In which our little wolf hope to find comfort in a time of great distress
*Year 304 After Conquest (AC) - New Future*
Cold licked her face and crept under her clothes. But Arya knew it was not at all because of the weather. This is more sinister, more wicked and familiar. She tried to open her eyes to investigate where she is but found they were already opened, though it makes no sense as her surroundings are pitch black. It was as if she was blind again. She brought her fingers to her eye sockets, checking if perhaps her eyes had been gouged, but they were still there.
She keeps turning and turning to find light or anything at all to escapes from this heavy darkness and coldness and her wish was answered then as she found sudden light that conveniently poured onto a figure of a woman. The woman's back was facing against her. She has bushy black hair and is sporting the famous Targaryen black outfit. In an instant, Arya knew who the woman was.
Missandei.
Arya uttered the name against her mouth but no sound came out. Though, it didn't matter when the said woman turns around as if she heard her. An ominous boom started from her inside, sending another violent tremor all over her body that has nothing to do with the cold as her eyes take upon the face of Missandei, or rather the lack of the older woman's face. Her breath turns laboured as she felt the tears coming out from her eyes, wetting her cheeks.
No. Not Missandei. Please.
The inside flesh that is supposed to be covered by skin becomes prominently visible as crimson blood drips down, staining the older woman's neck and clothes. Missandei's brown eyes were scrutinizing and her mouth slacked as she takes agonizingly slow steps forward. Arya cannot help as she staggers backwards clumsily, hoping to get away from the faceless figure.
A harsh grating and loud cawing sound echo through the darkness then like a shrill cry, pulling her attention towards it. Arya snaps her head to the source and was surprised to find another figure from not far. It took her a few moments to focus on the said figure to recognize it was actually a man. It was strange how despite the darkness, she can still see that he has short dark auburn hair and blue eyes.
"Go home, Arya."
He sounded and Arya recognize the deep voice somehow. It was Bran's and she was positive about it. His features have matured, similar to the last time she saw him in one of her dreams long ago.
"Everything will be over soon. You'll know what to do when the time comes." He said again. Arya wanted to ask what he meant but no sound came out from her mouth.
"Go home!" he shouted, so loud in fact that it was ear-piercing and almost deafen her.
Arya awoke with a gasp. Her eyes opened, eyelashes faintly batting against her lids when she blinked again as she evened out her breathing. With a grunt, she pushes her body upward, sitting up.
At the corner of her eyes, she saw movement coming from the opened window and she turns her head to the source. A black raven was there, perching on the sill as it tilted its head to the sides, staring back at her for a few moments before flapping its wings and flew off to the dark night.
She didn't have time to ponder over the peculiar raven when the figure from her nightmare decided to show up too. Missandei was there behind the shadows against the wall, standing and staring at her silently. Though her face is perfectly intact now, the scrutinizing gaze of the brown eyes did nothing to soothe her. Arya knew she should be prepared for this. After all, many others before her had done the same. They all had visited her in her dreams and nights. Her Father, Sansa, Derwin, Xander. Even Jon, Robb, Rickon and her Mother had appeared at some point when she forgot that they are still alive in this new timeline. And now, Missandei is among them.
The bed she was sitting on rustled noisily before she felt the warmth of a hand wrapped over her fingers soon after.
"Hey, everything alright?" the voice sounded.
But, Arya couldn't find it in her to answer let alone acknowledge another human presence beside her as her gaze fixated onto the silent form that is against the wall, binding her to it.
She felt the hand moved away from her fingers and is now cradling her face before her vision replaced with something as it successfully blocked the haunted figure. "Arya." The soothing voice sounded again.
Everything is blurry and for a second the young woman didn't remember where she is and how she got to where she is. But, as each second passed, piece by piece she remembered and the blurred vision in front of her becomes clear as her eyes finally focus to find the violet depths and the face of the older woman that she has come to care for, looking back at her.
"Nightmares?" Daenerys asked softly. Her eyes stared back kindly with no judgement. Arya managed a stiff nod.
