lady katsa of the middluns · ᴡɪʟᴅᴄᴀᴛ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
survivra) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
eachdraidh2015-08-08 04:26 pm
survivra) wrote in eachdraidh2015-08-08 04:26 pm
voice; unseelie.
Each day that goes by that we're waiting for something to happen is each day the Void gets closer to all of us. We lost all last month to fight against it due to the Black Shuck's orders, and now we're left scrambling to make up that lost time. Isn't that a bit too convenient for those who would have us die against our will, to squander the little time we've left?
I can't shake the feeling there's something more that's happening than we're being told, and more we ought to be doing than simply preparing. The least we could do for now is try to figure out what that is. If you've no experience with self-defense, then I can help with that; and if you have that, or at least some experience in finding your way through the woods without getting lost and setting off warning signs wherever you walk, then I suppose I'm your lieutenant, if you wish to scout our borders.
Either way we know something is stirring, and we'd better be prepared for it.
I can't shake the feeling there's something more that's happening than we're being told, and more we ought to be doing than simply preparing. The least we could do for now is try to figure out what that is. If you've no experience with self-defense, then I can help with that; and if you have that, or at least some experience in finding your way through the woods without getting lost and setting off warning signs wherever you walk, then I suppose I'm your lieutenant, if you wish to scout our borders.
Either way we know something is stirring, and we'd better be prepared for it.
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[ Dany's heard of her. How could she not? The young woman speaking to Katsa has a regal bearing about her, though the look in her oddly-colored violet eyes is curious. ]
My name is Daenerys. I will admit I have never fought with my hands. [ But she has fought with her words, her wits, and her will. And when she's served this court more, she'll have her dragons. Morla's pledge, given in response to her own. ] But I have a keen eye for assets and weaknesses alike, and I am a skilled rider.
[ In the past, Targaryen queens fought with bows and swords. There is precedent to learn distance weaponry, though Dany is growing fond of her whip. She doubts she possesses the strength that is necessary for closer combat, but perhaps there are certain things to learn that may be useful. ] What manner of defense do you teach?
[ She's never had the need to learn any variety of combat before, and though she has allies who would protect her here, she'll be better-served requesting guards of her own for the kind of protection she's accustomed to having. As such, she's willing to seek even minor instruction for herself, if Katsa will give it. ]
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[ Truly, it's a strange feeling Katsa thinks that she should be surprised now that people do know her name before she tells it. Two years ago, throughout all seven kingdoms, people knew her name and to fear the blue-and-green-eyed Graceling who'd killed for one king and murdered another. It had been strange for a time when her name and her mismatched eyes had caused no recognition in anyone. But now again, it seems, that is changing.
She's not sure what that means, nor how she feels about it. She's not sure she wants to know. ]
It sounds as though you've many skills already, lady. [ She smiles. ] I teach any sort of defense you might wish to learn. I'm skilled in hand-fighting and most weapons, though I prefer dagger, sword, and bow. I mostly teach most basic self-defense for women—girls—who need it, but in Allaidh Darach I've also taught a little for combat, for it isn't only women here who seem to have lacked the means to reach the highest levels of their skill.
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The idea of a woman being so skilled at arms prompts Dany to smile in return. There are women who fight in the sellsword companies in Essos, but they are far fewer in number than the men. ]
I see. The basics would serve. [ She thinks of Alysanne Targaryen, who explored the realm atop her dragon Silverwing, and carried a hunting bow. ] I should like to learn how to fire a bow, as well. I have had many enemies, but my knights, soldiers, and dragons protected me. Here, I have little but my wits and the companions I choose. [ Perhaps it's time for another method. ]
You won't find me a hindrance. I would have perished long ago, if I did not learn quickly. [ She may not be passable right away, but she persists and adapts. If walking through fire and burning cities should not phase her, why should self-defense? She'll be especially glad to learn from another woman. ]
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[ Katsa can't help but interrupt Daenerys with the word, though she claps a hand over her mouth instantly once she realizes that it isn't yet her turn to speak. There's an awe and excitement in her voice, and even after she falls silent the look on her face shows clearly that she's impatient to hear more about them again. Katsa's heard of dragons, but the only ones she's ever met have been a baby barely a size of any consequence and another young one in the shape of a human girl, one she does not yet even know is a dragon at all.
She likes the thought of them. ]
Wits and companions can get you far in most circumstances even here—but circumstances still won't be the same as you're used to. [ Frankly, abruptly: ] You won't have the same power here.
[ Because what Katsa can gather from Dany is that she was someone of importance, and the Drabwurld tends to change that importance. But it still gets some level of note from Katsa, despite her understanding that things seem different regarding women in most other places from which people in Allaidh Darach have come, that a woman could hold power of her own so well. ]
But I don't expect to find you a hindrance. That's how most women have to survive, isn't it? By learning quickly, for they often face the most trouble, yet few will teach them. And they learn quickly. I expect you will, too. I can teach you how to use a knife and a bow in simple ways that will be more than sufficient.
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Her enemies will either flee before them or try and fight them, and they'll burn for their efforts. Her allies, however, will love her all the more for the power she holds.
She waits for Katsa to finish speaking, privately pleased with the lieutenant's gumption. It isn't disrespect, no--it's honesty, and some measure of wisdom. It's true that men bear the brunt of fighting, but women face threats on other fronts, particularly in war. She will have need of such warriors as Katsa, and of people who will give her good and honest counsel, so long as they don't treat her like a child. ]
Not the same power, [ she agrees, ] but all the same, I wish to protect those who cannot protect themselves. [ Katsa will understand this well, from what Dany's learned of her. ] How can I do that, if my own hands remain soft and idle?
[ Her head tilts, her expression patient. ] I accept your offer. Another time, perhaps we may speak of other matters. [ She smiles. ] I am mother to the last three living dragons in my world, and I hold a title that will be of interest to you, I think.
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I understand the wish, but it's important you can look after your own safety as well. [ But said with a smile. ] Then I'll meet you soon...
[ She trails off and tilts her head with curiosity at Dany's last statement. ]
Mother... to dragons? What title would that be?
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[ Her eyes steel, and there it is: a hint. A suggestion, laid bare. She is willing to have another conversation, if Katsa would speak of it more privately. For now, however, Dany will keep to the issue at hand. ]
Tell me, when and where shall I meet you? I know that many will have asked your aid. [ Eyes softening again, she glances wryly to her trunk, which stands open and flowing with silk and samite gowns. She will have to find something that she can move in, something without a hem that will cause her to trip. ]
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Well, then, Lady Mother, Breaker of Chains. [ the titles are spoken solemnly, but there's a note of something almost amused in Katsa's voice for the rest. ] I'll be waiting for people to find me in the Ward at Caer Scima, if that suits you.