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

[ 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.

[Our cause. Hmm.]

You may have some luck on that account, if you find something worth trading for their services. Regardless, I would suggest remaining within the city limits. We maintain a perimeter there.

I have no intention of leaving the city. I've seen the monsters firsthand.

[ She'll never forget that monstrous crab that had appeared in the Colosseum with her. ]

You lead the Guard of the city, then?

A wise decision.

[She nods.]

Myself and Henry Percy command the Guard. Maketh Tua, at your service.

[ She hasn't met anyone by that other name, but nods in acknowledgment. ]

Thank you for speaking with me. This place is... unlike anything I've ever seen.

[ And that's saying something. ]

I suppose it would be. I've been to many worlds and have yet to see anything quite like this place.

You've "been to many worlds?" [ squint ] What do you mean?

Where I am from, we have long since mastered space travel and often go between planets to conduct our affairs. I was raised on a place called Lothal, but underwent my training on another, Mandalore. I have spent time in many worlds as it was required of me.

[ ..... what ]

"Space travel?" [ Many worlds? Dany swallows, unsure of what to think after this information. ] ... We have nothing like that in my world. I cannot imagine the kinds of technology that must exist in yours.

Indeed. We have mastered many things.

[She shrugs.]

I suppose it does not matter here, overly much.

If it's true, then your knowledge of other worlds and of so many places could help. [ How could it not matter? ] Your experiences are invaluable.

I am not a ship builder. I have neither the skills nor the resources to bring anyone home.

[She thins her mouth, not quite a smile.]

My experience as an officer is, of course, available to the Guard and anyone who would require it.

If a builder were here, though, could we leave that way? [ She doubts it. ] ... Even so, the knowledge you've gained will help, if it hasn't already. You seem to be a shield for the people here, which I imagine is difficult more often than it isn't.

Potentially. We're underground. A ship needs to launch from the surface, so we would need to reach that first. [She shrugs.] It is a necessary thing. Therefore it will be done.

If we are under the ground, then there must be a surface. [ They're under something, right? ] Have we no tools to dig?

[ It isn't a criticism: only a quesiton. ]

None that can cut through sheer rock without bringing the ceiling down on us.

[She rubs her face briefly.]

I don't suppose your world had any way of doing that?

No. [ Sadly, she can't think of a way, either. Her dragons are destructive, but the fallout might kill more than it saves. ] If I have any ideas, though, I will be in contact with you.

I would appreciate that.

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