Game of Thrones: In the Heart of the Storm

Chapter 11 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

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


Celebration

As she awoke, relieved to have slept without nightmares for once, nightmares which plagued her since her second escape from King's Landing; Arya smiled, especially as she recalled what day it was. Pulling back the furs she went to stand by the window, looking out over the courtyard below.

Her smile widened to a grin. 'My nameday, seven and ten today...to think I almost never reached this age.'

She shuddered a little at that thought but quickly composed herself, she wasn't going to let any dark thoughts spoil things for her on this day. Quickly turning away from the window she went to get dressed, once fully dressed in her Stark leathers, fixing her belt she secured Needle to the belt and began pulling her boots on.

As she did so, she began to think. 'Gendry and I are accepted by my family, but it's only a matter of time before they start asking us about...well, marriage. Despite everything I've said, I could see Gendry and I; married...We'd still be ourselves, we'd just be...strengthening the bond between us even more.'

She grinned and decided; if she had a chance to talk to Gendry and her father, then she would gladly do so, they could hopefully figure out some agreement and begin making arrangements, but of course, she felt that it would be beneficial and respectful to wait till after Bran and Meera's wedding, before worrying about their own arrangements.

Before she left her room she paused, taking note of the 'Art of War' which was situated on her desk. It was open at a section she had marked with interest. The whole book in itself was interesting, but the strategy she had seen here, on these pages, had struck her as being interesting. With this strategy, which also gave historic examples of it being used, a smaller army could defeat a much larger one, with one crucial blow.

'I'll have to be sure to remember this, if I'm ever in a situation like that...' She reflected. 'We're trying not to openly take sides, at least just now...but, who knows what could happen.'

It certainly helped to be prepared for all eventualities. The smile returning to her face as she turned away, ready to focus on today however, she left her room, ready to head for the Great Hall.

She recalled some of her earlier Namedays, how she would slip into her parents chambers to wake them up, just like all her siblings did on theirs. As she got a bit older, she stopped doing that, but would usually find herself first in the Great Hall, restless. Grinning at the memories, Arya finally arrived at the Great Hall and entered.

This time, she couldn't help but notice the 'reversal' so to speak, her family were already present and waiting for her, all of them smiling warmly.

"Arya, good morning." Her mother greeted her cheerfully. "Happy nameday."

Arya grinned. "Good morning mother, thank you."

She accepted her mother's embrace, as well as those of the rest of the family and soon took her seat. Not wanting to deprive them she requested that they eat first, they all agreed, laughing a little and soon breakfast was underway. As they ate, Arya observed her family.

'We're all here, even soon to be family members, like Gendry, Meera, her brother Jojen...The others will be joining us later...' She noted. 'It's good seeing everyone so happy; that one days like this, we can just relax and let our worries fade away, if only for a while, even father.'

She knew her father had been somewhat stressed, trying to establish the North's position on the war, yet at the same time, keeping them all safe. Yet today, he could relax, another thing Arya felt grateful for.

When it came to opening her gifts, Arya again openly expressed her gratitude, as well as surprise for the practical gifts offered to her, a secondary weapon in the form of a dagger from Gendry, new boots, riding clothes, a finely crafted bow, things that fit her newly accepted interests and also served a practical purpose.

The only person who had not presented a gift yet was Sansa, yet Arya knew she had something planned, it was clear on the furtive look on her sisters face. She couldn't deny her curiosity.

That curiosity was soon sated however when Sansa stood up.

"Arya, my gift is in the next room, come, I'll show you."

Arya stood up. "Sansa?"

"Trust me." Her sister replied.

So, following her sister through to the next room, along with the family, Arya suddenly stopped, eyes wide.

"Sansa..." She gasped.

Sansa grinned. "It took a while to prepare, I had Mikken start making it the day we got back; so it'd be ready for your Nameday."

Arya was still locked in amazement at Sansa's gift; which was a full suit of armour, exactly Arya's size. She approached, still in awe, examining it, observing each individual piece of the armour, the helmet, breastplate, gauntlets and so on.

Sansa explained, still smiling. "We had it made specially for you, it's strong, will certainly protect you from attack, but it's designed to not slow you down, you'll still fight as fast as you used to."

Turning to her sister, Arya couldn't help it, she hugged Sansa and spoke, her voice thicker than she wished to admit.

"It's wonderful Sansa, thank you."

Sansa just grinned, returning the hug.

A little later on, taking advantage of a short break in the celebrations, Arya had requested Gendry to join her and asked if they could talk to her father in private, he agreed and they now were all in his solar.

"So, Arya, what did you want to talk about?" He asked.

Arya looked over to Gendry and nodded. "Gendry and I have been talking, we, know what you're all likely to start asking us. So, we felt we should take the initiative."

Gendry nodded. "It's true M'lord, we've spoken about it before and, we've both agreed."

"Arya, Gendry, are you both saying…?" her father began, surprised.

Both of them nodded and Arya confirmed it. "Yes father, we wish to get married."

Eddard smiled; Arya had been right, he and Catelyn had discussed the possibility, wondering how to bring up the subject; yet here, as Arya had said, she and Gendry had taken the initiative.

"I see no reason to refuse; for you were indeed right Arya, so...I'll make the announcements at the end of the feast this evening."

Arya and Gendry both grinned; accepting that, they all returned, ready to once more join in the celebrations.


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