Flow Like Water: Daeron meets his future sister-in-law.


Daeron took a walk around the Red Keep, his strides confident and relaxed as he explored his new home. It's been a couple of weeks since he took the Capital from the Lannisters. A few days after, he sent a raven scroll containing his and Eddard Stark's to Catelyn Stark telling them to swear fealty and his request for Lyarra's hand in marriage. Not too long after, he received a response from Lyarra herself who voiced her own acceptance to the betrothal along with a string of insults towards the 'metal chair that stabs their arses'. He had to admit, that did make him laugh when he read it aloud to his council, Eddard was present and looked ready to face palm himself at his daughter's response.

Now, with preparations for the wedding underway, with Eddard's request for his daughter to be married in the Godswood as per Northern tradition, Daeron can confidently say his reign will be cemented with zero rivals fighting for his crown. He knew what he's doing may seem cruel in regard to his older brother's daughter, but he didn't want to risk anyone getting their hands on another dragon to put their House on the throne. He can tell from the way Lyarra wrote her response she held no interest in being Queen or ruling Seven Kingdoms. It felt odd the only other contender for the throne dismisses the idea of being in charge of an entire country, yet somehow, it also felt refreshing.

He was about to pass by another room when he stopped abruptly upon seeing what he considered the oddest sight in his life. The youngest daughter of Eddard Stark is currently dressed in boy's clothes wielding a wooden training sword going through movements he remembers all too well.

"How is it that a Northern Lord's daughter knows the Water Dance?" Daeron's question brought the young girl out of her revere as she took on a fighting stance and turned in the direction of where the voice originated.

Arya brandished her sword on reflex, still jumpy after the Lannister coup. Her eyes widened upon seeing who entered the training room. "Daeron Targaryen."

"Yes, that is me. Forgive me for not properly greeting you Lady Arya." Daeron said as he entered the training room.

"I am no Lady, so don't call me that." Arya said with a displeased frown.

Daeron raised an eyebrow, "Oh, then what shall I call you?"

"Arya. Not Lady Stark, Not Lady Arya. Just Arya." The young she-wolf emphasized, wanting to make it perfectly clear to the Dragon King.

"Very well then Arya, it is a pleasure to officially meet you." Daeron said as he bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Arya gave him a small yet welcoming smile.

"Now, about my previous question, how have you learned the Water Dance?"

"Syrio Forel."

Daeron's eyes widened, "The First Sword of Braavos."

"You knew him?" Arya asked, her Stark-grey eyes widening.

"I sparred with him actually, in fact, he was one of my teachers while I was living in Braavos." Daeron smiled, "He knew about my heritage, but didn't ask for anything, only that he wished to teach me." He said as he remembered that jovial man who taught him the art of the sword alongside Ser Barristan.

"My father hired him to train me. He was a great man, and he never ran from a fight." Arya's eyes turned sad as he remembered the last time she saw him as he fought to protect her.

Daeron's smile fell when her words registered, "What happened to him?"

Arya frowned, "When the Gold Cloaks came for us, Syrio fought to protect me. He was killed by Ser Meryn Trant."

Daeron bowed his head, "I'm so sorry." He sighed quietly, "He was a good friend, and an honorable fighter. Unlike the Lannister soldiers."

Arya nodded grimly as she looked down at her training sword, "Even though he's no longer here, I want to honor his memory by continuing my training. I at least owe him that much."

Daeron gave her a faint smile, "A strong resolve as one would expect from the daughter of House Stark."

Arya shared his smile then gave him an inquisitive look, "Is it true what my father said about you marrying my older sister Lyarra?"

Daeron nodded, "That's correct."

Arya swallowed her saliva, "Father also told me and Sansa the truth...that Lyarra is actually our cousin...your niece."

Daeron looked down, "That's also true." He was silent for a moment, "I'm not doing this to hurt her. While I don't know much about her, I can tell your father has raised and loved her well. I also learned she's quite the swordswoman."

Arya's smile widened, "You have no idea. She can beat Robb and Theon singlehandedly without breaking a sweat. I like her better than Sansa."

Daeron chuckled under his breath at the admiration he heard in her voice. While he already has information thanks to Varys, he wants to know who his bride-to-be is personally, so he is prepared for their meeting.

"What can you tell me about Lady Lyarra?" Daeron curiously asked Arya.

Arya had a thoughtful expression, "I can tell you a lot about my sister. But..." She held up a finger as a smile etched itself onto her face, "...you have to do something for me first."

Daeron should have expected this but conceded nonetheless, "Name it."

"You say you know the Water Dance very well along with other fighting styles. I want you to continue my training." Arya requested the Dragon King, "You do this for me, and I'll tell you everything about your future Queen."

Though Daeron was surprised, he saw no problem with this exchange as it allowed him to know his future in-law. "Deal." He went over to the rack and pulled out the training sword, "Shall we begin?"

Arya had an enthused smile as she took her fighting stance.

Time passed as Arya learned from her new teacher who helped her refine her skills while showing her basic Eastern style swordsmanship. Between each spar, they would sit and talk, Arya would brag non-stop about Lyarra while Daeron shared his adventures with the little she-wolf. With each spar and conversation, Daeron was given a clearer image of who his future wife is truly like. It's understandable why Arya idolizes her older sister so much as they both share a love and admiration towards female warriors like Visenya Targaryen and Nymeria of Dorne. Yet Lyarra carries a gentleness of a healer, and a wisdom of a leader.

As they sparred, Eddard Stark came in through the doorway and saw his youngest training with the Dragon King. He failed to hide his surprise as the two turned to him. Quickly composing himself, he bowed his head to Daeron, "Forgive the interruption. I never expected His Grace to be here."

"No need for apologies Lord Stark. I was teaching young Arya here more about the Water Dance. Turns out we had the same teacher in Syrio Forel." Daeron said with a smile he shared with Arya.

This caught him by surprise. He had no idea the sword master he hired for Arya also taught Daeron Targaryen. "I see. Small world here."

"Was there something you needed Father?" Arya asked, looking sweaty but happy.

"It's time for supper." Eddard said, quick and simple.

"Is Sansa gonna be there?" Arya asked in a disgruntled tone.

"She's your sister."

"Not my fault." Arya whined slightly at the idea of being at the same table as her idiot sister.

Eddard gave her a look that made her sigh, "Okay." She said as she put her training sword away then passed by Daeron, "Same time tomorrow?"

Daeron smiled, "Don't be late for your lessons."

Arya grinned as she walked past Eddard.

"Quite a little warrior you have there." Daeron complimented the man.

"Honestly she reminds me of how my sister was when we were little." Eddard said with a faint smile as he remembered Lyanna.

Daeron smiled, "Arya talks quite a bit about Lyarra. By talking, I mean bragging."

Eddard breathed out a small laugh, "Arya strives to be more like her sister in the ways of the sword. Wolf's blood runs thick through their veins." He said with fondness for his children.

Daeron shared his smile, "If Arya is half of what Lyarra is, I'll no doubt have my hands full."

"Trust me Your Grace, Lyarra's the much calmer one compared to Arya. She won't bare her teeth as long as you don't disrespect her."

Daeron could not disagree with him there. "Honestly, I'm looking forward to meeting the woman you raised her to be. The South feels no different from the places I've seen, greedy and willing to step on everyone in their path." He smiled bitterly from the memories of seeing the weak being enslaved, "From how Arya described her, I feel in my heart she will bring a positive change to Westeros."

Eddard smiled with paternal pride, "As a father, I sincerely hope so."