JON POV:
The Kingsroad:
Jon rode along the massive caravan trough the kingsroad on yet another day of trekking through the rough weather. The winter winds at their worst if it even was possible since they were farther away from Winterfell and currently near the Riverlands. It's as if the cold wants us back; he thought.
I love you...
I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry but I have to go...
I can't breathe...
Arya's dreams lived inside Jon's mind for the past couple of days filling him with dread. She still didn't talk to him tho Jon couldn't give a damn riding alongside her as they lead the traveling party. It was a small yet compact group lead his cousin Robb and a few of his trusted men, The Prince alongside (surprisingly) The Kingslayer and Ramsay with his Bastard Boys that served as scouts riding ahead and surveying the perimeter. That was all, they had about twenty minutes of march from the rest but it was somewhat comfortable is you ignored that nobody was talking to each other. No wonder everyone was startled when Sandor tried to whisper at him.
"She's going to fall off that damned horse"-
"I can hear you Clegane and I am most certainly not going to fall"- Arya spat back but Jon knew Arya and right now she was all bark, no bite. Ever since her episode; since Jon didn't know what to call it, Arya seemed weak and frail. Those who knew decided to keep it a secret and although they managed to persuade her to see the maester who said she was perfectly fine, something was wrong. Her skin was paler than ever and her eyes seemed to drop every once in a while. She had bags under her eyes and instead of sitting she was practically hugging her horse for stability.
"I think it would be wise if we stopped for a minute."- Robb said riding with the Prince who remained silent looking intently at Arya.
"We have to keep on going"- She said, even her voice betrayed her and showed her frail state.
"Arya is not like the King wants to stay. We're covering as much terrain as we can, we should rest. You don't look well"- Ramsay said pleading with her but Arya wasn't having any of it. Much to her dismay she went and tried to punch him but swayed and like Sandor said; almost fell off of her horse. That is if it weren't for the Prince. He had walked over gently grabbing Arya, cradling her in his arms and with extreme caution as if handling a babe sat her on top of his own massive horse that rivaled Clegane's beast.
"Here..."- He said with a smile on his face, caressing her hands as he gave her the reigns "you won't fall on top of Bull. You can rest on him if you still want to ride. I don't mind stretching my legs"-
"Oh for fucks sake, come here woman!" Jon growled no longer willing to watch the Prince paw at Arya while he could hear Robb's smirk.
"Let me go! I'm alright were I am"- Arya screamed as Jon hauled her by her waist over to his own horse. Ramsay knew better than to say anything but the Prince was glaring at him positively steaming, Jon could care less.
"You said it yourself, you're no lady so I am not going to treat you like one" Jon said ignoring Arya's shrieks "You need to eat and you will, I don't care if I have to tie you up to a tree with your mouth open. You also need to stop drinking wine"
"It sweet milk, the maester gave it to me himself"-
"Then the maester is a drunk since that is not so much watered wine. You and I also need to talk. Alone"
"Jon, I for one would be ecstatic if you two made peace but look at her, she doesn't want to go with you. Just give her some time"- Robb said caving in to his sister's puppy eyes.
"No, I gave her enough time. We do things my way now" He said grabbing tight the reigns of his horse ready to gallop away but he was interrupted.
"The Riverlands are no man's land at the present. We need to stay together"- The Kingslayer spoke surprising everyone. One would thought he was the last that wanted Arya near his nephew.
"Bolton? What say your dogs?"
"The perimeter is safe. No man for a good couple of hours ahead, only the woods from now on"-
"Good, I'll be back within the hour. I'll even let my own dog with you" He laughed, Arya complained and the Hound cursed as Jon caught everyone off guard riding away on his horse Blackfyre. Strong, firm legs giving them advantage in seconds as only Arya's horse was fast enough to catch them. Soon enough Arya stopped complaining and got comfortable in front of him, relaxing in his arms as Jon lowered his head resting it on top of hers and sighing, this was home. This is how it should be...
As they rode aimlessly more for privacy than anything else Jon let himself enjoy his surroundings since he was always so sheltered, even more than Sansa and Arya for he was infamously The Last Dragon. He laughed; what is in a name? A great name? What really did he have? His titles and lands striped from him, his family killed off. He remembered once going to Riverrun; his Aunt Catelyn's home and her father had hated him. He was very vocal about her daughter raising him as one of her own, he spat, cursed and made sure Jon was watched at all-time muttering like a Mad Man about curses and bad blood. Riverrun had been the farthest that he had gone if you count out the Iron Islands when Robb had to snuggle in to woo Asha. Come to think of it Jon was actually the less traveled among them all; he rivaled Sansa and her old ladylike customs.
"Ummmm..."- Arya moaned half awake, half asleep "Go faster"- She mumbled while Jon followed her command.
