"Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?"

Chapter Eleven - The Mountain Clans

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Note: The pleasant interlude at White Harbor is coming to an end. Arya and her bannermen have to attract more swords to their cause and wrest control of the North from the Boltons. It will not be easy, but there will still be some entertaining distractions.

The 'romantic' action in this chapter demonstrates why teenagers should not have access to alcohol.

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Previously:

Lord Manderly looked thoughtfully at the parchment map of the North spread out on the table, and suggested, "If a party of limited size could secretly bypass Winterfell, traveling through the Wolfswood, they could approach the mountain tribes and enlist their aid. Mayhaps they would even have the advantage of surprise by attacking from the north, rather than south? It is worth considering."

Arya nodded in agreement and sighed, "We do not have many choices, and that may be our best course of action."

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After the council meeting, Arya assumed that plans would be made soon for her party to make the long journey around Winterfell through the Wolfswood to visit the mountain chieftains. But she had much to do before they could leave.

"You want what?!" the surprised maester exclaimed. When the Stark maiden appeared at his door, he assumed, based on the rumors swirling around the castle that she was there to blushingly request that he discretely provide her with moon tea. Peering at the wolf princess, he concluded that she was barely older than a child, but, alas, even a youth like her was still capable of conceiving a babe. Instead, he was stunned when she coolly demanded academic lessons.

Patiently, Arya repeated her request, "I fear that my analytical skills have suffered due to disuse during my stressful journey. I would like for you to design lessons pertaining to the mathematics for me. My sworn shield has never had formal lessons and is now required to learn about House Baratheon. Please prepare history lessons for him. We can work independently in the library during our limited free time between other activities, and you can review our work afterwards."

Maester Theomore stared at the girl. She was dressed as a young squire, although one too pretty to pass for a boy, and the blades in her belt looked lethal, but her expression was serious and she was awaiting his response. He nervously extended his hands out of his voluminous sleeves and reached for a sheet of parchment, his inkwell and goose quill. "It should not be too difficult to supply you with a course of study once I ascertain your level of knowledge, so I will have to interview you and your shield first."

Arya nodded in agreement and sighed, "If would be a boon if your acolyte could devote some time to reading Gendry's lessons to him and helping him to learn his letters, as his schooling has been limited. I would volunteer, but there is much to do before we set out on the road again. I would also ask if you would consider how we can continue to study whilst we travel."

The learned man nodded. The Stark girl was certainly not afraid of challenges. "Right," he replied, dipping a fresh quill in the inkpot, "Explain to me what your last maester taught you about sums."

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Arya insisted on continuing their afternoon sparring sessions, because she still felt that Gendry was not quite ready for combat, and they both needed to practice until swinging a sword with intent to kill was an automatic reaction to any confrontation. As usual, afterwards she would order her assigned handmaidens to prepare her bath and then leave to allow her to clean up alone. Gendry would fetch clean clothing from his chamber and cautiously enter hers, locking then door behind him. He did not really need to try to be secretive, as the Manderly household staff was well aware of their guests' habits by now, and accepted that the young couple was undoubtedly intimate.

They would usually initiate their shared bath by relaxing with Arya's back to Gendry's chest as he slowly started to soap her stomach, breasts, and arms, and then move on to other parts of her body. After Arya was clean, she would turn and soap him down, and both would rinse in fresh water. This afternoon, after soaping and rinsing, Arya straddled his waist, and gave him a stern expression, "I am going to shave you now. Is this razor sharp?" Gendry was quite wary. First, they were nude and he felt their privates touching intimately. Second, he wasn't sure if he trusted her to take a blade to his throat. Third, he was offended by her question, as he was an apprentice armorer and his blades were always sharp!

When he hesitated to answer, the girl became impatient, and scolded, "Your beard is too rough! My cheeks are always red from kissing you, and look at this!" Arya stood up in the tub and spread her legs. Gendry immediately became aroused, but could not help but notice that the sensitive, pale flesh of the inside of her thighs was also red and scraped. Seeing his engorged cock making an appearance only annoyed the wolf girl. She slapped his face lightly and huffed, "I am not feeling amorous! Now sit still and let me shave this stubble off!" He obliged by soaping his face and then only moving when she gave instructions. The last thing he wanted to do was to anger a maiden holding a sharp knife to his neck.

Later, when they were dry and dressed nicely, all rosy and flushed from their bath and making their way to the Great Hall for dinner, Wynafryd Manderly approached and asked, "Lady Arya, if you were bathing, why did you not request assistance?"

Arya smiled and held up Gendry's huge hands for display, replying, "See? These are the perfect size for soaping my back!"

