Chapter 38: A stag in Winterfell

Summary:
Gendry visits Winterfell. In the interlude we get to meet Arianne Martell.
The main chapter resumes where chapter 33 ended.

Notes:
Welcome back to my beta Ravenousreadr!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers who are still with me after 500.000 words. When I started this project, I never imagined it would get this intense or this long. Each reader that "favorites" my story helps me keep up my motivation.
And now, enjoy the new chapter.


Chapter text:

Near Hardhome

"Don't tell me I just missed him." Jaime Lannister jumped of his horse that was sweating profusely.
His eyes wandered from the dragons that were nothing more than small dots on the horizon to the small group who stood there looking as forlorn as he felt.

"You just fucking missed him." Sandor was the one to point out the obvious. "Get used to it. He does that all the time."

"Doesn't seem as if any of you is used to it yet." Jaime eyed the group curiously. "Lord Loras of House Tyrell and Lady Brienne of House Tarth, it is a pleasure meeting you." He bowed in their direction and then acknowledged the others. "Tormund, Edd, Sandor, Gendry and this lady might be?"

"I am not a Lady, I am a spearwife, Sandor is my husband." She hooked her arm through Sandor's to stake her claim.

"Then you must be the Ygritte. Your reputation precedes you. Pleased to meet you as well."

"Stop with the courtesies already. We have no need of your company, Lannister. Crawl back to Castle Black." Lady Brienne bristled.

Jaime chuckled inwardly. The only thing missing was smoke coming out of her ears and nose. He couldn't help but admire her though. She looked formidable. Once more jealousy hit him when he was reminded that she would soon serve as a Kingsguard to King Aegon and he would be stuck at the Wall.

"Brienne," Loras admonished her. "He saved Prince Jon's life. Your Prince will not have us disparage his saviour."

Brienne gritted her teeth. "I apologize. But don't expect any thanks from me."

"None needed." For some reason Jaime wanted to rattle her and at the same time he felt the need to redeem himself in her eyes. "Earning the gratitude and forgiveness of our soon to be King Aegon the Sixth of his name is all I could ever ask for. Just remember when he sends you news of his success that I had some small part in making it happen. And now I need to find something to drink. Excuse me." When he passed Loras Tyrell, he unobtrusively slipped a scroll into the man's pocket.

"I'll join you." Tormund clapped Jaime Lannister's shoulder and both men left a bemused looking group behind.

"Tormund and the Kingslayer drinking and toasting together, this is a strange world indeed." Loras looked at Gendry when he said that. His right hand slowly moved to his pocket and touched the bump. His heart thumped in his chest. Jaime Lannister had come all the way from Castle Black and had slipped him a message in secret. He kept his face blank and did his best to follow the rest of the conversation.

"The Free Folk admire strength." Gendry remarked. "You weren't there. You didn't see what he did. Thousands of us tried to get to Jon and didn't succeed, but Lannister, he found a way. And when he did, the man didn't hesitate to jump right in the middle of hundreds of wights to reach Jon who was desperately trying to make a last stand. I never saw anything like it. The two of them protecting each other's back, standing their ground for what felt like ages. They must have killed at least a hundred wights before the tide turned when they slew two White Walkers."

"Hundreds of wights and two White Walkers? I didn't know." Lady Brienne stammered.

"Well Lannister's appearance just now certainly distracted us from our moment of self-pity." Gendry remarked. "What do we do now?"

"Exactly what our Prince ordered." Loras answered, his hand still resting on his pocket so he could feel the contours of the thick message that was hopefully written by his lover. "We head for Eastwatch, brief the Commander there and commandeer a ship. Lady Brienne and I will sail to White Harbour soon and from there to King's Landing or Dragonstone. You on the other hand will do some sightseeing in the North before joining all of us in King's Landing. I know the Prince asked you to take the men from Winterfell home and Ghost will probably prefer to travel with you to avoid having to board a ship."

Gendry looked around. "Has anybody seen Ghost?"

"Aye," Sandor who had been quietly talking to Ygritte had apparently picked up this last question. "The white direwolf raced after the dragons. I reckon he must be halfway to the Wall by now."

"Dammit," Gendry exclaimed. "I will miss his company."

"Nobody else to keep your bed warm?" Sandor teased the younger man, his arm encircling Ygritte possessively.

"Not all of us are used to the cold here. Besides he is a loyal companion and I felt safe having him near me." Gendry clarified. He had a slight blush on his cheek and attempted to ignore the couple's affectionate attitude they were flaunting in front of him.

"Come on. Let us help the others break up camp. I am eager to head home." Sandor released Ygritte's shoulder and took her hand instead. Together, the two of them walked back to the encampment.

"Home," Lady Brienne sighed watching the couple walk away. "I don't know where that is any more."

"I do." Loras tried to comfort her. "Lady Brienne of Tarth is needed in the capital where she will be offered a home in the White Tower and become Ser Brienne, going down in the history books as the first lady knight and wear a white cloak. Songs will be sung about you, Milady." Loras bowed.

When she didn't reply he tried to get her moving. "Come on, we are both impatient to get to King's Landing. You are not the only one eagerly anticipating a knighthood." Not daring to mimic Sandor's gesture, he gave her a compelling look and set off toward the encampment knowing she had no other choice than to follow since Gendry and Edd were already well ahead of them.

Gendry had indeed walked away no longer willing to hear the others banter. He hadn't been able to shake the feeling of abandonment yet and had followed at a safe distance behind Sandor and Ygritte. He was about to embark on a long trek with men he barely knew. Even though Robb would be glad to see him and probably Arya as well, he had practically invited himself for a stay at the home of the Warden of the North. What had he been thinking, he, a mere bastard of the Crownlands, imposing himself on the esteemed Lady Catelyn of House Stark?

He remembered Jon's parting advice. After conferring with his dragons, his friend had opted to delay his trip with half a day. A good meal and some extra rest was what Rhaegal had needed before attempting to fly across half of Westeros. His dragons had been given several horses to eat. They had been able to take their pick from the poor animals that had to be put down since they were too severely wounded to make the trip home.

Jon had used some of that extra time to advise Gendry on how to behave. "Find some decent clothes in the first town you encounter. Dress the part. By the time you arrive, chances are that your legitimization has already been made known throughout the realm. Do not cower before Lady Catelyn. You will be her equal if not her superior because you are a male. Be respectful but do not demean yourself. You are a close friend to the new King and distant cousin to boot. And don't linger too long in the North. I am eager to start the testing of the recipe for Valyrian Steel."

Gendry doubting Jon's statements had asked him how he could be so sure that everything would change that quickly. Jon had merely smiled and answered. "Don't bet against me this time, my dear cousin. Just give me a few days, a sennight at most and I will be King Aegon the Sixth of my Name."


Against all expectations, Gendry had enjoyed travelling at a leisurely pace along the Kingsroad towards Winterfell. At first he had kept mostly to himself and had savoured the relative anonymity to be had in the company of almost two hundred men. He had used it to slowly adapt and learn the best way to communicate with these men of the North.

First they had lost the Umbers but not before Gendry had been able to acquire a brand new outfit and a fur coat in a small settlement near the stronghold. Lord Umber himself had helped Gendry with the negotiations. Gendry would make a customised sword for House Umber and they in turn would see that the tailor received his due. Soon after they had left the Last Hearth behind, a group of the mountain clans had left them and so it had continued until only the small contingent of men from Winterfell were all that remained of his companions during the last days of their journey.

He had gotten to know these men fairly well and these last few days Gendry had felt happy and free. After exchanging life stories around the bonfires at night, all the men knew of Gendry's origins. The easy-going manners of the young man and his close friendship with the Targaryen-Stark Prince had gone a long way to ensure the men's goodwill. It also helped that there were two soldiers called Snow in their little caravan who were well-liked. Nobody seemed bothered by him being a bastard.

When they had heard of his wardrobe predicament, one of the men had given him directions to a well-known tailor in winter town. Their last day of their travels they had insisted that Gendry put on his only decent outfit he had acquired with the help of the Umbers and had urged him to ride up front. Gendry had not needed further persuading. He had been studying the horizon ever since to catch his first glimpse of the uniquely shaped towers of Winterfell.

