[ His commitment shows. An intricately stitched wardrobe unlike her threadbare garment. He questions her as if she's some soothsayer. She'll answer nonetheless. ]
Yes, and so should I. Fate toys with all of us.
[ The child steps forward and studies the high born rather forwardly. ]
I was right, wasn't I? You have a lot to lose. I don't know that feeling.
[Theon gives her a rather disdainful expression when she comes closer. She certainly isn't the sort of person he'd bother talking to, normally, but something about her words is really getting to him. Probably because of that fortune.]
Why do you say that? Do you mean to rob me? [Well, you never know, she could be desperate and planning on it.] I won't let anything like that happen. I don't intend to lose anything.
[ Just as his nobility is worn on his sleeve her social standing is obvious from a cursory glance. She can pass for a pickpocket, but highway robbery seems improbable at best.
She knows the look in his eyes well. ]
You resent me for fear of becoming me.
[ To be reduced to an unwashed vagrant in rags. A mighty fall. ]
But I feel differently. I could help you on the day your world is undone.
But I could never become like that. Stop saying that like it's really going to happen, it's not, I'm not...
[He falters, then picks up again with the attempt at arrogance, but there's a lot of fear behind his brash tone, as if denial alone can get rid of this overwhelming dread that he's feeling.]
I'm Lord Balon Greyjoy's only living son, heir to the Iron Islands, I'm an important person where I live, I'm hardly about to... to lose all of that. That's not even possible!
[ Impossible, he claims. Even an heir brought up in relative luxury must hear of wars and assassinations. How many young lords lie in the earth with their very subjects? ]
Rejecting reality won't change its course. You already know this.
[ Perhaps she takes advantage of his suppressed fears. Unfortunately it is her only recourse to be heard, lest he dismiss her for a fool. His weakness lends her his ear. ]
I have no titles to my name. It's just "Eli." Tell me yours.
[It really is unsettling, and he keeps trying to tell himself he shouldn’t pay mind to such things. Prophecies and the like are for fools and children to believe in. But he can’t deny how he feels right now. So he stands even taller and more proud than ever as he introduces himself.]
I’m Theon Greyjoy, and that'll be Lord Greyjoy when I inherit the Seastone Chair from my father. That’s the reality, that’s the future in store. I’ll finally return home and claim my birthright when the time comes.
[Of course… he hasn’t been there since he was a small boy, but so what? He’s the heir by law, and he’s sure they’ll all welcome him with open arms.]
[ The girl acknowledges his eminence with a fatigued sort of nod rather than a bow proper. It is a gesture of respect nonetheless. She knows what is expected from her in the presence of a highborn. She has experience in that regard. This one is still a boy. Should the need arise she can appeal to his ego. ]
The Iron Islands are a ways from here.
[ A simple but telling statement. The lord-to-be is estranged from his father. Then is he on mission, or in some manner of exile? ]
Your people are not known for their gentleness. You have to be harder than you are. A lot harder.
[ A wind lashes the child's tangled hair against her cheek. ]
I've more to say, but I'm tired. If you care to help me your kindness will be returned.
[Good, he takes very well to being given the respect he believes he deserves. He looks ready to once again launch into the defensive when she brings up the hardened ways of his people. And he does, for a moment.]
I may have lived most of my life in Winterfell, in the green lands, but that doesn't mean I've grown soft. I'm man enough to lead my people.
[But is he? Is he really? She's just a child, how can she know the way of these things? He again finds himself pausing and considering despite himself.]
You? You'll be able to do something for me? [He can't believe it, what can she give him that he doesn't have? But he's too far into this to stop.] What do you mean, "help you?"
[ "Ungentle" is but a euphemism in respect to Theon's kin. She knows his people's culture is predicated on death and plunder. Should the young lord assume the mantle of his father he too would shoulder the burden of tradition. A tradition that Theon—with his fashions and haughty attitude—has no place in.
As he assures himself she observes the last slithers of sunlight vanish from the snowcapped mountains. These supposed lands of green. ]
Yes ... I can do the most important thing of all.
[ Her gaze returns to him and she looks squarely in his eyes. ]
I can protect you. Of course ... it sounds absurd, but it will make sense in time.
