Part 46:
The day had been long, seeing to all the new guests had been a challenge which had kept Arya on her feet for hours, while Jon tried to keep the Wildlings… Freefolk, she had to remember to start calling them 'Freefolk'… from causing any dramas. Mag, it seemed, enjoyed the unintended scene caused by Arya riding out to meet Robb on his shoulder, whilst Sandor was clearly pissed at her for letting the giant carry her. But there were bigger issues than that to worry about.
The High Septon had travelled north with Robb to perform the wedding, he seemed quite disheartened at the sight of the small wooden sept, and even more so when Robb advised him that the wedding would not take place in the sept, but in the godswood.
Olenna Tyrell complained about, well, everything and anything. Oberyn Martell seemed to have a permanent smirk on his face and was quite interested in Mag. Brienne had come with the King's guard and she instantly caught Tormund's eye, which was both hilarious and troubling. During the feast Jon had to divert Tormund's attention from her many times to avoid a scene. Jon had chosen to sit with the Freefolk and Mag, while Arya had found herself somehow forced into the top table. (Or should she say tables? Three tables had been pushed together to accommodate the royal guests.) It was only as dinner progressed, and she was at liberty to move around, that she managed to get anywhere near Jon.
Breakfast the next day was no better, the Manderley's, King Renly, and the Tyrell's joined them at the breakfast table. Theon walked into the room, took one look around at all of the people, and their guards, and walked back out again, muttering something about breaking fast somewhere that a cat could be swung.
Olenna Tyrell tried to make a fuss about Jon's presence, but Robb shut her down quickly and Renly tried to laugh the whole exchange off. Then Margaery carefully entered the room, leaning heavily on her brother's arm, and drawing everybody's attention. Arya hadn't realised quite how pregnant Margaery was in the commotion of the previous day. She looked as if she was close to due, or even overdue, why had she travelled so close to her time?!
One of Margaery's hand maidens pulled out her chair and Renly and Loras helped her lower herself down to it. "This is so embarrassing." She muttered with a sweet smile, and placed a hand on her extremely pregnant belly. "I cannot wait for this child to be born… for so many reasons."
Robb frowned, concern clear on his face. "You really didn't need to come all the way here for our wedding, especially in your state."
Margaery smiled at him. "Sweet Robb, I missed your coronation, I'm not missing your wedding as well, besides, I'm finding the cooler climate agreeable."
"Folly, absolute folly." Olenna Tyrell muttered. "You are nearly nine months pregnant, with your first child, you should have stayed at Kings Landing."
Margaery raised an eyebrow at her grandmother's outburst. "You suffer a prodding or two from Grand Maester Pycelle, then say that to me again, grandmother."
Olenna shook her head. "Oh come now child, he's just doing his job."
Margaery shook her head. "Then he does it poorly, and his track record with new mothers and new born babes bears me no comfort… a birthing bed on his watch is almost a death sentence."
"So you'd rather give birth on the ship back to King's Landing?" Olenna snapped.
"I'll take my chances with it." Margaery replied. "Or maybe I should just stay at Winterfell until my little king is born? Maester Lewin has never lost a Stark." She aimed the full power of her smile at Wynafryd. "Good news for you, Wynni."
Arya almost choked on her water, but she was helpless to argue as Robb and Wynafryd offered, nay, insisted, that Margaery stay until after the child was born and fit to travel. Wynafryd seemed quite innocent to the fact that Margaery was manipulating the situation, and Robb never even seemed to realise that he had just invited a small army to stay for months. Breakfast became even more difficult to endure as the wedding became the topic of discussion. Arya felt completely out of place, this was a conversation better suited for Sansa, when she felt that she could tolerate no more she asked to be excused.
"Oh, other pressing matters to attend to? Tell me, what so urgently requires your attention?" Olenna snapped.
"Ayrmidon's Engines of War." Arya replied calmly, she would not let the queen of thorns rattle her. "I'll be in the Library preparing for Daenerys and her dragons, and I'm having lunch with Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg and Ygritte, they're teaching me the old tongue, which will be useful if we wish the giants to take us seriously. I am more suited for war than weddings, so, unless there is court, I'll see you all at supper."
"Some of those diagrams are quite involved, would you like some help?" Jon offered. Arya smiled at him and nodded, Ghost and Sandor followed behind them as they exited the crowded room. "Thank you, I needed an escape." Jon muttered once they were well out of earshot. "That room was not designed for that many people."
They walked in silence for a while, Arya sent a messenger for Maester Lewin, so that she could access the dragon book, and stationed Sandor at the bottom of the tower with strict instructions as to whom was, and wasn't, allowed in.
As they were going up the stairs of the Library tower Jon cleared his throat to get Arya's attention. "So… you seem to be spending quite a bit of time with Ygritte… you like her?"
Arya frowned, Jon seemed surprisingly nervous about her opinion. "She's interesting." Arya replied.
Jon chuckled. "Yes, she is that… but you didn't answer the question."
Arya stopped on the stairs and turned to face Jon, she was a couple of steps ahead of him so she was almost at eye level. "That's because I don't understand what you're really asking."
Jon looked down and then looked back up at Arya. "I… I like her… but I don't know how much I can trust her… I want to trust her… but I already broke her trust once… she's quite angry about it…" He chuckled. "She put three arrows in me."
"She what!" Arya exclaimed in shock.
"When I left the wildlings to return to Castle Black, she put three arrows in me." Jon replied.
Arya shook her head. "If she was a decent shot she should have been able to kill you with one."
Jon nodded. "She is more than a decent shot, she didn't want to kill me."
Arya shook her head. "Let's talk about this upstairs, it sounds like a long conversation."
Once they were settled in the special part of the library, and Maester Lewin had left them to it, they began to talk about everything that had happened since they had left Winterfell, they didn't get much transcribing done, but Arya learnt a lot of things about Jon that she hadn't known in the other life, and Jon learnt a lot of things about what had happened to her. More importantly, he believed her. She held nothing back, she even told him about his relationship with Daenerys in the other life… and about how he had died.
Jon didn't judge her for using blood magic, or question her visions, he did turn a little pale at being told Ros was Robb's sister… Arya went to have lunch with Mag and Ygritte while Jon started transcribing the dragon book, Unnatural History, and when she returned he was head down in the book. Arya quietly placed a plate of food near him, but away from the books and scrolls, and went back to trying to replicate the diagrams in Engines of War.
~~/~~
"What about this one?" Arya asked, throwing another of Sansa's discarded dresses at Ygritte, Sansa would not be returning for any of the cloths she had left behind and Arya had gotten Robb's permission to sort through them and give some to Ygritte.
Ygritte held it up an examined it. "The stitching on this is amazing, must be nice to have other people sew for you." Ygritte muttered.
Arya shrugged. "Sansa made it herself, she's made a lot of her dresses, although mother made some. I'm no good at it."
Ygritte looked at her surprised. "You're telling me your highborn sister makes her own clothes?"
Arya nodded. "Yes, Septa Mordane always used to berate me for my needlework not being anywhere as good as hers. Don't ask me to make you anything unless you want crooked stitches."
