Author's Note: Once again I want to thank everyone for reading and I hope you all enjoy this chapter too.
To jbodaneze: Thank you so much for your comment. I read it right when I was having a difficult time writing part of this chapter. You have no idea how much it inspired me to keep going.
To Jaz: I hope I updated fast enough for you :)
To my French speaking reviewer: Thank you! I'd write a response in French, but I didn't want to butcher your language. I'm happy you like the escalating tension in Arya and Theon's relationship. I've been having fun writing it.
To jean d'arc: I'm happy you are still enjoying the story. You can't get much past Tyrion… can you.
Chapter 9
Arya sat on a bench at a table in the main hall, staring lazily at one of the tapestries that depicted a dire wolf, a large, fearsome creature of legend. She had an apple in one hand that she took a bite of from time to time, but it almost seemed to be as an afterthought. Nymeria lay underneath the table, boredom seemed to claim her much the same as Arya. Arya noted earlier that at the rate her wolf had been growing, she wouldn't be able to fit under the table much longer. She wondered just how big Nymeria would get. If the tapestry was any indication, Nymeria just might grow taller then her, but she wasn't sure if the picture was accurate.
Theon sat next to her, only facing the opposite direction. His back rested against the table, his arms crossed over his chest, legs stretched out before him, one ankle crossed over the other. He looked bored. Things had been quiet in Winterfell as of late. They had heard nothing from Eddard, nor Catelyn and waiting on any information seemed like torture. Even word from Sansa would have been welcome, both Arya and Theon were worried about the oldest Stark girl and her loss.
Arya dropped the unfinished apple on the table, and turned her neck to look at Theon's profile. "Do you think it's possible for the wolves to sense their siblings?" She paused a second, "I mean even if they're miles apart?"
He turned to look back at her, and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, I guess it doesn't really seem likely, does it? It kind of seems like magic. Magic doesn't exist."
"I guess." Arya said hesitantly, almost like she didn't believe what she was saying. "I mean, I know what you say makes sense…"
"But?" Theon prodded, a smirk raising upon his lips, this line of questioning seemed to amuse him.
That did not, however, did not amuse Arya, she didn't like thinking that she was being made fun of. She gave him an annoyed clare. "Nothing, forget I even brought it up." Then turned her attention back to the tapestry.
The smirk left his face as soon as she turned away from him, knowing that he upset her. He straightened up, so that he was sitting normally. He nudged her her arm with his to get her attention. "Hey, come on now. I didn't mean anything by that. Talk to me." She scooted a little bit closer to her, and then said in a conspiratorial whisper, "I promise I'll be nice, and I won't tell anyone."
For a moment she didn't say anything, "I think Nymeria might have known when Bran fell from the tower. Or at least she must have known of Summer's distress when he fell. Nymeria was the reason I decided to go back home that day. She was so restless."
"It could be a coincidence. Or maybe she heard Summer howl," Theon responded. "Wolves have better ears then we do."
"I thought that too." Arya said, turning to face him. "But then I remember the night that Bran woke up. The wolves, all of them were excited. What if that had been the night my father was forced to kill Lady?" Her eyes were still filled with sadness every time she talked about Sansa's wolf, even though they had found out about several weeks ago. "It's possible that the time of Lady's death and the time around when Bran woke up, it could have coincided."
Theon thought on what she said for a moment. "I guess it's possible," he admitted. "For all we know direwolves really could have a mental link. They are a rare creature, I don't think they've been studied too closely. But there's no way we can tell for certain."
Arya nodded again, with a small sigh, "I guess you're right. It was a stupid idea anyway."
Theon gave her a small smile. "No, not stupid, far fetched maybe. But not stupid."
It was then then Winterfell's steward came in, followed by a man, who in stature was not much bigger then Arya and who was obviously not a native of Westeros. The steward looked at Theon and Arya with a quirked eyebrow. "Where is Lord Robb?"
"I'm right here," answered Robb entering from one of the rear doors. Grey Wind let out a small growl at the stranger in their midst. Lately the wolf seemed as over protective as Robb did. Another quirk that Arya noticed, the wolves seemed to be taking on the traits of their masters. Robb rested his hand gently on Grey Wind's neck to calm him. "Shh, it's okay." He said quietly to his wolf. Yet Robb's eyes still looked suspiciously on the foreigner.
The steward stepped forward, "my lord, this is Syrio Forel, First Sword of Braavos, he was sent by your father, he says he has a letter of introduction, but that he's been instructed to only give it to you."
Robb nodded is head and then dismissed the steward. Arya and Theon both got up to leave to give Robb the privacy he deserved to receive the letter from his father. Robb looked up at the two of them. "It's okay, you can stay." He had figured his father had sent him some information, perhaps about their mother. Arya would want to know the information and he had no doubt that once she knew, Theon would know too. Those two had become thick as thieves the last few weeks. Besides if there was sensitive information within this letter, he trusted the two of them to keep it quiet. Robb looked to this Syrio Forel, his hand held out ready to receive the letter his father had sent.
"Ah, yes of course." Syrio's Braavosi accent thick. He pulled a scroll of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Robb with a graceful bow. Arya could see her father's unbroken wax seal and she stepped over to where Robb stood, wanting to read over his shoulder, but she stopped herself, knowing it would be rude. But she was practically bouncing on her toes, eager to hear news.
It seemed to take forever for Robb to open the parchment. Arya thought he might be purposefully taking a long time unrolling it and then reading it, knowing the wait was killing her. When he was done he looked up at Syrio, and Arya could tell there was some concern in his eyes. He handed the letter for Arya to read, which she did so carefully as he spoke up. "My father hired you to instruct Arya in the ways of Braavosi water dancing, and you ware welcome here for that." Robb's scowl hardened. "He also said you were to accompany my mother on her way back from King's Landing. Where is she?"
For a moment the Braavosi was silent. His lips a firm line, his expression grim. "We were stopped at an inn, I believe it was somewhere near the Twins," he started to explain slowly. "When we were there, a dwarf also came to rest there."
Robb knew that could mean it was only one person, "Tyrion Lannsiter."
Syrio confirmed, "it was. Your mother, she was angry with him, she convinced several men that were there that it would be in their best interest to help her detain him. She told those present that she would take Tyrion to Winterfell to stand trial for his crimes. Specifically, the attempted murder of your brother. Before she set out, however, she pulled me aside and ordered me to go on to Winterfell. She had made the decision to take him to the Eyrie, to your Aunt Lysa. I suppose saying that she was going to Winterfell was a ruse to keep the Lannisters off of her trail. She said she would send a raven soon, when she thought it would be safe."
Robb just stared at him for a moment, trying to process the news he brought. His mother had taken Lord Tyrion hostage. And people were worried about him acting rashly. His mother had made a bold move, and he was concerned about what events it might trigger. Finally he seemed to find his voice. "You are welcome here Master Forel. I'm sure Arya will be grateful for your instruction. Thank you for bringing us this news."
Arya had finished the letter while listening to Syrio's tale of what had happened for her mother. She silently cheered that Catelyn had done something about Tyrion. However, she saw the tension in Robb's shoulders. He was worried about something, probably that he thought his mother acted without thinking. She bit her lip lightly as she looked from Robb to Syrio. The whole room seemed to be filled with tension and it made her uncomfortable.
After another second of silence, Arya spoke up, hoping to break the tension, after all it wasn't Syrio's fault that her mother might have made a mistake. "What's the Braavosi Water Dance?" She took a few steps towards Forel.
The Braavosi gave her a quick, appraising eye. "You must be Arya." He said, and then continued when she nodded at him in the affirmative. "It is a unique form of sword fighting. You have the right build, perhaps you might even have the grace. We shall see."