That is why it was no coincidence that Gendry spotted the outriders first. Three men on horseback were racing toward them at great speed. Gendry's heart hammered in his chest. Were these men coming here to bring him the news that his visit had been denied or did they carry better tidings? To avoid torturing himself with such thoughts, he admired the way these men rode their horses. He would never be as good an equestrian as any of these men.

"I bet it is young Hullen and young Cassel. I don't recognise the third one." Poole, a nephew of the steward of Winterfell spoke up.

"How can you tell from such a distance?" Gendry asked the young man.

"Because I recognise their style of riding, the way they sit their horse and the kind of mounts they ride. I don't need to look at their faces." His eyes kept watching the three horsemen while he spoke.

"Except for the third one." Gendry remarked drily.

"Except for the third one. Give me some time. Let them come a bit closer." Poole squinted his eyes. "He looks small, perhaps it is one of the younger stable boys."

"Could it be …," Gendry stammered then stopped.

"I thought you had never been to Winterfell?" The man remarked.

"He hasn't." One of his fellow travellers joined the conversation. "I would know. I know everyone who has entered through our gates. I have been a guard at the gates for several years now. Besides, we are always briefed well in advance which visitors to expect."

Gendry gave him a challenging look. "I have met Lord Robb and his little sister before. Only not at Winterfell. Can it be Arya Stark, the third rider I mean?"

"The Gods be with us. You might be right. She rides as if she was born on a horse. It could be her. Even though it is strange to see the Wild Wolf without Nymeria, her direwolf." Poole's excited look turned sceptical when he uttered this last sentence.

Gendry smiled. "If it is her, then she will have received the message heralding my visit."

"More like Lady Arya saw the opportunity to sneak through the gates. She often tries to pull such a stunt, no matter the destination of the party that leaves the keep." Poole remarked. "More than once we were punished by Lady Stark because we let her precious daughter escape.

"Wanna bet she came out to welcome me?" Gendry spurred his horse. 'Come on, let us meet them halfway."

Soon the two groups met. Arya sat atop her horse, her hair in disarray, her braids having long escaped the confines of the knot they had been arranged in so carefully that morning. Big excited eyes immediately fixed on Gendry. Her small mouth couldn't host a larger smile.

"Gendry, Jon is King! Jon is King! He left an important message for you. Robb said you needed to get it before you saw mother." She yelled the words the moment they had halted their horses.

"Jon is King?" Gendry's face broke into a wide smile as well and Arya nodded enthusiastically.

"King Aegon of House Targaryen, Sixth of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, The Prince of Dragonstone, Rider of Dragons and Friend of the Free Folk. I learned all of his titles by heart already!"

"Praise the Old Gods." Poole said and the other men agreed with a resounding 'aye'.

"Hail King Aegon, long may he reign!" One of the men shouted.

"Long may he reign!" It seemed everyone seemed to welcome the news.

Gendry meanwhile had gotten of his horse and helped Arya dismount. "Nice to see you again, Lady Arya."

Arya made a move to embrace him and Gendry impulsively lifted her up with his strong arms.

"I am no lady, I am a Princess now. But don't call me that, only in front of mother. She smiles each time she hears someone say the word Princess." She told him this quietly close to his ear.

"And will a Princess still be allowed to speak to a blacksmith?" He teased her.

Arya smiled and wiggled her legs. "Put me down so I can perform a very important task. Normally Hullen was supposed to do it but I persuaded him to let me handle it."

"Used your authority as a royal Princess, did you now?" Gendry chuckled.

"Mmph," Arya was trying to reach the buckle of her saddlebag. Since her mount was a very large one, she didn't succeed right away.

"Allow me." Gendry opened the clasp and lifted her up so she could reach inside the bag and take out a thick scroll with a heavy seal.

As soon as her two feet were back on the ground she held the scroll out to Gendry. "See? Jon even has his own seal. He put a direwolf on his sigil! A large eagle flew it to Winterfell."

Arya's spoke loud enough for the entire party to overhear. She thrust the scroll into Gendry's hands who eagerly examined the large wax seal. When the men pleaded Gendry to show it to them, he held out the scroll in front of him but didn't release his hold on it.

"The new King honours the North." Poole who stood closest to Gendry remarked as soon as he spotted the small direwolf head below the three headed dragon imprinted in the wax.

"The blood of the Kings of Winter flows through him and he displays it proudly." Another chimed in.

"To King Aegon, long may he reign!" They picked up the chant again.

"Open already." Arya tugged on Gendry's sleeve.

"Hey take care. I am wearing these clothes for the very first time." Gendry said it teasingly but was glad that she released him instantly and that his sleeve was no worse for the wear.

"Sorry." She kept her voice down so he alone could hear her. "I guess you want to impress my mother. She likes it that people dress up to meet her."

Gendry bowed towards her and whispered confidentially in her ear. "I know. Jon told me." He broke the seal and started to read. His eyes widened. Not only was he legitimized, he travelled to Winterfell as a royal ambassador and his first duty was to deliver an official invitation from the King to Lady Stark. He was to hand her a personal letter from King Aegon.

"What does it say?" Arya made a move to grab his sleeve again but refrained from it at the very last moment.

Gendry bowed. "Princess Arya, Lord Gendry of House Baratheon, heir to Storm's End and next in line to become Lord Paramount of the Stormlands is pleased to make your acquaintance."

"You're a very important Lord now?" She made a face.

"Jon just made me one. But I promise I am not going to be a stuck up one. Just as you are not a stuck up Princess." He smiled remembering one of her rants when they were at the Stony Shore.

"Good, keep it that way." She replied brusquely. "Come on. Act like a High Lord and help a Princess on her tall horse. What are you standing around for? Let us hurry back to Winterfell."

Gendry smiled and lifter her up so she could slip her right foot into the stirrup and lift her other leg over the back of the horse. "There you go, Princess."

"I am no," she stopped. She looked at him with her big grey eyes and continued quietly. "You can call me Princess. It sounds nice when you say it." She blushed but did not avert her eyes. "Perhaps that is because you are my second best friend."

"Thank you, Princess." He smiled and quickly mounted his own horse. She was a delight to be around. He looked forward to his stay at Winterfell even more now.

The men all congratulated him but acted more reserved. Gendry sighed and remembered his promise to Jon. He was to treat everybody as friendly as ever but should respect the fact that they had to adhere to the rules of protocol. He should allow them to address him by his new title when the occasion called for it. It was more for the benefit of the people he would interact with than for himself. Jon had given Gendry several examples of how he himself had struggled with the same situation for as long as he could remember. 'Act kind and just, Gendry. Remember that in private you are still free to behave as before. Just make sure that you spend enough private time with your friends and loved ones. That way you might survive this terrible fate of being a close friend and cousin to a soon to be King.'

When he got tired of the stilted conversation with his fellow travellers, he spurred his horse onward until he rode at the front of their caravan next to Arya Stark.

She smiled when she noticed him. "Are you really a Baratheon?" She asked innocently.

"Robert Baratheon was my father. I never met him though and I doubt he knows that I exist." He shook his head to chase away the bitter mood that always came upon him when he spoke about his birth father. When he saw her biting her lip, he regretted his outburst. He took a breath and leaned closer to her. "Did you know that Jon calls me cousin?"

"You are also his cousin? Does that make us family?" She was animated once again.

Glad that his distraction had worked he replied. "A distant cousin to Jon. We share a Targaryen ancestor. No relation by blood to you, I am sorry. We just kind of have a connection through Jon. But as far as I am concerned we can be very good friends and claim we are both a part of Jon's family."

"Jon is my very best friend and I am his first cousin. I am to visit him soon. I am going to King's Landing and will be able to see him sit on the famous Iron Throne with my own eyes. Mother says he will be wearing a large crown."

"I am glad to hear that you are allowed to accompany your mother to King's Landing. In the message you brought me, Jon orders me to accompany Lady Catelyn to the capital." He smiled to himself recalling the last paragraph of Jon's letter in which Jon asked him for 'the favour' of escorting his female kin safely to King's Landing.


The large gates of Winterfell opened and Gendry looked around with big eyes. From a distance Winterfell had seemed impressive but so had the Red Keep. He had never set foot inside the walls of a large castle though. The most luxurious place he had visited was the villa where Princess Daenerys had lived in Pentos but that had not prepared him for the sheer size of Winterfell.

