VIDEO ( UNSEELIE LOCKED );

[conqueress]

[ The locket reveals the face of a young woman--some would say a girl--peering into it. Her hair gleams silver-gold in the candlelight, her eyes an unusual purple color. In the background, an imp peers over her shoulder, its claws clinging to her bared skin. ]

There is magic in the Free Cities and Qarth alike, yet I have seen nothing half so convincing as Allaidh Darach. It is ... [ She hesitates; what to call the place that's imprisoned you against your will? ] ... intricate work, truly. Were I settled into my kingdom, my children fierce and grown, perhaps I would not mind it so much, calling Caer Scima home.

[ For a fraction of an instant, she looks sad. Did Drogon sense her as she faded into this world? ]

But lush pillows will not shield my freedmen from those who would send them back to the shackles, no more than peach tarts will keep famine away from my gates. [ The imp shakes a foul little fist at the locket in punctuation, as though its fellows didn't help to abduct her only four nights ago. Dany turns and fixes it with a measured look. ]

Leave me now. I want no spies.

[ It hesitates, but something in her voice convinces it. Muttering, it releases her shoulder and shrinks away as though scolded. Dany waits impatiently for two more of the creatures to leave her presence, some private struggle raging beneath. Then, at last, she exhales in a sigh. ]

Yet time is not so easily disrupted, I have learned. Tell me, was I spoken true? [ It's phrased as something of a demand, but there's a very clear plea beneath it. The queen is there, but so, too, is the girl. And the girl is frightened, fearing for her people and her dragons alike. ] Will my people notice I have left them, or will all be as it was? How may I be assured of their safety?

[ Restless fingers pluck at the fringe of the cushion in her lap. ]

Comments

[conqueress]

[ This evidence sits with her far more easily than secondhand or thirdhand claims originating from the Queen, and the resulting relief she feels (however cautious) almost brings Dany to laughter. This girl's words ring true for her, far more than she knows. ]

I thank you, truly. [ She feels almost giddy, yet thin and fragile as a string, as though she's as likely to weep as she is to laugh. Perhaps the real madness is within her, as it was in her father. ] You have given me a precious gift, and I would ask your name.

[digophelia]

[ Being given false comforts before, Alice has always felt better to keep on her guard, so she understands. Though the influx of newcomers makes her upset. It's not fair, and all of the stories of various shardbearers can be painful. ]

My name is Alice Liddell. And yours?

[conqueress]

[ Alys. That is a name in Westeros as well. ]

That is a noble name. [ She smiles. ] There was a Queen Alysanne of my line, I remember. She was kind and wise, and gave many provisions to the common people. [ She considers attempting the new naming convention again, but it hasn't grown on her yet. ] I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, trueborn Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

[ And perhaps Slayer of Imps soon, if they don't leave. She can hear the rustling sounds beyond her door. ]

How do you find this Allaidh Darach, Alice?

[digophelia]

[ "Noble". A little ironic, given the meaning of her name. She offers a weak smile. ]

"Alysanne"... that sounds really beautiful. Ah, I- I have nothing like that in my line, but my father, Arthur, he was named after a great king. Oh, goodness, I'm rambling-

[ This is still a bad habit of hers, even after all of these years. ]

Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty. [ She would curtsy, if she was in person, she hasn't forgotten the Queen of Hearts scolding her for that. ]

As for Allaidh Darach, well... it can be wonderful and terrible, at times.

[conqueress]

[ Few things soften Dany more than girls who speak to her gently; fewer still are granted the kindness in her tone. She's dealt too long with people who wish her ill, or people who would devour her the instant she shows weakness. ]

And I, you. [ It's not mere politesse in this case. At the answer, she laughs. ] As Caer Scima is both treacherous and wondrous? [ She can't have one without the other in any world, it seems. Not with magic. ]

Tell me all that you wish to tell. I know very little of this place.

[digophelia]

I thought it was beautiful, once. [ Compared to London's desaturated scenery and the social limitations on women, Caer Scima was a place she could have almost called home. Since the Jabberwock is such an important creature to the Unseelie, Alice is cautious to avoid discussing her disdain.

The creature is why Alice refuses to go back to Caer Scima. ]

But I have not been back there in some time. It was a year ago that the Seelie invaded Caer Scima and a battle ensued all over parts of Dorcahads and Nime Gleanne. I was told that Caer Scima suffered much ruin and today I see that it's grown. The natives in the city treat all travelers well, there's many things there. Weaponry, clothing, and food. Unfortunately, I have many bad memories there of the invasion and I have children under my care who were orphaned from the invasion.

[conqueress]

[ Few things inspire compassion in Dany more than the idea of orphaned children. She and Viserys were two such, exiled across the Narrow Sea and left only with each other when the house with the red door closed to them. ]

Then we need not speak of it further. [ Her eyes soften. She would speak of regrowth and peace over battle, but she's rarely had the luxury of seeing it for herself. ] If I may bring any provisions that may be spared for your children, I will do it gladly, my lady. What needs do they have? [ She holds no influence here yet to simply make donations, but she intends to come into it. ]

[digophelia]

[ Alice appreciates it and that goes without saying. She smiles softly to herself, gently splaying her hands over her apron. She wouldn't take help from others, but now, she isn't in a position to turn it down. ]

Clothing and food are my top priorities with them, as always. They're growing, so those things are what they need most.