As the horse soared across the land Jon marveled at all the plains, vast forest, high hills and endless rivers. Rivers; Jon shook holding Arya tighter to his body. He needed to be careful with her. Snow and water were now his worst enemy, the problem? He was surrounded by them and also, how could he keep her safe if he didn't know what was going to happen? Jon remembered her dream, it was if he was seeing it all happen across the reflection of a foggy mirror: Arya decked in armor surrounded by snow covered blood, it was decadent, it was violent, it was beautiful and Arya seemed to be lost in its splendor. It was like she embraced it all together looking up with her lovely grey eyes up to the skies when Jon saw that the blood she was bathed in was hers as much as it was others, she had a horrible wound on her stomach yet she still smiled looking around, searching for someone. It wasn't a dream, it was a premonition, something bound to happen like his own dragon dreams. He also still dreamed of Arya drowning and never got much sleep, he suspected Arya was having a harder time.
Jon stopped sprinting near an open clearing, not too into the woods but far enough from the river that he could let his horse walked over to refresh himself. Arya didn't protest when he swept her off her feet yet again only to sit her on his lap as he carelessly leaned against a tree absentmindedly whispering the first melody that came into his mind.
"Do you fear the rivers?"- Arya asked after a fair amount of silence between them. "After what happened to your father and now what you have seen of me..."-
"I never knew my father. He wrote his own destiny. As can you..."
"You've seen them, my dreams. But... they're not just dreams aren't they? My destiny is already written"-
"Do you think I will just stand aside and let anything happen to you? Will Robb? Will your father? A good amount of men now march under your sigil and they would gladly die for you. Hell that big oaf of a Prince would gladly come to harm's way for you. There's a solution to everything, we just have to look for it"
"You have dragon dreams don't you?"- Jon sat still. Only having doubts about coming clean for a fraction of a second.
"Yes... I do. Or at least that's what Sandor seems to think so. Too much has come to pass after I've dreamed them for me not to consider them"
"I felt so alone, so hurt..."- Arya said in such a small voice that Jon had to lower his head near hers.
"They are still dreams Little Wolf, they're stuck in a realm of fantasy. Nothing is said in stone" Jon said with conviction for both their sake.
"I meant when you went inside my head"- When Arya finally lifted her head to meet his gaze Jon thought she struck him. Her eyes held so much hurt that it pierced his heart. At the same time she snuggled even closer to him "You played with my mind like a doll. You made me say horrible things to Gendry, you made me slap him, you made me hit him"-
"I made you see the truth!"
"What truth? What is the truth these days? Who are you Jon?"- By now they were both started getting antsy with their temper. "Who are you?" Arya asked this time more forcefully looking straight into his eyes.
"I. AM. YOURS" Jon snarled finally letting go and kissing Arya full on the mouth. It was meant to be. Arya was his intended since the day she was born. Jon had had girls on his bed, he wasn't a shy maiden. Quite the contrary, over the years he had earned the reputation of a talented lover, not much to be accused of whoremonging like Theon or Robb himself back in the day but enough to keep women of all ages swooning when he passed. He liked his woman assertive and passionate and who better than his little wolf? It wasn't anything official more than it was something assumed. They grew up together, they loved each other, both outcasts united in their singularities. Jon had to admit that these feelings; whatever the hell they were where brought out by the Prince's threat but Jon could care less. He had nothing in life, only Arya. The kiss was a battle for dominance, Arya would never back down and he quite enjoyed the challenge. What he didn't like was that after a beat Arya tried to get away from him so he held her tighter.
"What are you doing? Let me go!"- She muttered in between pants while Jon grazed her jaw with little kisses.
"I'm kissing you, what else does it look like?"
"I'm not your play thing Jon, I'm your cousin... I... we shouldn't be doing this"-
"Oh, I think we should. We really should" He said capturing her mouth again plunging his tongue inside her after he caught her off guard only to retract when she bit his lower lip drawing blood. She yanked his air back with a firm tug but remained seated on him, straddling him in a wicked little tone and grinding into him with just enough pressure for him to growl. She was as much affected as he was.
"Who are you?"- She asked as if she was asking herself. Jon knew she was referring to his recent changes. "You talk like Jon, you walk like Jon yet you're someone else. Your hair shines in the sun and glows in the dark. Your eyes are cold stones that hold no warmth. You do not ask, you take. Is this you wanting something your father didn't finish?"-
"This is me kissing the girl that has always been with me" He said cradling her face in his arms "A natural progression is it not?"
"I don't know what this is. I don't know what I want"- She whispered in a sad tone.
"Honestly? Neither do I! But I'll be dammed if I let you ride off with a Baratheon. You. Are. Mine" The words weren't entirely out of his mouth when Jon already regretted them. Arya didn't react well to ultimatums.
"I. AM. NO ONES"- She spat. Her eyes sparked with anger.
