005 -- video;

[northerner]

[ ah, robb returns to video posts. there's a marked difference in the set of his face. he looks older, more solmen if such a thing were possible, more like his father, than he did in those very first few times he'd addressed the ship. grey wind is at his elbows, eyes gleaming as his great jaws part in a disinterested yawn. the display of teeth though, that sure is something to see. robb sinks a hand into the fur at the scruff of grey wind's neck, and the action is almost a boy reaching for something familiar, something to anchor himself to. ]

I wish to request a favor of this ship.

[ kings don't make requests, they give orders. that is what robb learned from his namesake but in his time spent aboard this ship he's also learned that a displaced king gets himself more by requesting rather than trying to command. ( like the beggar king, and if his stomach turns at that he ignores it. ) ]

My youngest brother Rickon has come aboard this vessel. I don't seek to curb his curiosity, but only to ask that discretion is used when answering his questions and granting him knowledge.

[ there's a pause. grey wind huffs a breath, impatient, and robb's hand twists in the fur. ]

And perhaps not encourage his fondness for knives.

Comments

[chaineddog]

Probably. I know people have been teaching her how to read and write among other things.

[There's a pause though, followed by a sigh.]

I can't control everything she learns though.

[wont]

[ It is, perhaps, the saddest thing he has ever said in her presence. Not a difficult task, given how mindful Robb is of her always; but in that mindfulness comes a denial as well, an inability to ask for the things he desires, the constant need to make her happy and avoid her frown. It is an advantage that has served both Sansa and Alayne in the past, but the use of it is nothing short of selfish.

Have I had a hand in your unhappiness, she thinks. Oh, how the thought burns her. ]

That makes me sad, Robb. We, all of us, are allowed some joy.

[cheerioless]

Of course. And I'm sorry. No one that young should have to be put through this. [ she hopes she doesn't sound cliché, or condescending by it. she can tell he is from a different world than she is. the six year old was probably stronger than she was - had probably seen more, been through more than she had. he was probably tougher than quinn was. quinn from her cupcake world who spent most days hiding in her room because she could barely hold it together. ] ...if you ever need help with him, um, I can help?

[northerner]

[ awkward. pause. what's happening...

there's a huff of breath, and then he disconnects. yup. ]

[northerner]

[ alkjdslakfda ]

All of us are fools to one degree or another.

[northerner]

So you dream of battles. It seems unpleasant. I'd thought your mind would be occupied by happier things.

[ nepeta 8c ]

I...I dream of my home. I cannot say that it is the same for all, but that is what it is for me.

[northerner]

[ sudden bonding over big brotherly duties what. ]

Do you wish to try?

[northerner]

I doubt any of us could answer all Rickon's questions.

[northerner]

[ HORRIFIED PAUSE ]

No, it is for the best. Though it sounds not unlike a tale from home. Perhaps he has already heard.

[allucinator]

Ooh, diplomatic. But I guess you gotta be.

--Although, you know, you don't here. I mean, you're a king, yeah, but it ain't like anybody is gonna judge you for bein' kingish or not if you act like a normal guy.

[northerner]

Hush now. You bring me joy, and our family brings me joy. I want for nothing else. I am a king, am I not meant to be joyful?

[ robert baratheon had been, robb remembers that well. but that has never quitebeen the example he wanted to emulate. robb's kingship is cobbled together from secondhand stories and snatches of things seen while glancing sideways at his father and king robert baratheon the first of his name. he makes it work as best he can, but... ]

[northerner]

[ there's a pause. ]

He can be...trying.

[ it sounds more like a warning than it should. ]

[northerner]

I appreciate that.

[ respectful, that's good. ]

I would not have his education gone awry.

[culver]

he is just curious

[chaineddog]

[Oh god, it'll be the one aspect they get along on.]

Sure. Doesn't mean that she'll let me though; she may look how she looks but she's stubborn.

[unparental]

Oh, honey. [ jenna don't call your boss honey who is also a king or do, whatever. he just looks so horrified. ] There are so many destructive possibilities he hasn't even heard about yet.

...I would limit his access to science types-- just a helpful hint. They're the one with the bombs, generally.

[deadandred]

No, I understand where you're coming from. [And Robb seems like someone who deserves respect, so he gets it. Simple as that.]

[wolfdreamer]

[He nods, solemnly, as lordly as he can. How often did he see Robb change to Robb the Lord, or Robb the King? He knows how to square his shoulders, how to hold himself--a lord to be trusted, not a little brother.]

I will ask, should I need it. But I won't. I am worthy of your trust, you will see.

[Some of his lord's courtesy falls from him as he hesitates, and next adds:] I have a different question to ask of you, if I can.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Perhaps he will mind a girl.

[It isn't in her to say sister, not yet.]

[northerner]

[ it's a bittersweet thing, watching bran imitate and mimic the way robb imitates and mimics. bran shouldn't have to. bran's shoulders shouldn't have to bear this weight, and yet-- ]

Anything, Bran. What do you wish to know?

[northerner]

My bannermen honored me with this title. It would shame them and their faith in me were I to cast it aside once out of their sight.

[northerner]

Aye, I've seen that in her.

[ OVERPROTECTIVE BIG BROTHERS FTW ]

But better she be stubborn than easily led.

[northerner]

I worry he has become too curious.

[allucinator]

Yeah-- but you can relax a little, at least. Come on, I won't tell nobody.

[northerner]

[ why is everything on this ship awful and dangerous robb doesn't even. ]

Bombs?