ataraxion | [text + bonus 30 second wolf video]

[The post begins with a direwolf, peering with sharp curiosity into the device. It is a short video; it lasts only for about a minute, just long enough to take in the sheer size of the direwolf--large enough to fill the frame until he shifts to sniff at the device, and then you can see that he's very large indeed, and not only because of the perspective. But he's friendly-looking, for a wolf, ears pricked, eyes bright--and then the video ends.]

--

This is a direwolf, called Summer. There are six direwolves aboard this ship, and they are all of House Stark. They are not a threat to anyone save to those that might mean threat to the Starks. They are not pets and they are not tame, but they are not wild either. They will not bite you without reason. If they cause some mischief, you need only inform any of my House, and we will make right whatever they have wronged.

People are often afraid of direwolves. You need not fear any of our six. You may be wary but do not attack or provoke them and they will do you no harm. They are rarely apart from us so there should be no reason to do so. But I thought it should be said, as there are new people aboard this ship.

I am Bran of House Stark, and by my word, Summer will not harm you. If you would like to meet Summer, you may.

[SO THERE. And Bran might end there, all that having been said, but... a few seconds later, and he adds:]

I have some questions, too. I am looking for someone that might perform a wedding. And I am looking for people that might know of [--and this is more delicate to say--] transformations.

Thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then you have met Alayne and Robb and Jon Snow, too. Ghost isn't very mysterious, once you know him better. But he is very quiet.

I'm Bran Stark--you may meet Summer, if you like. He is very friendly, for a wolf. He hasn't ever been called wondrous--he isn't like a mummer's dog--but he minds me well enough.

The quieter ones are always somewhat mysterious. Very few can read silences as well as they do words.

[ a small grin. ]

Or howls.

If I meet Summer, does that mean I shall be fortunate enough to meet Bran Stark as well?

[He cannot help but smile, too--even for a lady, she is too charming.]

If you like, you can meet Summer and me both. He is tired of being in small rooms, so I take him to the Gardens as I can, and we could meet you there.

I do enjoy the gardens and I shall enjoy them thrice as much with such honored company. I hope he will like me.

[ I hope you both will. ]

I think he will. Summer can be friendlier than the other wolves. And they are all clever, and know who to trust--but I think he might know a little faster than the others.

Do you want to meet him now?

Then he is indeed very clever. Knowing who to trust is wisdom many lack. Your companion might be wiser than half of the men in my city.

[ she brightens at the second part. ]

If I shall not trouble you, lord Stark.

[He laughs to think of Summer being more clever than men--but he would believe it; Summer is more clever than most anyone. And he is tired--after the Jump, after the strange nightmares of weeks past--but surely someone like Lucrezia will not be difficult to meet with?]

It would not be a trouble at all--though I do not know your name. I should ask that first.

[ God help her, her manners. ]

Lucrezia, lord Stark. Lucrezia Borgia.

Lady Lucrezia. I am glad to meet you, and now I will know how to greet you when you come to visit. And Summer will be glad, too, but his courtesy is slightly less. I can make him sit, at least, and he will be sitting when you come, so you need not be wary.

And that is courteous enough for me. He may stand if he wishes to; I am not frightened and will not make such a wonderful creature do something he wishes not to do.

Then he will like you very much, I think. You may come and visit whenever you have the time, Lady Lucrezia, and we will be waiting for you.

[text + bonus 30 second wolf video]

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