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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]

[ Riona earns warmth by not openly disrespecting her brother. (Family may mock family, but others attempting to give Asha childsitting advice has grown annoying.)

Her jokes earns a genuine laugh. ]

Do you have a taste for blood, or do you prefer softer things? [ Said without contempt for the latter because she has stories for both, from finger-dancing to seafaring. ]

[bryces_pup]

[A month or two ago, she would have debated that question a moment. But now?]

Something softer, if you would. I've heard a bit too much about blood lately.

[cetos]

[ In truth, Asha feels much the same way, though she does not show it. Those who knew her well might miss a brighter spark in her eyes or ambition in her words, but the show has chilled her. ]

Then I'll tell you of the islands far into the Sunset Sea — named for the way the sun colours their waters — though still a part of the larger grouping I call my home. [ She makes a sweeping gesture, as if to illustrate an indeterminate distance. ] If you sail from my family's seat for days and days — at the least eight, if you've a harmonious crew — you'll reach rock strewn waters too treacherous for ships to anchor and oft too small for homes to stand. On the largest rock, House Farwynd has erected their keep and a beacon that always shines alight, even in the darkest and windiest storms. We call it the Lonely Light, for it reminds all Ironborn who sail to the rocks to turn back, lest they lose themselves in the grey nothingness beyond.

Less innocent things are said of the Farwynds, too. For how can they survive such storms and stony shores? [ Her voice lowers to a whisper, conspiratorial. Let it be said Asha Greyjoy is theatrical, if nothing else. ] Some say they lie with seals to bring forth half-human children, whilst others whisper that they are skinchangers who can take the forms of sea lions, walrus, and whales. [ She tilts her head back as she laughs again. She's always laughing, it seems, despite the change from sea to snow to stars. ] They'll not admit or deny such stories, of course, if you should be lucky enough to meet them.

[bryces_pup]

[Having grown up in a port city, Riona's heard a few stories from the sea, of far off islands and the strange sights. Still, she never grows tired of hearing them, and to hear such a tale again brings back a pang of nostalgia and homesickness. But whatever sadness she feels, she hides with a soft smile and rapt attention.]

It must be quite hard to have an audience with them, given their location. But I hope they at least derive some amusement from the stories, however true or untrue they are.

Now the question is, of course, what do you believe their secret is?

[cetos]

[ She does not often speak with soft women, so a courteous audience is an interesting one, in its uniqueness. Riona prompts a pause for consideration where Asha once might have laughed. ]

Once, I might have said they built themselves a fearsome and mysterious reputation out of stories and nothing more. [ The right corner of her mouth quirks in almost smirk. ] Now, I'll look twice at the creatures swimming by. Is that foolish?

[ a question meant to measure Riona, not validate her own beliefs. ]

[bryces_pup]

[She shakes her head.]

Not at all. My own travels have taught me that wild tales usually have a grain of truth to them more often than not.

[Translation: Riona has seen some shit. Really bizarre, outright weird shit.]