001 ♕♗ video

[wont]

[ The camera flickers on to reveal the ceiling to one of the passenger quarters. There is the rustling of movement and then, after, the image jostles and then wrongs itself to show a wisp of darkly colored hair and the pale sliver of a young woman's profile. She doesn't seem to realize the device is recording because soon, the camera is covered up by her hand, as well as the microphone, so her voice comes muffled and at a distance. When she speaks, it's apparent she's speaking to someone else there with her and not the device itself. ]

Do you think it best we show our faces? Perhaps they would be more willing to help us, were they to see our entreatments. [ The image jostles again, from side to side. A hand here, an eye there. Bits and pieces of a person, blurred by movement and dimness.

A second of hesitation is the only reply, first. There are too many tales of enchanted objects lying in wait, to steal souls and work other mischief. And they are none of them true (probably), but even so— ]

Yes. But we should carefully show ourselves. Do you know how to work the device to show pictures?

[ There is a bit of primness to her voice when the young woman speaks again; something like pride, albeit tempered by an attempt at humility. ] I've not been idle during my time here, [ she says. ] All the things I know, you'll know as well. In time, I promise. But first—

[ More fumbling and, finally, the picture sets itself to rights to reveal a young woman with burnt brown hair and a young boy seated beside. Were someone to look at them both long enough, they would perhaps notice something of a familial resemblance (though each will deny it, if asked). Setting the camera to rights, the woman leans over and whispers something into the boy's ear, the murmur too low to be picked up by microphone. Then, she nods, smiling faintly at him.

He looks to her first, hesitating—but then finds his strength and turns back, his chin lifted higher. ]

I'm—I am Bran Stark of Winterfell, newly come to this ship. I have been told a great many things of this place, some of them strange—but I am pleased to have come, and pleased to make meeting with the people here. [It is a route and studied response, a lord's response, somewhat stiff, and he looks back to her to confirm that it was well said.] My—companion, Lady Stone, has said that I might ask things of this device, and be give responses in reply. I am seeking my wolf--my direwolf, Summer. He is large, but he will not harm anyone. You have my word of that.

And a lord's word is goodly. [ The lady 'Stone' interjects. It was a lie, she knew as much, but this lord was honest and good. ] I have heard talk of animals aboard the ship. Of cats and dogs, alike. If Summer is here, it is of great import that we find him. A wolf does poorly without its pack. [ A pause and the girl dips her chin, pressing a modest hand to her chest in an expression of earnestness. ] We have little to give in exchange for answers, though we do promise our thanks and a favor in kind. The ship is vast and we're loath to explore without proper company, though— [ Again, she turns to look at Bran, her gaze flickering imperceptibly to his legs. Should they ask for Hodor? ] —though any offer of help will not be turned away.

[ Again, he hesitates—he can read the question in her eyes, and it is one that they have talked of, but even so, now that it comes time to ask— ]

There is also my servingman, called Hodor, who is also quite large and harmless. I should find him as quickly as I might. He is simple-minded, but kind, and— [ He looks down at his legs a moment— another quick glance at his companion— ] I am crippled, and require his aid.

[ There. It's been said. His ears go a little pink, his shoulders slump—it's a weakness he'd sooner not have revealed, though it would have soon been learned—and still, he keeps his chin high, as much a lord as he can manage. At the very edge of the picture it is visible to anyone who would take notice— the girl touches the boy along the edge of his arm, a small encouraging gesture as her hand encloses the round of his elbow, patting. And, perhaps she is proud. It is not small thing to admit. He continues: ]

Any help that can be given would be met with my earnest thanks. With our earnest thanks.

[ ooc; Alayne and Bran. ]

Comments

TEXT

[consulting]

Wheel chair.

SH

voice;

[wont]

[ Distant, as if sounding the word out to herself, or perhaps reading it aloud to Bran: ]

'Wheel. Chair.' [ A pause, and then curiously (again): ] Wheel chair?

video;

[theshabbiestofmen]

[So young. That's what hits Remus at first-- they're children, and for some reason he hadn't thought children could come aboard.]

I can't say I've seen any wolves around here, but you have my word I'll keep an eye out for them. As for you, Lord Stark-- I'm no healer, but if you need any help until your servingman is found, I'd be glad to offer it.

video;

[wont]

[ She takes her time in studying the image of the man offered, as if somehow that would help her devise the nature of his character. He does not seem outwardly cruel nor mocking; no, in fact, he seems quite willing to help both her and Bran. It is enough to make Alayne doubly cautious, if only because lessons have taught her not to take such things at face value.

