Queenie: Next chapter will have Celena spending more time with Sansa and Bran. I want to make sure every Stark has time with Celena to show how she works with their family.
NO POV:
Arya sat off to the side watching as her older brothers, Theon, and Celena train. She was skipping her sewing lesson to do this, but she didn't like sewing anyway. She grinned as Celena blocked Robb's sword with her own while actually managing to push Robb back, which had the eldest Stark child's eyes widening. Celena grinned at him teasingly with mischief in her eyes. Arya leaned forward watching closely as Celena planted her right foot firmly before shoving Robb hard to knock him off balance. She was then pivoting on her right foot while sweeping out her left foot to hit Robb's knee in the back.
Robb tilted backwards while trying to keep his balance. Celena reached forward grabbing his arm that had the hand holding his sword. She jerked him forward, which no one was expecting. Arya gasped at the change as Celena forced Robb into a knelt position in front of her while pressing her practice sword to his neck. Robb froze while dropping his own sword to show that he yielded the fight. Celena let him go, and Jon helped Robb to his feet. Arya smiled wishing she could fight as Celena did. She wanted to be allowed to fight without someone trying to force her to be a lady.
She wanted to fight in battles without having to worry about getting dirty or how unladylike she was act. She wished she had been born in the same life Celena had. She was sure her life would be more exciting if she had been. As she watched Celena speak with the boys, an idea came to mind, which had her smile growing. She scampered off with Celena, who had been aware of her watching the entire time, glancing back towards her. Celena silently chuckled before turning back to the boys.
"You know if you wouldn't take it easy on me, you'd probably win a few fights." Celena said. "Well, you two would."
She pointed to Jon and Robb as she said this because they obviously had some talent. Both looked kind of smug when she said that, which had her snorting and shaking her head. She then looked towards Theon to see he was waiting for her to compliment him as well.
"Dearest Theon on the other hand." She said grinning at him.
Theon shot her look while obviously pissed she didn't compliment him as well, which had her grin widening. She really did love pushing his buttons. She wondered if she could push him to the point that he'd snap and attack her. He might not be thinking when he's fighting her, but at least he fights her without holding back once she ticks him off. Well, he would probably fight her all out if she just asked, but still it's more fun to piss him off along the way.
"If you fought for real, none of us would stand a chance." Jon said as he went to place the practice sword away. "You are a half-goddess after all."
He was sure she could destroy all of Winterfell if she wanted. It was a good thing she was on their side.
"That may be true, but I am as mortal as the three of you." Celena said. "Even I bleed and even I can die. In fact, people like me tend to die young."
The boys looked at Celena curiously as she placed her practice sword beside Jon's sword. She had left her sword in her room. She couldn't use it on mortals anyway. Even if she could it wasn't meant for practice because it could really hurt someone.
"What do you mean?" Theon asked as he and Robb put away their swords.
Celena sighed as she hoped onto the fence to sit down. She kicked her legs back slowly and softly as she looked up at the sky.
"The life of a half-blood is dangerous." Celena said. "There are monsters out in the world that probably don't even exist here. Monsters that hunt us down because they see us as threats to them, and because they happen to like the taste of our flesh. And it isn't as if our parents are around to try and defend us. We take care of ourselves even when most of us are still children, so it's not that surprising when most don't live to even see my age."
It was silent for a moment as the boys took in Celena's words. To know that your life was always in danger like that…things must have been scary.
"If I hadn't been taught how to fight, I would have died a long time ago." Celena said.
Which is why Celena believes everyone should at least know how to defend themselves. Just a little bit of self-defense could save someone's life.
"But you managed to survive." Theon said.
"Yes, well, when you're a child of the Big Three, you have the power to survive, but even we have our limitations." Celena said. "I'm not invincible. I can die just as easily as the three of you. I'm not immortal like my father."
Celena honestly wouldn't want to be immortal. After living so long, it has obviously taken its toll on the gods. They've lost most of their humanity. They care so little about things, but what happen to interest them at the time. Celena wouldn't want to live to the point where she just stopped caring about things that should be the most important in someone's life. She's also sure that knowing you can't be killed makes life not as precious to them. She would hate that. She is happy knowing her time on this earth was temporary.
Sometimes she was actually thankful for all the near death experiences she had. It makes her feel as if it's helped her grow, and see life as something to love even when it might not be that great. And while her life definitely took a sour turn recently, she was going to make the best of it. She would live her life here like she would back in her world. The only thing that really bothered her was the fact that she still wasn't free and she was without her family. But she would find some way to see them again, and someday…she would be free to completely make her own decisions. She refused to be a slave to the gods forever…even if one of them was her father.
