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[swiftasadeer]

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[hellorhighwater]

Well, I asked Alice if she'd get real affectionate--curl up in bed with her so she wouldn't wanna get up, but that's just 'cause she's good at that stuff.

What are some quiet things you like to do? Maybe you guys could read together, or you could sit with Regina while you sharpen your sword--hey, do you know how to sew? I could teach you how to work with leather--it's hell on your hands, but it makes your fingers strong and develops calluses. Plus, custom sheaths for your daggers are cool as hell.

[swiftasadeer]

[ There's very little Arya likes to do that's still and quiet, but. ]

I learned needlepoint from my septa but I was never very good at it. My stitches were always crooked. My sister was always better at it.

[hellorhighwater]

Needlepoint? ...huh.

It was embroidery for me. [This he admits with a rueful grin.] My uraidh--teacher, guess it's kinda like your septa?--he said it'd help me learn focus, improve my dexterity, and give me a sharper eye.

Could you teach me how to do needlepoint? We'll let Regina watch so she can laugh at me when I mess it up.

[swiftasadeer]

Septas are women who worship the Seven, they usually serve at a lord's house and lead services, but she was our governess too. She taught us things ladies are supposed to know.

[ The face Arya makes, makes it pretty clear what she thinks of that. ]

I'm very bad at it...that's why I named my sword Needle. Sansa and Septa Mordane can keep their needles, I've got a better one.

But I can try.

[hellorhighwater]

No kiddin'? That's kinda how it is in my world, at least among the common folk. My king was my uraidh,, but if I hadn't been brought to serve at court I'd have taken my lessons from a priest or priestess of the Thousand Ancients. But, uh...

[He trails off, making a distasteful face.]

Yeah, ladies do more 'n just sew and shit. Well, whatever you know? I'd like to learn. That thing with naming your sword, too...they don't do that in the Five Realms. Maybe some time, you can help me figure out a name for mine.

[swiftasadeer]

My brother Jon said all the best swords have names. Yours should have one, too.

[ Arya falls silent for a moment, biting at her lower lip. ] I prayed really hard you would get better. I don't know if the gods listen to me anymore, because I don't know that I believe in them anymore, but I tried.

[hellorhighwater]

Then it will--and with you helping me to pick a name for it, I can wield my blade in battle with honor twice over.

[Oh no. Small murdery child is precious in his sight.]

Even if your gods don't listen, there's always gods and goddesses that do. Maybe yours heard, maybe mine. Someone heard, though, and answered 'cause I'm here and I'm well. I honestly believe that's why I recovered, so...thank you, little soldier.

[swiftasadeer]

[ Arya still isn't convinced she did anything other than hope really hard and behave for Emma and Charlie, but maybe someone else's faith is more important than her lack of it. ]

You're welcome. I'm glad you're okay.