Demonstration

Jason nodded as he'd look to Arya who'd move to a nearby boulder to sit on, resting a bit while paying close attention to the two. "That is correct. Arya could take on unarmored or lightly armoured opponents, however, someone like you or even a well-armed soldier can prove more difficult." He'd pace around Thoros who stood by still, gesturing at the man's mix of robes and worn armour. "You may know the weak spots but need ways to exploit them."

"Beyond just out-manoeuvring and parring? I know you and Thoros mix in punches at times but…" She'd give a short shrug, pointing out her slim arms.

"Heh, you're much more fit than most girls your age, even ones tolling on a farm. Still, I see the issue since you'd be cracking your knuckles just striking at against chainmail." The Red Priest remarked with a chuckle.

"Which is why you need a little touch up to your gear. Need some proper leather clothing for better protection, yet not limiting your speed. I think some reinforced gloves and steel-toed boots would help you deal with some surprise attacks of your own. I'm sure Gendry could work on crafting it."

The mention of the blacksmith had a faint grin hint the girl's face, who nodded in agreement. "So, since that will take a while…could you teach me about those magic tricks you used before back in King's Landing?"

"My Surges you mean?" It made sense the girl had seen him use them during their escape from the capital, the display of power no doubt sparking interest in her young mind. Even glancing at Thoros he could tell the priest was just as eager to learn more of the Surgebinder's magical prowess. "Its…not something I can simply teach you or anyone."

"Why is that? When you threw Jaime off the stage or shot out fire all I saw you do was make a gesture…umm…" Arya struggled to angle her fingers in the Igni pose while giving an annoyed scowl.

"Not as simple as it looks." The Surgebinder smirked, making the girl give a small sigh of defeat.

"So there is more to just making a gesture, right?" Thoros questioned.

Jason nodded. "They are just a way to control surges. Surges are basic principles that make the world, which sure binder can manipulate."

"So, you have more tricks beyond shooting light and tossing people around with a wave of your hand?"

"Yes, though I think it be would be better to show you. I need someone to practice them against, want to make sure they are working normally."

"Because of how you passed out on the night of the comet? Had a feeling there was something more to you collapsing." The man stretched a bit, seeming ready for The Surgebinder. "Alright then, guess this be a good lesson for me as well. If I plan to travel with you, better I know what you are fully capable."

"If you're willing." Still, Jason knew he had to be careful using his Signs since he felt so empowered ever since coming to this world. The last thing he wanted to do was accidentally kill the priest in front of Arya. "Let's start with basic stormlight use." Deftly, he quickly summoned stormlight, a bright shimmer coursing over his body before fading which drew a surprised gasp from Arya and a curious look from Thoros. Jason felt no strain on his body like before and knew the Surge was at its usual strength. The casting felt easier to do then even when he was back on his world.

"Nifty light show, though you don't look any more protected to me."

"Draw your sword and strike me then." Jason spread his arms out, leaving himself completely open for an attack.

Thoros expression became quite serious. He didn't react at first, staring down the Surgebinder before suddenly drawing it sword and striking out, putting his full speed and strength to that blow. The blade came down at Jason's right shoulder, a cleaving blow.

"NO!" Arya yelled out before there was a resounding bang and crackle as energy sparked out from where the blade made contact.

Thoros cursed out, body jolting back as he was shocked by the protective magic. It was a good thing Jason hadn't focused enough power into the Sign, else the man could have faced a more lethal charge. "Guh…by the flames…" The Red Priest quickly saw how Jason had even shifted an inch after that attack. "You didn't even flinch, and my damn arm is numb after that." He'd rub over the limb, chuckling.

"That's how useful stormlight is. We both know that even an experienced warrior can't avoid every hit, especially when greatly outnumbered. One lucky blow can easily end you or leave you open for follow up attacks. Slow long as I maintain stormlight I can keep up a perfect defence."

"Amazing…but why do I think it can do more than that?" Arya questioned excitedly.