You're going to protect me? With what? I'm the best archer in Winterfell, and I can swing a sword pretty well, too. I'm no weakling.
[And yet... again, that doubt lingers, that feeling that maybe he'd better humor her at least a little bit. It really does feel absurd, but he doesn't have anything to lose by agreeing with her... right? He eyes her, still skeptical but willing to perhaps believe there's something more going on here.]
If your protection helps me secure my rightful place on the Iron Islands one day, then I'll accept it.
[ Seeing is believing. That idiom stands true even when the eyes deceive. Where words fail actions pave the way and while she is rightfully cautious of exuberant displays the situation calls for some manner of proof. ]
You've chosen well, so I'll show you how, mighty prince.
[ The girl lifts an arm and snags hold of his leathers. Her empty hand falls upon his hip, then a pause. She looks upward and with no effort at all sends him there. Throws the man ten feet into the air. She holds her arms out and catches him on his descent. Bridal style, unfortunately. ]
I can't guarantee you the throne, but I'll be there when I'm needed.
[Mighty prince, is it? Theon definitely stands a little straighter, smiling in that haughty way of his. He could use more people around like her, to remind others who he rightfully is and afford him the respect he feels he deserves.]
How will you sh-
[The question goes unasked when she's suddenly grabbing hold of him, and he goes flying off, upward into the air. He gasps in shock, stunned by the sudden shift in his surroundings. He panics, screaming on the descent, convinced there's no chance he can make it out unscathed...]
[Then she's caught him. He has no words at all for what's just happened, heart still pounding fiercely from the horrified sensations he's just experienced. He's so astonished he hasn't noticed how foolish he undoubtedly looks being held in this way.]
How... how did you... [Well, he may not have entirely believed her before but now... he can't deny she's more than she seems. He could use someone like her against his enemies. He has no idea of the awfulness ahead, of course, for now still thinking she'll help him win victories and his place among his people.] You promise?
[ If the prince thinks he might outfit her in armor and point her at his adversaries he is sorely mistaken. True she is a force to be reckoned with, however her greatest asset is the ignorance of other people. If her existence became common knowledge persecution would surely follow. Her life would be judged, and summarily destroyed. ]
Theon. It's important that you never speak of this to anyone.
[ She lets him down precariously that he can recover his footing in a somewhat dignified fashion. While he is yet on her level she reaches out and takes his cheek in her hand. ]
[Theon takes a moment as he's let down, standing and smoothing out his clothes, his hair, making sure he's still presentable after that whole leap. What... what did that even mean? Was this magic he's just witnessed? It's a lot like something out of those foolish little stories of Old Nan's.]
Then I promise. I'll keep quiet. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them, anyway.
[The last thing Theon wants is to be seen as crazy, after all.]
If you keep your word and truly help me, I can also promise you'll be honored, I could see that you get land and a title on the Iron Islands one day. [It's a huge promise, but then if she does what she says she can, and helps him somehow... she'll have earned it. Perhaps he can find some noble family to take her in.]
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no subject
Yes, and so should I. Fate toys with all of us.
[ The child steps forward and studies the high born rather forwardly. ]
I was right, wasn't I? You have a lot to lose. I don't know that feeling.
no subject
Why do you say that? Do you mean to rob me? [Well, you never know, she could be desperate and planning on it.] I won't let anything like that happen. I don't intend to lose anything.
no subject
[ Just as his nobility is worn on his sleeve her social standing is obvious from a cursory glance. She can pass for a pickpocket, but highway robbery seems improbable at best.
She knows the look in his eyes well. ]
You resent me for fear of becoming me.
[ To be reduced to an unwashed vagrant in rags. A mighty fall. ]
But I feel differently. I could help you on the day your world is undone.
no subject
[He falters, then picks up again with the attempt at arrogance, but there's a lot of fear behind his brash tone, as if denial alone can get rid of this overwhelming dread that he's feeling.]
I'm Lord Balon Greyjoy's only living son, heir to the Iron Islands, I'm an important person where I live, I'm hardly about to... to lose all of that. That's not even possible!