"Good! Than the little lady is still up for grabs then"- A voice startled them. On instinct Jon guarded Arya behind him while she crouched drawing Needle and another blade from her boot.
"No, no, no lass. No fooling around with the grownups. Don't be doing anything stupid or I'll drill one into your loverboy's head"- A man with a bow stepped out of the woods while another circled Blackfyre by the river.
"Try your best if you still have any arms that is" Jon said standing up and unsheathing Dark Sister. With Arya near and still weak he could not spare any chances.
"That's one fancy sword you got yourself boy almost as fancy as you look. Care to tell us common folk who dares trespass our lands?"- The archer said as he had the nerve to look at Arya up and down.
"We were told the Riverlands were lands of outlaws so unless you plan on robbing us we don't need to give you any explanations"- Arya spat already fueled with anger from their interrupted conversation.
"Ah my lady but that's where you are wrong"- A third man came out of the woods, he was tall and like his hair; he was dressed in red garbs. He spoke in a soft tone but Jon could tell he was a fighter. "We were tasked to protect these lands and bring justice to the real outlaws. The question should be is what is a dragon doing with a wolf alone in the middle of nowhere. Dragons are rare you see, almost extinct. Rarities like those tend to cost great amounts of money"-
"Thoros?... I think we have a problem"- The man who was tasked on holding Blackfyre was rooted to the ground as Ghost stood before him. Silent as ever but red eyes zooming on his soon to be pray.
"Call of your wolf girl, we don't need to do this the hard way"- The man in red said. Thoros; Jon supposed.
"He isn't my Wolf to call off. That is my wolf"- Arya said as Nymeria jumped out of nowhere landing on top of Thoros snarling and growling only waiting for the command of attack. Out in the open the direwolves hunted as a pack so it was no surprise when the archer froze after GreyWind came from behind.
"We have to admit defeat Gentlemen, we must admit superiority when we're about to get killed"- Another man stepped out from the clearing. He was somewhat older, Jon couldn't tell from the scars that marred his face. What he could see was that he moved with grace and spoke like a highborn.
"I'm still quick with my bow, I can take this one out"-
"You'll be dead before you release your arrow. Lower you bow Anguy you don't want to anger the future King of Westeros"-
"Gendry?"- Arya gasped more than annoying Jon. He glared at her while she just rolled her eyes at him.
"Yes my Lady, so if you and Young Targaryen would please call off your fury companions I think we can have a proper introduction and head back to camp. My name is Beric Dondarrion; Lord of Blackhaven and head of House Dondarrion. Please... our Prince awaits for you"-
ARYA POV:
The Riverlands:
Arya huffed as she was led trough the damp cave hating the sudden heat that made her clothing stick to her body. She felt nausea at the smell of moss covered walls and of the particular odor that came out of the cloak the man in front of her was wearing. "You should wash that... or burn it all together" She spat annoyed that they were being lead blindfolded.
"And face bad luck? No m'lady, this is my lucky cape. As long as it's on me back I'm alive"- He replied all smiles and bad teeth.
"You're alive because it smells so bad no one dares come near enough to kill you. What color is that? Westeros's best painters can't come up with that color. It looks like it smells; shit" Men laughed around her.
"And how does M'Lady play the guessing game when she can't see?"-
"The same way I can tell you that you're far too close from her"- Jon growled from behind her. Calm down Jon, they mean us no harm; Arya said through their mental bond. Jon was getting good at mastering his warging but not good enough to be able to map out the entire cave through everyone's eyes like Arya was doing. The one with the bad teeth and smelly cloak in front of her was Lem Lemoncloak, behind Jon Anguy the archer still aimed at his head, while flanking Arya side by side were the two highest in rank; Thoros and Lord Beric. Arya felt safe for various reasons, first of all they hadn't been stripped of their weapons, she became weary when they said the wolves couldn't come with them through the cave but seeing how narrow it was made it understandable.
"I thought she was the Bull's. Funny that we found her so comfortable with another"- Thoros said to Beric who remained next to her watching her every move; he was the one that gave Arya reassurance. He exuded strength and stability, fairness and comprehension but mostly she could feel his love towards Gendry. She knew her lessons on noble houses, House Dondarrion of Blackhaven; loyal to the Baratheon but as dornish as you could get without swearing fealty to the Martells. Eddard refused to tell them stories of his battle days but she'd more than heard about Lord Beric and his magic flamed sword. What storytellers failed to mention was what he really look like. Sansa would definitely cross him out of her favorite list of knights if she saw his botched skin and scarred covered body.
"Sometimes our eyes fail us Thoros, you use fire to see further… Anyways; we have our orders to escort Lady Arya back to our Prince. He's the one who decides what to make of her behavior"-
"And what behavior is that my Lord?" She said in her sweetest tone.
