Hey quick note I meant to say this is set 2 1/2 before the start of the show not 3. Shout out to Xenolov who's my co-author at this point.
Disclaimer I don't own neither Game of Thrones or Naruto.
The Lady of Ice Ch. 2
One month later
Not much had changed in Winterfell, other than the new comer Haku Yuki helping out Maester Luwin.
If Haku was honest with herself, she loved her new job. It was simple, yet fulfilling. She had a nice place to sleep, and she had three meals a day. It was a definite improvement from when she and Zabuza used to run from the hunter-nins and stay at random places, constantly watching their backs.
She got a tour of Winterfell on her second day. It was a massive castle, bigger than anything she had ever seen or heard about. Her favorite place though was the Godswood. It was just so peaceful there and she loved the area. In his freetime Maester Luwin taught her about the current situation of the Seven Kingdoms, may it be political, economical or social.
So far she had already learned about the conquest of the Seven Kingdoms by Aegon Targaryen known as Aegon The Conqueror. The man who with his two sisters forged a kingdom, made the Iron Throne, and a dynasty that lasted 300 years.
She was surprised to learn of the practice of marrying brother to sister. She could not imagine having to marry her own brother. It made her shudder when she learned that.
She learned of the events that lead to the Targaryen downfall. The kidnapping of Eddard's sister, Lyanna Stark, by Rhaegar Targaryen. Which caused Brandon Stark, and Richard Stark, Eddard's brother and father respectively, to ride to King's Landing, and demand her release. Enraged, the Mad King burned Rickard alive in his armor. Meanwhile Brandon had a noose tied around his neck, with his sword just out of reach. He ended up strangling himself trying to set his father free. After learning about that she wasn't surprised there was a rebellion.
Then she learned about Tywin Lannister's trickery who waited till the last minute to enter the war to see who would win. Who sent his most trusted and vicious bannermen to kill the royal family. She was horrified to learn about what had happened at King's Landing, raping, looting, and wholesale slaughtering.
Even more shocking was how the royal family died. Starting with the Mad King who was killed by a member of his Kingsguard, Jamie Lannister. She noticed the spiteful tone Luwin had used when talking about Jamie.
"He swore a sacred oath to protect his King and broke it." Was the only response that Luwin gave when she inquired about his hostility towards the Lannister.
Haku did not judge Jamie on his action. There are always two sides to every story. As a kunoichi, she was well aware of the fact that a scenario like this may have completely different reasoning and circumstances behind it rather than what was on the surface. Besides Zabuza made the same oath to the Fourth Mizukage who ordered the slaughtering of all kekkei genkai clans.
Ella Martell and her baby boy Aegon were butchered by Gregor Glegane and Rhaenys Targaryen was killed by Amory Lorch.
In return for this information she shared everything she knew about the elemental nations expect about chakra. She explained the Warring States Period which lasted for centuries, or perhaps more. Haku was never sure about the exact timeline. Such type of documentation would be available within the village walls, but outside of that there was little chance for her to obtain any sort of detailed explanation about it. Maester Luwin was shocked to learn about a war that lasted that long.
When asked why it lasted that long, she explained as best as she could. Clan rivalries, need for resources and security along with a multitude of other reasons.
The information was followed by an explanation of how the Hidden Villages came into being starting from the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
Lord Stark sat in for a lesson about the practice of how the Lord or Lady of each these villages was appointed by a council after his or her predecessor recommended someone.. It was a very different set of ideals then what he was used to. It sounded more like a war tribe and yet the structure was similar to one of the Seven Kingdoms, with a city, a thriving economy, and noble families.
Not everything was well and good though. Haku was having a hard time adjusting to some things. Mainly the lack of electricity, indoor plumbing, and the long seasons. The electricity and plumbing was something she could live without. Often her and Zabuza would stay in the woods so she was used to the absence of it. The change of seasons though, now that was hard to adjust too. When she first learned this from Maester Luwin she was shocked to find about a land where the winters and summers lasted years instead of months.
Now we find Haku was reading a book about The Fall of Valyria in the room where Maester Luwin was trying to teach Arya, Bran, and Sansa about the house mottos, key word is trying.
"Now House Lannister's words are Hear Me Roar. Not to be confused for A Lannister Pays His Debts," Maester Luwin droned out in his lecture tone. He looked up and sighed, only Sansa was paying attention, Arya and Bran were focused on Haku wanting to know more about her.
