004 » video

[seem]

Tranquility.

[ It's with a warm sort of politesse that Petyr addresses the network this time around, a crimson sash draped over one of his shoulders and a new set of robes upon his frame. Visible next to him, at the fringe of the image, is a girl with chestnut brown hair and her hands folded in her lap, who should prove familiar to at least some upon the ship. ]

I inquired some months ago as to the existence of a physical library, and was informed that the ship lacked such a facility. As such, I have taken it upon myself to begin one for the sake of those who would prefer the feel of a solid page than the, ah. Furnishings that the ship provides. My collection is meager, but it is more than what was available upon my arrival. Should you care to take advantage of it, I can be found upon the fifth level, next to the quarters that Alayne Stone — [ at the mention, the girl sitting next to him smiles prettily and offers up a wave ] — keeps as a seamstress. She has offered her help in my endeavor, to care for the books in my absence.

That said, should you be willing to part with them, we would greatly appreciate any spare books that you might have. This service is without charge, and meant simply for the comfort of those upon the ship.

I have taken the liberty of attaching the list of the books collected so far, and hope that some of you, at least, will find some use in it.

[ And, with a duck of his head, the feed cuts out. ]

ATTACHMENT.


ooc: feel free to talk to petyr or alayne or both!

Comments

video | THREEWAY!!!

[ownership]

I have a book, but it will not be helpful. It is fictional. [ Blink. ] You are Petyr.

video

[seem]

[ Without missing a beat: ] Pleasure can still be derived from something that might not be strictly helpful.

And yes, I am.

video;

[wont]

[ Alayne glances first from Petyr to Rosella, her image a small stony-faced visage on the device. She has mentioned them both one to the other, and she is anxious to see how first meetings (they promise to be awkward) go. ]

Rosella is fond of efficiency, father. Though I have tried to convince her of other charms. [ With a small smile. ] Hello, Rosella.

video;

[ownership]

Hello, Alayne. [ Another blink, then a pinch to her brow. (Confusion, again.) ] I was not valued for social ease. Charms were unnecessary.

[ A beat. Then: ]

This is your father?

video;

[seem]

[ For the moment, Petyr doesn't bother commenting on the virtues of charm, figuring that to be an argument better left for another time and another day.

His smile remains fixed on his face, easy and accommodating though he suspects neither means anything to the girl. With a nod: ] I am her guardian.

video;

[wont]

[ What democracy, Alayne thinks as his mouth curls around the word 'guardian'. It is not a lie, nor is it the whole truth. It is a non-answer. (A mockingbird through and through.) ]

And now you have both made acquaintance. Is he how you imagined him? [ The question borders on rudely familiar but she is curious what Rosella might say. (A demonstration of her lack of politesse for Petyr, so that he may better understand the rules by which Rosella plays.) ]

video;

[ownership]

Guardian. [ Difficult to tell by the cadence of her voice, but Rosella notes the distinction — semantics are not her strength, but details can be, if she lets it. She leans forward into her device, taking in first Petyr, then Alayne.

At length: ]

I imagined him taller. [ A joke. Kind of. ] He is visually pleasing like you, however.

video;

[seem]

[ While the manner of her speech — overly direct, not adorned in the least — isn't quite grating, it's a bit of a surprise.

To his credit, however, he doesn't seem thrown off, bobbing his head once in silent thanks (jibes at his height having long since lost their sharpness), though he leaves any verbal response to Alayne. ]

video;

[wont]

[ At first, Alayne's only response is to blush — the color rising in her cheeks and pinkening the whole of her face. Whether the fluster is for herself or for Petyr is unclear, though she glances at him again — not uncertain but knowing, as if somehow Alayne has found meaning in between the words. ]

I would say you flatter us, Rosella, but I know that is not your meaning. Still, the words are gratifying. We thank you for— [ How to put it. ] —for such generous estimation.

video;

[ownership]

[ A flutter of eyelashes, then Rosella leans forward, shifting her weight the tiniest fraction. Alayne Stone is the lure of this conversation but Petyr's silence — where so many aboard act with surprise or thinly veiled disapproval — is an interesting enough reveal.

When she blinks and rights her center, back straight, there is the tiniest of nods in the tip of her chin. (One could think it's satisfied. Silence is a good measure of a teacher's capabilities.) ]

I have a copy of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. I have read this many times before. Where should I leave it?

video;

[seem]

You could bring it to us, if you'd like, [ Littlefinger offers, with another nod of his head. ] Do you know your way about the ship?

video;

[wont]

[ Before Rosella can answer, Alayne chimes in in chorus. ] Yes, please, Rosella. Do join us. That would please me very much.

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ Alayne privates another conversation with Rosella, though that definition of private is certainly qualified, given that she sits in a room with Petyr. It is obvious, though, that she keeps him in strict confidence and so their exchange is private enough. ]

How are you adapting, Rosella?

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

Adapting? [ A cock of her head. An odd query; questions of adaptation have always required physical answers — proof, assessments, tests — rather than verbal confirmations. Maybe this is how friends talk to one another, then. Without the burden of having to prove anything. ]

Please clarify, Alayne. Do you mean life onboard the Tranquility?

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ Alayne nods, her smile still sweet and her eyebrows lifted in attentiveness. ]

Yes, I do. Have you made new acquaintance? Do you find your room sufficient? [ A pause. This is a silly question, but stil she asks: ] Are you lonely, to be on your own?

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

[ Her reply comes as no surprise; in short, systematic bursts of speech. ]

I have interacted with several passengers over the network. Yes, the room is sufficient. [ A pause. ] No, I am not. Should I be?

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ Rather than answer her question, Alayne asks: ] Would you care for company?

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

[ In return, a cock of her head. ] Is this a request for sex or socialization, Alayne?

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ alskdjfadsf. Alayne flusters, covering her face with both hands. ]

Rosella!

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

[ BLINKING. ]

Yes?

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ This is the opposite of what she wanted! ]

That is not the sort of question one asks a lady!

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

I asked for clarification. I have asked many this question before, or a similarly structured sentiment in its place.

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

I do not intend— [ Hrnngh. She looks away, no doubt to Petyr elsewhere in the room, and flounders for a moment. ] —I'd meant to gift you one of my birds.

video | PRIVATE

[ownership]

[ Geez, Alayne, it's like your friends never offered you casual sex or something. ]

Birds? [ wut ] Why?

video | PRIVATE

[wont]

[ Um. ]

To keep you company, if you are in need of it. As a sign of friendship and care.