voice; unseelie.

[survivra]

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.

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[conqueress]

[ Politeness goes a long way with her, however inaccurate the title.

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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[survivra]

Dragons?

[ 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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[conqueress]

[ The outburst doesn't faze Dany. She's yet to meet any single person here who was wholly disinterested in dragons, and many more have reacted in awe. It's good news for her: If dragons are a source of excitement, then they are also to be feared, and coveted. Her dragons are no longer of a size that she worries they will be stolen, only harmed--for they are young still.

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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[survivra]

[ At Dany's words Katsa feels a surge of affection for this new woman. She thinks that Dany reminds her of Elizabeth, and that only increases her good first impression. ]

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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[conqueress]

I am called Mother of Dragons, [ she admits, the words rolling from her tongue as though she was born to speak them, ] but my freedmen would call me Breaker of Chains.

[ 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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[survivra]

[ If it's a hint, then Katsa thinks she has a guess, and she is instantly even more intrigued by Daenerys than she ever was—and she was already intrigued enough. Katsa raises both eyebrows both to indicate her interest and curiosity, but for once she doesn't immediately ask. ]

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.