~:More Trouble:~
After a little effort Captain Forel brought Salt Bitch safely in to the harbor, though everyone had to help out, even Tyrion and Arya. It was hard work lowering the sails and afterwards Arya found that she had a healthy supply of new blisters and sores on her right hand where a rope had slipped and burnt her soft skin. "It looks worse than it feels." She told a concerned Darion, which was mostly true, though it did sting a little. Arya was just thankful it wasn't her left hand, her sword hand.
Tyrion carefully wrapped her injured hand with a clean cloth to keep the dirt out of it, the last thing she needed was for it to get infected. She told him that if she could find the right ingredients at the market she could make a simple ointment which would help it to heal faster, so she wasn't too concerned.
"You have many skills Lady Stark. Do you have the skills to make a tonic that will stop me shitting water? I haven't been able to stop in three days. It's most annoying." He said as he tied the bandage with a tight knot. "What I really need is some proper food, chicken, pork or lamb and some wine to wash it down. A dwarf cannot survive on wild berries." He continued as he inspected his work before giving an approving nod.
Arya looked at her bandage for a few moments and then laughed. "I'm not a maester, but I think I can make you something that will help." She knew from her studies with Maester Garavel of a tonic that should help him, and luckily for Tyrion it was really easy to make from ingredients that she should be able to find at the market.
After the ship was safely moored Arya disembarked with the valyrian weapons. She didn't want to draw attention to them or herself so wrapped them safely in an old grey rag cloth to disguise them. Ser Jorah, Tyrion, Darion and Captain Forel stayed behind to try to sell some of the cargo that they were carrying aboard Seabitch and hopefully recruit some men for the journey back to Braavos. They all agreed that it might be best for them to keep a low profile until they knew what Euron Greyjoy was planning, so Arya was to go it alone for now.
Arya gladly took in the atmosphere of the busy port. The sight and sound of life and civilzation was such a welcome one after the barren, dusty emptiness of Oros with it's ruined buildings and lifeless streets. There were gulls hovering in the sky and people going about their business haggling and traded over various goods. Wines, spices, silks and fruits.
As she walked she counted eight-and-ten ships were being made. Most were barely a keel, but others looked to have made some progress, though none were seaworthy or looked like real ships yet. Hundreds of Meerenese men were busy working away, carrying lumber and equipment and tools, others cut and shaped the wood while others watched on and shouted instructions.
Further into Meereen she reached the market. Arya could smell so many sweet smells of the various fruits and vegetables that were for sale. Green, orange, yellow, blue and red, Arya had almost forgotten what color was after the grey bleakness of Oros with it's volcanic dust and fine ash. So many things that she had just taken for granted seemed so much more beautiful now.
Arya soon came to a stall which sold various ingredients and tonics, but she didn't stop to look for the things she needed. Going to the Great Pyramid to see Daenerys and deliver the valyrian weapons and the truth about Euron Greyjoy was the priority. Even though it stung each time she moved it, her hand and Tyrion's bowels would have to wait for now.
Several children were playing in the street with grubby hands and faces and torn clothes, chasing each other and playing games. Cats were stalking mice and birds in the alleyways, a small brown dog was barking at the cat from a ledge, a beggar in a dirty grey cloak with a crooked walking stick sat in the gutter begging for food or coin. And even the smell of freshly caught crabs and fish on a nearby market stall seemed welcome to her.
This was life, this was what they were fighting to save. If the Night's King and his undead army weren't stopped all of this would be gone forever and the world as they knew it would be covered in ice and darkness. There would be no color, there would be no gulls in the sky or children playing in the streets. She only hoped that Daenerys could unite the Seven Kingdoms in time and that the Wall would hold long enough to defeat the Walkers.
The Great Pyramid loomed up ahead and no matter how many times Arya saw it, it still impressed. It towered over everything else in the city.
Suddenly a commotion started around the market. People were panicking and walking quickly away to shelter, while others stood and looked up to the clear blue sky above. Arya instinctively reached for Needle, looking around as she tried to figure out what was wrong.