Theon watched the two interact for a moment, and when he was certain Arya's attention was with their guest, he moved to stand by Robb. His voice was low so it wouldn't get Arya's attention. "The Lannisters will not let this go, they'll see this as an insult."
Robb simply nodded his head, he knew full well what the ramifications could be for what his mother had done. "I know," was his simple reply.
—
Robb found out about the first bad thing to happen because of Cat's action one morning ten days later. Theon and Robb were watching Arya's 'dancing' lessons. It looked exhausting just watching her, the man had her twirling and dancing around. It looked graceful, but neither of them could understand how any of it would actually help her in a fight. They were used to a much more straight forward style of fighting. The both winced, Arya had missed blocking a particularly vicious hit from Syrio's wooden sword and it had struck true on her arm.
"That will probably leave a mark." Theon commented lightly.
Robb chuckled a little as Arya cast a glare in Theon's direction. She seemed to look even more determined as she brought her attention back to Syrio, letting him know she was ready to start again. "She's probably going to complain about us watching her, that we're a distraction."
"You're probably right." Theon laughed a little. "Maybe we should leave before she takes out her mistakes on us."
"Probably a good idea." Robb said with a smile. They both gave the two 'dancers' one last glance and then turned to leave the yard.
On the way back to the main building they were greeted by Maester Luwin, his hand clutching a scrap of parchment. "Lord Robb, I have news." The old man's face was grim and Robb could tell that whatever it was he had to share, it wasn't good.
"What is it?" Robb asked with trepidation.
Luwin cast a glance to where Arya and Syrio were as if he wanted make sure they couldn't be overheard. Then he looked back to Robb. "Let us go inside, less ears to hear what I have to say." Without waiting for a response from Robb, he turned around and led the way with as much haste as he could muster.
Once they reached the safety of the great hall, Robb looked at Luwin with concern. "What is it?" His voice held a quiet authority, that wasn't lost on Luwin. Young Robb seemed to be taking well to his role as Lord of Winterfell, while his father was away. The Maester was relieved for that, things were about to get a little complicated for the boy.
"I got a raven from King's Landing. Jaime Lannister attacked your father and a few guardsmen on the streets of the city." The Maester held up his hand to hold off on any comments from Robb or Theon. "Your father is alive, they stabbed him through the leg, but he is alive." He paused a moment, wondering how to break the rest of the news. "They killed the guards who were accompanying him. Jory Cassel was one of them. I am sorry Robb."
"They've attacked my family again?" They were the only words Robb could vocalize at the moment. His father had been hurt, attacked by a member of the Kings Guard. A friend had been murdered in the streets of the city that seated the so called Protecter of the Realm. Jory, gods, they had sparred with him, he had taught Jon, Robb, and Theon the very basics of the blade. And now he was dead. His father could have died.
"They claim it was in retaliation for taking Tyrion." Luwin said quietly.
"And how did the King respond to all of this?" Robb asked, his voice hard.
"I do not know much of the specifics." Luwin said quietly. "It does appear that Jaime has fled King's Landing, presumably to go back to Castlery Rock."
"What are you going to do?" Theon asked quietly. He looked just as shaken as Robb felt. Neither of them thought that the situation would escalate to the point that Eddard himself would be in danger.
"I don't know." Was all Robb could say. At the moment there wasn't much he could do. His father while injured was alive, the King might have already stepped in to calm the escalating relations between the Starks and Lannisters. To do anything might provoke further hostilities. He also knew that his mother was dealing with a precarious situation in the Eyrie. There were too many variables for Robb to do anything dramatic. Right now it all he could do was wait and see. He hated it. "We keep this from Rickon, Bran, and," at this he looked specifically at Theon, "Arya. We don't tell them anything until we know more. Let's let them have have a few days of blissful ignorance before we have to tell them what happened."
