."Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?"

Chapter 20 – The Wall

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Notes:

Arya's long awaited reunion with her brother Jon. Gendry meets his uncle.

Readers – I realize that we are suffering through some extremely challenging times and here I sit focusing on superficial writing. But fantasy fiction is meant to serve as a means of escape from reality. So be it. I simply hope to provide diversion for distressed souls. I hope you enjoy my light-hearted stories.

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Previously:

An idea suddenly came to Arya's mind and she caught the Greatjon's attention, "My lord, I can think of one advantage to having two leaders. Sansa can take charge in Winterfell whilst I can journey to the Wall as I planned to do so long ago. I miss my brother Jon and yearn to see him again."

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The Wall

The conference concluded and the bannermen somewhat satisfied with the outcome, Arya began to lay her plans for the journey to the Wall. The Northern vassals were on their way home, some content to trust the two precious daughters of Ned Stark, believing that they were up to the task, and even those who were not that convinced, were willing to give them a chance at joint rule. The lords and chieftains of the kingdom had been assured by the Greatjon that the teenage maidens would have the best advisors possible as they adapted to their roles. Those who had fought beside the wolf princess had confidence in her abilities, and accepted that the Lady Sansa, whom they did not know as well, could become as effective as Lady Catelyn had been.

For an entire week the Stark siblings discussed the details of a shared leadership with the Greatjon and the old She-Bear, both of whom had served for many years as the military and domestic rulers of their Houses, and wise Maester Luwin, who was a font of knowledge when it came to the history of the rulers of all Westeros. Afterwards, Arya turned her attention to the task ahead of her. Her companions and their mounts were all well-rested and ready for another expedition into adventure.

Inspecting her map, with her sworn shield looking over her shoulder, Arya's mouth was grimly set with pursed lips. She realized that going to the Wall was no easy feat as she calculated in her head how many pack horses and supplies the party would need. Castle Black was 630 miles from Winterfell and for a small group of riders, even mounted on conditioned horses the trek would consist of about one turn of the moon, slogging through the snow. Hearing this, Gendry groaned inwardly, reflecting that he had already become comfortable with the warm castle. That is a lot of sleeping outdoors in the cold, he considered. The wolf princess' team included Gendry, of course, the wolfsguard, minus Harwin, whom Arya has given leave to return to his role as Winterfell's master of horse, Lyanna Mormont, and Artos Flint. The young She-Bear and the mountain boy merely shrugged off the concept of discomfort, having spent their whole lives in such conditions. However, after a few days on the kingsroad, the singer began to complain about the cold. Tom Sevenstrings bitterly grumbled, "Now I understand why the men of the Night's Watch are celibate. They have no choice, for their cocks have surely become frozen solid and broken off like icicles hanging from the roof!"

Arya smirked, "Nae, Tom, you are wrong, for the whores of Mole's Town near Castle Black have built a thriving business with the black brothers."

Tom perked up at her words and became more hopeful, for he had been convinced that he would not have the opportunity to 'dip his wick' whilst at the Wall. Gendry shivered in silence, his only consolation was the knowledge that he would be sharing his furs with a warm bedmate each evening. Artos and Lyanna shared their furs also, and sometimes their heated and frustrated groping became so raucous that the randy old bard teased them about their intimacy in the morning. Sitting around the morning campfire, with a cup of tea warming his hands, Tom chuckled, "I find myself in the company of two couples who need to wed soon, for I doubt that the treasured maidenheads will remain intact much longer." Arya was used to his japes and merely laughed, but Artos blushed, as he was of the same opinion as the bard.

The Kingsroad emerged from the Wolfswood one day north of Winterfell, and the riders were subject to strong winds and horizontal snowstorms for most of the following week. With much relief they finally passed into another pine forest and out of the winds, and eventually the Kingsroad skirted the Long Lake. Shielding his eyes from the glare of reflected sunlight on the ice, Tom griped, "I have seen enough snow and ice this past year to last a lifetime. Wolf girl, I vowed that I would follow your shapely arse forever, but a sojourn in Dorne has much more appeal right now!"

Arya laughed and Gendry, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped, "Well, singer, when milady and I take up residence in Storm's End, you can come with us to the Stormlands and entertain the occupants with songs of our adventures. I have heard that it rarely snows south of the Crownlands."

