"Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?"

Chapter Four

Lord Beric found Arya helping Gendry improve his swordplay in the training yard, and said, "Make your preparations to leave the Hollow Hill. We will begin our journey to the Twins the day after tomorrow."

He observed once again that she possessed the qualifications to be a perfect squire, if only she were male. Perhaps her father was wishfully raising her to be a lord. Beric remembered that Arya had described her time as cupbearer to Lord Tywin at Harrenhal, and how the brilliant tactician had amused himself, and educated her, by discussing military history and strategy. Tywin had quickly realized that she was a highborn girl masquerading as smallfolk for protection. His game was to trick her into revealing her House, but she was too clever to give him enough clues.

Lady Stark is no ordinary girl. Beric reflected how members of the Brotherhood believed, and often discussed, that the smallfolk had identical abilities as nobles, and given the same resources, could accomplish the same achievements. They felt that smallfolk could learn their letters and sums as well as the highborns, and make use of their education. He had an outrageous thought, If smallfolk and highborns are born with the same potential, why not both men and women, also?! Lady Arya is a perfect example of a female who could be as good a leader as a man! He shook his head to clear it of such an absurd idea. That could not happen. Beric's thoughts returned to the reason he had come out to the training yard. "Lady Arya, come walk with me. Please excuse us, Ser Gendry."

When they were alone, Lord Beric looked sharply at her and said, "Lady Arya, I must speak bluntly. Has Ser Gendry taken your maidenhead?"

Arya blushed furiously and could not meet his eyes. She looked at the ground and replied, "Nae, my lord, we have shared little more than kisses."

Beric was relieved, and told her sternly, "If you are not a maiden when we return you to your family, you will shame them and cause a scandal. You know the words of House Tully – 'Family, duty, honor'. You do not want to disgrace both your House and your Lady mother's. Besides, you are officially betrothed to a Frey of the Twins, and if you are not intact, they will have cause to protest. From what I have observed, Gendry is a good lad and would not seek to dishonor you, but you can be bold and heedless, and do not think of the consequences of your actions. I urge you to seriously consider your behavior with your sworn shield, and be more cautious. I know you have slept close to him on your travels for safety, but I recommend that you discontinue that practice from now on."

Arya thought, Once again, I am reminded that I am nothing more than a vessel for birthing babes, but she could not say that to Lord Beric. Instead she nodded, and replied, "I will do my best not to bring shame to my family, and will move to a private sleeping alcove tonight."

Beric added, "Consider also, my lady, if Ser Gendry were to bed you, your brother would be within his rights to separate him from his head, as an example to any baseborn who would dare to do such a thing."

She looked startled, thinking, Is there no end to this nonsense?! but replied with a chastened face, "I would not want that to happen, and I will be careful."

Lord Beric did not want to leave her with such morbid thoughts. "Don't be so sad, my lady. I know that you and Gendry are very fond of each other, even if you come from different social classes. As the bastard son of a king, Ser Gendry will have the opportunity to improve his station. We are in the midst of a war, and if he proves to be a brave knight and a respected leader, he could become a legitimized Baratheon with ties to Storm's End. Gendry would then represent a Great House, and many lords would approve of a match between the two of you, a match which would unite the North and South of Westeros, and perhaps contribute to peace among the Kingdoms. This would not be an easy path, though, as you would also have to break your betrothal to Elmar Frey, whom you seem loath to marry, but it is possibility."

Arya did not want to think about marriage to anyone, but if there was a way for Gendry to remain nearby even after reuniting with her family, she would consider it. She reflected on her relationship with Gendry since she met him. His usually calm demeanor provided a contrast to her volatile nature, and when she was particularly distressed, he was the one person who could console her and help her cope. He reminded her of her beloved brother Jon, but his "non-brotherly" kisses had opened a new world of sensations for her and she wanted to continue exploring that world with him.

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Once Arya was gone, Gendry went over to use the quintain for an opponent. He struck the shield with some force and the weapon arm swung around, extending a mace on a chain which Gendry avoided by quickly moving away. I like sparring with this device. Arya is too fast for me, and often gets the advantage. He realized that he would have to train harder if he were to use his size and superior strength to best the she-wolf.

As he practiced his technique, Harwin approached and said, "Ser Gendry, I'd like to have a word with you."