Innocent Lady Wynafryd merely blushed and said, "Oh my! I wager that you did not require anyone else," and scurried away, unable to look the smirking wolf girl in the eyes.

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Arya entered Lord Manderly's solar for another council meeting, Gendry at her back. Lord Wyman, Lady Mormont, and the Greatjon obviously had already been in conversation, and they all cast serious gazes at the wolf girl, occasionally flicking their eyes at Gendry, then back to Arya again. From their wary glances, she had the distinct sensation of being a naïve young child amongst stern adults. Lord Umber was usually jovial and friendly with Arya, but today it was obvious that he was all business. She would have been worried, but she knew that these nobles were the most loyal vassals of her House, and as a group, represented the bulk of the North's present fighting men, wealth, and brain power.

Lord Manderly spoke first, "Lady Stark, we have been discussing the enigma of your sworn shield, Ser Gendry Waters. He may have been born simply a Flea Bottom bastard, but he is also the oldest living male progeny of the late King Robert Baratheon. As such, he represents the proper line of succession to the Iron Throne, assuming that Queen Cersei's children are the products of incest, as King Robert's brother, Stannis, insists. As Robert's true heir, he would also be the next Lord of the Stormlands."

Lord Umber, the vassal most familiar with the wolf princess, gently continued, "Arya, we are considering apprising King Stannis of Ser Gendry's existence and his allegiance to the North. Mayhaps Stannis would legitimize his nephew and the news of Gendry's existence could rally the other Houses who are not pleased with the Lannisters' grip on the government, encouraging them to join and fight the crown, harassing Kong Joffrey's forces in King's Landing and drawing Lord Tywin's attention away from the North."

Arya appeared concerned and bit her lip before replying, "Gendry is uncomfortable with the concept of nobility and would likely reject any effort to promote him to a lordship. Also, I doubt that there would be any support for him to ascend the Iron Throne."

Lord Manderly nodded his agreement, "Aye, it is farfetched to think of Gendry becoming the King of Westeros, but consider, my lady, he must be a nobleman if he were to wed the daughter of a Great House."

Now the she-wolf sighed, "More than anything, Gendry desires to marry me. I suppose that he would agree to your terms to make that happen."

All eyes turned to the lad in question, standing behind Arya and obviously struck into shocked silence by the discussion. "Well, lad, what say you about this matter?" asked the Greatjon with a kindly tone in his voice.

Speaking slowly and carefully, Gendry replied, "Milady is correct. I have desired to wed her for several years, and if I have to become Lord Baratheon to do so, then I agree. However, I am totally unprepared to take charge of a castle and a kingdom."

Now the Greatjon smirked and eyed Arya, "If that does come to pass, it will be the wolf girl's task to help you become a proper lord. Her parents prepared her to take the reins of a Great House, and the alliance between North and South will certainly please the other high lords, once the Lannisters are removed from power. Are you ready for this, princess?"

Arya's countenance was serious beyond her years as she thoughtfully replied, "Gendry and I try to treat each other as equals in our relationship. I have always said that I did not want to be a typical lady, but if we were to rule the Stormlands together, I would accept the role of a leader, as my lord father wished." Gendry placed his hand over hers and nodded his agreement, overwhelmed by the direction of the discussion.

Lord Manderly announced briskly, "So it is settled. As all of you travel beyond the normal channels of communication, I will contact King Stannis and confer with him."

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As the party assembled and prepared to depart, Arya noticed the additional supply horses. Gendry's plate armor required a horse of its own, and Arya had her own supply horse, as she had acquired more possessions as she traveled. She watched as the She-Bear loaded a large sack of formal dresses, petticoats, corsets, and linen smallclothes onto the back of her supply horse.

Lady Mormont had consulted with Lady Leona, and with the assistance of her daughters Wynafryd and Wylla, the wolf girl was corralled, bathed, and forced into a variety of formal gowns as alterations were made to fit her petite frame. As usual, Arya protested the wearing of dresses, but the astute older women scolded the uncouth tomboy, pointing out that she was the Princess of the North, the representative of House Stark, and if she expected the mountain chieftains to rally to her cause, she would be required to play the part of Lady Stark now.

Arya scowled and complained, "And they will all be trying to match me with their sons, and talking about weddings and beddings!"

As Lady Manderly smiled at the thought of a sullen Arya being wooed by the mountain lordlings, Lady Mormont chuckled, "Aye, and you had better smile demurely and act the maiden when you dance with them. No one is forcing you to marry anyone, but you will need to be as polite as possible to your vassals."

The she wolf attempted a jape, "I will try not to stab any unwanted suitors."

That remark caused irreverent Lady Mormont to smile, "Nae, stabbing someone will not help you make any friends!"