'I don't like this.' She thought to herself as she looked around, wondering what was happening. 'I should hurry.'
Arya looked up as two large shadows suddenly swept across the market to see two large dragons fly overhead. One was green with bronze colored markings, the other was a cream color with gold markings. They didn't look as large or as intimidating as Drogon, but they were still an impressive sight. She tucked Needle safely back into her belt and watched in awe as they flew over to the Great Pyramid.
Arya had often read about dragons and seen pictures of them in books back in Winterfell during her history lessons with Maester Luwin and in the House of Black and White in Braavos and always thought that they were amazing creatures. Old Nan used to tell her stories of a great ice dragon when she was little, but it never scared her unlike Bran and Rickon. Seeing a dragon for real was more amazing than she ever imagined.
After both of the dragons had flown out of sight, Arya walked over to a side alley and looked around to make sure that nobody was looking before closing her eyes and picturing Jayne Snow's face. She could picture her blonde hair, her blue eyes, her dimpled chin, her pale skin. Slowly Arya pulled her hand down over her face to change it to Jayne Snow's.
Arya didn't want to risk Euron recognizing her if he was already with Daenerys. She wanted to speak to Daenerys alone, without him interupting and twisting the truth of what really happened back in Oros. Who knows what he had told her, what lies he had come up with.
After climbing up the many stone steps of the Great Pyramid she patiently waited her turn to see Daenerys. Unfortunately there were many other people waiting to the Mother of Dragons today, each with their own questions, requests and demands. Men, women, old and young. Farmers, market traders and other merchants among them. 'This could take all day' She thought to herself as she leaned against the stone wall, folding her arms across her chest. She didn't like it, but knew that she didn't have much choice but to wait her turn.
Eventually Arya was summoned by one of the Unsullied and led into the audience chamber where Daenerys sat on her simple marble throne wearing a simple, but elegant pale blue dress. Euron Greyjoy stood beside her on one side and Ser Barristan Selmy stood on the other. Daenerys signaled for Arya to move closer before Missandei spoke the formal introductions.
"Welcome friend. You stand before Daenerys Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons."
Daenerys smiled a beautiful smile and spoke calmly. "Step forward."
"I hope you remember me Your Grace?" Arya said confidently, bowing her head a little as a show of respect. She could see that Daenerys had no idea who she was. How could she? Arya had never been Jayne Snow in front of her before. "The wolf girl your grace? I bring you news of the bear and the dwarf." She continued hoping that Daenerys would pick up on her clues.
Daenerys studied her for a moment before glancing over to Ser Barristan who nodded back to her before looking down to Arya again. Euron stared at her coldly with his icy blue eye the whole time. It felt as if he was looking right through her, as if he knew who she really was.
Arya hoped that Daenerys or Ser Barristan would recognize her Water Dancer's armor and pick up on her clue of being a wolf girl. She carefully studied Danaerys' pale face for a sign, hoping.
Daenerys leaned forward slightly and carefully studied Jayne Snow's face for a few moments. "Did you find what I wanted?" She asked calmly as she studied Jayne Snow's face.
"I did, Your Grace." Arya walked up the stone steps to present the valyrian ring that she had taken from the dead priest in the ruined temple. She then placed the rag on the floor and unwrapped it to reveal the valyrian dagger, short sword and sword that they had found in Oros.
Euron looked at the valyrian weapons suspiciously with his icy blue eye as Arya placed the priests dagger carefully into Daenerys' hand. He knew that they were valyrian, Arya could sense it from the look on his cruel face. She hated him. The eye patch, his thin blue lips.
"You have my thanks wolf girl." Daenerys smiled, accepting the valyrian dagger and inspecting it for a few moments before offering it to Lord Varys who had now joined them.
The bald eunoch carefully inspected the valyrian dagger, nodding with approval. "A fine blade indeed Your Grace." He gave Arya a knowing glance before handing the valyrian blade back to Daenerys.
"Give the wolf girl her reward and see her out." Daenerys instructed as she looked at Arya. "You have my thanks." She nodded approvingly.
Varys led Arya out of the main chamber and down several narrow torchlit corridors, their footsteps echoed agaist the thick stone walls as they walked. Arya wondered where he was leading her. They finally reached a small square chamber where he sat at an old wooden desk to write something on a small scrap of paper.
"What's this?" Arya asked curiously as she accepted the note. She knew this couldn't be the reward Daenerys had spoke of, though she didn't really expect one.
"Directions." He replied calmly. "I will wait for you there at first light on the morrow, where we will be able to talk freely."
Arya looked at the directions he had written down for her, they looked easy enough to follow. "Yes, I understand. Shall I bring the others with me?" She asked as she placed the scrap of paper into one of her pockets.
Varys pulled out a small silver key from a hidden pocket in his sleeve and unlocked and then opened the lid on a large wooden chest in the corner of the chamber, he was looking for something. "Tyrion and Ser Jorah may have a role to play, bring them with you. We should hear what they have to say." He paused for a moment before standing and turning to face her, he was holding a small black pouch in his powdered hand. "And do try to keep Tyrion away from the wine, he makes far more sense when he isn't drunk."
Arya smiled and nodded in agreement as she watched Varys push at one of the stones by the fireplace to open up a secret passageway. "Yes." She replied as she walked over to the secret passageway, she felt a cool draft on her face as she peeked inside.
"Follow this tunnel all the way down and it will bring you out into the sewers near to the harbor." He gently pressed the small black pouch into her hand, it was full of coins. "A reward for your efforts. There is enough there for you all to buy a fine meal and a comfortable bed for the night. Get your strength up and rest my lady. We will talk more on the morrow." He smiled and bowed his bald head respectfully.
A meal and a comfy bed sounded perfect to her, much better than sleeping rough or on a lumpy bed like on the Seabitch. It had been so long she she had sat at a table and eaten a proper meal. The best she had managed since leaving Meereen was berries and fruits.
Arya smiled back and stepped through the fireplace and picked up a torch, lighting it from one by the side of the hidden door.
"Before you leave...my lady."
Arya turned to face him. "Yes?" She asked, wondering what else he wanted.
"May I see your real face?" He asked, studying the face of Jayne Snow. Her dimpled chin, her blonde hair, her pale skin.
Arya smiled and thought of her own face. Her tangled brown hair, her grey Stark eyes and the cheeky smile that her father had loved so much. Slowly she pulled her left hand down over her face, changing it back to her own.
"I have seen many things from one side of Essos to the other, you truly are a wonder Lady Stark." He dipped his bald head a little and smiled at her again.
Arya smiled back before turning and quickly making her way down the hidden passageway, she heard the secret door close behind her. It was so low in places that even she had to duck down for fear of banging her head. It twisted left and then right and then left again before sloping down quite steeply, eventually bringing her to a dead end. The only way forward was to drop down a circular hole in the stone floor into the sewer below.
The smell was bad, but Arya wasn't afraid of a little dirt. At Winterfell she was always getting into trouble for ripping and occasionally ruining her dresses, much to her father's and Jon's amusement. She knelt and lowered the torch down the hole to see how far the drop was, luckily it was only a few feet so she carefully lowered herself down before following the flow of the water out into the harbor, bringing her out below a raised wooden walkway.
After throwing her torch into the sea and dusting herself down Arya made her way back to the market to buy the ingredients that she required to make her ointment and Tyrion's tonic. It didn't cost her much and she had more than enough coin with the reward Varys had given to her.
It was time to head back to Salt Bitch to inform the others what had happened. On the way she spotted the beggar sitting on a low crumbling wall and placed a silver coin in his dirty palm. She knew how hunger felt and she knew that he could eat with the coin she had given to him.
"Many thanks m'lady." He said to her in a gruff voice. It was hard to see his face as his cowl was pulled up, mostly hiding his features except for his nose.