Tom's eyes closed and he sighed as his thoughts lingered on the concept of a warm climate, but Arya reached over and punched Gendry in the arm, a blow he scarcely felt through his heavy fur cloak. He turned to observe the wolf princess scowling as she indignantly stated, "Since when have I agreed to be the Lady of Storm's End, Gendry?! You are putting on airs, indeed!"

Knowing that this was a touchy subject, the hopeful bastard quietly ventured, "If all goes as planned, King Stannis will legitimize me. We will then have permission to wed and I intend to ask for your hand – you already know that. Someday I will inherit Storm's End and we can make it our home." Gendry paused and reached out to take her gloved hand, staring at her earnestly, "Arya, you do want to marry me, don't you?"

There was doubt in her expression as Arya bit her lip and replied hesitantly, "Gendry, I have never been comfortable with the idea of marriage and becoming a lady, but from the moment we shared our first kiss I knew that I wanted to be with you always." She lowered her eyes self-consciously after the intimate confession.

Gendry was familiar with the workings of the independent warrior woman's mind and squeezed her hand gently, "I will not harp on it, but you have always known that above all, I desire to share your life." Then his eyes flashed and he grinned, "And it is like the minstrel suggested, if we are to have that bedding we crave so much, we must have the wedding first!"

Reflecting on the numerous sweaty, unfulfilled nights spent inside their sleeping furs, Arya returned his lustful gaze, murmuring, "I do want that bedding as much as you do, but let us not discuss it any more. Thinking about fucking is not going to help either of us right now!" The she-wolf abruptly spurred her horse forward to end the conversation and mayhaps clear her mind of lascivious thoughts.

Leaving the Long Lake behind them, the Kingsroad continued northward through a monotonously level field of snow, but their eyes were drawn to the imposing mountain range to the west and they reflected on their earlier sojourn amongst the clansmen who lived there. Artos sighed, for his home was less than a week's journey to the northwest. When they crossed the Last River, also frozen solid, Arya consulted her map and announced that their trip was two thirds completed and the Wall would soon be within view. Relief was painted on every face.

Forty miles south of the Wall, the imposing edifice began to dominate the northern horizon as the company trudged through the flat snow-covered plain. Although the air had become noticeably colder and the snow deeper the further north they traveled, the men were surprised that the population was increasing, rather than decreasing. They rode past numerous small crofts with cleared fields, vegetable gardens, and small herds of doleful sheep.

"This region is called 'The Gift'," Arya proudly informed her companions, "eight thousand years ago, my ancestor Bran the Builder assigned the land and the smallfolk to the care of the Night's Watch, and the crofts provide necessary foodstuffs for the hungry black brothers. As long as they can harvest produce, these farmers will always have a market for their goods and Castle Black has wealth enough to provide for the Watch."

The two southerners gazed about them with interest and the wolf princess smirked, "The only drawback is the lack of variety in the available diet, which is mainly composed of root crops and hardy cold weather vegetables. The men are mostly fed turnips, cabbage, and mutton stew, but ingesting mundane fare is far better than having an empty stomach." The wolfsguard and Gendry all nodded solemnly nodded at their lady, who returned a knowing look, for the soldiers and former prisoners had all suffered through starvation at one time or another.

As the party drew closer to Castle Black under the enormous presence of the looming seven hundred foot tall Wall, Arya gestured with her outthrust chin and a few words that they were approaching Mole's Town. The bard eagerly looked ahead, his lusty focus on seeking some 'entertainment as soon as possible, and was sorely disappointed. The 'town' was merely a collection of pitiful, rundown shacks, numbering not more than a dozen, standing amidst an expanse of dirty snow and mud. Tom instantly groused, "Mole's Town, you say! Not one of those hovels could possibly house a proper brothel!"

Mudge and Notch snickered at the singer's displeasure, and Arya grinned, "Your eyes deceive you, Tom, for three quarters of the living space in the village is located underground. The weather is freezing cold most of the time here, so the people avoid the inhospitable weather by living in their cellars. Those shacks are mainly the entrances."

"Ah!" Tom smiled, "I shall soon learn which cavern contains my welcome amusement!"

