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[lemontree]

[ The device is held by someone who is clearly still learning how to use it. The visual is bits and pieces of a young woman, one who eventually gets the camera pointed at her face... more or less. Her head is in the bottom of the view, partially cut off by the angle so that most of the image is ceiling. ]

I have now seen the arrival of new captives for myself. It has only been weeks since I was brought here, but this helps to confirm that things really are as you all say.

[ It's been hard to swallow the story that everyone tells, but a month is more than enough time to see it all in action, much as she hates to admit it. ]

I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne. ... I am many other things, too, but there are no titles that carry weight in Hadriel. There is no Iron Throne, there is no war between the Great Houses. There is only the war between those beings that call themselves gods and we who are their prisoners. [ Her mouth flattens unhappily, jaw tight in clear defiance. ] I have much to say about these gods, but that is not a matter for this - message.

[ What are the little boxes called, anyway? Hopefully, it's actually sending out her words, or else she'll feel more ridiculous than she already does. ]

I am asking for the aid of someone who can fight. I am no warrior, and I don't need to be taught the skills for myself. Rather, I need a guard. This place is dangerous more often than it isn't, and not one soldier from my armies arrived at my side. [ Dany's expression softens a little: this is a request that isn't likely to have any results. ] ... I do not ask for service out of loyalty, as I am owed none from any of you. I realize, too, that there are few ways that such work could be repaid in a place like this. All the same, I'm not able to defend myself from the monsters that make their home here, and so... I must ask.

[ Nothing comes without a price, which makes this difficult, given that she has nothing to pay with. ]

I have no confidence in my ability to speak on this device, so if you are near the center of the city, in the middle of the houses and shops, you can find me nearby. ... You have my thanks.

Comments

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[leashed]

My name is Romulus Hart, I'm a member of the guard and lieutenant in the military back in my home.


I am not currently near you, as I am on a patrol. I can meet you soon though, if you like.

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[lemontree]

[ Dany doesn't switch to text, because. ??? text?

She does lean in, eyes narrowing, as she reads his tiny message, though. ]

You can write here, too? [ ... ] And, yes, I would like that, if you can spare the time.

[Video]

[mismanagement]

[A queen. How....interesting.]

Is there any particular reason that my Guardsmen should afford you special consideration over the other civilians under our protection?

[Her tone is perfectly even.]

[Video]

[lemontree]

[ Blessedly, this person continues using video, since Dany doesn't know how to switch input. ]

No. I am aware that I am no more deserving of that than anyone else. I have no connections within the city and have contributed nothing to our cause. I would not ask that those protecting the people at large leave their duties to attend to mine. I only meant that, should there be a more... independent swordsmen, or something closer to a sellsword, then I would be grateful for their aid.

[voice]

[circumitus]

Fancy title. Can't say you're the first to come here with one.

Are you looking for full time protection or something?

[voice]

[lemontree]

I imagine not. [ She knows Sansa Stark is here, too, at least. ]

No, not if the monsters are not a constant threat. Only when they appear within the city proper, I think. I would - will - have no way to protect myself, should that happen.

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[pellameno]

[ There's no judgment in Pell's tone when he responds, just curiosity. Is there something special about this woman, maybe, that would attract monsters? In his experience they stay in their designated areas outside of the big events, where there's always warning and safe havens. The only monster he really fears in the city right now is Beyond. ]

Is there a reason you'd need constant personal guarding..? The guard patrol the city in shifts, and will come when called for help. There are a lot of us who don't really fight.

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[lemontree]

Not constant. Only if the Colosseum's creatures are to wander into the city itself. I can believe well enough that the guard will do everything they can to keep that from happening.

[ But. She still worries, and isn't looking to get hurt, or worse. ]

I don't need someone at my side when things are at peace.

[blessedmaiden]

It's okay not to know how to fight and it's okay to ask for help if you're afraid of the creatures that sometimes lurk around the city. The guard is protecting the city, I trust them enough, but if you ever need company -or maybe some basic self defense lessons- please feel free to call me anytime.

[lemontree]

[ More kindness. The response has been... surprising, somehow. ]

You have my thanks. I admit that I didn't expect such offers when I first spoke.

[ After all, as she said, she has nothing to offer in return. ]

What is it that you teach?

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[nowherewolf]

[Okay but nobody so far is asking the important question???]