"Arya, Bran," Maester Luwin's voice snapped brought them back to reality, "What did I just say?"
"Uh….," Arya and Bran said at the same time. Arya spoke up first "House Lannister's words A Lannister Pays his Debts. Not to be confused with Hear Me Roar."
Everybody reacted differently at the answer, Sansa gave off a condescending laugh. Maester Luwin's face was one of defeat. Haku just started giggling at the attempt to teach the lesson.
"Perhaps I should leave, Maester Luwin. I seem to be a distraction," Haku spoke with humor in her voice.
"No Lady Haku please don't leave. Maester Luwin we've been in here for so long already. May we take a break," Bran complained.
"Well what did you have in mind Bran?"
"How about Lady Haku tells a legend from her lands? And if she does we will go back to paying attention." suggested Bran with a hopeful tone in his voice.
Arya nodded agreeing with Bran's idea. Maester Luwin looked to Haku, who just flashed him a smile. "Only if Maester Luwin is okay with it."
"Fine.. These two won't pay attention unless I agree. Sansa would you like to hear Haku's tale."
Sansa looking completely disinterested at what Haku had to share. "I would rather work on my knitting skills. Like a lady should do. If you'll excuse me." Sansa left with her head held high.
"Stupid Sansa," Arma mumbled.
"Well let me tell you about the Sky Shinobi…"
The same day at night in the library
After telling the story of the Sky Shinobi to Arya and Bran, they attempted to tell her about something called The Long Night. Maester Luwin put his foot down though, and reminded them of the promise they both made.
Curious as to what The Long Night was Haku went to the library after she had finished her duties. After an hour of searching she was getting impatient looking for this book. Just then Old Nan was passing the library and Haku asked if she knew where a book about The Long Night was. Old Nan cackled with laughter pointing her to a section where children's books could be found. Thanking Old Nan she went searching for the book again. Finding it Haku made herself comfortable and started reading.
When she was finished reading, she became nervous of what she learned. Beings of frost and ice capable of raising the dead, riding giant ice spiders, and bringing a true winter. Now she knows why house Stark's words are Winter is Coming. She was certain the White Walkers were true. You don't just build a giant wall of ice, stone, and magic, 700 feet high and 300 miles wide for no reason. Plus where she came from people could harness the elements, summon giant animals, and destroying buildings with a single punch along with performing many more impossible feats of nature.
"If Eddard truly believes in the White Walkers then I could be in serious trouble given my kekkei genkai," Haku mused to herself quietly.
Haku was planning to tell the truth about herself to the Starks but now she wasn't so sure. There was no telling how they would react to her kekkei genkai. They could either accept her or try to kill her like her father did.
All this worrying was giving her a headache, she needed to meditate. Nevertheless, she knew just the place to go to, the Godswood. At that exact moment Jon Snow was at the same place.
Earlier with Jon Snow
It was another sleepless night for Jon. Most of the time it was caused by Catelyn being more foul towards him then she usually is. Now though his thoughts were plagued by Haku. Most men would be focused on her looks (which he had to agree were beautiful) he was more interested in her eyes. They held a great deal of sadness. She was good at covering it up, though he could pick up hints about her mood and feelings. It was a much needed skill when it came to being a bastard. Whenever his father embraced his children or when Catelyn did, she would gaze longingly at them. Perhaps she also wanted someone to be there for her, to shower her with love and acknowledgement.
After some more tossing and turning Jon stood up from his bed. He needed to clear his head, the Godswood was just the place to do it. Bundling himself up he exited his room and swiftly made his way to his destination.
With Haku
Someone was already here at the Godswood, the newly made footprints were proof. Haku made her way slowly from a distance. 'Who else would seek the Godswood at this time I wonder.' Right in front of her, 10 feet away with his back facing her, was Jon Snow. He was just staring at the pond. He looked kind of sad, not that she blamed him. She had seen the way people treated him, all for being a bastard. Something that was out his control.
She thought about leaving but he looked like he could use the company.
"Hello Jon."
Jon's head snapped around at the voice calling his name. There standing behind him was Haku. He didn't even hear her approach. Either she was that quiet, or he was so far into his own thoughts that he didn't notice.
