Gryn frowned as he sampled Winterfell's sour red wine when Arya, her eyes red, was brought in by Ser Brienne.
"Gryn."
As soon as she reached him, Arya leaped nimbly forward and, overwhelmed with grief, wrapped her arms tightly around Gryn's neck.
Gryn first gestured for Brienne to leave, then gently patted the Little Wolf Girl's back. "What happened, my Lady Stark?"
"Mother doesn't love me. She favors Sansa, and she favors Rickon too." Arya sniffed, utterly miserable. "I'm going to find Father. I'll never be friends with Mother again!"
"If you mean making 'Barristan the Bold' Rickon's tutor, then I have something even crueler to tell you."
At that, Arya released Gryn. She turned sideways and looked at him with those large, watery eyes.
She sniffed again, even more heartbroken. "I knew it. You like Sansa and Rickon better too, even though we're supposed to be good friends."
"It seems you already knew."
As he spoke, Gryn spread one hand. "Sorry, Arya. I never thought this would hurt you. I think... Lady Catelyn felt the same way."
He rubbed Arya's fluffy hair. "But could you get used to court life? Rickon is now House Stark's only boy. He has to go through these things."
He seemed to treat her as an equal adult as he continued, "This is also for the future of the realm. The friendship between House Crabb and House Stark began with Duke Ned and me. It needs to be passed down and strengthened generation after generation. Only then can the realm maintain lasting peace."
Arya's little face scrunched up as she reluctantly "digested" Gryn's explanation. "Then what about me?"
Gryn smiled at her. "Isn't your dream to become a knight?"
Arya's eyes immediately lit up. "You'll support me, won't you?"
Gryn tilted his head slightly.