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[aerist]

un: kingcrow

𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 . 𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚘 . 𝚝𝚎𝚡𝚝 . 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

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[erintys]

So it is a term of endearment, then, as much as deference. One you insist on evading when it is offered too plainly. You are a strange sort of man.

Khaleesi meant queen consort, or the wife of a Khal who leads a khalasar. I've since claimed every remaining tribe as my own, and eradicated all need of khals. It just means "queen" now.

[aerist]

I believe it was an insult when they used it first. If I'm honest, it might still be. That's just how they are. I'll evade it for as long as I can and then some. A man who wants for power is not a man who deserves it.

It's fitting. You strike me as the type to define the word, not let it define you.

[erintys]

It sounds as though insults and teasing are one and the same for your people. And by your own logic, I don't deserve the throne because I fight for it.

Do I detect more flattery, Your Grace?

[aerist]

Oftentimes they are. You can tell a man likes you if he's quick with an insult. No one's polite unless they have issue with you. As far as I can tell, it's not the power you're looking for, but you're welcome to correct me if I'm wrong, Your Grace.

From me? No. Never.

[erintys]

So where does that leave you, Your Grace? Am I to understand you like me as you insist upon criticizing me at every turn? I'll correct you once you name what it is you believe I'm looking for.

Then I thank you for it. Clearly, that means you approve.

[aerist]

That would be an accurate appraisal. It looked to me like you were looking for home. I am waiting to be corrected.

I do. And I promised you honesty, not flattery, and I mean to uphold that promise.

[erintys]

[ It's far closer to the mark than she was expecting. He's only known her for a little while, and yet he saw right through her.

Daenerys needs a minute or two to recover from that, but once she does: ]

There is nothing to correct. You speak truly.

I ask you this, then, in the spirit of maintaining that honesty: Do you think me foolish for seeking a home where there might be none waiting?

[aerist]

[ Jon isn't surprised to hear he was right but he still smiles to himself when she confirms it. ]

I thought I saw something similar in your pursuit. Good to see I was right.

No, not foolish. I had no way of knowing if there would be one for me and I went anyway. Leaving the Watch after making the oath is a death sentence and I still find myself waiting for the sword to strike me down. I would say that is more foolish than searching for home.

[erintys]

[ Similar. She pauses. ]

I would call that bravery, not foolishness. It isn't easy leaving behind everything you've come to know for a future you can't predict.

Do you regret your choice?

[aerist]

It's recklessness to some. I did what I had to, because it's not just myself or the North that will suffer if the threat past the Wall advances.

[ And Jon knows that it will. The wights will break through the Wall and he needs to prepare his people if they are to survive it. ]

No. I made that choice and I'd make it again if it was presented to me, as hard as it might be, knowing what I know now.

[erintys]

I can't undo your trials, nor would I wish to. But I can at least swear to you that you won't face any of this alone. I've every intention of fulfilling my promise to you and your people. Whatever happens, this is now our fight.

[aerist]

You've not seen what I have, but you don't seem the type to frighten easily. I will see that fight through, and the North remembers those who come to our aid and we will remember that promise and return it in kind, when the day comes.