Backdated to towards the beginning of the expedition

[wintercat]

[Catelyn has reached a state of near panic. It’s not unusual for Arya to disappear for a time. Cat had learned that it was best to give her space. But she always reported in. Because Arya knew Catelyn would worry if she didn’t. So when Arya doesn’t check in, she doesn’t even bother to filter. If it embarrasses Arya, perhaps she’ll speak up to make her stop. If it catches the attention of someone who knows where she is, so much the better.]

Arya Stark, you will tell me where you are this very instant.

[And while she's at it, she'll toss a a filter she's been meaning to for some time.]

[Danaerys Targaryen]

I am well aware my daughter has been enjoying her time with you. I have no reason to see you as an enemy here. I hold nothing against you and so I have allowed it. But know that if any harm comes to her while she is under your care, you will not find me merciful or forgiving. Is this understood?

[ooc: The first part is utterly unfiltered, so anyone is free to reply to it. Be helpful, heckle, whatever. I don't mind!]

Comments

[wintercat]

It does. The South does not even know summer snows.

[heloise]

How cold does it get in the North?

[wintercat]

Extremely so. Farther north than Winterfell, there is a defensive structure we call simply "The Wall." It is made of solid ice and has not melted in over eight thousand years.

[heloise]

Is the Wall meant to keep the winter at bay?

[wintercat]

It is meant to keep the Wildlings at bay, and the other dangers beyond the wall.

[heloise]

Wild beasts, Lady Stark?

[wintercat]

And wild men.

[heloise]

Is there such a thing?

[wintercat]

There are- men who live without kings or laws, taking what they wish from whom they wish.

[heloise]

[ Sounds much like the people of Italy. ]

Lawless men?

[wintercat]

[It's not like the people of the Seven Kingdoms are much better. But lololol ethnocentrism.]

Barbarians.

[heloise]

Who guards the Wall then?

[wintercat]

The Night's Watch, men who take oaths forsaking all other bonds. [You remember Jon Snow?]

[heloise]

[ He never said though >: ]

What of family?

[wintercat]

That too. They say their only loyalty can be to their brothers in the Black and to the realm.

[heloise]

What reward would spur any man to do such a thing?

[wintercat]

Some are common criminals, given a choice between their lives or the Wall. Others are bastards, with nothing to inherit and a need to eat. A precious few are driven by a sense of honor and duty to the realm.

[heloise]

Do parents care so little for [ the word sounds so crass ] bastards to give them no inheritance?

[wintercat]

Some are kinder than others. [Ned. :|] It is largely a matter of law, not of love. The eldest inherit before the youngest, sons before daughters, and true-born heirs before the illegitimate.

[heloise]

Of course. [ Though Cesare can't inherit and so it will all go to Juan. ]

Our father issued an edict to confer legitimacy on the four of us.

[wintercat]

Is such a thing possible? [She knows about Blackfyre rebellion, of course, and the Great Bastards, but that's...an extreme exception.]

[heloise]

He is the Pope of Rome and his edicts are absolute.

[wintercat]

I'm afraid I'm not entirely certain what a pope is. Something akin to a king?

[heloise]

More than that. He has the authority to crown and uncrown kings.

[wintercat]

I did not such a person existed.