"Haku! I-I mean Lady Haku, what are you doing here at this time of day?" Now that he was over the shock of being surprised of her arrival, Jon gazed at her clothing in horror. These type of clothes were only fit for the southern weather, not that he could talk from experience but it was a matter of common sense. What was she thinking wearing such clothing in this type of weather?! "Look at yourself, you must be freezing. Here take my cloak."
Before Jon could take it off, Haku held up her hand making him pause. "I have no need for your cloak. The weather does not bother me as much." Shooting her an incredulous look and speculative glance, he took her word for it, though he still looked unconvinced and was hesitant to obey, "And please, call me Haku. We're not in a formal gathering after all. As for me being here, I could ask you the same thing.."
"As you wish.. Haku," Jon averted his eyes from her gaze, finding the ground surprisingly more interesting to look at, "I came here to clear my mind."
Haku stared at him for a moment before softly chuckling "This place is really something, isn't it? Everybody and anybody can come here to clear their minds of worry and detach themselves from their worldly worries. This sanctuary offers a type of peace that is often rare to achieve anywhere else. A prime spot for meditation."
Jon couldn't agree more with her wording. From childhood up till today and hopefully for the rest of his life, Jon always found solace in these woods, "Meditation?" The definition of word escaped him.
"Mediation is an old practice where I come from that focuses on freeing one's mind from all agitation. The result is a calming sensation and achieving peace and contentment with one's self and state of mind."
Jon had a highly sceptical look on his face, not believing this so called mediation could bring peace to one's self, but who was he to judge? Perhaps what she was saying was true. Only time and experience would tell, "Well Haku, I shall leave you be." With that Jon stood up intent on making his way back to his room.
"Please, you do not need to leave just because of me. Feel free to stay for as long as you want, I do not mind," A mischievous glint crossed her eyes, "Besides, I need some to watch me as I meditate to make sure I'm safe." Haku put on her best smile to try and convince him to stay. He was nervous, that much she could tell. But she knew he would be a pleasant company to have once he got past his inherent nervousness. Plus, she needed some at the moment. And what better way to make him stay than to appear as a fragile little girl. "As far as he knows. He has no idea sitting next to him is a trained killer."
Jon felt himself blush when Haku smiled at him.
"People talk about things they barely know about. I don't doubt about the fact that rumours will spread if someone sees us. I for one would like to not be at the center of them." He confessed.
"There's no need to worry, it's quite alright. We're just going to sit here and relax."
Debating with himself on whether to stay or not, he glanced upwards towards the sky. With curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to stay. Sitting down on a log and making himself comfortable, he gazed towards her once more.
Haku only nodded in silence as a thanks before getting into a familiar meditative position once seated on the ground. Soon enough, her breathing evened out.
Jon studied Haku as she continued on with her mediation. She didn't move a single muscle from what he could observe. This continued on for about half an hour before Haku opened her eyes. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes.
"Thank you for watching me and keeping company." She smiled at him causing him to nod with a small smile of his own. Though it didn't look quite as genuine as the others.
"You're welcome Haku."
"You look like you want to inquire about something. Come now, ask whatever you want, I won't bite." She giggled and winked at him before pulling her knees up to her chest and placing her chin on them.
Getting his blush under control and coughing into his hands, he continued,
"You're hiding something from everybody. People don't just come to the Godswood for no reason. Along with that, you said you meditate to ease your mind, achieve contentment and peace, drive away the agitation. I only wish to know what it is that agitates you," He paused and looked like he was reprimanding himself inside his mind, "If you wish to tell me, of
course."
Haku didn't respond to that for a minute. When she did, it was barely audible,
"Yes I am."
"Um… Why?"
"The first person that found out about my secret didn't react very well. So I'm a little afraid to tell people."
"Everybody is entitled to keep their secrets. Not everyone will react to it the same way. Unless you tell us, you'll never know." He sent her a comforting smile. Shy in nature and barely noticeable.
She looked at him like he had discovered some sort of cure to greyscale. It made him squirm in his place.
"I suppose you are correct. Thank you, Jon." She reached out and squeezed his hand with her own. They were a bit callused, showing that she did infact do some work rather than sit and sew all day long.
"I do have one more question though."
"What is it?"
"Why me? Why tell me this? When you know that I could go straight to my father and tell him of our conversation."
Haku opened her mouth to respond but then closed it. 'Why am I confining in Jon? Was it because I recognized him as someone who has endured hardship for all there life, just like Naruto, or is it because of a deeper…" Haku immediately stopped that train of thought.
"I only wanted to talk to someone that understands hardship. From what I've observed you've dealt with being ridiculed your whole life because of something out of your control. The whole castle looks down on you except for a few people. That's heavy weight for one to bear."
Jon narrowed his eyes in skepticism. What did she know of hardship?
"What do you know of hardship?" Disbelief was clear in his voice.
That's when the kind girl Jon had know for the past month disappeared and was replaced by something different. Her tone had a nasty edge to it and her glare was worst than Catelyn's. Jon knew that he had crossed some sort of limit. It wasn't his most wisest moment.
"Don't assume anything about me, Jon. I've endured a lot more than you think. You've no idea want I've been through, or what I've done."
Jon shivered at Haku's icy response. He sat there trying to think of what to say next to break the silence.
"I'm... sorry if I offended you, I didn't mean to." His head lowered in shame. He shouldn't have presumed anything about her. People always presumed nasty things about him so he should've known better than to do the same thing.
His companion huffed, "It's okay. I should have exercised more control over my emotions. Just forget about it… please?"
An uncomfortable silence followed neither seemed willing to strike up a new topic. Not willing to bare the silence any longer, Jon brought up a topic he learned from Arya and Bran.
"You know your story of the Sky Shinobi was quite fascinating."
"Oh? Truly? You found it fascinating?" Haku was surprised by this. She did not think Jon would find it intriguing when he could possibly have heard about the tales of the White Walkers. Or it could be that he just wanted the conversation to flow like before.
"Yes, Arya and Bran wouldn't stop talking about it. They chased me down as soon as they were done with supper and told me all about the Sky Shinobi. As they explained them, they were constantly flapping their arms around trying to imitate a bird, I believe. It was quite amusing to watch."
Haku chuckled alongside him, picturing Arya and Bran flapping their arms. One thing Jon said caught her attention. "Why did you not sup with them tonight like the first night I did?"
Jon face showed bitterness at her question."I'm not meant to sup with them on any occasion. I was only allowed that one day because I found you first. Lord Stark thought it would be appropriate for me to be there."
"I see. I'm sorry that you can't sup with your siblings." She frowned.
"It's quite alright, I'm used to it." Jon released a huff of air showing his annoyance at being the Bastard of Winterfell and the dour mood that came with it.
It got quiet after that, though they both were comfortable in each others company unlike before. They sat there till the moon started coming up, observing nature around them as peaceful calm enveloped them. It was getting late though and they had to return to bed soon but Jon had one more question he wanted to ask. It didn't help that he was nervous again.
"Haku."
"Yes."
Jon swallowed the lump developing in his throat to calm himself down. "Did you have anyone that was close to you from your homeland?"
Haku was surprised at Jon's rather direct question. She wasn't sure how to answer, so she decided to see if she could get him to laugh a little "Yes, he and I were very close. I had known him for many years."
"What was he like?"
"He was cute and funny," Jon could hear the fondness in her voice and it made him a little jealous.
"And his name?"
"Fluffy," Haku was smirking at Jon, waiting for his reaction.
"Well Haku he sounds like a ni-wait did you just Fluffy?"
"Yes Jon, he was my pet bunny. Sadly, I lost him awhile back."
Jon was gobsmacked at Haku's response. Then he saw her smirk and realized she was messing with him. That's when he did something he hadn't done in a long time, he laughed and Haku was doing the same.
"That was a good one, Haku."
"Um hm, you should do that more though." She smiled at him
"Do what more?"
"Laugh and smile. You look more handsome when you do," Haku said with her head tilted.
His face flushed at Haku's statement. After a few seconds he managed to form a response. "I'll try Haku."
"That's all that I ask." It's best if we go to bed right about now..
"It was nice talking to you, Jon. Perhaps it is best if we go to bed, it has gotten a bit late after all."
Jon silently agreed and started getting up, Haku did the same. The pair walked back to Winterfell quickly and as quiet as possible. Before the two parted ways they turned towards each other. Jon could admit to himself that Haku's intense gaze felt like it was piercing through his soul.
"Jon," Haku said as a she lifted her hand to his cheek. Jon felt like fire was spreading from where Haku touched him., for Haku it felt like electricity.
