B L O O M

Behind Closed Doors

Rose found herself in the training yard once more, leaning against one of the support beams while she watched northern lords coach a small group of four boys in combat. Smiling at the grins on the boys faces while they held their swords, while being congratulated on their efforts during the long night.

Rose smiled at the proud boys as they grinned despite the horrible things they have seen. The flashes of teeth and the icy cold haunting her mind, making her wonder how these boys could still smile. Surely it must be worse for others.

"Rose?" Rose sighed as she turned to Robb, watching his face as he lifted a brow.

"I can't stay in my room much longer. I'm itching to do something, anything to busy myself."

"I won't tell Jon."

Rose smiled at that, turning back to face the yard. "Don't let me stop you, you can carry on with your business."

Robb smiled at her, "Eager for me to leave? You wouldn't be planning on training today, would you?"

"Well now that you mention it," Rose smirked, "Wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Don't hurt yourself." Robb implored; his eyes soft as he watched her closely. She shook her head.

"I won't."

"Promise?"

Rose merely smirked in response, making Robb shake his head.

"Don't do anything stupid." Robb said while he walked away, making Rose laugh at his retreating figure.

"Never."

Rose was giggling to herself before she got up, noticing a lone man stabbing at a wooden post. Rose approached him slowly, to not startle him, but placed a smile on her face as she called out.

"Looking to spar?"

The man turned back, his long salt and pepper hair pulled high into a bun as he glanced at her. His muddy brown eyes looking her up and down as he turned from his post. His thick beard the mark of an old soul, and his focused eyes the hint of a formidable opponent.

"You up for it?"

"Always."

The man grinned, flashing his yellowed teeth. Rose pulled out her daggers, watching the man grip his short sword. Stepping away from the wooden post so that the two could circle one another, the man circling her like a predator while Rose remained planted in the middle. Her calculating eyes watching his every flinch. Prepared for him to strike.

"They call me Tommy."

"Rose."

The man smirked right before lunging, his sword jabbing straight as Rose quickly side stepped the blade. Her nose staring down the flat, engraved edge of the sword. She had barely even flinched as a mischievous grin took over her face.

Rose danced back, her hands twirling the daggers as she sifted back. Always smoothly prancing out of the blades way at the last moment, ducking under and bending over the precise cuts that Tommy made. Tommy continued to circle as his cold eyes surveyed her, grinning his bright yellow teeth.

"Why so defensive? You should really loosen up." The man teased making Rose grit her teeth and grin, now dancing out of the way. Her feet flat as she bounced across the floor, spinning wildly out of the swords reach.

"No, I suppose you're right." Rose grinned as she leaned back beginning to circle the man as she raised her daggers. "Let's dance."

Rose pounced, her daggers twirling. One would jab and the other would swipe as they flew from one hand to the other. Rose's feet were constantly in motion, almost connected to her hands as she danced towards the man who clumsily countered. His sharp jabs were precisely in her weak spot, but she managed to jump back before dashing forward once more.