Ygritte shook her head. "Maybe there's more to you Southerners that meets the eye." She muttered.
Arya shrugged. "Try on the dress."
Ygritte obeyed, she stripped down and pulled on the dress, it fitted, but it was a little tight around the stomach. Arya frowned, she was missing something. Look with your eyes. Ygritte was slim, even skinny, her arms and legs were toned, her body was firm, that pot wasn't fat… she was pregnant! Did Jon know?
"What do you think?" Ygritte asked, suddenly sounding nervous.
Arya just nodded. "That's the dress you are going to wear tomorrow. Everybody is going to be after baths, we should arrange for one for you this afternoon."
Ygritte nodded and changed back into her other clothes. Arya made the arrangements with the servants, all the while pondering how to approach Ygritte's pregnancy and relationship with Jon, she found no answers.
~~/~~
The next morning dawned bright and crisp, everything was about the wedding. Arya was required at a female only breakfast which included Wynafryd and her sister, Wylla, her mother, Leona, Olenna and Margaery Tyrell. The focus was completely on the bride, which made sense, Arya let her thoughts drift, focusing on the question of Ygritte and Jon, but she was soon called back as Wynafryd tried to draw her attention.
"Arya, where were you?" Wynafryd asked with a gentle smile.
"Sorry," Arya muttered. "As I said, I'm better at war than weddings." Suddenly an idea occurred to her. "Wynafryd, I know this is your day, but if the North is to work with the wildlings… freefolk… and make a conscious effort to integrate them, wouldn't it be a good idea to include one or two of them in the ceremony."
"Hmph, it's a little late to be changing things now, child." Olenna scoffed.
Wynafryd however shook her head. "What were you thinking?"
Arya shrugged. "Well there is only one female Wil – Freefolk here…"
"Ygritte." Wynafryd said with a smile. "Do you think she would want to?"
Arya shrugged. "I think she'd like to be asked."
"Come now, the girl doesn't even have a dress." Olenna protested.
"Grandmother," Margaery said touching Olenna's arm. "We are capable women, I'm sure we can come up with something."
"Robb said Arya and Ygritte were looking through Sansa's old things to see if they could find something, were you successful, Arya." Arya nodded. "Why don't you go change into your dress, and get Ygritte to change into hers, then meet us back here and we'll all do our hair together." Wynafryd suggested.
"Oh what? And should we ask the Red Viper's bastard daughters to take part as well? Olenna snapped.
"Grandmother!" Margaery exclaimed.
Wynafryd however looked thoughtful. "You know, that is a brilliant idea, thank you, Lady Olenna, I never would have thought of that. Mother, would you be kind enough to extend the invitation to Obara, Nym and Tyene personally?"
Leona nodded and stood up. "Of course, darling."
"Oh, this is going to be perfect." Wynafryd exclaimed, clasping Margaery's hand. "The North has always been so very insular, with the exception of offering House Manderly a home when we were forced from Dunstonbury, it is past overdue that the North built friendships with the South." She dropped Margaery's hand and turned her attention to her sister. "Wylla, why don't you see if Asha Greyjoy wishes to join us as well?"
Arya smiled and left to go fetch Ygritte, she had seen both Olenna and Margaery's expressions darken at the mention of Dunstonbury, maybe Wynafryd wasn't as innocent of Margaery's manipulations as Arya had initially thought?
~~/~~
Part 47:
It took over two hours to do everybody's hair. Margaery, although not actually part of the wedding party, kept herself and her hand maidens involved for as long as she possibly could, but as the morning moved on Loras soon arrived to collect her and Olenna so that they might take their places in the godswood. Chairs had been arranged for both of them, everybody else would stand.
It was almost eleven o'clock when Wylis Manderly came to led them to the godswood, there was a path, edged with flower petals, and people lined at least ten deep all along each side of it, guards keeping them back. The godswood itself was even more packed than it had been for Robb's coronation. The wedding was long, the High Septon attempting to get as much out of his sermon as he possibly could. Eventually the marriage proper happened, there was the giving of the bride, the removing and placing of cloaks, but instead of a cloak of House Stark, Robb placed a cloak of furs and pearls over Wynafryd's shoulders. The wording was also subtlety changed as a royal name cannot be gained through marriage, only inherited via birthright, Wynafryd would always be a Manderly.
Then there was a hand binding ceremony, although as it was done Robb and Wynafryd listed the names of the Seven, again combining the Old Gods and the New. Once the ceremony was done Robb and Wynafryd led everybody to the feast, hands still bound. Robb and Wynafryd kept their hands bound during the feast, which meant that they needed to work as one to help each other eat. There was feasting and dancing, giving of gifts and speeches.
At some stage in the late afternoon Ygritte slipped into the empty seat beside Arya. "Why do you Southerners make weddings so complicated?" She asked, looking genuinely confused.
Arya frowned, yes Robb had used a mix of Northern and Southern traditions and included every aspect that a marriage in the name of the Seven required, Northern weddings usually happened later in the day so that a bedding could happen straight after the feast, but it wasn't that complicated. She had once heard that weddings in Volantis could last for three days.
"What are weddings like north of the wall?" Arya asked.
Ygritte rolled her eyes. "Well first the man has to steal the woman, the better the man, the further he will steal her from, a man from a close clan may be a blood relation, so the further away the better."
"Wait, you mean the men are expected to abduct the woman?!" Arya asked, horrified.
Ygritte nodded. "And the woman is expected to fight back, no matter how attractive the man is to her, no man wants a weak woman. A true man will steal a woman from far away to strengthen the clan. Men must steal daughters, but not wives of other men, that's punishable by death or worse. When the Thief is in the Moonmaid, that's the best time for a man to steal a woman."
"The what?" Arya asked confused.
Ygritte sighed. "Stars. The Thief is one that moves and the Moonmaid is a group of stars that tend to stay together."
"A constellation." Arya muttered.
"A what?" Ygritte screwed up her face.
"A constellation," Arya replied. "A group of stars that tends to move together."
Ygritte shook her head. "You southerners just have to make everything harder, don't you?"
"More difficult." Arya muttered.
Ygritte groaned and stood up. "Forget it." She muttered and started to walk away.
"Wait!" Arya called out, more loudly than she had intended to. "Is that all it takes for two Freefolk to be married?"
People turned and started paying attention to their conversation but Arya didn't care, she knew this conversation was important, but she was missing something. She started going over what Jon had told her about him and Ygritte, she knew he'd left stuff out, but she was on the edge of working something out.
"No." Ygritte replied. "Any man can take a woman, but getting her to stay is another story. With Freefolk the woman chooses the man as much as the man chooses the woman. If the man can win the woman over before the woman kills him, if he can get her to willingly lay with him, then they are considered married."
Suddenly all of the pieces fell into place. "But Jon wasn't free when you chose him." The words poured out of Arya's mouth before she could think, she didn't have to think about it, she knew. "Jon didn't know, he didn't realise that you considered yourself married to him when he returned to Castle Black, he had taken a vow that said he could not marry."
