"Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?"

Chapter Seven - The Twins

#####

Note: Arya causes the Freys to suffer for their crimes against the North.

#####

Previously:

Tom grinned, "Aye, the lassie may not wear a gown, but she is as formidable as any lady who governs a castle! She has a clever disguise!"

The men chuckled now and even Arya half-smiled, but her mind was elsewhere. Tom has unwittingly given me the scheme that I needed to exact my revenge on the Freys! she thought grimly.

#####

By mid-morning, the men were restless, wondering what the plan was. Arya gathered them around the campfire and announced that she wanted to explain what she intended to do to get revenge on the Freys and free her bannermen. The wolf girl realized that she must be like her Lady mother and be a firm leader. She chose to sit on a slightly higher log than her men, with Gendry by her side. Arya had smiled at him and touched his arm to give him some assurance, because she knew that he would not like the plan.

Harwin looked at the serious visage on the young face of his liege lady, thinking how unlike 'Arya Underfoot' she appeared now. As the son of Winterfell's master of horse, he had been more familiar with the Stark family than the other guardsmen, and could now see his liege Lady Catelyn in the stern maiden's demeanor. No longer the skinny, dirty child he had known scurrying around the stable, she was truly a lady in his eyes, with the authority and determination to guide the lives of her men. Harwin was most impressed. Lady Catelyn had also been a handsome woman, and there was no doubt that the little wolf was blossoming into a woman even more beautiful. Lady Arya is very stubborn, too. Always was! he chuckled under his breath, as she began to speak.

"I know you will not agree with me, but I insist that this venture must be attempted by only one person, me." The men shifted uncomfortably as she added, "Hear me out!"

"We are few in number and it is absurd to think that our small band can rescue my bannermen and uncle by mounting a direct assault on the castle," Arya explained, "infiltration by stealth is the best way to succeed." She paused to let this sink in. "My dancing master, Syrio Forel, taught me that a good way to confound an enemy whilst not drawing attention was to use a method he called 'hiding in plain sight'. I do not intend to sneak into the castle, but boldly enter disguised as a kitchen maid who already has a job there."

Her men's expressions appeared curious at her words and Arya continued, "We are close to a small village of Frey peasants. I shall acquire the garb of a kitchen scullion and hide my unusually short hair under a headscarf. I practiced going undercover in the Red Keep as part of my training, so I ask you to trust my talents. Once I am safely inside the castle, I will join the regular kitchen staff and study the layout of the castle, the residents, and how to advance my plan. I ask you to be patient as this will surely take a few days. If possible, I will visit you from time to time to report on my progress."

The men shifted uncomfortably, and she continued, bluntly stating, "If I fail, it will all be over and you will be released from your obligation to me and free to pursue your own interests." Gendry looked dismayed and she touched his forearm again to assure him.

Gendry watched as the wolf girl prepared her costume, adjusting the required garments to fit right. When she met up with the Brotherhood and they knew that she was a girl, she stopped binding her breasts, which pleased Gendry, as well as Anguy, greatly. However, as part of her disguise she had bound her breasts tightly again to appear younger. Noticing Gendry's interest, she murmured, "If I look like a child, I will be less likely to be groped by the men in the dining hall." Unfortunately for Arya, she had matured enough by now, that, even with bindings, she could not mask the developing curves of her youthful body. She improved her disguise by painting a small brown birthmark on her chin, below her mouth and slightly to left, in order to draw attention away from her pretty features. Arya has begun to accept that men found her attractive, and did not want that to interfere with her mission.

Gendry felt that he must make one last protest and stated, "Arya, I am uncomfortable with your plan and do not want you to go. How can I protect you if you are in the castle and I am in the forest?!"

Arya tried to reassure him, responding, "Try not to worry, Gendry, I know what I am doing. Keep the men busy while I am gone." She moved closer to him, placed her hands on his head and peppered his face with soft kisses, "I will be thinking of you all the time and how you will welcome me back when I succeed."

Knowing how stubborn his she-wolf was, Gendry merely embraced her with a sigh and replied, "I am still reluctant about this, but I know how hard it is to argue with you. Just, please, please, do not do anything risky or foolish, and try to stay safe."

