Third House of Westeros ♛ Dictacted ♛ When You Come to Play the Game

[songsandstories]

[She's outside of the castle, looking at the lands. Being here for a little bit has got her thinking about these lands and what exactly to do. There was still things to be learned and gained from this place.

Sansa's family is here. They need to be protected. Arya is still little, Catelyn is dead back home. If Lannisters are going to be appearing, something needs to be done. And this way she can see who among them is capable of actually killing a man.]

It seems there are lands beyond the town, have we any idea what is beyond this place? I have heard stories of the First Generation, that there is some great war between us and them. I do not understand the loyalties since I have been told there are no lords or kings here. Or at least that namesakes and titles mean nothing.

Have any ventured beyond? What are the allegiances between us and those that oppose us? Who are the bannermen here, who takes up arms?

[There's a pause.]

This place isn't like home. Being a woman here is not the same. I have had all the graces and knowledge of court. My father saw to it, though I am no lady. Perhaps it is time I learned swordsmanship.

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

What allegiances exist are, for the most part, personal in nature. We are bound together more by common interest and individual affection than by titles or lands.

As for what lies beyond the town, there have been a number of excursions in the past. Much of the land remains unknown to us, though not all.

Finally, those who wish to take up arms in defense of themselves and others do so. There is no requirement beyond that. If you wish to learn swordcraft, there are, no doubt, many here who would teach you. It is a useful skill and, though I pray I do not have cause to exercise it, I am most glad to have learned it in my youth.

[songsandstories]

Then who do we know to trust? If none are lords or landholders, does no one seize the opportunity? Surely there must be those here with great power.

How often are these excursions? Can anyone go?

I should like to learn.

[inafadingcrown]

Each must decide for himself who to trust. If, as you say, you have knowledge of court, then you have already the skills needed to do so wisely. You must listen and watch. There are, of course, those here with great power. One might say there are too many for one Lord to ever truly take control of this place. Quite a number of us have been trained to lead; it is no simple thing to rule such a group. [And, yes, she's included herself in the category of people with great power. Surprisingly casually, in fact.]

There is no set schedule. I would advise you only to pay heed to the journal, for it is through it that such things are most typically announced. I have yet to see an interested party turned away.

I might advise you, then, to seek out one named Alleyne. She is quite skilled in matters of combat and has taken it upon herself to teach others, particularly young women.

[songsandstories]

That would make sense if magic is actually here. [Which she was still adjusting to, for the most part. The castle was the strangest thing she'd ever come across.]

I shall look for it then. My thanks.

My name is Alayne. [Same pronunciation.]

[inafadingcrown]

It is, I assure you. That much will become plain enough with time. [It's stranger for her to think of a world without magic.]

[And she'll chuckle at the coincidence.] Is it? I suppose there is no risk of you forgetting the name, then. Well met, Alayne. I am called Galadriel.

dictated

[amiable]

Ah... where to start?

dictated

[songsandstories]

Where one ought to start: the beginning.

[amiable]

Well, we don't know too much about this world... Sometimes it changes.

[songsandstories]

How does a world change? [People changed, not the game, not the lands.]

[amiable]

I guess it's the magic of this place. The land out there... it wasn't always there.

[squartatore]

That's a lot of questions. [she draws an arrow up to Galadriel's response] She covers pretty much everything I know, and more. [...] Although I'm not sure the conflict with the First Generation is a "great war," exactly.

What is home like for you? Are you another of those fancy noble types?

[Sayaka, you technically were a fancy noble type yourself..]

[songsandstories]

What is the conflict then? [It would be better to know the pieces in this game. What actions to take if she knew the sides.]

I am not from nobility.

[squartatore]

Far as I can tell, it started even before I arrived. The residents who've been around for two or three years will have more details on what happened back then. [she'll let Sansa consider the implications behind that statement] I think the First Generation was the side which started it.

[as for the second response...] Seems like your world views such things with a lot more importance than is common here.

[persequor]

You want to learn to fight?

[ Disdain drips from her tone. ]

[songsandstories]

Things are different here. This is not our home, and people must be protected. [Arya and her mother. Arya still needed to be young, not yet changed by whatever it was that took her from the city. Catelyn was still alive, and she would see to it that way. If Edmund were to arrive, what then? Jaime had already.]

[persequor]

You think you can do that? Sharpest thing you've ever held is a sewing needle.

[songsandstories]

You may be surprised by what I am capable of.

[sixguns]

I plan t'take a trip out beyond when I'm able t'do so. I want t'know what we might have t'deal with in the future.

I've quite a few arms I'd take up, if necessary. I dinnae take lightly t'good people bein' harmed.

[He pauses.]

A sword isnae always the best weapon for fightin'.

[Noah's not even sure he'd like seeing a woman in the fray, though in more recent years he's done so, and they've been just as dangerous. Old fashioned sensibilities are hard to let go of.]

[songsandstories]

What do you suspect is out there, ser?

[It is the way people fought where she was from. A true man had a true sword.]

Of course it is. Unless you have a direwolf. [But Lady was long dead.]

[sixguns]

I dinnae. I don't like t'be unaware of where I live. There's usually someone or somethin' t'be wary of.

[It's a bit outdated where he's from, though he'd understand the significance.]

Ach, I've no wolves, though I've heard of them out in the woods. There was a bloke tellin' others to take care when out travellin'.

I'm no Cú Chulainn; I've no swords or armor t'speak of. Not in the traditional sense, y'understand.

[songsandstories]

In a place like this, it would be wise to always be wary.

Jon and Arya still have their direwolves? [Wasn't Nymeria lost after Joffrey was bit?]

I wish to learn a craft to keep those closest to me from harm. Would it not be swordcraft?

[loisfuckinglane]

If you're looking for our walking repository on First Gen knowledge, you found her.

[songsandstories]

I would appreciate any information. I know nothing save that there is something with them.

[loisfuckinglane]

Well, first of all 'war' is a strong word. We're not actively enemies, exactly.

[songsandstories]

Then what is it?