A/N: Hi everyone! So sorry for the delay! Things have been hectic with the move and starting my Master's degree! Here is the next chapter. The first part leads up to where Jon's chapter finished. Hope you enjoy it! I'm not sure when I will be able to post the next chapter as I am pretty busy at the moment. I'll try my best to get it posted in the next two to three weeks though! Apologies in advance for the delay!

And to Sarah: Thanks for commenting! I too get trapped in fanfic bubbles, but I always find my way back to GOT. I don't know if I'll ever be able to escape haha

After the discussion in Lord Manderly's chambers, Arya left the castle and decided to go see the wolf pack. She found that she always felt comforted there, with the wolves radiating a sense of peace. When she walked outside the gate, Nymeria was there to greet her. Arya stroked her amicably and then hopped on her back, "Let's go for a run."

And so they did. The ran for what felt like forever and Arya couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. She didn't care that the winds were bitter, that the snow was blowing and blinding her view. She felt free.

Eventually they came to a stop when they reached the rest of the pack. Arya climbed off of Nymeria's back and fell into the snow, laughing. A few members of the pack came beside her and laid down at her sides, offering her warmth. Nymeria lay above her head, acting as a pillow. Arya sighed, feeling content, her mind rested.

It had gotten quite dark when Arya opened her eyes again, so she thought she best be getting back to the White Harbour. She woke Nymeria, who was not at all impressed, but complied all the same when Arya hopped on her back, silently asking her to take her back to the castle.

They were there in no time at all, and Arya was relieved to see the castle again as the cold night was becoming too much to bare. Arya said her goodbyes to Nymeria and then went through the gate. She was on her way to her chambers when she saw the smoke rising from the forge. Gendry is still awake, she thought. She diverted her course and made her way over to the inviting warmth.

Arya did not bother knocking, but instead just opened the door. She walked in, closing the door behind her and stood for a moment, watching the play of Gendry's muscles as he finished up fixing what looked to be Jon's breastplate. Gendry did not turn to greet her, but obviously sensed her presence, "What are you doing here Arya?"

Despite him not looking at her, Arya rolled her eyes anyway, "It's nice and warm in here, well, apart from you. What has you acting so stubborn?"

Gendry groaned and put down his hammer, grabbing water to throw over the fire. "I'm a stubborn bull remember?"

Arya scoffed, "Of course, how could I ever forget?"

Gendry gave her an exasperated look, "What do you want Arya? Shouldn't you be asleep in your chambers already?"

"I never went to my chambers."

Seeming to read her mind, Gendry narrowed his eyes at her, "No. You cannot sleep here."

"I don't remember asking."

Gendry huffed, "You never ask!"

Arya glared at him, "I didn't think I had to."

Gendry raised his arms in disbelief, "Of course, m'lady high always does as she pleases, and takes what she wants."

She took off her gloves and threw them at him, "Stupid bull! What has put you in such a sour mood?"

He put her gloves on the table and sat down, putting his head in his hands. After a moment, he looked at her. She saw confusion in his blue eyes. "You should not be here. Especially at night. What if Jon or Lord Man – "

Arya raised her brow, "What? Did somebody say something to you?" Gendry lowered his head. "I take that as a yes then."

His blue eyes met hers, "Gods Arya! I – I don't really know what we're doing here" he said as he pointed between them, "but it's wrong, and it's a distraction, and I don't want it to affect what happens after the war."

"What happens after the war?"

Gendry scratched the back of his head, "Um, well, you'll probably become Lady of Winterfell and eventually have to marry some lord."

Arya laughed, but Gendry continued, "You know it's true. For your family, you would marry."

Arya shook her head, "I will not" she said matter-of-factly, moving to in front of where he was sitting, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I will help my family get Winterfell back, I will help the realm win the war with the others, but that is all. I have no interest in becoming Lady of Winterfell, no interest in ruling."

His eyes bore into hers, "But your honour, your family – "

"If my family still cares for me, they will understand. And screw honour. It has done no one any good."

"But Jon – "

Arya sighed, "So it was Jon? What exactly did he say to you?"

"He didn't come right out and say it, but I could tell he was implying that he thought it was wrong to leave the Inn, and that I never should have followed you. That I'm merely a distraction."

