The Journey We Face (A Sandor Clegane Fanfic)

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Get up!" Sandor placed the rough surface of the wooden stick to Nymaria's chest. Quickly, Nymaria made her way back to her feet as she started to place one foot next to the other, circling her teacher. Her father always told her speed could make up where she lacked in strength if she planned accordingly and she was tired of ending up on her arse.

"Ahh!" The girl screamed, running towards Sandor with force. Before she could attack, he had swung the weapon heavy and the blow landed on her arm. The harsh sting of the wack causing a burn to corse through her entire limb. The mighty hit knocking her back to the cold muddy ground. "Ow." She huffed. Rubbing the now red mark on her arm, trying to soothe the pain. "You don't have to hit so hard. It's just practice."

"Practice is so you are better and ready for the real thing." He helped pull Nymaria up to her feet. Getting her back in position, Sandor raised his sword so it was pointing straight at her face. "Ready?" She nodded. Stepping closer towards him, Nymaria swung the wooden weapon. The sound of the martial clanking together. It became louder while they aimed back and forth. Hoping to bring the other down. "Come on, girl, harder!" Sandor yelled through the hitting.

"I'm hitting as hard as I can!" Nymaria protested. Trying to swing at his stomach. He stepped back missing her blow. "Then next time when I'm not there to save you, the Little Bird isn't going to make it." He mocked, rebuffing her blow to his side.

"Shut up!" She yelled. Watching her footing, keeping away from his swings, Nymaria was determined. She twirled her figure across his own and with all her might swung at his back. The wood and armor coming into a harsh contact. Sandor turned to swing at the girl. But she dodged it. Seeing her rare chance, She banged the stick into the back of his leg. Earning a scream of displeasure through his tough lips.

Turning around, he threw the stick to the side. The practice sword making a soft splash against the mud below. Looking at him, She began to smile in satisfaction. Jumping lightly up and down by her first victory since they had began this whole thing.
Sandor won every time. Today though, was finally, and thankfully different. Standing tall once again, he nodded at Nymaira in approval.

"Don't be too excited. It's been a long day for me." Her eyes followed. Watching as he went for his wine skin and took a big gulp of the liquid. Wiping the wetness from his lips and beard. Sandor took a seat on an old creaky stool in the courtyard.

He had taken another sip, looking at Nymaria as she walked over, sitting down beside him. She noticed he became tense and shifted uncomfortably by her sudden presence. "You'll have to keep this up. One fast move doesn't win you the fight." He kept his eyes narrowed and away from Nymaria.

"I know that." Her northerner accent had been clear with mockery. Grabbing the tough leather from his hands, Nymaria took a sip of it herself. "You know, I haven't said thank you for helping me with all this. It really means a lot." She smiled. Scooting herself closer. The gap between their bodies gone. "No need for that, girl. a Hound obeys, that's all."

"Oh, will you stop." Nymaria turned her body towards him completely. "I know everyone calls you that. But the nickname doesn't suit you. Dogs are way cuter." She chuckled, looking up at him. For the first time, She saw him smile. Just a little. But still, he refused to make eye contact. Rolling her eyes, Nymaria shifted back in her seat and crossed her legs. Feeling a little frustrated by his stone coldness. They weren't friends. She knew that. But after everything they certainly weren't strangers.

Handing her the wine skin, he placed it against her chest and got up. "I'll see you tomorrow, girl." turning around, he walked away.

I know this is super short and sucks but I had major writers block and wasn't sure what to do with this chapter.