Game of Thrones: Everything I Never Knew I Wanted

Chapter 11 of my Game of Thrones story; enjoy.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 11: Final Decisions

Robb pondered to himself as he walked through the Winterfell courtyard. Grey Wind padded at his side; Robb was lost in thought, wondering about Arya and Gendry. There had been no official announcement yet but for all accounts and purposes; Arya and Gendry were now betrothed.

'They're both so happy now…But still…' Robb frowned as he thought about everything that had led up to this moment. 'I think I should have a talk with him…A proper talk this time.'

He was much calmer now; the last time something like this had been revealed to him, he had regrettably lost his temper. This had led him to beating Gendry up; but this time he would stay calm. He had already spoken to Gendry, it was true; but now Gendry and Arya were betrothed they would definitely need another one. It was then Grey Wind stopped and tilted his head. Robb stopped and turned to see what his Direwolf had seen. It was Lady and Summer, following Ghost towards the Godswood; from the howling Robb guessed Nymeria and Shaggydog were already in the Godswood. Robb smiled and scratched Grey Wind behind the ears.

"Go ahead; go with them." He told the wolf.

Grey Wind bounded forwards and soon joined the other wolves as they entered the Godswood. Robb smiled and made up his mind, he headed for the forge.

He reached the forge and heads inside; there he sees Mikken working as usual; Gendry is working too. Mikken looks up and smiles.

"Greetings Lord Robb." He said cheerfully. "How may I assist you today?"

Robb smiled back. "I was wondering if I could speak with Gendry, if he's free…If he's too busy, I'll just come back later."

Gendry shook his head. "It's no trouble M'lord."

Mikken nodded and Robb and Gendry headed through to the back room. Once there Gendry turned and gestured.

"M'lord, I'm sorry I took so long, but I've managed to fix up your armour."

Robb noticed the armour suit and walked over to it. He examined it carefully; Gendry had certainly done a great job. Robb turned to him and smiled wider.

"Thank you Gendry, it looks perfect." Gendry nodded; Robb paused and then spoke. "We really need to talk Gendry."

"About Arya?" Gendry asked; Robb nodded.

"I need to warn you; you probably already know, but still…" He paused and then explained. "You better treat her right; or else…I might have to send Grey Wind on you."

Gendry laughed and then replied. "Arya and Nymeria would get me first."

Robb had to admit he was right and laughed too.

Finally Gendry stopped laughing and was serious again.

"So, you know about Arya and I…getting married."

Robb nodded. "Yes, I do…Before you ask; I'm fine with it."

Gendry paused and then asked. "Did you hear…did Lord Stark tell you; about my father?"

"Yes he did." Robb admitted. "But…even if you weren't King Robert's son, I'd still be happy for you and Arya getting married."

Gendry looked at him, surprised. "Really?"

Robb nodded. "Yes; I've watched the two of you; after I found out about…you know. I've seen the way you look at each other; I can see you love each other."

He paused and then added.

"That's why I felt I needed to talk to you…to warn you." He explained. "I just wanted to be sure you knew just how much she means to us."

"I do." Gendry reassured his soon to be good-brother. "She means a lot to me too."

Robb nodded and Gendry was relieved; it seemed to him that slowly, one by one, the Starks were finally accepting him as, now, Arya's betrothed and before long as her husband. It had been decided by Lord Stark that Gendry would move into Arya's chambers; mainly for the baby's benefit.

"Well, I have to go." Robb said. "Please, remember what I said."

Gendry nodded and Robb left the forge. Gendry was still nervous however; as there was still one person yet to accept him. He was worried however that Lady Stark would not accept him; despite the reassurances of the rest of the family.

Meanwhile; Eddard Stark sat at his solar; he had just finished writing a letter for Robert. He sighed as he read and reread it. In the letter he took care to explain carefully about Arya's pregnancy; the identity of the father and his wishes for Robert to at least acknowledge the boy. He just hoped Robert would understand and respond well to his wishes.

'After all; even if it's not how it was originally planned…It still technically means we'll have a Stark/Baratheon alliance.' He thought; feeling slightly better about the situation. 'Hopefully everything will work out now…Everybody seems to be warming up to the idea. Cat will need some convincing, but if she could just see…If I told her the truth about Gendry, like I told Robb. Maybe that would allow her to see things differently; maybe then she would accept him.'

It was then the door opened.

"Ned." It was Cat.

Ned stood up as she approached; she looked apprehensive.

"Ned; are you really sure about this?" She asked. "He's just a bastard boy; what will other people think…I know Arya and Gendry probably don't care about that; but it could really affect their child."

"It goes deeper than that Cat; his father is Robert Baratheon."

Cat gaped; the last thing she had expected was for Gendry to be none other than a King's bastard. "But, then he…He…?"

Ned sighed. "Listen Cat; you need to understand…I've already asked Robert to acknowledge the boy. But I'd rather we all be happy with their marriage; that includes you. Please observe them a bit more; see if you can see what I mean…The similarities and differences between Gendry and his father."

Cat nodded slowly. "Very well; I will see them. I hope this works out Ned, for all our sakes…especially Arya and Gendry's."

Ned nodded. "As do I Cat, as do I."

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please :)