"If given even focus, I can make stormlight block more than one blow and even give a dangerous shock to whoever hits me." He'd glance to Thoros who had just shaken off the numbness he felt. "Also, I can create a wider defence too." Again, he'd made the Sign but held it this time a transparent blue bubble formed around him, warding him from all angles. This was a unique way of controlling stoplight rather than using surgebinding.

"Woah! Now that is impressive looking." Thoros had his sword blade drag along with the surrounding shield, the surface ripple like water, along with being unyielding when he pressed the weapon against it. "Bet a unit of archers wouldn't be able to hit you."

"I'll admit I've never tested this against such an attack." He'd drop the shield, flexing his hand since keeping the storm with was tiring on the fingers. "There is a stronger defence although I can't fight back and taking too many blows will exhaust me."

"Hmm…makes sense, the effort put in having equal stress," Thoros commented. "What else is there?'

"Adhesion. You can say it's good for offences and defence." Jason made the gesture before pressing his hand to the ground, making a wide circle of blue light appeared.

"Wow!" Arya gawked a bit since this was the flashiest display of magic the Surgebinder had shown yet, making her hop from his sitting spot and moving closer to the circle. She paced around it carefully, unsure what would happen if she stepped into the ring.

"It should be safe for both of you. Only has an effect when someone hostile to me enters it. Something again only I can do."

On cue, Thoros gave a sudden yell and lunge, going for a jabbing punch at Jason. The Surgebinder did see it coming but didn't move as the man passed through the blue right. Only to be his shoes stick to the ground by a unique vacuum-like force.

"That is what happens when an enemy enters this circle. Surgebinding binding properties can even affect more…otherworldly things, at least from where I come from." Again, he's made dispel the circle and making Thoro nearly tumble onto his face.

"Damn Jason…I knew you were different, but these abilities of yours…" The man shook his head, seeming a bit shaken with all of this. "I doubt anyone could beat you between your swordsmanship, these powers and whatever tricks you still haven't shown."

Jason was silent as the hardened warrior priest gave that statement, making Arya give a pondering look as well. Indeed, the Surgebinder hadn't faced many defeats against another human, the only one being against his mentor Dalinar. The man had been a master of the magical arts and spent a lifetime honing his physical combat skill... It was kind of amusing that a simple illusion and luck had been all the Surgebinder needed to match that man in the end.

"Hopefully I won't face anyone that will push me that far." Indeed, he wasn't sure how much more powerful he had become since the Red Comet. One detail he hadn't shared with either Thoros was the fact that he was actively using minimal power to his surges since even a normally charged one could prove harmful to the man thanks to the magically empowered world. "Anyway, I think I've demonstrated enough. I expect you two to keep what I've shown to yourselves…rather not have everyone knowing my secrets."

"Never been loose with my words even when lost in drink. Consider your secrets safe with me." Thoros remarked with a nod.

Arya was silent before quickly nodding as well, a sharper look in her eyes as she took this matter quite seriously. "So, if I can't learn Signs what can you teach me then?"

"For now, we need to keep honing your fighting style, personalize it more for you along with expanding your adaptability. Improving your strength and dexterity with tougher exercises will be our next focus." He'd think for a moment, wanting to start a basic test for her. "Set your sword aside for now. Let's truly test your reflex and agility."

"Right." Arya set Needle aside on the boulder as she'd follow Jason to a clear area that lacked any rocks or debris that they could trip over. Thoros stood by to watch as the Surgebinder set his sword aside before turning to face the young Stark, the two a dozen yards apart. "So, what are we going to do exactly?"

"You rely on your mobility to fight and defend, which means you must not have any flaws with your movements." Jason shifted into a fighting stands, tense to quickly move forward. "For this test, you can't strike back or fall. Understood?"

The blunt challenge had Arya shift slightly, nervous since the Surgebinder's gaze had a quite stern look to it. She'd soon shift her stance, ready for her test as she'd give a short nod to him. At that point Jason rushed her, the short sprint truly showing off his inhuman speed as he quickly closed the distance between them. The young girl was shocked, already back stepping away as he barely avoided a sweeping shove from the Surgebinder. Yet it was a distracting move as his left foot was out, making the girl tumble down onto her back as she tripped in her hurry to get away from him.

