perzo | inbox for saltburnt;

[ it's difficult not to consider a message like this with some inner conflict, particularly with the knowledge of what had been inflicted against helaena and her children — rhaenyra knows that she would not be nearly so forthcoming in warning if their positions were reversed.

it speaks to the possibility that helaena may not even be aware of what's transpired — or perhaps she is, and is simply choosing to set aside those events in service of something greater.

it's the sudden swell of guilt, as well as the desire to not be rude, that ultimately drives rhaenyra to answer. ]

I will.

[it's more of a relief than she expected it to be and she sighs, slumping in her seat. She expected to be ignored if Rhaenyra truly didn't want to speak to her, but Helaena liked her. Whatever quarrel her brothers--and mother--might have... It's also hers', by default of being family, but... But Rhaenyra was also family. It felt like a weird line to draw and exhausting.]

The cold comes with a bite. Do not feed the quests who arrive.

There are guests here, to be concerned with? Or possible arrivals?

[ rhaenyra has been in attendance at more breakfasts as of late, enough to recognize the new faces seated at the table — but she has also remained on her guard, wary of trusting anyone too deeply ever since that month of games. if helaena's words are to be considered on their face, does that mean they bring more danger with them? ]

[She thinks for a moment and then shakes her head before remembering she needs to put it into text]

No. Not the ones that are already here. Others will come. They hunger for things other than meat and bread.

You have seen this?

[ rhaenyra almost has the mind to ask how, but does it seem the right moment to broach such questions, especially if there are more important matters to concern herself with? does the how even matter if she needs to give her strength towards focusing on this currently unknown danger? ]

Yes.

[She considers a moment, and then adds:] In my dreams. It happens often. I haven't been wrong yet.

I'm sorry that I don't know more, but I want you to be safe.

[ dragon dreams. the phrase suddenly occurs to rhaenyra then, before she can think better of it. could helaena be in possession of such a thing? especially if what she has envisioned has always come to pass. ]

You do not owe me any such kindness. [ especially now, after jaehaerys. ] But your mother and I have pledged peace here, and I intend to see that it is honored.

You're still my sister. I would like us to be at peace and be sisters again, even if it can only last while we're in this place.

I also wish to pledge peace.

[ the fact that it is the women of this family that are willing to pledge and honor peace to one another, while the men seek to cross blades over even the slightest transgression, isn't lost on rhaenyra. ]

I do not seek to bring any war to this place, especially when there are those here who have no part in it.

Others may not believe it is possible, but I will strive to see that a truce holds.

I believe you. And I know that you will.

[Even if only half, they're sisters. That has to mean something.

She goes quiet for a moment, trying to think of something else to help bridge matters]

When it gets warm again, do you want to catch crickets with me?

[nailed it]

[ there is the unspoken that may need to be broached between them, but based on the tenor of helaena's messages, it doesn't seem that she even has knowledge of those events. and rhaenyra is already aware of how this strange place can take them from two wholly different points in time.

there is also no reason for her to outright refuse, so she decides to humor the request. ]

You may have more of an aptitude for it than I do.

inbox for saltburnt;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject