(no subject)

[littleorphanarry]

If you're expecting me to say thank you, I won't say it. You're not helping at all. No, I'm not talking about helping me. I can take care of myself!

And no, that name isn't as clever as you think. Why is it funny?

Comments

[bindsthedead]

I'm sure you can care for yourself, but there's nothing wrong with asking for help.

Do you- are your parents dead?

[littleorphanarry]

I know that, but I didn't ask for it.

[It makes Arya both angry and sad to think about her father, but she sticks to her story. Calm as still water.]

Yes. I was going to join the Night's Watch before my stupid mun decided she had better plans in mind for me.

[bindsthedead]

Use it anyway.

I'm sorry. My mother died when I was very young, and my father passed away recently. I know it hurts.

The Night's Watch? Some kind of guards- I am in the place where you are going to be sent. If you wish, I'll teach you what I know of swordcraft and magic.

[littleorphanarry]

The Night's Watch defend The Wall to protect the realm from whatever's at the end of the world. I have a brother who joined a year ago. [The thought of Jon causes Arya to smile wistfully. She knows Yoren would never let her go so far as to get to The Wall, but she has missed Jon the most out of all her siblings.] They let girls learn swordplay there?

[bindsthedead]

I see. There is a place called the Wall in the Old Kingdom- it forms our southern border.

Of course. Why wouldn't we?

[littleorphanarry]

Girls really aren't supposed to. Not if they want to be a proper lady. They learn other things like how to sew and sing and run a household. It's not fair.

[bindsthedead]

Really? Where I'm from, swordplay is an entirely proper thing for young ladies like you and I to learn.

[littleorphanarry]

I'm not a lady.

[bindsthedead]

I see. Do you still want to learn, though?

[littleorphanarry]

[She worries her lower lip for a moment.] You could really teach me?

[bindsthedead]

Yes, I can, and will, if you ask it of me.

[littleorphanarry]

[She grins.] Maybe my mun does have the right idea after all.

[bindsthedead]

Then I look forward to seeing you outside of this place.

My name is Sabriel- what's yours?

[littleorphanarry]

[Should she tell the truth? This woman seems nice enough... And it doesn't seem like she would know the Lannisters.]

Arya of House Stark.

[bindsthedead]

Then I am pleased to meet you, Arya of House Stark. [Sabriel bows deeply, smiling.]

I really want Arya & Sabriel to hang out together now.

[littleorphanarry]

It's nice to meet you as well. [Arya nods politely in one of those rare moments she remembers her manners. But she's soon all questions again.] Do you know Water Dancing of the Braavosi by any chance?

So do I. Sabriel would try so hard to be a good big sister

[bindsthedead]

No- is it a form of dancing, or fighting?

[littleorphanarry]

Fighting. It's what I was learning before... [Father died. Two little words, but so impossible for Arya to say. It'd be so much easier if Sabriel knew. Then she wouldn't have to say. But Arya musters up the courage.] ...before Father died.

[bindsthedead]

I understand. [Sabriel knows what it's like to lose family, and it shows in her face as she gives Arya a sudden, awkward squeeze on the shoulder that almost turns into a hug.] I know it hurts, and I- I'm sorry I don't know your Water Dancing, but I will teach you everything I can.

[littleorphanarry]

[Arya glances at the hand on her shoulder before looking up at Sabriel again.] Thank you. I promise I'll be a good student.

[wargwalker]

It isn't. And your name isn't Arry. [it's a sad name, and they weren't orphans - yet. Mother was still alive as far as Bran knew] That's a boy's name.

[littleorphanarry]

I know it's a boy's name. That's why I had to use it for a while. [Frowning.] She laughs every time she thinks of it. Are all muns like this?

[wargwalker]

I don't know. My mun usually leaves me alone. [pause oh wait] Except now she thinks your name is funny too.

[littleorphanarry]

[grumble Others take them both grumble] You're lucky. This one's stupid and wants to take me to a place where my soul will get ripped out and turned into an animal! [It'd be exciting if it wasn't for that whole ripping out part.]

[wargwalker]

[being stark is suffering] Your soul? But wouldn't that leave you... [zombified, or worse...] You'll still be alive, right?

[littleorphanarry]

You're only supposed to be abed for a few days after it happens.

[wargwalker]

Oh. [obvious relief. though he can only imagine how Arya, with her impatience and her energy, would like being confined to a bed for more than a day]

...Do you know how your soul will look like?

[littleorphanarry]

[Pray for those poor nurses, Bran. Pray for them.]

No, it's supposed to change. [A slight pause.] I hope it looks like Nymeria though.