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

[commandsthewind]

[Well she's glad to not hear the usual question as to why she's not married. It became grating after awhile.]

She longs to never be married then?

[wintercat]

[Cat is far too diplomatic to ask that sort of thing outright.]

She is only twelve, that may change. But she would prefer to act under her power. That will not. She is too much like her father for that.

Have you met Nymeria? Arya named her for a warrior queen of legend. [Meanwhile, Sansa named hers "Lady"... Still better than Rickon's "Shaggy Dog," though.]

[commandsthewind]

[She says nothing to that, because she remembers well when she was that age, watching Anne of Cleves being discarded like nothing, and her cousin beheaded. She'd sworn the same.]

There are worse faults for a child to have. Far worse. She could... well, be as many young women are want. Which is neither their fault either I suppose, more bitterness on the men that use them. [Oh poor cousin Kitty...]

I did, I... couldn't remember seeing a better hunting animal in my life, I can say that much. [She smiles though.] Has strength on her mind, then?

[wintercat]

She has had to grow up far too quickly. [Which is in answer to both the first and second parts of this discussion. It's only natural that Arya have strength on her mind, after everything.]

[commandsthewind]

So do we all, my lady Stark, when there is work for us to do. Pity though it is, perhaps here... awful as this place is, it affords an opportunity.

[wintercat]

That is more true than you know. [Her poor broken family. How pathetic it is that this place is their last chance to be all together.]

[commandsthewind]

I think it it is true of us all. [she laughs for a moment.] Perhaps you might understand it better then others. But I have been told by man that 'if I am Queen, why do I simply not take a holiday if it's so tiring?'

This place is the closest I will ever have again to being free of my duty.

[wintercat]

[A little amused scoff.] Clearly, they have not had many dealings with royalty.

[commandsthewind]

Or anyone with a duty to fulfil. It's most odd. Such things are so common, mundane even where I come from. [she laughs quietly.] Here they seem to think it's novelty.

[wintercat]

It's difficult for them to understand. Their eyes glaze over when I speak of Houses, alliances, and politics.

[commandsthewind]

Very much so. It feels as though speaking another language sometimes.