AN: So this is my first GOT story. I don't know how long it will be, I don't know what will happen, all I do know is that it's a Gendrya story, because I'm so osessed with them I can't function properly. Anyway, I've written a few chapters, and I really like the concept, so please tell me what you think of the first chapter.

PS: I'm not from any english-speaking country, so if you find some errors, I apologize and hope you'll let me know.

Chapter 1.

Arya

The sun was almost gone behind the trees in the west, coloring the sky with beautiful colors of pink. Arya rode her mare over the hills, and gazed at the breathtaking view; she could see Winterfell in all its glory, and if she looked south, she could even see all the way to Torhen's square. Her direwolf, Nymeria, was pacing next to her, frequently leaping into the woods, only to return with her tail waggling from side to side. Arya knew she should have been back in the castle by now, but what adventurer would she be if she always obeyed her mother's every rule? She had ridden through the wolfswood from the break of dawn, only eating what the nature could offer. The woods were so peaceful, she wondered how it would be if she never returned back home, but then the thought of her siblings pushed the idea away. She didn't know what she would have done without them. Robb was always protective, but still a lot of fun, even if he was growing older and no longer found play as important as before. And although Sansa could be a true pain in the arse, she was still her sister, and Arya loved her dearly. Bran with his never-ending knowledge, and his talent for telling old stories had no trouble keeping her entertained. Her youngest brother, Rickon could always bring a smile to her face even when she was feeling angry or sad. And then there were Jon; her bastard brother, who seemed to be the only person in the world who truly understood her hatred for marriage and anything that reminded her of the life that was waiting for her once her parents decided it was time. Jon, who had given her Needle, and had showed her how to use the skinny sword. However, Jon was no longer at Winterfell. He had left for the Wall years ago, but the ache in her heart never faded. She had begged her father for permission to go see him, but Ned's answer were always the same; The Wall is no place for a lady.

It was completely dark when she returned to Winterfell. She was sure she wouldn't have found the way through the snow without Nymeria by her side. The moon had been concealed by heavy clouds, and left the woods in utter darkness. However, the wolf had no trouble sniffing the right path, and frequently turned to make sure Arya was still following.

She entered the castle walls through the hunter's gate as it was the closest, and greeted the guards with a friendly nod. The almost empty court yard was lit up by torches hanging by the stone wall, and Arya suddenly realized how dirty Bran's old breeches were. A stable boy came to take her horse, and Arya ran across the yard to the entrance of the castle where she was sure her mother was waiting angrily. When she opened the heavy wooden doors, loud shouting filled her ears.

Arya immediately recognized Sansa's sobbing voice, followed by their mother's strict yelling. Arya tiptoed to the open door leading to the great hall where her mother and sister had scattered pieces of paper all over the dining table. Sansa sat with her face in her hands, shaking as tears dripped down her fingers. Catelyn stood a few feet away, her face red with anger.

"What on earth where you thinking, Sansa? You are to be married in only a few weeks!"

Arya pushed her back towards the warm walls, glancing through the opening to get a better look. Sansa's sobs grew louder by her mother's harsh words.

"What will the Dayne's think of us? Did you ever stop to consider your future husband's feelings in this folly of yours?"

Arya could see Sansa shaking her head as she removed her hands from her tear wet face and clasped them together in her lap.

"When your father hears about this-,"Her mother started, but Sansa cut her off.

"Oh, mother, please, do not tell him. I beg you!" Sansa's voice was trembling with desperation.

"Stark's do not keep secrets from one another. You ought to remember that the next time you commit such a betrayal."

As her mother stormed out of the room, Arya hurried to hide behind the door, but in vain. The sound of her feet made Catelyn stop and turn.

"ARYA STARK!" her voice echoed through the room. Arya crept forwards, reluctantly. "The next time I tell you to be home by dinner, I expect you to obey, or else you will never be allowed outside these castle walls by yourself ever again." The look she gave her was enough to make Arya tremble under her stare.

"Yes, mother," she replied quietly, looking down at her shoes. Catelyn climbed the stairs, mumbling angrily to herself.

"One daughter refuses to grow up, the other sneaks around with our captain of guards!"

Arya's jaw dropped and she ran into the grand hall to confirm her mother's words.

"Sansa, have you been sneaking around with Jory?" she blurted, earning herself a deathly stare from her sister.

