Portrait// Sandor Clegane (1)

24. Needle

'A sword for the wall?' Jaime questioned coming up to Jon.

'I already have one.' Jon told him

''Good man have you used it yet?' Jaime questioned

'Of course I have.' Jon said.

'At someone I mean...' Jaime smirked. 'it's a strange thing the first time you cut a man.' Jamie told him 'when you realize we are nothing but sacks of meat flesh blood... Let me thank you ahead of time for protecting us from the powers against the wall Wildlings and white walkers and what not.' Jaime mused, 'the great wall could use good men like you protecting it.' Jamie said pulling Jons hand closer before letting him go

'We have guarded the kingdom for 8000 years.' Jon reminded him

'Is it we already?' Jaime questioned 'have you taken your vows then?'

'Soon enough' Jon answered

'Give my regards to the nights watch I'm sure they will be willing to serve such an elite force and if not... It's only for life.' Jamie added walking away

Arya was packing Nymeria, her wolf was helping her for she was headed to Kings Landing soon when Jon came in.

'Apparently I had to do it again.' arya told them 'my septa said that they were not folded properly so I have to do it again!' she sassed, 'who cares weather they are folded properly, they're going to get all messed up anyways!' she reminded Jon.

'It's good you got help.' Jon remarked looking to her pup

'Watch.' arya said standing up straight, 'Nymeria. Gloves.' the dog just stared at her, arya tipped her head but Nymeria still didn't move.

'Impressive.' Jon answered

'Shut up.' Arya snapped. 'Nymeria. Gloves.' she shouted again and again the dog did not move 'dammit.'

'Arya I have something for you,' jon informed her. 'but it has to be packed very carefully.' Jon told her

'A present?' arya said excitedly

'Close the door.' Jon told her pulling out the blade he had created just for her. 'this is no toy.' he told her 'be careful you don't cut yourself.' she held it in her hands.

'it's so skinny.' she remarked

'So are you.' Jon remarked. 'I had a blacksmith make it for you special,' Jon told her 'it won't work anyone's head off but it can poke anyone from holes if you're quick enough.'

'I can be quick.' Arya agreed.

'You have to work at it every day.' Jon told her. 'how does it feel? Do you like the balance?' Jon questioned.

'I think so.' Arya said

'The first lesson. Stick with the pointy end.' Jon told her and arya crinkled her nose at him.

'I know which end to use.' Arya told him

'I'm going to miss you.' she went to hug him but almost stabbed him, 'careful.' he said and carefully she put down the sword and she hugged him leaping into his arms. 'all the best swords have names you know...' jon told her.

'Sansa can keep her sewing needles I've got a needle of my own.' Arya said still holding tight to him.

'Strike a pose!' Avalon declared and arya spun around the mischievous look on aryas face said it all. She sketched quickly fine lines before she tucked her book under her arm. 'May i?' Avalon asked and arya handed it over. Avalon looked at the handle the thinnest of blades. 'Beautiful,' Avalon handed it back making a few marks to her sketch.

'Are you going to sketch me with needle?' Arya questioned

'That's the plan.' Avalon told her heading out for the night. Her head tucked down to her book as she scribbled away bumping right into Robb.

'Avalon,' he coed and she looked up to him.

'Lord Robb. Pardon me.' Avalon said moving around him.

'Avalon!' Robb called falling into step with her. 'I was wondering if I could commission you to do a mural in my room.'

'I'm sorry my lord we are leaving any day now I wouldn't have the time to do it justice.' Avalon told him.

'Perhaps next time then?' Robb suggested

'Of course, although I don't know when I will be back. But I adored winterfell and never stay in one place for too long. I'm sure we will see each other again.' Avalon told him hopefully, the Starks were good people.

Avalon woke up in sandors arms it was still night the sky darkened but littered with stars. She eased herself away from him turning to her candle. Setting a flame and finishing her arya print. She thought jon might want it before he left for the wall.