Stable boys appeared out of nowhere and took the reins of their horses. Gendry dismounted quickly but was too late to assist Arya. She already stood beside him. Servants helped him untie his small bag with personal belongings. The scroll from Jon was safely tucked beneath his belt.

An older man that Gendry surmised to be the steward due to his resemblance to young Poole bowed to Gendry. "Lord Baratheon, welcome to Winterfell. Prince Stark and his mother, Princess Catelyn Stark are ready to receive you in the Great Hall. Allow me to show you the way."

"I can do that, Poole." Arya intervened.

"You are of course welcome to join us, Princess Arya. However, I would advise you to change first." Poole said in a warm fatherly tone.

Arya made a face. "Dratt. I so wanted to see mother's face. Will you wait for me?" Her eyes looked pleadingly at Gendry. "I can be real quick."

Gendry turned to Poole to surmise what protocol dictated in such cases.

"Lord Baratheon can fill you in later, Princess. He better not make your brother wait. And might I suggest you do something about your hair as well?"

Arya touched her braids and found they were mostly undone. She turned to Gendry and all but ordered him. "Go on in then. I'll be there soon." She turned around and sprinted away entering the main building by a side door.

Poole looked a bit worried. "I apologize if the behaviour of the young Princess caused you some discomfort, my Lord. Please don't take offense."

"She was no nuisance. To the contrary, she was charming company and made a boring trip a bit livelier. Don't worry about it and don't tell on her. I sure won't." Gendry reassured the loyal man.

"Of course, my Lord. Thank you." The steward studied the young Lord with a bit more interest. "You were already acquainted with Princess Arya?"

"I had the pleasure of meeting her and Lord, I am sorry, Prince Robb Stark at the Stony Shore a couple of moons ago." Gendry had been so proud he had used the correct formal phrasing only to spoil it by forgetting that Robb was a Prince now."

"Don't worry about it, my Lord. Many of us are not entirely used to the new titles either. You might hear others make the same mistake. It is quite a change, isn't it?"

"It is indeed. When I met Jon, I mean King Aegon of course, he was posing as an small Lord from the Driftmark. We became close and now I find myself to be an intimate friend to the King of the Seven Kingdoms."

"I know what you mean. He was introduced to us as Lord Celtigar as well. We should have known though. He is the spitting image of his mother. You on the other hand have the true look of a Baratheon, if you don't mind my saying."

"The former King was my father." Gendry looked around and saw several servants were gawking at him. "Shall we go in though? I do not want to make a bad first impression by making them wait."

"Don't worry, my Lord. The King himself announced your visit. You will be treated with all the respect due to your new station." Poole appreciated the fact that the young man stayed humble and friendly instead of acting all haughty and arrogant.

They had crossed the courtyard by now and Gendry looked around once more. Suddenly he realised what he had subconsciously been searching for. "Aren't there supposed to be direwolves running around?"

"Princess Catelyn ordered them to be locked up in the pens so as not to scare you away before you had reached the main building." Poole explained. "She is not very keen on them and uses every opportunity to keep them out of her sight much to the chagrin of her children. Luckily Prince Robb can get her to see reason most of the time."

Gendry looked at him thinking of what Jon had told him about Robb's mother. Apparently Poole misinterpreted his silence when he added nervously. "Better forget what I told you just now. I overstepped."

"I didn't mind." Gendry reassured him. "I am just nervous about meeting Prince Stark's mother."

Poole nodded and they entered the building. They stopped before a large door. "Here we are, my Lord."

Gendry looked at the man and nodded. "In case I do not get the opportunity in there, thank you, Poole. It was nice meeting you."

"Likewise, my Lord." Poole made a bow visibly relieved the new High Lord had been so accommodating and signalled the guards to open the heavy doors. "Lord Gendry of House Baratheon!" Poole announced their visitor at the top of his voice.

"Gendry! Nice to see you again." Robb immediately rose from his chair and met Gendry halfway. He embraced his friend. "I'm glad you decided to come visit." Then he whispered in his ear. "I know it was not on Jon's orders as mother thinks."

"Glad to see you too, Robb." Gendry released his friend and looked nervously at Princess Catelyn of House Stark who had risen and strode towards them in a dignified manner.

He bowed. "Princess Stark, I am honoured to make your acquaintance. You have a lovely home here."

Gendry tried to stay calm under Catelyn Stark's formal look. Jon had predicted this reaction. He had told her that Robb's mother considered herself a lady of superior birth and education and that she would not allow herself to let any resentment she might harbour to shine through. She would probably not be friendly and might act rather cool and haughty. However he was sure that she would not dare to let anyone notice that she looked down on Gendry for being a former bastard from a dethroned King. She would make sure that the only reports that would reach King's Landing would mention that Princes Catelyn of House Stark had offered the royal ambassador sent by her dear nephew, King Aegon, all the courtesies due to his newly bestowed station.

"Lord Baratheon, we are honoured to receive a representative of King Aegon in our home. You are welcome to enjoy everything Winterfell has to offer. You may address me as Princess Catelyn." She held out her hand for the bastard to kiss.

Gendry nervously put his dry lips shortly on the offered palm. "I thank you, Princess Catelyn."

She nodded coldly and gestured the servants who brought salt and bread.

Gendry almost refused the food by stating that he was not hungry when he remembered in the nick of time that this was the customary offering to make clear that a visitor was under the protection of guest rights. Sweat broke out on his forehead. He hoped there were no other things he had overlooked. He really didn't want to offend his hosts. He accepted a small piece of bread.

However, the exact moment that he was about to dip it into the salt, the doors swept open and Arya burst in. Still half in a panic due to his near mistake, the commotion she made startled him and he dropped the piece of bread in the bowl with salt most certainly making the cursed thing inedible. He swallowed thickly but was saved by the fact that Princess Catelyn shifted her attention away from him to scold her daughter for her impudent manners.

"Just select another piece, Gendry." Robb tapped his shoulder reassuringly while he whispered these words in his friend's ear. "And relax. A few more moments with my mother and we can escape to my solar where we can talk in private."

Gendry nodded gratefully and plucked the small lump of bread that had salt sticking to it on all sides out of the bowl and put it to the side. He was still chewing on another piece when Princess Catelyn approached again.

"I believe you are already acquainted with my youngest daughter, Princess Arya."

Gendry put on a formal face but couldn't hide the hint of a smile in his eyes when he looked at Arya. Her eyes danced with barely contained mirth when her mother uttered the word 'Princess'. He clenched his jaw to stave off the burst of laughter that bubbled up when Arya winked. She had not exaggerated. Her mother had a very special intonation when she pronounced the new title of House Stark. He breathed through his nose and attempted to stay serious when he replied rather stately making sure to use the new title of House Stark several times in his reply.

"I already had the pleasure, Princess Catelyn. However I look forward to meeting the two younger Princes and Princess Sansa. King Aegon was so kind as to tell me about them and so was Prince Robb when I was introduced to him at the Stony Shore." He felt the sweat trickle on his forehead and prayed that Robb would tell them to adjourn to his quarters soon enough. He noticed Princess Catelyn purse her lips.

"The Princess Sansa and the Princes Bran and Rickon are with the Maester for the moment. You will be introduced to them before dinner." Her tone was not very inviting and an uncomfortable silence ensued.

Gendry coughed. "Princess Catelyn, if I may?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Her cool formal tone made Gendry even more uncertain but an encouraging look from Robb helped him gather his courage. "I uh, I just wanted to reassure you that I am not intimidated by the direwolves. You do not have to keep them locked up on my account. At the Stony Shore I met with three of them already and since then I have grown quite fond of Ghost."

"Ghost is the name of the King's direwolf." Robb quickly interrupted, noticing his mother quizzical expression. "Don't worry, I'll handle this, Mother."

Robb nodded in the direction of Poole who stood discreetly near the door at the other end of the room. The man smiled and left quickly.

"Mother, Lord Baratheon has a message from the King for me. We will retreat to my solar. I'll make sure we return well in time for dinner so you will have ample opportunity to introduce him to my other siblings."

"Robb?" Arya touched his arm, her eyes pleading with her brother.