"One I saw many years ago my Lady"- Arya heard Jon gasp as he no doubt saw what crossed Dondarrion's mind. A flash of silver, a blue rose spattered with blood... Rhaegar and Lyanna, his father and mother. She slowed her pace so she could be closer to him.
The men kept on talking, walking further into the cave. Gone were the direwolves growls left behind as they started to hear laughter and merriment that quite frankly only came from a group of drunks.
"Ah look what the cat dragged in..." "See the Bull's got himself a pretty one" "You mean the girl or the boy?" men laughed all around them as Arya felt a familiar pair of hands cradling her face untying her blindfolds.
"This really wasn't necessary"- Gendry's blue eyes searched hers for any wrongdoing before glaring at Beric and Thoros.
"We don't kneel to any banner here Gendry, you get blindfolded if you're not one of the brotherhood"- Anguy said passing them by satisfied in completing his mission.
"I thought you were following your Prince's instructions"- Jon spat pushing Lem away and freeing his eyesight for himself.
"Gendry is different..."- Beric replied with pride "Welcome to Hollow Hill, please; make yourselves comfortable"
"Jon! Arya!"- Robb came walking over free of his armor, ale in hand as if he were enjoying an evening in the northern barracks. "Where the hell did you run off to? You had me worried"-
"We just rode ahead..."- Jon continued to talk to Robb while Arya surveyed her surroundings, nothing like the numerous tunnels they had to go through to arrive. Weirwood roots seemed to surround them but the farther you looked the cave seemed to stretch itself into an open clearing, nothing but lush greenery and flora making it seem like a wildflower garden.
"It is Hollow Hill..."- Gendry said as if reading her thoughts "During the rebellion the men needed a place they could take shelter and regroup. What better than this cave that starts at the bottom of the hill? If you don't know the way you'll get lost with so many crannies and crevices. Contrary to hygiene displayed around you; there's an underground river that provides fresh water and enough trees for plenty of arrows"-
"The Men?..." She asked.
"The Brotherhood Without Banners... many of these men followed my father during his rebellion. After it ended most of them took it upon themselves to take care of the smallfolk. From what you've told me and what I fear Beric is going to tell me later; their mission is more alive than ever. The riverlands are filled with outlaws and only they are what stand as justice. They agree that my father has lost... touch with his subjects so they take it as their responsibility to maintain the law"-
"So they don't follow your father's orders?"
"Hence the part with no banners"- Gendry replied with a soft smile walking and gesturing for her to follow "As you can see it's only us here. Robb let his men at the entrance of the cave. A Bolton's word is as good a dirt around these parts so Ramsay and his men weren't even invited and my Uncle Jaime isn't precisely a popular figure, he went back to send word we were ok"-
"Are we? Ok...? Do you trust these men?" This time Gendry frowned at her question.
"Do you really think I'd put you at risk?"- He let the question hang in the air as he escorted her around.
Just as they came in Arya noticed that the cave had various tunnels spacious enough for small groups of women and children to live in. They all looked worse for wear but happy at their surroundings, she also noticed how people reacted to Gendry. None of them addressing him by his title. It was just plain Gendry or The Bull, Boy and one man actually came and called him...
"You Stubborn Bastard!"- Said a young man with pale blond hair and dark blue eyes that seemed more purple than blue. He was smaller than Gendry (then again everyone was) and seemed more similar in age to Arya than Gendry which he embraced with open arms and a firm pat on his back. "You finally decided to get your royal ass outside the Keep didn't you?"-
"You say that as if you weren't raised around the luxuries that Starfall has to offer"- Gendry replied with amusement.
"Of course not! I take pride in my house seat as much as I take pride in getting my hands dirty on these lands so you must know my surprise when a couple of lookouts saw stag banners heading our way, I had to come back immediately. So? How did things go in Winterfell? I heard you were looking for your bride?"- Gendry blushed and mumbled furiously remembering that Arya was there.
"Well speak up them! Do you have a wolf in your bed?"- Gendry smacked the young man in the head signaling towards Arya who was trying her best to hide her laughter. Gendry could not hide his emotions even if his life depended on it. "Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't know the men had returned with more refugees"- The blond said eyeing Arya from bottom to top liking very much what he saw displaying a handsome smile when he reached her eyes. In turn Arya saw that she was clad in her breaches and tunic so naturally a highborn lady let alone a prospect for future queen was the last thing on the young man's mind as he openly gawked at her.
"Edric Dayne my sweet lady; at your service"- He said with an over the top bow. Sansa would love him. "May I ask for you name my darling?"-
"Arya..." She said batting her eyelashes while winking at Gendry. In turn he only chuckled and shook his head.
"Arya... what a lovely name for such a beautiful woman who's eyes..."- Edric was babbling on about perfection when she decided to drop the bomb.