She turned and smiled briefly at him before walking away and feeling good for helping someone less fortunate than herself.
Back at the ship Arya showed the others the instructions Varys had written down. Luckily Ser Jorah knew the starting point well. It was a small tavern in the south west of Meereen, popular with the richer merchants and inhabitants of Meereen. It was decided that Arya, Tyrion and Ser Jorah would head there after the sun had set and stay the night. Varys would meet them early on the morrow.
Later that afternoon Arya was in the galley and had just finished making the ointment for her hand when Tyrion joined her, hopping up onto a wooden stool to see about his tonic.
"It's not ready yet." She told him as she applied the still warm ointment to her hand. It started to sting so much that it brought tears to her eyes. It hurt even more than the ointment Old Nan had used when Arya had scraped her knees as a young girl back in Winterfell. She quickly turned away so that Tyrion couldn't see the tears in her eyes and gently bit her lower lip as she sucked up the pain.
"My lady, are you alright?" Tyrion asked, his voice filled with concern. He knew that she was hurting and was trying to look brave in front of him, but didn't let on.
"It stings some but I'll be fine." She replied through gritted teeth as the stinging gradually eased. She quickly wiped her eyes on her sleeve and turned to face him before wrapping her hand in a clean bandage. Tyrion offered to help and she let him tie it for her.
It didn't take long to mix Tyrion's tonic as it didn't need heating up and it was easy to make. When it was ready it was a murky green liquid that smelled quite foul. She even spotted a few lumps in it but Tyrion eagerly drank it before screwing up his scarred face. She thought that he was going to be sick as she watched him lean forward and hold himself up against the stool, but he somehow kept it down.
"Thank you, Lady Stark." He said as he looked up at her, his face looked almost as green as the tonic she had made for him. He really did look quite sick.
She tried her best not to smile though, thinking that it was funny. "I hope it helps." She replied, though she felt that she had now probably made him sick as well as shitting water.
After the sun had set Arya, Tyrion and Ser Jorah set off to stay at the tavern and feast with coin Arya was given from Varys. Darion and Captain Forel stayed behind on the ship to try to get it in a more fit condition to sail back to Braavos. They had made some progress since arriving back at Meereen. They had thrown out all of the broken things and cleaned out each of the cabins, but it still wasn't anywhere near as nice as Sweet Lily was.
They found the tavern easily enough, just as Ser Jorah had promised. It was called The Crown Tavern and it was busy with only a few tables to spare. There were merchants dealing over their fine meals and other wealthy Meerenese just out for a good time. Arya spotted a table in the corner and led Tyrion and Ser Jorah over.
Honey-duck, suckling pig, bacon, sausages and potatoes, carrots and peas. Roasted nuts, mushrooms and ham. Followed by Sweet Berries, Wild Berries, Strawberries, Raspberries and all other fruits you could think of. It really was a feast and they ordered it all.
They ate so much, Arya didn't know how Tyrion could eat so much for someone so short. He was clearly feeling much better and his appetite had returned. Ser Jorah made sure that wine was kept off the menu and they had to wash it all down with water no matter how much Tyrion complained. Arya didn't mind though, she didn't really like the taste and preferred water anyway.
After they had feasted and their bellies were full it was time for them to turn in for the night. Arya made her way up to her chamber which was on the top floor and locked the door behind her. After stripping down to her white small clothes she gave her hands and face a quick wash in the metal wash basin and ran her fingers through her hair as she looked at her reflection in the silver looking glass that hung on the wall. 'Still tangled' She thought with a smile as she turned to get into bed.
Her bed was so comfortable that she almost melted into it. There were no lumps in the matress and the wooden frame didn't creak whenever she moved. After sleeping on old beds and out in the wilderness Arya had really come to appreciate a comfortable bed. She missed her bed back in Winterfell, it was so comfortable and the furs kept her warm even during the coldest of nights.
Arya was happily playing on her bed with her doll in her new bedchamber when her father entered. "How do you like your new bedchamber?" He asked her as he approached and sat on her bed next to her.