Robb glanced toward the door to make sure that his mother was already far enough so she could not overhear them. She was indeed walking away rather swiftly. Princess Catelyn was probably glad that she no longer needed to remain in the presence of a former bastard. She had warned Robb not to be too familiar with the upstart new heir to the Stormlands. Robb however had cautioned her not to offend the legitimised Lord. In doing so they would go against the instructions of the new King. Lord Gendry of House Baratheon was a very close friend and distant cousin of King Aegon. He also was the future Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. They better pay him the respect he was due. Father would not be best pleased if his wife soured the relationship between the Stormlands and the North.

Robb leaned a bit lower and whispered to his little sister. "Give me some time with Gendry first. I'll have a servant fetch you later with some pretext."

Gendry intervened. "We don't need a pretext. I happen to have a very good reason to require her presence later. I might have brought a letter and a gift from the King for her." He thumped his head and frowned suddenly. "I'd have to check though. I remember when I bought those new clothes that I had trouble fitting everything in my saddle bag. I might have left her gift at the Last Hearth." The mirth in his eyes and his broad grin betrayed him though.

Arya was about to burst out or squeal in delight but Robb put his fingers to his lips to signal that she should keep silent. "Don't alert your mother." He whispered.

Arya nodded, stood on her toes and kissed her brother's cheek. "You two are the best. After Jon of course," she added hastily and let her brother leave with Gendry without further protest.

"I am sorry if my sister bothered you. I heard she sneaked out again." Robb looked at his friend while they walked towards the solar.

Gendry smiled. "Why do people keep saying that? I enjoy her liveliness. She makes things interesting, I mean not boring, I mean uh."

"Stop being nervous, Gendry. I know what you mean." He opened the door to the solar and let his guest enter first. "Look carefully, Gendry." Robb closed the door with an exaggerated gesture. "See that. It is just the two of us now."

Robb gave the example by relaxing his stance. "Gods I am ever so glad to see you. It has been rather boring here lately. At least the times I was not in the company of my younger sister." He smiled teasingly at Gendry when he added that last bit.

Gendry's eyes took in every detail of the stately room. His eyes lingered on the cosy chairs near the fire.

"Go on, take a seat." Robb offered. "I am just fetching a pitcher of ale. Or do you prefer wine?"

"Ale, please." Gendry folded his hands in his lap and continued to study his environment. "You have a lovely home, Robb."

"Thank you. I know I am blessed. Now tell me how are you doing?" He offered Gendry a pint of ale.

Gendry took it and immediately drank half of it. "Better now," Gendry smiled. "Gods this is fine ale."

"Home made." Robb answered proudly. "You did well back there, Gendry. You look the part too."

"I had help and got lots of advice. The formal words sound weird coming out of my mouth though." He admitted. "It all feels rather strange actually. For all I am some important Lord now, I still feel like a blacksmith. Luckily Jon told me he will still have need of my skills in the forge. I wouldn't want to give it up."

"And of course, you will obey your King." Robb's seemed tense all of a sudden.

Gendry looked at him strangely. "Of course I will help my 'friend'. And I am glad I can make myself useful that way at least. I am a rather skilled blacksmith and I enjoy creating things."

"I'm sorry. That was uncalled for." Now it was Robb that looked a little uneasy.

Gendry leaned a bit closer to Robb. "Nothing to be sorry about. How are you doing, Robb? Except for being a bit lonely the times that Arya is not shaking thing up. Are you coping with all your duties?"

"I am getting the hang of it. It was difficult at first though. I freely admit that to you but don't go repeating that to anyone. Certainly not to Jon." Robb stressed that last part.

"I won't if you ask me not to." Gendry answer was a simple and forthright. "I am aware that I will need to learn a lot from Lord Renly Baratheon if I am ever to rule the Stormlands."

"I can teach you a few things if you want." Robb offered. "How long are you staying?"

"A sennight at the most. I am here to issue the formal written invitation from King Aegon to your mother and siblings. Jon also wants me to escort them on their journey. A royal letter to confirm all this was included in the scroll the outriders handed to me."

"I don't know if that is a good idea." Robb remarked a big frown had appeared on his forehead.

Gendry's face fell. "Because I will not always know how to act as a real Lord and your mother will feel insulted?"

"Gendry, you are a real Lord now and you act just fine. It is just, no matter how hard you try, my mother will never treat you as an equal because of your origins. She was raised by Septas you see. The Faith of the Seven looks down on bastards." Robb explained patiently.

"But almost everyone in the South worships the Seven." Gendry looked panicked now.

"Southern Lords also are very protective of their status. You only need to mention you are a cousin and intimate friend of the King. Emphasize that you have been a part of his inner circle long before he became King and they will all want to befriend you."

"But these same arguments will not sway your Lady Mother?"

Robb looked thoughtful. "Actually they might if we go about it the right way. We'll combine forces and make mention of King Aegon every time you feel she wants to snub you. Stress what intimate friends you and Jon are. Drop a few times that you have his ear. Mention that he addresses you as cousin and considers you a part of his small Targaryen family. I will do the same at every opportunity."

Gendry looked uncertain.

"These are not a lies, Gendry. Use the truth to your advantage. You said yourself that Jon has need of your skills. But do not mention you are a blacksmith to mother." He raised his tanker, drank deeply and placed it on the table with an exaggerated gesture to make it obvious that it was empty. He encouraged Gendry to do the same. Then he proceeded to fill both tankers again. "Now let's see, a sennight for me to enjoy your company. We must organise a hunt. You will of course join me in the training yard. What else can we do?"

"Tour the castle, visit the Godswood and allow me some time in the forge when your mother is least likely to notice?" Gendry offered shyly.

"Of course. We can explore the environment as well and visit Winter Town."

"Yes, I will need to visit Winter Town at the first opportunity. I plan to buy some new clothes. I only have this one outfit that is decent enough for a Lord."

"Well then Winter Town tomorrow and a hunt in three days' time. I will need to organize a larger escort for that."

Gendry studied Robb closely now. Except for the tiny part of his finger that was missing he saw nothing out of the ordinary. There were no dark circles under his eyes, no visible bandages although he could not be sure about that because the cold weather called for long sleeves. Robb looked lively enough. "How is your arm, Robb?"

"The Maester has allowed me to resume training. It is frustrating though. The long period of inactivity has apparently made the muscles in my arms non-existent. And it takes time to remedy that. The scars are ugly but they are proof that I survived and am the stronger for it."

Gendry saw the determined look in Robb's eyes. "You look strong, Robb. I am glad." He hesitated not knowing if it was polite to enquire after the scars.

"What is it, Gendry?" Robb was grateful for the young man's company. In Gendry's presence he felt like a protective older brother. Gendry needed his guidance. It felt good to have a purpose, to feel useful.

Gendry gathered his courage and spoke up. "Your scars, do they hurt? Can you describe them to me?"

"You want to see them?" Robb asked softly. Curiosity was better than pity.

"Only if you are willing. I apologise but you see I never, I have never..." Gendry stammered.

"It's okay, Gendry. I'll reveal just a small part. You are not the first to ask and you will not be the last either. Somehow I am glad you asked. I can't explain exactly why your interest touches me. When others ask, I find myself getting irritated."

He carefully rolled up his sleeve a few inches and then lifted the thin bandages. Angry red lines formed an orderly pattern of rectangles. Not a single patch of rosy skin remained though. Thick crusts and strange looking raw red flesh made up the rest of the area Robb had revealed.

"I am so sorry, Robb. Not for how it looks, but for the pain you must have endured when he, when he…" Gendry looked away. His eyes turned back to Robb's face when his friend spoke the f-word.

"Flayed me? It is okay. It took me a while to be able to say it out loud as well. Maester Luwin has been instrumental in helping me talk about it." Robb had no trouble looking Gendry in the eye.

"I am glad for that, Robb. And if there is any way I can help while I am here, just say the word. I am at your disposal."

"Just keep me company as much as you can. Soon everyone is going south and I will be stuck in the North being the Stark that has to remain in Winterfell." Robb's expression darkened a bit.

"Your turn will come I am sure. Your father will return to Winterfell and then it will be your turn to travel to King's Landing. And when you do, we will all be there and can sneak into a room, the five of us and have lots of fun."