"Leave me alone," she screamed as she got to her feet. Lifting her woolen dress inches from the floor, she ran past her, so quickly the papers on the table flew to the ground. Sketches of wedding dresses Arya recognized. She bit her lip and shook her head in disbelief. Sansa and Jory! The idea was absurd, but then again, Jory was a very kind and friendly man, and even she had to admit he was handsome, despite his age. But Sansa had always dreamed about becoming a lady in a castle, why would she throw her dream away on a guard? And what would happen to Sansa's wedding to Edrick Dayne? Would he have her if he knew she was in love with another man? Arya sighed and went back outside. Whenever there were a fight between Cat and Sansa, which was very rare, everyone would evacuate the castle because of the tension the fight brought with it. Arya knew today was no different. She would have better luck finding her brothers in the fighting yard than in their rooms.

Gendry

After a month's riding from King's Landing, Gendry found himself longing for a hot bath. The sudden cold surrounding him in his new home had caught him by surprise, and the chill never seemed to leave his body, no matter how many tunics he put on. Old Mikken had been kind enough to give him a small chamber above the forge for him to live in. It contained nothing but a bed and a small, slightly disheveled table with a wax candle on top. The deal was that Gendry would work for his shelter and food in the forge with Mikken, and if he was good enough, the old smith would give him a few coins as well. He wasn't sure why his old master, Tobho Mott had been in such a hurry to send him away. One day he had been awakened in the middle of the night and pushed out of his house with his clothes under one arm, the bull's horn under the other and a letter to Mikken in his hand. The journey to the north would have taken years if it hadn't been for the man Mott had told him about who escorted men to the wall. Yoren, as the man was called, let him travel with them in exchange of the bull-helmet Gendry had made. It had been a sour price to pay, but as the days went by and the riding and lack of sleep wore him down, he realized it had been worth it. He knew he wouldn't have survived a week on the King's road by himself. The woods were full of wildlings and murderers, who wouldn't hesitate to attack and kill him for the few coins he had in his boot.

As he parted with Yoren and the group, the young boys had shot him envious looks, and Gendry knew perfectly well why. They were headed for a lifetime on the wall, whereas he was free to do whatever he'd like. Of course, Mott hadn't given him much of a choice, but they didn't know that. When he first met Mikken, he had seemed like a quiet and very intimidating man. One look from him was enough to make him wish he was back in King's landing with Mott. Mikken had read Mott's letter and taken him under his wing in exchange for his work.

"Let's see if you are as good as your master says," he had said in a husky voice, a challenging smile erupting on his lips. Mikken's wife, Myra, had welcomed him with an affectionate smile. She was a short, plump, but yet beautiful woman, with light- on the edge of gray- hair and dimples in her chubby cheeks. Although she and her husband were over fifty, they had no children, and Myra seemed happy about finally having a young man in her house for her to feed and clothe. She had showed him his room and asked if there were anything he needed. Gendry had asked for the possibility to take a bath, and Myra had immediately sent Mikken on his way to fetch water. Mikken growled under his breath, but obeyed his wife.

"Only this time, dear. Look at the boy, he is half asleep where he stands," Myra had said, patting Gendry's shoulder. "Let me make you something to eat while you wait for the water, young one. I'm afraid all we have is soup, I hope you don't mind."

Gendry was grateful for her hospitality, and felt a lot better after eating several bowls of the thin, but yet delicious soup Myra served him. When Mikken returned with two large buckets full of water, she chuckled sweetly, "He'll eat us out of the house. Oh, how wonderful it is to finally have a young man in my kitchen. Now let's boil that water so you can regain your warmth. I'm sure the weather here is much colder than you are used to, but don't worry, it will grow on you eventually, as it did with me," she smiled and poured the water into several large pans on the stove.

"Push the tub into his room, dear. I'm sure he'd like some privacy while bathing," she told her husband, who reluctantly did as he was told, but shot Gendry dark glances.

"I can move it myself," Gendry offered and stood to follow Mikken, but Myra pushed him back into his seat.

"Nonsense. A little lifting won't do Mikken any harm. Now, sit down and drink your wine," she handed him a cup filled with red liquid and he gulped it all down. "So, how was your journey to the north? Did you encounter any dangers on the way?"

Gendry told her about the group he had traveled with, and was amazed to see her amused expression. She listened quietly, frequently refilling his cup and nodding at the right places. She reminded him of how his mother had asked him about his days when she was working in the alehouse, and Gendry felt his throat thicken. Myra was such a loving and friendly woman, he thought it was a shame she didn't have children of her own.

After his bath, he had been eager to explore WInterfell, but Myra had commanded him in bed in a stern voice. Frowning, he obeyed, and suddenly understood why Mikken did everything she told him to do. She might be caring and kind, but she was also knew how to get what she wanted. He went to bed, feeling lighter than he had for weeks. He knew Mott had had a good reason to send him away, and sent him a silent gratitude for how well it had all turned out. Tomorrow he would finally get to work with steel again, and he would prove to Mikken that keeping him around would be worth it.

So what do you think of the first chapter?