A/N: To avoid any confusion on the age. Reviews please! Thanks!
Arya - 21
Sansa - 23
Gendry - 26
Jon - 26
Robb - 26
Sandor - 30
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 1: Arrival
It has been five years. Five years of forgetting everything in Westeros and completely embraced Braavos. She tried really hard, at least that's what she told herself, to communicate with her family, but she will always find an excuse not to. She left for Braavos with anger, and resentment from what was left of Winterfell and the whole of Westeros. There was nothing for her there, not anymore. The only thing that saved her was a scholarship in Braavos University. The day she got it, there were so much argument between her mother and her. Catelyn did not want to let go of her youngest daughter, but Arya being the wild child, will always do what she wants no matter what her mother says. Her father, Eddard Stark, or as they would like to call him Ned is the other parent, who truly accepted who she really is, aside from her favorite brother Jon. There was never a time that she did not think of those two people who are her constant companion and confidant. She felt guilty for leaving them, but they understood her need to get away, to truly find herself. Catelyn was adamant about the whole thing and even blamed Jon for it, but in the end, she just sighed and accepted that her daughter is leaving to study. She tried her best to communicate with her, but Arya was still and will always be angry. Mostly because of her mother's treatment of Jon; that Catelyn did not understand that it was never Jon's fault that he was born and also for the reason of always comparing her to Sansa, her sister who will always be perfect in her eyes. This comparison put a strain to their relationship as siblings, and always reprimanded her even if Sansa was to blame. She fought with her, but always accepted defeat from her mother. She loves her though, but not as much as she loves her father.
When she reached Braavos, she felt the freedom right away, but not the burden she has in her heart. She lived everyday trying to forget all the bad things and just busied herself learning and developing her art. Arya has always been aware that she is a brilliant artist and well skilled fencer. A grace with brush and colors but has the ferocity of a wolf with sword fighting. She took Needle with her, an epee; a gift from Jon before he was sent away to the military as suggested by her mother. She has met many interesting people in Braavos, and for once, nobody cared if she is Arya Stark. She has grown into something that can no longer be broken by anyone. She is stronger, smarter, and definitely better than she was.
Before she comes home, a communication between her and Ned occurred. He informed her that he took a temporary position in Kings Landing in order to help his best friend Robert since his company Stag Industries is slightly in trouble and has been staying there for six months now, together with Sansa who is now working for the said company. She decided to stay in Kings Landing to be with his dad and sister before coming home to Winterfell. And so she did.
Now, she is back to where she began. A fresh graduate young woman with so much potential. Wearing her typical outfit of shorts, a flannel shirt, Docs and aviator sunglasses, she was waiting for a cab to take her straight to the hotel that she booked to stay for the night. She didn't want to tell her father she's coming back on this specific day, for she would love to see the surprise look on Ned's face once he sees her. The cabbie drove her to The Blackwater Bay Hotel just a few minutes from the Stag Industries building. Arya knows her father will be there. She settled her things in her hotel room and immediately went out to surprise Ned.
The Stag Industries building is one of the tallest buildings in King's Landing. It was modern and very elegant. She went straight to the lobby, and introduced herself to the receptionist named Ros. Though suspicious at first, but gave in, she personally escorted Arya to her father's office. Ros knocked on the door and got inside the office while Arya waits. Few minutes later, Ros came back and informed her that she can come in and left her.
She slowly pushed the door and once she was in, she smiled at the person sitting in front of her,
"Hello father"
Ned looked up at the person standing at the door of his office, looking at her with such surprise and affection, he immediately stood up and walked to her, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her like she was still a little girl,
"Oh my darling! My sweet, sweet Arya! I missed you so much"
He finally put her down and placed a hand on her cheeks,
"I didn't know you were coming! You didn't tell me!"
"Well I wanted to surprise you. I missed you so much dad!"
She hugged him tightly again, and didn't even realize that she was slightly in tears to see her father.
"Don't you ever leave us like that! We missed you too much!"
"We? I don't think they really missed me."
"Oh don't be like that. Everyone misses you. Even your mother"
"I'm sure dad"
Ned clearly detected the sarcasm in his daughter's tone, but instead of feeling angry he was just rather sad about it, how the relationship between a mother and a daughter can falter just like that.
"Yes she does Arya, you don't know how much your mother worries about you."
"Look dad, you don't need to tell me all those. I will only be staying here for a couple of days and then go back to Winterfell, and see everyone and then come back here"
"Do you think I am lying about your mother? How could you think that? Of course she worries about you, she's your mum. She's been through a lot"
"I know dad. But you are sweet. And I really don't need to be reminded of it. Okay? Please dad, can we not talk about her while I'm here?"
