Training Arya

Jason – Dragonstone – Late Morning

The Surgebinder's eyes snapped open as he heard echoing footsteps from the open hallway that lead into the map room. He'd realize that it was late into the morning, seeing the sun high over the sea from the stone balcony he kneeled on. Shifting up to stand, he'd stretch about as he walked back into the map room and towards the entranceway, curious to see who was coming to see him. As the footsteps neared, he'd soon see that it was Davos who was carrying a sizable tray with food on it.

"Ah, you're up already." He remarked, hurrying to the stone map to set the food down. "Hope you rested well. Can't say I know anyone who'd sleep the whole night up here when it gets so chilly."

"I've meditated or slept in harsher places in the past. Besides, needed a bit of peace and quiet after the last few days." Moving over to the laid-out food, he'd quickly pick up a fresh roll bread to take a bite before gulping the mug of milk. "How are Sansa and Arya doing right now?"

"Just saw them in the dining hall. Only spoke to them for a short while, but they seemed to have rested well enough. Lady Sansa seemed anxious to begin the negotiations, though I told her such a meeting would take some to organize. Beyond that, she's taken to the library for the moment." Davos paused as he'd pick out a bit of food for himself. "As for Arya, she is already off exploring Dragonstone. Told her not to go to the cliffs or rocky shores unless she has someone watching her. She's an agile one, but even she can make mistakes."

"Hopefully she'll listen to those warnings. Still, I'll try to find her later today to make sure she's alright." Pausing in thought, Jason continued to speak. "Realized there was one subject we didn't discuss with Stannis last night, the matter on Gendry."

"Ah…right…the blacksmith lad…" Davos tone seemed hesitant, a hint of trouble ahead. "Well, we did have more serious issues to deal with last night, having Lord Stannis agree to ally with the North. It easily slipped our minds."

"I have a feeling that his reactions from earlier have you worried for Gendry's safety, considering the lengths he is willing to go to take the Iron Throne."

Davos sighed and nodded. "I respect and owe Stannis much, but lately he has become more aggressive. Gendry may be a bastard; however, he could be a complication to the succession to the Iron Throne or even contest it under the right circumstances. Course the boy has no desire for rulership, though after last night…I fear Stannis may take to harm to the boy."

"So, he doesn't know for now."

"Aye. He no doubt thinks Gendry is just a recruit on my ship. For now, I've gotten the boy sent to the workshop and forge, let him do his craft and blend in with the other workers. He's quiet but seems to enjoy having some work to distract himself."

"I'll have to talk to him soon then, get an idea of how he's feeling. Though, perhaps it would be best if we take him to the North and put him under Robb's protection. I'm sure he would do so for Robert's son, bastard or not."

"Perhaps…just wish the lad didn't have to go through all of this, to begin with."

"I agree, so, for now, we'll do our best to protect him." Giving a small sigh, Jason finished up the last of his breakfast before speaking again. "So, about Melisandre, I think there is something more about her than simple faith and trickery."

"What do you mean exactly?"

"As in her visions may very well be real." He'd pause as he'd see the doubtful look on the old sailor's face. "I know you dislike her, but she told me things only I know…things I haven't shared to anyone."

"Like what?"

"About my friend and the threat he is facing. He claims to be against this looming danger except she seems to expect me to ask her first for a straight answer."

"Sounds more like he wants something from you."

Jason only nodded in response to that matter. The way the Red Priestess spoke had been suggestive, so much like his many past encounters with seductive and erotic women. There were an allure and real magic about her which he couldn't underestimate.

"Everyone is after something, though it seems to mainly be one ugly and very uncomfortable chair." His dry but sarcastic tone had Davos chuckle, lightening up the mood slightly. "Trust me, I can deal with Melisandre. I've dealt with plenty of women like her, so she won't be able to sway me like the others."

