elnysa | [video] un: linneus.

Hello every… ah, anyone who might see this. My name is Linneus. I... am not sure if this is working.

[leaving comments on other people’s posts is one thing, but putting his own out is quite another, and there’s a certain degree of nervousness that hasn’t been present in his everyday interactions, accentuated by the fact that he is clearly chilled and just about holding off a shiver]

I was hoping perhaps someone might be able to help. Someone in Olympia, that is. You see I returned from Wyver just now and-- well, look.

[the shift in camera angle is clumsy, but eventually he steadies the device on his surroundings. A broken-in window, the snow blown inside in small drifts. As he pans it’s clear that what little home he had started to make for himself has been quite overturned, covers tossed back and pulled off beds, cupboards and shelves standing empty, but he doesn’t linger too long on those. His main focus is on the window, one hand reaching into frame to gesture as he draws closer]

I can manage much of the housework and the cleaning, but it’s this is the trouble - it’s sort of a sash window, but it draws to the side instead of up. [a careful tug - broken glass notwithstanding, it’s clearly stuck open] I’m not sure I can manage to take it off its track by itself - I think the glass will break further if I try. But I hoped someone might try and help me with finding a replacement and perhaps fitting it?

[turning the camera back on himself, a slightly shy smile.]

I should forewarn that I may not be capable of instant repayment, but I would consider myself in your debt and endeavour to do what I can. I… await any reply, even if you’ve only advice to offer, but I shan’t be instantaneous in my replies, you understand. I have no small amount of cleaning up of my own to do…

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I don't. It's a little difficult to ask questions, knowing we're not to reveal ourselves, and what books I have found on the subject appear to be skewed to one side or the other, depending on where I find them.

[there was always going to be a bias. It was just the strength and prevalence of it that surprised Linneus.]

That said... the evacuation to Wyver after the sickness started - before you arrived, sir - that arrangement seemed to happen between the leaders of the countries. The murmurs against that I heard coming back all seem to be of uncertainty that the help should have been taken in the first place, but I can't help but wonder if that isn't their bias speaking.

Aye, I've heard bits and pieces of this sickness that seemed to sweep across the land. [He'd been told that his own daughter, Sansa, had fallen ill to it, though she had recovered, Old Gods be good.] What would the naysayers have done instead, if not to offer aid? It seems ridiculous to me to think that they'd allow those fallen ill to suffer without lending a helping hand.

[a light shake of his head]

I'm not political; I don't assume to speak on such matters. But somehow, I can't imagine these people would have been satisfied either way. Either the people were going to suffer further, or the crops - I would venture to say they should be thankful that Wyver were willing to assist on both counts.

[turning to check on the cup - refill the infuser, switch and fill the other]

Perhaps this coming Winter Festival might be the start of an improvement of the relationship? Perhaps the people might start to take a cue from their leaders? Again, though I can't comment on how that relationship stands...

[Ned nods in disgruntled understanding and agreement.]

Has my daughter, Sansa, told you anything of the turmoil and conflict we'd had back home? [He lets out a quiet sigh.] I suppose it foolish to think that peace could be found in another world outside of Westeros.

She did not. [careful of his words] She was... out of sorts, when we spoke - many of those afflicted were, with the fever. It was difficult to talk to them about much, though she did mention being in the south for years before returning home...

...it's not a foolish hope at all. Perhaps Olympia and Wyver may achieve it in time? I'm not knowledgeable, as I say, but my own country had a tumultuous relationship with one of those neighbouring - they have their differences. But they've been at peace in my lifetime, for all their history.

Our home did not show any of us great kindness, least of all my children, I'm afraid. For all I tried to protect them and keep them safe, I couldn't spare them the horrors that befell them. [There's great sorrow in his voice, but he clears his throat and attempts to refocus on other matters. He can only allow himself to mourn the tragedies of his past life and the world he left behind when he's in solitude.] When I first woke here, I'd hoped that perhaps this might be the sort of world they deserved to live in - one of peace and tranquility.

Let us hope a future such as the one you knew in your home will find its way here.

But you are here with them, now.

[he takes the tone of Ned’s voice as an indication to give him a moment; turning to check over the tray. Many of those sick had been frightened, confused, convinced they were in danger, but he remembers walking with Sansa that night, talking with and trying to settle her. Her words had been different, somehow, her conviction. It’s a relief she has family now.

But the tea is ready, the cups... may be small in Ned’s hands.]

No place is perfect, I think. While I am lucky to have lived in peacetime, my home had its unpleasantnesses that I was more than happy to leave behind...

[picking up the tray, bringing it over to the two chairs by the fire place - follow; sit.]

I had hoped to make my home here - there is much about Olympia that agrees with me, but I d not like the notion that we must pic a side; one over the other. If anything it seems that that would only contribute to the tensions.

Aye. I'm here with them now.

[He does as Linneus silently requests, following him to the hearth, lingering by the seats to allow him to choose first. He'll take whatever's left empty. This is Linneus' house, after all.] I agree. It seems foolish to me, but I do understand the importance of allies, camaraderie, and cohesion. It's why the Great Houses of Westeros all had bannermen, other houses that would come to their aid when and if the time came. I imagine you can settle down somewhere without declaring unconditional fealty, no?

[the chairs are mismatched as well, but he was able to get two comfortable ones and they were not, he is thankful, taken in the ransacking. He did lose the blankets he had draped over each one, the better to warm up by the fire - at least there are replacements in the cart. They will be made use of.

A little gesture to the tea tray - milk, sugar, biscuits, if he likes. The freshly-brewed cup is on Ned's side, the one that is slightly hotter. Linneus takes up the first-brewed cup for himself, adds milk and sugar, settles back.]

That sounds... rather romantic, in its way.

As for here, I'm not sure. The people... generally want to know if you are "with" or "against" them. Whether they will accept a person wanting to stay out... I don't know.

I heard there are settlements outside, of people who refused to choose one over the other.

[Ned reaches for the tea, adds a tiny drop of milk and barely a few grains of sugar. He'd never learnt to indulge in such things while growing up, and he much prefers the harsher taste of pure, untainted tea. He contemplates a biscuit for a moment before ultimately deciding to grab one, setting it on the saucer while he settles back and sips the tea.

It's piping hot, and it feels good as it scorches its way down his throat.]

In essence, there is nothing wrong about wanting to ensure that those around you are your allies and not your enemies, but there is a delicate line over which such inquiries become more paranoia than mere curiosity.

Living on the outskirts can't be easy. I imagine it to be more dangerous than choosing a side, in some regards.

This is true.

[softly considered, pensive over his cup]

But it seems the way here is to consider every outsider an enemy. While it is not overt hostility, there is still... not much trust that is shown.

There is less security outside, yes. I have not been often, but I had considered riding out - before all of this - to see what aid I can offer, if it is at all accepted. The rift between Olympia and Wyver and these outlying settlements is almost as great as the one they put between each other.

[video] un: linneus.

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Ahahaha I never noticed all those typos...

it's okay! :)

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