AN- Hey guys, another chapter here, and I want to thank you. Also, even though my knowlee of the book series is limited, I will say that the Needle Arya uses in this fic looks like the book one. (Look for it at Valaryian ) Anyways, on with the fic!
Diplomacy and Shows of Force
Arya had been traveling with her men for around a week. It had been rather dull for the most part, except for a few days back, when they discovered quite an atrocity.
Flahback- Arya and her men were making good time, as she chatted idly with Rodrick. They swapped stories of their homes, of the families they missed. As the reminisced, they came upon a terrible site, three women, hanging by their necks, dead. Arya stopped, and observed them for a second.
"You two, cut them down and bury them" She said with an authoritative voice. The men did as she commanded, and three went to cut them down, while four others began to dig holes. As they did so, three soldiers appeared, all Stark men, and, after seeing Arya, kneeled
"My lady" one said, as Arya got of her horse and walked over to them.
"Why did you do this?" She asked, looking the men up and down for a hint of guilt, and got none.
"Because they were stupid tavern wenches that slept with Lannisters" Another one said, getting nods from the others. Arya looked pack at her men, and gave a look they all understood.
"Tell me, were their deaths quick?" She asked, hoping for them to have something redeeming.
"Two were" The last man said, laughing causing his companions to smirk. Arya sighed, before quickly drawing her sword and slashing the back of the last man's leg, getting a scream from him. Before the other two could react, Arya's men had cut them down. Arya hovered over the final man,who was alive but in pain.
"Two quick deaths, one slow one" She said, pushing the sword slowly into his gut, before pulling it out and cleaning it off. She then mounted her horse as the men finished burying the girls.
Flashback End- Arya was finally broken from her thoughts as she made her way over a hill and saw her destination. A small Lannister camp, the Lion's den, where she would have to deal with those who would think her a foolish little girl. She smirked as she had a mischievous idea.
"Men, raise the banners, and lets give them a show" She said, as her men raised the Stark symbol, and they followed her, as she charged down towards the camp. Arya smirked as she barreled into camp, causing men to have to duck and move out of her way. She finally stopped in front of the largest tent, and saw Tyrion Lannister, and his bodyguard Bronn standing with completely shocked faces. After Arya dismounted, she walked forward and gave Tyrion a subtle nod.
"Lord Tyrion" She said, flashing a wolfish grin. Tyrion pulled himself out of his stupor.
"Lady Arya, I would assume?" He said, getting a nod from Arya. He then led her into the tent, accompanied by Lord Gregor ,and saw that it was very well put together. A large table at the center, with a seat marked for all the houses that would be showing up. Stark, Baratheon, Greyjoy and Lannister. Arya took her seat, as Tyrion did as well. She was between Baratheon and Lannister.
"So, when should the rest of our little group be here?" Arya asked, taking a small sip from the wine that was set in front of her. Tyrion also drank some wine, before answering.
"They should be hear soon, and forgive me for saying, but you were the last person I expected to be here." Tyrion said, getting a chuckle from Arya.
"That was part of the point, Lord Tyrion " Arya said, making him smirk. As they bantered and chatted, they heard more horses as their other guests arrived. Stannis Baratheon(accompanied by Davos), and Yara Greyjoy(accompanied by some Greyjoy guard). Stannis looked Arya over for a second.
"You, you are Ned Stark's youngest daughter, right?" He said, getting a nod from Arya. "Then you have my condolences, your father was a great man" He said, getting an appreciative smile from her. Yara said nothing, but did make a mental note of Arya, and her appearance.
"Well now that were all here, let us get underway." Tyrion said, as the others nodded. Stannis immediately cleared his throat to speak.
"I want one thing, the Iron Throne, give it to me and..." He said before Arya cut him off, by taking her dagger and burying it into an insect crawling on the table. The guards all tensed, and all eyes were on her.
"This bug, is these peace talks, and if you start by demanding the throne, it will be like this" She said pointing at the insect, before pulling he knife out of it and flicking it away.
"How about we start small, such as prisoner exchange?" Tyrion said, trying to alleviate the tension.
"Fine" Stannis relents after a few moments of silence. Yara now speaks up.
"Our wants are simple, we want Theon Greyjoy back." Yara says, turning and glaring at Arya. Arya never broke eye contact, even as she sipped her wine.
"Well, I would give him back for Bran and Rickon Stark, but the problem is, we don't have him, and you don't have them." Arya said, as Yara's eyes widen at the information that her brother had escaped.
As this conversation went on, Stannis and Tyrion had agreed on a prisoner exchange.
"Now, we can get down to the main course" Arya said, turning to Tyrion., who sighed.
"Fine, we want my brother Jaime Lannister back." Tyrion said, getting to the point. Arya smirked.
"Ah, the honorable Kingslayer, I visited him in his cell, you know? And he was such a noble man, trying to murder me so he can escape" Arya said, getting a guilty look from Tyrion. "Ah but don't worry, he was in good health, in the North we treat prisoners well, unlike how you do" She says, pulling up he bandages and revealing her eye to those at the table, who were all sickened on some level "Anyways, not the point, I suppose you want to know what I want for him?" Arya said.