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The wolf princess's party, which included her sworn shield and wolfsguard, plus Galbart Glover, the Greatjon, and the She-Bear, set out in a northwesterly direction, initially following the White Knife River. Eventually they left the river and headed into the Barrowlands, which they would need to cross before entering the Wolfswood. Gendry, the only real stranger to the region, looked at the vast grassland with its many low rolling hills spreading out before his eyes. Under a dull gray sky, with a chill wind whipping the grass around, the hesitant youth reined in his horse and shivered, muttering, "What a forbidding landscape."

Pulling up alongside him, Lady Mormont looked sharply at the uncomfortable Southerner and informed him, "It is said that those hills are barrows, the graves of the First Men, killed in battle by the children of the forest long ago."

With a grim expression, the Greatjon joined the conversation, "I pray that the shades of the dead do not disturb our dreams tonight."

As the two old warriors rode on ahead, Arya caught up with her sworn shield and grinned, "They are just trying to scare you. If we share furs tonight, I doubt that you will be conscious of any ghosts."

Gendry now had a relieved countenance and he replied, "Just so, milady, I will focus my attention solely on you after dark."

Night came quickly when the sun went down, and the party hastily made a fire and unpacked their sleeping furs. Exhausted from their journey in the cold climate, the travelers conversed briefly after a warm dinner and retired to their furs. Arya made a show of wrapping herself in bedding close to, but separated from her shield, but when she felt everyone else was asleep, crept into Gendry's furs as usual. They stripped down to their smallclothes to keep each other warm and kissed briefly, but made no attempt to increase intimacy.

Wondering why his consciousness was pulled out of a deep sleep, Gendry sensed movement outside his bedding. Moving the furs away from his head, he saw two ghostly figures looming over him, and as soon as his face appeared, the pale forms began to shriek and grasp at him. Gendry emitted a high-pitched squeal and jumped out of his furs. His sudden movements awakened Arya, and as soon as the drowsy wolf girl saw the threatening forms, she also screamed and bounced out of her bedding gripping her dagger. The two youths stood shivering in their smallclothes and clutching each other in terror, but the menacing shapes suddenly began to howl with laughter, ripping away the white sheets from their bodies and revealing the gleeful faces and hands of Lady Maege and the Greatjon, covered with flour.

The Greatjon was chuckling now, and Lady Mormont actually appeared disappointed as she exclaimed, "We were sure the princess was under your furs, Gendry, and I wagered Lord Umber that you would both be naked! I fear that I owe him some coin now."

Arya exhibited highborn dignity to mask her embarrassment and angrily retorted, "Well, now that you have had your childish fun, I suggest we all return to our furs and get some sleep, as we have a hard ride ahead of us tomorrow! Come Gendry, to bed!" And she grasped the startled lad's hand and dragged him back inside their furs, which were mercifully still warm.

The Greatjon cheerily called after them, "Best keep your clothes on! Tis a cold night!"

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They traveled through the bleak Barrowlands for more than two weeks before reaching the edge of the Wolfswood, having avoided being seen by anyone on the Kingsroad or near Barrowtown and Castle Cerwyn. Once inside the Wolfswood they steered clear of Deepwood Motte and rode directly north to the edge of the mountains. Lady Maege said that they would first approach Hugo Wull, known as 'the Big Bucket' or 'the Wull', as he commanded the most swords, and was acknowledged as the leader of the loosely organized mountain clans. She looked directly at Arya and said, "Theo Wull fought next to Ned Stark during Robert's Rebellion and the Wull would welcome Ned's precious daughter and likely answer your plea for arms." The wolf princess's eyes widened and she nodded at the suggestion.

As they marched, Lady Mormont related more information about the mountain clans to Arya. Bear Island, located in the Bay of Ice, was the closest of the lowland holdfasts to the mountains, and she was most familiar with them. Lady Maege was well acquainted with the Wulls, for they fished in the Bay of Ice, and were the furthest south of all the clans. The Wulls were also the largest and most power clan, and many of the others always followed their lead. Besides the Wull, the other highly respected leader among the clan chieftains was Torghen Flint, or 'the Old Flint', and his clan was located close to the Gift in the northern part of the mountains. The Norreys also lived close to the Gift, and in the past had joined the Flints and the Night's Watch in fighting back wilding invasions over the Gorge, circumventing the westernmost castle of the Watch, the Shadow Tower.

"Most folks in Westeros know little about the mountain clans," the She-Bear explained, "for their villages, towns, or roads are not marked on maps, but they have been there for thousands of years in the high valleys and meadows. The clans are intensely loyal to Winterfell, and like the Starks, worship the old gods and weirwood trees. The chieftains do not call themselves lords and are less formal than folks in the south. The clans often quarrel amongst themselves and their disputes have traditionally been settled by Lord Stark in Winterfell. They have great respect for House Stark and called your lord father 'the Ned'. The mountain peoples are very hardy, as it is always cold where they live. They tend herds of sheep and goats, and breed the hardiest horses ever seen. During hard winters, the young are sent to Wintertown or they would die of starvation."