Ned sighed at her daughter's resentment of her own mother, even after five years, the strain of their relationship is still showing.
"Alright sweetling, I will stop. But you have to promise me that you will talk to her when you get back home. Now do you want to see everyone here? Your sister will be happy to see you"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I think you underestimated your sister Arya, she is different now. She's responsible now, and had totally changed"
"What do you mean responsible now? She's always been responsible. Although I could say that she is a total snob"
"Things change my love, and so do people"
"Are you sure about that dad?" she teased,
"Change is the only thing that is permanent in this world. Now come on, let's see your sister and then you can say hello to Robert and the others"
"Do I have to say hello to him?"
"Be nice"
Arya sighed heavily and agreed to see their "Uncle Robert."
Ned guided Arya two floors below to where Sansa is working as the head of the marketing department of Stag Industries. Arya felt nervous, "It's Sansa! Stop fidgeting, you're too old for this!"she scolded herself. Her dad went in first and then slipped his head on the opening of the door and signaled that she can come in, once she did, Sansa's face was totally shocked to see her, but there is a sadness in her eyes that she can't seem to understand, she stood up and ran to her, and gave her an unexpected hug, for some reason Sansa was mumbling something she could barely understand, she made herself relaxed to her embrace and hugged her back, finally she heard her,
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry my little sister"
She pulled away, and looked at Sansa's face, she is in tears,
"Why are you apologizing?"
"For all those years, I was never a good sister to you. I am so sorry Arya, I should have been more understanding."
Then she hugged her again, she looked at her dad, he's watching them with so much love and happiness. She smiled at him.
"It's okay Sansa. I may have been angry with you, but not anymore. Okay? I wasn't a good sister either and I am sorry too."
"No, no. I was the older one I should have understand you. You're my kid sister."
"Fine, take the fall. But don't tell me that I have to apologize" she chuckled.
Until finally Sansa let go of her, and started giggling with her comment.
"We should have dinner, just the three of us!" their father suggested,
"I think that's a great idea dad!"
"Arya, what do you think?" he turned to her,
"Dinner sounds great! But I want to have lunch first. So where should we meet?"
"We can just pick you up sweetling, and you will be staying with us. I will take your things from whatever hotel that is. Are we clear Arya Stark?"
"Yes father. I am staying at the Blackwater Bay Hotel. Not far from here I'm sure you know. And can you please stop worrying? I am not planning to stay there for long. I will definitely be staying with you, at least I don't have to pay for anything" she laughed.
Ned placed an arm around Arya's should, and turned to Sansa,
"Now you should get out early, you know how impatient this little wolf is"
Sansa just smiled and nodded at her father until they disappear from her office.
Ned and Arya walked side by side in the halls on Sansa's department and they went straight to the elevator and to the top floor of the building,
"Dad do I really need to say hello to Uncle Robert?"
"Yes. You should. He's been taking care of your old man for the last six months here. And he hasn't seen you in a long time. He will be happy to see you."
"He's taking care of you? Or is it the other way around? Is he still obnoxious? And a drunk?"
His father's face changed, but this time with a hint of hurt and a little anger, he stopped and faced her,
"Listen to me Arya, Robert may have been a different person when you met him. But he is my best friend…."
"But dad he's…" she interrupted but was cut off by Ned,
"He has been through a lot these past few years, and there are reasons he's like that. I will explain to you later, because I am coming to lunch with you"
"You are?!"
"Yes. Now, can you please act nice to the old stag?"
"I will"
"Good"
Her father gave her a kiss on the forehead, and hugged her once more as they reached the top floor. She diligently followed Ned to the largest office in the whole building, when they entered it, there they saw Robert, reading some papers and obviously preoccupied by something important. Arya hid behind his father as Ned cleared his throat. Robert looked up,
"Ned! I was just about to call you, there are some things here that I can't seem to remember"
"Sure, I'll help you with that, but we have a visitor"
"Is it Roose Bolton again? If I am not too old, I would have hit his head with a war hammer just so he can understand the meaning of 'No!"
"No, its' not the Boltons, but someone nicer"
Arya stepped out of her hiding and revealed herself to their father's longest and best friend, Robert stood up in surprise, but the expression is his face is somewhat she never expected. There was love, and sadness in his eyes, and some sort of emptiness,
"Ly…"
"No Robert, she's not. This is my daughter Arya"
Robert Baratheon just stood there, as if he can't move. He was obviously trying to control himself, but Ned came up to him and placed his hand on his heavy shoulders. For some reason the old Stag was calmed by his friend's hand.