The room was suddenly silent, even the musicians had stopped playing, suddenly Ygritte spoke. "And now he has been released from that vow." She turned and quickly made her way out of the hall, everybody watching her as she went.
Arya looked around the hall for Jon, she finally saw him standing beside Robb and Wynafryd, frozen in shock. Robb regained his composure first, and gave Jon a light shove towards the door. "Go, go after her."
Jon nodded and started heading towards the door, he walked the first few steps, then broke into a run, people quickly moved out of his way, but Loras was too slow and got barged aside. The door slammed loudly in the silence. Slowly people began to murmur, then mutter, and then the talking got louder and louder. Robb signalled for the musicians to start playing again. A very drunk Tormund lent into Mag, apparently explaining to him what had just happened. An hour later neither Jon nor Ygritte had returned and Arya could still hear lots of people whispering about what had happened. Arya needed a way to draw their attention elsewhere, her gaze moved to Robb and Wynafryd and suddenly she had her answer.
"I think it's time for a bedding." She muttered.
One of the people near her heard her words and repeated them, then another, then another. Robb laughed and Wynafryd smiled. Arya stood back and let others take control of the bedding, half the hall left with the bride and groom, unfortunately anybody that remained suddenly became Arya's responsibility. She slowly made her way up to the top table and reclaimed her seat, a servant offered her wine and she asked for water instead, as she lifted her cup Oberyn Martell caught her eye and raised his cup to her, she replied in kind before drinking. He slowly approached her and took a seat beside her.
"A most curious day, wouldn't you say, Princess Arya?"
"Say what you mean, Prince Oberyn, you are clearly playing at something, but what?" Arya replied sharply, she wasn't in the mood for games.
"Ah, I do find Stark's so refreshing, you cut to the point the way ice chills to the bone. I prefer the warmth of Dorne myself, even if our sand does get a touch… fiery."
"Both ice and fire can burn," Arya replied. "Have you ever seen toes turned black by frostbite?"
"Yes actually, when I was at the Citadel." Oberyn replied.
Arya nodded, she remembered hearing something about that. "Right, you have six links, but not a chain." She countered.
Oberyn laughed. "I confess, I enjoy the company of women far too much to become a Maester. You're a smart one, observant, you see. Can you guess what metals the links are?"
Arya frowned. "First tell me, is silver for poisons as well as medicine?"
Oberyn laughed. "Yes, very good, what else?"
Arya smirked. "Well you have two of those, one straight silver, one with a gem inset…Topaz?"
Oberyn looked intrigued. "That's an interesting guess why would you say Topaz?"
Arya shrugged. "Anybody delving in poisons needs protection, Topaz is the opposite intent to poison so provides balance."
Oberyn smirked, he pulled the chain out of a hidden pocket and placed it in Arya's hand. She had been correct about the first two links, there was a black iron link, Ravenry, an iron link, Warcraft, and two Valyrian steel links, one inset with a chip of Black Tourmaline, the other with a Ruby chip. He lent in closer to her. "Tell me, Yellow Lady, how did the Bolton men die?"
She carefully handed the chain back to him. "I don't know." She replied.
He nodded and sat back. "I don't know? That is the only answer everybody give me, how can an entire army, in three separate locations, just suddenly die?"
Arya shrugged. "I would tell you to ask Roose, but I hear a direwolf ripped out his throat."
Oberyn nodded. "I've heard that; a direwolf ripped out his throat, then the winds howled, his men froze solid, yet the solders feet away from them were untouched, winter winds roared through the Dreadfort, the earth shook, and the walls came tumbling down."
Arya shrugged. "If you say so, I wasn't here."
Oberyn shrugged, he sat back and seemed to look more relaxed. "I guess we all die sooner or later."
Arya nodded. "Death is certain, the time is not."
Oberyn seemed intrigued by her reply. "What gods do you follow, the old or the new?" He asked.
Arya smiled. "You've been to Essos, you know the truth, there is only one true god, you know his name, and there is only one thing we say to him."
"Not today." Oberyn replied quietly. "The Night King, he's real, isn't he?"
Arya nodded. "Yes, but he's not a god."
"Ah, Doran was right, I should have listened… how long do we have?" Oberyn asked.
"About four and a half years." Arya replied. "Less if we try and involve Daenerys' dragons and give one to him sooner, in my dreams he breaks the will with Viserion."
Oberyn shook his head. "But surely…"
"No, Daenerys' dragons were born by death magic, if anything they are weak to his influence." Arya replied. That had been their biggest mistake, once the Night King had gained a dragon things had gone from bad to worse very quickly.
Oberyn scoffed at that. "And where are you going to find dragons born by life magic?"
"Why does one of your silver links have Topaz on it?" Arya replied.
"Balance… nature always brings balance… and so does magic… but never where, or how, we expect. You are playing with dangerous things, Arya Stark."
"I'm not playing." Arya replied. "We need every Valyrian or dragon bone weapon we can find, every piece of Dragonglass, every weapon of power. When winter comes, will Dorne join us in the fight for the morning, regardless of whom sits on the Iron Throne, or will you sit back and wait to die?"
Oberyn shook his head. "The Dornish Lords will be difficult to convince."
"And since when is the Red Viper afraid of difficult?" Arya challenged.
Oberyn nodded. "You have given me much to think on, Yellow Lady." He put his cup down on the table and walked away. Arya noticed with surprise that he had also been drinking water.
~~/~~
Part 48:
The next two days after the Wedding were spent mainly in celebration by most. Court did happen, but it was as brief as possible, with any non-urgent business being delayed. On the third day 'Full Court' was called and many matters were discussed from the mundane to the absolutely boring. At one stage Arya was distracted by the sound of Ghost lightly snoring, she glanced over and noticed that he and Grey Wind were curled together at the far end of the table. Eventually one of the many Lords raised the question of a throne being commissioned.
Robb laughed. "No King of Winter has ever required a throne, or somebody to herald that they are King, I'll get my fancy seat when I am in the Crypts, just like every King of Winter before me. Besides, I like being at the same level as my advisors, I would trust any person at this table to take charge in my absence."
That was quite a statement considering that Wynafryd was sitting on his left, then Arya, then Maester Lewin, and Jon was sitting on his right, then Theon. Matters continued to be discussed, eventually Ser Davos stepped forward, two Baratheon soldiers bringing forward the crate that Arya had noticed when they had first arrived.
"You're grace, as you are aware I have two matters to bring before your court." He waved the men back and opened the chest. He pulled aside a layer of fabric, revealing a handful of swords, spear tips and maybe two dozen arrowheads. "If I may?"
Robb nodded. "Of course, Ser Davos."
Davos carefully removed a longsword, he looked to Robb for permission and then drew it. Half of the court gasped, many hands going to the hilts of swords, yet Davos remained calm and continued to speak. "This blade was forged by Tobho Mott at Dragonstone, it was created in a forge that had been designed to work Valyrian Steel. The forge had never been used, House Targaryen failed to secure a blacksmith of such skill prior to the fall of old Valyria. Yet the forge still gave him clues. This is not Valyrian steel, but it's damn better than Castle-forged. The question is; is it good enough against the Night King's walkers? This chest is full of different combinations of this metal and Dragonglass. Prince Gendry is willing to commit years to the making, and distributing, of these weapons, but there is no point if they don't work. Until some brave souls are willing to go find the enemy, and work out which weapons we should be making, there is little point in him continuing."
Davos passed the blade, hilt first, to the closest Lord so that he could look at it. The blade looked like Valyrian steel from where Arya was sitting. As the blade passed around the room people began to mutter.
Finally the Greatjon stepped forward. "I volunteer my son, Smalljon, since he seems incapable of believing in anything he doesn't see with his own two eyes." He declared.
Robb stood. "No, no man can be forced to go, that is why the matter was brought here, not to the Night's Watch."
"I'm not afraid!" Smalljon snapped. "I'll go." He looked into the crate and rummaged around a bit before pulling out a Greatsword, he drew the blade and examined it. "Hmm, lighter than I expected." He muttered, testing the weapon. "Well balanced though, it will do."
Jon stood up "We'll have two Jon's then, I'm going, and Tormund would skin me alive if I even tried to leave him out of this one, he'll want to come."
Robb shook his head. "Jon, no, we just got you back."
"With all due respect, your grace, I have a Valyrian steel blade, and it's not my first time North of the Wall. You need me to go, you may not want it, but you need it."
Robb sighed. "Fine, but first you're marrying Ygritte in front of the Weirwood, and she stays. If I can't protect you, I can at least protect your child."
Arya stood up slowly. "No!" Rob and Jon both said firmly.
Arya nodded. "I know, I was just going to suggest that somebody should send for Tormund and Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg so that they can be part of this discussion." She reached to her belt and removed the Valyrian dagger. "And just because I'm not going doesn't mean my Valyrian blade isn't needed." She tossed the dagger to Sandor. "Please, keep Jon alive."
Sandor moved from his place, at the side of the table, to in front of the table and bowed deeply. "Thank you." He said, then walked over to the crate and pulled out another Greatsword. He drew it, tested the weight and balance, then re-sheathed it. "Better than what I have." He muttered, he then took a place near the Smalljon. Jon also rounded the table, so that the three of them were standing together.
Oberyn walked over to the chest, as a messenger left to get Tormund and Mag, and picked up a spear head in each hand, looking at them inquisitively. One was straight metal, the other Dragonglass. "Looks like you have two different types of spear you want tested." With an elegant flick of the wrist he tossed the metal one to Obara. "Are you coming?"
Obara smiled. "Yes, Father, I choose the spear." She replied with a smirk, then pointed to the spear held in his hand. "But, I choose that one." She turned her attention to Davos. "And I'll not be giving it back." Obara walked up to her father and swapped spare heads with him, then they both walked up to join the group.
Tyene and Nym shared a look. "We're in." Tyene announced.
"No, you are not." Oberyn replied firmly. "Your fighting styles are less suited to this enemy, besides, Tyene, your mother would never forgive me."
"But father!" Tyene pouted.
Oberyn laughed. "Such brave girls I have, will any man here match them?" He asked the court.
That provoked a snort of a laugh from Asha Greyjoy. "Unlikely, but I'm curious." She strode over to the chest just as Mag and Tormund entered the hall. She poked at a couple of items and frowned. "Do you have any axes?" She asked Davos.
Davos smiled, he carefully lifted the fabric that the spear tips were laying on and placed the bundle on the ground, he moved the arrow heads next, he then pulled out two axe heads one large and heavy, the other was smaller, more of a throwing axe depending on the handle. "Big or small?" He asked, holding the two axe heads up.
Tormund snatched the larger axe head out of Davos' hands. "I'll take that." He said. "And the arrowheads could be used to stud a club for our mighty friend here." He then took a place beside Jon, Mag beside him.
Asha just smiled. "Do you have two of those?" Davos nodded and pulled out an axe head of the same style, but mostly dragon glass. Asha smiled. "You realise I'm keeping these, right?" Davos nodded and sighed.
"Five men, a giant, and two women." King Renly noted. "I think we can do better than that, therefore I offer one of my best, Ser Brienne, would you be my eyes beyond the Wall?"
"Your Grace, surely-" Ser Loras began to protest.
Renly placed a hand on Loras' arm, silencing him. "Brave Ser Loras, your honour is beyond question, as is your courage, yet you are newly wed, for Sansa's sake I forbid you to take part in this. Besides, you serve me better by staying at Margaery's side." He returned his attention to Brienne. "Ser Brienne, what do you say?"
Brienne smiled, she plucked the longsword out of a lords hands, some Flint or other if Arya recalled correctly, and tested the feel of it. "I am happy to serve, your grace." She glanced at Loras then smirked. "A pity there are no maces, though."
Davos smiled. "You are right, Ser Brienne, that there are no maces in the crate, but one mace has been made, or a Morningstar to be exact, by Prince Gendry's own hand. My instructions were to offer it to you if you volunteered, and not before. After all, Prince Gendry has witnessed your prowess with such a weapon."
Arya couldn't help but smirk. "I remember, at Storms End, when you defeated Ser Loras." She announced to the court, she watched Loras' face redden at the reminder.
Davos signalled to one of his men and an object rapped in thick fabric was brought forward. Davos walked over to Brienne and gave her both the sheath to the longsword and the bundle, Brienne unwrapped it to reveal a Morningstar which was an elaborate mix of dragon glass and the special metal, as Brienne turned the weapon it alternately looked like a sun or a moon, the symbols of her House.
Brienne was gobsmacked. "I have done nothing to deserve this." She muttered.
"Princess Arya's faith in you is all Prince Gendry needs." Ser Davos replied. "Oh, and you won't be giving that back."
Brienne nodded and bowed deeply. "Please tell Prince Gendry that I am honoured."
Davos shook his head. "You can tell him yourself, Lady-Knight, after you return. He wishes to discuss how the weapon preforms with you personally."
Brienne nodded and took her place amongst the rest of the group, she was careful to stand as far away from Tormund as possible. Basic plans were outlined, but it was clear that the group needed to plan in more detail, they were dismissed to discuss the matter privately and Jon turned to lead them out of the courtroom then paused.
"Your Grace, cousin, Ser Davos' other business. I would like to see that addressed before we leave."
Robb nodded. "Of course."
Arya frowned, what other possible business could Ser Davos have that both Robb and Jon knew but she didn't? She watched as one of the Baratheon guards handed Davos a long bundle that looked suspiciously like a sword. It was wrapped in yellow and black fabric.
"Might I approach, your grace?" Davos asked.
Robb nodded and Davos began to approach the table, but he wasn't approaching Robb, he was approaching her. Wynafryd leant over and whispered in her ear. "You might want to stand."
Arya frowned, but did as Wynafryd suggested. Davos stopped several steps before the table and knelt, holding up the bundle. "Princess Arya, King Robb has told Prince Gendry that you rejected the marriage proposal because it was not in his words, Prince Gendry is not good with words, he is however good at crafting things. This is not meant as a replacement for Needle, but a compliment, Prince Gendry has spent many months working on it, with Tobho Mott's assistance. He hopes it will speak louder than anything that he could put to parchment."
