Arya's second encounter with a brigand happened when she was nineteen.
Most girls had their social debut closer to 16 years old, but Arya's was late due to a combination of impediments. She was 19 by the time it came around, and part of her wished she could have held it off a bit longer, if not forever. In a month's time she would be officially presented at court as an eligible young woman seeking a husband, and the only positive about the situation was that she would finally visit Veras, the land's capital city. She had lived her life in Parnage, a small back water estate which was wealthy, but remote.
She had been trained for this moment for her entire life, and was confident in her ability to perform well in high society. Despite all the preparation, the expectations and urging of her family, Arya had no interest in becoming a wife. She honestly wished at times that she was ugly so that she would have the "privilege" of never marrying anyone. But Arya recognized that she was attractive enough to be desired by at least the average nobleman, and her substantial dowery would ensure that she married even above that - despite the fact that she had no noteworthy skill with which to distinguish herself from the flock of other young ladies.
The only distinguishing factor that Arya had to be proud of was the fact that she was cleverer than most, which would certainly help with navigating the convoluted social dynamics of Veras. But it was nothing she could boast of to a potential suitor. What man would want a wife who bragged about her intelligence?
Still, her tutors told Arya that it would prove to be a worthwhile trait, explaining that it would allow her to draw on resources and opportunities that others might miss. Early on they had abandoned the idea of helping Arya win distinction with skills in music or art, instead helping her hone her social skills. By teaching her how to maneuver in the social sphere with a high level of mastery, Arya would be better able to use tactics that allowed her to marry even higher up the social ladder. They called it "strategizing".
Idiocy is what she called it. She had no interest in the art of manipulation.
It was a cold, clear morning when Arya departed from her home. With many older siblings already having made their debut, Arya's journey to Veras was conducted with little fanfare. She was the bottom rung, the scrapings at the end of the barrel, and she knew it. It helped ease some of the pressure, and her nerves were further appeased by the knowledge that along with two of her favorite tutors as well as a few foot soldiers, she was to be accompanied by her brother, Luc.
All bundled up in warm traveling clothes, Arya said goodbye to her parents and sisters. They were a kind family overall and she would miss them, but she bade her fondest farewell to Weyn, who was soon to leave on a journey of his own.
"When I see you next you will be a priest, and me a wife. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I hope that when we meet again we are as happy as we have been in Parnage together," she whispered hoarsely, trying not to cry.
He wrapped her in a bear hug, his eyes tearful as well. "I will miss you, dear Arya. I know you will make some man very happy, and I hope for your sake he isn't old and fat."
She laughed, then climbed into the carriage before she started to weep in earnest.
Grieving for her past would do no good, she knew, and there was nothing to do now but look ahead. Arya tried to focus her thoughts on the future, and find
something
to look forward to.
Meeting extended family might be fun,
she mused. She was to stay with her aunt and uncle, individuals she had never met but heard much of. Luc had told her that they were gentle, intelligent folk who did not enjoy the courtly life. She had a feeling that if Luc had grown to care for them, she would as well. They had similar taste when it came to good company, and the fact that they also preferred a country life highly recommended them to their niece.
The trip was uneventful, filled with tedious hours and sore bums from the bumpy road. The only exciting thing that happened was a bear who crossed the road. It stopped, looked at them, growled a bit, then continued on its way.
Finally, they were only two days away from Veras proper. They started passing through civilized land filled with farms and wineries and castles the likes of which Arya had never seen. She had spent her life in the mountains, living a simple life and traveling almost nowhere, and found herself enjoying every bit of the new scenery they came across, drinking it in like a man starved.
They were traveling through a long stretch of farmland interspersed with small woods when one of their carriage wheels broke. Arya groaned. It was nearly dark and there was no way they could make it to the next lodging by the time the wheel was fixed.
The men began the task of setting up camp while Madame Marguerite, one of Arya's tutors, told the girl to sit by her and work on some sewing. Arya cringed.
"Madame, I have been stuck inside sewing for days. I need to stretch my legs!"
Marguerite frowned. "Stretching one's legs is hardly ladylike, Arya."
Arya rolled her eyes.
"I also need to clean, I feel disgusting. There was a river a ways back, perhaps I could go bathe before dark?"
She held her breath, knowing Marguerite would mostly likely find that idea even more horrid, but Arya was desperate for some privacy. She had stayed in the same stupid carriage with Marguerite and several others for the entire trip and was filled with pent up sexual frustration.
Marguerite's expression became instantly severe, but before she could object Luc interjected.
"That sounds like a good plan, Arya. I will accompany you for your protection. Surely no one can object that that is not ladylike." He looked around, challenging the others to object. Marguerite frowned even more deeply, but said nothing; Luc far outranked her.
Smiling, Luc turned to Arya. "Gather what you need and let's go."
She whooped with delight, ignoring Marguerite's noises of disapproval and censure.
She quickly grabbed what she needed and they left the camp. They chatted amiably as they went, glad for some time away from the others. Arya had always felt that she was never herself unless she was alone with her brothers, and knew that they felt equally comfortable and relaxed in her presence. Though less constrained by social convention, Weyn and Luc had their own facades to uphold and no one to speak to about their feelings or true thoughts other than each other and Arya. So the two were glad to have this brief time before entering Veras to speak of their fears and hopes for their time there.
When they reached the river, Luc turned his back. "I'll stay here near the bridge. I will be in shouting distance if you need me. I'm happy for the alone time so just meet me there when you are done, okay? No rush."
She smiled at him, grateful. "Sounds good."
Arya found a place where the bank was sandy and the water was deep but the current weak. She stood for a moment, simply enjoying the quiet of the forest. She felt more at home here than she had in days, even if it was a strange forest with trees and brambles she was unfamiliar with. She pulled her hair out of the uncomfortable braid, letting the waves cascade down her shoulders. She began to undress when she stopped, her body tense. She could have sworn she had heard whistling. Yes, there it is again.
Oh no, please don't tell me there are people around here! I need to come so badly!
she whined to herself.
It's been so long!
Glancing around to pinpoint the source of the whistling, Arya realized she was near a woodsman's trail. There were surely people who lived nearby, and they were probably heading home as the sun was setting. Already the shadows were long and the temperature cooling.
They will pass by and be gone soon. In fact, I doubt they would even notice me if I stay under the water,