Arya scowled, "Gods be good, I'm gonna – "

Gendry stood quickly, "No Arya, leave it be. He had every right. He's your brother. Not only that but he's a prince!"

Arya rolled her eyes, growing agitated, "Stupid bull!" She shoved his shoulder and then went to leave.

"Arya wait, where are you going?"

She turned around and smiled at him mischievously, "I'm going to bed." She heard him let out a groan and then she turned and slammed the door, hastily making her way back to the castle and up towards Jon's chambers. She would have a talk with her dear brother.

After speaking with Jon, Arya did not really feel any better. Her brother worried about her. Gendry worried about her as well, but at least he wasn't bringing it up all the time. Arya sighed, she supposed she should tell them soon about her time across the Narrow Seas, but she was scared. Scared that Jon would not look at her the same, scared that he would no longer muss her hair and call her little sister. She really didn't think it would bother Gendry much though. He wasn't one to judge others. But there was still something deep inside her telling her not to tell him, and she had no idea what it was. She supposed that it might be the fact that they were currently in the war, and nothing else seemed to matter. It could also be that Gendry wasn't sure what he would do after the war. Surely he wouldn't abandon her, would he?

Arya shook her head, freeing her from her thoughts. It was then that she looked up and took in her surroundings. After leaving Jon's room she had just wondered around, paying no mind to where she was walking. But her feet had not taken her back to her chambers. No, she had ended up at the forge, of course.

Arya felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth as she entered the forge. The room was dark, as Gendry had gone to bed since she left. Luckily, she knew the way though. She quietly tip-toed her way over to the small cot. She could see the outline of Gendry's lumpy form that took up most of the cot. Arya pulled back the covers and gently shoved Gendry in the shoulder, hoping that he would move over. Apparently, he was only half asleep, as he lifted his body and shifted it closer to the wall, saying, "You shouldn't."

Arya rolled her eyes, "I don't see you stopping me."

He sighed in his sleep and scrunched up his face, "Couldn't if I wanted to."

Arya let out a laugh as she climbed into the cot, settling it to Gendry's side. "At least you realize that."

She gazed at him and saw a sleepy smile on his lips. She snuggled in closer as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His breathing slowed once again and Arya thought he was asleep. She was having trouble sleeping though, thoughts of what Jon said, and all of her doubts still fresh in her mind. What would she do after the war? She didn't think Winterfell would ever feel like home again, and she didn't want to be stuck marrying some prissy lord. The truth is, she couldn't really picture life after the war, and that scared her. She turned her head up once more to gaze at Gendry, who had fallen into a happy slumber. She felt a sad smile creep up on her face, "Don't ever leave me" she whispered.

She let her eyes drift close, and slowly, she began to fall asleep. Just before she did though, Gendry whispered out a response, still half asleep, "Never."

Arya woke in the early hours of the morning, and rose from the cot, trying not to wake a still-sleeping Gendry. She smiled as she watched him reach out to her, wondering where she had gone. Arya shook her head and gathered her things, tucking her tunic back into her breeches and putting on her winter cloak. She quietly made her way to the door and left the forge without making a sound.

The temperatures were well below freezing today, but the sun was rising brightly in the sky, offering some solace. By the time Arya had returned to her chambers, washed up and made her way to the dining hall, breakfast was already being served. Jon smiled at her as she sat down beside her, offering everyone a 'Good morning'.

They all ate slowly, enjoying what little food they had on their plates. Gendry came in some time later, carrying Jon's breastplate, which Willem took from him. Jon smiled, "Thank you for fixing that Gendry."

Gendry opened his mouth as if to speak, but thought the better of it and instead just offered Jon a small smile, before coming to sit next to Arya. She passed him some food as she said, "You slept late. Must've had a good sleep."

He turned and glared at her, "I was working late, m'lady." She went to kick him under the table, but instead, accidentally kicked Aegon, who was sitting across from them.

Aegon winced and Gendry was trying his best to hold back laughter by shoving food in his mouth. Jon finally caught on to what was happening, "Arya!"

Arya let out a laugh and shrugged her shoulders. She was about to apologize when Aegon spoke, "It's fine Jon. No harm done." Jon sent Aegon an apologetic look. Aegon turned to Arya, "You know, I can't say I've met many ladies like you, lady Arya."