[It can't be. It can't. It can't.]
no subject
Rejecting reality won't change its course. You already know this.
[ Perhaps she takes advantage of his suppressed fears. Unfortunately it is her only recourse to be heard, lest he dismiss her for a fool. His weakness lends her his ear. ]
I have no titles to my name. It's just "Eli." Tell me yours.
no subject
I’m Theon Greyjoy, and that'll be Lord Greyjoy when I inherit the Seastone Chair from my father. That’s the reality, that’s the future in store. I’ll finally return home and claim my birthright when the time comes.
[Of course… he hasn’t been there since he was a small boy, but so what? He’s the heir by law, and he’s sure they’ll all welcome him with open arms.]
no subject
The Iron Islands are a ways from here.
[ A simple but telling statement. The lord-to-be is estranged from his father. Then is he on mission, or in some manner of exile? ]
Your people are not known for their gentleness. You have to be harder than you are. A lot harder.
[ A wind lashes the child's tangled hair against her cheek. ]
I've more to say, but I'm tired. If you care to help me your kindness will be returned.
no subject
I may have lived most of my life in Winterfell, in the green lands, but that doesn't mean I've grown soft. I'm man enough to lead my people.
[But is he? Is he really? She's just a child, how can she know the way of these things? He again finds himself pausing and considering despite himself.]
You? You'll be able to do something for me? [He can't believe it, what can she give him that he doesn't have? But he's too far into this to stop.] What do you mean, "help you?"
no subject
As he assures himself she observes the last slithers of sunlight vanish from the snowcapped mountains. These supposed lands of green. ]
Yes ... I can do the most important thing of all.
[ Her gaze returns to him and she looks squarely in his eyes. ]
I can protect you. Of course ... it sounds absurd, but it will make sense in time.
no subject
[And yet... again, that doubt lingers, that feeling that maybe he'd better humor her at least a little bit. It really does feel absurd, but he doesn't have anything to lose by agreeing with her... right? He eyes her, still skeptical but willing to perhaps believe there's something more going on here.]
If your protection helps me secure my rightful place on the Iron Islands one day, then I'll accept it.
no subject
You've chosen well, so I'll show you how, mighty prince.
[ The girl lifts an arm and snags hold of his leathers. Her empty hand falls upon his hip, then a pause. She looks upward and with no effort at all sends him there. Throws the man ten feet into the air. She holds her arms out and catches him on his descent. Bridal style, unfortunately. ]
I can't guarantee you the throne, but I'll be there when I'm needed.
no subject
How will you sh-
[The question goes unasked when she's suddenly grabbing hold of him, and he goes flying off, upward into the air. He gasps in shock, stunned by the sudden shift in his surroundings. He panics, screaming on the descent, convinced there's no chance he can make it out unscathed...]
[Then she's caught him. He has no words at all for what's just happened, heart still pounding fiercely from the horrified sensations he's just experienced. He's so astonished he hasn't noticed how foolish he undoubtedly looks being held in this way.]
How... how did you... [Well, he may not have entirely believed her before but now... he can't deny she's more than she seems. He could use someone like her against his enemies. He has no idea of the awfulness ahead, of course, for now still thinking she'll help him win victories and his place among his people.] You promise?
no subject
[ If the prince thinks he might outfit her in armor and point her at his adversaries he is sorely mistaken. True she is a force to be reckoned with, however her greatest asset is the ignorance of other people. If her existence became common knowledge persecution would surely follow. Her life would be judged, and summarily destroyed. ]
Theon. It's important that you never speak of this to anyone.
[ She lets him down precariously that he can recover his footing in a somewhat dignified fashion. While he is yet on her level she reaches out and takes his cheek in her hand. ]
A promise for a promise. Can you keep yours?
no subject
Then I promise. I'll keep quiet. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them, anyway.
[The last thing Theon wants is to be seen as crazy, after all.]
If you keep your word and truly help me, I can also promise you'll be honored, I could see that you get land and a title on the Iron Islands one day. [It's a huge promise, but then if she does what she says she can, and helps him somehow... she'll have earned it. Perhaps he can find some noble family to take her in.]