Cathay knew, well enough, the dangers of putting too much trust in anything. In her early experiments with the court of nobility, she had a close friend who sought information for her. She was small and dextrous, with quick ears and an even quicker mind. Cathay had thought they would be joint plotters, fighting in the dark against enemies of the Whitehoof family. A romantic thought, that was soon proved false, as tends to be when dealing in such dark corners. However, the lesson was taught well enough, and Cathay took the necessary preparations for the next meeting with the Mistress of Whisperers. Lady Arya certainly seemed the type for ruthless vengeance. 

Cathay would find the Mistress of Whispers in the exact same spot as she had before, with a hood covering her face and not a soul to be seen elsewise. There were a few torches to light the area, and the infamous spymaster seemed content to wait until Cathay showed herself. 

She arrived, alone, as usual. Cathay took a ginger step into the room, then another, keeping a close eye on the door and a safe distance from Arya. If the rumors are to be believed, the Mistress could kill with a look in her eye, and practiced evil sorceries. Cathay was never put large faith in the arts of magic, but it never hurt to be more careful. "My lady," she called out, curtsying at her place near the stairs. 

It might have been a trick of the mind, or else Arya really did laugh, a low amused sound that echoed through the room, "I don't think anyone has curtseyed so far away from me before." She removed her hood and revealed her youthful, pale face. She also opened her robe to reveal the lack of obvious weapons. 

"Come, Cathay. There is nothing to fear from me. As long as you do not betray us. Now, tell me, what you have learned." 

Arya was a thing of horror tales told by old spinsters. Despite being over ten years older than Cathay, she looked younger, almost like some sort of child. Cathay tried to ignore the fear climbing up her spine, choking her of air. "The Celtigars, my lady. They sent for a stranger a few months past. Gaemon knows not for what purpose, but the implications are clear. This stranger, who he may be, is the father of Jonquil's child-to-be. It sounds as if we may have to find out who this mysterious figure is to reach our conclusion. That would be close to impossible."

Arya inclined her head, "The father, or someone who knows who it is, most like. Well, this supports other leads we have dug up. It seems we must send an agent to Claw Isle. Lord Ardrian is most like on his way to the Stepstones by now. But I will dig deeper into this. In the meantime..." 

"My nephew is conducting his own little investigation. Jaeherys sent that Lysara woman into the Great Sept. And now, Alerie Tyrell is running around with Tommen Lannister for some purpose. I have it on good authority that Catelyn Tully will soon be in the capital as well. The children are starting to play the game with us. I would know more."

Arya looked into her eyes, "First, with Jaehaerys and Lysara, she is most likely his agent on the inside. You will make contact with her, she will be some new arrival at the Sept, and you will tell her to hand over any findings to you. You will tell her that you are working with Jaeherys. You will deliver them to me. Sealed. I don't want you getting overly curious now. Clear?" 

"As Braavosi glass, my lady," Cathay said. Seals were easy to forge, and one envelope was as similar as another. She could easily take a look at what the contents, if it were her intention. Best not to think too hard on it in the Mistress' presence, however. She had an air that suggested that she knew what one was thinking without saying. Cathay curtsied again, and left through the stairs, far quicker than she intended.

Arya watched her leave, and a cat darted from the darkness, ascending the stairs a few minutes after Cathay had gone. Arya pulled her hood back up, and soon the room was dark once more.