First Snowfall [Action]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Beneath a thin blanket of snow, she stirred. The world had turned to snow and ice, trees mostly bare or covered in thick layers of needles, braced against the cold. This was not the cool, snowy world she had been born into, however; her nose told her as much. Still, the smells were familiar, if a bit confusing. She had been here once before. She and her human had once roamed these same woods. The smell was a bit different now, but she was sure her little human must be close. She put her nose to the wind, sniffed. Turned. Loped off into the trees, following the familiar.

The search did not take long. She stood over the girl, pushed her nose into her face.

Arya awoke to her direwolf breathing right in her face, hot, humid breaths melting the snow that had started to cover her.

A few moments later, she had found the journal. Memory stirred. Not all was clear quite yet, but with Nymeria by her side, she could face anything.

The hard part would be remembering which way the town lay in. That didn't bother her at all, though. Snow and ice just reminded her of home and of running through fresh-fallen summer snows with her brothers. It was a bittersweet memory, but one she was willing to take her time with as she started to walk back, Nymeria leading the way.]

[Arya arrived in town near sundown, barefoot but seemingly not bothered at all by it, flanked by her massive direwolf. First things were first: find something to cover the weak point of her wings, then find Needle. All else could follow after that.

She can be spotted at the clothing shop, digging through to find something warm that will block her wings from being visible, mostly just looking like some beggar girl with her hair all uneven and her elbows all scuffed up. Once she's bundled herself up in something thick and wooly, it's off to the blacksmith's to dig through and find Needle. And finally, properly armed and clothed, she heads to the grocery to snatch up something for Nymeria to eat... and maybe even a chunk of bread for herself.

Then, she figures, she should probably try to see if those people she was staying with before were still around...]

Comments

[rutagraveolens]

[That. Is a very big dog. Rue thought Jason was big, but Nymeria was huge and looked more like dogs she knew. She leaps her way through the trees to get closer as she spots Arya leaving the grocery store, the only giveaway snow falling from branches.]

That's a very big dog.

[Rue calls out as she drops into sight at a low tree branch, making sure to stay well off the ground in case Nymeria isn't friendly.]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Arya looked up, a little confused at first about a voice coming from above. Nymeria craned her head back as well. The two stared at the little girl up in the branches for a beat or two. She looked like she could be a Summer Islander, but you never really knew around here. Arya decided to default back to her usual response to this sort of statement.]

She's not a dog. She's a direwolf.

[Beat.] What are you doing up there?

[rutagraveolens]

Oh, sorry, I've never seen a direwolf before. Do they all get that big?

[Rue smiles, feet swinging back and forth.]

Tree climbing. The trees around here are really good for that!

[aryaunderfoot]

[It reminds her of Bran, in a way, to see someone perched high up and perfectly happy about it. Arya isn't sure if the thought makes her sad or not.]

For true, I don't know. My brothers said her mother was big as a horse, so I guess they're all this big when they're grown.

[rutagraveolens]

[As big as a horse. Rue's eyes widen slightly as she tries to imagine a wolf the size of a horse. She drops down from the tree and lands deftly on her feet.]

What's her name? Can I pet her?

[aryaunderfoot]

Her name is Nymeria.

[Definitely reminds her of Bran. Nymeria watches the small girl curiously, tilting her head. Arya rests a hand on the scruff of her direwolf's neck just to be sure she won't move unless she wants her to.]

If you like, you can pet her. She likes having her ears scratched, and she'll stay if I tell her to. Nymeria, down.

[Luckily, the wolf sits, all obedience. Her tail gives a slow, lazy wag. You'd almost never know she's a known maneater around the Trident.]

[rutagraveolens]

Nymeria. Hi, Nymeria. It's a pretty name.

[Rue approaches the direwolf slowly, first offering a hand for Nymeria to sniff. Only then does she gently scratch the direwolf behind the ears.]

I'm Rue.

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria's eye close halfway, all blissful direwolf, her tail wagging a little faster. A faint smile twitches onto Arya's face...

What an odd name, though. Who would name their child for something they rue?]

I'm Arya. [And also a bit proud of Nymeria for behaving herself so well here.] Do you not have wolves where you come from?

[rutagraveolens]

[Even with the flowers, it is an odd name for a child. Then again, naming conventions in Panem were strange; why would someone name their child Blight?]

It's nice to meet you, Arya. And I'm not sure. There are big dogs around, but that's because they patrol the fence and the area with Peacekeepers. I guess if there were wolves, they'd all be outside the fences. It might also be too hot around District Eleven.

[aryaunderfoot]

[She may not be sure what District Eleven is, but she still nods thoughtfully.]

Direwolves don't ever go too far south. My brothers found Nymeria and the rest of her litter up where the summer snows started, and they've never been so far south before.