"Arya Stark... of House Stark"
"And whose skin is white as... House What?"- Edric spluttered looking back and forth between them "My Lady... I, I am so, so, so sorry. The Prince and I are old friends, we tend to let go of formalities once we are together. Please forgive me"-
"No need for said formalities Edric as you will soon find out I am no lady" She replied taking a liking to the young man, he seemed open and sincere. Gendry on the other hand zoomed in and narrowed his eyes at her. Really? She smirked.
"Still... please, forgive me again and please call me Ned, my closest friends call me that and as I can see that you are headed back to Kings Landing and there's to be a wedding I..."-
"Actually Ned"- Gendry said clamping his hand around Edric's shoulder who visibly winced "There's much you and I need to talk about"-
"But we can't leave her alone we"-
"Arya? Feel free to go where you want"- Gendry said dragging Edric along with him. It was refreshing to see this new side of Gendry. Gendry, not Prince Gendry. She was curious as to how he finally managed to shed the titles that gave him so much burden. He told her she was free to go where she wanted but Arya could feel every eye on her so not wanting any more attention on her since she also did not forget the Brotherhoods quips on her being Gendry's she decided to sit down with her brother and cousin.
"...I reckon right now there's about fifty minus the women and children"- Robb was saying to an absentminded Jon.
"The men inside the cave?" She asked.
"Aye... for now I can tell there's only one way in but I honestly don't see Ramsay letting more men down the same path we went without coming in himself. I'm sure there are other entrances"-
"Well you heard what they said about banners. It seems that Gendry's words were the only thing that gave us safe passage"
"Indeed, there seems to be a genuine disagreement with Robert's rein, I mean they were his men! Honestly; how can a man be so neglectful?"-
"Love is blindness Cousin..."- Jon said in a morose tone that made both siblings take attention. Arya gestured Robb to go and fetch them some ale, he nodded leaving them alone on a little table near a huge bonfire at the center of the cave.
"Jon? Jon are you listening?" She asked as Jon's eyes were lost in the fire, he snapped out of his trance a few seconds later but remained silent. "Is this about earlier? I know we have to talk things through and..."
"Would you ask me to leave you?"-
"What?" Arya replied caught off guard at Jon's sudden and random question. When he finally tore his eyes off the fire his eyes were so filled with sadness that on instinct she scooted to his side and took his hands inside her little ones. "What are you talking about? I would never part ways with you, no matter what"
"Memories are all I have... Sad, tearful memories. The only ones that are filled with joy are the ones Uncle Eddard and Aunt Catelyn gave me, of Robb wresting in the snow and of Sansa building a snowman, of Bran and his books and Rickon"- He laughed, it was so bittersweet... "He's not so little now is he?"-
"Jon what's wrong? Did you see something in the fire?" She whispered in a low tone so no one could hear her "Did you have another one of your dragon dreams?"
"My memories are you! Your first smile, your first laughter, your first cry... Would you ask me to throw them away? Have them polluted like everything else inside my head?"- Jon started to grip her hand forcefully.
"Jon... You're hurting me"
"Do you know what it's like to see dead people inside my head?"-
"Jon... Let her go"- Gendry muttered standing beside then. He lowered his voice to not cause a scene but his tone was firm and final. Robb arrived with drinks in hand completely oblivious as to what was happening.
"I can't focus on your face"- Jon said as he stood up in a haze and left with Robb after him. I can't focus on your face? What did he mean?
"I know you say you can handle yourself perfectly but I swear to you Arya... I have never seen another woman get into more turmoil than you"- Gendry said sitting beside her on the spot Jon had left vacated.
"Me? Turmoil? What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that there is never a dull moment with you! If it isn't whispers of white walkers its wildings, if it's not wildlings there's the pestering suitors. If it isn't the suitors and the entire northern army; it's your cousin Jon. Come on, let me see what he did to you..."- Gendry said gesturing towards her hand. "Is he always like this? So intense?" He asked, surprisingly with no malice nor jealousy in his tone. That was a first for how he spoke about Jon.
"Not really... he's going through things. He's changing on the inside as much as he's changing on the outside and I don't know how to help him"
"Maybe you can't... maybe whatever is going through his mind he must face alone"-
"We're a pack Gendry. We stay together" Arya said more harshly than she intended taking her hand away from his as he massaged it. The Prince sighed and stood up.
"Of course you do..."- He said as an afterthought. "Come with me"-
"We are in a cave Gendry, where could we possibly go?"
"Up"- He said, with the first real smile she had seen on his face in days so she accepted the hand he extended for her as they walked to a small path away from the bonfire. "He'll be ok Arya, he's with Robb and the brotherhood are good people"- Gendry said as Arya couldn't stop from staring back searching for Jon. They continued walking silently hand in hand, footsteps and echoes the only sound that carried along the cave when Arya realized that Gendry was telling that truth when he said they would go up. Later after a good twenty minute walk uphill, they had a pretty good view not only of the top of the cave but of their surroundings knee deep inside the Riverland forest. Nothing between then and the dark skies as there weren't any trees left, only tree stumps at the top of the hill.