"Then I'll put my faith in your confidence then." Davos put the empty cups and plates back on the tray before he continued to speak. "Enough politics though. Dragonstone may not be a cheery place, but there is much to do see around the island."

The two left the map room to begin the long walk down through Dragonstone, giving him a clear view over the surrounding island and sea now that it was day time. He could fully understand why no one had been able to successfully siege this island, considering the natural barrier the ocean and cliffs provided along with the fortress's resilient design. Though there was the issue of supplies since the barren island lacked food resources to endure for an extended time. That weakness had nearly killed Stannis and all his men on Storm's End, which was even rockier then even this lone isle. Funny how it took someone like Davos to save them because of his illegal profession.

"So, I'm curious, how did you smuggle yourself and all that food onto Storm's End. Must have been tricky getting so much moved without being noticed."

"Bit by bit really." Davos chuckled. "Used the cover of night with a few rowboats with black tarps going to a hidden cove that only a few know about. Took a long time to get everything they needed, enough to hold everyone out through that siege."

The two had soon reached the main courtyard area to see Stannis men busy doing training drills, maintaining their gear or doing chores. Everyone seemed focused on their differing duties, only those who they passed by taking the time to give a short greeting to them. Jason soon noticed Beric with his remaining men, who had their side of the yard to themselves. The small group seemed more at ease after a peaceful night of sleep and a good few meals. Beric quickly noticed the two approaching them, giving a welcoming grin as he'd walk over to greet them.

"Rested well I take Jason?"

"Well enough. Still have a lot of work ahead of me."

"We all do. This coming war isn't going to be a quick one that's for sure." Beric muttered, a grim look in his eyes. "Just glad we have someone like you on our side. Can't imagine how events would have played out at the capital."

"No need to keep reminding me. Right now, I'd like to put that into the past and focus on what we do from here on." Jason paused for a moment as Beric nodded in agreement. "Right now, we're guests under Lord Stannis, which can change if Robb doesn't make the right choices."

Beric nodded in agreement. "I've noticed our host's men is keeping a close eye on us. Its almost as if they think we're going to do something reckless." Though the mention did have Beric chuckle since they had escaped from the most well-guarded city on the continent. That accomplishment alone would have even the most harden soldiers on edge around them.

"For now, just have your men well-rested It best we're preparing for any surprises be it from Stannis or anyone else."

"I'll be sure to do that along with informing you of anything odd among the other soldiers." Giving a short parting nod, Beric returned to his group to privately rely on their new orders.

Jason glanced back to Davos as the two walked away from Beric's group, moving more towards the centre of the yard. "Feels wrong to me that there can be a conflict between the Starks and Stannis. The Lannisters are the real threat right now."

"I agree; however he has a stricter way of thinking compared to us. It won't be easy to find ca compromise with him, so we'll have to be just as direct and unyielding as him."

"Then yesterday was a good start. I just hope that approach will work." Before Davos could say anything more, the two noticed someone Barristan and Sansa approaching them from the keep.

"Ser Davos…Jason. Having a good morning I take?" The old knight formally greeted to them both, Sansa remaining silent but giving a respectful nod towards Davos.

"Normal overall." Jason simply answered back before looking to Sansa. "How has your stay been so far Sansa? Everything comfortable for you?"

The young woman nodded. "Dragonstone may be a gloomy place, yet the quarters in the Keep are quite pleasant along with the servants and guards being courteous to me." She'd pause though, a more concerned look in her eyes as she shifted closer to speak in a more hushed voice. "Is it true Lord Stannis threatened to war with Robb if he didn't swear to loyalty to him?"

Jason knew that Barristan was the one who told her this news, though that was expected. Sansa needed to be more aware of the intrigue and politics around her, unlike the situation back in King's Landing where she was shut out by everyone. "To be blunt…yes. It will all come down to your brother's choice. We both know though he'll make the right one."

Sansa showed that familiar look of worry in her eyes, quickly hiding away that emotion to avoid looking weak before everyone. "He will. I'm sure of it."