"You forget that Jon will be married by then." Again Robb's tone changed when he mentioned Jon.

"Jon told me that when we meet in private everything will still be the same and that he looks forward to our reunion, of all five of us. I am sure that Princess Daenerys will spare him for an evening. He can always return to her side afterwards."

"I guess." Rob sighed. "You have met her in Pentos. What is she like?"

"Young, beautiful and kind, I guess. I didn't see much of her but she didn't strike me as a stuck up royal. She was nice to me and you must keep in mind that when I met her, I was just an insignificant bastard who happened to travel with a few Lords."

"Do you think I will like her?" Robb looked doubtful which Gendry really didn't understand.

"You should ask Jon that but as far as I understand, she was nice to me because Jon introduced me as a good friend. She will certainly try to befriend you. You are not merely his friend. Jon considers you the brother he never had. Don't worry, Robb."

Robb kept his doubts for himself for now and walked to the door. "The sun will be setting soon. I will let the servant fetch Arya. When he returned from a quick talk with a servant in the hallway he asked, 'Do you really have another present for her?"

"I do. Dragonglass daggers for all of you, customized with the Stark sigil."

"Don't show mother yet. Let me prepare her first. She wasn't happy when Arya came home with her sword."

"Well these daggers are a present from his royal Highness, the esteemed King Aegon, the Sixth of his name. You can't refuse such a thoughtful royal gift." Gendry said in an imperious manner. Both young men laughed out loud at the exaggerate speech.

Arya stood still in the doorway with Greywind and Nymeria by her side. The three of them watched both men with big eyes. Her brother was laughing freely with Gendry. It had been a long time since she had seen her brother this carefree and heard him laugh out loud. Gendry rose even higher in her esteem. After supper, she would write a short message to Jon. He would be very relieved to learn that Robb was doing so much better.


Gendry had a really nice time in Winterfell. He got more confident as the days wore on. Robb gave him small pieces of advice and praised him often when they could exchange some words in private after another tedious introduction. He blessed his decision to come to Winterfell before going south and joining the royal court. This was kind of a training period for him. Growing comfortable with his new status was easier with a kind, attentive teacher by his side.

Princess Catelyn had mellowed substantially and not only because it was made clear to her several times - often subtly by her eldest son - what a close relationship the young Lord had with the Targaryen King. Unbeknownst to both young men, Gendry had succeeded because of his beneficial influence on Robb.

Not only Princess Catelyn but the entire household rejoiced in the excellent mood their Prince was in these days. Robb walked around with a happy expression and had not had a single tantrum since the young Lord of House Baratheon had arrived. As a consequence the servants did everything they could to make Gendry's stay as agreeable as possible. The young Baratheon hardly ever had to ask for anything. All his needs were met before he even realised he had them.

The only thing neither the servants nor Princess Catelyn understood was the young Lord's behaviour towards both Princesses. At his first supper at Winterfell, Gendry had been officially introduced to Princess Sansa and the younger Princes, Bran and Rickon. He had acted as a perfect but distant Lord and had said and done all the right things, nothing more, nothing less. And his behaviour towards the beautiful Princess Sansa had remained that way.

On the other hand, Lord Baratheon was often spotted in the company of Prince Robb and Princess Arya. During these times the young Lord was animated and kind. He also spent time with Bran and Rickon. This occurred mostly in the training yard when Princess Arya and Prince Rob were also present. There he sparred with all of them, even little Rickon. Laughter could be heard when Arya bested the Lord once. She had slipped under his arm and had touched his back with her wooden sword. Gendry not in the least put out had joked he should have brought his mighty warhammer since he was invincible when wielding it.

When Princess Catelyn and her eldest daughter had appeared on the ramparts overlooking the training yard however, the young Lord had once more donned a serious mien and had made a formal bow. The entire time Princess Sansa had stayed out there, Gendry Baratheon had checked his behaviour and had remained a mere spectator for the remainder of the training session.

Some of the servants whispered it was because he was too shy and was spellbound by Princess Sansa's beauty. Others claimed that it was exactly the opposite and that the young Lord hardly noticed that Princess Sansa existed. The servants who preferred Arya over Sansa kept their mouths shut. In private they prayed to the Old Gods that Princess Arya might one day become Lady Baratheon. They loved the girl with the wolf's blood dearly but just as her mother they feared that she would never find a husband who would tolerate her wild spirit. They were certain however that the young Lord had taken a shining to Princess Arya and preferred her over Princess Sansa. Perhaps in a few years all would be well.


Meanwhile Sansa was working up her courage to ask Lord Gendry of House Baratheon about Lord Edric Dayne. She presumed that the young men had seen each other beyond the Wall and if not, surely they were staying in touch through letters since they were friends? She hadn't heard any news from Edric since he had left Winterfell. Her mother and father didn't talk to her about potential betrothals any longer. In his last letter, her father had scolded her and claimed that she had proved herself too immature to marry anytime soon. He had given instructions to increase her lesson plan and restrict her free time. If she acted like a child, he would treat her like one, flowered or not. She had cried herself to sleep frequently since then.

When Gendry had arrived she had done her utmost to behave as guarded as possible so nobody could accuse her of flirting with the young Lord. A few days later, she overheard some servants whispering and feared that she had overdone it. Perhaps Lord Baratheon also believed just as some of the servants did that the Princess of the North felt herself far above a legitimized bastard.

The fifth day of Gendry's stay at Winterfell, she had gone to Robb to ask for his advice. Robb had reassured her and told her that Gendry was a really nice young man and a close friend of him. He encouraged her to seek his company and just ask what she wanted to know. Lord Baratheon would certainly be willing to tell her all that he knew about Lord Dayne's wellbeing. When Sansa confessed that she lacked the courage to approach him on her own, Robb had arranged the encounter.

And so Princess Sansa of Winterfell met the heir to Storm's End later that day in the Godswood. Robb had escorted her to the place where he had left Gendry earlier. The young man was bathing his feet in the warm water near the heart tree. Gendry, clearly surprised, sprang to his feet and bowed formally. "Princess."

"Please call me Sansa in this sacred place, Lord Baratheon. Here only the Gods are our witnesses and more importantly my mother is not around to berate us." She smiled encouragingly at the nervous young man.

"Thank you, Sansa. Then in this magical place, I am Gendry." Gendry was relieved to notice that Robb nodded approvingly at the both of them.

"My sister wanted to ask you something, Gendry. I'll be over there if you need me."

Sansa however held him back. "Stay Robb, I am sure you are allowed to hear what Gendry has to say." Her eyes pleaded with her brother to lend her his support.

Gendry frowned not sure what was going on.

"Don't worry," Robb reassured Gendry. "She only wants to ask you if you know how Edric is doing. Just tell us what you can reveal without betraying our friend's confidence."

Gendry's expression softened. He scolded himself for not saying something earlier. He could be such a thickhead sometimes. "Edric is doing fine, Sansa. He was not allowed to take part in the major battle at Hardhome since he was ordered to safeguard the women and children. Together with Lady Brienne and Loras Tyrell, he oversaw their evacuation and stayed with them on the ships. This very moment, he is sailing towards White Harbour and from there he will travel directly to King's Landing."

He took her hand when he saw her eyes grow moist. "He spoke of you often. He wanted me to bring you a letter but Jon advised against it. Your cousin said it was not worth the risk. Your father only esteems honourable men. A young suitor contacting his maiden daughter behind his back would have to face dire consequences if ever the letter were discovered. Edric and Jon however will keep up their efforts to try and sway your Lord Father, I mean Prince Eddard Stark."

"Thank you, Gendry." Sansa squeezed his hand only to release it immediately after and hurry out of the Godswood.

Gendry looked at Robb whose expression had darkened the moment Gendry had mentioned that Jon had forbidden Edric to write Sansa. He was quick to defend Jon. "He was right you know. Edric could not write her."

"I know." Robb admitted finally looking troubled. "I have not been a good cousin to him lately."