"Do you want to talk about it?" the dragon queen asked again, caressing the young woman's cheek with her thumb gently, hoping to bring comfort.
Arya leans into the touch with a tired sigh and closes her eyes. She knows the older woman has a good intention, but the last thing she wanted is to cause Daenerys losing her sleep too at the haunting and horrid images she decides to share with. "No." she croaked, shaking her head lightly.
A moment of comfortable silence passed on as they stay like that, with the older woman caressing the young Stark's face in a soothing manner before Arya opens her eyes and reluctantly pulls Daenerys hands off of her. "I should go." She decides begrudgingly.
A frown automatically graces the dragon queen features. "Why?"
"I don't want to disturb you. It's still night time and you deserved your sleep without me interfering." Arya reasoned as she moves to leave the bed.
But, Daenerys was faster as she took a hold on the young woman's wrist, stopping her from moving. "Disturbing me is the last thing you would do." She replied before pulling Arya's shoulder to face her again. "Besides, you of all people deserve sleep more than I do… and if I let you go now, you're probably going to wander off the hallways again."
"Maybe I should."
Daenerys shot the young Stark a look, successfully rendered her silence. "Let me take care of you for a change." She offered softly.
The dragon queen takes the conflicted look that graces Arya's features as consent when she finally lets go of her grip on the young woman's wrist, believing that she will not flee at a moments notice. When her gaze falls upon the full outfit Arya wears, her hands automatically reach for the front lace, untying them loose.
"No wonder you have nightmares, everyone knows you shouldn't bring leather to your sleep." The older woman japes lightly. Arya's mouth curved slightly at the remark.
Only the sound of Daenerys diligently working the knotted laces of each section of the cloth accompanies them in the room. When the dragon queen looks up, Arya already had her eyes closed again. At that moment, Daenerys can't help but find how young and vulnerable the woman in front of her looked, and how deeply Arya trusts her, allowing her to do so much and gets so close.
Gently, Daenerys proceeds shedding the heavy outer layer of the young Stark's shoulders and her arms completely. A small grunt escapes Arya's lips uninvited as the awkward movement caused pain to her ribs. The older woman took a mental note to call the Maesters first thing in the morning to take a look at the young Stark's injuries.
As the violet eyes travel to the inner shirt Arya wears, she can't help but stare at the shirt's low cutting of the neckline, conveniently exposing the young woman's perfect collar bone. She would have admired them a bit more if not for the scarred flesh on Arya's chest that becomes visible too. The last time Daenerys saw the scar was back at Qazlas Pit when Arya herself had slipped and exposed the mark accidentally. Now that the older woman is mere inches from that said mark, the view is as clear as glass and the scarring forming the letter of 'Q' only angered her further as she clenches her jaw tight. She wishes she could maim and kill Qazlas over and over again for what he did to the young woman. Lucky for him, he was dead.
Moving on to the boots next, Daenerys proceeds to take off the heavy boots of Arya's feet and throws them onto the floor. Finally, she guides the young Stark to lie down and wraps the covers over her before she slides under it too. A sigh which the dragon queen assumed as content can be heard from the young woman as Daenerys closes their gap, wrapping her arms around Arya's middle. The movement initiates the young woman to snuggle closer.
Daenerys almost succumb to sleep at the warmth and cosiness of them together when suddenly Arya's voice sounded.
"Can you sing that song…or lullaby that you used to sing to yourself?"
"How did you know about that?" the dragon queen asked back, curiously.
Arya only hummed sleepily with her eyes still closed. For a moment, Daenerys thought the young woman has gone to sleep but she speaks up again.
"I heard it once…when you thought I was sleeping back in the cell at the pit. And the second time…when I invited myself in your private quarters back in Meereen, while you were bathing."
A slight tugging forms at the corner of Daenerys mouth as she thought about those times. She presses her forehead against the young woman, spreading the warmth further. "Then, you must know that I'm a bad singer."
Arya hummed again. "You're the worst…" she concurs with a smile making the older woman chuckled lightly. "But, I don't mind hearing it again." the young Stark tacked on.