"Y-Yes?."
"Thank you for the company, goodnight," Haku said it quickly and walked away fast to her room.
Jon stood there in shock at what he just experienced. That's when heard footsteps and voices approaching him and he immediately made his way to his room.
In Haku's Room
Haku laid in her bed thinking about she just experienced, she had never had any close interaction with the opposite sex. This feeling was weird for her to experience and it made her cheeks turn pink. She shook her head to get rid of such thoughts. If she kept this up she would be up all night she needed a distraction and she knew just thing to do it. It was to late to head back to the Godswood so she decided to do some reading.
Leaving her bed she made her way to her desk. Lord Stark had given it to her so that she could have a place to read before she went to bed. Setting up some candles to give proper light, she rolled up her sleeve and touched one of her storage seals. With a poof of smoke four books were revealed. The first one was about sealing detailing basic, intermediate, and advanced styles. The second one was about Mystic Healing Palm. The third was about the intricacies of water chakra. The fourth was about developing and controlling wind chakra and its various advantages.
Haku had got them off a group of Kirigakure hunter nin that had tracked her and Zabuza down. It was a tough fight, five against two. After the battle there was one survivor that Haku had pleaded for her life stating the battle was over so there was no need to kill her. Zabuza would have none of it though, he said if we let her go she would tell the Mizukage, and so Zabuza killed her. These books were salvaged from the fight. All these books were very hard to find unless you lived in a shinobi village. Zabuza said why waste the opportunity to learn new things so Haku kept them.
She would read for one hour and head to bed. Hopefully, by then her mind would be distracted from Jon, picking up Mystic Healing Palm she started reading.
Tomorrow Morning in the Tilt Yard
It was close to midday and the boys were getting some morning practice in before they started their lessons.
Bran was watching what was happening in front of him in shock. Robb was beating Jon, that never happens. It's always Jon who won the sword fights. 'Why is he losing?'
Jon clumsily blocked Robb's strike from the left. Robb followed with a strike from the right but Jon's footing was wrong. Robb saw the mistake and shoved Jon who lost his balance and fell on his back.
Jon closed his eyes and sighed he knew why he lost. He was tired, he couldn't sleep last night. All he could think about was Haku. Last night was the first time he could remember in a long time that he laughed and smiled. Her smile, her laugh, and her touch, these things kept going through his mind.
Jon faintly heard someone say his name and opened his eyes. Robb was looking at him with worry in his eyes.
"Jon, did you hear me? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Robb. I just didn't get much sleep last night." Jon sighed as signs of exhaustion started to show themselves once the adrenaline had worn off.
"Why?"
Jon's face flushed heavily, thankfully it was covered up by his heavy breathing.
"No reason, I just couldn't sleep," Jon said quickly.
Robb had a suspicious look on his face from Jon's answer, but decided not to push it. Offering his hand he helped Jon up from the ground. Taking Robb's hand Jon heaved himself up.
"Would you look at that! The bastard lost a sword fight! Never thought I would see the day it finally happened." Theon remarked with a sneer.
Jon had a scowl on his face at Theon's remark. Robb shot at a glare at the ward who just chuckled and held up his hands in an innocent manner. Just then Arya came running around from the corner as fast as her tiny legs could handle. She turned her head behind her to see if anybody was following her. In doing so she failed to notice the rock in her way which caused her to trip and fall face first into the dirt. All the boys laughed out loud at her falling. Arya felt like her face was on fire from the laughter. Septa Mordane came from around the same corner as Arya, her cheeks were flushed from jogging.
"Arya Stark! Get back here this instant, you have lessons to attend!"
Arya looked up from the ground for any help to escape her lessons, none of them looked willing to help her sadly. That's when she made eye contact with Jon and saw his resistance crumble. She knew he would get her out of her lessons. Septa Mordane stepped forward to grab Arya and take her back to her lesson. Jon stepped forward to help Arya up. He cleared his throat to get Septa Mordane's attention.
"Septa Mordane."
"Yes, Jon Snow," Septa Mordane emphasised the Snow part. Jon clenched his fist in anger, she had always despised him. Mostly likely because of her religion that states bastards are the ultimate sin.
"I believe Arya hurt herself falling down and needs to be taken to Maester Luwin."