Gendry eyed Robb with a puzzled expression on his face. "I have never seen two men closer than the two of you. We are all his friends and do not mistake me, Jon is a great friend to have. Whenever we spend time together I feel special and our connection grows deeper. But that is nothing compared to what the both of you share. You two are bound by blood. I have seen it with my own eyes. And when I asked him about it once, he explained that he thinks of you as the brother he never had. Did you know that he was sick when he flew across half of Westeros to rescue you? Sam wrote he was still so weak that he could barely stand on his feet when he left Dragonstone."

Robb hung his head. "That makes my recent behaviour even worse. I sometimes hate myself, Gendry. I look in the mirror and I hate the person that looks back at me."

Gendry gestured for Robb to sit down and took his original position re-emerging his feet in the lukewarm water. He waited for Robb to divest himself of his shoes and do the same. Then he turned his attention back on the topic at hand. "Why do you feel that?"

That simple straightforward question struck a chord within Robb. And for the first time he was willing to admit to himself and to his friend that he had a problem. "Since I am jealous, ungrateful, resentful. I chased away my uncle because instead of patiently explaining why I didn't need his advice, I accused him of preferring Jon's company to mine. I find myself resenting the fact that Jon is a better person than I am."

Gendry stared deep into the water and mulled over what he had heard. When he started to speak he voiced his thoughts slowly. "I think that every one of us, if we are totally honest, has felt jealous of Jon at one time or another." He faced Robb again now that he had found the words he wanted to say. "Hells, I envy him each time I see him interact with Ghost. I love that wolf too but I know that I will never replace Jon in Ghost's heart. I am sure that the feelings you harbour are not so different than ours have been at some point. And if you acted on them where we did not, then I am sure nobody will hold it against you, certainly not after what happened. We are all aware that you have been going through a difficult time lately and have been short tempered at times."

"My uncle left, Gendry. I literally chased him away. How can he not hold it against me?"

"Let me see if I get this right. You still think you were mostly right about the things you argued about with your uncle but you concede that you could have handled your argument better and you wish that you had been more careful with how you phrased your refusal to heed his advice? Most of all you regret losing your temper?"

Robb had nodded his head several times while his friend spoke and looked relieved to have it out in the open. "Yes on all counts." He expelled a deep breath.

"Well if anybody has a valid excuse to have less self-control for the moment it is you." Gendry stated matter of fact.

Robb shook his head now. "I don't want you all to pity me. I don't need special treatment."

"Not our pity. You have our compassion, our understanding. Write your uncle a letter, an honest one. He is your uncle, your blood. As far as I know him, he will understand and he will forgive you."

Robb remained silent and seemed to be considering this option. "And Jon?" He asked after a while.

"Did you hurt Jon as well?" Gendry threw Robb a confounded look.

"Not directly but if uncle Benjen told him only half of what I said in my anger…" Robb's voice faltered.

"Then write him an honest letter as well. Hells, I was going to write to Jon how well you were doing. He has been so worried about you. He asks after you at every opportunity. He told me he wished he could summon you to the Dragonstone although now that should be to King's Landing, but he had to agree that you are needed in the North. He misses your company, Robb. I know he counts the days until your father returns here and you can travel south. Whatever doubts you might harbour, don't doubt Jon's feelings for you."

"You are a Gods-send, Gendry. Maester Luwin might have helped me to come to terms with what happened to me but your presence has made me feel like myself old self again. Did you know that our hunt was the first time I was able to enjoy such an activity fully since, you know, the Dreadfort?" He made a small hand gesture. "I had been unable to enjoy such simple pleasures. I got startled by the tiniest unexpected noise. Your presence has worked wonders for me, Gendry."

Gendry put his hand on Robb's thigh for a short moment. "What are friends for? We made a pact remember. I would have come for you at the Dreadfort as well if I had gotten the news in time, believe me."

"I know. I know. I am really lucky. From now on, I am going to be grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what I don't have." Robb gave Gendry a small smile.

The young man withdrew his hand and leaned back using his hands for support. "I am sure you can't find a scroll large enough to write down all that you have going for yourself, Robb. Wait until you visit King's Landing and I show you Flea Bottom where I spent the first part of my life."

"I really have been a spoiled brat." Robb shook his head in a self-deprecating manner.

Again Gendry shortly touched Robb's thigh. "Maybe you did behave like one once in a while, however never in my presence. Don't sell yourself short, Robb. How many heirs to a Kingdom would befriend a poor bastard from Flea Bottom?"

"I can't claim credit for that. Jon introduced us." Robb was quick to dismiss the praise.

"He did. But that doesn't mean you couldn't have ignored me most of the time or given me snide retorts. You didn't though. You became a friend."

"That's because I trusted Jon and followed his lead." Robb gave him a small smile.

"And you can still trust him. And be reassured that he still trusts you too." Gendry did his best to persuade his friend that he hadn't lost Jon's good opinion. "Just make sure he knows that you still know that as well."

Robb stared absently at the place where his feet were submerged. "Don't you feel sometimes that Jon is so good, so perfect that we will never measure up and will always come up short?"

Gendry took his time to consider his answer. Finally he spoke up. "Not really. I am my own person and I know for a fact that Jon is not perfect either. And he certainly doesn't think he is perfect. He struggles with the mistakes he makes the same as we do. Don't forget, if he makes a mistake it can have far-reaching consequences. Haven't you caught him brooding more than once? You tell me you are jealous of him sometimes? Well, at times, I have found myself rejoicing that my life is so much simpler than his."

Robb looked into Gendry's eyes attempting to determine if his friend really meant what he was saying. "Truly?"

"Except for the part about the dragons." Gendry nudged Robb's shoulder playfully. "I would love to fly around Westeros like Jon does. Did I tell you about the time that he tried to get me to ride with him on Rhaegal's back?" Gendry was glad to see the interest flare up in Robb's eyes.

"Rhaegal, that is the green dragon, right?"

Both young men relaxed their pose and Gendry described in detail every attempt they had made to prevent him from getting burned by the hot scales and for the dragons to accept his presence.


A day later

"How did you find me this time?" Gendry asked Arya when she interrupted him while he was making the final adjustments to the sword Lord Umber had commissioned. Robb was in a meeting with some traders and Gendry had reassured him that he didn't mind a bit of solitude and was planning to use this time to complete the greatsword for Lord Umber. Gendry put the sword down and wiped his hands clean on a piece of cloth, eying Arya curiously.

"I sent Nymeria to look for you." She pointed at her direwolf.

Gendry had seen the wolf enter a while earlier but ever since she had entered, Nymeria had been dozing near the door of the workshop. Gendry frowned. "I don't understand."

Arya's face closed off. "Never mind. Now that I found you, wanna go out with me?"

Gendry looked at the sword that was as ready as it would ever be. He decided it wouldn't hurt to indulge her. "What exactly are you proposing, Princess?"

"Only properly escorted am I allowed to go to Winter Town." She looked at him with her big dark grey eyes. "Please? It's been ages. And I kind of need to do something there."

Gendry had already decided to go with her before she had finished her first sentence. He hadn't even needed to hear the word please. He made a mental note to write to Jon that she still knew it existed though. "All right. I will have to change into something more decent first. Are you all packed then?" During breakfast in the Great Hall, he had overheard her mother ordering Arya to complete packing her trunk today.

"I don't need to pack much myself. My personal items only. And some of those I can't pack until the last minute." She gestured at Needle that she wore at her waist. "The rest the servants will take care of."

Gendry put the tools on the shelves where they belonged and followed Arya outside. He startled for a moment when Nymeria brushed him in an attempt to sneak past him so she could venture out first. He had grown accustomed to the presence of the direwolves. Arya almost never went anywhere without her loyal direwolf and somehow both Nymeria and Arya had ended up spending a lot of time in Gendry's company. Mostly Arya and Nymeria arrived impromptu and joined the activity Robb and he were engaged in no matter what that was. It helped that she mostly wandered around in breeches and boiled leather. The only times he had seen her wear a dress was in the evenings when they all changed for supper.

"Is Nymeria coming too?" He asked her when Arya looked back to check whether he was keeping up.

Arya face fell. "I'm going to miss her so much. Mother won't let me bring her south. All our direwolves need to stay in Winterfell. So yes, she is coming with us today. I want to spend as much time with her as I still can."

"I'm sorry that you need to leave Nymeria behind, Arya. But I am sure Robb and the kennel master will take good care of her."