Daenerys closed her eyes then as she decides to grant the young woman's wish.
Arya nestled closer as Daenerys' smooth and clear voice resonates through her ears and soothes her inside, successfully banishing the remnants of the haunting images of her nightmares. Their bodies moulded perfectly together as the song go on. Everything about it was beautiful and Arya wished Daenerys would never stop.
*
Fresh lavender and earthy smell with a little hint of after smoke assaulted Arya's nose. On instinct, she takes a deep breath and the soothing fragrant magnifies, sending content and peaceful quiver over her body. The sound of waves crashing the shores come barrelling in, heightening her senses then and little by little Arya felt herself awake from her slumber.
The beginning sounds of small birds and seagulls charged in next indicates that morning has arrived. Still with her eyes closed, she felt the body that is pressed against her, warming her inside and out. Begrudgingly, she wills her eyes to flutter open and a tangled mane of silver hair ended up obscuring her vision soon after. Her lips quirked up in response as her heart flutters at the sight. She had never felt so free and this good after waking up before, in a long time. Nightmares and gruesome visions are the constant things that kept her awake at night, befriended her even. And she never had the privilege to rest peacefully even if she wanted to, so badly.
But, last night Arya had fallen asleep like a babe at Daenerys lullaby. It was as if the song held such power that it can melt away her ghost and nightmares, giving her the much-needed sleep she craves for. Or perhaps it was all because of who she was with at that moment. Arya let out a content sigh as she tightens her arm around Daenerys middle, pressing her chest tighter at Daenerys back and dived into the tangled silver hair, savouring the lovely smell.
At the movement, Daenerys stirs and turns her body before wrapping her arm over Arya's waist in return. The older woman still has her eyes closed and her lips parted just slightly as her breathing evened out again. Arya blinks hard as she takes a moment to calm herself at Daenerys sudden advance. She tries to ignore how their skin comes in contact as Daenerys legs intertwined with her own and how close the older woman's body feels against her as she takes in the features of the woman who is still peacefully sleeping.
Fully awake now, Arya let her gaze trails from Daenerys hairline to her eyebrows and down to her closed eyes, her eyelashes against her cheeks, her nose, lips and jawline. Inch by inch, Arya marvelled at how perfect and beautiful the older woman is. How everything was placed and created without fault. It was as if the Gods have paid extra attention just for her.
Her grey eyes linger for Daenerys lips again and stay there as yesterday event assaulted her mind. Arya's face heats up and the warmth spreads to her chest as she remembers the sensation of the older woman's lips pressed against hers, at how soft and sweet it tasted. And Arya still cannot believe that it had happened. She had kissed Daenerys, the Targaryen Queen of all people and various emotions swirls inside her.
Overwhelmed, nervous, afraid. But above all those, she's happy. And she had never felt this way towards someone in her life before. Both of her life.
Sunlight begins to pour onto the room then through the opened window, and it spills onto the person in front of her making Daenerys divinely beautiful than she already is. In that very moment, Arya realised just how much she cared for Daenerys. Not because of how breathtakingly stunning the older woman looks but at how fragile and young she looks underneath it all. Yet, despite the vulnerability that the older woman was willing to share as they lay together as of this moment, she knows Daenerys is strong and brave regardless. And that's what had caught Arya's attention, long before she can even acknowledge it to herself.
A trail of dried tears caught Arya's gaze as she continues studying the older woman's features. She lifts her arm and grazes a finger to Daenerys cheek, finding an excuse to touch the older woman again even though the tears had dried by now. Arya's fingers end up only a hairbreadth upon contact before she froze as her mind conveniently recalls as to the reason why Daenerys was crying in the first place. The young Stark closed her fingers tightly into her palm as she pulls away, the guilt expertly guiding her.
It was obvious that Missandei was the reason for the tears. Even if the Targaryen queen had not cried when she spoke fondly of how she met the Naathi and then some more of their past encounters last night, Arya guessed Daenerys must have had done it in secret or in her sleep.