Arya nodded her head, watered up her eyes and rubbed her arm to try and convey her story. The Septa continued to glare heatedly at Jon before finally conceding.
"Fine, just bring her back as soon as possible."
With that said, Septa Mordane turned around to go back to the other girls. As she walked away Arya stuck out her tongue.
"Come now, Arya, we best hurry," Jon started making his way to Maester Luwin's office with Arya right behind him. They made their way towards the Maester's office, talking about trivial things to keep their attention.
Just as Jon reached for the door handle, it was opened from the other side by Haku Yuki. He froze for a second thinking back to last night, he was not prepared to face her so soon. He realized his foolishness at coming to the Maester's Room. Haku was usually in the Maester's room at this time of the day performing her duties as required.
"Hak- I mean Lady Haku...um.. good morning." Jon coughed in his hand showing his nervousness. Haku noticed his behavior and tried not to laugh. Arya meanwhile was watching her brothers face with a curious look in her eyes. In all her years she could remember, she had never seen Jon act this way.
Before she could ask Jon what was wrong, he elbowed her and started pointing to Haku who had an amused smile on her face.
"I said what are you doing here?"
"Oh right I fell and hit my elbow." Arya held up her arm showing her new scrap that had dirt on it.
"Well let's get you checked out then." Haku stepped aside inviting them in. Arya walked inside with Jon following her and Haku closed the door behind him.
"Up on the table I'll be back in moment." Haku turned around disappearing to back room. Arya jumped up on the table stared out the window and started daydreaming.
Jon meanwhile started surveying the room. From what he remembered Maester Luwin's room had always been in chaos. Random things just laying around, no real order, at least from what he could tell. Maester Luwin though always claimed that he could find whatever he needed anywhere.
Now though at least one third of the room was neatly organized. Everything was in order, there wasn't any junk laying around and it was very clean. In the corner there was a pile of books on a desk. He assumed it must be Haku's desk, judging by the neatness. That's when he noticed a piece of paper on her desk that had some very strange writing scribbled on it. Jon stepped closer to get a better look. Just as he was about to reach for it he heard Haku's voice.
"Sorry about that I needed to find the disinfectant." Haku took a seat in front of Arya.
"It's fine Haku, the more time you take the less time I have to spend with Septa Mordane." Arya spoke with happiness completely forgetting her manners.
Haku shook her head at Arya's behavior as she cleaned her wound.
"Lady Haku where's Maester Luwim at?" Jon inquired.
"He's currently tending to the ravens."
Jon nodded his head his questioned answered.
"I'm assuming you got this from running."
"She fell face first into the ground while running away from Septa Mordane," Jon blurted out with humor in his voice.
Arya's face went beet red at what Jon said. She turned to shot him a glare, but it had little effect given her face and that she was still a child, Haku chuckled at Arya's actions. 'Arya is very much like Naruto, always smiling, laughing, and being loud…' Thinking about Naruto made Haku sad knowing she would never see him again or her homeland. While Haku was going down memory lane, Jon and Arya noticed Haku was becoming sad. She was still taking care of Arya's wound but it looked like she was doing it subconsciously. Finally it became too much so Arya grabbed Haku's shoulder and shook her.
"What?" Haku questioned not aware she had spaced out on them.
"You just got really quiet all of a sudden, Lady Haku. Are you okay?" Jon asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, just revisiting old memories," finished now with Arya's wound, Haku stood back up to put the supplies away. "There! All done now," She walked away, storing the supplies in the back room.
"Thanks Haku!" Arya exclaimed jumping off the table.
"Arya, why did you run away from your lessons?" Haku called from the back room.
Arya's face turned into a snarl "Because those lessons are stupid. I don't want to learn how to knit or be like a lady. I want to learn how to fight, go on adventures, and be a warrior."
Jon shook his head at his half sister's outburst. He waited for Haku to laugh at her. Instead he didn't hear her laugh when she came back she had a neutral face, "I see," Haku turned to Jon, "Jon, do you mind stepping out for a little bit? I would like to talk to Arya alone," The tone she used told him that she wouldn't no for an answer.
Jon mulled it over for a little bit but decided to comply with her request, besides she could be trusted. With that Jon made his way out of the room. Now it was just Arya and Haku in the room. Arya was a little nervous not knowing why Haku wanted talk to her alone, which caused her to stare at her feet.