She snorted, "I'd be surprised if you had" she paused, "Seeing as I'm no lady."

Aegon beamed at her, "You may not act like one, but that doesn't mean that you are not one."

Arya narrowed her eyes at him. She was about to retort, but Aegon spoke again, "You know, I've heard your Aunt was also quite wild. It is known that my father was quite taken by her."

She felt Gendry tense beside her. "Really?" she asked, "I thought it was my Aunt that got taken by your father."

He grinned at her, "I guess we'll never know for sure."

Sensing the tension of the conversation, Jon spoke loudly over their voices, addressing Lord Manderly, "Any more letters received this morning my lord?"

"Aye. The support for our cause is growing."

Jon nodded, "Glad to hear it."

They all ate in awkward silence before being interrupted by a young boy entering the room, "My lord" he bowed before them, "The banners of Riverrun and the Vale approach."

Lord Manderly smacked his hands on the table, "About time! Let us get ready to receive them!"

Arya waited impatiently by the gate standing beside her two brothers. Rickon was not at all paying attention, but instead just rolling around in the snow with Shaggydog. In the distance Arya could see her great uncle and Sansa's lord husband approach on horseback. When they got closer, Osha pulled Rickon off of Shaggydog and attempted to make him presentable. When they were about twenty feet away, both men descended from their horses and walked over to greet them.

Lord Manderly spoke first, "Lord Hardyng, Blackfish! Pleasure to meet you here my lords."

Arya's great uncle laughed, "Heard there was a war brewing."

"Aye."

Sansa's lord husband stepped forward and took Arya's hand, "How are you Lady Arya?"

Arya smiled, "Doing well, thank you. And how is my sister? Was she upset?"

He nodded, "Aye. She would have been happy spending more time with you, and I the babe, but alas, a Lord and Lady must do their duty."

"Well I thank you for joining us Lord Hardyng."

"Of course." He then moved to shake hands with Jon, who he had clearly met before. The two men were all smiles, speaking amiably of Sansa and the babe.

"And how are you Uncle Brynden?"

He rubbed his stomach, "Would be better with some food in my belly."

Lord Manderly chuckled, "Of course. Well let us go eat!"

The Blackfish signaled to his bannerman, "Go tell the others to set up camp. Food will be brought to them."

As they all turned to walk inside, Arya turned to the Blackfish. "Is the Brotherhood still travelling with you?"

"Aye. Although they were not too happy to see that you had taken off with the wolf pack."

"I can imagine."

Her great uncle laughed, "I wouldn't fret on it Lady Arya."

They had all eaten an early dinner in the dining hall, and the topic of war seemed to be on everyone's mind. As they were greeting formal guests, Gendry was nowhere in sight. Arya assumed he was probably off with the Brotherhood.

After eating, everyone began discussing battle plans. They had decided that the Tully's and the Knights of the Vale would approach Winterfell head on from the south. Arya would lead the Brotherhood and the Wolf pack on the east side in case the bastard attempted to make a run back to the Dreadfort. The northern houses that agreed to fight with them would attack from the West, while Jon's wildlings would take the North. Arya smiled when speaking of battle. The bastard would be surrounded on all sides, and would have no choice but to surrender. Arya could not wait to kill the bastard. Of course, she did not voice any of this aloud, afraid of what Jon would say. Instead, she pulled the Blackfish and Lord Hardyng aside after the feast and told them, "If you catch the bastard, leave him to me."

They had both simply nodded in understanding. After plans were all finalized; who would be located where, and the fact that they would leave in two days time, giving the men some rest, Arya left the castle and approached the tents. She found the Brotherhood in no time, recognizing Tom's voice easily. When she lifted the flap to the tent and walked inside, the men seemed to be in happy spirits. Tom was singing a tune, and the others were all drinking. Some even had women on their laps, and Arya wondered where they had even come from. Finally seeing Gendry seated next to Harwin, Arya made her way over. As she walked past Tom, he shouted at her, "The little lady graces us with her presence once more!"

The men all cheered, but Arya just stuck her tongue out to him. When she reached Gendry, she shoved him to make space for her before she sat down. Harwin quickly gained her attention, "How was the feast my Lady? Did you come up with plans?"

