❅ Fourteen (Video)

[stonebird]

(As much as she wishes she could block out the cold wind and stay in her new home, Sansa knows she must venture out at least once a day - if not more. She is rubbing her hands to bring circulation back when she first addresses the populace.)

My family is accustomed to conditions of this nature, though for much of my childhood, it wasn't this harsh. I don't pretend to be someone who could survive without shelter and food and warmth; I'm not. Unlike some of you, I am only human.

However, I did learn about certain precautions. Our supplies might be scarce, yet if you must go out in the snow, please wear several layers and protect your face. Furthermore you should know the signs of frostbite. Your skin will become red and painful and you shouldn't ignore it or the symptoms will spread and worsen. I've heard body parts grow black before they fall off.

(Toes and fingers are the most susceptible - as is the tip of the nose and ears.)

If for some reason you become drenched or you are wet from falling in the snow, come indoors quickly. Your body will freeze quicker under those circumstances and it might take only a few minutes if the wind is strong enough.

(She sighs and sits down, wrapping her fingers around a hot cup of tea.)

Going out in pairs or in larger groups seems the safest. Please don't venture out alone. Even if you think you can bear the cold, your mind could be tricking you.

Comments

[stonebird]

You know my aunt? (Sansa immediately brightens. It's difficult not to be fond of Lyanna!) She is my father's sister.

[ragnarsson]

[One can see the wheels turning in his head when she says that. They appear to be of around a similar age, but then, Ivar's oldest brother was sixteen years older than he was. If his daughter had lived, his niece and he would have been a year apart in age.]

She is quite the woman. We seem to value the same things. [Freedom, mostly. She was restricted by her gender and he because of his disability. Both sought to prove people wrong on those accounts.]

[stonebird]

(Timelines are playing tricks again. Sansa would be a good deal younger than Lyanna if her dear aunt had lived.)

What is that, may I ask? (Eddard Stark had always said Arya was most like Lyanna, so Sansa is imagining something defensive or maybe downright violent.)

[ragnarsson]

[Just wait until he finds all this out. It will likely break his brain.]

We both appreciate the skills it takes to use a weapon. It's not as easy for me as other men and she tells me women don't often go into battle in your world.

[stonebird]

No, they don't. Women are expected to take charge of a household or serve the men in their lives. Even queens aren't given that sort of freedom usually.

(There have been some oddities, however. Like the Targaryen King that took one of his wives into battle.)

I thought it mad for a woman to ever pick up a sword, but circumstances have more than changed my mind.

[ragnarsson]

Women are equal in almost everything among the Norse. They are allowed a choice.

[That seemed to be the biggest difference between the Norse and any of the other cultures they came in contact with like the English or the Franks.]

Our female warriors are just as good as any man. Our enemies fear facing a shieldmaiden as much as they do any man.

[stonebird]

I think that is admirable. I feel as if the North is more like your Norse, but I was never interested in learning the sword or bow. My sister is more like Aunt Lyanna.

(Arya would fit right in with them.)

You are giving me further reasons to continue my lessons.

[ragnarsson]

[Indeed, Ivar is very much like those in the North with perhaps some of the Ironborn in him as well. It's why he seems to be getting so well with those from Westeros.]

I would be glad to spar with you if you ever are in need of an opponent.

[He was most definitely not a pushover even if he wasn't able to walk.]

[stonebird]

(The Starks are even connected to the Ironborn thanks to Theon Greyjoy. Not that Sansa thinks highly of them after what was done to Winterfell, but she isn't mad at Theon any longer.)

Only if you promise to go easy on me, ser! I am not keen on hurting or killing another unless my anger is riled.

[ragnarsson]

I will do my best. I don't expect every woman here to be on the level of a shieldmaiden.

[He's not half bad at helping to improve people a little in their fighting skills. For having such a terrible temper otherwise, Ivar's much more patient when it comes to teaching people.]

[stonebird]

I am certainly not, but I am not afraid of a few bruises and scrapes.

(Gaining them in a spar is far better than being beaten or used by her betrothed/husband.)

Whenever you are free, please contact me.