"You may have the right of it, bard," the saucy wolf princess chuckled, "the black brothers refer to visiting the brothels as 'digging for buried treasure'."

Much pleased with what he had heard, Tom barked out a laugh and grabbed his crotch lewdly, "I look forward to the hunt and do not need a shovel!"

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As the Kingsroad passed through Mole's Town, Tom's curiosity got the better of him when he spied a hovel with a red lantern fastened above the door and he veered off, informing his companions that he would meet them at Castle Black later. Another hour of riding and the headquarters of the Night's Watch lay before them, its towers rising above the landscape, but dwarfed by the Wall itself, standing impossibly tall behind the castle. Arya's heart was beating rapidly and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. After all this time, trouble, and anticipation, she was about to reunite with her beloved brother. As the company approached the large door at the main entrance to Castle Black, a number of solemn and thickly bearded men in heavy black cloaks walking through the courtyard stopped in their tracks to gaze at the unusual visitors.

The door was suddenly flung open revealing a young man of average height, also wearing a black cloak and an impressive Valerian Steel sword at his waist, but with thick, curly dark brown hair, and a comely face barely hidden by a wispy beard. The youth dashed through the doorway and bounded down the steps, searching for a familiar face amongst the riders. Recognizing her beloved brother, Arya leaped from her saddle with such force that she landed six feet away from her horse and rushed into Jon's outstretched arms. Her hood fell back and she sighed loudly as he embraced her, pressing his face into her hair and kissing the top of her head affectionately, murmuring softly, "Little sister."

Arya lifted her face to look at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears and her cheeks flushed, as she replied, "I missed you so much! I thought that I might never see you again." Jon only squeezed her harder and studied her face, surprised at the changes he observed. Her features were more mature; her child's face, which had been sharp and angular, was now fuller, rounded, and dominated by her large, mesmerizing grey eyes and soft full red lips. Such kissable lips, Jon involuntarily thought and he was instantly ashamed for even having such a notion about his younger sibling. Her long chestnut hair, often tangled, messy, and confined in a braid the last time he saw her, was now glossy and worn loosely, reaching just to her shoulders. He made a mental note to ask her later why she had cut it.

As he embraced Arya, Jon realized that his sister was no longer a 'skinny squirrel', for even through their outer garments he was aware of the soft curves her torso had acquired. He had not considered that the child he remembered would have physically matured since they parted at Winterfell so long ago, and reflected that she had most likely changed in other ways also. He was eager to talk and learn more.

Jon observed that Arya's companions had dismounted and were shivering behind her, so he ushered them into the castle hallway before the introductions. Lord Snow smirked when the wolf princess grinned and named the members of her 'wolfsguard'. The men bowed slightly in deference to the young leader of the Night's Watch. Then Jon had to raise his eyes and almost crane his neck upwards to gaze into the face of the huge, but boyish knight that Arya introduced as Ser Gendry Waters, her sworn shield. The size and obvious strength of the youth was impressive, but his aspect was humble and shy and his demeanor respectful. The most startling thing was his flashing, bright blue eyes, black hair, and the thick beard forming on his face. Jon had the nagging feeling that he had seen that face before. This was another subject to discuss with his sister. Then Arya introduced Jon to Lyanna Mormont and Artos Flint, smirking that the warrior maid was her squire. Jon chuckled and welcomed the Stark bannermen to Castle Black, adding that he had the honor of serving Lady Lyanna's uncle, Jeor Mormont, who had also been his predecessor as Lord Commander of the Watch.

Jon led the visitors to Castle Black's Great Hall and ordered a servant to bring them hot mulled cider and stew, and the wolfsguard appeared eternally grateful. Arya divested herself of her cloak and Jon realized that his hands had not deceived him; in tunic and tight breeches, the maiden's modest curves were fetching and pleasing to the eye. He tried not to focus on her sweet round arse and strong thighs, but he noticed that her companions, even her shield, were staring at her figure shamelessly. Arya pointedly ignored their attention, as though she was familiar with their uncouth behavior. Jon could only smile inwardly at his unique sister.