As Lord Umber nodded his accord, Lady Mormont pronounced the most important piece of information, "The other major clans are the Burleys, Harclays, Knotts, and Liddles. All told, they number two score clans, large and small, and mayhaps as many as three thousand swords."

"Three thousand swords!" Arya repeated in wonder, "That is a formidable force, especially if they give us the advantage of surprise!"

"Aye," the Greatjon replied, "With Lord Manderly commanding a sizable army south of Winterfell, and our fighters secretly approaching from the Wolfswood, I believe we can retake the North."

Arya smiled, "I hope we can make it so."

Lady Mormont now advised, "Lady Arya, Lord Umber will serve as a surrogate for your lord father, and you must visit the major clans, one at a time, starting with the Wulls. You must sup and drink their ale, listen and dance to their pipers, praise the beauty of their daughters and courage of their sons. If you observe these courtesies, the mountain men will likely volunteer to fight at your side, for they are very independent and cannot be ordered to serve. Know that Owen Norrey and some other Norreys and Burleys marched with King Robb and were murdered at the Red Wedding. The chieftains will be inclined to join your cause for that reason alone."

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After ten days of traveling through the Wolfswood, the party finally reached the borderland of the northern mountains, and another week in the foothills brought them close to the stout wooden holdfast of the Wull clan near the Bay of Ice. The Big Bucket was initially surprised by their arrival, but after recognizing Lady Maege and Arya, now no longer a child, he welcomed his guests heartily. Arya briefly explained the reason for their journey and the Wull concluded that a conference of the clan leaders was necessary. He sent messengers to inform the other chieftains, and began to organize a proper feast to celebrate a visit from his liege Lady of Winterfell and other noble personages.

Over several days the chieftains arrived, the last ones being the Old Flint and the Norrey, who had the furthest to travel. Lady Mormont had sent a raven to her daughter Alysane, instructing her to assemble a company of Bear Island's available fighters to join Arya's growing army, and to come on ahead of them to the Wull holdfast. When Lady Alysane arrived, Arya observed that she appeared as her mother had described; a fierce soldier in leathers with a well-used bastard sword in her belt, with a womanly, but not as exceedingly voluptuous frame as her mother's, and a rather pretty face. Her brown hair was secured in a long braid extending down her back. Alysane was polite and curtsied before Arya, saying that she was pleased to see that her liege lady was also a bold warrior woman, and not a simpering lady. Arya snorted and replied that by necessity Stark women were required to be tough. Then Alysane caught a glimpse of Gendry, standing behind the wolf princess, and exclaimed with wide eyes, "And who is this maiden's dream?! Do my eyes deceive me or am I really gazing at a perfect example of handsome manflesh?!"

Not entirely comfortable with the Young She-Bear's reaction, Arya replied, "This is Ser Gendry Waters, my sworn shield. We have traveled together since escaping the murderous Lannisters in King's Landing."

Seizing Gendry's arm and staring into his eyes, which she could easily do, for she was almost his height, Alysane purred, "A knight, and a survivor of Lannister treachery! You must have many interesting stories to tell, Ser Gendry, and I would love to hear them. Why don't we find a wineskin and you can entertain me with your tales?"

Gendry was shocked and lost for words, as he usually was when accosted by forward, lusty women, and Arya intervened, "Ser Gendry is also my betrothed, Lady Alysane, and I do not think it would be a good idea to seek entertainment from him." Arya was desperately trying to maintain the expected dignity of her station, but she really wanted to snarl, Unhand my man, bitch, or I will scratch your fucking eyes out!

Lady Alysane appeared startled for a moment, but quickly recovered her composure, released Gendry's arm, bowed and replied, "A thousand pardons, princess, I meant no disrespect. I must say that you are a very fortunate woman. Now please excuse me, as I must go find my lady mother."

Arya nodded and with narrowed eyes, watched her depart, then whirled to glare at Gendry. Furiously, she spat, "Alysane may be my vassal, but if she fondles you again, I will skewer her with my dagger!"

Gendry remembered how the she wolf had almost stabbed a wench at the inn at Fairmarket, and wanted to avoid any unnecessary violence. Nervously, he replied, "I will try to avoid her and prevent unseemly behavior, milady."

"Good idea," she muttered, still watching Alysane's back. Gendry was watching too, and tried to suppress the notion that the She-Bear's arse was perfectly large and swayed with an alluring motion.