"Erm… I am sorry. Arya! You have grown so much! I can't believe it. How long has it been? 10 years?"
"Yes Uncle Robert 10 years. How have you been?"
He swallowed,
"I've been great. Your father has been straightening my shit! After that bitch almost took over all my finances!"
"Sorry, erm, bitch? I don't understand"
"Your father will explain it better. Anyway, the last time I saw you, you were running around with your brothers in the mud back in Winterfell. It's great to see you!"
"You too Uncle Robert and you look much better the last time I saw you."
Ned glared at her, and Robert seemed to notice it as well,
"Ned, don't. She's right. I had so much going on back then little wolf. It's quite fine. And thank you Arya for noticing"
Robert walked up to her and gave her an affectionate look, the same way as her father look at her. For some reason, she smiled at him and saw a totally different person. "Maybe he really did get his shit straight" she thought. She did the best she could, she hugged him. Ned was a happy father and a friend.
"Now, Robert, whatever paper it is that you don't seem to remember just put them in one pile and I will see to them later, but for now, I want to have lunch with my daughter"
"Of course. I will do that. Enjoy you two. I will see you soon Ned, and you too Arya, I trust that you will be staying with us?"
"Yes uncle I will. Dad will pick me up later for dinner."
"Alright then. Then you shall have midnight snack at the house since you already have dinner plans"
He laughed a very heartily and a fulfilling laugh, she can't help but smile at him.
"Come on Sweetling, let's go. There this wonderful restaurant down at King's Gate."
But as they leave, Robert called on her dad once more, Ned immediately walked up to him, but they could not seem to hear what they are talking about, she just keeps on seeing her dad nodding on whatever Robert is saying. But the Stag's face was worried, and sad. She trusts that her father will tell her everything. After few minutes of waiting, they went on their way.
Eddard Stark took her daughter to one of his favorite restaurants in King's Landing called Dragonpit. Arya have never been to the place for she is now just exploring King's Landing,
"Wow dad this is great! There's so much to see here in this restaurant"
"Yeah I have always thought of bringing you here, the place is full of art and it reminds me of your paintings and your drawings"
"Well thanks for remembering"
"Of course I do."
Then she went silent and took a drink,
"Dad, how's Jon?"
"I thought you talked to him"
"Not recently. I have been busy with my finals and with the graduation coming last month, I have been so busy"
"Right. Speaking of graduation. I can't believe you didn't tell us any of it. You're my daughter and I am very much concerned. I know this may not be the right place to tell you this, but I have to be honest, I was disappointed Arya."
Arya was caught up with his father's words. Disappointment, it is the least of what she expected. There's a certain lump in her throat that can't seem to grasp the situation, but she put on her best face and just explain to him,
"About that. I know that by that time, you will be disappointed. I know you're supposed to be there, but I also thought of Jon. I know he couldn't be there and I have been living alone for five years without you or him, so I just made a stupid decision that if Jon can't be there, then no one should either. I am really, really sorry about that."
Her eyes are almost teary, but she's trying her best to compose herself, and continued with her speech,
"I know that even if you weren't there, that when I come back you will finally be proud of what I have accomplished. I just totally did my best to forget what's here for me in Westeros. With mum, Robb, Sansa, even Bran, and Rickon, I know I have always been a disappointment. You knew why I had to leave. And I just stayed no one from anyone here, from the north to here in KL."
Her father reached for her hand, and squeezed it lightly,
"My Arya, you were never a disappointment to me, to us. Even Cat, we are very proud of you. Yes, I was disappointed that you didn't call us about your graduation, only because we wanted to be there and to see you come up the stage to the woman you have become and who will still become in the future."
Arya smiled at the kind words her father has said, she knows that Ned was never the type of person who bullshits his way through words just to make everything better. They continued to eat when finally Arya got her curiosity again,
"So about Jon dad?"
"Right, Jon. He's doing well. He got promoted to Lord Commander"
"What? That's great! I can't wait to see him. Well I hope to see him"
Ned surely heard the trail of her voice,
"You will… very soon"
"What do you mean? Is he coming back?"
"He might" Ned smirked
"Oh father do not tease me with this! Is he? You know I hate surprises"
Ned sighed,
"Yes he will I just can't be certain when exactly, and I haven't told him you're here, since I was also surprised to see you. So maybe you can surprise him too"
"Oh definitely! On a different matter though, what exactly happened with Uncle Robert?"