CELENA'S POV:
"You want me to what?" I asked Arya.
I blinked at the younger girl who had welcomed herself into my room this morning. I had been doing my morning exercises when she had just barged in. Before I could even ask her what she needed or if something was wrong, she had asked me something. However, I wasn't sure if I heard her right. I'm still not fully awake. I'm definitely not a morning person. It might honestly have to do with the fact I'm a child of Hades, and sunlight really isn't my thing.
"I want you to teach me how to use a sword." Arya repeated. "I want to be a female warrior like you and like the women from where you're from."
I guess I did hear her right the fight time after all. I let out a breath as I sat down on my bed Indian Style. Wasn't exactly a ladylike position, but it wasn't as if I cared. Though I'm sure Catelyn or Sansa would be happy to correct me on my way of sitting if they were here. They both have tried to show me the ways ladies act her. Catelyn said it was to help me fit in better. I believe, Sansa just couldn't stand how unladylike I was. I also think she just couldn't understand how a woman couldn't know proper etiquette or how a woman could like to fight like me.
"And how does your parents feel about this?" I asked Arya as I scratched the back of my head.
Arya looked down for a moment, which immediately let me know that she hadn't asked her parents if it was okay. Or they've said no about Arya training in swordsmanship before. I'm sure if my mom had been around when I started training, she would have protested against it as well. My mom didn't try to force me to act like a lady, but she didn't want me acting like a wild child either. I'm sure she'd have a heart attack if she knew all that I've done with my life since her passing and our escaping of the Lotus Eaters.
"My mother is afraid I might hurt myself." Arya said. "And she tells me ladies aren't meant to use a sword."
Arya let out an exasperated groan as if she's had those lectures many times as she moved over to my bed. She moved to sit down beside me as she frowned. I reached out to rub her shoulder in a consoling manner since it was obviously bothering her that she can't lean to fight like her brothers.
"I don't want to be a lady." Arya said. "Sometimes I wish I was born a boy."
I chuckled because I had once said the same thing when I was still a little girl in Italy. I had started my period early in life, and the pain caused with it had me wishing I was born a boy like my twin Nico. Though I got over that quickly.
"Well, that sounds like a pretty silly wish." I said getting her to frown at me. "Boys are stupid, so I don't see what you'd want to be one."
Her frown turned into a smile as a few giggles left her lips. I smiled at her in return glad to see the frown off her face. I then gently mused her hair while glad the frown was gone from her face. I don't like it when the younger Starks look upset. I think it's the older sister vibes coming out. I might have only been a few minutes older than Nico, but I always looked out for him and tried to keep him happy.
"You don't have to be a boy to fight." I said to her. "Anyone can train to fight if they put enough effort into it."
And I really did believe that everyone needed to know at least a little self-defense.
"So you'll teach me?" Arya asked.
"I will." I said nodding.
Arya's entire face lit up, and she went to hug me. However, I held out my hand to signal for her to wait.
"But only if we ask your parents first." I said.
Her expression fell when I said that, but I didn't want to upset her parents. Especially Catelyn. I'm sure she'd protest the most about Arya learning how to fight.
"I think I can get them to agree." I said getting her to blink curiously. "We just have to give a convincing argument as to why you should learn how to at least defend yourself."
"How are we going to do that?" Arya asked tilting her head to the side.
"Leave that to me." I said grinning. "Now, go on. I must continue getting ready for the day. I promise to speak with your parents later."
Arya smiled once more while getting off of my bed as I was doing the same. She then hugged me around the waist, which had surprised me at first.
"Thank-you, Celena." She said.
I chuckled while hugging Arya in return while glad I could try and do something for her that'd make her happy. I knew all those lessons on how to be a lady were driving her mad.
"Thank me once I get them to agree." I said as I gently pushed her away.
I then shooed her out the door, so I could continue getting ready. Now, just how would I approach Ned and Catelyn on the matter of training Arya? I think I know just how, but the wording has to be just right. Or they might not agree.
I took a deep breath as I approached Ned and Catelyn as they were watching Robb, Jon, and Theon help Bran with his archery lessons. The boy wouldn't be a boy of Apollo for sure with his skills, but I'm sure with time he'll get better.