So. How much are you offering? Or what are you offering?

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[lemontree]

What is the standard of payment in this city?

[ AKA, what does anybody else even pay for - anything? ]

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[demonsional]

Hi!

[Hayden's still getting the hang of his phone, so his feed is also going to be a bit awkward and shaky. Still, he smiles enthusiastically. He's one of the new people! That's him!]

I am a bad fighter but I would like to help!

[He likes helping. He's a helpful helper.]

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[lemontree]

[ What a surprisingly enthusiastic person. Dany hesitates, since he's just said he's not a fighter, but... admits a smile anyway. ]

Do you know of any other warriors?

[ He said he'd like to help, after all. ]

Or else, you can help me to find some kind of payment for all this. I haven't thought of anything so far.

[Video]

[hasadoctorsnote]

[Nico remembers this lady from before. Sounds like she's some kind of royalty, which is interesting.]

If you get in any trouble and need some help, you can contact me. I have a way of getting around the cave fast so it'd only take me a few seconds to get there.

[Video]

[lemontree]

Thank you. [ Dany dips her chin slightly in gratitude. ] And if there is ever anything that I can offer in return...

[ Well, she's trying to think of something. ]

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[utulien_aure]

Why not learn to defend yourself, if I may ask?

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[lemontree]

I worry that the time it would take for me to become anywhere near able to defend myself - well, that it will be too late.

[ Training like that doesn't happen in a day, after all. ]

I am not opposed to learning, but I would feel better having someone at my side in the meantime.

[Video]

[elegant_and_proud]

I offer lessons in swordsmanship in the late mornings, should you change your mind about learning to fight. We do have a great deal of time on our hands in this place, after all.

[Video]

[lemontree]

So I hear. [ It's terrifying that people have been here for years already. ] But I worry that I may not be fully prepared for the next attack even if I begin training immediately.

[Video]

[prophesiedone]

A guard won't be able to defend you all the time. You're better off learning how to wield a weapon. [Anakin's lips twitch, half in amusement, half in disdain.] We've got our hands full protecting ourselves and our homes.

[Video]

[lemontree]

I do not ask for constant protection: only for when there is an attack. [ It had been a long shot, anyway. ] I will learn, but that's no promise of safety.

[ She has no experience, after all, and it could take years before she's even remotely skillful. ]

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[skycall]

[ Alice is genuine as she looks down at her device. ] Daenerys, if you're in need of protection, it would be no issue for me. I may not be the most physical of combatants but my skill with magic is nothing to turn a nose at.

I... do understand if you want someone with more strength behind them, however.

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[lemontree]

You are too kind. [ Alice has helped her already more than once, and it shows in the softness of Dany's smile. ] It would be too much to ask for more of your aid without anything to offer you in return.

[ Maybe she'll think of something, though... eventually... ]

Video

[9_s]

〈Thank goodness for technology. It was one of the few things that made 9S feel at home.

A pale-haired, blind-folded young man focuses crystal clear. He smiles brightly and has good diction as he speaks.〉

Hello!

I can fight, 〈Especially if it's a pretty, blonde woman asking.〉 did you see me in the pit with the insects the other day?

I was pretty cool.

... Apart from when that woman ran away screaming.

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[lemontree]

[ She wonders at the blindfold, but doesn't question it yet. He seems enthusiastic, at least, and she admits a little smile. ]

I kept away from the pit, but I believe you. [ Why not, right? ] What is your name?

[am_i_a_monster]

Why do you think you don't need to be taught to fight?

[lemontree]

It's more that I worry I would be able to wield a weapon in time, even with training.

[ You don't become a masterful soldier in a day, after all. ]

( video )

[puzzlingly]

[ Someone seems to be learning how to use the video feature too, he seems a bit too close at first, but he fixes that a second later. These new phones are so cool. ]

As honest and humble as you may want to sound, your weaknesses as future ruler are showing.

[ He sounds a little tiny bit concerned... this is exactly what he was taught not to do. ]

( video )

[lemontree]

I did not intend to be humble. [ But she did intend honestly, and Dany is clearly a little stiff as she replies. ] And what weaknesses, exactly, have you seen in me?

[ After one speech?? He may be right, but she isn't the type to admit it, even to herself. The young queen peers at him across the feed with cool attentions. ]