—
In one of Syrio Forel's more interesting training techniques, he had Arya balance on one foot at the top of a flight of stairs. He had told her that water dancers could stand on one foot for long periods of time, so she spent much of her free time doing exactly that. Over the last couple of days there was a tension within Winterfell and she couldn't quite figure out what it was. Theon had been more solemn and Robb walked around with a scowl on his face most of the time. She hadn't enjoyed either of their company, she knew they were keeping things from her again and she knew they wouldn't tell her until they were ready to. So she found that she spent most of her time with Syrio, or practicing what Syrio had taught her.
Theon found her doing just that, practicing. Arya stood at the top of the stairs that led up to her room. She stood on her left foot, both arms outstretched to the sides, helping to keep her balanced. Her eyes were closed in concentration, so she had no idea that he was there. He stood a few steps down from where she was, and all he could do was stare at her for a few moments. She certainly was beautiful, he could admit that to himself now without berating himself, even when she didn't look the way a highborn lady was expected to look. Since her mother had left Winterfell she had taken to wearing trousers and the shirts her brother favored. He supposed it was easier to move around in, especially when she was practicing her sword play. Her dark hair was almost always pulled back, away from her face. And even though she was messy and wild, to him, she was lovely. After a few moments more of admiring her, he cleared his throat to announce that he was there. She opened her eyes to look at him, swaying only slightly, and making a few small adjustments to her balance so she wouldn't fall.
"What exactly are you doing?" Asked Theon.
"Syrio says it will help my balance." Arya stated. "I'm getting better." She sounded proud of herself.
"You've been practicing a lot have you?" Theon asked as he climbed a step closer to her.
"Yep." Was her matter of fact response. "I've had plenty of time. I probably will continue to have plenty of time until you or Robb decide to tell me what's going on."
Theon let a ghost of a smile come to his lips as he climbed a few more steps. "So it's to be the silent treatment then?"
Arya had noticed him coming closer, the playful glint in his eye made her a little nervous, and her concentration was starting to waiver. She wobbled a little, but managed to keep her balance without resorting to standing on two feet. "That's the plan." She said quietly as he stepped on the step just below where she stood. Her being on the upper step made it so that she was closer to his hight and she was able to look him in the eye easily. "What are you doing?" She tried to make her voice sound annoyed, but it came out more flustered than anything.
That of course made his smile widen a little. He hadn't forgotten what she had done to him all those weeks ago in the practice yard when she had made him miss his shot. This would be his payback. "Distracting you."
Being this close to him was always put her on edge and she had to actively work to pretend he didn't make her nervous. So of course her concentration broke as she tried to remain on a single foot and her balance was thrown off. She started to stumble forward, luckily she had Theon's body there to stop her from tumbling down the stairs. Instinctively Theon had raised his arms to catch her, wrapping them around her slender waist to keep her safe. Her hands grasped at his shoulders as they were the easiest thing she could grab on to. They stood there, entwined like that for a moment.
The smile from Theon's face was gone, as he looked down into her surprised eyes, they probably mirrored his. Perhaps he hadn't thought through this plan of his properly. He hadn't anticipated her literally falling into his arms like this. He could feel the warmth of her body, the beating of her heart, which seemed a bit rapid at the moment. It felt like his heart might be beating just as rapidly. In that moment there were several things he wanted to do. Their lips were so close that if he moved just a couple of inches he could have kissed her, gods, he wanted to kiss her. If he was honest, he wanted to do more then kiss her. She felt so right in his arms that wanted to hold her forever. He wanted to tell her how he felt. He didn't want to do anything to make that moment end. And all at the same time, he wanted to let her go, turn away from her and run, because he knew he couldn't do any of the things he really wanted to do.
So instead, he gathered all his strength and opened his mouth. "Are you okay my lady?"
And that was enough to break the trance that Arya had felt come over her. She had been affected in pretty much the same way Theon had been. She furrowed her brow at his words and pushed herself away from him. "I'm fine." Then as kind of an afterthought. "And don't call me my lady, you keep doing that!"