Gendry saw that the young man wore a troubled look, so he put down his sword and replied, "I'm listening," wondering, why is he being so formal?

Harwin spoke awkwardly at first, but his speech became easier as he reminisced about his home. "Gendry, I was a man of Winterfell, and I have known Lady Arya since she was a wee babe. As a child, it was hard to consider her a girl, for she followed her two older brothers and her father's ward everywhere. She dressed in clothes stolen from her younger brother, and rode, wrestled, sparred, and swam with the boys. Her septa, Lady mother, and sister, Lady Sansa, despaired at her unladylike behavior, but their efforts to change her were fruitless."

Gendry chuckled, "I am not surprised. When I first met her, she had me fooled for quite a while, but I eventually realized that she was a girl."

Harwin continued, "She did complete her lessons with the maester as expected, and was proud to brag that among her siblings, she was the best at sums. The little lady ran into trouble when she insisted on studying military history with her brothers instead of poetry and songs with her sister. She argued constantly with her mother and septa, but her father told them to leave her alone."

He smiled at his memories of happy days in Winterfell, "Lady Arya was a favorite of the smallfolk and could be found everywhere in the castle. She was nicknamed 'Arya Underfoot' for she frequented the kitchens, the armory, and even pestered Mikken at the forge with questions about his work."

Gendry raised his eyebrows and laughed at that, "She has done the same with me."

"The stable was her favorite place as she was a natural horsewoman from the first, and since my father, Hullen, was master of horse at Winterfell, I saw her quite often and became very fond of her. For that reason, I must tell you that I am concerned about your conduct with Lady Arya and fear that you have ruined her."

Gendry blushed and replied, "You have no cause to worry, Harwin. Although I do have very strong feelings for the lady, I would not despoil her."

Harwin looked relieved and responded, "In truth, Ser Gendry, I am less worried about your intentions, than about Lady Arya's. She was always a willful, bold, and curious child, and I see that she has not changed much in that respect. I am afraid that if she decides that she wants to bed you, it will be your maidenhead that will need protecting. I urge you to avoid that situation."

Gendry chuckled, but spoke seriously, "The lady wolf orders me around constantly, but I will try to safeguard her innocence, such as it is."

#####

Arya returned to the training yard, swishing her sword back and forth, annoyed at the interruption. "Come, let us continue."

Gendry saw that she was irritated, and asked, "What did Lord Beric say?"

She grinned mischievously and her grey eyes flashed, "He told me not to fuck you."

Gendry turned red in response to her words as an image of two naked writhing bodies formed in his mind. That is a distraction I do not need. He said, "There is a lot of that talk going around. Your bannerman, Harwin, was recently here in the yard, telling me the same thing."

Arya smirked in reply, "I hate it when people tell me what I should or should not do, so you better watch out."

Gendry had to smirk also, "I'm always watching you, milady."

As usual, she was quick to anger. "Stupid bull, don't call me milady!"

"We have had this conversation before, milady. Perhaps we should discuss something else."

Arya bit her lower lip and replied, "I told Lord Beric that for the sake of propriety, I would not share sleeping furs with you anymore."

Gendry frowned and sighed, "I will miss your company, Arya, but I suppose it is for the best. There has been much gossip about our behavior."

Arya responded with a wicked smile, "Syrio taught me to be as quiet as a shadow, so you might find a surprise in your bedding this evening."

Gendry smiled hopefully, "I would certainly enjoy that, milady."

Arya scowled at the title as usual, but only retorted, "I think we should get back to work now. We have wasted enough time this morning."

Arya returned to coaching Gendry about his footwork, advising him how to keep his balance while sparring, and to look for opportunities to press an attack. They crossed their wooden swords often, Arya nimbly and rapidly changing her position, forcing him to follow her lead. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Gendry quickly moved in and tapped his sword on her chest.

"Good," she paused for a moment, and said, "You are learning. You showed some finesse there. Let's go through that sequence again."

Gendry lowered his sword to the ground, took a deep breath, and replied, "Do we have to practice so much and for so long?"

"Syrio said you must practice a thousand times that which you may use in battle once. But that one time may save your life. Now raise your sword."