And it was all Arya's fault. She can't help but wonder if Missandei would still be alive if she had not met the older woman in the first place. If she hadn't released the arrow that had killed Cersei during the trial, she wouldn't be in this predicament– finding her way back to Winterfell with the Targaryen fleet– and perhaps Missandei wouldn't be dead. But, then Arya wouldn't have met with Daenerys the way they did back at the fighting pit in the first place and the thought of Daenerys not knowing her only ached even more.
A soft groan escapes Daenerys lips as she snuggles closer and tightens her leg over Arya's, successfully eradicates all the thoughts that the girl had in her mind. She swallows a lump painfully at the warmth of their stomach press so close together. The thin shirt Arya wears provide little barricade as her mind wanders off to an inappropriate place beyond the fabric. Luckily, another groan escapes Daenerys and her eyes slowly flutter open. Arya focuses and waits silently as the violet orbs in front of her slowly awake herself from her slumber.
Daenerys blinks a few times before she registered the young woman's face. "Do you even sleep?" she croaked. Arya's lips quirk slightly at the cracked voice of the Queen.
"Yes. More than I have been in a long time."
Daenerys let out a small smile. "The lullaby works then?"
"I doubt it..." Arya trailed. Daenerys raised an eyebrow slightly in question. "I think it was because of your terrible voice…you scare away all the monsters in my dream." She finished softly, trying hard to keep a straight face.
Daenerys, on the other hand, did not. Her smile widens as she tilts her head for a better angle to glare mockingly at the young woman, brushing off the last remnants of her sleep. "Hmm, is that true? I'm glad that I can be of assistance anyway," she replied with feigned annoyance.
Arya wipes off the smirk on her face as she held her gaze more seriously. "Thank you, Daenerys." She said, a genuine smile playing on her lips.
The Targaryen queen froze for a moment, marvelling the rare and beautiful smile from the young woman. She buries away the butterflies at the pit of her stomach before she returns the honest smile. "You're welcome." She trails. Lifting her arm to leave the girl's waist, she tucks in a brown lock behind Arya's ear before speaking again. "You should know that my voice, as terrible as it may sound…comes with a high price. I'm afraid you would have to pay more than just a simple thank you."
Arya swallowed another lump dryly as her mouth dried up. With Daenerys looking at her expectantly with a playful smirk on her lips did nothing to ease her nerves. All the boldness from yesterday seems to have left her body as Arya blinks hard, contemplating on what to say and do. Furthermore, the young Stark is pretty sure she looked like a deer caught in a hunt, waiting to be slaughtered or in this case, devoured by the dragon.
Daenerys stifles a laugh at how adorable Arya is as her grey eyes suddenly grow busy searching for a way out. "Fret not, my little wolf… I'll show you a way how you can pay it off." She finished light-heartedly.
Arya waits expectantly as the older woman slowly props herself up with an elbow, towering her before Daenerys leans in dangerously close to her face. Their noses graze against each other as they share the same breath for a moment and then Daenerys let out a smile and drapes one of her arms over the young Stark's shoulder and the other slides under Arya's neck, pulling her in a tight embrace instead, as they fall back in bed closer than before. Daenerys released a content sigh as she snuggled in.
Arya snickered then. "A hug?" Her tension melts instantly.
"You sounded surprised…do you have something else in mind?" Daenerys whispered out suggestively at the young woman's ear.
Arya can feel Daenerys smile grew against her cheek as she decides to put her arms around the older woman in return, resting her palms at Daenerys back and close the distance until there is no gap left between them. She settles at the crook of Daenerys neck, satisfied. "No." she managed to answer.
"Good… I expect the same payment, next time."
Arya didn't even bother to ask or correct the older woman's statement. She knew she would come again to Daenerys regardless. In fact, she knows she wants to. She wants whatever this feeling is to continue existing and the only way she knows how is by having Daenerys close. Naturally, Arya's arms squeezed a fraction tighter and she breathed more slowly, her body melting into the older woman as their legs tangled around one another.