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Arya and her inner council members conferred with the chieftains, and she thanked them for their longstanding loyalty to House Stark. She mourned for all the victims of the Red Wedding, naming her family members and all the Northern vassals that were murdered by Frey treachery. The chieftains agreed that revenge must be served first against the traitorous Boltons, and then the Lannisters and Freys. Under the Old Flint's and the Big Bucket's leadership, all the chieftains committed swords for the Lady of Winterfell's army, and word was sent to all the mountain holdfasts to gather the troops. The Old Flint and the Big Bucket were too old to march and fight, but both had many sons and grandsons to send into battle. Black Donnel Flint, Hugo Wull the Younger, Morgan Liddle, and Brandon Norrey the Younger were appointed to lead the swords of the mountain clans. Both older chieftains had met Arya as a ferocious child at Winterfell, and now easily saw the similarity between the bold she wolf and the teenage Lyanna Stark and commented on it. The Wull said, "The blood of the ancient Starks runs strongly in her veins. The wolf princess is worthy of our support."

Now that the serious meetings were completed, it was time for the feasting to begin. Life was harsh in the mountains, and when there was an opportunity to make merry, the clans indulged in lavish celebrations. As the meat was roasted on rotating spits over huge fire pits, root vegetables were boiled, wineskins and barrels of ale chilled, the tables set with trenchers and tankards, and the musicians tuned their instruments, the Ladies Mormont seized Arya before she could escape, and as the natural tomboy complained bitterly, they bathed her in a hot bath with rose petals and dressed her in the finery provided by Lady Manderly. When the wolf girl protested about all the fussing, Lady Maege scolded her as if she were a child, reminding her that she now represented House Stark, and was required to play the part of the mountain clans' liege lady, by appearing beautiful and noble, praising their food, drinks, and lovely children, and demurely dancing with every chieftain or heir who asked. The petulant princess muttered, "If anyone pinches my arse, they may lose a hand!"

Lady Mormont laughed loudly at her remark and smirked, "If my memory of these mountain feasts is correct, your bottom will be black and blue by the end of the evening, and you must not complain! That would be impolite to your host. As for me, I would welcome a pinch on my old, wrinkled arse!"

Arya was attired in delicate silky smallclothes, several layers of petticoats, and an embroidered red silk gown with a low, but modest neckline, revealing just enough bust and cleavage to satisfy male eyes. The wolf girl was able to convince Lady Mormont to leave off the corset, as she already possessed a narrow waist. Her shoulder-length chestnut hair was brushed out until it was wavy and glossy, and small braids that kept hair out of her face were pinned around the crown of her head. Lady Manderly had gifted Arya with a garnet necklace set in gold and matching earrings. The final touch was the blush on her cheeks and bosom, berry juice on her lips, and a light coating of kohl under her eyes, accentuating her dark eyebrows.

As she left her chamber, Arya was surprised to see Gendry, attired in a splendid black surcoat, take her arm. He was to be her escort tonight, as the chieftains insisted that the princess had no need for a personal guardian amongst them, and they desired that Ser Gendry represent the North's Baratheon ally. He stared at the she-wolf, inhaled, and blurted out, "Milady, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!"

"Stupid bull, do not call me milady!" his companion automatically scolded, but all the same, she smiled at him with flashing eyes at his compliment. The couple entered the feast area amid much cheering, and Arya sat at the high table between the Flint and the Wull, with the Greatjon and the She-Bear framing the important chieftains. Gendry found himself wedged between both Lady Mormonts, and Alysane immediately smiled and showered him with attention. The feast commenced with many toasts, and as the food was served, one by one, vassals approached Arya to introduce themselves, swear fealty, and exclaim how beautiful she was, an admirable representative of House Stark. The Greatjon was careful to inform the kitchen staff to serve only watered wine to Arya and Gendry, but he had no control over how much was served.

Eventually the meal was over, the tables pushed back, and the dancing began. As Lady Mormont promised, every male eye was on Arya, and every chieftain and heir demanded to have a turn with the wolf princess. Many of the chieftains had daughters, and Gendry's dance card was full, also. However, he found himself frequently dancing with a smiling Alysane Mormont, and her hand would often slip down to grip his arse.

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Lady Maege, the Old Flint, and the Wull had all known Arya's lord father in his youth, and had attended court at Winterfell often. Observing Arya dancing with the sons of the chieftains, they began to reminisce. With faraway eyes, the Old Flint recounted, "Aye, the wolf princess certainly has me recalling her auntie. There was a bold lassie for you! The best rider among her brothers, she had a sharp eye with the bow, and defied her lord father by learning to spar. Yet dressed in a gown, she was as comely as that maiden dancing over there, and all the young lordings fought for her attention."