"I really like it, it means I'm a big girl now doesn't it?" She said proudly as she looked up at her father. She was also glad that she didn't have to share with her boring and annoying sister any more, but didn't say that.
Her father smiled and chuckled slightly. "Yes, you're a big girl now and that means you're ready to go somewhere very special." He smiled and offered his hand to her as he stood.
She eagerly hopped to her feet and gladly held her fathers hand, she loved spending time with him. "Where are you taking me?" She asked as they made their way out of her new bedchamber and down the stone steps of the tower to the castle yard below.
"I'm taking you to the Godswood to see the Heart Tree." He replied, smiling down at her.
Arya giggled excitedly, she had never been allowed in the Godswood before. Old Nan had told her a few stories and Maester Luwin had mentioned it a few times and she thought it sounded like a magical place.
Eddard walked quite slowly so that she could easily keep up with him as they entered the Godswood. Arya felt a little nervous but she wasn't afraid. She just didn't really know what to expect.
Arya held her fathers hand a little tighter as they went deeper into the Godswood. The light grew dimmer and the air seemed to get thicker the further they went. Roots stuck out of the ground and thick layers of brown leaves lay everywhere, crunching under their feet as they walked. Everything seemed so old to her, some of the largest trees must have been hundreds, possibly thousands of years old she thought.
For some reason Arya suddenly felt like she was being watched and she didn't like it. She stopped and frowned a little.
"Arya what's wrong?" Her father asked, crouching down to put a comforting arm around her slender shoulders.
Arya looked at him, clearly unsure. She tried to hide it though as she didn't want to look craven in front of her father. "My legs are tired, I want to go back to my chamber." She replied, making up an excuse not to go any further.
"We're almost there sweetling, come on." He said as he put his arm around her slender waist and picked her up as he stood. Arya started to cling onto her father and looked around as he carried her deeper into the Godswood, feeling a little reassured.
After few minutes they came to a small clearing which had a little black pool in the centre of it. Arya looked around to see a strange white tree with dark red leaves and a scary looking face. She quickly looked away and hugged her father tight, not wanting to look at it.
"It's ok sweetling it won't harm you. This is a Heart Tree" He father spoke quietly as he crouched and put her down.
She frowned a little as he stood and then started to cling to him again, burying her face into his stomach. "I don't like it, I want to go back." She insisted.
Her father gently hugged her as her explained to her about the old gods, the children of the forest and the first men. "So there's really no need to be afraid." He said before leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Feeling brave, Arya turned to face the Heart Tree and marched up to it. "I'm not afraid of you!" She said to the Heart Tree's face, before turning away and folding her arms across her chest defiantly.
Her father couldn't help but smile proudly.
The next morning Arya, Tyrion and Ser Jorah sat at the same table where they had feasted the night before to wait for Varys. Luckily he didn't keep them waiting very long. He wore a hooded black robe and soft black shoes. He never spoke to them once as they followed him.
He quickly lead them through various passageways and alleys. Arya saw the old man begging in the gutter again, but didn't stop to give him a coin this time, Varys was walking so fast it was difficult to keep up. They eventually came to a very narrow alley and entered a hidden door that would take them beneath the Great Pyramid.
Varys lit a torch and led them down a long twisting tunnel. "We may talk freely now my friends, these stone walls have no ears." He said in his usual calm tone.
Arya was the first to ask a question. "Where are you taking us?" She asked, hearing her their footsteps echo as they walked.
"We are here." Varys replied as he pushed open a heavy wooden door to enter a large stone chamber. Daenerys, Daario Naharis and Ser Barristan Selmy were waiting for them at the far end of the chamber. Ser Barristan was holding a torch, but the rest of the chamber was dark and the shadows were long and black. It felt cool and as usual Arya was the first to feel it.
Arya told Daenerys the truth of Euron Greyjoy and everything that had happened at Oros. The burning of Sweet Lily and the slaughter of it's crew and her experience inside the ancient temple.
