needlebearer | [Asgard] IC Contact Post

I think he'd like to meet you, too. He's really grateful to everyone who's been looking out for me.

I'm more glad that you haven't run into any troublemakers around here. I always worry about kids traveling alone in a place like this, even if they know their way around a sword.

Who the heck taught you that stuff anyway? You looked really young for that type of practice when I saw you the other day.

I had lessons from a Braavosi sword master, when I was in King's Landing. After that ... well, I've had to look out for myself for a while now.

This was after you were forced into hiding, wasn't it? [It was strange, but a child as young as Arya was a perfect way to cut past her defenses and suspicious nature as far as believing a story. It wasn't the sort of thing she expected most girls that young would think up.]

Yes. After my father was killed, it wasn't safe any more.

I... won't ask you to share about that. Not until you're comfortable. That's not the sort of thing strangers should force. I am sorry, though, that you've been taken from one war to another.

May I ask what ... let's just call it a gift Thor gave you?

I do trust you, it's just ... [She's not sure how to put it into words, she hasn't tried to compartmentalize these feelings before.] I've been hiding since it happened, I've not had time to deal with it, or to grieve for him. I know that soon I'll be able to talk about it, but not yet.

[Her voice brightens at this, she's very excited at having got a power.] Speed.

Arya...

[She paused, the thought of causing this little girl problems, hurting her or losing herself in a demonic rage near to her or to Conan terrifying to her to an extent. It made her swallow her pride, considering how to say what she needed to.]

You shouldn't trust me. Not yet. You really shouldn't, but it's kind of you to say that. Let me earn that trust before I ask you something that personal, ok?

And speed is good. A light weapon in the hands of someone extremely fast is deadly.

[She favored speed over strength herself, and really it was also good because it meant Arya could outrun her if she had to.]

[A sinking feeling has appeared in her stomach now.] But you said that you'd look out for me. How can you do that if I can't trust you? Are you going to hurt me?

I...

[she went silent for a minute, deeply uncomfortable. She quivered, fingers hovering above the video feed before pressing it. Her hand removed the hat from her head and she combed her hair back from the horns.]

I am very uncomfortable talking about this. I'm half demon, half monster, Arya. If you ask me, no. I would never hurt you. I would give my life before letting someone hurt a child like you. You shouldn't be here. You should be safe in a warm bed with your brother arguing with whatever boy wants to ask you out on a date, not fighting some god's war and not knowing who to trust.

But...

[She reached up and put her hands to her face. there was a tight, choked sound from her throat.]

I can't always control the other side of me, Arya. She's... she's not safe. So, please... if I ever tell you to run away from me, run as fast as your speed allows you. Please.

[Arya's eyes had widened at the sight of Samantha's horns. Not from fear, not at all, it's just that's the last thing she expected.]

You're not exactly what I expected a demon to look like. Isn't there anything that can be done, though, to help you?

[A pause.]

I promise I'll run.

You would have to be able to make me human. I was born this way, always was this way. I am simply what I am, and I have to be ready in case something goes wrong in my head because of my blood. It's nothing new, but thank you for asking.

[She settled back and grunted. Her tail emerged into view on the video feed, lashing about lazily while she ran a finger along the tip and sighed.]

I'm only half, and succubi and incubi look more human. It's... well, there's a reason, but I don't feel comfortable talking about at all. But we're supposed to look pretty normal.

And thank you, Arya. I won't hurt you, I promise. Whatever I do, I'll do whatever it takes not to hurt you.

There might be a way. If gods brought us here, they must be able to help you. But then ... I'm not sure that I'd want someone to change me.

[She nods.] I know you won't. You're not cruel, I can see it in your eyes.

I don't trust those who kidnapped me. There isn't much difference between gods and demons where I come from. And I try not to be cruel, but if my eyes ever change. If they ever look cruel, you know it isn't really me.

I will keep looking, but don't hold out hope on this. I've lived with it a long time.

Samantha, what you said about earning my trust ... there's no way that I couldn't trust you after what you've just told me.

I do not know how you could trust me. But, you're young. I hope you never have to understand more. You're just a kid, and you shouldn't have to deal with things like this, Arya. I'm sorry.

[It was going to be hell beyond belief for her if Arya ever saw her like 'that.']

Don't apologise. This isn't something that's your fault.

Maybe not, but it's still my hands that do these things, and I still remember them clearly. I have a hard time not feeling that it is me who's doing them. Just an out of control me.

Well, I know that it's not you. And I'll run if you change, but I'll still want to be friends with you after it's over.

[Friendship was not such a simple thing, not such an easy thing. It required trust, and Samantha had so very little trust left in her. It required hope, and she had none. The girl, however, sounded very much like someone clinging to a life raft, someone who also had very little to hold onto.

She was either a phenomenally good liar, or Samantha would almost have been more cruel to refuse her today. She felt like she was stuck in that moment where the hero shoo'd a little dog away because they couldn't feed it anymore. Besides, she was only a kid. She couldn't have been more than twelve, thirteen, if that.]

I... really can't stop you from trying, can I?

[She smiles, shakes her head.] I think we could both do with a friend here.

[A sigh and a sad nod.]

Maybe, Arya. Maybe. I will be getting a job soon, I think. Perhaps we could get together at some point.

I'd like that. I train with Maya in the mornings, but I'd love to meet you one afternoon.

Send me a message some morning, Arya. We can have lunch together. Take care, in the meantime.

[Unless Arya kept her, she would close the connection off at that point. This would not end well. she was deathly afraid of it. But there was still no harm in a little hope... hopefully.]

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