Arya Starks Journey Final

Heavy rain falls from the stone coloured sky above me, soaking me from head to toe. The trees surrounding me sway violently as the wind pushes and pulls their branches. I can almost hear them whine as though they disagree with the way Mother Nature is shoving them back and forth. Leaves cover the soft ground beneath my feet. I continue along the muddy path ahead of me trying my best to avoid the sharp edges of broken branches once belonging to the wooden giants dominating the land I venture through. The trees are the only company I have, I think to myself as loneliness takes its toll.

The raindrops falling down my face disguise the tears streaming down my dirty cheeks. I try to stop crying but I realise no one is around to judge me, not a single soul, so I give up trying. My tears seem endless as the memories of my fallen family cloud my head.

The memory of my brother’s head, cut off and put on a stick is vivid in my mind; I try desperately to think of something else, anything else, but it seems impossible to rid my mind of my familys deaths. “Why Gods? Why did this happen?” I curse. “My brother, mother and father have been taken from this Earth. Why?” I ask aloud, not expecting a response. The Gods have forsaken us; they turned their backs on us long ago. It’s my fault, if only I had arrived at the Twins sooner, I could have helped them? I think. The feeling of guilt overwhelms me. My legs are shaking so much I’m finding it hard to walk. I try to focus on why I’m here to distract myself. “I have to kill those responsible for killing my family” I declare. I close my eyes and promise myself I will make them pay.

By the time I gather my thoughts I realise it’s getting dark. The clouds have cleared enough to reveal a crimson strip across the sky as the sun slowly disappears in the distance. I ignore its beauty.  I begin looking for shelter among the shrubs surrounding me. I spot an Oak in a clearing ahead and start towards it, collecting leaves on the way to cover myself with whilst I sleep.

I'm suddenly alerted to the sound of rustling in nearby bushes. Is someone following me?  I wonder. I reach for my sword and slowly move towards the sound. As I get closer I breathe in the familiar smell of smoke lingering in the air. There isn't a fire, where is that smell coming from? I think. Curiosity takes a hold of me as I nervously walk towards the moving bush until the smell of smoke seems unbearable. My heart is beating so fast it feels as though it’s going to burst out of my chest as I nervously move aside the vines obstructing my view. My mouth drops in astonishment at the sight before me.

The Earth in front of me is blackened with ash. Hot embers envelop the entire ground twinkling brightly like the stars in the sky. Remnants of a fire are evident as the embers create a fiery glow lighting up the clearing making it easier to see. An enormous creature is standing in the center  I try to distinguish what beast it is but I can only see its back. You shouldn't be here! I try to convince myself. Hesitating, I take a step back. I soon realise I am not afraid and remain where I am, not knowing what to do next. I gain enough courage to peer through the bush and take a closer look.

The beast is at least twice my height; I’m immediately intimidated by its size. Fiery red feathers with bright yellow tips cover its body. I’m intrigued by its beautiful colouring and take another step forward. The sound of my movements catches its attention as it turns to face where I’m standing. I can now see the magnificent creature in full form. Its piercing eyes look in my direction. It’s a Phoenix! I tell myself in disbelief. It can’t be, they only exist in folk tales father used to tell me, I think trying to make sense of my discovery. My thoughts have distracted me from the approaching creature now standing only feet away. Run! My mind is telling me but my body won’t follow.

”Don’t be afraid,” a voice tells me. I frantically look around me to find where the voice came from but no one is in sight. “Come out from behind that tree!” It exclaimed. I conclude the voice must be coming from the Phoenix. Terrified and confused I look for an escape route. I soon realise I have nowhere to run. You’re a Stark, you have the courage of a wolf! I try to convince myself. Grasping my sword tightly I slowly walk out in to the open.

“You have no need to use that sword, Arya.” the Phoenix said. “I've been following you since you began your journey. I have a lot to explain” it said.

 I stood perfectly still, trying to make sense of everything around me. My fear has subsided. “How are you talking to me?” I asked.

“By connecting to your thoughts I’m able to talk to you through our minds,” it replied. “My name is Alexius. I have read your mind for months. I understand the hurt and anger you feel. I want to help you,” it explained. “Jump on my back and I’ll take you to Winterfell before trouble came to your door three years ago. We can change the course of history and prevent your familys deaths. I have the power to do so. Please trust me!” she begged.

Overwhelmed and exhausted my body gives in and I lose my balance. I grab a hold of a stump next to me trying to stay upright. Don’t faint now! I beg myself. Alexius, help me! I pleaded now unafraid. I feel my legs give in as I slowly slump to the ground. Blackness is the last thing I see as my eyes close for what seems like the first time in weeks.

“Arya, wake up!” I hear. I open my eyes to see Alexius standing above me. I roll over trying to get my bearings. As I stand I notice House Winterfell in the distance. I’m dreaming, I told myself.

“No Arya, you’re really home!” Exclaimed Alexius.