"Lady Lyanna was as smart as she was daring, yet as humble and cordial as one would expect a Stark to be," Lady Maege added, "I was so taken with her that I named my youngest after her."

The Big Bucket brought up less pleasant memories. "I wish Robert Baratheon had never set eyes on her," he rumbled, "Lord Rickard approved the match, as did Ned, but it was obvious that Lyanna was less than pleased. She was aware of his reputation as a drinking man and a whoremonger and did not feel that he would be a good husband."

"She would never go against her lord father's wishes, as it was simply not done," the She-Bear continued the thought, "but I am sure that Lyanna saw Prince Rhaegar's invitation to elope with him as a way to escape an unhappy betrothal."

"Wait, the dragon prince invited her to elope?!" the Old Flint asked, wrinkling his brow in puzzlement, "I thought Rhaegar kidnapped and raped Lyanna! That was why we fought in Robert's Rebellion!"

Lady Mormont sighed, "That is what Robert would have us believe, and that was the accepted story at the time, but I have recently learned that she went with the Targaryen willingly and chose to wed him as his second wife."

"And that Baratheon turned out to be a shit king and foolishly put the kingdom into the hands of that grasping monster, Tywin Lannister, and his family!" the Old Flint spat, "Those greedy lions care about naught but themselves!" Becoming very angry, he continued, "Our liege lord went to help the stag king clean up the mess he made in King's Landing and lost his head for his effort! I would like to strangle his evil son Joffrey with my own hands!"

The Big Bucket changed the topic. Nodding his head towards Gendry, uncomfortably dancing with an adoring maiden, he asked, "Do you think that the Baratheon bastard is any better than his father? He looks just like him."

Lady Mormont smiled, "I have spent much time with the lad and can report that the physical resemblance is all he has inherited. Gendry does not seem to have a love for the wineskin, nor does he chase skirts. He is open and honest and devoted to his liege lady. He was raised in a smithy and is a skilled armorer's apprentice, possessing the intelligence and work ethic of a typical craftsman."

But The Old Flint frowned, "I still do not feel comfortable with our wolf princess matched to a southerner. I would rather she choose a fine Northman instead."

His remark caused Lady Mormont to laugh, "Such as your son, Artos, heh?! Well, I may help your cause, as my daughter Alysane is courting Ser Gendry, whether he knows it or not, and if she is successful, a Northern lad may have a chance with Lady Arya!"

Earlier, the Old Flint brought forth his second son, Artos, and introduced him to Arya by roughly pushing the hesitant youth forward and loudly exclaiming, "This is the wolf princess I told you about, son!"

Surprising, Artos Flint was not a huge, hairy, boisterous mountain man, but a somewhat quiet, clean-shaven, smaller lad. He smiled pleasantly and kissed her hand, murmuring that she was beautiful, mayhaps as lovely as the legendary Lady Jonquil. Artos fixed her with such an enraptured gaze that she immediately recalled Lord Beric's sweet squire, Ned Dayne.

Observing how mesmerized the boy appeared, the Old Flint pounded his son on the back and demanded, "Well, what do you think of her, lad?"

Gazing shyly at Arya first, he turned his eyes to his father, "I think she is very comely, father."

Gruff Torghen Flint smirked, "Oh ho! I know that look! You'd like to bed her, wouldn't you, lad? Hah! Does he meet your expectations, princess?"

With a grin and flashing eyes, the wolf girl replied, "Your son is comely, Lord Flint, but I care little for flowery words. However, I would be curious to see how skilled he is at sparring in the training yard."

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The celebration, drinking, and dancing continued into the night, and both Arya and Gendry were required to remain on the dance floor far longer than they would have liked. When they appeared weary, their partners would fetch them goblets of watered wine to refresh them. If Arya happened to see Gendry in the crowd, it seemed that Alysane Mormont was in his arms far too often, whispering in his ear. Arya observed their interaction and assumed that Gendry was attracted to the older, taller, and more voluptuous young woman. The wolf princess was annoyed and irritated, and felt a bit self-conscious, as she usually was when comparing herself against more mature maidens. She also realized that Artos Flint seemed to be devoting much attention to her, compared to the other girls present, flattering her as they gracefully danced.

Lady Alysane appeared to be very taken with the humble young smith and tried to entice his interest while they danced, murmuring, "Ser Gendry, my mother says that you have a skilled tongue and I would love to experience your talent." She cast the shocked lad with a lustful gaze and continued, "Of course, I would return the favor," pointedly looking down at his groin.

Gendry became flustered, blushed, and replied haltingly, "That would not be proper, milady."