But he calls Bran 'Lord Stark' and that goes a long way in earning a morsel of Alayne's favor. It was only right, after all. ]

You are not frightened by the prospect of wolves? [ she asks, more curious than anything. He does not seem particularly brave. No, at first glance, she would have guessed him to be craven. ]

video;

[wolfdreamer]

I don't need healing.

[He's quick to explain that, too--crippled, but not ill. And there is nothing that would mend him anyway. He is unsure of what to say about being called a lord--no matter that was how he had introduced himself, it is a title that he is yet unused to.]

But you have my thanks for your offer. Have you seen other animals aboard? Alayne--Lady Stone--says that there are cats, at least, so there might be wolves somewhere.

Voice.

[fly_like_pie]

[Normally the Pie Maker's attention span would spiral off from such a... peculiar video, but he was strangely drawn.

An awkward introduction. Wow, it was like looking into a mirror. At least until the main point of this message slapped him sharply in the face. A wolf? He should be glad he did not bother starting his audio response when it reached that point. There was an audible "what?" and gawking as they continued.

Struck with a strange sense of familiarity, he allowed Alayne's voice to loop in his head for several moments. The fact the boy needed aid hovered as well.

The answer came out with a breath:]

Alayne?

[His voice dies, suddenly fearful of embarrassment.]

voice;

[wont]

[ It is not a voice that she recognizes, if only because she has only ever read Ned's words — never heard them spoken aloud. That the stranger seems to know her name without proper introduction— 'Lady' Stone, he had said — puts her on guard for a moment. When she speaks, it's with that worry perfectly hidden beneath politesse. ]

Are we acquainted? You will forgive me, I have grown so very forgetful of late.

video;

[constructum]

[ she doesn't say anything for a moment, just finds that her attention is moving between the two. a soft look of curiosity and obvious thought appearing on her face as she does. the similarities are there between the two and are quickly noted. but it's not enough to make the assumption they are related. more that perhaps they are from the same world or time. and it almost strikes ariadne as something more medieval perhaps, something that is clearly not accustomed to much of today. something she almost has to feel a slight pity for.

obviously none of it is something she can outright assume. though the fact dire wolves became extinct thousands of years ago, really should just be all that she needs. she isn’t about to outright accuse them of anything.

instead she just offers them both a slightly apologetic smile

stating almost apologetically: ] I'm sorry I haven't seen Summer. [ a beat, and she is adding slightly hopeful, if not for their benefit. ] I'll be sure to keep my eye for them though.

[ a moment later, almost as if it is an afterthought, she asks. ] Where exactly is Winterfell?

video;

[wont]

[ Ah, a young lady. This cheers Alayne visibly, if only because she secretly longs for the company of other girls and young ladies and though this stranger is quite clearly older, it has been such a long while since Alayne has had friends. Courteously, she gives a small dip of her head in greeting and when she smiles, it is sincere — albeit tempered with modesty.

It is the sort of question that had once perplexed her but which now seems more commonplace with each passing day. Save herself and Bran and the dead Targaryen, there were no one else familiar with her homelands. ]

It is the lands which lie in the North of Westeros. A kingdom of winter and snow, where the blood of the First Men still flows and where the old ways are kept. [ A pause and then Alayne feels compelled to add: ] I have never been there myself, but I have heard many stories, many from my father.

video;

[wolfdreamer]

[Alayne can answer the question of Winterfell. It's difficult to think of the place and not feel anything. A man grown would be able to think of Winterfell, would not need to hide behind a lady's skirts--but home feels to fresh right now, and Bran isn't sure of what he would say of it.

Alayne answers with all of a lady's courtesy, anyway, for all that she has never been to Winterfell (and that, too, wrenches slightly at Bran's weak heart) so he need not worry.]

He won't be difficult to find. He's very large, as direwolves have to be. Do you know of them, in your land?

[ video ]

[coffeeking]

I'm sorry to say I haven't seen a wolf about. I'm sure I would remember if I had. But for transportation, the medbay has wheelchairs available. They're a bit more maneuverable and allow for more independence than relying on someone else to assist you.