She smiled up at him and said, "Of course!" and rewarded him with a kiss on the lips.

Harwin had been watching the exchange and was very uneasy about the couple's constant familiarity, as it was obvious they were most intimate in the evening. He accepted that Gendry at least had the rank of a knight, mayhaps to even become a lord, as he was Robert Baratheon's son. The son of Winterfell's master of horse had been a witness when Robert announced that he intended to join Houses Stark and Baratheon. Harwin reflected, Apparently Lady Arya and Gendry make a better pairing than that evil Joffrey and the innocent Lady Sansa. But his brow wrinkled in doubt as he also considered, I only fear is that impulsive 'Arya underfoot' will give up her maidenhead and become pregnant, which would be scandalous! I wish there was a woman to consult with who could explain that issue to Arya and mayhaps provide moon tea if needed.

Arya boldly approached the castle's open gates, joining a crowd of smallfolk who worked inside, but resided with their families in the village. She had only paused at the edge of the forest to gather a small bundle of fragrant herbs. Following Syrio's edict to really see every detail of her environment, she inspected the castle guards carefully. Avoiding a young guard who seemed to be too interested in everyone who passed him, she approached an obviously bored middle-aged guard who was leaning on his spear and only making cursory glances as the smallfolk.

Waving her bundle of herbs as she came closer, she addressed the guard, and with an anxious voice, pleaded, "Ser guard, I must hurry to the kitchen! Cook sent me to fetch herbs for the stewpot and I fear that I will get beaten for tardiness!" The guard rolled his eyes and jerked his chin towards the gate, letting her pass without a word. Arya found her way to the kitchen by following smallfolk carrying food and trays.

The Frey kitchen was a hive of activity, as there were many hungry mouths to feed in the castle, and Arya paused to look around. When she identified a woman whom she was convinced was the undercook, she asked another scullion the woman's name. Approaching the hardworking woman, she said, "Mistress Marra, I have been assigned to your staff. What will you have me do?"

The cook actually smiled at Arya and replied, "Gods be praised! I have been requesting assistance these two month now! What is your name, child?"

"Nan, mistress, and my mother told me to work hard and earn my keep as she has four babes and did not want to have to feed me anymore."

The cook smiled again and said, "Well, if you listen to your elders and do all your tasks, you will not have any problems." Then she squinted at Arya, getting a good look at her and continued, "You are young, but be warned, the men here are overly familiar. If anyone tries to fondle you, get away as quickly as you can." The she nodded toward one of the fireplaces, "You can start by stirring those pots. Dinner will soon be ready and you will help serve the meal."

That day Arya began a simple, repeatable routine of assisting the cooks by performing menial kitchen chores, filling trenchers, and serving food in the dining hall several times a day. After helping the clean-up crew that first night, another young scullion showed her to the servants' quarters and she claimed a patch of floor and a pile of rags for sleeping. It was easy to keep busy and become a valued member of the understaff; and she studied the residents closely as she served in the dining hall. As Mistress Marra had told her, disembodied hands frequently groped her arse as she moved from table to table, but she just increased her speed when that happened, and luckily avoided any attempts of rape.

Soon she recognized Lord Walder Frey and his oldest sons, all seeming to compete with each other, even publicly, hoping to gain the avaricious and ill-tempered lord's favor and become his heir. Arya tried not to show any emotion as she thought, I swear on my family, they will all be dead soon! It did not take Arya long to learn the layout of the castle, and she learned the habits and the location of the chambers of her intended victims. On a more pleasant note, she also observed her uncle Edmure Tully, and his new bride Roslin, in the Great Hall, and learned where their chambers were.

By the third day, 'Nan' was trusted enough to be assigned the task of bringing food to the guards in the dungeons and their prisoners. When the guards were greedily consuming their rations and wine, she asked, while holding up a bucket of kitchen leavings, "Shall I feed the prisoners, or would you prefer me to just leave the bucket here?"

The captain looked at her and mumbled with a mouthful of meat, "Go feed them, girl. I would rather keep eating."

