(no subject)

[shieraseastar]

There’s no greater pleasure than reading. 

Comments

[bloodforged]

I can't read.

[shieraseastar]

Would you like to learn?

[bloodforged]

I don't see what the point of knowing would be. I'm a warrior, not a trader or senator.

[shieraseastar]

A warrior can still find use in reading. For example, the knowledge of the stories of those that preceded him, so he can learn from their victories and, most importantly, not to repeat their same mistakes.

[bloodforged]

I don't particularly care about tactics. Just point me at the enemies and I'll crush them. I leave tactics up to smarter folk.

[dennis_murdoc]

Either I'm reading the wrong books or you meant that as hyperbole.

...

Or your life really sucks.

[shieraseastar]

You are reading the wrong books.

[And yes she means this as a fact]

[shieraseastar]

Then I guess that that brings you as much pleasure as reading does for me.

[bloodforged]

Suppose so.

[dennis_murdoc]

Oooo, milady, I feel challenged! Okay. I have two young cousins, Joshua and Penny. They're eight and six. I spent an hour yesterday, climbing with them to the highest part of a tree that I'm allowed to go. Then, I jumped down, with one of them on my back, them taking turns. Then, we spent an hour finger-painting. Name me one book that beats that!

[shieraseastar]

And may I know the name the gods and your mother gave you, Warrior?

[shieraseastar]

[Shiera has to admit she is quite amused]
Be thankful I am not my father, milord. He would have had you beheaded if you ever used that tone with him.

By the way, you do strike me as the kind of man who would enjoy reading the Legends of the Age of Heroes, most specifically about the Long Night.

[And nope, she is not making a summary unless you ask nicely]

[dennis_murdoc]

Harsh, but okay. Fair enough, fair enough!

I agree. I probably would enjoy those. But, why read about being a hero, if you can be one?

[Patience isn't his strong suit and that includes sitting still for long. He actually thinks reading is awesome, but he needs to move.]

So, why specifically the Long Night? What's that one about?

[bloodforged]

That name is dead and hasn't been used for a long, long time. That's the name of a free man that lost his freedom and became a slave. A man whom failed his duty and homeland. My name is Agron now. It's the name given to me by my old dominus, may he burn in Inferno.

[shieraseastar]

To be inspired by their example, and strive to do better. Or maybe to envision more games to play with your cousins.

The Long Night was the story of a Winter that lasted generations, caused by the invasion of the Others, also known as the White Walkers. But it is also the story of the heroes that managed to unite the Men and the Children of the Forest, among many others, to fight the Others in the War for Dawn.

It is quite a gripping story, if you ask me.

[shieraseastar]

Would you mind if I asked you a question, Agron?

[dennis_murdoc]

Well, of course. I'm not arguing against reading. But, once you're done being inspired, isn't it ultimately more satisfying to go and do better and play the new games you've come up with?

That does sound intense. White Walkers sounds interesting.

[a_god_of_the_arena]

I can think of one...or two...

[bloodforged]

Depends on the question but go ahead.

[shieraseastar]

If your name was given to you by a man you despise so much, but who no longer holds power over you, why keep it?

[shieraseastar]

Would you care to enlighten me?

[She more than surely knows what he means, though. The temptation to make a man feel uncomfortable is too much]

[bloodforged]

I don't mind the name. [He shrugs.] It's the name I'm known by, both from my time in the arena and as rebel general under Spartacus. It's a name to fear and I kinda like it.

Just hopping in here...

[bloodforged]

Naughty, naughty Gannicus... don't ya already got a lady on the leash hm?

[shieraseastar]

You do sound like my brothers. But I am glad that you like it.

[bloodforged]

Your brothers former slaves turned gladiators too?

[shieraseastar]

Bastard royal children recognised by their father in his deathbed. Even if we all have our names given by our mothers, the world does know us by monikers given to us by our father in one way or another.

My brothers wear theirs with pride. I've grown indifferent to mine, but I used to hate it.

[bloodforged]

Well then I see your point.

[shieraseastar]

I would have probably hated it less if my father hadn't been how he was. But then again, if he hadn't been how he was, I would have probably never been born.

By the way, my name is Shiera.

Very welcome tbh!

[shieraseastar]

Why do you think that I am going to allow myself to be leashed by your friend, Agron?

[bloodforged]

Nice meeting you.

[bloodforged]

He's quite the charmer. If you have a thing for gladiators.