He couldn't help but chuckle a little and started to recover his wits. He managed to give her an amused smirk. "As you wish."
"What did you want anyway?" She asked grumpily as she looked to him, her eyes blazing with annoyance, she wasn't sure if it was aimed at him for making her feel the way she did, or at herself for allowing it to happen.
"Robb wanted me to find you." Theon shrugged. "Bran's saddle is made, and he wanted to know if you wanted to go out with us to see how it works."
"Well why didn't you say so in the first place!" This time she managed to give a bright smile and dashed pasted him and bounded down the stairs.
—
Bran was the only one to take a horse that day, Robb, Theon, Rickon and Bran were all on foot. Four wolves walked ahead of them, no doubt stalking for small prey. Robb was armed with a sword, Arya her Needle and Theon with his bow. Even little Rickon held a practice sword, if only to feel like his older siblings. Arya could tell her brother seemed to be a bit on edge, even within their own lands, that's why they were all armed. Whatever Theon and Robb were keeping from her, it was bad. She shivered a little, when she heard one of their wolves let out a single howl. Rickon laughed as a child with not a care in the world would and bounded off into the woods towards where the sound came from.
"Damn it." Robb cursed quietly. "Rickon get back here!" He called after the boy, who did not heed his older brother. "Keep going," He told the other three. "I'm sure he's around here somewhere, we'll catch up." It had been several minutes, and Robb still hadn't found his way back to them. They could here him in the distance calling for Rickon through the trees.
Theon brought what remained of their little party to a stop. "I should probably go and help," He said with a small sigh. "Stay with Bran, Arya. If anything happens, call for help. I won't go far." He looked at her pointedly, begging her to do what he asked this time. He was worried about leaving the two of them there alone, but he was also worried about the much younger boy who might be lost in the forest. He waited until Arya nodded her head, agreeing to stick close to Bran. She wasn't about to leave him alone. Once he was satisfied that she would stay put, he slowly made his way back towards where they had left Robb.
For a moment all was silent, then Arya looked up at her little brother. "Does it feel good to be back on a horse?" Her tone was blunt, but her eyes were curious. He seemed to be somewhat happier this afternoon then he had been in a long while.
He looked at her blankly for a moment and then allowed his face to light up in a boyish grin. "You have no idea how good it feels!"
Arya couldn't help but return the smile and they were able to go on a few moments, chatting about the feeling of being outside and alive. They were enjoying each other's company so much that they didn't notice the four wildings that crept ever closer, easily surrounding them.
"Look what we found, eh?" said a gruff voice, and Arya immediately reached for her Needle, knowing that these people didn't mean to give them any kindness. "A little lordling and a little lady. I wouldn't reach for the steel lass."
Arya's brow furrowed as one of the others spoke up. "What shall we do with 'em?"
"I dunno, but they might fetch us a pretty price. Or we can steal the weapon and the horse is a mighty fine animal." Answered the one who seemed to be the leader.
"We're not out here alone!" Arya said through gritted teeth, her hands fisted tight and she felt her nails digging into her palms. She itched for her sword.
"I don't see none around." Said the only woman who was in the small band of misfits. "But just in case don't yell out loud." She said gruffly.
"My brother is going to be back soon, I suggest you leave before he comes." Bran said trying to remain calm, but Arya could hear the panic in his voice.
The woman took a closer step to Bran along with one of her friends who had a knife out, ready to take on Bran. The leader and the last savage stepped closer to Arya. "You do have spirit lass. I should think I would like a turn with you." The leader leered at her and she couldn't help but shudder a little bit. She noticed that he held a wicked looking knife and she gulped, wondering if she should take her chances and scream for Theon and her brother.
"You won't touch me, you disgusting slop." Arya said with a deathly calm. She would put up a fight, she was a trained water dancer, well on the way to becoming one one anyway, he would be no match for her if she could just reach for her Needle.
The others laughed and the other creature that was closest to her, looked at his leader with a lear. "I think she likes ya."
