[backdated to Liminal Space; open]

[canbebrave]

My brother's here!

[She's so excited she can't contain it.] Please treat him as you'd treat me. I'd love to introduce you all to him.

Comments

[protect_and_serve]

Almost as I'd treat you. I think he'd take exception to being called 'milady.'

[He identifies with Sansa enough that even amidst his own doldrums, her good mood is infectious.]

[canbebrave]

Oh, don't do that!

[she missed the joke.]

[protect_and_serve]

I'll be careful to use the proper form of address.

[canbebrave]

Thank you. It means much to me.

I'll make sure to let him know how you've protected and advised me.

[protect_and_serve]

In your own time. I'm sure you have more important things to discuss with him.

... There is someone I know from home here now, as well.

[canbebrave]

Of course. But while you're here, you're very important as well.

[A pause. That gets her attention]

Oh? A friend?

[protect_and_serve]

He was, yes.

[Before he died.]

[canbebrave]

Ah- Excuse me if I'm stepping my bounds....

Was?

[protect_and_serve]

He was killed. Years ago. I was assigned to his household, and I wasn't there to save him.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

Robb died in the war that wouldn't have happened if I wasn't a traitor.

He doesn't know.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

And I won't tell him.

Alcuin knows. He came here wearing the clothes he died in. But he doesn't know...

I failed his foster-sister as well.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

I'm sure you didn't mean to. [ She knows that doesn't mean anything. It doesn't to her. But she had to say something.]

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

I walked away when she needed me. For years, I'd kept her safe from... murderers, traitors, and barbarian hordes. And I let my pride be stung over a... red-faced overweening coarse... would-be suitor.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

You couldn't have known though. It's not as if you sold her secrets to the enemy.

Re: [filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

... No. I failed her. But I would never betray her.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

You are still a man of honor then.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

I... the vows I swore as a Cassiline Brother. I haven't always upheld them all.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

[She doesn't know what else to say to reassure him. So instead.]

You are still one of the most honorable men I've met. Like my father, or my brother. Perhaps more.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

It's what I was told I would always do. Stand at the crossroads, and choose, and choose again.

[He seems to draw a strange, melancholy comfort from the thought.]

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

It's what good men do.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

Good men and Travelers.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

And travelers.

Back to our original conversation, I know he's not your king, but his proper title would be Your Grace.

Re: [filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

Your Grace. I'll remember.

[And, with slight, dry amusement:]

And I'll practice my best Cassiline bow.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

[ She laughs ] I'm sure he'll enjoy that.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

My court manners were always a little stiff.

[filtered]

[canbebrave]

If you choose so, I can help you.

[filtered]

[protect_and_serve]

I cannot imagine a more graceful instructor. Your student, milady.