"Ahhh, that. Well, while you were gone my darling, Robert went through a bad divorce. Seriously Arya, are you not even watching or reading the news?"
"Don't care about that dad, please continue"
"Yeah, so anyway, Robert discovered that Cersei has been cheating on him ever since they got married. It was a huge scandal."
"Cheating? Hmm, I can believe I'm going to say this, but I am not surprised"
"How come?"
"Well because Robert, was so…"
"Come on you can say it"
"Obnoxious, he can be really funny, but he's also inappropriate and a drunk! He treats her like crap. Although I never really liked Cersei, but they way he treats her… it's just… horrendous!"
"I know that. But there is a reason he was treating her like that. He already knew."
"What? He knew but didn't do anything about it? Was she blackmailing him?"
"Kind of. She was using her kids so Robert does not divorce her"
"But why now? I mean why just recently?"
"Because just last year, he also discovered that all those kids he brought up were not his"
"What?!"
"Yes my sweet. Apparently Myrcella, Tommen, and even that little shit Joffrey is all Cersei's and Jamie"
"Oh god! Jamie Lannister? Her twin? Wow! I did not see that coming!"
"It's all nothing but the truth love. Cersei and Jamie are incestuous"
"Ugh! That's horrible dad! I feel bad for Robert."
"Yeah me too love. So after all that scandal, I was willing to help him, and your mother understood, that's why it was alright with her that I come out here. The divorce was a mess for the Baratheons. Renly and Stannis has been supportive, but he needs me. And now he's asking me about his kids."
"His kids?"
"Yes, well before he got married to the wench, Robert was heartbroken with your Aunt Lyanna, and nothing and no one was there to fulfill that hole that my sister left of him. So he drank a lot, and slept around. So basically we think he fathered kids, we're just not sure how many and how to find them"
"Have you found any yet?"
"I am close to it. I am doing all my power to it. I help him with that and how to rebuild Stag Industries reputation. Luckily Tyrion is on our side. That little man is very intelligent."
"But are you sure you can trust him?"
"Yeah, of course. He's the one that represented Robert with his divorce. And he won. Cersei was left with nothing. She was thinking of getting rid of Robert and to have the company all to themselves since Joffrey was to inherit the whole company."
"That is so fucked up dad!"
Ned gave her a surprised look with her profanity,
"Sorry for the language. Anyway, did she try to kill him?"
"No, not really. During the course of their marriage, Robert was basically doing that all on his own. So Renly called me, they can no longer control his drinking. I have been going back and forth here for the past three years. Now I was apparently needed to stay."
Arya didn't say anything else, but Ned tried to break the minute of silence,
"So now you're a graduate and back to Westeros, what's your plan?"
"Well, after a few days here, I will go back to Winterfell, probably stay there for some days and then go back here to King's Landing, if that's alright with you"
"Of course it's alright with me! Robert was very delighted to see you, he asked you to stay in his house didn't he?"
"Yes. With you there and Sansa"
"Yes, and Renly"
"Renly lives with Robert?"
"Yes of course. He could barely leave the old Stag. He's a good brother."
"So with all the things that happened dad, how's Sansa dealing with it all?"
"She's good. She's actually great. Sansa has been so mature with everything. She will tell you all once she's ready for it. There was a time that nobody could even talk to her. But she pulled through"
"I'm surprised dad"
"You guys should talk you know. Be like proper sisters for once"
"Don't worry dad. I will do my best"
"That's what I want to hear. Now, I have to go back to the office, what's your plan before dinner?"
"I was thinking of visiting some of the art galleries here; see if I can break through"
"Great! That's great! Well, when we get back maybe Renly would be home, his boyfriend Loras he owns a gallery here, his family has been a great contributor in the arts."
"Loras Tyrell? He's Renly's boyfriend?"
"Yes. They're really good together"
"His grandmother is a Olena Redwyne, she's a great artist! She's a legend!"
"Oh so you've heard of them?"
"Of course dad! I studied her techniques and her work!"
"Well you will meet Loras"
"Oh I plan to!"
Eddard gave her daughter a hearty laugh, the one that he hasn't had ever since she went away. She has never seen her dad happy like this. She laughed with him and hugged him before they part ways for the afternoon. She's surprised that she is actually excited to hang out and talk with Sansa, she was really different from five years back. She looked forward to it. And so she walked along the streets and checked out everything she can.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. I will be updating again next Monday! This is my first Game of Thrones Fanfic, so please be gentle. Reviews please!