"Arya, I want you to look at me."
Arya slowly raised her head to look at Haku's face and gasped instead of the kind and caring face she was used to it, she was now sporting a mean look on it.
"Arya, do you know what your life would be like if you weren't born into a royal family?"
"Um no," she answered. She had no idea where Haku was going with this. It was quite nerve wracking too because her tone had a hard edge to it. "You would have to scrap by everyday just to eat. You would work in the field day in day out. Some days you would have to go to bed hungry. Or you could end up in that place Theon always visits." Arya at this point looked away, not being able to maintain eye contact. Her parents had never talked to her like this before, they were always kind and sometimes stern. Haku grabbed her chin to make her look at her. Looking back at Haku's face again caused Arya's eyes to start watering up. "But here Arya, you get to eat plenty, you're surround by people that love you, you're safe, and you don't have to work everyday just to get by."
At this point Arya started sniffling, Haku handed her a towel so she could dry her tears.
"I'm sorry to make you sad, but it's time you face the hard truth that in this society you have to play the hand you're dealt. Don't take anything for granted. Learn to appreciate little things that you are provided with," Haku paused and exhaled, "I'm not saying you need to give up on being a warrior, but please, don't behave as if these lessons or Septa Mordane's pestering is just for show, she does always try her best to impart her skills upon you. Don't dishearten or make her life a living hell by ditching these lessons. Besides if you got really good at your knitting think of how annoyed Sansa would get."
"Okay, I understand." Arya mumbled, she did find it amusing to thinking about Sansa's annoyed face.
"I'll make you a deal, Arya," The older girl sent her young companion a soft smile, "If you agree you behave more. I'll show you how to do acupuncture."
Arya's face lit up and had the biggest grin possible, "Really?" The little girl was excited beyond measure.
Ever since she first saw Haku perform acupuncture, she was fascinated by it.
"Yes, but you have to swear to me you'll behave from now on, and not tell your mother."
"I swear on my honor as a Stark. I'll do as you ask." promised Arya with her head held high.
"Okay then.. run along now. Tomorrow, we'll start with the basics. Right now I've got some tasks to do, and duties to fulfil."
"Okay Haku!" Arya exclaimed as she moved towards the door. When she opened the she saw Jon dozing off against the wall, "JON!"
Arya's voice snapped him awake immediately. "Arya, what's wrong?" His head spun around looking for the danger.
"Nothing... you just dozed off against the wall. What's wrong with you?"
Jon blushed thinking about him and Haku's late night together. "I just didn't sleep too well last night."
Arya noticed his blush, "Why?"
"Umm…. I just... didn't, okay? Come, I've got to take you back to Septa Mordane."
Arya thought about pushing for answers but decided to let it go. Besides, she made a promise to Haku to start behaving better. Silently shrugging, she started walking down the hallway towards the corner with Jon following her. Jon was a little shocked at Arya's willingness to go back to Septa Mordane. Something must've happened in the room with Haku.
"Jon, what do you think of Haku?" Arya stopped just as they turned the corner.
Though instead of answering, Jon fired off a question of his own since he didn't have a clear opinion to give.
"Why the curiosity?" He raised his eyebrows as he gazed down at her.
Arya didn't speak for a few seconds, but when she did her voice didn't have the same joyful tone. "It's just that Haku told me some hard truths. It makes me wonder what she's been through. So I wanted your opinion."
"Haku…. I think…. is a very hard person to understand. Deep down though I know she's a good person. She maybe hiding something. What it is? I don't know. She's also very beaut-," Jon stopped talking, realizing he was about to ramble on. Unfortunately for Jon, Arya knew what he was going to say.
"You think she's beautiful." Arya had a teasing grin on her face.
"No I mean-."
"Don't try to deny it. I heard you." Jon's face was on fire at this point. "Jon likes Haku," Arya was yelling out in a sing song voice as she made her way back to Septa Mordane. Jon, who was too embarrassed to respond, tried ignoring Arya's teasing.
What neither of them knew was that Haku eavesdropped on their conversation. She was actually blushing a little when she heard that Jon thought of her as beautiful. 'Maybe I will stay here and try to find the peace in life I've always wanted."
It was a good thing that she decided to stay, for who knows what would come in the future. Best to have an extra pair of helping hands.