lerbook #339 - Chapter 73 The Road Home (Part 2)
#339 - Chapter 73 The Road Home (Part 2)
This badge was given to her by Liu Yuan before his departure, representing his personal presence. Arya held the badge and said, "I am Arya Stark, and I wish to see my brother Rickon."
The guard obviously recognized the badge immediately, and his expression became respectful. "So you are Miss Stark, please wait a moment, I will report to the people inside immediately." After saying that, he quickly walked into the guardhouse and reported to the inside through the small window on the door.
Before long, two guards slowly walked out, with another guard following closely behind one of them. The guard had a smile on his face and said softly to Arya, "Miss Stark, this building is the City Hall's office building, and the Lord's Manor is behind it. The Acting City Lord and the Steward are waiting there now. Please come with me, and I will lead you there."
Arya nodded slightly in agreement. Then, she followed closely beside the guard and stepped into the backyard of the City Hall. The plants and trees along the way were carefully pruned and looked exceptionally neat. Because there was a guard leading the way, they were not hindered in any way, and the group arrived smoothly at the Lord's Manor's reception room.
After entering the reception room, the guard whispered a few words to a maid beside him, then turned to Arya and said, "Miss Stark, please have a seat! I have sent someone to inform them, and they will be here soon. Please wait here for a moment. However, I still need to continue performing my duties, so I will take my leave now."
Arya began to carefully examine the interior of the reception room. The entire room was decorated in an elegant and generous style, with exquisite paintings hanging on the walls, the tables and chairs were arranged in an orderly manner, and the table was also carefully decorated with delicate and beautiful flowers and fresh and delicious fruits.
Arya sat on the sofa somewhat restrainedly, and the maid gracefully poured her a cup of steaming tea, then silently left the room. Arya's heart was filled with unease and doubt. She was not sure if Rickon still remembered her, and she could not predict what this meeting would lead to. She gently picked up the teacup, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart with the aroma of the tea.
Before long, there was a slight sound of footsteps outside the door. Arya's heart beat faster instantly, and she stood up nervously involuntarily. As the door slowly opened, a woman with a heroic and confident charm stepped into the room.
"Arya!" The woman recognized her at a glance, her eyes flashing with surprise, then she quickened her pace and quickly walked to Arya, giving her a warm and powerful hug without hesitation.
"Sister Nina… it really is you." Arya was held tightly in her arms, feeling the familiar care and love, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated. In the years spent in Winterfell, Arya's favorite was this beautiful older sister.
Nina gently reached out and rubbed Arya's hair. "It's been a few years since I last saw you, and you've grown into a graceful young woman. You must have experienced a lot of hardships and difficulties wandering alone outside. The adults have already sent a message through ravens, saying that you will be arriving soon, and I have been waiting for your return with joy."
Arya asked anxiously, "Sister Nina, where is Rickon? I haven't seen him for a long time, and I really miss him." Just as they were talking, a hale and hearty old man walked into the room. Nina quickly got up and introduced him, "This is Mr. Roddy Sertiga, the Acting City Lord of our Thorns City. He came to visit you specially after learning of your arrival."
Roddy smiled and elegantly saluted Arya, saying gently, "Miss Stark, welcome to Thorns City. Our Lord has already given instructions. If you have any needs or encounter any difficulties here, please be sure to let me know at any time. Thorns City will do its best to meet your requirements. However, I still have some official business to deal with, so I can only say goodbye to you for now. Next, let Ms. Nina accompany you around the city to appreciate the local customs and practices!" After speaking, he nodded slightly and turned to leave.
Nina led Arya towards the back of the house, and as they were crossing a small forest, suddenly, a gray figure darted out of the forest like lightning. In the blink of an eye, Arya was knocked to the ground by this figure. A huge, furry head burrowed straight into her arms, as if seeking warmth and comfort.
Arya was surprised and delighted, and immediately hugged it tightly, muttering to herself, "Nymeria! It really is my Nymeria!" Her eyes sparkled with joy, and tears flowed down uncontrollably.
Arya and Nina walked leisurely through the City Lord's Mansion with Nymeria. When they passed by the armory, Arya's eyes were deeply attracted by a longbow in the display case. The longbow was inlaid with dazzling gems, and the wooden bow shone with a metallic luster.
"Do you like it?" Nina keenly noticed the desire in Arya's heart.
Arya nodded without hesitation. Nina smiled and took the longbow out of the display case and handed it to Arya so she could try it herself.
Arya gripped the bow handle tightly, pulling the bowstring open until it formed a perfect full moon shape, then released it easily. As the bowstring snapped back, a sharp whistling sound echoed around. She immediately felt an unparalleled smoothness, and the longbow in her hand seemed to become a part of her body. This wonderful experience made her involuntarily reveal a happy smile.
"If you really like it, then take it! Consider this bow as a gift from me. It is carefully made from gold heart wood from the Summer Isles." Nina said softly.
"Thank you, Sister Nina!" Arya happily accepted it.
Arya and Nina continued to stroll leisurely, and unknowingly, they came to a wide small square. To be precise, this was more like a training ground specifically for military training. At this moment, the guards were training enthusiastically here, wielding various weapons such as swords, spears, and shields.
"Arya, would you like to try it? See how much you've improved." Nina asked with interest.
Arya smiled slightly, a hint of eagerness flashing in her eyes. She unhesitatingly reached out and picked up one long and one short training sword, then stepped into the center of the training ground. Facing the aggressive attacks of several guards, Arya moved nimbly and easily avoided these attacks.