They stay like that unmoving for a long time. Both seeming contend with the simple gesture of being in another's arms, lost in it yet felt so fulfilling all the same. But, of course, it couldn't last forever as much as they wanted, when a knock sounded against the closed door, breaking the moment.
"We should probably get up," Arya suggested begrudgingly.
Daenerys doesn't reply and for a moment Arya wonders if the older woman had gotten back to sleep. But, when the knock sounded again for the second time, more urgently, Daenerys lets out an annoyed groan not befitting of a Queen in response that Arya can't help but to smile.
"Go away." The Targaryen queen spoke with no enthusiasm at all that the young Stark is sure the person outside won't hear her command.
"It could be urgent," Arya said back softly, still amused at the older woman's childish display. "We should be up and get ready for the day." She reasoned, slowly pulling away.
But, Daenerys pulls the young woman back into her embrace. "Just for a little while longer," she said, tightening her arms.
Another knock echoes soon after followed by a voice. "Your Grace, may I come in?"
At that, Daenerys let out a sigh as she reluctantly pulls away from Arya and locks eyes with grey ones. "We should get up." She concurs bitterly.
Arya nods, a small smile still playing on her lips as they both finally parted. When Daenerys finally sits up and gets out of the bed, walking towards the fur robe hanging across the room, Arya decides to do the same. Gingerly, she sits up and reaches for her leather jacket that is placed on the end of the bed and puts it on. She stifles a groan as the pain from her bruised ribs conveniently reminded her of their existence. Not even bother to tie the front lace of her jacket properly, she wears the boots next and stands up, leaving the comfort of the feather bed.
She glanced to where Daenerys is standing, only to find the older woman has been watching her like a hawk. "You're not going to leave this room until the Maesters have that injury look over." The dragon queen commanded.
Arya's lips twitch into a smile at the concern as she tilts her head lightly. "As you wish, Daenerys."
Pleased with the reply from the young Stark, Daenerys pulls the robe around her shoulder more securely, successfully obscuring the thin nightgown she wears to sleep. "Come in." She finally said to the occupant outside as she shuffles closer to Arya. Strengthening her stand, Daenerys waits expectantly for her guest.
The door creaked loudly before it opens wide, revealing three figures outside. The two Unsullied guards who are faithfully stationed by the end of each door and Tyrion Lannister who finally steps inside the room.
Arya ignores the questioning and penetrating gaze of the Imp as he sees her. He didn't look shocked by her presence there – since the guards would probably have told him in advance– but merely curious and worried.
"Good morning, Your Grace…" Tyrion speaks up then as he focuses on the dragon queen before looking at the young Stark again. "Arya, I didn't expect you to be here this early." He inquired.
Arya was about to speak up when another beats her to it.
"It is to be expected when one spends the night here, is it not?" Daenerys asked instead, calmly.
The dragon queen last words brought an awkward silence to the room, enough to suffocate them all as Tyrion blinks hard at the two women in front of him. Arya keeps a straight face as she chanced a glance to Daenerys only to see she is staring down at Tyrion instead, as if to challenge him.
Tyrion clears his throat suddenly, forcing a smile. "Spend the night? Like together…the both of you? With yourself and Arya?" he asked, choking a laugh in a failed attempt.
Daenerys only hummed in response. "We slept together."
The look on Tyrion's face changed to one of horror as his eyes widen in realization, no doubt taking the dragon queen's statement literally. Arya could have interfered then and stopped Tyrion's wild imagination but seeing the horrified and dumbfounded look across his face, rendered her from doing so. It was a rare sight to see the Hand of the Queen in such manner and judging by the slight quirk of Daenerys lips, Arya knows the dragon queen thought so too.
Tyrion takes a moment to right himself again as he shakes his head lightly. Clearing his throat again, he straightens his stance. "Well, that's lovely…really… I'm glad Arya can provide you with the much-needed protection in close range. However, the reason for my interference this early morning is that I come bearing news." He said calmly, not before shooting a pointed look at the young Stark and Arya was positive she will hear Tyrion's further inquiry about the sleeping matter once the Targaryen Queen is not around.