Arya took Gendry's cup and downed the small amount of wine in it. He sighed in annoyance. "Aye. It looks like you lot will be stuck with me and the wolf pack for the battle."

Eavesdropping, Greenbeard cheered, "You hear that boys? We'll be fighting with the wolves!"

All the men cheered and Arya laughed. Harwin's face remained serious, "These men are itching for a fight. The battle at the Twins barely fulfilled them."

Arya nodded, "Aye. I'm eager for a fight as well. I can't wait to kill that bastard Bolton and get his blood on my hands."

The men all cheered, listening intently. Gendry did not cheer though. Instead he shook his head, stood from his seat and then proceeded to walk toward the door. "Where are you going?" Arya called after him. He didn't respond as he left the tent. Arya was confused; did he not want to hear of all the plans?

Curious, Arya got up to follow him. Thoros called to her, "Little lady, aren't you going to fill us all in?"

She snorted, "In the morning, when all of you aren't so drunk."

The men laughed and Arya could feel some of their eyes following her as she left. In the distance, she saw the forge light up, and could almost make out Gendry's silhouette. Just as she was about to make her way there, Ned appeared beside her, "I don't think he appreciates your bloodlust."

Arya rolled her eyes, "Well he will have to get over it."

Ned smiled, "I'm glad to know that you will be leading us into battle. It feels the Brotherhood finally has a true leader."

"I did not ask to lead them."

Ned stepped closer, "And that is exactly why you make a good leader." Arya looked to the snowy ground, beginning to feel uncomfortable. She was about to tell him goodnight and leave when he spoke again, "You know my Lady, I enjoyed meeting your brother. He seems an honorable man."

Arya nodded, "He is."

Ned moved even closer and Arya could smell the wine his breath. "I only hope to get to know him better after the battle is won" he paused, "And same to you my Lady. I'd love to show you Starfall."

Arya took a step away from him, not liking what he was saying, "What are you implying Ned?"

He took a deep breath, carefully thinking over his thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by Tom's call, "Ned m'boy! Come back an' sing a tune for us."

Ned laughed at Tom's drunken state, "Well I must go my lady. Perhaps we can continue this conversation some other time."

Arya did not respond and instead only glared at him as he said his goodbyes and walked away. Anxious now, Arya hurriedly made her way to the forge. She slammed the door open and shut and quickly made her way closer to the anvil. Gendry stopped in his tracks but did not say anything. "Ned Dayne is completely insufferable."

Gendry snorted, "And what makes you say that m'lady?"

Arya stepped toward him and smacked him on the head, "Do not 'm'lady' me right now!"

Gendry laughed and got back to work, "What did he do?"

Arya glared at the back of Gendry's head, "He was saying how it was so nice to meet my brother, and that he hopes to get to know us bother better after the battle."

"What's so bad about that?"

"Then he said he wanted me to come to Starfall." Gendry froze. "As if I would ever want to go anywhere with that prissy Dayne! Do you remember what he said about my father all those years ago?"

Gendry still wouldn't look at her. "Maybe you'd like Starfall."

"What?" Arya stood, flabbergasted. "Maybe I'd like Starfall?" she said in a mocking tone. "You stupid, stupid bull!"

He finally turned toward her then and her fury was met with his, "Aye, I'm so stupid and you're the smartest highborn that has ever lived. Happy?"

Arya glared and shoved him before hastily stomping out of the forge and making her way to her own chambers. When she finally got to her chambers, she let out a fit of rage and threw one of her daggers across the room. It landed directly in the middle of the headboard. Arya sighed, finally beginning to calm down. She stripped out of her clothes and hopped in her bed. While it was comfier than the small cot in the forge, it was cold. Arya couldn't help but feel the loss of Gendry's warm body beside her. She huffed in annoyance that she missed the stupid bull at all! She reached up and grabbed the dagger, dislodging it from the headboard, and then she stuck it under her pillow for safekeeping. Once she said the names on her list, she let out a long sigh and then slowly descended into her wolf dreams.

A/N: There you have it! Sorry again for the delay! Please please please comment and let me know what you think! Gendry chapter up next!