Weave

The Tower of the Hand was just as well guarded as before yet the men were far more alert with the attack on the King. Still, he had no trouble going up to the guest rooms and was pointed to Arya's room on the right side of the hall.

Knocking at the door, Jason spoke up. "Arya, it's me."

"Come in!" The girl's voice quickly answered back.

Opening the door, he'd see Arya was busy sheathing Needle as he'd tuck it under her bed. Turning about to face the Surgebinder she gave her ever-cheerful smile, although he'd see the worry hinting her wide eyes. "I…Um…was practising…"

Jason crossed his arms as the girl admitted what she was doing. "Didn't Syrio and I tell you could only practice during our lessons?"

Arya glanced aside shyly. "I know but he stopped practice suddenly! I mean…a servant came in saying the King was hurt and…he had an odd look in his eyes, sort of like what you have when something serious happens."

The Surgebinder was silent, already wondering what the duelist was doing right now. Out of all of Robert's foreign guests, he was still the most mysterious at least when it came to his past. However, he was snapped out of his thoughts when again Arya spoke up.

"So what happened? Is Rob-…I mean the King doing alright? What about the father?"

Jason moved to sit in a nearby chair before he'd answer back. "We were attacked by mercenaries after a hunt. One stabbed the King badly before we killed them all. Lord Baratheon is stable now but…can easily change in the next few days." Sighing, he'd rub one hand along his chin, feeling over the scruff that had regrown over the weeks. "Your father is watching him now. Has to be at his side in case he has any last commands to give..." For a moment he paused, remembering the look on Ned's face as he stared as his wounded friend. "It's hard to manage seeing an old friend hurt like that."

"Even if they always fight and argue?" Arya questioned, head tilted curiously. "Seems odd for friends to do that."

The girl's remark drew a small chuckle from Jason. "May seem strange, yet I've had such moments with longtime friends, mainly my fellow Surgebinders. Always have our differences but we'd always support each other in the end. Despite how long your father and the King have been apart, they still have a bond from all those years ago."

"Then I hope he lives! Maybe a loud and lazy King, but he's funny and friendly as well…better than that Joffrey." She'd scoff at the boy's name, eyes rolling slightly. "Sansa rushed off to see him and the Queen said she wanted to try and comfort them or something."

Jason didn't answer back at the mention of Joffrey, the Surgebinder still unsure how they'd deal with the false prince when the time came around. "He's a troubled boy…but many who grow up into royalty are like that. Perhaps Sansa can soften his rude nature…although only time will tell." He answered back, trying to play neutral on the subject.

Arya gave a small shrug, seeming disinterested on the matter. "Are we at least going to have practice tomorrow at least? I don't want to keep cooped up in this room for the next few days!"

The Surgebinder thought for a moment before he'd give a small nod. "Course. No harm in catching up on your duelling lessons after so long." If anything, she'd be safer at his and Syrio's side then locked up in the tower.

An excited grin crossed Arya's face before she sprung up on top of the bed to give a short bounce over it. "Thank you!"

"Don't be too excited. Think it's time for a test to see what you've learned, so expect to work hard tomorrow."

A more serious look on her face, almost exactly like Ciri when she was around the same age. Quickly she'd drop back down to sit on the bed, seeming a bit embarrassed with overzealous reaction. "I won't let you down."

"Good. The usual time before lunch then. Best try to be early." Shifting to stand up, he'd move for the door out. "Anyway, it is getting late and I have a few other matters to attend to." Yet before he could leave out the door, Arya spoke up suddenly.

"Umm…Jason? One other thing." She'd pause as he'd glance back at her. "If you see dad later on…tell him I said hi."

"Of course. Be the first thing I'll do." With a small nod, he'd leave the room, making sure to shut the door behind him before making his way down the tower. At the bottom he'd see Jory among the other northern guards, giving a small wave to him to get his attention.

"Anything new to report?"

The captain of the guard shook his head as he followed alongside the Surgebinder, heading out of the tower and into the main keep. "Lord Stark informed me about staying with the King. Having my best men be on watch at the door for added safety."

"Good. We shouldn't let our guard down, even in the Red Keep. Anything else?"

"Lord Tyrion did wish to speak with you. Originally it was about your prize money from the tourney, yet he no doubts has many questions about the assassination attempt."

Jason had nearly forgotten about the prize money, along with the deal he had made with the dwarf. Tyrion had no doubt been busy ever since the tournament ended. "Know where he would be?"

"His private chambers in the inner keep. I take you to know the way."

Nodding, Jason moved to head down a different corridor while Jory stayed back. "Then I best head there. Keep up a close watch on Lady Cersei and her father, along with any of the knights or guards loyal to them."

"Sound advice Surgebinder. Stay safe." The captain watched the Surgebinder hurry off, feeling a hint of amusement at his remark. "If anything you'd have to be a mad man to threaten him." Smirking, he'd head back to the Tower of the Hand, having to organize the men for any sudden orders.