The young she-bear chuckled and accused, "Gendry, you cannot possibly be as innocent as you appear. I expect that you must be as adventurous a cocksman as your famous father was!"

Gendry looked pained at the allegation and grimaced. He realized that he was starting to feel woozy from too much wine and dancing and released Lady Alysane, muttering excuses that he felt unwell and desired to leave. He was desperate to find his bed, and once inside his chamber, he threw off his clothes and collapsed on the mattress. As his head started to spin, he mercifully passed into an unconscious state.

Arya was also feeling the effects of the wine and confessed to her partner that she required a respite from dancing. Artos guided her into a darkened area of the grounds and gently placed his arm around her waist, murmuring, "Lady Arya, I am drawn to you like a moth to a flame." The amorous youth began to stroke her hair and kiss her neck.

Arya was also feeling the effects of the wine and confessed to her partner that she required a respite from dancing. Artos guided her into a darkened area of the grounds and gently placed his arm around her waist, murmuring, "Lady Arya, I am drawn to you like a moth to a flame." Drawing her torso closer to his chest, the amorous youth began to stroke her hair and kiss her neck.

The wolf princess was definitely inebriated and her confused mind was once again reflecting on how much Artos resembled handsome Ned Dayne, another adoring lad that she once had imagined kissing. Artos moved his lips to her mouth and encouraged the relaxed girl to tangle tongues with him. She sighed and willingly embraced the eager suitor, surprised to realize that she was becoming aroused by his ardent kisses, as she had thought that only Gendry could draw forth that reaction. Leaning against a secluded tree trunk, they kissed deeply for a few minutes until Arya became aware of giggling nearby. Assuming that they were being observed, her blood went cold and she broke away from the enraptured youth, not wanting to be the source of any embarrassing gossip. Recovering her senses, Arya firmly said, "Artos, I am very tired and need to go to bed. However, I still want to see what you can do in the training yard. Good morrow!"

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Gendry was suffering from wine-induced delusions, and he dimly thought that he was still dreaming when he felt a female form climb over him and begin to caress his manhood through his smallclothes. Alysane Mormont's face appeared before his watery eyes and she smiled, "Hmm, Gendry, we are alone now and there is no need for you to pretend to be shy. I've seen the way the little wolf princess looks at you and I am certain that you have much to offer a willing maiden. I want you to make love to me! I'm sure we are most compatible." Alysane pressed her large breasts to his chest and moved to kiss his lips.

Gendry was instantly awake and sober as his mind processed Alysane's intentions. He hurriedly pushed the Young She-Bear off to the side and slid out from beneath her, protesting, "Lady Mormont, please! I am more than just a sworn shield to Lady Arya! I love her and am dedicated to her! We intend to wed someday and it would be shameful for me to consider coupling with another woman! You may think differently, but I am not my father!"

Alysane smirked, "Your ardor may be misplaced, Gendry. Lady Stark, as Princess of the North, will surely be expected to marry a lofty nobleman for political reasons, and you cannot bring her soldiers, wealth, or more allies. Nae, you cannot offer her much of practical value, can you? Her advisors will undoubtedly convince her to make a much more advantageous match."

The young smith was still holding the bold warrior woman at arm's length, but stared at her speechlessly as he considered her words. He did not know how to respond immediately and Alysane continued, "We She-Bears are more practical and do not balk at your bastard status, but approve of the fact that you are the son of a prolific warrior king. Our babes would be large and strong cubs that could become powerful soldiers and leaders of House Mormont. Forget about the frail wolf maid and consider me as a mate. I can offer you much pleasure." Alysane shifted her breasts into his line of sight.

Gendry was visibly upset, but shook his head and found his voice, "Nae, our love goes deeper than politics and a desire for strong babes. We have shared hardships and supported each other in awful situations. We trust and depend on each other. No matter what you think, we do have a strong partnership. Please leave now, as your presence here will compromise my honor!"

Arya had been delayed by her dalliance with Artos Flint, but once she had retreated to her chamber and recovered her senses somewhat, she removed her fine clothing, changed into her sheer nightie, and wrapped herself with a bathrobe. Then she quietly stole down the hallway to Gendry's room, entered and silently closed the door, and let the robe slip to the floor. She turned around only to be surprised by the sight of Alysane Mormont in the chamber. Lady Mormont was fully clothed and Gendry wore only his smallclothes. Both were standing and Gendry was gripping her arms. They had obviously been arguing. Staring at Alysane, at first Arya's mouth was frozen open in shock, but then she sputtered angrily, "What are you doing here?!"

The Young She-Bear brazenly bore a defiant expression, "I was only after what I am sure you do when you ravish this fine specimen of manhood, my lady. I believe that he certainly knows how to pleasure a woman."