"Just tell me your demands" Tyrion said.
"Well, first, I want my sister, Sansa, back. Also I want my father, and all his men's remains returned for proper burial. I also want our family sword, Ice, returned. Last I want Syrio Forrel's remains given to us, so we can send them to Braavos."Arya said, finishing her demands. Tyrion mulls these demands over, before answering.
"Well, I would agree, but a head's up Syrio Forrel is alive, and our prisoner. You can have him, that is if we have a deal." Tyrion said, extending his hand. Arya smiled, and shook grasped his hand, shaking it.
"Deal" She says, then releases his hand and turns to the others to continue talking, when a man rushes in.
"My Lords and Ladies, king Joffrey is here!" He says, causing all of them to stand and run out of the tent, and see none other than Joffrey, flanked on his left by Sandor Clegane , and his right by Meryn Trant. Behind them are a few kingsguard members, and as Joffrey dismounts, Arya sees what was right behind him. Sansa Stark. Her heart skips a beat, as the two look at each other.
"Sister." Sansa mumbles, as Sandor helps her climb down. Joffrey looks over the group assembled , scowling.
"Well? Has my useless uncle made you all agree to bend the knee yet?" Joffery says, getting glares from Stannis, Arya and Yara.
"Your grace, we have just agreed to a prisoner exchange, to get back your uncle Jaime" Tyrion says, getting a scoff from Stannis at the word "uncle".
"Well, what are the terms?" Joffrey asks impatiently. Tyrion repeats the deal, and Joffrey becomes livid.
"These terms are unacceptable! There will be no trade!" He yells as he turns to storm off, only for Arya to stop him.
"Joffrey, what if I told you there was a way, that no matter what, you can get the Kingslayer back no matter what?" She says, getting his attention as he turns around.
"Well, speak girl" He says, as she sighs.
"Its quite simple, I challenge you to a duel, if I win, we go forward with I and Lord Tyrion's agreement, if I loose, you gt the Kingslayer, no strings attached, as well as me." Arya says, shocking everyone, including her own bannermen. Joffrey contemplates for a few moments before Arya speaks.
"How about, to sweeten the deal, I promise you shall not be harmed, as it is first to disarm the other" She says, dispersing his fears as he smiles smugly.
"Deal, but this time, there won't be any dire wolf to save you, Stark bitch" He says. Arya smirks, having played him for a fool. A large circle of men had been formed around the two of them. Arya had unsheathed Needle, and Joffrey had pulled his sword out. Arya took her bandages off, disgusting many present, and put on her bandana on and pulled part of it over her eye.
"I call it Heart Eater, and after I win, I will feed your heart to it, in front of your dearest sister." Joffrey said mockingly, getting into a poorly executed stance, as Arya slipped into her water dance form. All those who were watching that were a decent swordsman could tell that Joffrey had little chance.
Tyrion became the two, and raised his hand.
"And, begin!" he shouted, backing out of the circle. Joffrey charged at Arya, throwing undisciplined attacks at her. Arya parried and ducked under them with ease. She smirked, as when she blocked one of his attacks, not even moving an inch as he struck with all his might.
" Is that the best you got? You strike like a little fawn " She said, enraging him as he slashed at her with all he had. She decided that the fight had gone on long enough. She went the offensive, careful to keep her word and not hurt him. As she struck at him she saw his grip on his sword loosen, and went for the kill (metaphorically, of course). With a quick flick of the wrist, she knocked the sword from his grasp, causing him to fall back onto his rear end. He looked up in shock as she smirked and sheathed Needle. She turned just in time to see Sansa charging at her, glomping her in a hug. Arya returned the hug, happy to have her sister back.
"Welcome back, Sansa" Arya said, looking at her sister, tears in both their eyes. Arya then saw past her, and her eye widened, as she saw Meryn Trant charging at her. She pushed Sansa to one side, and barely managed to dodge a swing from the knights long sword. She fell to the ground after loosing her balance, but before Trant could swing again, a massive hand grabbed his sword hand. He looked back and saw the hound, with his fist cocked.
" Knights shouldn't hit ladies" He said before decking Ser Meryn in the face, knocking him out cold. Arya and Sansa stood up and both thanked him, when an idea popped into Arya's head.
"Hey, Sandor, how about you come with us, since we could use a man like you, and Joffrey won't be too happy after you saved me." Arya said, getting a thoughtful look from the hound.
"Fine, I'll go, but only of I get a shot at my brother before anyone else does."he said, getting a nod from Arya. They then mounted their horses, and rode off back to Robb's camp.
1 Week later- Arya and the others had arrived at the camp, and Robb and Catlyn embraced Sansa. Arya and Sansa began to tell them what had happened. Robb and his bannermen laughed at the idea of Joffrey being humiliated. Catlyn smiled, but was concerned for her daughters safety. She kept her thoughts to herself, because she was already on thin ice with with Robb, and didn't want to alienate her daughter as well.