"Then let's focus on what we can do here Lady Sansa," Barristan added. "Besides protecting her, I have offered my council to her to prepare her to speak with Lord Stannis and his advisors. Considering how many matters you have to attend to, tutoring her in politics can be one task left to me."

"Don't envy you teaching that. Considering how often I anger lords and kings, I'd be quite the poor teacher on proper diplomacy." Barristan and Davos chuckled at the sarcastic remark while Sansa had a small hint of amusement show in her colorful eyes. "Jokes aside, is there anything else of interest to share with us?'

"Well…Arya has left the Keep to explore the cliffs around the island. She's has Thoros watching her though, so she should be safe enough." Barristan replied. "You'll needn't worry about him drinking as well. The man seems to be been quite sober since we've left the capital, so he'll be more focused now."

It was a bit surprising that Thoros would be taking up bodyguard duty. It seemed everyone who had been present during the betrayal at the Red Keep were taking more proactive roles in protecting Eddard's daughters.

"Guess I know where I'm going next then," Jason remarked back.

"Then I think this is where we part for now. I have a few personal matters to attend to, though I'll make sure to check up on Gendry for you. Just promise me you'll try to visit him later today or tomorrow."

The Surgebinder nodded in agreement before the sea captain walked back for the Keep, leaving Jason with Barristan and Sansa. "So, do you know which part of the cliffs Arya went for? A general direction will do, I'm sure I'll be able to track them."

"Not that much space on the island. The northern end has the most open ground, so I'm certain that's where she'll be."

"Then I best head that way." He'd give parting nod to the two. "I'll see both of you back at the Keep later tonight."

The three parted ways, with Sansa and Barristan heading back into the main Keep, while Jason made his way through the grand gates and leave the dark stone fortress. He'd walk along the long stone path that connected the main fortress to the docks and warehouses that were set by the rocky shoreline, until finding a trail that lead off towards the surrounding cliffs. The surrounding remained quite barren as he moved further away from the fortress, until he'd soon see the vast stretch of a grassy plateau. The flat high plain gave a wide view of the vast ocean, making it easy to spot even the smallest ship from countless miles.

"Perfect for a stronghold full of dragons. No ship would be able to siege such a place with such a creature burning them." Jason muttered to himself, understanding one reason why the Targaryen's had built their home here.

It wasn't hard to find Arya and Thoros since the flat area had them stand out. The two were nearby the cliffs and from the Surgebinder could tell having a duel of some kind. The Red Priest had found a sturdy long stick which he was swinging about at the young girl. Arya was constantly on the move as she'd back step, duck and twist about to avoid the large man's attacks. She also used Needle to block and redirect any blows that slipped pass her agile defence, giving her time to reposition.

"Hah! Very good!" Thoros bellowed out as the two finished their short bout once they noticed the Surgebinder approaching. "Have to hand it to you Jason, you and Syrio have taught this one well. Moves like a viper while having the tenacity of a wolf, which is expected of course."

A confident grin hinted the girl's lips from hearing Thoros compliment, making Jason shake his head slightly in amusement. "Best cut down on the praise else it will go to her head. I'll admit she has a solid defence through her offence needs to be worked on."

"It's not easy considering…" Arya remarked with a hint of frustration. "I know I need to target the joints and unarmored spots, but it's difficult to get an open even when I pull off a good parry!"

The Surgebinder nodded in understanding as he'd pace closer to the two. "Guess its time to focus beyond just duelling style and technique. Thoros will be a good…substitute teacher for Syrio."

"Teaching isn't my thing you know Jason," Thoros replied.

"Would you prefer a training dummy instead?"

"Fine…teacher will do." The Red Priest grumbled, making an amused smirk hint the Surgebinder's face and a slight giggle from Arya. "So, my guess is you need to tell the little one how she's going to deal with someone better armoured like me right?"