking clearly and surely. ]

I have things to trade in the cafeteria. There's hams and cheeses, doughnuts, and juices. Socks too, and wet wipes, toys and jewelry. I've got books too for those who want them and markers in lots of colors. There's a lot more too. I'll be here all day or until it's all gone.

[ she took over a section of the cafeteria for her use. her direwolf lies beside her, guarding both her and the cart.

her wheeled cart ( commandeered from the clinic ) is full of items: the top has a tray of finger food from the promised cold hams and cheeses to oysters and shrimp packed in ice with sauces alongside, even cooked mini pizzas. below are assorted vending machine goods in their wrappers, sacks of ground coffee and hot chocolate, and a dozen fresh doughnuts. she has a pitcher of lemonade and a half-gallon of fruit punch.

in the drawers are assorted items such as wipes, hand sanitizers, socks and scarves, toys including a stuffed bear that moves and talks when you press its stomach, a few books and papers and markers.

hidden inside a bag at the girl's feet are a few cartons of cigarettes and small bottles of whiskey and wine for those who can pay a little extra. ]

Comments

[ensorceler]

[ Well, isn't someone all growed up. Anne resists the urge to roll her eyes. ]

Stories, then? I am sure you would have stories from your world to share with him. Or you could both practice at dancing, that would be quite fun!

[ Only for Anne. ]

[wolfchild]

I can't dance. I don't know stories. [ not any apt for children, at least. ]

[ensorceler]

[ A 10-year-old boy from Exsilium isn't exactly sheltered, anyway, but Anne is quite surprised. ]

How, if I may ask, did you come into your king's service?

[wolfchild]

[ no you really don't want her stories. ]

We were given the same room.

[ensorceler]

[ No wonder. She was beginning to wonder if King Robb had just gone to an orphanage to pick the least girl-like girl he could find. ]

Do you both hail from the same kingdom, then? That is good luck.

[ Braavos is in the north, right???? Like she knows. ]

[wolfchild]

Braavos knows no king.

[ this should be fun. ]

[ensorceler]

[ That's it, Anne's just gonna throw herself out an airlock. She should eat the doughnut. A good last meal... ]

Then...why do you serve one? You have abandoned your kingdom?

[wolfchild]

[ her eyes narrow. ]

Braavos is not a kingdom, it's one of the Free Cities. The greatest of the Free Cities. I serve His Grace because he is kind and he asked it of me. He knows I am Braavosi and to Braavos I shall return when I leave here.

[ensorceler]

[ Now don't sic your mutant wolf on her, please. ]

Ah, forgive me for the mistake. Is your beast from Braavos, or did you also meet in your quarters?

[wolfchild]

[ though the apology seems to soothe her, anger licks her insides. she is a liar and a thief and a killer, but only by necessity. a traitor never. it is she who is always betrayed. ]

I got her from the weapons room when I first got here.

[ensorceler]

She is your weapon! Well, never could a man say they had a better one.

[ Don't suggest a lion, Anne. Don't do it. ]

It is a shame she does not favor people, as I think a boy would marvel a such a creature.

[wolfchild]

[ and that was how anne was mauled by a raging beast while nymeria wondered what was going on. ]

There's another wolf who would tolerate him more.

[ensorceler]

Another? I would think it a unique gift.

[wolfchild]

[ and you'd be wrong, though she's wise enough to keep that observation to herself. ]

There are two of them. King Robb has the other.

[ensorceler]

[ What a...coincidence? A lot of coincidences. ]

I would not worry a king's time to make use of his favored beast simply for the supposed amusements of a boy.

[wolfchild]

[ she shrugs. ]

I cannot help you then.

[ensorceler]

[ So forward. It's irritating, though admirable. ]

I suppose I ought to not favor greed. You have already offered much, thank you.

[wolfchild]

You're welcome. I hope the book pleases you.