[rutagraveolens]

You get snow in the summer? It must be very cold where you're from.

[Still petting Nymeria, yep. Such a nice face-eating direwolf.]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria allows a bit more petting before she gets to her paws and pads back over to Arya. Pets are all fine and dandy, but she prefers to stay by her human. Arya ruffles her wolf's fur affectionately.]

So the southrons say, but it was never very cold to me. I hear it gets near unbearable in winter, but I've never seen one. 'Til the winter here, that is.

[Her off-handed tone makes it clear that she doesn't consider this much of a winter.]

[rutagraveolens]

I guess the weather's not so bad if it's something you're used to. It was always pretty warm where I was from, muggy and sticky too. So this is a change for me.

[Rue gave a light shrug. She could bundle up here, was was better than most places. Still, she couldn't wait for the spring.]

Are you new here?

[rashness]

[ was that Moro?

He tensed immediately at seeing the big wolf, mostly because he didn't want to be assaulted by a god in the middle of the day. But then he realized, no, it was much to small to be Moro. ... Not that it was small in general, but still. He was on his way to the grocery to pick up some new stuff when he spotted it out of the corner of his eye, tensed up, and then after the realization relaxed, which resulted in him sagging all over - his shoulders, his head, and his tail ]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria caught the scent of him first, an unfamiliar, partly-animal scent. Her ears pinned halfway back, a low growl rumbling in her throat. Arya followed her direwolf's gaze, pausing and eyeing the boy with equal parts caution and curiosity. How in the seven hells did he have a tail? Was that part of the package with the wings?]

...Hello?

[rashness]

Hey.

[ ... ] S'that your friend?

[ with a point at the wolf. Somewhat warily. ]

[aryaunderfoot]

[At the point, Nymeria bares her fangs. Being pointed at tends to be followed by people attacking her pack. Arya frowns a bit.]

Yes, she is. [And she's not calling her back until she's sure what's up with this guy and his tail.] ...You probably shouldn't point.

[rashness]

[ Oh balls. His eyes widen a bit and he lowers his finger, frowning ]

S-sorry about that!

[ to the wolf ]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria relaxes a bit, but keeps watching him warily. Arya also eyes him carefully, then decides.]

Nymeria, to me.

[There's a few seconds before the wolf obeys, falling back to Arya's side, but she keeps watching all the while. The girl, for her part, can't contain her curiosity much longer, especially since it might answer a few more of her questions.]

...How did you get a tail?

[rashness]

It sort of grew ... a little while ago.

[ And he frowns a little, looking down at the tail. That's sort of a long story how he got it. But as to why, it's probably just easier to say - ] It's because of something back home though.

[aryaunderfoot]

[She gives a nod. That satisfies her curiosity.]

I had wondered if it was supposed to be there along with the wings now.

[Which would be stupid, but then again, so is slapping wings on people.]

[rashness]

Oh- no, nothing like that.

[ He waves a hand dismissively there, and then grins a little sheepishly ] It's 'cus I'm a half-demon.

[wise_maiden]

[A girl and her direwolf. That's a sight she hasn't seen in a while - and it's almost a little startling, as she climbs up from the tunnel entrance to see them making their way around the square.

There's no telling if Arya remembers - after all, most of the new arrivals lately seemed to have been without their memories - but there was only one way to be certain. The girl at least, seems to be clothed properly.]

... Hello. Have you been able to get your bearings?

[That should be safe enough.]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Arya paused, turning to see who was speaking to her. Something was stirring at the back of her memory about this person, but all that came to mind was "maester." Still, the woman was familiar somehow, and Nymeria wasn't growling at her, so that had to be a good sign.]

Yes, I have. Well enough, at least. The winter here isn't all that bad.

[wise_maiden]

We'll have only a few months before spring arrives again. [From what she recalled seasons were very different for this girl.] Have you found a place for both of you to stay?

[aryaunderfoot]

[A shrug.] Maybe. I've not found anyone I was staying with before yet. But we can get along just fine even if they left.

[There's plenty of places for one small girl and one big wolf, after all.]

[wise_maiden]

So... you do remember Luceti. Who were you staying with before? If they're still here, or were sent back, I may know of it.

[aryaunderfoot]

[Names. That's the hard part. Her memory is still fuzzy on the names even though the layout of the town has clicked back into place. She pauses.]

...I think his name was Kirk. Maybe Kurt.

[Nymeria whines at "Kurt." Maybe that wasn't it.]

[wise_maiden]

I see... well, as far as I'm aware, there's both a Kurt and a Kirk that are still here in the village. So you may be in luck after all.

[aryaunderfoot]

[She gives a nod.] We'll find them, then. Nymeria seems to remember this place better than I do.

[Nymeria gives her a look. Of course she remembers, girl.]

