[video. after some effort. he's doing his best]

[learned_to_die]

[A video feed comes in, but .. it's a black screen. Sounds of fumbling, muttering, and other movements can be heard - but no one is seen.

That is, until about 30 seconds in, when Ned seems to finally figure out how to use the overwhelming and odd contraption he was given. He was told he could use it to communicate with a "network," whatever that might mean. He's been fiddling with the thing for hours, and despite the simplistically written instructions, he finds the technology a bit beyond his grasp.

The expression on his face is pleased, content that he's finally figured at least something out. He's in the room he was given in the strange inn-like structure he was told to go to, though it's understandably and expectedly bare - no need for personal trinkets if his stay is going to be temporary (not that he's come with any to begin with).

After some maneuvering, Ned seems to get the hang of it and finally begins to speak.]

Well met to .. whomever might be .. watching this message. I am Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and .. Hand of the King. [There is some pain etched in his brow at this admission of title, but he presses on.]

I know not why I arrived here or by what means, nor do I understand whether I might still be in the realm of men or of the gods, Old or New, but whatever knowledge you might willingly provide or share would be of the greatest assistance, and you would have my gratitude 'til the end of my days. [Something unspoken flashes across his eyes at this, his lips tightening into a line before he softens again and, with a slight nod of his head, cuts off the video.]

Comments

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

[Sorry.]

I guess not quite the same.

Planetary...I guess it's not the same for you. We tend to be pretty advanced where i'm from...we go between worlds all the time. And the kings and queens tend to rule the whole world, not just a slice.

Um, no...nothing like that. It's just based on what you like, strikes your fancy, that kind of thing. Genessia City is the busiest..some of the others are a little slower paced, or have different businesses that tend to like them...that kinda thing.

[learned_to_die]

A King or Queen ruling .. an entire planet? [Ned can't hide his surprise at this.] I am .. afraid our advances are not nearly as advanced as where you are from. We know of no world or land outside of Westeros and its borders.

[He nods, considering the options.] Perhaps, as a deputy, you might be able to offer me some assistance in choosing? I would .. very much prefer a place similar to where I grew up and the place I still call home, if there is somewhere like that. Would describing it to you help?

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

'Sall right. We got people and other beings of all different levels. We have to learn to get along with a lot of different types.

Yeah, maybe. I'm still learning myself, but I'll try.

[Han does his best to tell what he knows about the different cities and what they're like. He's no expert, but hopefully, it'll be enough to help the guy.]

[learned_to_die]

Your kindness is appreciated, thank you.

Winterfell is the ancestral castle and seat of power of House Stark, and it has been there since the First Men inhabited Westeros. We have been the Kings in the North and, later, the Wardens of the North. The climate is wintry, significantly colder during winter itself though often snowy or frost-kissed during the summers, and the Stark sigil is a Direwolf. Our saying is, "Winter is Coming."

I have been forced to adapt to warmer temperatures as when I was brought to King's Landing in the south as the Hand of the King, but - my bones and blood are of a Northerner. I would much rather prefer climates similar to that to which I am accustomed.

sorry, I still can't always keep track of what's where...so I'm handwaving

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

Sounds cold...but better'n the place I spent a few weeks in. It's called Hoth...go outside for at all on that ice ball without a lot of layers and you'll freeze to death pretty much right away. And don't get me started on the snowstorms.

[Han brings up which places would be best for someone who liked it a little colder.]

no worries!!!

[learned_to_die]

There were many who might speak of Winterfell in similar terms, and with similar disgust. Especially the Southron folk.

[Once he receives the information, Ned nods, appreciative.] I thank you for your knowledge and your willingness to share. Perhaps it is best if I see these cities for myself, though I've been warned by a number of people to avoid Everglade once the sun has set.

Re: no worries!!!

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

That makes sense. People who aren't used to cold tend to take it worse. Like my brother-in-law...kid grew up in a desert and still doesn't like the cold much. Me, I've been so many places over the years that I just adapt and take whatever gets thrown at me.

[He nods] Yeah, I'd back up that opinion. I'd avoid it, too. And you're welcome, hope it helps.

[learned_to_die]

One would think that growing up in a desert would make him all the more adaptable, given how extreme their climates are between day and night.

Adaptation is a useful trait, and one many spend their lives trying to attain.

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

That's true. I don't think he liked almost freezing to death when we did go to a cold planet, though. That was just nasty.

I agree there. I've had to be adaptable...no other way to keep myself alive over the years.

[learned_to_die]

Such is the way of life, I believe. If one is not adaptable, one will perish.

[gotabadfeelingaboutthis]

That's for sure.