Voice; un: mai

[maipokerface]

Is it just me or are things starting to get a little unpleasant around here?

[She sighs out some. Not that she hadn't expected Olympia and Wyver to start not getting along again of course but it's still pretty annoying.]

I've been outright ignored in a few places in Olympia. Don't ask me exactly what I did to get that kind of treatment because I don't have a clue.

[Now to the meat of why she's drifted onto the network after having not touched it for this long. Her tone actually sounds pretty curious.]

Have any of the rest of you run into anything? Olympia, Wyver, wherever.

Comments

[maipokerface]

I guess that's just how all people are though, no matter where you end up.

[learned_to_die]

UNFORTUNATELY IT SEEMS TO BE A TRAIT THAT TRANSCENDS TIME AND PLACE.

WHAT WAS IT YOU WERE TRYING TO PROCURE IN THE SHOPS? PERHAPS I MIGHT BE OF ASSISTANCE.

[maipokerface]

Food mostly. I've been traveling a lot between here and Wyver so I was stocking up.

To be honest I'll probably just start staying in Wyver now. At least they haven't given me any problems.

[learned_to_die]

I WILL NOT PRESUME TO TELL WHAT IS BEST, BUT I WOULD BE MORE THAN WILLING TO OBTAIN THE FOOD ITEMS YOU WERE HOPING TO GET HERE IN OLYMPIA AND BRING THEM TO YOU.

[maipokerface]

[Bless. A smile actually slips onto her face, a little too easily and naturally for one who looks so eternally grumpy. Thankfully that goes unseen, though it reflects some in her tone.]

So you're going to be my rescuer with a loaf of bread, huh?

[Pff, that's too cheesy.]

[text -> video]

[learned_to_die]

[Ned lets out a laugh at that, opting to switch to video instead of text.

His expression is stoic, but warm - like a layer of ice around a burning torch. There are lines of a life lived and pains suffered across his face, but there is still a light that comes through.]

I'd not put it in such terms, only that we could all do with a bit more kindness in our lives.

[video]

[maipokerface]

[It might be a bit cliche but she decides pretty easily that she likes this guy. He's warm in a way she sort of imagines a father must be. Not that her own dad was necessarily cold; he did care but was often too preoccupied with rising in political ranks. And now, well...

She toys with the idea of video a moment. Voice was easier, letting her hide her expressions if need be. Even someone schooled in keeping tight control of those needed downtime now and then. He seems like a decent enough guy who wouldn't judge too much maybe. And if he did, well, so be it.

She's a lot less time worn, more young adult than full grown and one who hasn't suffered much in her life. The smile she bears is small and warm though.]

Yeah, I'll agree with that. Life is harsh enough, right?

[learned_to_die]

[He doesn't mean to pressure her; he'd not think any less of her if she opted to avoid video, but he does show a bit of extra warmth when her face fills his screen. He's too used to in-person conversations and greetings. It's a weird thing, to get used to this sort of technology.

He nods at her, slowly and respectfully.]

Aye, it is. But it doesn't always have to be. I've found if people made a bit of an attempt to show empathy towards others, life'd be a great deal nicer.

So, what was it you needed from the shops in Olympia? Other than a loaf of bread.

[maipokerface]

[She lists off a few basic things. The bread, yes, but tea as well. Eventually she mentions a specific shop and pauses there, a little sheepish.]

... They usually have something I get specially made, a type of spicy jerky. I don't know if they would still bother with that if everyone is going to act like this though.

[It's a little stupid that out of everything, that would bother her the most. Maybe it was because her stupid replica fire flakes were the closest she could come to remembering home.]

[learned_to_die]

[Ned finds a scrap piece of paper and a writing instrument, scribbling it all down. He can normally count on his memory, but given the foreignness of the place, it's better to write it all down - no mistakes, that way.

He considers the list for a moment and nods, before looking back at the camera.]

I'll try my hardest to get it all for you, even the spicy jerky you've mentioned. Perhaps they'll be more apt to give it to me, as I'm already a resident here in Olympia. [He scribbles the information down.] How would you like me to get these items to you, once I've procured them?

bless, you're now her second father.

[maipokerface]

[He's taking it so seriously. She can't help but give a slight smile again.]

I can meet you somewhere in town. As long as I'm not trying to do business with any of them, they don't usually bother me. Or maybe I just look intimidating.

[Might help too that she can flash a bit of steel as a warning in the direction of anyone who gives her a dirty look.]

ned has that affect on ...... everyone. it's okay. he likes it. he's gonna dad someone, damn it!

[learned_to_die]

That isn't a necessarily a detriment, in most scenarios, though it would make the procurement of bread and the like a bit more difficult. [Ned offers a bemused and soft smile at the camera. He glances over the list again and folds it up.] It shouldn't be more than a day or so. I can alert you when I've gotten your items, if you'd like.

[maipokerface]

Take your time. You're the one doing me a favor after all.

I'm Mai, by the way. If you're ever in Wyver after this or need some help, let me know.

think we could squeeze one more? i'm almost at a/c!

[learned_to_die]

Aye, but I imagine there is a certain sense of urgency, if there's food involved.

[He nods, somewhat apologetic.] Forgive me, I've not introduced myself to you. I'm Lord Eddard Stark, but Ned will do just fine. Your offer's appreciated and will be remembered. Likewise, should you ever need further assistance from someone in Olympia, you are more than welcome to call on me - or anyone in House Stark.

No worries! If you need any other A/C help, feel free to ask o/

[maipokerface]

[House Stark. She hadn't heard of them before but she tucks the fact away in her memory for another day.]

Anyone, hm? You sure they'll like you making offers for them?

you're the best! thank you!

[learned_to_die]

[He lets out a bit of a laugh.] They were raised to do what they can to assist others, if and whenever possible. If they forget their upbringing, should you reach out to them for assistance, be sure to alert me.

[maipokerface]

Tattle on them to their dad. Sure, I can do that. I tattled on my brother all the time.

[It's said in jest. Her brother is four, there's not much tattling she could even hope to do.]

[learned_to_die]

[He lets out a small, gruff laugh.]

There were six of them all together. They're more than used to "tattling."

[maipokerface]

[Six.]

... I'm kind of glad I only have a brother now.

[learned_to_die]

[Another quiet laugh.] I'm sure my children've each wished for the same on occasion.

[maipokerface]

I can imagine, especially if it's sisters and brothers.

[learned_to_die]

Aye. But there is no closeness like that between siblings, if jealousy and pettiness can be put aside.