[wise_maiden]

It's not as if this place is very large to begin with, so I'm sure you'll do fine. She's your... [A pause, as she thinks over the term- it's been a while.] direwolf, correct?

[spohkh]

[Since Spock needed another hat... somehow his other one went missing... Spock found himself at the clothing shop. He stilled when he noticed a familiar figure.]

Miss Stark?

[Spock was surprised.. .very much so. His Captain had mourned her presence, and he admitted that he had missed her as well.]

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria turned first, her tail giving a lazy wag in greeting. Arya turned as well, but her memory took a moment to catch up to her. This was one of the people she had been staying with before, she recalled dimly, but what was his...]

...Spock?

[That was it, right?]

[spohkh]

[Spock held a hand out for Nymeria as he bowed his head to Arya.]

That is correct. It is well to see you again, especially physically sound. My Captain, Jim, has been quite concerned about you.

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria took the offered hand and pushed her nose into his palm, part affectionate gesture, part sniffing him out. Arya still hung back, a little awkward.]

There was nothing for him to be concerned about.

[The canals in Braavos didn't change at all.]

[spohkh]

[Spock knelt to better pay attention to the dire wolf. Admittedly, he missed the large creature.]

That is fortunate. Will you be staying with us once more? I am certain you would be most welcome.

[Spock even offered her a small smile.]

[aryaunderfoot]

[As Nymeria's tail wags, Arya gives a faint smile.]

Kirk won't complain about Nymeria's hair getting on everything again, will he?

[She kids. Partially.]

[spohkh]

No amount of fur would dissuade us from wanting your company Miss Stark. Have you found everything you need? Can I assist you in any way?

[Spock gives Nymeria another pat before standing up, giving the younger girl a small smile.]

[kemanorel]

[Keman is strolling through the town when he sees a human girl and an extraordinarily large wolf walking towards him. He smiles. He misses his pets from back home.]

That's quite a pet. I've never seen a wolf that large before. Is it a special breed?

[aryaunderfoot]

[Arya is honestly a little surprised when someone greets them with a smile. Most people around here... around anywhere... try to skirt around Nymeria at first or eye her with apprehension. Though she manages to hide her surprise, Nymeria just goes right ahead and tilts her head to one side at him.]

She's a direwolf. They all grow much bigger than normal wolves.

[kemanorel]

[He keeps a respectful distance from the wolf, wanting to make sure it got used to his presence before greeting it. It's beautiful, but it's big and he doesn't want to take chances.]

I don't think they have direwolves where I come from. I had few wolves as pets when I was younger, though.

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria pads a step or two closer, sniffing, cautious. Arya isn't entirely sure she believes this guy's claim just yet, but so far, he does seem fairly familiar with wolves.]

For true? Most people thought it strange that we had them.

[kemanorel]

[He gently holds out a hand for Nymeria to inspect.]

They lived in a cave near our home when I was a child. I'd put food out for them and eventually we made friends. They were very loyal, and they made good guards too. But they weren't anything like your direwolf. More like wolves mixed with wild dogs.

[aryaunderfoot]

[Nymeria pads over, sniffs. Snorts. Makes a noise somewhere between a growl and a whine. Yours is an unfamiliar scent, Keman. Arya gives her a puzzled look, but the wolf seems just as puzzled. Curious, but cautious.]

She's full direwolf, I know that. My brothers found her and her litter out in the snow. The kennelmaster said the pups were too smart by half and that they grew like weeds.

[Which was pretty true. Nymeria had been the size of a full-grown dog at just a few months old.

...She's not even sure why she's opening up about this, but it's hard to hide that you're a Stark when the colors are slapped on your back in feathers and there's a huge direwolf at your side.]

[savedtheworld]

[Arya will find a teenage monk at the smithy. Aang doesn't work there, but he has Sokka's keys on him so he's making sure everything's in order. And then he sees Arya enter with the direwolf, turning to give a cheery greeting.]

Hi there! I really like your dog.

[aryaunderfoot]

She's a direwolf, not a dog. [The answer comes on autopilot. Why do so many people here mistake her for a dog?

...Something is different here.]

Is the smith not here?

[savedtheworld]

Sorry. I still like her a lot!

[But he frowns at her question.]

If you mean Sokka... Yeah. He's not here anymore.

[aryaunderfoot]

[For some reason, she's recalling her father's voice mentioning some Sokka Thunderaxe. The memory of scoffing at the name came back to her more than anything. To see this boy frown like that, she feels a twinge of guilt about it, but doesn't bother to bring it up.]

Gone home, then? ...Isn't that a good thing?

[For most people, at least?]

[savedtheworld]

It - it is! [He says, flustered. It is a question with complications - such as people whom had died - but Sokka was going back to a life that seemed happy.] It's just sad to miss people you knew here, that's all.