"Ugh…so quick…" She muttered, shifting to get up despite the rough fall. "Did you have to move so…fast?"

"This isn't going to be like the fencing lessons. This is my training now." Jason paced back to be at the same starting distance, ready for another round. "If you can match my speed and predict my moves, you'll be able to outpace anyone in Westeros. Avoiding the first move was a good start…so let's continue."

By now Arya stood up, seeming to understand how difficult training was about to become. Taking a deep breath, she'd tense up in a readied stance before nodding to begin. Once more Jason lunged forward, this time the young Stark not being startled by his sudden movement. The Surgebinder repeated the same moves, the sweeping shove and the back-leg trip, this time Arya avoiding the last move as she'd hop over it. Jason followed up with a short shoulder charge, Arya twisting to get further away only to get stuck to the side of the head by his elbow as he turned about as well. The blow was enough to make her lose balance and again fall, wincing as she'd rub the spot she had been hit at.

"That hurt…" She grumbled as she took a moment to catch her breath.

"And I pulled back on that blow. Imagine how a true strike would have been for you." He calmly stated as again he returns to the starting distance. "If you let me force you into a certain move, you'll be exposed for a follow-up attack." He'd wait for Arya stand up again. "Once more."

The same spar played ou,t again and again, Jason always doing the same moves in the same order. Arya refined each move as she followed the pattern, avoiding the same mistakes and recognizing what movements to avoid doing based on the situation. It wasn't easy for her though as she'd be tripped, knocked or thrown about whenever Jason was able to outsmart her. After a few hours, Jason stopped as Arya stayed down this time, gasping for breath from exhaustion. Her hair was messed up and the constant falls had her covered in grass and dirt.

"That is enough. You did well today, better than expected." Jason remarked, seeming unfazed after the long practice they had done.

"Think you pushed the lass a bit too much. Girl be lucky to stand at all tomorrow." Thoros chuckled, the man has remained silent during their training. The man got up and stretch a bit while Jason moved over to Arya, offering a hand to help her up. "Can't imagine what the more serious lessons will be."

"All Surgebinder lessons are considered serious." Jason started back as he'd pull Arya up, the girl shaky on her feet though standing mostly on her own. "Not too roughed upright? When we get back to the Keep I can get something to ease any pain or soreness from the Maester."

Arya nodded, seeming too tired to speak as she'd cling a bit to Jason's arm for support as the trio started to head back to the distant fortress. Again, this brought a feeling a déjà vu to the Surgebinder as he'd look down at the young Stark who just glanced back at him with those grey-coloured eyes.

"You did well today. Most trainees didn't get as far as you for so long."

The simple praise had a faint smile hint the girl's face, easing the tired look she had. After the short walk back to the black stone keep, Arya shifts away from Jason to walk on her own as the neared the main path leading to the gates. While she was roughed up, she didn't want to seem injured or weak to anyone in the courtyard. The mix of soldiers and servants working about still, showing things were overall calm in the Keep.

"You two should head in for a late lunch while I go to the forges to take care of a few matters."

Thoros gave a short nod before he'd move on ahead to the main keep and for the dining hall, stopping at the doors as Arya lingered to speak with the Surgebinder. "Tell Gendry I said hello. Maybe…well…I'll try to visit him later this week."

"I'll be sure to do that. Now go eat and rest up, tomorrow we're going to continue with a new exercise, so I want you fit for the next morning."

She'd quickly nod, giving that sharp look of determination. "I'll be ready. Promise."

With a light pat on the shoulder, Jason watched her hurry off to the main keep with Thoros following her. The Surgebinder stood by for a moment to think over the girl's first day, which had indeed been a successful start. He knew it was going to be tiring and rough for her, but she showed the same commitment the rest of her hearty family showed.

"May just have what it takes." He muttered to himself before heading into the keep as well and finding the stairway down.