As her men began to slake their thirst and warm their innards, Jon affectionately seized his sister again and she favored him with a dazzling smile. Nuzzling her hair, he whispered, "I was insane with worry when I read that 'Arya Stark' had wed Ramsay Bolton and was relieved to learn that the bride was an imposter. I could never believe that you would accept a forced marriage without gutting your unwanted husband."

Arya leaned back and laughed, "You have the right of it, Jon. Many of the men that have crossed me have ended up dead, including Ramsay."

A deep voice spoke up and Jon realized that Arya's shield had been listening to their conversation, for he proudly growled, "I took the Bastard of Bolton's head clean off with one blow and sent it flying into Winterfell's bailey."

Gently removing herself from Jon's embrace, Arya met Gendry's eyes and placed a hand on his forearm, firmly stating, "For what Ramsay did to Jeyne Poole and other helpless women, he deserved a slow, painful death. But I am pleased that you ended that scoundrel's life."

Now Jon turned his attention to the serious lad, having noticed by now that there was nothing casual about the way his sister interacted with the young knight, and in return, his attention seemed to stay riveted to her. If it was anyone but the pragmatic Arya he remembered, Jon would have been forced to admit that the two youths were behaving like a pair of lovers.

Arya was hungry too, and sat down to eat her stew. Jon sat down next to her and continued to stare. Finally Arya asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Jon blushed a bit and slowly responded, "Sweet sister, I would love you no matter what you looked like, but I cannot get over how beautiful you have become."

Arya chuckled, "After listening to that hurtful taunt 'Arya horseface' for years, now I hear the opposite. It is quite disconcerting. In any case, with your curly hair, you are actually prettier than me!"

It was Jon's turn to chuckle, "Aye, I have been called a 'pretty boy' as an insult by several men, and often affectionately by one sweet girl long ago." Realizing that he could easily become maudlin at the memory of his lost Ygritte, Jon quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of pretty, I heard that our sister Sansa is now at Winterfell."

Arya nodded, "We do not fight anymore and the bannermen seem to be pleased that we both decided to be the 'Ladies of the North'."

"Ravens arrived from King's Landing quite a while ago," Jon looked at her curiously, "Queen Cersei accused her of conspiring to poison King Joffrey and wanted to bring her to trial, but Sansa had mysteriously disappeared."

"Littlefinger, that is, Lord Petyr Baelish, an old friend of our mother and Aunt Lysa, secretly helped her escape the Red Keep and brought her to the Vale for safety," Arya explained, but that story brought up the memories of her father's execution and the Red Wedding, and soon Arya was blurting out all the terrible things that had happened to their family and was sobbing in his arms. Jon attempted to soothe her as tears filled his own eyes. The bold wolf girl looked into his face and fiercely spat, "I killed Walder Frey first and I still seek revenge for the evils done to our family! I see the vile face of Queen Cersei before I fall asleep at night and I will not rest until she is dead!"

Jon was alarmed at the amount of violence that seemed to consume his sister and murmured, "Sweetling, do not let hatred control you reasoning. You have the opportunity for a happier life if you do not dwell on vengeance."

With a countenance as stubborn as 'Arya underfoot' demanding a horse, the she-wolf glared, "I mean it, Jon. I cannot have peace until I cut that Lannister's throat!"

Jon continued to appear uneasy and Gendry spoke up, "I will try to help you to achieve your goal, milady, but after that I will insist that we focus on our own happiness, as your brother would have you do."

Rubbing the tears from her eyes, Arya smiled weakly and folded her sworn shield's large hand around her smaller one, sighing, "You constantly remind me that there is more to life than sadness, Gendry, and I am grateful for your devotion. I promise that I will keep that in mind."

Jon was a bit more relieved now and turned his attention to the large youth who seemed so important to his obstinate sister. Cautiously broaching the topic, Jon ventured, "Ser Gendry, what did you mean by saying that my sister should focus on your combined happiness?" The Arya that he remembered would have sneered at the thought of a romantic relationship, but the girl before him had obviously changed and Jon had to get used to this new version of his tomboy sibling. Lord Snow was feeling both protective and jealous, and could not quite accept the fact that his sweet little sister had room in her heart for another man, and it was not a platonic relationship. When they were much younger, he had hugged and kissed his favorite sister often, but hugs and kisses had a different meaning now. He was also self-consciously uncomfortable with the idea of Arya's intimacy with Gendry and did not want his imagination to dwell on it.

