rebirth's decline 9 | orb 3

[ladysarmour]

Good day to you all.

[ It seems a proper way to begin this, to people she does not know how to address. "My lords and ladies," she might say, but are they? "Fellow heroes," she could say, but she doesn't feel like a hero. Other epithets come to mind - refugees, exiles, pilgrims - but none suit. ]

I am Alayne Stone, a princess of Schwanheim by the King's grace. I have been in this realm for two weeks, save one day, and I know too few of you. It would bring my heart great joy and honor if you would join me this day, if you are otherwise unoccupied. [ in other words, if you aren't taking part in whatever danger Loki warned her about ] There is little I might promise by way of diversions, but there will be food, and I would be most pleased to hear of your homes, if you will share the tales.

[ Her heart races. She does not want to do this, but she feels duty-bound to do so. If Cersei Lannister can hold court in the midst of a siege, Sansa Stark can do the same here during less.

Even Alayne Stone should. Must. And Alayne here, unlike Sansa ever was, is a princess. The king is away, and this is a princess's duty. ]

Lady Sif, might I speak with you?

Comments

[consultmybooks]

[...really, in a great many ways, this was probably feeling like home for a lot of them.

Certainly for Giles. Monsters in their midst, the imminent end of the world...and here, wonder of wonders, he can finally hit the books. Research is one thing Giles always feels confident about contributing.

Maybe, hidden in one of those books, is an explanation for what's happening to him, and that can be one less thing hanging over their head.]

I thought I'd check out the library, actually. Um, did you want to join me, Alayne?

[ladysarmour]

If you don't mind additional guests as well, then we should be glad to.

[consultmybooks]

Oh, not at all. Actually, um, I thought it would be a bit odd, researching with just myself. It's been...well, rather a while since I've had to.

Who else was thinking of coming along, then?

[ladysarmour]

At least five others, of various ranks. I hope you do not mind mixed company [ of various classes ].

[consultmybooks]

Provided they're, um, not terribly noisy...and, um, of course provided that they can read...I've actually found that, that there might be few things more beneficial to a research attempt than mixed company. S-Someone's bound to see something that, um, that the rest of us miss, after all.

I look forward to it, Alayne.

[greatsquirrelhunter]

Can play and tell stories?

[ladysarmour]

Yes - but we must play a game of being gentle knights and courteous ladies while we are in the library.

[greatsquirrelhunter]

Lots of stories in library! Faolan likes the library!

[ladysarmour]

Can you read, Faolan?

[greatsquirrelhunter]

Can a little!

[ladysarmour]

I should like it very much if you would read to me.

[greatsquirrelhunter]

[Oh hooray! Faolan will be important!]

[He beams]

Okay!

[shadedsunlight]

[Where others can offer their voice, Ginia can only give her written words held up in front of her orb.]

I can give no voice, milady, but my words and stories are yours if you will have them.

[ladysarmour]

It would be my greatest pleasure to have them.

[ A woman who cannot talk immediately brings to mind Ilyn Payne, but this woman is so gentle-looking (and in a strange way, familiar) that Sansa suppresses her chill at the memory and smiles in return. ]

We will do our best to accomodate you, whatever you need.

[shadedsunlight]

[Ginia offers a gentle bow of her head before she resumes writing.]

There is no need to make accommodations for me, though your kindness is appreciated. I'll seek out one of my friends and see if he can accompany me as a translator. I fear writing is not as efficient where groups are concerned.

[ladysarmour]

Are you able to speak a different tongue than this one you write in?

[shadedsunlight]

Sign language and Italian. My friend can read sign, I'm sure he won't mind accompanying me.

[ladysarmour]

I have never heard of such a language. How does it differ from writing?

[shadedsunlight]

It's a language that uses movements made by hands and accompanying facial movements. It's a language used by people that are deaf.

[folklorist]

That sounds like a lovely idea, Alayne. I-I wouldn't mind contributing with some of my world's own stories if you'd like.

[ladysarmour]

Nothing would please me more greatly.

[tatra]

I would love to join you! Will there be tea?

[ladysarmour]

Tea, and cakes, and other food.

[tatra]

How delightful! When and where, may I ask?

[ladysarmour]

Lunchtime, in the library. If you cannot find it, a footman will escort you.

[tatra]

That's quite alright, I know how to get there.

[noblehealer]

Maybe we could spend the time telling each other stories?

[ladysarmour]

[ that was precisely what she had in mind, but ]

What a wonderful notion, Lady Estelle. I am so fond of stories.

[brosif]

Of course.

[Behind Sif, a hallway. She has stepped out of the meeting of heroes.]

What is on your mind?

[ladysarmour]

Prince Loki spoke to me of some danger today, but not what it might be. Will we be safe, inside the castle?