Arya swallowed thickly and quickly rounded the table, taking the offered bundle from Davos' hands, as she began to unwrap the sword she realised that the fabric was actually a banner of House Baratheon! She unwrapped it carefully and let out a gasp. Even sheathed the sword was impressive. The hilt was carved black dragon bone, like the hilt of her dagger, but where her dagger had Rubies inset in it the sword had huge yellow stones inlayed in silver… no, not silver… if she didn't know better she would say it was Valyrian Steel, the cross hilt had a scaled pattern to it, she ran her fingers over it and her eyes widened, it looked like part of Dragonsteel's shell! "Is it inlayed with dragon shell?" She asked.
Davos nodded. "Prince Gendry found a stash of Dragon bone, and you know where he found the Dragon shell, it's been well tested and seems harder than any metal, they had to use diamonds to cut it."
Arya nodded, then she frowned, running her fingers over one of the yellow gems. "The stone is unusual, I don't know it?"
Davos' small broadened. "In mining the Dragonglass a very small vain of Diamonds was accidently discovered, a few of them were coloured, which is very, very rear, Gendry traded some of them to get an expert gem cutter from Qohor to come cut the best of them for your sword."
Arya nodded. She pulled the blade and examined it, Gendry had made her a narrowed (and slightly shortened) longsword, the metal really did look like Valyrian steel. "So are we calling this new metal 'New Valyrian' or 'Dragonstone-steel'?" She asked calmly.
"We're testing it first." Davos replied.
Arya nodded and re-sheathed the sword. "Does it have a name?" She asked.
"Only if you name it, Princess." Davos replied.
Arya frowned, for a few seconds she struggled and failed to think of a name, then Syrio Forel's advice came to her, she stopped trying to think, she looked with her eyes, felt with her skin… Ygritte had taught her that the Old Tongue word for yellow was 'melyn' … women of House Stark were often referred to as Blue Roses, but she was the Yellow Lady… "Rhosyn Melyn." She whispered.
"Is that a yes, Princess." Davos asked.
Arya nodded, her expression still serious. "Yes." She whispered.
The Hall broke out into cheers. Arya signalled Davos to stand, more so she could hide behind him than for any other reason, but it didn't work. Jon rushed forward and hugged her. Robb and Wynafryd weren't far behind, then Renly insisted on a hug as well. Luckily court was called to a close and Arya could soon slink away to deal with her embarrassment, she slipped off to the godswood to practice with her new sword.
~~/~~
Quick reference of who has what weapons in the party going north.
Smalljon – Dragonstone-Steel Greatsword
Jon – Longclaw
Tormund – Dragonstone-Steel Great axe
Mag – Club studded with Dragonstone-Steel and Dragonglass arrowheads
Sandor – Dragonstone-Steel Greatsword + Arya's Valyrian dagger
Oberyn – Dragonstone-Steel Spear
Obara – Dragonglass Spear
Asha – Twin Throwing Axes, one Dragonstone-Steel, one mostly Dragonglass with some Dragonstone-Steel
Brienne – Dragonstone-Steel Longsword and Dragonstone-Steel and Dragonglass Morningstar
~~/~~
Part 49:
No matter where Arya turned people were talking about weddings, engagements, or pregnancies, and it didn't help that her engagement was one of the hottest topics of conversation. The group going north of the Wall spent much of their time in Mag's tall house planning, but Robb had forbidden her to take part in that. She wasn't the only one being left out of the loop though, Ygritte was furious at being excluded from the mission going north of the Wall, and the meetings about it. She had yelled at Jon, at Tormund, at Robb… she had even fumed at Arya.
Jon had pulled Ygritte off to the godswood to talk to her, that had been an hour ago and they still hadn't come back. Arya was sure that Jon was going to tell Ygritte his true name, he would have to if he was going to marry her, but the thought of it made Arya nervous. She wanted to trust Ygritte, and she wanted Jon to be happy, but she simply didn't know the woman well enough. She decided she needed to do something about that, but what? Trust wasn't something she was good at, yet she doubted that it was something Ygritte was good at either.
Arya sighed, she didn't know what to do, instead she decided to make her way to the library to continue her transcribing. As she was crossing one of the courtyards she saw Ser Davos talking with Renly, Davos looked cornered, he seemed uncomfortable and in need of an escape, she altered her course.
"Renly, Davos." She greeted.
"Princess Arya." Renly replied with more enthusiasm than was necessary. "Ser Davos and I were just discussing the surprising discovery of a diamond mine, I'm surprised Gendry never said anything about it."
"Well, not a mine exactly, your grace, just a small vein, very small… only a few stones really." Ser Davos muttered nervously. He looked to Arya and silently pleaded for help, she obliged.
"I'm sure Gendry can handle it," She reassured Renly. "And why would he bother you with such a minor thing? As a King, and a man that is soon to be a father, you have much more important things to concern yourself with."
Renly laughed, but it seemed forced and did not meet his eyes. "Perhaps, but he is not very experienced with such thing, such a heavy burden is a concern. I don't think he quite understands the value of what he's found, young Arya, that sword on your hip is worth a small fortune."
Arya smiled and let her hand drift to Rhosyn Melyn. "Then it's a good thing that he has a former smuggler to advise him. Ser Davos appreciates the value of such things, don't you, Davos?"
"Yes, I do your grace… your graces, precious gems are one thing I was always good at, I know a pirate or two whom are still good at them, Prince Gendry is getting a fair price. As to Princess Arya's sword, that was designed to help against the Night King, as she has a tendency to go charging towards danger, not away from it."
Renly couldn't help but smirk at that. "Yes, that's true." He frowned. "I just worry for him, you know, he's never had that sort of money before."
"I'm good with numbers, once Robb has a child I will be there to look through the books, if anybody has ripped him off I'll deal with it, I promise." Arya reassured Renly. "Don't begrudge Gendry a few valuable rocks, he'll likely spend most of them on feeding his people, come winter the harvests from the Reach will hold far more value, what are some shiny rocks compared to that?"
"Exactly, as Princess Arya says, your grace, just a handful of shiny rocks."
Renly nodded reluctantly. "It was just a little embarrassing to learn about the… shiny stones, the way I did."
Davos shrugged. "No disrespect intended, your grace, it just didn't seem that important."
Arya nodded. "Not important at all." She agreed. "Now, I need to steal Davos away from you, I'm sure you have plenty of important people to speak with." Before Renly could reply she placed a hand firmly on Davos' elbow and guided him towards the library tower.
"Thank you, princess." Davos whispered once they were out of earshot.
Arya nodded and glanced at the two guards trailing him, she didn't know them, which Baratheon did they truly serve? She decided that it didn't matter, she stationed them at the bottom of the tower and headed up to the room with her unfinished transcripts. With all the guests in the keep the books she was allowed access to, and her unfinished work, had been moved to a private room in the tower and she had been given a key, she locked the door behind them after they entered the room.
