rebirth 17 | orb 1

[ladysarmour]

Please, there must be some sort of mistake. I've told them - I can't be a princess, I'm not even from this place, I've no rightful claim, I-I'm only a baseborn girl.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to do insult to the honor done me. Only I'm not sure what is expected of me in such a role, and…and I would very much like to go home.

[ There's an animal whine from somewhere out of sight, and a nervous look flitters briefly through Sansa's eyes. ]

The man said… It can't be true, can it, that death does not bind here?

Comments

[brosif]

That may not serve you well, here. There is no one for you to obey.

That is what I am told.

[ladysarmour]

But that is the way of it - there are players and there are pieces, and surely we must be the pieces. A man I spoke with said those of the town would force compliance upon us if we step outside our roles.

I am honored, my...prince. I am Alayne. Alayne Stone. [ The name feels so wrong on her tongue, but to her pride she speaks it without a stutter or a pause. ]

[brosif]

I prefer to stand outside of the games of others. The townspeople are no...[she pauses. The townspeople are no threat to her. But she is sure with a blade and protected by a false title. To pretend their situations are overly similar would be a disservice.]

The townspeople talk. That is the extent of what I have seen. And you need not refer to me so formally – at home, I am called the Lady Sif. That is title enough here.

[ladysarmour]

If my lady is certain... But I am not so sure we can stand outside the games. The books had power enough to bring us here; how can we know we are not someone's pawns?

[brosif]

[...well damn. It is much easier reassuring children who aren’t smart. Sif thinks of Loki, and how he made pawns of them. How he made a pawn of himself in return.]

In truth, I do not know what I am to others. Only what I am to myself and the oaths I have taken. I believe that is all any of us have true control of.

[ladysarmour]

That is sensible.

My lady, might I ask something?

[brosif]

Yes. But I cannot guarantee an answer.

[ladysarmour]

If you are to be a prince and I am to be a princess, what is expected of me in that regard?

[brosif]

In regards to me? [What does she -- oh. Oh. Very quickly:] Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

[Then, after taking a moment and clearing her throat a few times:] Nothing of that nature has been asked of the princesses, as far as I am aware. If it ever is, you may feel free to direct said requests to the business end of my blade.

[ladysarmour]

[ There is no relieved smile, no awkward laugh, no embarrassed apology. Sansa simply nods. ]

Are you skilled with a sword?

[brosif]

[Which tells Sif well enough of the girl's past.]

I have wielded my blade for well over a thousand years. There are none more skilled in all of Asgard.

[A truth, as far as she is concerned, not a boast. Thor has his hammer and is unmatched in the power it wields. Loki has his spells and shadows, and there he is king. But Sif has her blade, always.]

[ladysarmour]

Over a thousand?

Asgard is unfamiliar to me, I fear; I hail from Westeros, in the Seven Kingdoms. Ladies do not do battle there.

[brosif]

People here are pulled from many places. Your land sounds no more familiar to me than mine does to you. But similar things are expected of Ladies in Asgard. Thankfully, the All Father was able to see well enough that I am of more use on the battlefield than by the hearth.

[ladysarmour]

But - over a thousand years?

[brosif]

I am an Aesir. My people live eternal.

[ladysarmour]

I cannot imagine such a life.

[brosif]

Then we are well matched, for I can imagine none other.

[And it's been getting her into trouble.]

Will you stay at the palace?

[ladysarmour]

Where else would I stay?

[brosif]

Wherever you like. There is ample lodging in town

[ladysarmour]

If the palace is available to me, I think I would prefer to stay here. If that's alright.

[brosif]

Of course. Do you need any assistance getting settled?

[ladysarmour]

You are kind to offer, but it is not needful.

[brosif]

Very well. For the time being, I reside in the castle as well. Feel free to call if you've any questions.

[ladysarmour]

Thank you, my lady.