Carrying the bucket down the steps, she peered into the cells through the bars on the doors and delivering slop into the trays until she recognized a familiar face. "Lord Umber!" she hissed, "I am most pleased to see that you still live!"

The Greatjon's eyes went wide and he stared back at the girl on the other side of the door. "Seven hells!" he exclaimed, "It's Ned Stark's precious daughter, little 'Arya Underfoot'! By the gods, child, how did you get in here?!"

Urgently, Arya replied softly, "Never you mind about that right now! Just know that I am here to rescue you and kill these fucking Freys!" Lord Umber chuckled at her words, but Arya hurried on, "I have to leave now before the guards get suspicious, but I will be back!" She abruptly turned and carried her empty bucket up to the barracks before any of the guard became curious as to her activities. She knew that once she had gained their trust it would be easier to interact with the prisoners.

The next time Arya brought food to the dungeon guards, she made sure to have a particularly tasty pie to occupy them longer. Descending to the cells, she quickly fed the prisoners and went to speak with the Greatjon again. She explained how she had entered the castle and that she had a job in the kitchen. Her bannerman smiled broadly, told her how encouraged he was to see a friendly face and praised her for her ingenuity.

Then she frowned and said, "My lord, they killed my lady mother and my brother Robb. I saw their bodies. I saw many dead Northerners too." She tried to suppress her tears.

The Greatjon nodded solemnly, "I grieve with you, little wolf. The guards have boasted to us about those murders, and also the killing of other lords of the North."

Arya looked sharply at him and firmly said, "Lord Umber, you are my highest ranking bannerman left and I need your leadership! Organize the remaining men and be prepared to fight on a moment's notice when I give the word! I have to leave now!"

He grinned and replied, "Aye, my lady! Never thought I would be saying that to you, but I am glad that it is you!"

The next afternoon 'Nan' actually was sent out to gather herbs for the stewpots and she took the opportunity to visit her men in the woods. Gendry grabbed her and drew her into a tight embrace, kissing her cheeks and exclaiming, "By the Seven! I am glad that you are still alive! I have been sick with worry!"

She quickly kissed him once and squirmed out of his arms, "I am fine! Now let me go, stupid bull!" As the soldiers gathered around her, she explained what she had been doing and told them about the prisoners. She finished by saying, "I know my enemies and their habits, and as soon as I can, I shall kill them and free the Northerners. I will try to give you some warning if we have to fight our way out of the castle in haste, but keep a watch on the gates at all times."

"Aye, milady," Harwin replied, "we have been keeping fit and will be ready."

"Good, I have to go now!" She squeezed Gendry's arm as she was leaving and ordered, "Do not make yourself sick with worry!"

After she was gone, Tom Sevenstrings japed at Gendry, "Sick with worry is it, Bull, or is it something else?!" and Gendry blushed.

During her explorations of the castle, Arya was pleased to discover the location of the postern gate, the narrow doorway for sneaking into or out of the castle, which was seldom used during normal times. The clever she-wolf considered, we can use it for our escape later. She secretly returned often to note the number and behavior of the guards manning it.

Late one evening, 'Nan' was languidly eating a lemon cake in the kitchens. With a concerned expression on her face, Mistress Marra approached her with a tray of bread, cheese, and wine, and said, "Lord Walder has requested that the newest serving girl fetch him his evening snack." Arya took the tray, nodded, and turned to go, but Marra seized her forearm. Startled, she looked at the frowning cook, who warned, "Nan, be advised that Lord Walder may have seen ninety namedays, but he is still as randy as a stableboy! Please take care. I like you and would not want to see you come to harm."

Arya nodded again, thinking, so there are some good people in this castle!

'Nan' approached Lord Walder's bedchamber, making sure that her dagger was securely fastened under her skirt. She had not dared to sneak her sword into the castle, but always had her dagger ready. She knocked and entered, seeing the ancient, almost toothless, wrinkled Lord of the Twins sitting at a small table. Even for his advanced age, his eyes were clear and hungry, and Arya nervously felt his direct gaze undressing her.

As she placed the tray on the table and began to pour a goblet of wine, Lord Walder wheezed, "What is your name, child, heh?"

