chapter 154 part 2
Syrio spread his hands. "It was just an ordinary cat. The others expected to see a rare and strange beast, and so a rare and strange beast was all they saw in her."
"They said the cat was large, but it was not especially large. It was only a bit plump because it was greedy and lazy, and the Sealord often fed it from his own plate."
"They said it had small, delicate ears, but that was only because a piece had been bitten off in a fight with other cats."
"It was clearly a tomcat, but the Sealord called it a 'her,' so they all assumed it was a she-cat. Do you understand now, curious girl?"
Arya thought carefully, then her eyes lit up. "Syrio, you discerned the truth of the matter."
Syrio patted the top of Arya's head. "Just so. The most important thing is to keep your eyes open. The heart lies, and the head plays tricks on us, but the eyes see true."
"Look with your eyes. Hear with your ears. Taste with your mouth. Smell with your nose. Feel with your skin. Only then should you think with your brain, and in that way, you will discern the truth."
Arya nodded and giggled. "Just so!"
Syrio picked up the wooden sword and gave it a flourish. "I am thinking that in three months' time, at most, you can switch to a steel sword of your own to train, clever girl."
Arya cheered. "That's great! I can't wait!"
*Tap, tap...* The sound of footsteps approached, and Lord Eddard's tall figure appeared in the doorway.
"Arya, what you should be looking forward to is your meal."
Syrio nodded slightly in Lord Eddard's direction.
Arya said excitedly, "Father, I'll be able to use a steel sword soon!"
A faint smile touched Lord Eddard's stern face. "Congratulations. But it's time for us to eat. Sansa is still waiting for us."
...
At the dinner table, Sansa Stark glanced secretly at her father, then chided Arya, "Arya, why can't you be more ladylike? You get yourself filthy all day long. Someone even asked me today if you were my brother."
After speaking, Sansa proudly lifted her chin.
Her sister had ruined her favorite deerskin slippers a few days ago, and she had been wanting to get back at her ever since. Although she was tattling in her father's presence, she also genuinely didn't understand her sister's behavior since coming to King's Landing.
She absolutely loved the grandeur and splendor of King's Landing's Red Keep, the noble men and women draped in silk and satin, and all the various people in the city. The tourney had been the most wonderful time of her life, and there were still so many things she hadn't yet enjoyed... such as the harvest feasts, masquerade balls, and mummery shows.
Yet Arya had no interest in so many wonderful things, spending all day making herself look like a little beggar. She sometimes wondered if Arya was truly her own sister.
...
Arya said indignantly, "Sansa, you're tattling again! You're truly annoying!"
Sansa felt she was finally getting her revenge, and she was delighted.
She gave a light huff, her tone breezy. "My dear sister, I am helping you."
The Northerner glanced at his younger daughter, then looked away. She wasn't too dirty. You couldn't train with a sword and stay clean, and this proved Arya was a diligent, good child.
After waiting a while, Sansa saw that her father wasn't reacting at all, and she grew anxious.
She called out softly, "Father."
The stern-faced Lord Eddard looked at his elder daughter. "Sansa, what is it? Is the food not to your liking?"
Sansa said obediently, "My sister never listens to me. I need you to help discipline her. She gets herself dirty all day, and I'm worried people will say unpleasant things that might hurt her."
Seeing her father nod, she added, "Besides... the noble House Stark shouldn't be the subject of gossip over such matters."
Lord Eddard's brow furrowed slightly. The Starks are not noble. We simply bear the responsibility and duty of protecting the North. This has been the tradition of House Stark for thousands of years.
Lord Eddard suddenly felt that he truly shouldn't have brought his children to King's Landing. His wolf pups were being corroded by the hypocrisy here.
Arya pouted. "My noble sister, Winter is Coming. The people of House Stark must train with their swords!"
Hearing Arya's words, Lord Eddard's brow relaxed, and a faint smile touched the corner of his mouth.
"Arya, remember to bathe after you finish your training, and change into clean clothes."
And then?
Sansa's eyes widened. Was he just going to let Arya off like that?
Sansa felt wronged. Father doted on Arya the most; he never disciplined her even when she made mistakes... She longed for her mother.
Sansa's eyes reddened as she said angrily, "Arya! All you know how to do is suck up to Father!"
Arya deliberately stuck out her tongue. "You're a sycophant, only knowing how to follow Joffrey around all day."
Sansa's eyes grew moist. "I am not a sycophant! Joffrey loves me, and we love each other!"
Sansa and Joffrey are together every day? How old is she?
Lord Eddard frowned. "Sansa, you are still young."
Lord Eddard had seen Joffrey a few times... Although Joffrey was Robert's son, and he didn't want to be prejudiced against a child, he truly couldn't stand that golden-haired boy.
Lord Eddard spoke in a gentle tone, "I don't think Joffrey is worthy of you. When you're older, I will help you find a noble most suitable for you—someone brave, gentle, and strong. You will live a happy life in your new family."
For the sake of her prince, Sansa spoke bravely through her tears, "Father, I beg you, don't be like this. I love Joffrey, Father, I truly do. Just like in the songs, like how Queen Naerys loved Prince Aemon the Dragonknight, and how Jonquil loved Florian. Joffrey's mother likes me very much too. She said she would take me hunting soon, and she blessed Joffrey and me."
Lord Eddard was stunned. When did this happen?
Lord Eddard's heart ached looking at his daughter's tear-streaked face. He comforted her softly, "My dear Sansa, we can discuss this slowly."
Arya muttered, "All you ever do is cry..."
Sansa wiped away her tears and said, "Father, please believe me. Joffrey and I will live happily ever after, just like in the songs. I will bear him a beautiful, golden-haired son, who will one day inherit Joffrey's Iron Throne and become the greatest king in history, as brave as a direwolf and as proud as a lion."
Seeing that Sansa had stopped crying, Arya's eyes darted about. "You and Joffrey can't bear a lion. He's not a lion, he's a stag."
Sansa shrieked in anger, "He is not a stag! He's nothing like that drunken king!"
As his elder daughter's words fell, Lord Eddard, who had been wracking his brain for how to console her, suddenly froze.
Sansa's words echoed in his ears... *He's nothing like that drunken king... He's nothing like Robert... Robert's children are nothing like Robert himself...* Lord Eddard's pupils constricted.
(end of chapter)