[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

[learned_to_die]

[Once she's left for the keep of the shop, Ned settles in at the table, thumbing through one of the tomes. They're smaller than what he's used to, and it seems as though the text isn't hand-written as all of the records of home were. He can't fathom what kind of thing might've created these perfectly formed letters, and he spend some time marveling at the uniformity of them, running a finger over the text.

As she returns, he stands again, then sits back down once she does. He investigates the items she's brought with her, glancing to her with a soft and appreciative smile.

He lifts the cup of the aromatic liquid, but it's unlike anything he's smelled before. He sniffs it again before setting it back down and eyeing the other accoutrements she's brought with her. At least he can recognize those: milk and sugar.] Are those for this? [He gestures from the sugar and milk to the coffee.] I don't believe I've ever had anything like this before. We drank ale and wine, mostly, as the water was generally unsafe for human consumption. What is it?

[clevermind]

Yes. [Belle adds a little bit of both milk and sugar to her coffee.] Coffee is very bitter and it's common to drink it with milk and sugar. I admit, I really like the sugar. [She can't eat a lot of sweets because she isn't used to them but they really were an amazing treat.]

It's interesting. There are some bars and taverns with ale and wine if you'd rather we go there. I drink some but not very often.

[Belle is used to people drinking though it's never something she preferred since it usually dulled her senses more than she liked. Her father rarely drank, though would from time to time on his trips or to find out the latest news at the tavern.]

[learned_to_die]

[He follows suit, adding a small amount of both the milk and sugar to his coffee. He brings the cup up to his nose to inhale the aroma deeply, and even though it's still a strange and foreign scent, he finds it warming and alluring. He could see how many would be called to drink it by the smell alone.] No, no, this is fine. I am more than capable of finding my way there when the need arises.

It seems that I must learn many new things, if I am to survive here.

[He finally takes a sip of the coffee, finds that he might want a bit more milk, then sips it again after adjusting it. There's a faint glitter in his eyes at the taste.] This is very good. It has a very rich flavor.

[clevermind]

I'm glad that you like it. [Belle smiles warmly.] It's a little hard to get used too. I'm afraid its to bitter for me without sugar but I've grown to enjoy it. There are many foods and drinks here like that.

[She isn't used to a lot of the extravagant things that others are.]

Before we look at some of the books I brought, do you have any further questions that I can address?

[learned_to_die]

It is bitter, aye. But I find it invigorating, as though it clears the haze from my mind with a simple sip. [Ned takes another mouthful of the coffee before considering her question. He shakes his head, setting the cup back down.] I don't believe so; I am ready and willing to learn whatever you are able to teach me.

[clevermind]

Alright. The first one I have here is about home appliances. It's the most useful that I've found. It covers things like washing machines which wash your clothes, as well as driers which then dry your clothes. There isn't an outdoor place to wash them here.

It also covers microwaves and kitchen appliances that might be useful.

[She pushes the book towards him so he can look through it. It's a lot to take in at once.]

[learned_to_die]

[In truth, Ned had had laundresses who handled all of the linens and things of the like back in Winterfell. Even in King's Landing, he'd never once had to do that sort of thing on his own, neither had his family. It was one of the things he'd never really thought of, having been raised as nobility. So this information is .. very new for him, his eyes slowly scanning and reading, fingers slowly floating down the face of the page as he goes.]

There are machines that launders and dries linens and clothes. Incredible.

[clevermind]

Yes. I thought so too.

[Belle smiles kindly, already knowing that it'd be something that Ned is unfamiliar with.] There are also places you can take your clothing and pay them to clean it, however, it can become a costly expense.

[Every who arrives starts at the same income and level. It's difficult to work your way back up when you aren't used to it.]

[learned_to_die]

[He lets out a bit of a laugh.] That obvious that I'm unfamiliar with the chore?

[clevermind]

A bit, yes.

[She smiles at him, the light brown of her eyes dancing with warm amusement.]

Most men don't know a thing about laundry. [Her father hadn't either.]

[learned_to_die]

I am afraid that most of us aren't taught those sorts of skills. Where I'm from, most are taught combative pursuits.

[clevermind]

My home was at the end of war and attempting to shift into other pursuits but I do understand the difficulty with such simple tasks. If there is a way that I can help, please let me know.

[She smiles kindly.]

I've been told that I'm a very good teacher.

[learned_to_die]

I don't doubt it. I think one of the most important parts of being a teacher is showing kindness and patience, and you've already shown me those in endless bounds.

Do you believe these devices and machines make life easier?

[clevermind]

Thank you for saying so.

[She's been thinking of finding a position as a teacher. As much as she likes her position at the shop, it's been rather lonely since Dorian's disappearance.]

I do. They're a little odd and sometimes hard to get used to but many have very practical applications that allow for your time to be spent elsewhere.

this tag reminded me to go get my laundry! XD

[learned_to_die]

Then I will be sure to give them all my full attention in terms of learning.

Have you given thought to pursuing teaching as a profession? I myself have found employment at the local university, where I'll be lecturing on Ethics.

YAY! I helped!

[clevermind]

I haven't given it much thought but I think I would enjoy it.

[She enjoys working with magic but it is a bit tiring.]

Perhaps I'll take a look at what teaching positions might be available.

[learned_to_die]

I think it a good idea, if it is what you find yourself passionate about. I can inquire some on my own, if you wish.

[clevermind]

If it isn't to much trouble.

[The idea sits well with her and the more she thinks about it, the more it's something she wants to do.]

[learned_to_die]

No trouble at all, especially after the kindnesses you've shown me.

[clevermind]

Thank you. [Belle smiles as her head fills with absolutely wonderful ideas.] Is there anything else I might be able to help you with?

[learned_to_die]

[He shakes his head, placing a hand on the book she's given him.] No, you've done more than enough or more than a newcomer could ask of you. Thank you, truly, for all of your assistance.

Once I'm settled, I hope you'll allow me and my wife to have you as a guest for dinner.

[clevermind]

I would be happy to.

[Belle's smile widens.]

Thank you. [She inclines her head in a bow.] I'll look forward to seeing you then.