Trying to stay relaxed, Arya replied, "Nan, milord," but quicker than she could ever expect, he seized her waist and pulled her into his lap. She was disgusted to realize that the man was actually aroused.

Then he kissed her neck with slobbery lips and rasped, "I like maidens of your age, Nan, so soft and small, heh, and I believe that I can give you pleasure, too." Arya almost jumped out of the chair as she felt the lecher's hand paw her dress and slide up her thigh, attempting to slip into her smallclothes.

Well, I have had quite enough of that! Arya thought, and brought out her dagger quickly, a move she had been practicing, spun around in Lord Walder's lap, and to his astonishment, stabbed him in the throat, filling his mouth with blood before he could cry out. As soon as she heard him gulping for air, she withdrew the dagger and stabbed him in the heart, killing him instantly.

Unfortunately, her dress was now soaked in blood and she dared not to try to sneak back into the castle. Looking around, she noticed a bathrobe that could also pass as woman's outerwear hanging from a hook near the lord's privy. She stripped down to her smallclothes and was about to take the robe, when there was a knock on the door and Lord Walder's favorite bastard son, Black Walder, a chip off the old block, entered and spied the undressed 'Nan' even before he laid eyes on his dead father, slumped over in his chair.

His eyes glowing with lust, Black Walder exclaimed, "So, my father has called for an evening snack, heh?! Well, I think that I shall sample his sweetmeats, also!" and he grabbed Arya's right arm with one hand and attempted to remove her smallclothes with the other. The wolf girl was still holding her dagger in her left hand, which she had just wiped off on a convenient cloth, and quickly spun around, aiming the blade as his heart, but the younger man was fast, and releasing his grip on her smallclothes, deflected the moving dagger into both their forearms. Black Walder yelped and released Arya, grabbing his bleeding arm with his other hand, and Arya immediately plunged the blade into the man's heart.

Taking a deep breath and slowing down her rapidly beating heart, Arya found a clean cloth and wrapped her wounded arm, tying the bandage tightly to prevent blood loss. Then she pulled Black Walder close to his father, took his knife from his belt and put it in his hand, and guided it into the wound in Lord Walder's chest. Finding Lord Walder's dagger by his clothes rack, she put it in the elder lord's hand and stuck it in Black Walder's heart. The tableau she had set up made it appear as if both men had killed each other. Wiping the spilled blood from her limbs with her soiled dress, she then hid it under the bed. She saw a sack of gold dragons there and spilled the coins on the table. Then she put on the robe and took another deep breath, thinking, calm as still water, fear cuts deeper than swords, clearing her mind and preparing herself for the next step. Before leaving, she turned and glared at the dead lord, "The North will have its revenge! Winter has come for you!"

Arya ran screaming through the hallways, shouting, "Murder! Our lord has been murdered!" Reaching the Great Hall, where a few of Lord Walder's offspring and retainers were gathered with wineskins, she threw open the doors and shouted in a panicked voice, "Quick, Ser Emmon, Ser Jammos, your lord father has been stabbed! Make haste to his bedchamber!" There was some blood on the robe and the men took her words seriously, grabbing their swords and running in the direction she had pointed.

She heard more shouting start up around the castle as she ran down to the dungeon, where she told the guards the same story. All but one ran off to see what was going on, as Arya implied to the soldiers sequestered so far from the main area, that the castle had been invaded. The remaining guard recognized 'Nan' and approached her, observing the blood on her robe, saying, "Are you all right, girl?"

"Better than you, Frey!" she snarled and stuck her dagger into his chest. Wasting not a minute, Arya grabbed the keys from his belt and rushed down to the cells, unlocking all the doors holding Northerners and men of the Riverlands. Shouting to the Greatjon, "Now is the time! Follow me!" she led her bannermen upstairs to the barracks and outfit as many as possible with swords, taking one for herself also. Lord Umber glanced at her and observed, "You are bleeding, my lady!"

"It is only a flesh wound," she shrugged, "we need to leave!" She led them to the postern, and the former prisoners easily overcame the small contingent of guards.