"Excuse me, Lord Stark, Lady Stark." I said as I approached them.
They turned towards me with both of them smiling warmly. I just hoped those smiles remained after I asked them to allow me to train Arya.
"Good morning, Celena." Catelyn greeted. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, milady." I said nodding.
I had almost said ma'am, but didn't know if it was really the word to use here. I'll just stick to "lady" and "milady" to be safe.
"Is there something you need?" Ned asked.
"Yes." I said nodding again. "You see, Arya came to visit me this morning. She wishes I teach her how to use a sword."
Catelyn gave a soft sigh with a shake of her head, which couldn't be good. However, Ned looked more amused, which put me a bit more at east.
"I am sorry if she bothered you." Catelyn said.
"Not at all, Lady Stark." I said shaking my head. "I actually told her that if I was given your permission that I would teach her how to fight."
Catelyn looked even more displeased. Well, this wasn't going very well, but I haven't even explained my side of the argument.
"I don't think I am comfortable with Arya learning how to use a sword." Catelyn said while looking to Ned.
"She is rather young to start learning sword-fighting." Ned said.
Well, at least he didn't use her gender as an excuse as to why she couldn't use a sword.
"Which is why I was thinking on just teaching her self-defense." I said.
The two gave me curiously looks, which had me hoping that they'd might actually hear me out.
"Self-defense?" Ned asked.
"Yes, just a few ways for her to discourage anyone who might attack her while she is alone." I said. "She won't always have her parents or brothers there to protect her. I just want her to know enough to stun an attacker, so she can get away."
Catelyn shook her head still not being sold on the idea of Arya learning how to fight. Ned, however, seemed to be considering what I said.
"It might be a good idea for Arya to learn such things." Ned said.
Catelyn and I both looked at him in surprise though for not exactly the same reasons. I didn't expect him to agree so easily, and I'm sure Catelyn didn't expect him to agree at all.
"But, Ned, she's too young." Catelyn said. "Besides, young ladies aren't meant to wield weapons."
I blinked while almost subconsciously reaching back to touch the hilt of my blade, which was on my back. The people here were really set in their ways.
"Cat, you and I both know Arya isn't exactly a young lady." Ned said. "She has already started to teach herself how to use a bow. I believe, Celena speaks logically of wanting to teach Arya how to take care of herself. What if she does find herself alone without her brothers or myself to watch out for her? What if someone does try to hurt her? She should know how to protect herself."
Catelyn frowned obviously still not liking this idea, but I had a feeling she was done protesting. Ned looked to me, which had me straightening up.
"You have my permission to give Arya these lessons." Ned said. "Perhaps when she is a bit older she may learn how to use a sword. However, for now, I do not think it best for her to pick up a sword."
"Understood." I said dipping my head to them. "Thank-you."
Ned nodded in return, so I turned to go tell Arya the good news. She might not like the fact swords are out of the questions for now, but this was the best I could get her for now. And Ned said when she's older she could perhaps pick up sword fighting. It doesn't look as if I'll ever be leaving this place, so I can teach her sword-fighting when the time comes.
I jumped over the railing to the balcony, which had Catelyn gasping in worry. I landed on the ground with ease with the boys jumping in shock at my sudden landing. I smiled at them while hurrying along since I didn't have time to stay and chat. It was time to show Arya some self-dense training. I wonder if I can convince Theon to help with the lessons. I grinned just thinking about how hurt he'd get as standing in as a practice dummy.
"So I can't use a sword?" Arya asked looking disappointed.
I nodded my head knowing she was looking forward to start using a sword as soon as possible.
"Not yet." I said. "First I have to teach you how to fight without a weapon. Once you're a bit older, your father will most likely let you start sword training. Also the more skilled and disciplined you show him you can be during this training might encourage him to allow me to teach you sword fighting."
Arya nodded her head in understanding, and while she still didn't look completely happy, I could see she was ready to get started.
"We'll start with something simple." I said then gestured my volunteer forward.
Jon stepped up as Robb and Theon stood back with Rickon and Bran. Apparently it was only Jon who was brave enough to volunteer. I had really tried to get Theon to volunteer, but apparently he doesn't trust me. Don't know why though.
"Now, Jon is going to be the pretend attacker." I said. "Now, while we are going to attack him, we are going to try and not ruin his pretty face, okay?"
Arya giggled nodding her head as the boys all laughed at my words. I glanced back at Jon with a teasing grin as he gave me an unimpressed look in return.