"He gave you a bronze dragon egg didn't he?" Arya asked her, already knowing the truth. "A dragon egg that he made me find before leaving me for dead, trapped in an old temple to die. He killed all of the crew of Sweet Lily and would have killed my friends Captain Forel and Darion had Ser Jorah and Tyrion not saved them." Arya continued as she looked at Ser Jorah and Tyrion.
"I too have some disturbing news on Euron Greyjoy, Your Grace." Varys spoke softly. "I have had some of my most reliable little birds spy on this man and it seems Euron Greyjoy plans to use you and your dragons for himself. He is in possession of a magical dragon horn which he believes can be used to control dragons. I also believe means to steal your dragons and take the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms for himself." He paused for a moment before continuing. "It seems our worst fears of Euron Greyjoy are true. The man is dangerous, he cannot be trusted!"
"He proposed to me and promised to seek out and destroy the Sons of the Harpy for me. He promised to lead my fleet of ships as well as the Ironborn to help me regain the Iron Throne." Daenerys muttered softly in disgust. "It was all a lie. He only wanted to get close and then steal my dragons and my throne. He must pay for his treachery."
The chamber fell silent for a few moments before Daenerys continued. "Ser Barristan, see to it that Euron Greyjoy is taken to a cell where he is to be guarded at all times until his trial."
"Yes, Your Grace." Barristan Selmy replied.
"I have more disturbing news Your Grace." Varys spoke in his usual soft, calm tone. "I have also learned that Hizdahr Zo Loraq is the leader of the Sons of the Harpy. He is the the one they call 'The Harpy' and he has gone into hiding with the other leaders of his group." He paused for a moment to let everyone take in what he was telling them before continuing. "He must be rooted out and killed if we are to leave Meereen without it slipping back into the hands of The Masters."
"Do you know where he is hiding Lord Varys?" Ser Barristan asked.
"I do." Varys replied. "But it will not be easy, he is well guarded by his most loyal followers."
Daenerys turned to Daario. "I want you to root out Hizdar Zo Loraq and the other leaders and kill them. Kill anyone that stands in your way. I will not leave Meereen in the hands of The Masters."
"Your Grace." Daario bowed his head.
"I'm going with you" Arya demanded stepping forward.
"It'll be too dangerous. Stay here where it's safe." Daario said dismissively, waving her away.
Ser Jorah looked at Arya and nodded approvingly. "She knows how to sneak and can handle a blade. She may prove useful."
"Fine. Stay close." Daario replied reluctantly after thinking it over for a few moments. He didn't seem too keen on taking her with him, but she would prove herself to him, she was determined.
"Stay safe." Daenerys added as she looked at Arya with concern.
"Stay here." Whispered a crackled voice from the shadows."
Everyone suddenly turned and drew their weapons, peering into the gloom. All except for Varys who was unarmed and Daenerys who was suddenly shielded by Ser Barristan and Daario.
"A girl should stay here where it's safe..." The voice spoke again in a firmer tone this time.
"Who are you?" Arya asked as she bravely stepped forward, searching in the shadows. 'Fear cuts deeper than swords' She could hear Syrio say in her head as she picked up a torch from the wall and held it high, searching as the flame flickered to make the long, dark shadows dance.
To Arya's surprise, the old man that she had seen begging in the gutter of the market stepped out into the light. He wore the same ragged grey robe which was covered in dirt. He tossed a silver coin to her which she caught. It was the same silver coin that she had given to him. The mysterious beggar leaned on his crooked wooden walking stick to look directly into her eyes.
With his cowl down she could see that he had long, tangled grey hair which was matted and knotted. One of his eyes was white and the other a faded brown and he had so many wrinkles it was hard to tell where one started and the other ended. He appeared to be as old as Maester Luwin, maybe older.
"Who are you?" She asked, pointing Needle toward him suspiciously. He seemed no threat and looked unarmed, but Arya knew never to judge somebody just by their looks.
The old man simply smiled as he slowly pulled his hand down over his face.