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[ 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. ]

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[Thor has not been here long himself, and so he cannot say with confidence whether she's heard correctly. But he knows enough.]

The outcome of this war will affect the safety of all our worlds, I have been told. It may be that all our worlds will come to an end, or not, depending on what we shardbearers accomplish.

[He grimaces.] But that is no comfort. I, too, fear for those I care for back in my home.

I have heard the same. [ And it chafes at her still, to know she fights for something she cannot see. ] May or may not, I will risk no lives lost in this game of uncertainties.

[ She peers at him, and is astonished at how strong he seems. ] Then you are newly-arrived as well, it seems. [ Her smile holds a touch of sadness; those who have been here longer than she has seem to have long accepted some fate they have little say in. ] Which realm is yours, Ser? [ She thinks him a knight, though his armor is more splendid than any she's seen. ]

[Thor hopes they are given that choice- to risk or not to risk. There are rulers enough who woudl force those in their dominion to fight against their will. That is not a pleasant topic for a first introduction.]

I hail from the undying realm of Asgard, protector of the Ten Realms. Earth, too, I make my home, and it is for that realm that my heart is most concerned, for her people are young yet. [He has no doubt they can defend themselves, but Thor would like to see them grow to maturity as a race. That will be a sight to see.]

What of yourself, my lady?

Asgard! [ She is suddenly delighted. She knows little of Asgard beyond its name and now its purpose, but there is relief in any familiarity here, however superficial. ] I have met another of your world.

[ Temporarily cheered, she thinks. ] I am of a place called the Known World. I rule the city of Meereen, and it is on the great continent of Essos, but I am the trueborn queen to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, which lies west across the Narrow Sea. [ Her smile is true this time, and curious. ] What does an undying realm look like?

[Thor listens attentively, making notes of all the names and locations, though he's certain he's not heard of any of them before. He's certain she will have met Loki, the only other of Asgard here.]

How does it look? [he's quiet as he thinks, bringing the image of his home to mind. It was unlike anything in either this land, or on Earth.] There is a city where the All-Father rules. It is a shining with tall spires and wide halls, the greatest of which is the hall of the All-Father. It stands over the city, a sign of the strength and glory of Asgard and a promise to protect all those who seek shelter there.

[Thor could speak for hours, if he were allowed, talking about the wider lands and the people and all the details of the land which he loves.] I would that I were a wordsmith, my lady. I have not the skill to make you see images in your mind's eye of my home.

What of Meereen? What manner of city is it which you rule?

You are wordsmith enough, Ser. [ She favors him with a gracious smile. For all that Viserys was mad and cruel, his tales were lovely. Perhaps none will ever compare, now. ]

It is-- [ Dany pauses. She stayed to rule, but she does not love Meereen. ] It is an ancient city and proud, bathed in red dust and seething in heat. [ It isn't noble. She'll never call it noble. ] Great stepped pyramids line the horizon, and the streets are paved with bricks of every color. At night, I am told the moon kisses the Skahazadhan where it flows through the city, but my chambers are atop the Great Pyramid, and I have not seen this wonder for myself.

[ Does she wish to tell him the truth of it? She decides it makes no matter. ] Yet this city is not truly built upon bricks, but upon the backs of thousands of slaves. [ Her tone hardens. ] The flesh trade feeds these nobles, and they are given shade and figs and apricot wine as young children clean their nightsoil, fight and die in pits for their bloodthirst, and serve in pleasure houses. I have freed these children and their parents alike, and so long as I am queen, I will see Meereen thrive under new rule that is neither whip nor chain.

[ Well. Was that more than you asked for, Thor? ]

[His expression hardens when slaves are mentioned, a signal that Thor shares her abhorrence of societies which make use of others as though they were only things.

But he's nodding approvingly by the end.] I will pray that your rule there will be long and just, my lady. No being, whether animal or human, should be subjected so inhumanly to the will of another.

I will be just, but I cannot stay ensconced in Meereen until I am old and weak. It belongs to the people; I will keep it safe until such time as peace is come, and another may succeed me. [ Heartened that he seems to agree with her position on slavery, her face softens again as she explains. ] Another realm awaits me across the sea, one that was my family's for three centuries. My royal father's usurper ruled there when I was a young girl, and now that he has fallen, his supporters fight amongst themselves and lay waste to the lands.

Edited 2015-06-23 22:45 (UTC)

That will be a mighty undertaking. [He's silent a moment, sizing up her strength and determination.]

I will not wish you luck, for men must make their own luck. Strength, wisdom, and good counsel though, I will pray accompany you in your campaign, my lady. Avenge your kin, and make your enemies tremble in fear of your name.

[It's a common enough blessing to give to Asgardians as they went off to war. Victory was not to be sought after as much as honour and valour, but he can see this woman will not settle for honour only.]

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