001. video.

[jalan]

[ The girl that appears now on the network is not incredibly competent with this technology, but nor would she publicly broadcast without having had a bit of practice beforehand. That flicker of uncertainty in her expression is stifled, and her smile is subtle but warm. ]

Hello, [ is said, with a twinge of a raised eyebrow. ] My name is Daenerys Stormborn, of the House Targaryen, and this next moon will mark the six months I've been here. I am not the first of my land to arrive -- many of you are already familiar with Ambassador Baelish.

And over the past few months, more and more of my people have come through the Porter. We represent different lands, different values, different politics, but in this world, we find ourselves with more similarities than we'd ever imagine sharing. If any of you of Westeros or Essos are viewing this [ because gods know it took her a while ] and we've yet to meet, I'd very much like to rectify that.

There are more than just us, too, who have likewise entered this land and felt like strangers to its technology, its ways. If you feel more at home in a world of horses and candles and swords, I'd like to know you too, whether you're new or have been here for sometime. We face a conflict between wishing to recall always the worlds from which we hail, and represent them proudly, while achieving a level of integration that ensures we have a voice. Perhaps there is a solution to find, between all of us.

Likewise, [ she adds, ] if you are entirely at home here but perhaps would be willing to act as a guide, then please do step forward with your name and your skills. You would want also to be a patient sort of person, but I assure you, we learn quickly.

Comments

[dendarii]

[ His own tone goes a bit distant and fond. ]

I have, yes. Many times. And it is absolutely beautiful, yes.

[jalan]

And how far away do you imagine this world is from such a leap?

[dendarii]

[ Miles considers that thoughtfully. ]

The way I hear it, they've been to the moon but not much further. Likely another fifty years out, at least.

[jalan]

Alas.

[ She has no intention to grow old here, after all. ]

I lead men who would scarcely believe you could cross the ocean in ships of wood and canvas.

[dendarii]

That far back? But you have horses, surely.

[jalan]

I find it difficult to explain in terms of how far, but there are other men in my world who would call the Dothraki primitive, yes. Of course, I would challenge those men to survive in the desert lands as the khalasars do, or meet them in open battle.

This place would present a challenge, however. Not only its technology, but its way of life. Its civility. But perhaps so too would your invaders, and their star ships.

[dendarii]

[ Miles has to think about that for a moment. If someone from his own world's history showed up, they'd likely have the same problems... Just because he was born into a world with both, he can't forget how difficult this is for people who weren't. ]

If the Cetagandans invade us, then yes. We are all in trouble. [ A fond twist of his mouth. ] Though my world did drive them out. Even equipped with only horses and swords. I imagine your Dothraki would do the same. They seem practically Barrayaran already.

[jalan]

That heartens me to know.

[ She has her opinions. What peace as she sees it here cultivates, but what it also diminishes. ]

What happened, then? When they were driven out?

[dendarii]

[ There's an interesting question. ]

We put ourselves back together. Had a civil war or two. Bore our scars. I myself was irrevocably changed by the latest one, despite it technically resolving before I was born.

[jalan]

[ Her pale eyebrows pinch. That sounds almost like a riddle, and riddles aren't entirely her strong suit unless she can march on them with an army. ]

And your world, too, irrevocably changed. And-- Barrayaran, they're your people?

[ After all this acclimatising to America, learning about somewhere else as foreign to it as Westeros has her interest. ]

[dendarii]

[ Literal truth, alas. Miles' medical history is a long and complicated one. ]

Just so. My father is the Count of our district.

[jalan]

A noble title, [ is her guess, although not with particular keenness or commonality -- but to understand. ] And the lady who also replied to my message, here, she shares your name?