"Let's begin." I said motioning Jon forward. "Now, I want you to put your arms around me."
Jon did as he was told while standing obviously uncomfortable as his arms held me tightly. I almost wanted to giggle at how shy he was being this close to a girl. Though I myself felt my heart slightly skip a beat as I felt his chest pressed into my back. His body radiated warmth, and honestly I felt almost safe and protected in his arms. I've never felt this way before, so it confused me. I mentally shook myself knowing I needed to focus on the lesson.
"Now, while in this position it appears as if you cannot get away." I said looking to Arya. "But there is a way. I'll show you how to break your attacker's nose with your head."
Arya blinked before a large grin spread across her face. I felt Jon stiffen behind me as he subconsciously tightened his arms around me.
"Wait…what?" Jon asked sounding nervous.
"Don't worry, Jon." I said. "I'm not really going to hurt you."
"Jon, I am so sorry." I said for the umpteenth time as Maester Luwin was looking over Jon's nose.
During training with Arya I had really broken Jon's without meaning to as I was showing Arya how she could use her palm to hit a man in the nose to cause him pain and to break his nose. I hadn't actually meant to hit him, but I did. I'm just lucky I didn't shove the broken part of his nose into his brain, which would have killed him.
"He will be alright, Celena." Luwin assured him. "It was a clean break. His nose will heal faster because of this."
It didn't make me feel any better at all. In fact, I felt even worse. He'll probably never want to train with me again, or never want to talk to me again. Luwin then excused himself from Jon's room as Jon was laying on his bed while also nursing his shoulder, which I had dislocated. I managed to put it back in place, but Luwin thought it best to leave his arm in a sling overnight.
"I'm sorry." I said again as I looked into his eyes. "I didn't mean to actually hurt you."
I then reached forward without thinking to gently cup his face while brushing my thumb against the bruising around his nose. I bit my lip with the feeling of guilt rising.
"I'm fine." Jon said reassuringly. "My pride is more wounded than I am."
He gave me a teasing smile, and I tried to smile in return as I dropped my hand from his face. However, I found it hard since I still felt guilty. I even looked down unable to meet his gaze. I never wanted to actually hurt him or any of the Starks. I haven't been here that long, but I feel connected to them. I've already become attached to them. Now, I've hurt Jon.
"Celena," Jon began as he reaching out with his good hand to put cup his fingers under my chin. "Look at me."
He gently guided my chin up, so I was looking him right in the eyes. He gave me a kind look.
"You shouldn't feel so guilty." Jon said. "This wouldn't be the first time I've been hurt in training. Probably won't be the last. These things happen. I'm sure you've gotten hurt in training before."
I nodded my head remembering all those times I went to one of the children of Apollo to get patched up after training. Especially when I had first started my training. Clarisse used to kick my ass from one time of the camp to another. While I had great godly power, my physical strength and talent were very limited. It took a lot of getting knocked around until I got good at fighting without using my powers.
"Then you know sometimes these things happen." Jon said. "No reason to dwell on it."
I slowly nodded my head again then stood, so to leave Jon to rest. I would probably visit him again later to make sure he was alright. I subconsciously reached towards him again as if I couldn't help but want to touch him and be close. I gently brushed his hair back while smiling.
"Next time I'll get Theon to help me with Arya's lessons." I said then grinned teasingly. "Wouldn't really want to hurt your pretty face."
Jon shook his head lightly though his lips were partially turned up into grin as if he couldn't help himself. I then left Jon alone in his room supposing I better wash up for supper, which would be served soon. As I was heading for my room, I saw Rickon heading in the direction I just left. He paused when he saw me, and I smiled at him while kneeling down onto my knee.
"And where are you going, little one?" I asked as I tapped his nose.
"I was looking for you." He said. "Mother said dinner would be done soon."
I smiled because I had figured as much. I then stood up while picking up Rickon in the process to place on my hip.
"Then I should go wash up, shouldn't I?" I asked as I started walking. "And it seems as if I'm not the only one."
I wiped my thumb against his cheek to get rid of some smudged dirt that had been there. He giggled slightly while leaning away from my touch, which had me chuckling.
"Let's go get washed up together then we'll join everyone for dinner." I said. "After dinner, perhaps I can give you another bedtime story. I can tell you of the mighty Achilles. Or perhaps the story of Hercules and the Golden Apple."
Rickon smiled nodding his head as the two of us went down the corridor towards my room.