Gendry stood up straighter to address Jon's question, and in doing so, almost loomed in an intimidating posture over the shorter man. Realizing this, the smith relaxed and met Jon's eyes, firmly stating, "Milady and I consider ourselves betrothed and plan to wed when the time is right. My uncle, Stannis Baratheon, is here at the Wall and I hope he can be persuaded to legitimize me. "

Jon was startled and now realized that Gendry reminded him of King Robert, whom he had seen so long ago. "So you are the bastard son of a king," he mused, reflecting painfully on his own status, "and legitimization will allow you to marry a highborn lady."

Gendry solemnly nodded his assent.

Now Jon turned his attention to his sister, raising his eyebrows in curiosity, "Arya, you have actually agreed to become a bride?"

Arya met his questioning gaze and took a deep breath, "Aye, but not immediately. There is much to do before we can focus on such a peacetime event."

Jon turned back to Gendry, whose bright blue eyes were twinkling as he smiled, "And I am a patient man when it comes to your sister."

Jon laughed and Gendry joined him, but Arya had sensed Jon's pain when he uttered the words, 'bastard son', and decided that the time had come for her to inform Jon of Howland Reed's tale about his parentage. She placed her hand on his forearm and when he looked at her, she began, "Jon, we sojourned at Greywater Watch after leaving the Riverlands and Lord Howland Reed felt that he should tell me a secret from when he fought beside Father during Robert's Rebellion. It concerns you and what I have to say will distress you, but I believe that you should know the truth."

Jon was surprised and leaned forward in his chair as Arya continued. "Lord Reed accompanied Father to the Tower of Joy where he hoped to rescue his sister Lyanna. It is commonly believed that she died in childbirth and Father then went to Starfall where he acquired his bastard son by Ashara Dayne and then returned to Winterfell with the babe and Lyanna's bones."

Jon nodded, as he was the 'bastard son' in this widely whispered scandalous story, and Arya picked up again, "What is known only by a few people in Dorne is that Lyanna's child was not stillborn and Lord Stark did not father a bastard. You are the legitimate son of Lyanna and Rhaegar, who married secretly during the war. Father told the lie to keep you safe from Robert's wrath, for he surely would have slayed you if he knew the truth of your origin."

Jon's jaw dropped in shock at her words and he stared at his sister, who appeared drained of emotion. His eyes were damp and had a faraway expression as he muttered, "So I am not a bastard, I am the son of a Targaryen king!" Then he earnestly captured Arya's hands and attention, "But I am not a Stark! I am not your brother!" Dismay was obvious in his voice.

Arya shook him, "You are certainly a Stark! And you will always be my brother!"

But Jon did not look any happier, "All I can think of is how Father's, or I suppose I should say Uncle Eddard's, reputation and marriage suffered from the lie, and I feel sorrow."

As fierce as the wolf girl she was, Arya shook Jon again, "Father loved you like a real son and he loved your mother just as much! He was a self-reliant man and did not let the opinions of lesser folk disturb him. If anything, he hated having to tell Mother the lie. In any case, I love you, regardless of your birth. You have always been dear to me."

Seizing Gendry with one hand, she captured the gaze of both lads and stated, "I am happy to love two bastards, whatever the truth, for you are the best of all the boys." The youths smiled at her sincere confession and leaned in simultaneously to kiss her, accidentally and clumsily knocking their heads together, drawing a chuckle first from the girl and then from each of them, dispelling the somber mood.

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As Arya, Jon, and Gendry continued to sit quietly and sip their mulled cider, they reflected on all that had passed between them, trying to make sense of all they had spoken. Finally, Arya broached the other topic so much on her mind. "Jon," she said, abruptly breaking the silence, "Lord Reed asked me to learn what I could of his children, Meera and Jojen, who traveled to Winterfell and disappeared when Ramsay Bolton took the castle, along with our brothers, Bran and Rickon. Mikken the blacksmith told me that they all secretly left for the Wall in the company of Hodor, a wildling woman, and their two direwolves. Did you see them?"