"Is it good or bad?" Daenerys asked back.
"Both actually. Which one do you want to hear first?"
Daenerys chanced a glance at Arya, already missing the young woman's warmth before she reluctantly focuses at Tyrion again. "Let's hear the bad one first." She decides.
Tyrion's face turns grim in an instant. "The bad news is…we still couldn't find Missandei's body anywhere. Grey Worm has his men search in every possible place…even with Manderly's men willing to help, we still couldn't find her."
Arya's body instantly goes rigid as the words left Tyrion's mouth. Her thoughts wander off to her last encounter with The Waif. The now-dead assassin's taunting words never left her mind as she gritted her teeth. Fury and guilt rising from inside her, finding its way at her heart again. She can only imagine what Missandei had to go through being at The Waif's mercy and her stomach churn at the thought. A calling of her name brought her back from her trance as she focuses on Daenerys and then Tyrion who is watching her with concern.
"Did she say anything?" Tyrion asked and waits expectantly. Seeing the questioning look from the young Stark, he continues. "The assassin, I mean… Did she say anything or indicate where she could have left Missandei?" he explains further.
Arya looks away for a moment as if she was thinking even though she had the answer already. She knows the search was a waste of time and energy. The Faceless Man would never be so careless as to leave a faceless body around, especially if they intend to be that said person soon after. It was too much of great risk and she remembers the cremation chamber in the House of Black and White for all the bodies after they took their faces.
"No. The assassin didn't say anything." She finally said.
Tyrion's face fell further before he shifts his weight uncomfortably. "Well, is it possible then that Missandei is still out there? Alive? We can never be sure… Perhaps the assassin just knocked her unconscious and left her somewhere?"
Arya's fists tighten, making her knuckles white at the tight grip. How bad she wanted that to happen. "No. It's not possible… That is not how the Faceless Man works." She said back instead.
"But, how can you be sure?" Tyrion asked again with a pointed look. Doubt and hope cross his features.
Arya let out a soft sigh. She doesn't want to have to explain the gruesome process of how a Faceless Man takes a person's face. Above all, she doesn't want to taint Missandei's memory. "Missandei is dead… There's nothing that can change that." She said with finality and a great burden.
The Lannister dwarf opens his mouth again looking about ready to argue when Daenerys decides to interrupt. "Tyrion, order the men to continue the search at every possible region again… It's a vast area we have to cover, we might overlook at some places." The dragon queen instructed. She has no doubt of what Arya claimed even if she desperately wants Missandei to still be alive. But, she will not give up in retrieving the Naathi and Daenerys intend to give Missandei the respected and proper burial she deserved.
Tyrion presses his lips in a thin line as he reluctantly nods his head, acknowledging the Targaryen queen.
Arya chanced a glance at Daenerys, silently thanking her for the interference. "I'll help in the search too." She offered. She could at least do that.
The violet eyes look her over with worry before Daenerys gives her a nod of approval in return. The Targaryen queen turns back to her Hand then. "And the good news?" she inquired, hoping for the better.
Tyrion slips his hand inside his pocket, revealing a tiny scrolled parchment, already unsealed. "The King in The North wrote back." He said, fiddling the letter between his fingers.
Daenerys waited expectantly while Arya felt her back straightens further at the next words.
"He invited us to Winterfell…and he's sending an escort. They should arrive at New Castle earliest on the morrow, given they already rode here before this letter come to us." Tyrion explains.
Arya can't help feeling tense as she takes a step forward. "Do you know who is coming?"
Tyrion nods then. "Your half-brother, Jon will be leading the escort."
*
One day.
Only one day left until Jon arrives at new Castle, and until Arya gets to see her dearest brother again.
The young Stark realises that she knows next to nothing of Jon besides that he is alive and well and is riding to White Harbor as of this moment. Wanting to keep updated of all her family, she seeks out to Lord Manderly – having left Daenerys with Tyrion for their private discussion, only after the Maester has tended to her injury of course – and began pampering him with inquiries of her remaining family.
