DISASTROUS ( Jon Snow )

05

bittersweet, undefeated creature – / against you there is no defense

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"Tell me, Lady Amaris, what is it you like to do?" Catelyn Stark asked the young girl after running into her in the corridor.

"I enjoy quite a few things," Amaris said bashfully. "I enjoy reading and drawing, watching the knights and squires in King's Landing practice their sword fighting, taking walks and feeling the sun on my face."

"What do you like to read?"

"Oh, all kinds of things," Amaris said, her face lighting up as she grew a little excited. "I love reading up on history and those who shaped it. I also love reading romantic tales of love that conquers all. I think everyone could use a little love. I think this world could use a great deal of it."

"Yes," Catelyn smiled, "I agree."

"I love it here," Amaris confessed. "It is so peaceful and the air is so clean. The people here seem very happy and content. It is very different in King's Landing, and Dragonstone as well but less so."

"You don't like King's Landing?" Catelyn inferred.

Grimacing, Amaris looked down at the bodice of her dress. "It is complicated, my lady. There are so many things one must learn in order to survive in the city... it is not a place for naïve children. I don't think it is a place for any child no matter how cynical that child may be." She cracked a small smile. "King's Landing is brimming with people only looking out for themselves, waiting to stab their closest friend in the heart if it meant their triumph."

"And to think," Catelyn exclaimed with a shaking laugh, "my husband will be going to live there."

Bowing her head, Amaris bit her lip. Ned Stark was far too honorable to survive and succeed and thrive in King's Landing. It was the people like Cersei that ended up on top. Cersei knew just how to play the game; Ned Stark did not. Even in Ned Stark's most dishonorable moments, he kept his honor. What Lord would take in a bastard to raise as his own son only months after he married his wife, only days after his heir was born?

Amaris feared for his life.

"With hope, your husband shall be fine."

Wanting nothing more than to remove herself from the conversation, Amaris scanned the courtyard and noticed that Jon was with Rickon, teaching the younger boy archery.

"If you'll excuse me, my lady," Amaris said before scurrying towards the two boys.

Quietly, she stepped up behind Jon and watched Rickon shoot and missed. With narrowed eyes, she examined Rickon's stance.

"You'll want to relax the arm that draws the string back while slightly raising the hand holding the bow," she corrected.

Both Rickon and Jon jumped in shock from hearing her voice. Dubiously, Rickon raised his eyebrows at Amaris. Softly, she smiled at him.

"Go on, try it," she urged.

"You heard her," Jon said, handing an arrow to Rickon.

Rickon did just as Amaris instructed and hit the target. It was nowhere close to the middle, but it was still on the target.

"With practice, you'll hit the bullseye without effort," Amaris said encouragingly, patting Rickon on the shoulder.

"How do you know that?" Rickon asked.

"I read," Amaris answered with a grin. "There is much to be learned from the words of those wiser and older than you, little one."

Huffing, Rickon placed his bow on a rack and sprinted off, direwolf at his heels. Her stare lingering on the wolf, Amaris smiled a bit at Rickon's wildness. He was another one she prayed the world would not break.