That night, as Arya was walking to her tent, the men all cheered as she walked past, and congratulated her. "The Untammed Wolf!" They chanted. Arya smiled at their compliments, imagining this must be how Robb must have felt when his bannermen declared him King in the North. As she walked, she found Sansa at her tent, and walked up to her.
"Hello Sansa" She said, getting her sister's attention.
"Oh there you are Arya, I just wanted to say thank you again" Sansa said, getting a smile from Arya.
"It's what sisters are for" Arya said, hugging Sansa, who returned the gesture.
"Also, do you know where Robb is? I have some important letters I took before I left with Joffrey. I thought Robb would be at the meeting, so I was gonna slip them to him" Sansa said, getting a nod from Arya as she led her to Robb.
"What are they about?" Arya asked, as Sansa pulled one out.
" Daenerys Targaryen" Sansa said.
Meanwhile, in Kings Landing- A small council meeting was being held. Cersei was heading it, Little finger, Varys and Pycelle were present. As they were discussing minor affairs, Tyrion and Joffrey walked in, the later fuming.
"Well, what happened at the meeting?" Cersei asked.
"Our wise king decided, after I had a done deal, to fight Arya Stark in one on one combat. Not only did he loose, but afterwards, Ser Meryn attempted to attack her. The Hound stopped them, and ended up leaving with them." Tyrion said. The entire council looked shocked by the news.
"It wasn't my fault! The wolf bitch had to have cheated!" Joffrey said, only for Tyrion to scoff.
"The girl one fair and square, and all of our enemies saw it to" Tyrion said, as Joffrey began to throw things around. Cersei took a sip of wine before speaking.
"What else did we loose?" she asked, fearful of the answer.
"Well besides the hound and a lot of fear and respect, Sansa Stark, the Stark family sword, Syrio Forrel, and Ned Stark's body, though the latter I don't mind." Tyrion said downing wine.
"What about Jaime?" Cersei said. Tyrion put his cup down.
"Before the fight Arya agreed to return him no matter what, and if the Starks still place value in honor, they will follow through" Tyrion said, getting a sigh of relief from the Queen.
"I am afraid that is not all, my Lord" Varys said. Everyone turned to face him.
"What do you mean?" Joffrey yelled.
"Before you left with Sansa, I found her in the hallways near my quarters. I thought nothing of it, but now I know that some letters filled with important information were stolen, most likely by her" He said, as everyone leaned in.
"What were they about?" Tyrion asked.
"They were about Daenerys Targaryen, and her dragons" Varys said, getting a gasp from everyone.
At The Wall- Jon Snow was sitting by the fire reading a letter form his brother. It said that their little sister Arya had been found, injured but alive, and at the time of the writing, she was going to represent the house at peace talks. Jon was broken from his reading when his friend Sam ran in.
"What is it Sam?" Jon asked
"Jon, its news about your sister. They say that at the peace talks she dueled King Joffrey" Sam said, causing Jon to stand up.
"What?" He said, surprised by the information.
"They say she beat him with ease, but spared his life because she promised to before they fought." Sam said, and Jon looked back at the letter before smiling.
"That's Arya, she was always a fighter" Jon says, before grabbing a piece of paper out and a pen.
"Sam, mind helping me write a letter to my family?" He asked, and Sam nodded and went to help him.
Meereen- Daenerys was in her throne room, her closest adviser Ser Jorah standing next to her, listening to the last of the problems her people brought before her. A simple bandit raid had happened in a small village. She dispersed 40 unsullied to deal with it. As the farmer left, Ser Barristan Selmy walked in.
"My queen, news from Westeros. It seems that the civil war there has gone to new heights. It seems, that at the peace talks, young Arya Stark defeated Joffrey Baratheon in single combat, but spared the boy' life." Barristan said, getting Dany's attention.
"Interesting, you said young, how old is she, and him as well." She asked, and Barristan thought for a second.
"Well, the boy would be 17, and she has to be only around 13 or 14" He said, getting a nod from her.
"Well, this is all good information, but why does it matter?" She asked.
"My queen, Arya's brother Robb claims to be King of the North, he does not care about the other kingdoms, or who rules them as long as they leave the North and Riverlands be." Jorah said, and Daenerys nodded and thought for a second.
"What are you two suggesting?" She asked, as the two knights looked at each other.
"My queen, you can never have enough allies, perhaps with his help, you could seize the Iron Throne" Jorah said, and Barristan nodded. Dany contemplated for a second, before standing.
"Both of you, back your bags and ready the men, I will see this King in the North myself, and maybe I can claim what is mine" Daenerys said, getting nods, and the two went off to make preparations. Daenerys walked over to a window, and stared out of it.
"Arya Stark, you seem like an interesting girl, let us hope that your brother is an interesting man" She thought, taking a sip out of a glass of wine on a nearby table.
AN- And another chapter down. A long one too. I just wanted to tell so much of the story I have planned, and this happened. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed, and please leave a review, and even if its short it will mater. Thanks!