"Now this is High Heart."—Gendry said ushering Arya closer to the tallest of the stumps and sitting down in the grass, inviting her to join him "You see, the brotherhood not only chose the cave because of its tunnels but to have the upper hand. From here, a good lookout can see who is coming and who is going and still have an eye on the camp"—
"What happened to the trees?" Arya asked curiously. Surely trees on top of the hill gave more coverage. As much as you could see on top of the hill, from the bottom you had a straight view as well.
"No one comes near this place precisely because of this hill. Only the smallfolk know it exist yet not even they dare to come on these parts of the forest. These are weirdwood stumps. Legends say the hill is haunted by the Children of the Forest who once roamed these lands. They say some Andal King killed them during the conquests leaving the hill cursed with all sort of magic"—
"I quite like Weirwood trees. They remind me of home, they remind me of Father"
"As do I, like them as well… they remind me of you and that night of stolen kisses in the Godswood"—Gendry replied with ease, the first time in a while without blushing. Arya had noticed that the further away they marched from the North the Southerners were feeling more comfortable under their skin, no doubt fueled by the fact that more allies were near. Gendry on the other hand seemed to gain some of the confidence she saw when she first met him.
"That was a good night…"
"That was a perfect night"—He replied scooting closer to her. Arya didn't mind it one bit.
"The Brotherhood, they say they don't follow yet they seem more than friendly with you. How did you meet them?"
"Well… Beric; who is their leader used to go quite often to Kings Landing to inform Father of his progress on the lands. I guess that after a while and my Father's lack of commitment and interest he stopped going all together. But when he did I remember I used to follow him around every square of the castle. You have to understand that this was when I was a little boy and father was still lost down the bottom of pitchers of ale lamenting your Aunt's death. I guess Lord Beric was what I thought a King should be, a real leader. Just and filled with respect. I looked up to him, I've always have"—
"That's nice. You having a positive father figure"
"My father is a positive father figure Arya…"—Gendry slightly glared "but he's not perfect. He was in a bad place back then, I know it now and I pity him. He's not whole, I can see that clearly now that I'm going through the same path"—
"You won't be a bad King Gendry, you just have to keep your feet on the ground and talk to the people"
"I will… but I was talking more about the whole arranged marriage and lost love type of situation"—
"Oh…"
"Yes; Oh!"—Gendry chuckled to her statement while producing from behind a tree stump a small picnic basket. He began to pull out a series of various treats for her. Little chicken legs, salads and a few pastries as well. "You haven't been eating well this whole trip and you seem frail after what happened to you in White Arbor. The men told me you weren't exactly eating when they found you with Jon so… eat"—
Well that was awkward. Arya nibbled on a piece of bread as Gendry decided that plucking grass was more interesting than talking. She wondered if the men told him they found her kissi…
"Do you kiss him often? Jon?..."—Gendry asked answering the obvious. Suddenly Arya couldn't fit enough food in her mouth.
"I don't know… sometimes. Only recently really" Gendry nodded looking in another direction. She missed how they'd talked to each other. It was so easy, as if they knew each other for years.
"I kissed Margaery Tyrell, I mean… she was going to be my wife and all"—Gendry said still not looking at her. Where was he going with this and could it possibly be more awkward? Arya most certainly did not want to sit and hear who Gendry Baratheon had kissed. She stuffed more bread in her mouth even if it suddenly started to taste bitter.