"And she can play with her siblings. I know." Arya looked resigned but her lip still trembled. "Still I am going to miss her lots and lots."

"Then I will do my utmost to keep you distracted, Princess. I for one am looking forward to your company during the long journey south."

"Me too. At least you are not fawning over my elder sister like all the other Lords. I'm glad you were my friend long before you knew her and before you became a Lord." She had latched onto his arm and together they crossed the courtyard.

"I am also grateful for our friendship, Arya." She had to release his arm when the stood before the door of his guest quarters. "Just give me a moment. I'll be out right away."

A bit later they had exited the main gate and were walking the muddy streets of the settlement called Winter Town. Most of the houses were built of log and undressed stone. A few days ago, when Gendry had visited the settlement with Robb, he had been amazed at how neat and organised the little town looked compared to Flea Bottom. Arya was walking close to Nymeria and petted her every opportunity she got.

"I am sure you will like it in King's Landing. Don't forget that you have the new instructor to look forward too." Gendry once more tried to distract her from the imminent separation of her direwolf.

"Yes! I am glad Prince Oberyn was able to intercept my new teacher in King's Landing before he found a ship heading for White Harbour. I will be able to resume my training as soon as I arrive. At least my mornings won't be boring."

"If you have never been to King's Landing before, I don't expect you to become bored. It is so vastly different from the North and there are so many things to explore over there." Gendry defended the region where he had grown up."

"Have you been to King's Landing, Lord Gendry?" She had stopped petting her direwolf and tucked her small hand under his arm again.

"I lived there for a time, but far away from the Red Keep, mind you. I was just a blacksmith's apprentice then. I can show you the best shops on the street of steel though." He was enjoying their walk.

"Can Jon come too?" She looked up at him, the excitement brightening her eyes again.

"If he has time, he is always welcome to join me, us. But do not forget that he is King now. He will have to attend even more meetings than Robb." Gendry cautioned her.

"Can't he let his Hand handle those? At least while I am visiting? I want him to take me to see the dragons again." Her small pout was adorable.

"If he doesn't have time, I am sure his uh, I mean Princess Daenerys can take you to see the dragons." Gendry prayed he wasn't being overly optimistic promising this.

Arya made a face. "I don't know her and she may not like me. Often stuck up ladies pretend not to see me and if they do they just look all haughty and disapproving."

"Do you really believe Jon would marry a stuck up lady?" Gendry had to stifle a laugh.

Arya's hopeful eyes looked into Gendry's. "You believe the Princess is nice?"

"I only met her shortly but I thought she was nice. Besides, Jon told me she wore breeches when she rode with him on Rhaegal, and she has started sword fighting lessons.

"Then she is lucky to have found, Jon. Mother says I will have to stop training when the time comes to find me a husband. Lords don't want their ladies to fight or wear breeches. If I do not listen I will become an old maid that won't have anyone left to talk to since everyone my age will have married and have their own families. Would you still visit me I became a lonely old maid?"

"That is still a long way off, Arya. I am sure you will prove your mother wrong. In Dorne or on Bear Island there are female warriors who have found a husband. Perhaps there are other areas as well and we just haven't heard of them. I for one wouldn't mind that my wife knew how to fight. That is, if she was willing to put on a dress and make herself pretty and be polite when she had to entertain my family or noble visitors."

"Then I'll ask Jon to find me a husband who thinks the same way as you." She looked at him with her big eyes and he literally saw the thought struck her. "Oh, you could marry me when I have flowered and we can show mother just how wrong she is. It really is a great idea, Gendry. We both wouldn't have to marry people we don't like. You and I will just stay very good friends who live together in a castle."

Gendry shook his head. "Arya, when I marry, I will want more than a friend to come live in my castle. I need a kind woman who is willing to give me heirs."

Arya's face fell. "Oh. I hadn't thought about that. Never mind then."

Gendry looked away and wondered where the conversation had gone wrong. He didn't know what to respond to her last comment. Even if she had recently celebrated her thirteenth nameday, her sheltered upbringing and resistance to all ladylike pursuits had apparently kept her ignorant and very innocent. Still it was endearing.

Meanwhile, Arya seemed to have made up her mind. "When I am an old maid and mother does not allow me to stay in Winterfell any longer, I can always go live with Jon. Perhaps I can teach his children how to wield a sword. Or I can become a sworn shield, just like Lady Brienne."

Gendry was glad that they had reached the shed where the tailor received his customers. He would do better to choose more neutral topics with Arya in future. The lucky bastard who ended up as her husband would have his hands full with her.

He asked Arya to stay outside and keep Nymeria in check while he picked up his order and paid for it. He was glad that Robb had given him a heavy purse. "Payment from the King for services rendered." Robb had said and let him read the short paragraph Jon had written Robb on that subject. Gendry had accepted the coins out of necessity. It would be easier to pay the tailor in Winter Town without asking for credit in the name of the King. And it was true that he had worked extremely hard these last few moons even though he had never expected to receive any payment for his services. It would be a novelty to be able to pay for his own clothes instead of just wearing cast offs from others.

Both tailor and customer were very satisfied when Lord Baratheon left the shop. He grew worried when Arya and her direwolf were nowhere to be found. When he asked some passers-by whether they had seen Princess Arya Stark and her wolf they pointed in the direction of the tavern. Gendry cursed to himself and hoped Princess Catelyn of House Stark did not get wind of this. Her youngest daughter in a tavern where he knew from Edric and Loras' letters that there were always whores present in search of customers. Encumbered by the large packages he carried, he still hurried along as fast as he could and made his way into the building. His eyes readjusting to the dark interior frantically searched for her small form.

"Gendry! Over here!" he heard her voice call out.

Gendry looked over to the dark left corner where Nymeria lay before a table that seated three man with black beards and yes, one dark haired Stark Princess. He exhaled deeply and quickly strode over there.

"Arya, this is no place for you. If your mother hears of this…"

"Ladida, they won't tell on me, besides I am helping them."

Gendry studied the men more carefully now. They were all rather young. He guessed none of them was older than he was. "Helping them with what exactly?" He tried not to sound too harsh.

"Writing a …," she stopped. "That is their business. I can't tell you."

"The Princess is quite safe with us. She just saw me sitting here and was kind enough to offer to pay for the sowing of…" The young man who had spoken up lost his courage and stopped speaking.

Arya sighed. "Mother only paid half price for the tunics his family made for our houseguard. You see his mother is very ill and his younger sister and brother tried to finish the job because they needed the income. Mother of course didn't approve of their stitching. His sister is only my age and I know her well. I wanted to help out but had no money on me. So I am helping this other way."

"Arya, what way are you helping them exactly?" He was still worried but since Arya looked no worse for the wear and he saw only some writing materials. He tried to stay calm for now and kept his tone friendly.

"The man seated closest to Arya spoke up now. This is not the first time Lady Arya helps us in this manner. None of us ever learned our letters." He was quick to explain. "But we understand if she has to leave."

Gendry swallowed and remembered how he wasn't able to write adequately less than a year ago. He kneeled in front of Arya and quietly enquired, "How much did she cut from the normal price, Arya?"

Arya's eyes lit up when she saw him reach for his purse. She whispered the amount in his ear and Gendry put some coins on the table. Then as if it was the most normal thing to do, he gestured for Arya to move aside and seated himself at the table next to her.

Three pair of eyes watched him with growing unease. "My Lord, don't trouble yourself." The youth who had picked up the coins stammered.

"Don't worry," Arya was beaming from ear to ear now. "He is not some stuck up Lord. He was just legitimized and is my second best friend. He is all right and will keep our secret." She scribbled a few more sentences and then handed the scroll to the man that sat across from her. "All done. She won't say no now."

Gendry watched with growing amazement how the man blushed and quickly tucked the scroll away. Realising Arya was already heading for the door, Nymeria close behind her, he stammered a greeting and quickly hurried after her.

Grabbing her by the arm he admonished her. "Arya, don't go wandering off by yourself. It is not safe."

Arya just laughed. "Gendry, I have lived here my entire life. For each man who wants to hurt me, there are ten others that want to defend a Stark with their lives. I am safer here than on the Kingsroad with a group of Stark Houseguards."

Not really knowing how true that statement actually was, he changed the subject. "My business in Winter Town is done. Did you still have somewhere you wish to go?"