Gendry sighed, resumed his stance, and pondered. Arya is always preparing for a battle. Perhaps she knows more than she is letting on.

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After several hours of practice, they stopped for the mid-day meal. Gendry said that he needed to finish his work in the smithy, as they were leaving the next day. He had armor to reshape, and swords to fix and sharpen. He reminded Arya that that their personal weapons needed attention, also. She followed him to the forge and plopped down on a bench, swinging her legs like a child, and watching his chest with obvious interest as he pulled off his tunic, preparing for strenuous, hot work. Gendry looked over at her, reading her expression, and had an impulse to rush over and kiss her. "Arya, I can't work with you sitting there. You are much too distracting. I'm liable to miss with my hammer and hurt myself."

Arya frowned and bit her lip. She obviously did not want to leave. "I can help you. What should I do?"

Gendry had her bring him various tools and materials as he needed them and hold armor as he worked. Arya was quick and intuitive, and he realized that she easily served as an extra pair of hands. It appears that her time in Winterfell's forge was not wasted. As with her water dancing, she is a quick study. He needed lots of water for his work, and she kept the buckets full. By the time Gendry was finishing up, he was perspiring profusely, and she moved closer to wipe his brow with a cloth, keeping the sweat from irritating his eyes. When he was done, he looked down into her face and saw that she was looking back intently. He could not help himself, and he grasped her waist with his large hands and pulled her to him into a deep kiss, to which she eagerly responded. All he could think was, How in the seven hells am I going to remain chaste with this girl? She is going to make me crazy! He drew back and tried to recover his senses. "Thank you. You are very useful in the forge."

Her eyes flashed and she grinned knowingly, "And I thank you, too."

#####

That evening, after she was sure that everyone was asleep, Arya crept over to where Gendry was wrapped in his furs, and woke him gently, with a hand over his mouth.

She hissed at him, "Turnabout is fair play. You had your way with me last night, and I want to explore your body now." She tugged on his undershirt and pulled it over his head.

In Winterfell, Robb, Jon, and Theon had encouraged Arya Underfoot to produce deep, resonant belches, impressive coming from a small girl, much to the delight of her brothers, and the consternation of her mother and sister. When the women complained to Lord Ned, he smiled and thought of his beloved sister, Lyanna, and replied, "Stop fretting, Arya will eventually become a lady, but in her own way."

Arya had no problems with belching, but found the other sounds that men made were just plain gross. She had traveled with the Watch on the Kingsroad, masquerading as a young boy, and had become familiar with the world of men. They passed gas noisily often and smelled terrible most of the time. From observing when they infrequently bathed, she came to the conclusion that they were physically gross, also. Their bodies were often excessively hairy, lumpy and fat, with the amazing variety of the shapes and sizes of their cocks and bollocks oddly proportioned and strange. She found back hair to be especially disgusting.

Gendry, however, was different. From working as a smith his whole life, he was muscular and well-proportioned, with not an ounce of fat. His shoulders were broad and his torso tapered to a narrow waist, his stomach was flat and hard, and the muscles of his arms bulged from pounding steel with a hammer every day. His thighs were also strong and well-muscled, as thick as tree trunks. She imagined that he would present an imposing figure in plate armor.

But what delighted Arya the most, as she ran her hands over his arms and upper body, was the thick, soft black hair that covered his chest and then ran over his stomach to disappear under the waistband of his breeches. She discovered that he had two small, brownish teats, almost hidden by his chest hair. She squeezed and massaged them as he had done to her, and asked, "Do you feel anything special when I touch you here?"

Gendry replied, "No, not really. They are not very sensitive. Mayhaps a little bit ticklish is all." He was watching her efforts with curiosity.

Interesting, Arya thought, when he touches mine, the sensation takes control of my mind.

As she tangled her fingers in his hair, moving slowly down his stomach, that now familiar feeling deep in her belly became stronger and stronger. The heady feeling she experienced when Gendry's mouth had worshipped her breasts was returning, and she was surprised to notice that her smallclothes were becoming wet.

Arya started to unlace his breeches, and huskily told him, "Take these off."

Gendry's eyes had been closed. The sensitive skin of his torso tingled from the touch of Arya's small, roving hands and he realized he was becoming more aroused than he had ever been in his life. He was living a dream he had been having for years, although Arya was always naked in his imagination. Gendry could not believe what was happening. His eyes snapped opened when he heard her request, and he croaked out, "What? What are you doing?"

