ataraxion | we know not the trials before us [VIDEO]

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we know not the trials before us [VIDEO]

[ The video feed shows a girl in her mid-teens, pale and with her hair hanging loose around her face. She's dressed in what some might consider an old-fashioned style -- a dark skirt and coat, with what is very obviously a man's overcoat slung over her shoulders. The left sleeve of her coat is tied in a knot at the elbow, and hangs loose below the knot.

She appears to be somewhere in the oxygen garden, judging from the foliage behind her. ]

I did not think to find myself in this place again. Can anyone tell me if a Mister Tillman or a Mister Lensherr are still in residence? Or Bran Stark or Jack Kelly? Or a girl called Chase?

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You remembered this ship, once you had returned home? And those on it, and the things you had seen?

[But it would be better to have this conversation in person; perhaps better still to have it in private.] Summer and I will come to you. It will not take long, because-- oh, wait and see, I will show you when we come to you. I have received a wonderful gift since you have been gone, Mattie Ross.

I came to think it a dream as well, I admit. [ She looks a little ashamed of herself for doubting. ] But it was one I tried my hardest to hold onto.

I should like to see you and Summer both, and this wonderful gift as well. I shall not leave.

It would seem a dream, I think. No one would blame you for thinking it such.

[He must say that much, at least, for she should feel no guilt. What would he think, should he suddenly wake back on the road with a head full of memories of a ship made all of metal?

But he puts away his device then; he directs his steps toward the Gardens, Summer at his side. And his steps are steps for true, and that is the gift that he has to show: when he comes to the Garden, Bran is walking, with the help of his metal legs. He moves easily now, without stumbling, without even much effort--where once such a trip might leave him winded, he now keeps pace with Summer, both of them looking out for Mattie Ross.]

Mattie?

[ Bran's appearance is difficult to believe, and Mattie stares as he approaches, thinking that perhaps she has forgotten his face, and this is some other young Stark. But he calls out her name, and she knows that it is him, and breaks into a wide smile. ]

Bran! Have you experienced some miracle? [ Although in theory she knows she must believe in such things, in practice Mattie has always imagined miracles to be much like magic. Things that happened to others long ago, not things that will ever be part of her own life. ]

[His smile grows huge when he sees her smiling in return, and he hastens to close the distance remaining between them. Summer overtakes him, dashing ahead to sniff at the ground at her feet, interested and wary and happy all at once.]

It is nearly a miracle--my friend, Dirk Strider, made these legs for me. He has gone now, but his gift remains--and so I can walk and run and everything--

[But he sees then the knot in her sleeve, and looks quickly to her face.]

Mattie Ross-- are you well?

I have never heard of such a thing, but I suppose this is the kind of place where you can find such fantastical things.

[ She is very impressed with the legs, and wishes this Dirk Strider were still around so she could thank him for helping her friend.

But Bran's question makes the smile fade for a moment, and she glances away before steeling herself and looking back up, chin raised. ]

I am perfectly well. It is not such an important thing, I can manage everything just as I did before. [ This is not the truth, although she is trying hard to learn. ]

[He nods, sadly--sadness can't be helped. It isn't the same as pity, it's far truer a feeling than pity. Bran knows what it is to be pitied--but sadness is not the same.]

Then I am glad that you are well.

[But he finds himself wishing that Dirk Strider were here, that he might make some mechanical arm for Mattie Ross. It isn't fair, and he wants to tell her, but that might seem a complaint. He is no child. So he looks to her face instead, and gives her a careful smile.]

As long as you have returned here. That is what truly matters. I am glad to see you, no matter all else.

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we know not the trials before us [VIDEO]

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