Suddenly, Arya shouted, "Wait! I have to fetch my uncle!"

She swiftly ran through the back passageways used mainly by servants and burst into Lord Edmure's chamber. The Lord of Riverrun was actually a hostage at the Twins, even though he had married a Frey, and he jumped at the sudden appearance of the young girl in bloodstained clothing, wielding a sword, breathing heavy, and bearing a strong resemblance to his late sister Catelyn's unfortunate husband, Ned Stark. "What is going on?!" he demanded.

Arya gasped, "Lord Edmure, I am your niece, Arya Stark, and I am here to rescue you! You must come at once!"

Lord Edmure was not stupid, so he grabbed his wife's hand and they followed Arya to the postern gate. The Northmen were waiting, and Arya nodded to Lord Umber, "Let's go! Be ready to fight!" The freed prisoners rushed out of the castle into the darkness and were surprised to see the main gates still closed and only a handful of Frey soldiers in sight. The two parties closed ranks and began trading blows, as Arya ordered Edmure and Roslin to stay back. It started to rain as they fought, obscuring the fight even more from any observers in the castle, and soon Arya's men joined the battle from the woods, making short work of the Frey defenders and leaving no living men to tell any tales.

The entire group ran into the woods under the cover to the pouring rain, which also wiped out their footprints in the mud. When they reached the encampment, everyone stopped to catch their collective breaths and make some sense of the situation. Lord Edmure greeted his bannermen that had been freed from the dungeon, and the Greatjon recognized Harwin and all the men of Winterfell greeted each other. Lord Umber grinned from ear to ear as he spoke to Harwin, "So little 'Arya Underfoot' is your leader?! How splendid!" All the Northmen looked for their rescuer and gasped when they spied her.

Arya and Gendry were in a tight lip-lock and Arya had crawled up the smith's body. They were clutching each other desperately, moaning with delight as they kissed. Her legs were wrapped around his hips and he was supporting her with his strong hands cupping her arse, squeezing her cheeks at times. It was raining heavily now, and the rain was dripping through their hair, running down their faces and mingling with their tears of joy, down their necks and backs, and finally soaking into their clothing. Gendry broke the kiss long enough to murmur into her ear whilst licking the lobe, "I was sure you had been caught and killed! I missed you so much!" as he started to nip at her throat.

"Stupid bull!" she laughed, as she tightened her legs around his middle and began to rock against him, "Don't you have any faith in me?! And I was only gone for six fucking days!"

"It felt like an eternity!" he murmured into her throat and Arya turned her face to him and initiated another passionate kiss with a soft moan.

The Greatjon, Harwin, Lord Edmure were staring at the amorous couple with their jaws hanging open, and Lady Roslin covered her mouth in embarrassment and exclaimed, "Oh, my!" as Tom Sevenstrings laughed out loud.

Seeing that they were now the center of attention, Arya and Gendry broke their embrace and blushed, just as the Greatjon exclaimed, "Lady Arya, what is the meaning of this?!"

Still holding Gendry's forearm, Arya haltingly explained, "This is Ser Gendry Waters, er, he is my sworn shield." Both youths had turned bright red under the glare of the shocked adults.

"Sworn shield, my arse!" the Greatjon retorted, "Was there an enemy in your mouth he was required to attack?! I think that he has sworn to do more than shield you!"

"Aye!" interjected Tom Sevenstrings, "The Bull's main obligation is to see that the little lady is always in a good mood, and he does seem to have the necessary skills!"

"Lady Arya," Lord Edmure uncomfortably ventured, "I fear that this relationship is not proper."

"I do not care if you think it is not proper!" Arya shouted, "Gendry and I love each other and no one can part us!"

The Greatjon had been studying the lad and was struck with his resemblance to the late King Robert Baratheon. Gendry was tall, muscular, and handsome, with long black hair and bright blue eyes. "Ser Gendry," he enquired, "the wolf girl termed you a 'Waters'. Who are you really?"

Gendry's eyes were downcast as he replied, "Robert Baratheon was my father." He was always uncomfortable with discussions about his bastardy.

"What are your intentions towards my niece, young man?" Lord Edmure asked, "Surely you can understand my concern."