Arya lost her temper and yelled into Alysane's face, "I told you earlier that Gendry was mine and to leave him alone!" The wolf girl was frustrated as she had left her weapons in her own chamber and would have impulsively stabbed the Young She-Bear if she had been armed. All she could do now was to angrily shout, spittle flying from her mouth, "Lady Mormont! I value you as my vassal, but I will not tolerate you tempting Gendry! He belongs to me and I will not share him! Leave now or I will scratch your eyes out!"

As the belligerent she-wolf stared at her, Alysane moved towards the door and apologetically muttered, "Beg pardon, my lady, apparently I misjudged your relationship and did not believe that Gendry was as committed to you as indicated earlier. Obviously I was wrong." She fled the chamber without another word.

When Alysane had closed the door behind her, Arya whirled around, fixing stormy eyes upon her shield and demanding, "Did you fuck her?!"

Gendry appeared properly embarrassed and chastened and replied remorsefully, "Nae, my lady, I was trying to sleep off the excess wine in my belly when she stole into my chamber and began to molest me. As soon as I realized what she was doing I rejected her. That was when you came in." He looked extremely embarrassed standing there in his smallclothes, and the way the delicate long eyelashes of his lowered lids shielded his bright blue eyes caused her anger to dissipate.

Arya was also feeling a bit guilty as she reflected on her own actions earlier with Artos Flint. Now she observed that Gendry's cock was dramatically tenting his smallclothes and realized that she had become aroused. The wolf girl hastily stripped off her sheer nightie, took his arm and dragged him into the bed. He helped her hurriedly remove his smallclothes and place the thin silk nightgown between them. Arya eagerly began to press her mound against his cock, while initiating a deep, absorbing kiss. Gendry was also extremely aroused and responded eagerly and soon they were throbbing forcefully against each other and moaning uncontrollably. They simulated the act of coupling and only the thin material of the nightgown, now soaking wet with their combined juices, was the only thing preventing actual penetration. They groaned and pulsated violently until they shared an explosive orgasm, and a gasping Arya rolled off of the wheezing boy. As their breathing returned to normal, their faces were shining with perspiration and their mutual desire was sated for the moment. Both nude bodies were damp as Arya lay closely by Gendry's side and pressed her breasts against his ribs. He embraced her with one arm and she began to stroke the fine black hair of his chest, murmuring, "That must be what fucking is like."

Gendry made eye contact and replied, "If that is what fucking is like, I cannot wait do it with you, and only you."

Arya allowed herself to feel placated about the Alysane incident and grinned, "Well, we cannot do the real thing yet, but we can still practice," and she lay back and pulled him over her as they repeated the performance with Gendry on top this time, with Arya encouraging him to pulsate slowly, until they shared an agonizingly drawn out and sweet climax. By now they were both exhausted and the effects of the wine had totally dissipated. Arya pulled the drenched nightgown over her head and Gendry was delighted that it was completely transparent now, however he was soon disappointed when she wrapped the bathrobe around herself. She kissed him good morrow and slipped back to her own chamber, falling immediately into a deep sleep. Likewise, Gendry was thoroughly sapped of any remaining energy and welcomed slumber also.

#####

By the midday meal on the following day, most of the celebrants had recovered sufficiently from the feast. Very few had been capable of attending the break fast and did not appear until the afternoon repast. Arya arrived, dressed in clean leathers, with Gendry her shield, stiffly behind her, both attempting to negate any memories of the indiscretions of the previous evening. However, the wolf princess refused to make eye contact with Alysane Mormont, as did the young smith, and the Young She-Bear did not attempt to engage either one in conversation whilst her mother looked from one to the other and snickered loudly. Artos Flint approached Arya, bowed and kissed her hand and enquired, "I trust you slept well, my lady?" to which she retorted, "Quite well, thank you." After a pause, she continued, "I meant what I said last night. I expect to see you in the training yard later this afternoon." The lad nodded, but did not appear to be very confident.

The principal leaders were soon discussing the plans for the mobilization of the swords of the various clans and speculated how long it would take for the armed men to gather and then set out on their mission. Lady Mormont mentioned that Galbart Glover, the Master of nearby Deepwood Motte, had parted from the company in the Wolfswood so he could return to his holdfast and assemble any available men-at-arms for the coming battle and intended to join the muster in the mountains. The Northern army of Lady Stark was slowly rallying, and soon would be ready to confront the turncoat Boltons. Arya was pleased and hopeful.

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Note: So Arya and Gendry had a little too much alcohol for the first time in their lives and a few party fouls occurred. Better it should happen now than for serious peccadillos to occur later. Let us hope that they learned something from the experience.

Next: The Northern forces consolidate and commence the effort to retake Winterfell.