Jon looked surprised and nodded his head, "Bran, the Reed children, and Hodor, did arrive here some time ago and begged me to allow them to pass through the Wall for some mission. I could not dissuade them from such a dangerous journey, so I gave them such supplies as they requested and opened the gate. There has been no word of them since then."

The thought of her crippled younger brother wandering in the bitter cold and mayhaps meeting savage wildlings disturbed her, but she could do nothing for him now. "What of Rickon? Did Bran say anything?"

"Aye. Bran told me that soon after eluding the Bolton search parties, they separated. Rickon made for the island of Skagos with a wildling spearwife and Shaggydog. I hope the rumors are not true that the natives are cannibals."

Arya was distressed as she considered the paths her younger brothers had taken, but she had no power to aid them, so she simply sighed. Another thought struck her and she cautiously spoke to her brother, "Jon, the Northern bannermen would have preferred a male heir to lead House Stark, and when Bran returns they would likely ask him to become the Lord of Winterfell."

Jon vigorously shook his head indicating his negative opinion and replied, "Bran insisted that he was a greenseer and had been compelled to travel to a sacred place in the haunted forest beyond the Wall where he would learn the secrets of the Children of the Forest. His companion Jojen Reed is also a greenseer and they both believe that they were required to prepare to battle some magical evil foe in the far north. I do not expect him to return." Jon paused and looked pained as he confessed, "Sometimes I wish I stayed at Winterfell. Mayhaps I could have prevented Ramsay's evil deeds."

Arya tried to console him, "Do not fret, brother, it will do no good. Rather, be comforted that Sansa and I have returned home, Winterfell is in our hands again, and Ramsay is dead." Jon nodded. As he had advised his sister, he would also try not to let the past torment him.

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Jon Snow led his sister and her shield to the King's Tower, where King Stannis and his entourage had taken up their residence because it was the part of Castle Black in the best condition. Bowing but not taking the knee to the self-proclaimed King, he intoned, "Your Grace, may I present my sister, Lady Arya Stark of Winterfell." Jon was still processing the information about his birth and had no desire to mention it to the Baratheon.

Arya was always self-conscious with formal occasions, but did not flinch when Stannis took her hand and politely kissed it lightly with rough, dry lips. "My compliments on retaking your kingdom, my lady," Stannis said, "I have learned of your exploits and consider you to be a remarkable young woman." He eyed her worn leathers and blades and added, "And surely an unconventional one, indeed."

The wolf princess neutrally replied, "I have lived as a refugee and a soldier for some years now, your Grace, and my attire and weapons reflect my activities."

Stannis nodded, "If the Lord Commander had not apprised me of your age, I would have been forced to admit my surprise at meeting so young a military leader."

Her expression hardened and Arya growled, "Young or not, I have done what was needed for the honor of House Stark. My work is not done."

"I wish you success in your endeavors, Lady Arya," Stannis formally responded, "I believe that we share the same enemies."

Arya's eyes flashed and her grin was feral, "I am a wolf and lions are my prey. I look forward to the next hunt."

Now Stannis raised his eyes to the tall young man standing directly behind Arya, as his size was impossible to ignore. Reacting to Stannis' wide eyes and quizzical expression, Jon hastily announced, "Your Grace, this is Ser Gendry Waters of King's Landing, Lady Arya's sworn shield."

Stannis did not immediately respond, but simply stared at Gendry, his lower jaw slowly dropping in surprise. Finally he muttered, "Young knight, you bear an uncanny resemblance to my deceased older brother, King Robert Baratheon, as a youth. How can that be?"

Gendry shifted uneasily in place and lowered his eyes self-consciously. "Your Grace, I have recently learned that I am King Robert's bastard son and that Queen Cersei would have had me killed if I had not been able to escape her soldiers."

Stannis gazed steadily at the lad. It was true; he was the model of Robert during happier days, before the shame of losing his betrothed, years of violent warfare, and the pressures of kingship totally ruined him, both physically and mentally. Young Robert had been jovial and charismatic, but he had also been a hard drinker and womanizer, and the older Robert's behavior was often dreadful. For all that, Stannis dearly loved his brother and tried to forgive his faults, especially because the Lannister family arranged his early demise. Although handsome and charming, Robert also had an oafish, loutish manner at times, and in contrast, the boy before him appeared polite and intelligent. Seeking to draw out the awkward young man, Stannis ventured, "So you hail from King's Landing, Ser Gendry?"

