hadriel | video

[ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[ 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.

[The man who shows up in her video is serious, maybe a little short, and earnest as ever.]

I can. I'll be at your location shortly.

[By 'shortly' he means maybe ten minutes- hopefully that's not too long for her to wait before Rome moves toward the area that Dany said she was in. He's quick and alert, following the most fresh and unrecognizable scent until he finds himself face to face with her.

Rome manages a short nod, inclining his head in respect.]

Ah- there you are. I apologize if I kept you waiting.

[ Dany inclines her head slightly in return, grateful to the first person who'd agreed to meet her. ]

You didn't keep me. Thank you for coming.

[ He's polite, at least, and obviously helpful. Not everyone here can have the same said of them. ]

Have you been in this place for very long?

Several months now.

[He nods, affirming it. Nothing seems exceptionally odd about her at first glance and she certainly doesn't smell like any sort of monster that might hide behind the face of a young girl.]

It takes awhile to adjust to being here. My previous life was far more routine than this.

Mine was not routine at all. I was in the middle of something very important.

[ As a result, she's restless, being stuck in Hadriel. ]

I imagine many others could say the same.

[ From what she's heard, anyway... ]

That's what I've heard, yes.

[Rome seems to be the odd one out, here- he wasn't on any significant quest or journey. Just... one day there, the next here. It's made it easier in some ways, more difficult in others.]

What were you doing?

Going home.

[ The word alone sends a little pang through her heart. ]

We had to flee it when I was an infant. This is - was - the first I would have been able to really see it.

I see.

[The word 'home' doesn't have the same sort of heartsick longing for Rome as it does for Dany, but he can understand wanting something well enough.]

You remember it enough to miss it?

... No, not exactly. [ She draws a long breath, considering the question. ] I don't remember it much at all. I need to return to Westeros because its throne is my birthright. Going back there is what I've always been meant to do.

[ Everything she - and Viserys, back then - has done has been toward that end. ]

Oh.

[Another member of royalty? Rome tilts his head curiously.]

Is it what you want to do? Or is it merely your duty?

It is the only thing I have ever wanted.

[ More or less. She answers immediately, though, her expression resolved. ]

Then I hope you can.

[It's earnest, genuine.]

You seem like a competent leader.

[ She doesn't ask why he thinks that, and instead admits a little smile. ]

You have my thanks. I can only hope that I do not disappoint them.

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