asgardeventide | First Snowfall ❄ video;

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First Snowfall ❄ video;

[The video feed clicks on and for a second Arya hesitates, unsure if it is actually working due to lack of familiarity with such technology still. She has a question, for any interested parties. She would continue hiding, if not for the fact that it's become apparent there are so many who know who she really is. She has yet to see any Lannisters here either. It seems safe enough to her, to ask that someone help her continue her training with the sword?]

I was wondering, should anyone be capable and willing, if there was anyone who might be able to find time to practice sword fighting with me? I trained some back home and have some experience using it in practice, but I don't want my skills to fall into disuse here.

[With a lack of people to assassinate. Unless someone wants to teach her that.]

I thank whomever might be interested.

[Without much more to add than that, she ends the video there after a few seconds of fumbling with her bracelet.]

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[She's so young.

There's a bittersweet feeling of déjà vu, here. Aveline's face is somber, yet serene, and just the sky is visible behind her.]

I could be of assistance.

[Arya had never thought on her age, only that she wanted to do something to go against her mother at first and then it became a necessity to survive. It felt wrong to leave Needle to be cast aside like a decoration instead of what it was meant to be.]

You could? You know of how to use a sword? [There's a tone of surprise because where she is from women are not permitted to carry swords or to fight.]

Edited 2013-01-05 03:19 (UTC)

And more, but a sword is a good start.

[The surprise earns Arya a gentle smile. More women were learning to defend themselves in Aveline's time, but it was still a rare accomplishment for them. And many mistook Aveline for a soft noble, instead of someone capable of holding her own.

All for the better.]

And I haven't been able to get in much practice myself, so if you would like...

More, like daggers and things? I've used those before too.

[Arya is practically hanging on every word this woman says, falling very much back into how she would have acted back home were she not in training with the House of Black and White and trying not to be Arya in the first place. She was letting her guard down here and that was both frightening and calming.

This woman sounded very interesting and every bit of skilled as Arya dreamed of being.]

Oh, I would very much like to!! [She takes a breath before speaking, toning down her excitement as much as possible.] I mean, if it is no trouble.

Oui, good.

[She's excited, eager to learn. That's a relief - it would certainly make training easier, could even be a bright spot under these uncertain and gray circumstances. Aveline has never entertained the thought of taking someone under her wing, often feeling like she was too young and inexperienced herself if her mentor's constant displeasure was indication enough.

But all that potential. Arya reminds Aveline of herself, a thought as charming as it was concerning. She's curious to see this one's growth nonetheless.]

None at all, I am glad to share what I know. [And a laugh. What a lovely child!] My name is Aveline de Grandpré, and I can be found at the house of Thor. Would the arena there be suitable?

Oh! I'm in the house of Thor as well, so that would be convenient. I did not know there was a training area here.

[She's incredibly curious about this woman, eager to learn and ask questions of her.]

My name is - [She doesn't have to hide here, she reminds herself, though the thought fleeted across her mind for a moment.] Arya of House Stark. Well met, Aveline.

[Technically also Princess of Winterfell, given that her brother is now King in the North, but that sounded weird in her head. She was so used to being just a Lord's daughter.

Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all. Aveline seemed kind enough.]

Am I dealing with another noble?

[Said with a good-natured laugh. There's nothing about this that doesn't delight Aveline, and she's rarely so charmed.]

There is an open area where we could train, but if you prefer somewhere more private and out of the cold, the second floor seems to be empty save for myself.

[Arya can't help but make a face at the word 'noble' because as much as she was fine with being a Stark of Winterfell, she always felt like that word was an excuse to tell her what to do and who to be. She didn't want to marry a Lord and have his babies, the way her sister had always dreamed. She had bigger dreams for herself.]

Yes, I am. My father was Lord Stark, though my brother was also King in the North, so I suppose that makes me a King's sister instead of a Lord's daughter, now at least.

[There's relief that she isn't being made fun of for this knowledge or being treated differently, the way Gendry would sometimes. It felt strange to be using past tenses when her brother was alive and well in this place.]

I don't mind the cold. My home is often very cold year round. [Though she hadn't experienced a long winter like her father and mother had. Winter was coming soon enough.]

I see.

[She has a curious reaction, but Aveline won't press further, catching how she referred to her brother. She shares the same sentiment; her status was only good for helping people, she'd be damned if she married and let someone else take advantage of it. There's a nod of understanding.]

Very well then, Arya. I hope you're prepared to work hard, I'm afraid I am not well versed in holding back.

[Arya gives her a genuine cocky smile. Somewhere her mother was scoffing and raging about how unlady like this conversation was.]

I'm not well versed in that either, I'm afraid. When can we start?

[Atta girl.]

As soon as I can procure a proper blade, I will contact you. Or I suppose we will see each other first, considering we reside under the same roof. Which room is yours?

I believe the number on my door is 201?

[Ironically they're separated by a wall, though neither knows it.

She will probably visit frequently once she figures out where Aveline is.]

Oh. [That answer seems to take her aback.] My room number is 203, that would make us... neighbors?

[She laughs. It would be nice to have someone to chat with there, give her less reason to roam the city restlessly just to avoid staying cooped up.]

And to think I thought I was all alone up there. Bonne. It would seem we are now partners.

[Arya too is left smiling, laughter in her voice when she speaks.]

Neighbors and partners then. I wonder who else is about that we haven't taken notice too?

[She isn't opposed to meeting new faces once in a while, or to getting to know Aveline better.]

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