[ video ]

[wont]

One of the others spoke of these wheeled chairs, but would not share what manner of beast would be best fit to draw it. Rather, he said they were pushed. But would that not still require the assistance of some creature? [ Alayne did not like sounding ignorant, especially around strangers. She was afraid they would laugh at her and think her stupid — though perhaps that was better than being considered some sort of threat. ]

[ video ]

[timedaughter]

Hello again. I'm glad to see you've found someone you know.

[She speaks to Alayne, but her greeting includes them both.]

[ video ]

[wont]

[ Alayne recognizes the girl immediately from their meeting in the rooms of holding. That she is golden haired is the first thing she remembers; that she is pretty and kind and oddly cheerful follow after. Alayne dips her head in greeting. ]

Yes, hello again, indeed. It is an unimaginable comfort to find a familiar face. [ A pause, then Alayne nods. ] Have you been equally lucky?

text;

[syllogism]

Yo, Bran.
I may have a solution to your paraplegic plight,
One that offers more independence and mobility than any wheeled device or servingmen.
I offer to build you robotic legs,
Which are like armor that provide movement for lower appendages.
How about it?

video;

[wont]

[ There is more words in this message that she does not understand, in comparison to those she does. ]

Armor that moves of its own accord. Is it magic?

[ Translation: who are you and why are you offering my brother magical armor legs. ]

[statsraaden]

[Oh, the young people Stats had met in the arrival room. They had to be quite disoriented by the setting, so different from their original place, or so it seemed.

They were asking for help. Stats felt the need to do something.

He spoke in the softest voice he could muster.]

Hello, young man, young lady. Young man, I'm afraid I haven't seen your wolf. I must assume he wasn't in your locker?

As for other assistance, I'm sure Dr Watson can give you a wheelchair. You won't need anyone to take you around anymore.

And if you need anything else, I'll be here.

video;

[wont]

[ Alayne dips her head modestly in polite greeting. ]

And where might be find this 'Doctor Watson' of which you speak?

video;

[odinsons]

[ there's just something so off and incredibly unfair for children to be aboard a place like this. it doesn't sit well with thor on any level, but there's really nothing he can do about it.

anyway. these two speak more along the lines of his own language—lords and lady—so there's an immediate draw, that alone compelling him to reply. ]

I have seen no such beast, and to my knowledge if it was not with your personal effects upon arrival it may not be here. But if I may, can provide accompaniment in traversing this vessel if you wish to search properly.

video;

[wont]

[ The man who greets them is quite handsome, albeit a golden haired lion. It finds Alayne conflicted — both rosy cheeked and wary. ]

With our personal effects, ser? [ She does not know him to be a knight, though he is broad and surely built like one. There is also a certain presence to him that strikes her as noble, so the title fits in her mouth. ] Do you speak of the halls of holding? [ Her nose crinkles. ] That is a poor place to keep a wolf.

voice.

[swagneto]

[ Oh, children. Erik's own instincts had been to deliberately care for them, or at least reach out to ensure they were safe and unharmed, especially if they, like him, were entirely new to the ship. ]

You need a serving man instead of parents?

video;

[wont]

[ Her expression tempers, her lips pressing together. It is a delicate subject to broach in many ways, though Alayne does what she can to keep her hesitancy from her face. ]

Lord Stark's parents are dead. And I have not seen my mother for many years. [ A pause and then with the faintest touch of strength to her words. ] Were my lord father here, I have no doubt our situation would be greatly amended — but he is in not. That leaves it us to do all that we can for ourselves.

video;

[unfiltrating]

[ OHAY more kids! ]

Hey, I've got a buddy who has a wolf too. He's pretty big like a dire wolf too, but he's something different.

Looks like you guys aren't from around somewhere where there's too many phones, huh? [ And his face goes a bit more serious as he adjusts his sunglasses. ] Someone provided you with a wheelchair or something? To carry you around? Do you guys still need help?

video;

[wolfdreamer]

[There is much about the picture of this boy that might be marked strange--beginning with the usual queer terms that mean nothing, and ending with what does he wear over his eyes?

But none of it matters, because Bran's attention is more caught by the first part, so he nearly blurts out:] And your friend found his wolf here? Was it in his locker, or did it wander the ship?