"She was a good kisser but it didn't feel right. Yes, she was beautiful, a classic beauty really, who always knew what to say but I just… I don't know, I didn't feel anything. I had to kiss you to figure it out; what a proper kiss is"—Arya froze, if Gendry noticed he didn't acknowledged it. He kept on talking. "Again; she was good but it was mechanical if I can describe it in a word. She'd act on the response of my body. She touched my arms after a certain amount of time, little moans here and there. Sudden shyness out of nowhere and boldness that would make my Uncle Tyrion blush. There was never passion. Not like"—He finally looked at her but shrugged as if she'd know the answer. Yes Gendry, I felt it too. I still do…
"I befriended a courtesan when I was younger… but you already know that story don't you? Since you were posing as the little blind girl that day I told it in Winter Town"—Arya kept on eating, she really was hungry. Gendry grinned "Anyway; she'd never kissed me, not once. You have to know that I was barely a young man, my mother would certainly tell you I was more a child still playing with wooden sticks than someone who had to had sex but the point is that I felt dejected, unwanted as every time I tried to kissed her she moved her face or pull away from me. After several nights; my father wanted me to learn how to pleasure a woman, I finally asked her; why didn't she let me kiss her? Was I doing something wrong? How could I fix it? But she only smiled and told me that there was a difference between laying with a woman and fucking a whore. I stated the obvious, that she was a woman but what she told me next is something I will never forget. She said; 'Under this roof I am a whore, it is how I make my money, how I survive and live to see another day. My hands, my breast, my cunt is up for the highest bidder but my mouth? My lips? They are the portals of my heart. Putting aside what I do for a living I still choose to believe in love and someday I will find someone whose kiss is going to make me feel more alive than a million cocks'. Yeah, I was a runt willing to dip his privates in anything willing and the words aren't exactly those of a famous philosopher but I think they're quite honest and true. I kissed more girls after that, Margaery Tyrell tried to do more than just kissing but never have I felt anything remotely close as to what I feel when I kiss you. I don't know… maybe that was why I asked you if you often kissed Jon. I'm sorry, it was crude of me to ask and it is not my concern what you do"—
Arya was certain her cheeks where the color of her mother's hair but what worried her the most was that her face would show the hesitation and doubt she was feeling. Thank God Gendry was still looking away. Love; the fairytale ending was never something Arya Stark wished to achieve. She had her family, which she loved. She adored her father, would travel barefoot the seven kingdoms for Robb and she wouldn't hesitate to raise her sword if someone dared to harm her younger brothers. Ramsay was her friend, there was no romantic spark there; at least on her part. But Gendry? Gendry was the odd man out. The stranger that dared set foot into her home and declare his love for her no matter how many times she shot him down, no matter how unladylike she was and no matter that she was somewhat involved with her own cousin. Ugh… what am I doing? She thought. But it didn't feel exactly wrong, kissing Jon. Kissing Gendry, Gendry's kisses, lips, tongue, breath on the other hand…
"Do you feel any better? You certainly had an appetite"—Gendry asked breaking her internal banter realizing that she in fact had cleaned every plate Gendry had brought.
"I guess the maester's medicine is doing its job. Thank you for the food"
"No worries. It's from your own cook, I guess we are all worried about you. What happened to you that night in New Castle? Do you have an illness I don't know of? We have the best healers back in Kings Landing, you could come with us or I could sent someone back north for you if you'd like"—
Arya tried to choose her words carefully since she herself didn't know what happened to begin with. She already had a massive headache before she blacked out frozen in a nightmare, experiencing death more vividly than ever. Arya Stark; feared warrior was going to die of stress. Her fucking nightmares where messing with her head, barely sparing her a minute of peace. No need to add another person worrying over her so she decided not to tell Gendry about her dreams. She went with a half-truth. "I don't know, it just happened. I don't remember anything but waking up in Jon's arms" Gendry nodded and remained silent.
From the top of the hill you could see that a large group had settled around the fire, she could see Jon sitting alone lost in his own little word while Robb was nearby trading jokes with a few men of the brotherhood. One held a wood harp and was singing tavern songs.
"You're close to your Uncle Renly. I remember you told that once"
"Yes, I did"—Gendry said, looking surprised as if Arya would even talk back at him. "Why do you ask?"—
"Well; He's marrying your ex fiancé. Isn't that going to be somewhat awkward? Considering the whole realm knows she was found with other men and that…"
"My Uncle Renly also enjoys men?"—Gendry shrugged "I'm guessing he finally decided to make things official with Loras; in his own way. Loras is Margaery Tyrell's brother and Renly has always favored him. I'm guessing Renly gets Loras near him at all times while Margaery and her family get to claim Storms Ends. She wants a title that one, I doubt that my uncle's sexual preferences are an obstacle for her"—
"And will your father allow it? He did banish the Tyrells after all"
"My father will bend his own decrees to fit him the best. Renly holds Storms End, he needs an heir. If Margaery provides that I have no doubt that they will be on my father's good graces again. As long as the babes are blue eyed with black hair, that is"—
"Well that's ridiculous, we are both half our parent as I have been reminded of late" From the corner of her eye she saw Jon stand up and walk over to the singer, after a minute or two it seemed Jon had asked for his harps and was back sitting again mindlessly stroking its cords.
"Yes, we are but us Baratheon's are known for having a strong seed. You don't imagine the fit my father had when he saw Joffrey's blond little head. He got into one of his drunk rages and threatened to kill my Uncle Jaime, actually asking him if he put his hands on my mother"—
"That's horrible!" Arya said offended on the Queens's behalf but Gendry laughed it off.
"Those were old times, Father's better now and thanks to my mother none the less. Personally I wouldn't mind if I were to have a child and it resembled her or his mother. Although I do prefer the gender. I want a boy! A little grey eyed girl running around would have me wrapped around her little fingers"—
"A boy? What's wrong with having a girl? We are more than capable than…" Arya froze, her mouth opened ajar as Gendry looked at her unapologetic. A little grey eyed girl running around would have me wrapped around her little fingers. A little grey eyed girl, grey eyes, like her mother.