"Aye, your Grace," Gendry replied, "My mother worked in a tavern that I assume my father frequented. When I was still a young boy, a man took me away and apprenticed me to the finest armorer on the Street of Steel, and I learned the trade of blacksmithing. From time to time I was aware of men coming to check on me, the last being Lord Eddard Stark. When Lord Stark was executed by King Joffrey, a hooded stranger delivered me to an agent of the Night's Watch, who took me out of King's Landing."

"That is a very unusual story, lad," Stannis commented thoughtfully.

"I learned later that my protector was none other than the Hand of the King, Lord Jon Arryn. Lord Jon knew my identity and attempted to keep me safe from the eyes of the Lannisters, who were systematically killing all of King Robert's bastards. When Lord Stark succeeded Lord Arryn as Hand, he discovered my existence and arranged for Yoren of the Watch to secretly take me north." Gendry sighed and wiped his eyes, "I am sorry if I had anything to do with the deaths of Lords Arryn and Stark."

Stannis was not surprised to see that tears were coursing down Lady Arya's cheeks at the memory of her murdered father and the Stark retainers at the Red Keep. However, he was astonished to see the lad take the lady's hand and intimately try to console her with whispered words as she met his eyes and squeezed his hand in return. Clearly, there was something going on between them. His curiosity increased and he prodded, "And now you have been knighted and serve as Lady Arya's shield. How did that come about?"

Gendry and the girl had been tearfully gazing at each other, but Gendry looked up and continued, "This man Yoren was also secretly taking Lady Arya north, as she had managed to evade Lannister search parties. It is a long and painful story to relate, but we traveled together for several years and suffered many misfortunes, eventually meeting up with Lord Beric Dondarrion and his partisan fighters, 'The Brothers without Banners' in the Riverlands. Lord Beric knighted me and appointed me as Lady Arya's shield, for the Lannisters controlled the region and he felt she would need protection."

Arya automatically fumed, "I can protect myself!"

Stannis observed the ferocity of the maiden and her gleaming blades and chose not to laugh. "I see," he nodded, "So you traveled with Lady Arya to the North and helped her retake Winterfell." Stannis noted that the lad appeared sincere and stalwart and realized that his brother had unwittingly produced a natural son worthy of the Baratheon name. But he was not totally convinced and sternly asked, "Ser Gendry, your father had a weakness for willing women and wine. Do you share those traits with him?"

Blushing like an innocent child, Gendry muttered, "Nae, your Grace, I have only desired one particular woman since I came of age and wine makes me dizzy. Although I possess King Robert's size, strength, and appearance, my nature is nothing like his."

Pleased with the young man's honest response, Stannis reflected on Gendry's insistence that he 'only desired one particular woman'. He saw that the confession also caused the youths to shyly trade glances and they were still holding hands. Suddenly the truth became obvious and he realized that Robert's bastard son and the audacious daughter of the noble Lord Eddard Stark shared a deep affection for each other, which had developed as they faced adversity together. As young as they were, their unforeseen relationship had withstood the test of time.

As Stannis mulled over this unexpected turn of events, it was the bold wolf princess who addressed the purpose of the audience. "Your Grace," Arya quietly stated as she reddened slightly, "Ser Gendry and I consider ourselves to be a betrothed couple and the bannermen of the North would honor our marriage if he was a legitimate Baratheon." She paused awkwardly and let her words hang in the air as Jon silently moved up to stand behind the pair in an effort to indicate his support.

Stannis Baratheon was a fairly humorless and dour man, but the sight of this bold and scarred maiden, dressed in a soldier's outfit and well-armed to boot, blushingly hinting at a desire to marry, caused him to smile and bark out a sharp laugh. "So you are eager to wed my nephew, Lady Arya?!" he grinned, "Are you an impatient bride-to-be?"

Arya reddened even more and shivered a bit. "Not immediately, your Grace," she murmured, "but it is part of our plans for the future."