[After he asks, he already marks his rudeness at not answering the offers for help--but Summer is more important than anything else at all.]

voice;

[starked]

[ You know, hearing the name Stark in combination with an individual who definitely doesn't appear to fully understand modern technology is weird to say the least. But there's something inside Tony that makes it so just passing over this and writing it off as simple coincidence with names (which it is, technically). Perhaps it's because Bran doesn't have use of his legs or perhaps there's some latent desire in him to have a Stark, any person with the name Stark to really appreciate him while they're alive.

Either way, Tony let's his device go to audio, a rare thing, but hearing a voice say things might be better than just text. ]

I noticed that you have another offer like this, but, to be honest, I specialize in crafting things to help people who are crippled walk and I'd be willing to make some legs for you. [ A pause. ] It's a lot easier than the wheelchair or people carrying you.

video;

[wont]

[ Alayne is not aware that he is a Stark, nor that hearing his voice is a rarity — though she would be made both wary and humble if she did. It puts her to caution, all of these people extending their hand in offer of assistance. Granted, that had been the case of speaking over the 'Network', but to earn the offer and to take it were different things.

Bran knows what it is to be betrayed — he had been in Winterfell after all when the turncloak made himself known — but Alayne suspects his heart is softer than her own. That means she should be wary for them both and tarry rather than accept eagerly. ]

I imagine it is not small task to fashion such a thing, no matter how learned or skilled the maker may be. But there is little we have to offer in return for such a favor.

[video]

[the_vishual]

The devices? You'll get used to it. We have quite a number of people from times lacking technology that have gotten in the swing of things, and you guys look like smart people.

[ A small--hesitant--smile ]

I'm sorry about your wolf.

[video]

[wolfdreamer]

[He returns Chase's smile--too easy to trust, perhaps, but he is glad to see her despite any lingering uncertainties.]

He still might be here. Or perhaps he will come later--Lady Jane Foster told me that new people are known to sometimes arrive. Perhaps Summer will be among them. We can't-- be parted for long. We shouldn't be.

[He debates saying more to that, but elects instead to change the subject--] Do you have these devices, where you are from?

video;

[grndnpnd]

[ Dear little children, stop being all alone and in need of help, okay? It is pretty much the one set of feelings Tommy is bad at avoiding. ]

Can't have gotten far, [ he says and then adds, ] The wolf. If it's here.

video;

[wont]

[ The camera jostles, dipping as she curtseys. ]

Warrior Tommy, hello. They say there is a garden here. Perhaps Summer has gone in search of a godswood.

[video]

[profligates]

Crippled and unsure as to what a wheelchair is? You do remind me of someone. [Smirks.] I think we can do a little better then a wheelchair. I think a hover chair would suit you perfectly. Easier to make with the things on ship, then a pair of legs.

[video]

[wolfdreamer]

[First wheeling chairs, and now hovering chairs. This ship is full of queer wonders, but to have them offered one after another--]

How would a chair come to hover?

video;

[entrapments]

Wow- you guys-

You must be from some kinda place.

video;

[wolfdreamer]

[The statement confuses him. Perhaps it's one that means something else, as so many things here seem to?]

We are from a place of some kind. Westeros--but there are few here who know of it.

( voice )

[purrfectlycute]

[ crippled kid with a wolf lusus. hello Tavros of Winterfell. ]

Sorry, Bran, but I haven't seen your lusus! Erm, direwolf. I know it's not the same thing, but if you need some furry comfurt I have a cat living with me! She's really quite nice though. I know it can get lonely without a companion, so I'd like to make it a little easier if pawsible! I'll keep a sharp lookout fur Summer, though. [ note to self: do not eat any wolf-like creatures wandering the corridors. at least not until its identity is confirmed. ]

You know, I have a paraplegic furriend back home. He was even here fur a while, and he had a space wheelchair! Well, until my moirail built him robot legs. [ oh, right, some people around here don't know about robotics. ] I mean, made him new ones. Basically. Anyway, that may be a pawsibility! I know there's quite a bit of nice technology on this ship.

( voice )

[wolfdreamer]

[There have been many strange replies full of many strange words, but this reply might be one of the strangest of all. Friendly, but strange. If oddness isn't to be trusted...]

Thank you. Did your cat travel with you? [And then he realizes abruptly--furrend, pawsibility: she's making jokes. It is startling, somehow, and adds to the oddness, but there are more questions to be asked.] What is a more-rail?