The first thing she acquired was Jon is no longer a bastard. Robb has legitimized their half-brother after winning the war against the Lannisters and kept him by his sides, acting as part of the King's inner council. Arya couldn't be any happier for Jon, knowing how he grew up with people looking down on him just because of his bastard title. At least now they won't hold that against him anymore.
The second thing she learnt was that she has a nephew, three years of age who goes by the name Eddard. She cannot help the smile that forms as she imagines there is a little Ned running around the courtyard of Winterfell.
She also learnt that Lord Manderly respected and feared his King as were all the north men. The people called Robb, The Wolf King. His deeds and reign have kept the North stable and in peace despite the harsh winter that seems to worsen every day. And Arya felt conflicted at that fact. It was no doubt that she was proud and happy for Robb and the people, but she didn't know how it would work out or against Daenerys and her claim to the Iron Throne. She decides to lock that thought away for later.
Arya would have learnt more about her remaining family if not for Lord Manderly had to excuse himself to attend to his lord duties for the day. She didn't mind as she decides she will ask Jon further once he gets here anyway.
Breaking her fast with thoughts of her family that she soon will be reunited with, especially Jon; Arya didn't even know what she had eaten. Nevertheless, her plate is emptied and her stomach filled. Thanking the servant maid, she was about to exit the common hall when a young man nearly runs her over at the archway.
"My apologies, Princess." He speaks in between breaths. His chest is still heaving and his eyes wild with unspoken terror at colliding with the Princess of the North.
Arya let out a small smile in assurance. "It's fine."
The young man visibly relaxed as he returns the smile wider. "Lord Manderly request for your attendance out in the main gate," he explains.
"Why?" she asked curiously having to just meet him earlier before breakfast.
"Lord Stark and his company have arrived."
A beat passes as Arya let the words sink into her. She looks into the man, unbelieving. "Jon is here?" But, he was supposed to arrive on the morrow.
When the young man only nodded to the question, something inside Arya snaps her back to reality and her body starts to react. She wastes no time as her feet finally move forward. The need to get outside, to Jon, burning with every step and she urges her feet faster, sprinting along the hallways and stairs until the cold wind greets her face.
The young woman takes a moment to suck in the much-needed air back to her lungs after her abrupt run. The cold air slaps her face and body making her shivered for the lack of warmth on her person. But, she couldn't care less about that now as her eyes fixated on a group of men across the yard. There are half a dozen of men getting off their horses. Their faces are worn out and tired as they pass the reins to the stable boy where he gladly took and guides the mounts away.
Lord Manderly is there too, welcoming the men with a smile on his face. He shakes his hand with one of the men from the group and Arya felt her breath stuck in her throat as her eyes land on that said person. His dark brown hair much like hers was pulled back, revealing his long face and dark grey eyes.
Seconds pass, her brain taking him in, struggling to comprehend that he isn't one of her dreams, that he was real, that this person is her brother, Jon. He looks the same in many ways but somehow different too. He has the same kind-hearted and brooding set of eyes. But, his stance is more confident now as he regards the Lord of White Harbor. And somehow, Arya saw a shadow of her Father in him. It filled her with pride and ache.
When those dark grey eyes finally flicker towards her, Arya felt the cold creeping in further. She swallowed a lump forcefully as her heart began thundering inside her chest loudly and faster. Time seems to stand still as Jon stares at her with wide eyes. Arya wanted to run and wrap her arms around him, but instead, her feet seem to be planted on the same spot.
She waits expectantly as Jon suddenly moves forward, taking calculated steps as if he was nearing a wild animal. Any normal days Arya would have laughed at his face, but seeing his scared yet curious features directed at her, she only feels nervous. What if he didn't recognize her? What if he didn't like what she had become? And what if he blames her for being the only one to survive?
She was aware that everyone in the courtyard is watching silently with bated breath. The sound of Jon's boots against the hard ground filled the air and Arya wishes that he would just sweep her off her feet already, taking her to his arms like he always did. Gods know she craves the contact desperately.