Davos looked around, there were piles of books and transcripts everywhere, all old or damaged in the fire, or needing recopying for some other reason. There were two wooden tables, one stacked high with books and manuscripts, the other mostly clear, apart from Arya's work.
"I never did understand books." He muttered.
"There's a lot of knowledge in them." Arya replied.
"Yes, and a lot of lies." Davos replied. "My wife and my son were always pushing me to learn to read…"
Gods, Davos' son, she had almost forgotten. "Matthos, yes?"
Davos gave a heavy sigh and sat down in one of the chairs scattered around the room. "Yes, not that I'm likely to ever see him again."
"We will meet again, Arya Stark." Melisandre told her, as she turned away Arya realised that the red witch was holding an onion in her hand. Arya looked around and realised that they were near the cave of the brotherhood without banners.
Ser Davos was the Onion Knight, he had even taken an onion as his sigil, that meant Matthos was an onion too… Arya shook her head. "Don't give up on your son just yet." She whispered quietly. "I may have an idea of where to find him… I believe that they may be hiding with the Brotherhood Without Banners."
"The what?" Davos spluttered, sitting up.
Arya sighed and explained, she always found it easy to talk to Davos, she told him about what had happened at the Dreadfort and her dream's just before. Davos looked very, very pale by the time she had finished talking, she sighed. "Now you really are scared of me." She whispered.
Davos shook his head. "No, I mean yes, but that's not it… a few months ago princess Shireen found a new rose in Aegon's garden… it was very unusual, yellow, edged with icy blue. The rose is real, princess." He swallowed thickly. "If that part of your dream is real than other parts may be too, could you describe the parts of your dream that involved the Red Woman again? There might be a clue there?"
Arya nodded, they spent the next few hours dissecting the dream as much as possible, they came to the conclusion that the only way to beat the red woman would be to destroy the Ruby necklace, but how? Arya decided that they needed to talk to Maester Lewin, they found him in his tower.
"Princess Arya, Ser Davos, this is an interesting surprise." Lewin greeted, gesturing them into his messy room, there were candle stubs and parchments everywhere. "How can I help?"
Arya gave him a sad look. "You won't like it, we need your help, in regards to blood magic."
"Princess Arya, no, it's too dangerous." Lewin protested.
Arya nodded. "You're right." She agreed, she looked around the room and saw three candles burning, she stubbed them all out.
"Arya!" Lewin exclaimed.
"She can see through the flames." Arya replied. "I chased her through them once, put the fires out, nearly didn't find my way back to myself. We will met again, I need to know how to fight her."
Lewin looked confused but at least he wasn't dismissing what she was saying. "Who?" He asked.
"A red priestess from Asshai, a shadow-binder, has Ser Davos' son, body and mind. She has a necklace with a large Ruby in it which is the source of her power, my dreams suggest she is extremely old. She uses blood magic and human sacrifice by fire, she also uses trickery, glamour, and deception. She poisoned Stannis' mind, she has Matthos, and Davos needs him back. But Matthos will not come until he's seen the truth of her."
Lewin touched his chain nervously, his fingers running over the Valyrian link. "You never make small requests, do you Princess Arya?"
"No." Arya answered.
"Gods, if she can see through the fires… she can see everywhere."
"I know." Arya replied.
"I… I will see what I can find, but it means you will be doing a lot more reading." Lewin answered.
Arya sighed. "I know, Ser Davos, do you know your letters?"
Davos looked embarrassed. "I know the letters themselves, but not how to make words out of them…"
Arya shook her head. "I'm going to need help, if you want your son back you're going to have to learn how to read, Davos."
Davos sighed. "I'm an old dog, princess, I don't have that many new tricks in me."
"Nonsense." Lewin replied. "If you're willing to learn, I can teach you."
~~/~~
Arya was sick of books, sick of nobles, sick of formalities… Robb had asked her not to spar while the guests were here, but he had said nothing about archery. She grabbed the dragon bone bow and a quiver of arrows and made her way to the inner ward, one of the oldest open spaces of the keep, it was used for archery practice. When she got there she found it mostly empty, save for Ygritte, whom was shooting arrow after arrow at three targets. Arya ignored her and took up a space at the other end of the ward.
She practiced in silence, every time she ran out of arrows she announced "Clearing target" before approaching, but other than that she said nothing. The third time she cleared the target she turned around to find Ygritte standing on her mark.
"I ain't ever seen a bow like that." Ygritte muttered.
Arya smirked. "It's hundreds of years old, dragon bone." She replied.
"How'd you get it?" Ygritte asked.
Arya shrugged. "Some Targaryen left it on a wall, I took it down." She replied, sure, the answer was more complexed than that, but she really didn't want to get into all of that now. She offered Ygritte the bow. "Here, have a go."
Ygritte took the bow cautiously, almost as if she were waiting for the trick, she fired one shot, two, three. "Maybe some Targaryen will take it back off of you." She said with a smirk.
"Or the mother of one." Arya replied, meeting her gaze. "Keep it, one day I'll show you the wall I took it off, there's another one there." She turned to leave the ward, leaving a stunned Ygritte behind her.
"You find a lot of interesting walls?" Ygritte called out after her.
Arya smirked and looked over her shoulder. "More than you think, I'll take you for a walk inside some of them one day." She turned and kept walking.
~~/~~
It was nine days after Robb's wedding, about three quarters of the guests had left. The party heading north would be going in a couple of days. It had rained hard for most of the day, but the rain had eased near supper time. Jon had disappeared about forty minutes into supper, Tormund and Mag had left with him, Ygritte had slipped out about ten minutes after that. Arya was picking at her food, and struggling to avoid being pulled into Margaery's current conversation about baby names, when Robb stood up.
"If you will all excuse me, I have a family matter to attend to." Robb announced, he and Wynafryd started to leave, he tapped Arya on the shoulder. "Come on." He said quietly. Arya gave him a confused look and followed him out of the Hall, Grey Wind trailing behind them. Robb paused for a moment and glanced at Theon. "You coming, brother?" He asked. Theon had never put a tankard down so fast, especially one that still had mead in it. Arya and Theon sheared confused looks as Robb led them all towards the godswood.
The moment Arya saw Jon, Ygritte, Tormund, and Mag under the Weirwood she understood. Jon had taken off his sword and Ygritte had removed her bow, Ghost was guarding both weapons. Ygritte was wearing a woollen tunic and long pants of reasonable quality, and she had made some effort with her hair. Everybody watched as Robb walked to stand just in front of the Weirwood, the bronze of his crown shimmered in the moonlight, yet the nine black iron spikes, shaped as longswords, reflected nothing. Robb had hardly parted with the crown since the coronation. Arya's thoughts had been so consumed with other things since her return that she hadn't stopped to think about it, but here, under the Weirwood, Robb truly looked like a King.
He looked around the small group. "You all know why we're here. You may not all be blood, but you are family, you are pack. Tormund, Jon and Arya both speak highly of you, the pack counts you amongst it's number tonight. Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg, you are invited as an honoured guest, and witness, you will learn something tonight that must be kept secret, you will note that nobody from south of the neck is here. The pack is putting our trust in you." He said quietly. He paused after each sentence, allowing Tormund to translate for Mag.
