Game of Thrones: From the Outside

Chapter 1 of a new GOT story, hope you enjoy it; this is essentially a series of small oneshots showing different people's views on Arya and Gendry at different points.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.


Chapter 1: Eddard

Eddard Stark was nervous; it seemed strange true, but he was. Although that was only one emotion he was currently feeling, as he stood, observing his youngest daughter Arya and her boyfriend, Gendry.

'I still can't believe it, Arya she is…' He thought to himself. 'She and Gendry...I'll, have to talk to her.'

He knew he would; Arya he knew was always something of a wild child and could be difficult at times. But she was still loved dearly by the family and he admitted sometimes they were overprotective of her, due to her being the youngest girl. But seeing her right now, talking with Gendry, who was five years her senior, at least a foot taller and twice as bulky as her, really brought it home to Ned.

He sighed. 'She's growing up, she's sixteen already and, it's...it's time...'

This was something he dreaded, and he knew he'd likely dread it more as his youngest sons, Arya's younger brother's, Bran and Rickon were old enough to hear it.

But now, his sixteen year old daughter, especially as she was dating, despite her previous aversion to it, needed to hear him out. It was time for 'the talk'.

Trying to figure out how best to approach the subject, he observed as Arya and Gendry said goodbye to each other; he had been around to join the family for dinner, Arya was standing up on tip-toe, trying to reach him.

He just smiled and leaned down, they kissed and spoke quietly to each other before Gendry left. Still smiling; an expression that was becoming more commonplace on Arya's face now, thanks to Gendry, she made her way through to the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen himself he found Arya seated on one of the barstools by the kitchen counter, helping herself to a drink.

"Arya."

She looked up. "Hmm, oh, hi dad."

She smiled lightly; Ned almost sighed. Arya had been a difficult child, especially in her early teens, last year had been particularly bad. She had become moody and withdrawn and when she wasn't she was lashing out at just about everyone, for even the smallest thing.

'Then, Gendry came into her life...pulled her back from the edge...' Ned recalled.

As it was Arya was on a much more even footing now and seemed to have fully recovered her former good nature, while still keeping her wildness. He knew he could trust her. But now she had a boyfriend and that meant he had a responsibility as a father for what was to come now.

"Could I talk to you?"

Arya nodded. "Sure, what is it?"

"It's about you and Gendry." He explained.

Arya raised an eyebrow, confused. "Yeah?"

Ned sighed awkwardly. "Well, um, since you and he...You've been going out for a while now, I'm sure you're both probably thinking of; well..."

Arya's eyes widened and her face went scarlet as she realized what was going on.

"Oh Gods, dad..."

"I know, I know..." He said, trying to reassure her. "But, it's necessary."

"Urgh." She groaned, shaking her head.

So, he continued, giving her the talk; the things she needed to know about staying safe.

"I, I know this isn't…I mean..."

"Dad." She said suddenly laughing. "Don't worry, I get it."

He nodded relieved; he had fumbled his way through it somehow, but Arya had understood; that was enough for him, he was more than happy to see her and Gendry together, especially knowing they would be safe.


End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.