Gendry took a deep breath and replied, "I plan to do what is necessary to become legitimized as a Baratheon, milord, because I desire to ask for Lady Arya's hand."

Arya squeezed his forearm and smiled. She was still not too keen on the marriage part, but any action that could keep them together appealed to her. She enjoyed and depended on his company, and needed him in her furs at night.

Both the Greatjon and Lord Edmure nodded. Her uncle replied, "I am pleased to hear that you are an honorable man."

But Lord Umber looked both of them up and down, noting how they craved to be so close together, and smirked, "Just don't have the bedding before the wedding!"

Arya fixed him with a serious look and suggested, "As my lord father's most senior bannerman now, you have the authority to declare that Ser Gendry and I are betrothed, and that will put an end to any comments about our supposedly unseemly behavior."

The Greatjon nodded thoughtfully, "Aye. That may be the most proper course of action."

Arya noticed that Gendry was smiling broadly, most likely thinking about being wed to his love. She jabbed him sharply in the ribs to make him jump, and snarled, "Just don't think I will let you plant any babes in my belly before I finish my work!"

The rain had abated and everyone relaxed, looking for a place to curl up and get some much needed sleep. Arya allowed Harwin to tend her wound. It was deep, but would heal well if she kept it clean. Arya's small band tried to distribute blankets, cloaks, and furs, but there was not enough to help everyone become comfortable. Arya suggested that more fires be lit to keep them all warm as their clothing dried out, and she set the guard. Grabbing her furs and Gendry's hand, she ducked behind a tree and called out, "Good morrow to you all!" To her relief, there were no protestations. After a quick kiss, both youths fell immediately into an exhausted sleep in each other's arms, having no energy for any amorous activity.

The next morning, Arya awoke to the sight of all the men sitting around the various campfires and dining on hot stew. She turned a quizzical glance towards Harwin, who laughed and said, "Good morning, milady, as you see, we have not been idle whilst you were gone, but spent our time sparring, and hunting the coneys, squirrels, and turkeys of these bountiful woods with traps and arrows. We have gathered enough food to feed everyone a hearty meal. Now dressed in her usual leathers, the wolf girl joined her uncle and his wife, the Greatjon, and Harwin around one fire and accepted one bowl of stew, which she passed to Gendry, and took another for herself. She was pressed very close against Gendry's side and he dared to place an arm around her waist after he gulped down his breakfast. Arya glared at the adults, but they had learned their lesson and did not venture to chastise her for her behavior. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Roslin was smiling sweetly, as though she found the situation very touching and amusing.

Getting to the matter at hand, Lady Stark asked, "Uncle what do you plan to do now?"

Lord Edmure spoke thoughtfully, "We are not very far from Seagard, and my vassal, Ser Marq Piper, heir to Pinkmaiden," he nodded in the direction of a Riverlands man sitting by the same fire, "has volunteered to take a message to my bannerman Lord Jason Mallister, asking for horses and protection back to Riverrun. We will remain hidden until help arrives."

Arya nodded in agreement, and the Greatjon enquired, "My lady, and what of our plans?"

The she-wolf was ready and replied, "We have enough armed men to protect ourselves if we move quickly and stay close to the right-hand stream feeding the Green Fork. If you look at my map, the waters will take us to Greywater Watch in the Neck, the home of my lord father's best friend after King Robert, Lord Howland Reed. Lord Reed will aid us and send a message to Lord Manderly at White Harbor, requesting supplies and mounts for all of our troops. Then we must gather as many of the remaining Northern lords and prepare to retake Winterfell."

"That sounds like a major venture, my lady," Lord Umber drawled.

Arya scowled and replied, "Aye! I mean to go to war against the turncoat Boltons or the greedy squids, whoever stands in my way!" She pulled the gleaming and sharp weapon that Gendry had gifted her from her belt and flashed a wicked grin, "My sword is thirsty!"

#####

Note: I'm sorry. I just could not resist inserting a 'kissing in the rain' scene.

Next: Greywater Watch

The notes for this chapter were prepared well before Season 7 appeared on TV.