Arya, now yanking impatiently on his loosened breeches, replied, "I want to see the rest of you. Don't be shy." She seemed to be possessed, quickly pulling his breeches completely off, and focusing on the huge tenting of his smallclothes as she started to unlace them.

Gendry was sweating and becoming embarrassed, not quite sure of what was happening. He was shocked at Arya's determination and was fascinated as he watched her feverishly tearing at his clothes. He also realized that he was enjoying every moment of her attention.

Arya feverishly pulled the smallclothes down, freeing Gendry's enormous erection, which vibrated in the air upon release. Gendry groaned, as he was relieved of the intense pain his confined and swollen cock had suffered while clothed. She stared at his organ. It resembled a reddish sapling rising out a nest of thick black hair that surrounded the base, and was almost as thick around as her wrist.

Arya, as bold and curious as ever, asked him, "What's wrong with your cock? It never looked like that when you would whip it out to piss as we traveled the Kingsroad. That is, before you were too embarrassed to piss in front of me because you knew I was a girl. Does it hurt? Is it diseased?"

Gendry could not help but grin at her questions. "Nay, milady, there's nothing wrong with my cock. It's just ready to perform. And besides, you were never inclined to piss in front of me, so don't go on about my embarrassment."

Arya ignored that last remark, and asked, "What do you mean, perform? And don't call me milady!"

He replied, "Surely, Arya, your septa told you about the 'sword and the sheath'?"

That question brought her back to Winterfell. When she was nine years old, her mother and Septa Mordane both realized that Arya's favorite activity was wrestling in the dirt with the boys. They took her aside and attempted to instruct her about 'inappropriate touching'. All that did was make her wonder what 'appropriate touching' was and had she experienced it? They also tried to carefully explain the concept of the 'sword and the sheath' to her. She wasn't quite sure what they were getting at, but she had seen animals coupling, and had some idea of the mechanics involved.

With a shock, she realized that Gendry was implying that his 'sword' was ready to 'sheath' itself in her! She stared at his erection again, and then up into his sparking blue and lustful eyes. "If you think that thing is going to fit inside me, you are as mad as a Targaryen! You could plug the bunghole of a barrel with that!"

Gendry seemed to be enjoying the conversation. He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Don't worry, milady, it will fit inside you someday, and you will be very pleased that it does fit perfectly."

Arya was doubtful. She remembered an image she had seen in a book of military history in the Winterfell library. Sansa was always reading books of romance and poetry, but Arya was still convinced back then that she would become a squire, and studied warfare when the maester or the septa weren't looking. The image was a drawing of a battering ram crashing and splintering the gates of a castle; the foot soldiers nearby eagerly waiting to invade. She shook her head. There is no way that thing is going anywhere near my 'sheath'; it would tear me apart!

Arya was still fascinated by his cock. "Can I touch it?" He nodded, and she grasped it, sliding her small hand up and down along its length. Gendry groaned quietly and his eyes kept closing. Suddenly Arya laughed and said, "Oh look, your cock has a hood!" She focused on his foreskin and started to flick it back and forth over the sensitive head of his cock. Gendry though he was going to die. He stammered, "Arya, spit on your hand before you do anymore touching." She realized that lubrication was needed and followed his advice before returning to stroking his cock, but with more vigor now, as he covered her hand with his larger one and encouraged her motions.

In a few moments, Gendry let out a loud moan and Arya noticed that her hand had become very wet. She observed the white fluid curiously and looked into his face, which had turned bright red, and he was breathing heavily. "That's my seed, milady, and you have now pleasured me." He grabbed a facecloth drying nearby and used it to wipe himself and her hand clean. His breathing slowed down, and his normal color returned, too.

Arya looked at his crotch and laughed. She reached over and started shaking his limp, flaccid, and wrinkled member. "Look! All the power has gone out of your cock! You are useless!"

Gendry looked annoyed and responded, "That is only a temporary condition, and what kind of lady are you, to say such things?!"

Arya smirked, "The bad kind, of course. And I don't give a fig about what a lady would do."

He continued, "In any case, I'm tired and ready to sleep now, you should leave." He rolled away from her and closed his eyes.