"You leave my sister alone!" Shouted Bran as he squirmed in his saddle, feeling helpless because he could do nothing to protect her.
"Or what little lord?" Asked the leader as he took another step towards Arya with a laugh. He grabbed her roughly and pulled her close so that her back was against his front and his knife was at her throat. "Perhaps the little lord would like to watch."
The next little bit that happened, happened so fast it was all a blur, it was hard to keep track of how it all played out. She knew that an arrow had whipped past her cheek and buried itself with in her captors neck, followed by another that hit his eye. As he fell, Arya felt the knife slice the skin at her neck shallowly, but she paid no attention. She grabbed her Needle and bounded over to the woman who was near Bran and held her small blade to the woman's neck, daring her to move. There was a flash of fur and several growls as three wolves jumped upon the other captor that was near Bran. Robb came in swiftly and was able to cut down the last captive. It all happened in a matter of moments.
Theon came out quickly making his way to Arya. "Are you okay?" Were the first words out of his mouth, not even paying attention to the fact that she was holding her blade at a hostage's neck.
"I'm kind of busy at the moment." Arya said tightly, her heart was still racing at the excitement. Although the she probably could have dropped Needle's point away from the woman. The wilding kept glancing terrified at the wolves and what remained of one of her companions.
"You are bleeding." Was his only answer as he took a step closer to Arya. His eyes solely on the side of her neck where she had been hurt.
"Theon, it's nothing, I'm fine. Focus your attention on the fact that I have a wilding at the end of my blade." She said pointedly.
"Oh, of course." That seemed to wake him up and he turned to Robb, who was checking to make sure the others were indeed dead and that Bran was okay. "Robb, what should we do with the girl."
Robb looked up, his face was hard, Arya had never seen him look this angry before. He gave a quick glare to Theon as he walked over to the woman. He had grabbed some rope from Bran's saddle bag. He moved behind their captive and started to tie her hands up. "Where in the seven hells were you, it took you long enough to take that shot?" Arya looked from Robb to Theon while she lowered her sword arm.
For his part Theon managed glare right back at Robb. "I had to make sure it was clear. I didn't want to hit your sister by mistake."
"You shouldn't have left them in the first place." Mumbled Robb. Arya could tell he wasn't really angry with Theon, he was more angry that the whole thing had happened and more then a little scared that it had happened so close to home.
"I'm sorry, my lord." Theon said quietly, and Arya could tell that he was seething too. Then he turned his attention back to Arya, once he knew Robb was securing the prisoner, "Let me see your neck." He said seriously to Arya.
"It's fine." She mumbled, but she tilted her head to the side so he could get a look at her injury. "It's only a scratch."
He took a step forward and put his hands on her neck and peered at it closely. Her skin warmed at his touch. "We should have Measter Luwin take a look as soon as we get back."
Robb for his part saw the whole exchange, and he had a sick feeling in his stomach. "Let's go," he said a little too hard. His tone forced the two to step away from each other, Theon looking more then a little guiltily and Arya looking only confused. Rickon came out from behind a tree, followed by Shaggydog, who must have been protecting Rickon while the other wolves helped to take care of the wildings. The little boy seemed a little subdued as he took Arya's hand. She gave Theon a quick look then started to follow Robb who had started back toward's Winterfell. Theon stood watching as the rest of the Starks went ahead of him. He shook his head free of the thoughts of what could have happened to the young Stark girl. The slowly started walking after them.
—
"What is going on between you and Arya?" Robb said more then a little bracingly as he entered the armory where Theon was putting away his and the rest of the party's weapons.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Theon looked at him with an eyebrow raised in amusement. He would have to be careful about what he would say to his friend about his sister. This was going to be a difficult conversation.
"I saw the way you looked at her." Robb answered darkly. "And Luwin mentioned something about the two of you becoming too close."
