She had walked up to him in trepidation, not really knowing what she was going to do next. That was a new sensation, and she didn't like it.

It couldn't be true. Dozens of reasons popped up into her head, and she sifted through them trying to find the one that made the most sense, that could explain that what was in front of her was not real.

It was a mummer's trick.

She was asleep.

Somewhere behind her there was a voice calling her back. It sounded like Sansa, perhaps she was waking her up from a dream.

It wasn't him, she had been mistaken. She was sure of it, until he spoke,

"Arya," he beamed at her. That same lopsided grin as before, and then Arya knew exactly what her next move would be. She clenched her fist tight, stepped forward, reached up at him and hit him square on the jaw.

Her sister once again called to her, but the full of her attention was directed at that bull-headed idiot. It was her turn to speak, "that's for abandoning me!"

"I do apologize my lady," he had the audacity to snicker, "but as I remember it, I was taken."

"What have I told you about calling me that!"

"Honestly Arya, I haven't seen you in ages and that's how you greet me?"

She pushed him hard enough for him to fall on the snow. "Don't get smart with me Gendry!"

"Arya." He said her name again and then once more, "Arya Stark."

The sound of her name coming out of his lips made her squirm. She was uncomfortable, or maybe she was embarrassed because she liked the way it sounded? Her cheeks burned and she was sure he could see the sizzle the snowflakes created when they hit her face.

"Arya! What is going on?" Sansa's frustration was obvious by the way her brows furrowed together.

Her sister's severe tone was what brought Arya back to her senses. She stepped away from Gendry and turned to her sister barely able to keep her composure. There was a dry lump in her throat and it took momentous effort to speak, "Forgive me Sansa, I am weary. I'm going to my chambers." She took a couple steps and halted, without turning she called to Sansa, "Please make sure our guests have suitable accommodations."

"Of course."

No matter how hard she tried, or how tightly she shut her eyes sleep evaded her. All she could think about was what happened in the courtyard. About who she saw.

It is not possible she had whispered to herself over and over again like a prayer.

It wasn't until she was alone in her rooms that she let the impact of seeing him wash over her. Tears began to roll down her cheeks and she detested it. It had been so long since she last saw him, and she had been so sure that he was long dead because of the Red Woman. Yet he was standing right there, in the courtyard of Winterfell practically gleaming at her with those bright blue eyes.

There was a soft knock on her door and for the briefest moment Arya felt her heart thunder in her chest. Don't be ridiculous, she thought- it couldn't possibly be him.

"What is it?" She tried to keep her voice as even as possible.

"Arya it's me. Can we speak a moment?" Sansa tapped lightly on the door again.

Arya rose from her bed and opened the door to let her in. Her sister walked over to the edge of her featherbed and sat. Not wanting to be the first one to speak Arya treaded over to the stone fire place and added a couple of logs, enough to illuminate the room, then proceeded to sit on one the padded chairs near the fire.

"When you told me about what happened to you after father, you mentioned him I believe. The boy with the bull helmet. You said he was a good friend."

Arya nodded, not looking directly at Sansa. She felt embarrassed, for the first time since her arrival at home and her reunion with her family she was ashamed of her behavior. She was Arya Stark of Winterfell and she had made a spectacle of herself. Sure the courtyard had been fairly empty and she should not have to explain herself to anyone, but she let her emotions get the better of her. It would not happen again; she would make sure of it.

"He went beyond the wall with Jon. They faced white walkers together." Sansa continued and once again Arya only acknowledged her sister's words with a curt nod. "Him and his companions were given rooms by the eastern gate. I thought if they are friends of the King then they should be treated thusly. They will be warm there, and they will break their fast with us in morning in my solar. We can speak more of what happened beyond the wall. Should I let the kitchens bring you something as well?"

Bless Sansa. Bless her and damn her for being so perceptive about her. "Those sort of meetings are more your fashion really. You can fill me in later, if that's alright with you."

"Yes of course. Although I'm sure our new found friends will be disappointed in your absence. Seems as though they you left a great impression on them."

"I will speak with them another time. If I am being honest I'm not sure what to say to him. Them I mean. I haven't seen them in quite some time. So much has changed."

Sansa gave her a courteous smile and motioned to leave. Just before she reached the door however Arya heard her sister snort. Actually snort. "How curious," the red head began, "that fate would bring Robert Baratheon's bastard son to our door in our time of need."

"What are you talking about?" Arya breathed in deeply already anxious to hear her sister's next words.

"After your departure in the court yard I had chance to speak to your old friends. Gendry told me about his true parentage."

"What?"

"Yes, it seems as though the Starks and the Baratheons are fated to fight together once more. You did not know?"

"No I did not. How can this be?" Gendry? Her Gendry? Son of Robert… she remembered now in the forest when the gold cloaks were looking for him. Then when the Red woman took him. When the Brotherhood allowed to take him. She remembers whispers of King's blood. Could it be true then? Was he truly…this was too much. It did not make any sense. How?

Sansa only shrugged her shoulders and smiled genuinely. "So many things have happened- so many things are happening. Our world seems to be shrinking more and more. Can I leave you with some sisterly advice Arya?"

"If you must," she whispered.

"Embrace it. You're here, you're home with your family. Winter will only get colder and darker, enjoy the last bit of light for however long it lasts." Sansa came up to her then and gave her small peck on the cheek before departing.

She didn't know how long she stood in the room after Sansa had left. She couldn't help it she felt fidgety and somewhat irritated. She had questions. She would speak to him on the morning. She would get her answers then. This way she had all night to come up with just the right words to say. To practice her speech and school her face. She trained with the faceless men once upon a time. She was a disciplined warrior. She could wait.

Sod this!

Moving toward her bed she picked up her boots and began to strap them on. She then reached for her coat and began to tightly tie on the sleeves. The eastern gate Sansa had said. Without a look back at her chambers she headed in that direction.

***END NOTES***

Damn look at this an update! If you're still reading hope you enjoy it and thank you once again. Oh yeah! HAPPY NEW YEAR!