Eddard Stark

Supper was a strange affair. James and Arya sat at the end of the table and could be seen laughing and talking. Everyone else listened to Robb talk about their adventure which was really just an execution. He heard Arya laughing loudly and turned to see James with a pout on his face. The sight brought a small smile to his face. His thoughts where interrupted by his beautiful wife.

"What do you think of our guest James?" Catelyn seemed to be in deep thought for some reason.

He honestly did not know what to think of James his offer to spend the night was more than just courtesy, he wanted to learn about him and why he was living a mile outside of Winterfell. "I have not made up my mind yet he seems like a mysterious young man. I hope we find out more about him tomorrow. He also seems to get along with Arya well."

Robb was listening to his parents silently he was also intrigued about their guest. He overheard on how he worked as a Sell-Sword in Essos and wondered if he was any good. He moved down the table and sat in the empty seat next to Arya across from James. "James I heard you worked as a Sell-Sword in Essos, are you any good?"

James thought about how to answer that particular question. He was a hard trained assassin that could most likely kill any man in Westeros with just his 2 combat knives. (Black knives from the movie Winter Solider). "I am pretty decent if I say so myself Robb, my technique focuses more on evading than blocking." This got raised eyebrows from most swords men around the table.

Robb has never heard of any technique that was more about evading than blocking before. "Well tomorrow after we are all well rested perhaps I can interest you in a spar?"

James liked it here in Winterfell and decided to formulate a plan that started with the spar tomorrow. "That sounds like an excellent idea, why don't you bring Jon along as well, Arya was telling me he is quite adapt at wielding a sword as well."

Arya was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement. She had no idea who would win but guessed it would be James since he has actually seen real combat.

James looked around the table and saw most people where listening in to their conversation. "Well I guess I will see you tomorrow for that spar Robb, give Jon my regards." With that he stood up and bowed to Eddard Stark. "Thank you Eddard for the wonderful supper it was the perfect way to end the day."

Eddard met James gaze and nodded. "You are welcome I bid thee goodnight"

With that James walked out of the dining area and made his way to his guest room. He laid down on his bed and started to think about what has transpired over the last couple of hours. He has come to like little Arya she reminded him of his little sister he had before World War 2. Before he was turned into the Winter Solider. Before he was teleported to Essos. Before he made up House Barnes and found his Phoenix Natalia. It was a simpler time. He just hoped to regain some of that and for that to happen he needed to show his superior combat skills.

Arya

Arya's morning started out pretty terrible, she had to miss breakfast because she woke up late. Now she found herself in her Lady Lessons with Sansa and Jeyne and the boring and strict Septa. Arya would rather be anyone where else, but she mostly wanted to be talking to James. He told the coolest stories he made up about a team of superheroes defending the world from aliens. Her thoughts where interrupted by the annoying voice of the septa.

"Arya focus on your stitching and quit day dreaming" The septa wore a frown on her face the entire time.

Arya focused on the current conversation between Jeyne and Sansa. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Do you think James is courting anyone? He is so handsome I wonder if he is as gallant as the knights in the stories." Jeyne and Sansa both had a dreamful expression on their faces.

Arya scowled "No James is not courting anyone. Why do you care anyway you want to marry the Crown Prince Joffrey and 'have his golden haired lion babies'."

Sansa did remember the Crown Prince "Yes that is true, but James is so handsome, and if he is good with a sword he will be a very famous knight."

Arya hated how naïve Sansa could be when it came to the real world. "Sansa you do not even know anything about either of them. James is nice and funny, but you should not form an opinion on someone without talking to them. Anyway are you coming to spar between Robb and James after the lesson? I can't wait to see who is better." Arya hated how most nobles would not spar Jon because he was a bastard but she hoped James was different.

Sansa usually did not attend such violent things as a lady but she heard her father and mother where going to attend as well. She figured she could get Jeyne to come as well and it would be worth it to introduce her to James at least. "Yes Jeyne and I will be attending the spar as well, so I can introduce Jeyne to James. She has yet to meet him" Sansa and Jeyne where best friends, they both where 14 and had been inseparable since Jeyne came to live in the castle as well.

Jeyne smiled "I can't wait to meet him most of the women are talking about how beautiful his eyes are." Jeyne was not kidding when she said most of the women were talking about him. When she got up this morning she could over hear the maids talking about the most handsome man they have ever seen.