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[cetos]

Who: Asha Greyjoy and errybody
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: SS Paisley 
When: Today

[ Asha Greyjoy stands in a nondescript hallway aboard the SS Paisley. She is not so foolish as to think there are not those who would harm her among the fleet and would rather not fight in close quarters, if it should come to that. For now, she leans against a wall, unflinchingly gazing into the communicator, more comfortable than curious. Once sharply cropped black hair falls unevenly about her face, too long and shaggy for her liking. Though she would prefer to wear the ship-issued clothing, she dons her weathered, salted leather for this broadcast. It is important that she bear the look of her people when lost in space.

However, she has added her security issued automatic weapon to her ensemble, holstered where her axe once glinted in the light. ]

[ Lazily — ] I believe I’ve arrived in perfect time to represent my people. [ a pause (for the drama tbh). Is this a reference to Tyrion’s broadcast or her brother’s misadventures? Both, perhaps. Evidently, she did some back-reading before announcing her presence. She tilts her chin up, as if challenging her viewers. ]

I am Asha of House Greyjoy, daughter of the kraken, Captain of the Black Wind, and [ an abrupt laugh. ] wife of an axe. [ not some rusted man of the Crow Eye’s choosing. ] Now, I mean no disrespect to my dear captain of the SS Paisley when I mention my titles. You have my service and loyalty, Captain Russo, if only out of respect for the institution of a ship. [ Which is mostly true, if partly for diplomacy’s sake. ] I introduce myself as such so that I may not lie by omission. Secrets in close quarters make for silly disputes, don’t you think? And I’ve nothing to hide. [ She shrugs. ]

On the Iron Islands, we must drown before we may live. And if death has already taken me once, why should I fear life among the stars? Or the animals twinkling with them, at that. [ Shout out to her fellow Westerosi. ] I will not bore you with history, but if you should like to learn more of the reavers of isles, who trade as well as take, who travel to the farthest reaches of our realm but return to the stony shores because none but us survive there, well — [ Her face splits into a grin. It is an easy thing to be happy when you’ve escaped cannibals and burnings and your only worries are green men. ] — I’ll oblige you, provided you regale me with tales of your own adventures. A fair trade. [ because she isn’t some godless pirate please and thank you!! ] I’ve need of drink and laughter after enduring snow and somber company.

[ Her smile thins into an unreadable expression, certainly more weary than before but too neutral to truly judge. ]

— And Theon, it is time we meet again.

Comments

[cetos]

[ How interesting. She almost mentions the present Stannis has for Jon but thinks better of it. It is always unwise to tip your hand so soon, and she must speak with Theon first. He arrived with the Stark girl, he lived among the wolves — for once, it is him who can fill in the gaps in her knowledge. ]

Aye, I know yours is a thankless job. [ which might be a nice thing to say, but her words are more observational than kind. It takes some effort not to throw Stannis under the bus. Fortunately, that's not a fight worth starting. Not here. As long as Jon takes no part, she won't burn for a while yet. That's all that matters, at present. ]

[ Her tone shifts, both warmer and more teasing. ] If your vows or honour compel you to speak with summery courtesies, Captain suits. [ She cants her head. ] But I prefer Asha, if you can bear it.

[nedstarksbastard]

[So thankless that I was stabbed for doing it, he thinks. (It's an oversimplification.)]

Yours might be more thankless--your brother's been somewhat busy since he came here. [Theon, who to Jon will always be known as Greyjoy, the word coming with some vague annoyance and dislike. It's strange to think of him as someone with a sister who, evidently, cares deeply for him. In her own way.

But he can tell when he's being teased, and--surprise, surprise--there's the barest upward twitch of his mouth, almost like he's smiling.]

Aye, I think I can bear calling you Asha, if you'll do the same and call me Jon.

[cetos]

[ She'll take that almost smile as a hard-won victory, given her belief that all northerners are cold. (Which might just be because She-Bear doesn't find her funny.)

His manner of addressing Theon's place in this is more tactful than most, allowing her to appreciate courtesy for once, as she encounters more annoying complainants with each passing moment. She runs a hand through her hair, wishing there wasn't so much of it. ]

Does the Watch treat you as keeper of the Starks, Jon, or have you escaped such a fate? [ BECAUSE THAT'S HER LIFE NOW, APPARENTLY. ]

[ So she'll call him Jon and continue her japes rather than do a lap on the Theon apology tour, thanks. ]

[nedstarksbastard]

No. [But he gets what she's asking after. He has a few complaints to air about Theon, himself, but he keeps them close to his chest, this time. Asha's probably getting enough people complaining to her about your brother.] I meant it as a warning. I think he's managed to anger about--half the fleet, and now they'll be coming to lay their complaints at your feet.

[Truly a spectacle to behold, this Theon Greyjoy. If Jon knew what popcorn was, he'd be munching on it right now.

A pause, then, with a slight note of sympathy:] I'm sorry, Asha. [For Theon being possibly the most unpopular person ever to the point where everyone's complaining about him, or for getting into fights with him regularly?]

[cetos]

[ Abruptly, she laughs once more, though presumably not out of amusement this time. Laughter brought on by surprise, perhaps, and tinged with bitterness. ]

Men have laid far greater complaints at my feet than a boy's squabbles. [ said simply, as if to dismiss his concerns. She doesn't need Stark pity, even if she appreciates his distinct lack of hostility. ] If you should see me burn for my brother's and father's and nuncle's true transgressions [ everything from resurrecting the Old Way to kinslaying to child murder, man. ] from your seat atop the wall, you ought to wave. [ dryly. ] At least then I might have something to look at. [ at least.... she threw in.... a compliment.... ]

[ blah blah she's hardcore and super done with talking about theon. you get it. ]

[nedstarksbastard]

I'll try to do you that honor if you do burn. [All right, if she doesn't want to talk about Theon, he'll gladly move away from the subject. Even if it's onto the idea of burning. There's something dry about his humor that makes it a little hard to tell if he's joking, only given away by that bare twitch.] But something tells me I won't be able to see the smoke, let alone you.

[Like the part where he's dead, technically, and therefore stuck in the fleet.]

Besides, I'd rather not. [A pause, then:] See you burn, I mean.

[cetos]

[ She cants her head, curious, as if the new angle might elucidate his full meaning. Is he amused? A man does not leave the Wall unless he dies — or is lifted to the stars, she supposes. Desertion is also on the table, though she doubts this is the case, given Stannis' regard for Jon and the Stark's reputation.

And what of Arya? If her crow brother does not receive her, then — no, the She-Bear will protect her, and she's no concern of yours, even if she emerged from the same dungeon as Theon.

It's far easier to respond to Jon's addendum with another dry remark. ]

Careful, crow, you might just woo me if you finish your almost truths. [ which might be an invitation for him to explain more js ] And I'll try not to die.