"Robb, we're friends, that's it." Theon turned back to his work, hoping that Robb couldn't see his face. It felt like he had had this conversation before. Oh that's right he did, with Jon. He knew his words were lies, but he also knew he would attempt to make them the truth in the future. "She asked me to teach her how to use a bow, and I taught her. We became friends. Anything else you think you saw, is purely your imagination."
Robb continued to give him a dark stare, even though Theon didn't see it, he felt the heaviness of it. "You'll hurt her."
Theon slammed down a knife he had been cleaning and turned back to the person who he had thought was his friend. "Why does everyone keep saying that! Don't you know who I am? When have I ever given you reason to doubt me?"
"Says the man who used to weekly visit the town's brothel." Robb answered back simply. "What was your favorite again? Ah, yes Ros."
His anger was getting the better part of Theon, and his hands balled into fists. He was very close to punching Robb, the consequences be damned. "Did you hear the word you just used, Lord Robb?" His tone wasn't very respectful at the moment. "I used to go to the town's brothel. I used to go see Ros. I haven't been there since, gods, since before your father left for Kings Landing."
That seemed to catch Robb off guard and he had to give that a few minutes thought to see if it registered right. And with silent realization he knew it was true. "Oh." Was all he could say.
"I would do nothing to hurt Arya." Theon said quietly. "You have to at least believe that."
Again Robb was silent for moment, carefully looking at his friend. "It will never work." He knew of Theon's feelings the moment he saw his reaction when he predicted that he was going to hurt his sister. "My father, he would never…"
"You don't think I don't know that." Theon snapped, realizing that denying his feelings would be stupid. "I'm not good enough for the Starks. I'm reminded of that every single day." His tone was bitter.
Robb sighed. "Actually I think my father would find the match… somewhat ideal." He leaned against one of the weapons tables, crossing his arms. "A marriage between our families could ease tensions with the Iron Islands. Politically speaking it would be a perfect match." Robb said knowledgeably. "But, for his youngest daughter, he has somewhat of a soft spot…"
The moment was tense, until Theon let out a soft chuckle. These realizations made him upset, but he couldn't stay mad at Robb. "And Arya would never agree to that kind of marriage. I know that too. Would you think any less of me if I told you that kind of hurt." He said a bit deflated as he leaned next to Robb, a bit deflated.
"You expected anything less with Arya?" Robb asked him a bit incredulous. The both laughed at that for a few seconds. "How in the seven hells did you fall for her? I mean… she's Arya."
"She's got spirit." Theon admitted. "And honestly, I'm not sure how or why it happened. One day, she was like an annoying little girl who kept on pestering me to teach her how to fight and prefect her bow and arrow skill. And then one day I woke up and she… grew up."
Robb shook his head. "I don't' get it. She's not very lady like and not very pretty. I thought Sansa would be more more to your liking."
"I did too, it's somewhat of a mystery, even to me." Theon said.
Robb laughed, and let it fade into a silent lull in the conversation.
"She can't know about this, you know." Theon said after a moment. He had a feeling Arya might return the feelings he had for her, but he doubted that she would admit it out loud, and definitely not to him. "She cannot know my feelings. I could take her anger, and she'll probably, no doubt, go violent on me. It's in her nature. But I think if she decided to pity me, that would be worse." Theon said quietly.
"Don't worry, " Robb sighed. "Just promise me you'll get over this infatuation before it becomes a problem and you start brooding all around the keep. That could be just depressing." He playfully gave his friend a shove.
Theon just laughed, "Don't worry about me. I can handle this." He straightened up and answered Robb's shove with one of his own. At least his friend didn't hate him. They moved to exit the armory and Theon became a bit more serious. "She know's something is up. I think we keep underestimating her observational skills. You're going to have to tell her about your father getting hurt and Jory and his men being killed. You and I haven't been very good at pretending everything is alright. The longer you keep it from her, they angrier she's going to get."
Robb nodded his head. "I know. I've put it off long enough. I'll tell her and Bran tonight after supper."
