004 ♕ text

[wont]

[ Normally, she would address the ship with both her name and face. A bow of her head, her most polite smile — means by which to garner favor and convince those she would entreat for help. (See how how guilelessly I ask, says her look. Truly, I am a soul worth helping. But gone are those days, for there are those aboard the ship who would readily look upon Alayne's face and say: behold, Sansa Stark or Lady Lannister or I knew Petyr Baelish; of bastards, he had none. Though she needs the assistance others, Alayne knows she must be careful now in what she offers too readily. Even if the other Westerosi still struggle with their devices, she must not rely solely upon their ignorances to keep her shielded and her secrets hidden.

So: some caution, at least at the very surface. A request made through text; an offer with a name but no face. A bastard from the Vale in search of cloth, that is all. ]

Good people of the Tranquility.
I am in search of a passenger, intrepid and strong-legged, to assist me in my endeavors.
Already once I have offered my services to the ship,
those of sewing, mending and embroidery,
and I hope to continue to do so, though I am hindered by a certain lack.
Although thread has come readily to me with the jumps,
fabric proves a much rarer commodity.
My aim is to enlist aid in the collection and dyeing of cloth.
The ship is vast and many of its quarters stand empty,
and I would look to gather some portion of those unused linens,
to give that fabric greater purpose.

But the vastness of the Tranquility is no place for a young woman to venture alone.
Especially when her arms alone promise to return such a meager bounty.

I offer recompense by way of trade or exchange of service.
The ship has been generous with me by way of worldly possession,
though I fear most of what I own is rather delicate and will only appeal to certain tastes.

Thank you.

[ The message is posted and remains as is for an hour, maybe two. Then later an amendment comes, one that Alayne debates over including. ]

I am also in search of the person
who thought it fit to slip a note beneath my door last night.
You are not in trouble by any means, whomever you are.
I look only to thank you for your endeavors.

Comments

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

[ He teases and so she smiles. For what daughter does not beam when her father looks upon her with pride. ]

Do you find the tune fetching?

( VIDEO | private )

[seem]

I have answered its call, [ he points out, glancing once out of the frame as if to hint at the crowd that she's drawn. ]

Fetching, indeed.

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

Duty demands that you answer its call, [ she points out in turn, her tone never straying from polite. ]

There is a difference in thought, but not action.

( VIDEO | private )

[seem]

[ With an easy laugh: ] Do you know me to be a man so beholden to duty?

[ It's spoken as if in jest, but again, it's the truth that gives the words any worth. Even given their facade, he has no obligation to respond every time he spots her upon the network, nor to offer unnecessary flattery. ]

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

[ She watches the way his smile forms. Alayne knows there are good smiles and there are bad smiles, some more disingenuous than others. When Petyr smiles at her, it is not false, though he takes a impish delight at her mild expense. ]

It is what a mindful father would do.

( VIDEO | private )

[seem]

[ As if abashed, he ducks his head. ]

I find the song quite pleasing to the ear, I assure you, apart from any semblance of duty or familial association.

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

[ As if abashed, and therein lies a tell. Alayne is certain her father has not been made abashed by anything for a very long time. ]

Does that mean you will fetch me linens and cloth as well?

( VIDEO | private )

[seem]

[ The task isn't one that particularly appeals to him, but he's never been one for an outright answer, and, following a brief pause, he offers up a slight shrug. ]

Would it please you?

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

[ Alayne gives pause and makes a great show of considering her answer, though it comes to her readily. ]

More the admittance than the act.

( VIDEO | private )

[seem]

An admittance, then: I would not think to sing much prettier a song, and, caught as I am, I would offer my assistance should you still require it.

( VIDEO | private )

[wont]

I've arms enough to carry the cloth and hands enough to dye it. [ A pause. ] There is the matter of accounts, however. Though none look for the recompense of coin.