Robb then turned his attention to Theon. "Theon, you are, and always will be, my brother. Yet I have kept a secret from you, it is a secret that your sister and father cannot know, a secret Renly cannot know. If you do not wish to learn it, leave now, none of us will think any less of you, and I will still love you as a brother. But if you stay, you have chosen to be more than my brother, you have chosen to be pack."
Silence spread over the group as all eyes turned towards Theon, Arya wondered how many of them knew the truth about Jon's identity? Part of her hoped that Theon would leave, he had betrayed Robb once, but that was a different life, she couldn't keep judging him by possibilities that were no longer possible.
Eventually Theon straightened and nodded. "I choose the pack." He said quietly.
Robb nodded. "Good, then let's get on with it. We are here to join this woman, Ygritte of the Freefolk, and this man, known as Jon Snow, in marriage. Yet, Jon Snow is not this man's name, it is the wolf cloak that keeps him safe. Cousin, will you remove the wolf cloak that protects you for this ceremony?"
Jon nodded. Arya knew the term was meant to be symbolic, yet Jon started to physically undo his cloak, Arya instinctively stepped forward and caught it as it fell, Jon's voice was solemn and serious when he spoke. "I stand here, under the Weirwood, and declare my true name. I am the son of Lyanna Stark,"
"What!" Theon exclaimed.
Arya kicked him. "Shut up." She muttered.
Jon ignored Theon and continued. "The product of the lawful union of her and Rhaegar Targaryen, and my true name is Isaeyan, yet I must live under the wolf cloak of 'Jon Snow'. Ygritte, can you live under that same cloak? Can you keep my secrets, and those of my pack?"
Ygritte smiled. "Jon, or Isaeyan, I do not care. I loved you when you knew nothing, not even your own name, I love you now. I am yours, and you are mine. If you will make room under the wolf cloak for me then I will stay there with you."
Arya swallowed thickly, this didn't feel like a wedding, it felt like a spell, and she suddenly knew that she had a part in it. She lifted the cloak up in her hands and draped it over both of their shoulders. "May the cloak of 'Jon Snow' be your armour and your shield, and may the day come when it can be removed." She whispered, she rested a hand on each of their backs.
Robb stepped forward and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "I bind you as man and woman, husband and wife." He whispered. There was something in his expression, like this wasn't how he had planned things to go, yet he was going with it, just like Arya was. "Would all the pack come in and touch the wolf cloak please?"
It took some jostling to get everybody's hands on it, Mag's hands were huge, yet he knelt down and placed his hand in the middle, reaching under Arya's arms and resting his hand on both of them. Theon rested his hand on Jon, and Tormund rested his hand on Ygritte. Wynafryd moved around to where Robb was standing and ducked under him so that she was in front of him. She placed a hand on Jon's shoulder, and a hand on Ygritte's, just under Robb's hands.
"I bind you all as pack." Robb whispered. "We gather together, against Winter, and all other foes. The day the wolf cloak of Jon Snow is removed we will all stand at Isaeyan's side, for we are pack."
Tormund repeated the words in the old tongue for Mag. The wind seemed to rise around them, Ghost stood alert and Grey Wind howled, the wind rustled louder and a shower of red leaves fell over them. There was a sudden roar of thunder, moments later it started to rain. The rain seemed to bring everybody back to themselves, they pulled back. Suddenly Jon laughed, he threw the cloak over Ygritte's shoulders and pulled her close for a kiss.
Ygritte kissed him deeply then pulled back. "Right, you can all piss of now, we're done." She muttered.
Jon laughed again and scooped her up into his arms. "Not quite." He muttered, and started striding towards the edge of the godswood.
Robb picked up Longclaw and the Dragon bone bow. "Don't forget these." He laughed. Jon stopped and Robb handed the weapons to Ygritte.
They were all drenched, but in good spirits, by the time they returned to the castle proper. Jon seemed intent on carrying Ygritte all the way to his room and they left him to it. Robb pulled Theon in another direction to discuss the truth of Jon's identity, and Tormund and Mag headed towards the tall house. (Tormund had taken residence on one of the human floors.) That left Arya alone with Wynafryd.
"Would you walk me to my chambers?" Wynafryd asked. "I'm still learning my way around."
Arya nodded. "I guess it can take quite a bit to get used to." She muttered.
"Not just that, you're a good fighter, I'm not, I feel safer with you beside me." Wynafryd admitted.
Arya frowned, this was her home, and she had always felt safe in it, but things would have to change now that Robb was a king. "You should have guards." Arya muttered.
Wynafryd chucked. "I'm trying to avoid that, at least for a little while." They walked in silence for a while, then Wynafryd cleared her throat. "Arya, do you trust Margaery?" She asked.
Arya stopped walking. "Do you?" She asked.
Wynafryd pulled a face. "About as much as I like being called Wynni, I hate that name by the way, if you ever shorten my name please call me Fred."
Arya gave Wynafryd an incredulous look. "Fred?"
Wynafryd nodded. "Fred." She said firmly.
Arya smirked, then stuck out her hand. "Hi Fred, I'm Arry, it's short for Harry."
Wynafryd cracked up laughing. "Okay, Arry, what do you think Bargie-Margie is playing at."
Arya snorted, then looked around. "I think we should have this conversation somewhere more private."
~~/~~
Part 50:
Arya studied the courtyard in the pre-dawn light, her sleep had been plagued by dreams, yet she couldn't remember any of them now, she was only left with a lingering sense of tension. She was standing on one of the balcony's that overlooked the inner ward, where Father had often watched her brothers practice their archery, she knew Jon by the sound of his footsteps long before he cleared his throat.
"Thought I might find you here." He muttered. "Couldn't sleep, huh?"
Arya turned slowly and nodded. "You're going North today." She said quietly.
Jon gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll come back, don't worry."
Arya nodded. "Father hasn't come back, yet."
Jon frowned. "Robb hasn't told you?"
"Told me what? Is Father hurt? Is he sick?" Arya asked, suddenly concerned. Jon looked down, then he looked across the courtyard, anywhere but meeting her gaze. "Jon? Tell me."
Jon shook his head, slowly he met Arya's gaze. "Eddard Stark isn't coming back, he never planned to." Jon said quietly. "He took the black before I left, traded my vows for his…"
"But we gave them over three hundred men!" Arya exclaimed.
Jon nodded. "Yes, but Alliser Thorne is a vengeful man, even knowing the truth of me, he wouldn't let me go unless Ned Stark took my place. It backfired on him though, he thought with Jeor Mormont dead they'd elect him as the 998th Lord Commander, they chose Ned Stark instead." He gave her sad smile, like his heart was breaking at being the one to have to tell her. "I'm sorry." He whispered.
Arya flung herself at him and hugged him. "You have nothing to be sorry for." She whispered. They stayed like that for a while, until the sound of movement told them that it was time for Jon to go, Mag's heavy steeps were unmistakable as he made his way to the gate. Arya pulled back. "You better…"
Jon nodded. "Yeah, I better."