"Gendry…" His name left her mouth like a prayer, both moving, gravitating towards each other as a melody carried across the wind interrupted them. A smooth light, rich voice caressing their ears.
No songs can be made
for my quiet gentle rage
The sun will not rise for my battered little pride
Why deny this emptiness?
This hole that I'm inside
When my verses shall arise with this love I have for thy…
Jon's voice flew through the air like an arrow shot by the most assertive archer in the world, the camp stood still entrance by his voice and the sorrow it conveyed. Robb sat next to him like he always did when Jon would break into a song while Arya held her breath wondering what was going to come out of his lips.
The seas go dry for you and I
But my love will never die.
Star crossed lovers once a time
Reunited by fate like a vine.
I'm reaching out to you
Can you hear my call this time?
Blue winter roses wither by if
t hey are not cared for as I care for thy…
Arya's hear broke as she felt as one with Jon. Was the song about her? She would be a fool to deny it but then again it had heavy droplets of the parents he never knew. Jon's mood tended to take a turn for the worse when he would think about his parents so seeing them through Lord Beric's memories must have been hard for him. No one tried to pry inside of Eddard's mind, mainly because he had such a sad part filled with memories of things passed that it was a burden no one wanted to share. I can't focus on your face; Jon had said earlier. Of course. His mind had blended his own memories with Beric's not helping that Arya seemed to resemble Lyanna. The past clashed with the present so his fear of losing her just like Rhaegar lost Lyanna. Do you know what it's like to see dead people inside my head? Oh Jon…
We are kin you and I
Born and raised side by side
Sometimes love is not a quick light
But a strong and long winter fend off by a fire.
Here we stand, you and I
Battling our on senses for someone else's pride
But do not fret my dearest, my life
For his love does not battle universes and time
As does my love for thy.
The cave was silent as a grave and not a dry eye remained. The few that knew they were on top of the hill dared to steal quick glances to try and see what was her reaction but not even Arya knew what to think. Was this Jon's full out declaration of love? It most certainly sounded like it but at the same time it was much, much more than that. It was Rhaegar Targaryen pleading for a second chance, it was Lyanna Stark lost inside the politics of the realm. It was Jon fearful of losing her and ending up all alone. It was Arya caught between both men…
"I guess we should go back… Arya? Arya!"—Gendry embraced once he saw she was crying. Full on sobs she couldn't control. She was tired, more than she had led on, these past few days she was losing her concentration and kept on falling in and out of her own mindset. Arya wished to be back home at Winterfell, that the King had not set foot on the North but then again she wouldn't have meet Gendry whose scent seem to calm her nerves at this instant. "Should I call Jon? Please Arya, please don't cry"—
"Just hold me, don't let go" She said holding tight to his jerking.
"That's what I've been trying to do this whole time my love. I won't let you go. I promise"—Gendry vowed rocking her back and forth, whispering words of love in her ears as tears still fell from her eyes.
Jon was safe, Jon was family while Gendry was new and exciting but also an outsider. He wasn't part of the pack. Both represented a chance of love but with her dreams and the cloud of death upon her; why waste time even choosing between both of them? Would it even be fair since she couldn't promise a tomorrow?
"Gendry? Will you stay with me tonight?" Arya didn't know why but she craved his touch, it was curious that it was Jon's song that brought these feeling for Gendry out of her.
"I don't think its wise Arya"—
"Just for tonight Gendry… please"
"I can't. I can't give you tonight when I want to give you forever"—
"Then stay with me and make the night last forever" She looked into his eyes. God she loved his eyes. Please, please stay… I… I love you!
"I love you…"- Gendry voiced what she had thought over and over again. His declaration the last thing she heard before she fell asleep in his strong arms completely oblivious that his tears were also present along with another vow made upon another weirwood tree, even if it was just a tree stump. "I will love you till the day I die"
HAPPY AUGUST Y'ALL!
Hello my Sweets, new chap is up so I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Did any of you see the movie 'Snow White and the Huntsman'? My description of Hollow Hill is more like the dwarves fairy sanctuary. Also; remember when I told you I was bad with locations and that sometimes I would mesh them all together for story-wise sake? Well Hollow Hill and High Heart is a pretty good example.
Yes; I wrote a song and it sucked balls LOL. Sorry, the beauty of writing is that you can get carried away and I wanted to give Jon that whole 'Rhaegar tortured soul - singer vibe'. The song was inspired in Sam Smith's Lay me down and George RR Martin's own words for Danny's prophesy.
The muse is somewhat back so I can tell you that although I am already working on the next chapter I still don't know when it will be up. It will be called 'The Kings Justice' and it will by an all Gendry POV (for now it is anyways...)
Again, thanks for the support and have a nice day.
XOXO