Arya grabbed his shoulder, digging in her nails to get his attention, and said, "Oh no, you don't! You are not going to leave me all tense and frustrated! You can't go to sleep right now!" She was frowning and her eyes were smoldering.

Gendry opened his eyes and grinned. "Does milady want me to pleasure her again?"

Arya felt extremely aroused and she could not believe how her body had responded to their activity. Her teats were hard and her loins were on fire and she was rubbing her thighs together as though they were itching. She could not stop blushing and reluctantly replied, "Yes, I want you to do what you did last night."

As he had done previously, he placed his hand on her smallclothes, pressing down on her center. "Not enough!" she hissed and grabbed his hand, shoving it inside her smallclothes.

He felt the small mound at the juncture between her legs. It was covered with soft curls. His hand dipped lower and found her slit, it was sopping wet and almost burning hot to the touch. He marveled as his fingers explored the soft intricate folds inside her slit as she moaned and writhed under him. He slid one finger inside her narrow channel and she drew in her breath and groaned. His finger felt like it was being sucked inside of her. He slowly started moving his finger in and out. Frantically, Arya reached down, yanked off her smallclothes and spread her legs wider, panting, "Yes, yes, that's what I want!" and arching her hips into his hand.

Gendry's cock was hard and throbbing again, and it took all his will power not to replace his hand with it. The urge to fuck her was almost overwhelming, but he managed to keep control of his mind by focusing on her groans of desire. As he stroked her center, his thumb found a little nub in the upper part of her slit and he started rubbing it with a circular motion. This action brought an instant response from Arya, as she placed her hand over his and almost shouted, "Yes! There! Don't stop!" Gendry could sense her increased agitation as her hips began to pound his hand furiously and she became even wetter. His left hand slid beneath her undershirt and he began to squeeze her right breast and pinch her teat. He leaned over and started to gently kiss and bite her throat and neck, leading to a passionate kiss on the lips, which she returned frantically, moaning and tangling their tongues, and grasping his hair with her other hand. All of a sudden her hips spasmed and she let out a long groan, stretching out her legs and arms, and then she slowly stopped moving and lay back with a sigh, all the while panting intensely.

Gendry realized that he had come too, and watched her as he carefully removed his hand from her sex. When her breathing returned to normal, she wore the biggest smile he had ever glimpsed on her face, which was damp and shining, and her eyes were glowing.

When her breathing returned to normal, she japed, but with a serious face, "Ser Gendry, as my sworn shield, I will require this service from you every evening."

Gendry bowed his head and repeated what he thought was the most appropriate response, "As my lady commands." He cleaned them both again with the damp cloths, and they soon fell asleep in each other's arms, totally satiated and exhausted.

When Gendry awoke, he sensed it was near dawn. A sleeping Arya was burrowing tightly into his chest. He was still naked, and she was only wearing her undershirt. Looking past the shirt, he could see the exposed curves of her glorious arse and her smooth legs beyond. What a sight! He marveled, I could enjoy this view forever! He sighed, realizing that he should wake her and send her back to her own furs before they were caught together and given another lecture.

Gendry gently shook her shoulder and kissed her unruly hair. "Arya, we have to get up. You have to get back to your alcove before someone notices that you are missing. Besides, we have a busy day ahead of us."

She stretched and sighed, "All right, all right, not that I really want to move. You make a fine pillow." As she turned to get off him, he caught a quick glimpse of soft brown curls before they were hidden by her undershirt, and he was instantly aroused.

Arya noticed this and rolled her eyes, "Looks like you are ready to perform again. Do I get to see another show?"

Gendry blushed, but managed to grin in response, "Not today. No time for that."

Rubbing sleep from their eyes, they got dressed and discussed the preparations for departure. Possessions needed to be organized and packed, weapons collected, horses saddled, and the hardest part, saying their farewells. Lord Beric, Thoros, Harwin, and several of the Brothers would accompany them, but they had made new friends in the Hollow Hill during their first peaceful interlude since leaving King's Landing, and leaving would be sad. Still, Arya was impatient to see her family, and was eager to depart.

She kissed him on the cheek, and made to leave, "I'll see you at breakfast. Not that I really care, but we must keep up some pretense of modesty."