~~/~~
Jon frowned as Sandor checked the ropes around Stranger and attached his gear. "You know we have perfectly good horses, right? I'm sure we can find a destrier big enough for you."
"I'll make you a deal, Snow, you don't make comments about my bull, I don't make comments about your direwolf." Sandor answered.
"I don't ride Ghost." Jon replied.
Sandor patted the bull's muzzle. "You hear that, Stranger? He doesn't ride his direwolf… maybe he should?" He scratched the bulls head just behind the ear. "Hmm, what's that? Most of these horses are gonna die? I agree, boy, I agree."
"You're nuts." Asha muttered and mounted her horse, her two new axes shining in the morning light.
Oberyn and Obara shared a look then cracked up laughing, at least the group seemed in good spirits. Mag's laughter was delayed, as he had to wait for Tormund to translate, and therefore startling when it happened.
"Hmm, we're going to have to do something about that language barrier." Brienne muttered.
Tormund slid up beside her. "I could teach you the Old Tongue," He offered, raising his eyebrows suggestively at the word 'tongue', he lent in closer. "I'm very good with tongues…" He added, he lent in even closer again, ignoring the fact that Brienne's hand had moved to a blade on her hip. "And I have an enormous-"
"TORMUND LEAVE HER ALONE!" Jon shouted in exasperation. "She has no interest in your vocabulary… or anything else."
Tormund took a step back and looked at Jon. "Is vocabulary another word for cock?" He asked, looking genuinely confused.
Jon sighed. "No."
Oberyn laughed. "The lady knight does not seem interested in your advances, I appreciate that most men like a challenge, but she does not seem to consider your interest genuine. Come, ride with me, let Ser Brienne have her space. If you truly want her interest you're going to have to win her respect in battle first."
"Three woman, a giant, a viper, and a madman… and we're being led by a bastard, we're all going to die." Smalljon muttered, apparently he didn't share the rest of the groups good humour.
"That makes you and me a couple a cunts." Sandor replied. "But I'll bet you that pretty new sword, I'll live longer than you do."
Smalljon glared at him. "When you die I'm gonna use your sword to slit that bull's throat." He threatened.
Sandor just laughed and mounted Stranger. "When you die I'm gonna stick your sword up your ass." He nodded to Arya then pulled Stranger in beside Brienne's horse.
It was still early when the party finally set out, a small group had come to see them off, as the group made their way back to the keep Robb invited Tyene and Nymeria Sand to join them for breakfast, the two woman eagerly accepted the offer. Robb, Wynafryd, Ygritte, Theon, Arya, and the two Sand Snakes entered the breakfast area together. They were already talking and eating when Renly and Loras arrived, and Loras looked very displeased at the presence of Tyene and Nym, yet Renly sent him a look that told him to hold his tongue. Margaery, Orlenna, and a group of hand maidens arrived not long after.
It was strange how quickly the feel of the room changed at Olenna's arrival, even the difference in Tyene and Nym was noticeable. Theon soon excused himself and the two Sand Snakes followed. Ygritte went to stand, but Robb touched her arm and shook his head. "You are family, Ygritte, pack." Robb said calmly. "This is your home now, if Lady Olenna takes issue at your presence she is welcome to break her fast elsewhere."
"Oh, you Northerners really are quite rude, aren't you?" Olenna snapped. She pushed to her feet. "Come along, Margaery."
"Grandmother," Margaery sighed. "Sit down."
"I will not tolerate this insult." Olenna insisted. "You are a queen-"
"Yes." Wynafryd interrupted, she remained sitting, but held Olenna with her gaze. "A queen, but not the queen here. Ygritte is my cousin by marriage, just as Loras is my brother by marriage. That makes you family by extension, but if you do not enjoy our hospitality you are welcome to return to High Garden, Lady Olenna. Disrespect House Stark again and I will personally arrange your passage and escort."
The two woman locked gaze for a few moments then Olenna nodded. "Good, you are more than just a pretty thing." She sat down. "King Robb, it appears your mermaid has some teeth after all, and here I thought you only married her for the tail."
Robb smirked and patted Grey Wind. "I'll take that as an apology." He replied.
"Yes, well…" Olenna made a dismissive gesture. "Speaking of family, it really is quite ridiculous that you insist on keeping Princess Arya trapped here until you have a child…"
"I will not have my sister married off at twelve." Robb replied.
"Oh nonsense, twelve is more than old enough, have you flowered yet, girl?" She asked Arya.
Arya froze, no, she hadn't had her first blood yet, but that wasn't too unusual… Before she could answer however Margaery doubled over in pain. Arya could not later clearly recall the process of events, but at some stage Margaery latched onto her hand on the way to the birthing room and refused to let go, begging her to stay. Arya found herself somehow trapped in the birthing room. She had never seen a child be born before, she had seen horses foal, and hounds have pups, but there was something different to a human birth.
Margaery screamed as another wave of pain ripped through her and grabbed hold of Arya's right hand again, somehow she managed to get her fingernails digging into the palm of Arya's hand. In labour she had found some hidden strength, and it took a lot of effort for Arya to remove the nails. Maester Lewin was saying encouraging things, but Arya wasn't really listening, then he muttered something that caught her attention.
"You're doing good, the baby is starting to crown… oh, that's interesting."
"What's interesting?" Arya asked, suddenly alert.
"What, what's wrong?" Margaery hissed between waves of pain. "Grandmother, what's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong dear, keep pushing." Olenna replied patting her arm lightly. "I do hope that's not your sword hand she has, Arya."
"It's not, what's interesting." Arya replied.
"Oh, nothing, nothing, I just expected the baby's hair to be darker." Maester Lewin replied. "Keep pushing, Queen Magarey, the hard part is almost over."
"I- I can't." Margaery replied.
Arya closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Are you weak, Magarey? Maester Lewin said push, you can get me back for this in a few years, but right now you need to push."
"I- I can't." Margaery insisted.
Arya pulled back her hand and slapped Margaery across the face. "Look, I don't know why you want me here, and I don't know what you did to Gendry to make him so angry with you, but you asked me to stay, so I stayed. Now push, or I'll hit you again." Arya moved to lift her hand once more for emphasis.
"How dare you!?" Olenna began to roar.
Margery ignored her grandmothers outburst, she looked like she was about to burst into tears, but as she locked her gaze with Arya's the determination in her eyes was clear. She took a shuddering breath. "I- I'll push." She whispered.
Arya nodded and offered her hand back. "If you could avoid breaking my hand that would be nice too."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Margaery's mouth. "I'm so going to be there for the birth of your first child." She whispered.
"I'm so going to break your hand if you are." Arya replied.
"Your graces, if we could concentrate on the matter at hand, Queen Margaery, when the next contraction hits I need you to push and keep pushing." Maester Lewin advised. "I'll deal with Princess Arya's hand later."
Margaery nodded, the next contraction hit and she started to push, she was exhausted, sweat running down her face, yet the baby seemed stubborn, it was still another twenty minutes before the baby was born, a baby with very pale hair...
~~/~~