Sixteenth House of Westeros ♛ Dictated ♛ Baseborn Daughter of a Mockingbird

[songsandstories]

[Sitting outside, she's dressed in warmer furs. This is something more what she's used to, but what a strange place.]

I've heard tale from many people of their homes, most seem far different from this place. Paradisa is not unlike parts of Westeros, perhaps not the North or the very south, but I picture it not too different from the Vale, save no quarries.

Aside from your weather, one thing I've found most strange is the concept of trueborn and baseborn children. I am the bastard of a lord back home, but I am told that means nothing here. I am more fortunate that my father has cared for me like his own trueborn and that he is a lord, but there are vile stories of bastards not so lucky. Many end up on the Wall, vowing themselves to the Black for there is no life as a baseborn son, nothing to be given.

Those who I have talked to have treated me kindly even, without knowing who my father is. Perhaps you are all from some strange lands indeed.

ooc: Still on her loss. Feel free to run into her outside the castle.

Comments

[lordoflhant]

Why should someone treat you different just because of who your father is?

[ He's pretty aware of status, but the idea of "bastard" isn't really something he knows anything about. ]

I mean, I guess people treat each other differently because of class and everything, but if you're a lord's daughter, then you're still a lord's daughter, right?

[songsandstories]

My mother and my father were not wed. I am illegitimate.

[lordoflhant]

Oh.

But...well, people shouldn't care too much about that. I'm sorry they do where you're from, though.

[ The truth is they probably do where he's from, too, but it's nothing he's encountered. Asbel himself treats everyone the same no matter what. ]

Anyway, all people deserve respect, because they're people! I think so, anyway.

[songsandstories]

Perhaps where you are from, but not so in Westeros. Baseborn children get nothing in the line of succession. Some legitimized bastards may get something, but that is truly rare.

[lordoflhant]

That seems pretty unfair to me.

But you know, everyone I've met here seems pretty nice, so at least you don't have to worry about it while you're here?

[ He tries to look on the bright side. ]

What's your name? I'm Asbel. Asbel Lhant.

[songsandstories]

I am Alayne Stone. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[lordoflhant]

It's nice to meet you too, Alayne!

Have you been here a long time?

[songsandstories]

It has not yet been a fortnight.

[lordoflhant]

[ He's not entirely sure how long that is. ]

So...not long, but definitely longer than me. I just got here about a couple days ago.

[assassino]

Our worlds are alike. Bastards are usually ignored and discarded by their fathers, and few find prosperity. I would be surprised at bastards inheriting property, still, but as people I see no trouble with them. My oldest friend is a bastard, and he's one of the greatest men in the world.

[songsandstories]

Then it means nothing to you as well?

[assassino]

No, it means something. I could not fathom overlooking it, as many do here. But I choose to disagree with my people's thoughts on the matter.

[songsandstories]

How do you do so?

[assassino]

By seeing no cause to treat bastards differently. I have known many bastards, and I would take their company over others any day.

[songsandstories]

You are quite in the minority.

[assassino]

So I have noticed.

[songsandstories]

I wish more were like you, though I am lucky to be the daughter of a lord.

[assassino]

And with that luck, I am sure you can make whatever you want of yourself regardless of what most people think.

[songsandstories]

I could never be queen. [Granted that isn't what she wants.]

[assassino]

But who wants to be queen, anyway? Queens are the targets of much ire.

[songsandstories]

I do not even know who is king now.

[assassino]

Everyone wants to replace them.

[songsandstories]

There was just a war about it.

[assassino]

War is rather perpetual in my time, unfortunately. I could scarcely tell you where one ends and one begins. It makes me glad we don't have kings in my cities.

[songsandstories]

Westeros has only had one king since Aegon united the kingdoms, but there was questions over the legitimacy of King Joffrey when King Robert died. Both of Robert's brothers claimed the throne, the North seceded, and the Iron Isles wished to secede from the North. It was called War of the Five Kings.

[assassino]

And has King Joffrey been replaced?

[songsandstories]

Stannis is likely to do so, but the Lannisters are not likely to yield their power.

[assassino]

And who do you ally yourself with?

[songsandstories]

That is the game. Whoever can keep me safest.

[assassino]

And should you need to betray them for another?

[songsandstories]

I have little to do with either. My father was on the Small Council for both Joffrey and Robert. He has his own land now though, away from the conflict, and the Vale is impregnable.

[assassino]

And you do not live with your father, away from this conflict?

[songsandstories]

I do, but none are truly safe from it. The Vale is perhaps the safest place though.

[assassino]

You have so many worries, for one in a safe place.

[songsandstories]

My father sat on the small council for two dead kings. I worry for him. [Though she doesn't seem as worried or as jaded as she was.]

[assassino]

And while you are here, time is halted for your homeland. Your father will be safe in the meantime.

[songsandstories]

I have been told. It does not make me worry any less.

[assassino]

I suppose I am not one to talk. I worry about my own family, though they are targets of those in power for another reason.

[songsandstories]

I am most sorry to hear of that. I will pray for their safety.

[assassino]

Thank you. And I think think of your family.

[songsandstories]

That is most kind, and I thank you greatly for it.