But, when Jon suddenly halts in his steps and looks at her with wide horror look, Arya's heart dropped, believing that Jon didn't recognize her at all or worse, hated her.
"Ghost! No!" He shouts as he looks to her right.
Arya thought his voice sounded the same before she saw movements out of the corner of her eyes. When she turns her head to investigate, something hit her hard instead and she stumbles over the hard ground and landed on her back. A massive weight on her chest successfully knocked out the wind from her. She grunts at the sudden forceful contact and opens her eyes to find a pair of red eyes and massive long canine teeth on top of her. A soft growl was coming from the beast and Arya blinks hard at this unexpected encounter.
How did a wolf find its way here? A beautiful exceptionally large white wolf at that.
Before she can ponder over that thought, the wolf's tongue lolled out and it began to licks her face in earnest. Arya visibly tensed as she waits for the beast to rip out her face. But, it never happened. Instead, it keeps licking and nuzzling at her as if it was playing. Jon's first word suddenly strikes her again at that moment.
"Ghost?" she calls out between breaths.
Ghost's answer is another wet tongue across her face. A chuckle escapes her at that action and another when Ghost decides to move to her hair next. Arya can't help but giggle like a child. All her tension melts away as Ghost decides to clean her, his own way.
She didn't know how long they were on the ground, but when she feels that the direwolf has seemingly content with his job, Arya gently pushes him and tries to sit up. Ghost seems to know her intention and he backs off to give her space. A wide smile forms on her lips as she finally stands up not before wrapping her arms around Ghost and rubbing his head affectionately.
When she lifted her head again, Jon's face came into view. Her smile fell as her gaze find humourless dark grey orbs. He was closer now, only arms apart. She swallows a lump as the tension suddenly finds its way again. Ghost was at her side, moving on to lick her fingers. Arya decides that she cannot handle the silence anymore and when the direwolf gives a slight nudge at her sides as if to encourage her, Arya carefully speaks up. "Hello, Jon." She forced a smile and was glad that her voice came out strong.
Jon only stares back unresponsive. But, after a moment his wall shatters and his face betrays his emotions. His eyes swim with unshed tears and Arya flinches at the raw reaction coming off from her brother. She wants to look away, not wanting to invade the intimate moment. But, she couldn't when all those emotions are for her and because of her.
"Jon, I –"
Before Arya can finish her sentence, Jon rushed forward and finally sweeps her off her feet. His hands are folded around her back, drawing her in closer. Arya can feel his firm torso and the hearts that beat within as their forms melted together.
"You're alive. You're alive, Arya." Jon chanted as if he was in prayer. Arya tightens her arms around him in return.
His body shakes then before he let out a chuckle and a choked laugh. Arya moves her hand to stroke his hair gently, hoping to soothe him out of his misery. Jon instantly relaxed before he pulls his head back to face her. "You're alive." He said again with a smile. His eyes are eating her as he studies every inch of her face, running his hands through her dishevelled hair.
When a tear escapes him, Arya wipes it away with her fingers as she cradles his face. "I'm alive." She assures him with a smile in return.
Jon laughed at that before his face buckles again and more tears roll unchecked, washing a path to his dark stubble below his cheeks and chin. Arya tries to clear the tears away, but it was becoming harder when the tears show no sign to stop. She didn't realize that she was in much the same state, not only after Jon swipes her cheeks with his thumbs, trying to wipe her tears off her face too.
Arya let out a smirk at what a mess the two might look to the people around them. "You're crying like a girl." She commented good-naturedly.
A chuckle left Jon freely. "You're crying like a girl."
Arya rolled her eyes then. "I am a girl, stupid."
Jon's smile only widens further at the remark before he pulls Arya in his arms again. "I missed you, little sister." He sighed against her ear.
"I missed you too, Jon." She whispers softly and settles at the crook of his neck as she lets Jon holds her in an embrace she never wants to end.
Arya decides she could live like this forever, within his hold that tells her everything will be alright as long as she stays there. That she won't lose him again.