Arya explained that she planned to visit the Bakery so she could drop off some pastries with her former nanny that had retired and lived in a small cottage between the walls of Winterfell. And if Gendry wouldn't mind, she would like to give Nymeria the opportunity to catch some fish in the pond that was situated on the other side of the small town.

Gendry relieved that she was safely within his custody, didn't have the heart to refuse her and nodded his assent. The rest of the afternoon they enjoyed each other's company and Gendry had to point out several times how far west the sun had moved before he was able to persuade her to return home with him.


Lady Catelyn sat in Robb's study. They were discussing the upcoming journey when the steward entered.

"Princess Arya has returned and is dressing for dinner, Princess Stark."

"Thank you, Poole." Lady Catelyn sighed and turned to her eldest son. "It will be a trying journey. I am glad we will be travelling by ship for the larger part. At least there she cannot run off."

"She is not so bad. At least she heeded your rules and was properly escorted. Please Mother, do not treat Arya the same as you do Sansa. Arya will make her way in life even if she travels a different path than you would like. These days, many men can appreciate a female who can handle herself."

"You don't understand a mother's struggles. I will never be able to find a suitable husband willing to put up with her wilful ways."

Robb suppressed a smile. "Well, she is King Aegon's favourite little cousin. You can always ask him to secure her a husband if she is still unmarried on her twentieth nameday."

His mother pursed her lips. "Don't joke about that. King Aegon has enough power over us as it is. It is your father's duty to secure an advantageous match for Arya and I will drag her to the heart tree in a nice dress kicking and screaming if necessary."

Robb thought of his Aunt Lyanna but stayed silent. No use in scaring his mother. Arya was still at an age where she felt abhorrence at the thought of kissing a boy. He distracted his mother by reviewing the travel arrangements one more time. He released a deep breath when she finally left him alone.

He had just finished dealing with one of the many issues still pending when a discreet knock made him look up. He smiled and called loudly "enter", certain that this time it was Gendry at the door.

He startled when the head of his youngest sibling peaked through the doorway. He gestured for Rickon to approach.

"Robb, I don't wanna go to King's Landing. Can you order mama to let me stay here with you? I don't wanna leave Shaggydog."


Even Princess Catelyn had to acknowledge that the legitimized Lord looked the part and that his manners were all that was proper. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a hardship to travel in his company after all. Aside from being somewhat handsome, he looked capable, strong and eager to protect them. Never mind the houseguards that came along, these men needed to keep their distance. Lord Gendry of House Baratheon would be able to sit close by their side when they needed to leave their cabins on the ship and dine in the same room with the captain and his senior crew members.

Catelyn once more studied the young man who sat opposite her next to Arya. If she was truthful, she had to acknowledge that she was warming up to him. Due to this young man she had not worried so much when she had hugged her eldest son and said her goodbyes. Robb looked happy and healthier than he had in a long time. She had nodded when Robb had assured her it would all work out. This time she had believed him. She had even followed her eldest son's advice and had left Rickon behind.

Both her daughters were engaging the new Lord in quiet conversation as the carriage rocked slightly while it made its way over the Kingsroad to White Harbour. By the end of the sennight, even her eldest daughter had developed a cordial relationship with the heir to the Stormlands. Also she had to credit young Lord to have accomplished an impossible feat. He had succeeded in getting Arya to stop sulking and accept that it would be better for all parties to leave Nymeria behind. So Catelyn would do as her eldest son had advised and let things be for now. No decisions needed to be made until Ned could get the measure of Lord Gendry of House Baratheon.

Catelyn already looked forward to the sea voyage. It had been a long time since she had been on a ship. And this time she would travel in style. In his letter, King Aegon had promised her she would be escorted to King's Landing by a royal fleet of five of his best ships. He had personally given all the orders to be absolutely sure that his closest female kin arrived safely and swiftly by his side. In the midst of a daydream of her grand entrance at the royal court, she dozed off while the carriage continued its way towards White Harbour.

Interlude 38: What happens in Dorne, stays in Dorne

Nymeria looked at the sky a worried frown on her face. Another day had gone by without a message from her father, Prince Oberyn. That was really strange. A messenger from Starfall had come down to bring them the tidings of the new Targaryen King. Apparently all the Lords Paramount had received official word. House Dayne had received the news from Ser Arthur, the Sword of the Morning. Once more Ser Arthur was openly the pride of their house again. The tale of how the famous Kingsguard had protected the True King since his birth was spreading across Dorne like wildfire. House Dayne had more than regained its previous status. According to several sources Lady Ashara was the only Lady on intimate footing with the Targaryen Princess who would soon become the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Nymeria looked over to Arianne who had joined her on the balcony. "No ravens have come for Prince Doran either?"

"None." Her cousin confirmed. "My father suspects that there is foul play involved. He has sent out messengers to all parts of Dorne and I am here to ask if one of his nieces would want to make herself useful and travel to King's Landing to warn Prince Oberyn that our messages are probably being intercepted by someone who wants to isolate us."

"If that is true and none of Prince Doran's scrolls reached the King either, then King Aegon might think that we do not accept his claim and that we are in open rebellion." Nymaria's frown grew more pronounced. "I'd volunteer to go but Father ordered me to stay here until my mission has been completed. "

"Father signed the decree, didn't he? Wasn't that your purpose in coming here?"

"Yes, but also to help you in case he doesn't want to swear fealty to the new King. He wanted me to guard and protect you in case you needed to seize power immediately."

"But Father has agreed to acknowledge King Aegon, be it grudgingly."

"I have not heard him pronounce the words. It was implied but I heard rumours that he is playing both sides." Nymeria saw that her words startled her trueborn cousin.

"An alliance with Stannis Baratheon? That is unthinkable'" Arianne exclaimed horrified.

"There is mention of Euron Greyjoy as well." Nymeria stayed calm. She did not believe any of these vile rumours and was trying to determine the source of them. She had sent out several loyal men to get to the bottom of this.

Princess Arianne pursed her lips. "That is preposterous. Rumours can be falsified as you should be the first to acknowledge. You better convince one of your siblings to hurry to the capital. I will see to it that my father formulates a watertight message that he supports the reign of King Aegon. We must get that document to King's Landing sooner rather than later."

"I will do better than that. I will get word to one of Varys' birds. I discovered one near the border of the Stormlands. That way they will get word that we have been cut off and are not ignoring the King's demand for fealty. But your father is wrong in sending only a bastard to the new King. He should send a delegation of trueborn nobles."

"And he will, but such things take time. Besides, Uncle Oberyn is his closest relative and belongs to the King's closest circle. Uncle can read Father's pledge out loud before the Court if need be. And from what you told me of the new King, he will receive your sister with the utmost courtesy."

"The King will. But the Court might get the wrong message and will think Prince Doran is showing his contempt by sending a mere bastard. Your priority is to make sure that Uncle Doran drafts that message without delay. Convince him that it is no use to wait for a raven form King's Landing. I'll be relieved when uncle puts his allegiance on paper and erases all doubts."

The Dornish Princess nodded. "Tell me, the new King, what is he like? I heard you met him."

"Twice. I met him twice. Only briefly at Greywater Watch but later we spend a little time together at Castle Black."

"And?"

Nymeria sighed. "Even though he looks like a Northerner and mostly acts like one he is exceedingly handsome. I am inclined to call him charming in a shy kind of way. He is also very skilled with his sword. I heard he bested Ser Arthur in single combat and that he often takes on several skilled fighters at once and comes out on top."

"Your every wet dream then?" Arianne smiled knowingly.

"Not entirely. He is too modest, too honest and doesn't indulge in flirting. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't a ladies man, if you know what I mean."

"Now that is just your jealousy talking. Ser Arthur claims he is besotted with the Princess and she with him."

Nymeria swallowed. "Perhaps. I will keep my counsel until I see the both of them interact."

"Fair enough." Princess Arianne said absently her thoughts already back to the problem at hand.
"Now if you have any advice on how to handle my father…"


End notes:
Next chapter covers day nine of King Aegon's reign. The interlude once more takes place in the North. We follow Renly Baratheon and Stokeworth on the way to White Harbour to meet up with Loras Tyrell.