Looking closely at the now vulnerable maiden, who could only be a few years beyond childhood, he realized that when she was not violent or scowling, she was lovely in the Stark way; in fact, she resembled her beautiful Aunt Lyanna at that same age. The memory of his brother's ill-fated betrothal struck him and he stared openmouthed at the couple before him, for they were almost identical to Robert and Lyanna in appearance. "The Lord of Light works in mysterious ways," Stannis mused, "Mayhaps this union of our Houses is more auspicious and has been fated to come about."

Jon was surprised when the usually solemn king continued to smile and then acknowledged Arya's words. "Aye, House Baratheon requires an heir and young Gendry is most likely the sole surviving scion of King Robert. I am pleased to see that the blood of my ancestors runs strong in the veins of a worthy youth." He quivered for a moment as though a ghost had walked over his grave and said, "I shudder every time I dwell on those Lannister abominations! They were certainly not Baratheons and my skin crawled to think of Joffrey as the heir to the Stormlands!" Looking decisively at both Arya and Gendry, he pronounced, "We must talk some more. Young Gendry has a strong claim to Storm's End and I have the authority to make that a reality."

Relief was evident on the faces of all the young people and they were pleased that the meeting had gone so well. Now Stannis appeared doubtful, "Unfortunately, you cannot take your seat immediately. The castle is presently under siege by Mace Tyrell in the name of the Lannisters and inaccessible. Mayhaps when the war is over you can travel there."

Gendry dropped to one knee and replied, "Thank you, your Grace, I appreciate your support. However, we still have much to accomplish in the North and have no thoughts about going to the Stormlands for some time."

Sensing that the wolf princess was not really as eager to become 'the lady of the castle' as earlier indicated, Stannis smiled again, "Lady Arya, you will have to put off planning feasts and bearing babes for a while, I fear."

Arya realized that Stannis was actually making a jape so she smiled and replied, "It may be difficult, but I shall suffer the delay without complaint, your Grace."

As Stannis, Gendry, Arya, and Jon continued to talk, now in a more relaxed fashion, an imposing woman sauntered into the chamber. Her beautiful, inquisitive face was oddly ageless, and she had red eyes, red hair, red robes, plus a huge glowing ruby on a choker around her throat. Jon nodded warily in recognition as the king introduced her as the Lady Melisandre of Asshai, a red priestess and a servant of the Lord of Light. Stannis added, "I worship the Red God and the priestess is also my counselor."

Staring intently at Gendry, she glided up to him and immediately seized his arm. Gazing into his bright blue eyes, Melisandre exclaimed, "Another Baratheon!"

Stannis confirmed her remark, "Tis the bastard of my brother Robert."

Melisandre appeared even more intrigued and pronounced, "A mighty king's blood runs in his veins." Turning to Stannis now and raising her eyebrows, she suggested, "Imagine what my fires would reveal with his sacrifice!"

Stannis frowned and shook his head, "Nae, he is the living heir to my House and not for your flames."

Gendry was alarmed by the implications of this conversation and pulled his arm free, putting some distance between himself and the priestess. At that moment, Arya swiftly moved forward, grabbing her arm and spinning the larger woman around to face her, fiercely commanding, "You leave him be, you witch!"

Now Melisandre cocked one eyebrow at Arya and gazed at her with much curiosity, uttering, "Wolf child, blood child! What is this bastard to you?"

Arya was startled, remembering that the Ghost of High Heart had also addressed her in the same fashion, and that woman had also been a witch who could read fires. She lowered her eyes, uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny of the Red Woman, and mumbled, "Gendry is my sworn shield and betrothed."

Melisandre abruptly seized Arya's chin and forced the girl's face up to meet her glittering red eyes. Confidently she ventured, "Ah! But a peaceful married life is not your true desire. Your heart burns for revenge. You want to shut the eyes of your enemies, especially a pair of green eyes in King's Landing."

Arya jerked her chin free but continued to stare openmouthed at Melisandre. "How did you know that?!" she demanded.

"You have appeared in my fires, wolf child, as has the discontented queen. Her hatred for you has never abated," the priestess coolly replied.

"I am going to kill her! And I will kill you if you attempt to harm Gendry!" Arya passionately snarled.

Melisandre merely gazed placidly at Arya, apparently unperturbed by her vehement declaration, "I do not fear you, dark heart. We are merely two ships fated to pass in the night. But your future does seem to be entwined with the lioness enthroned in the south. That much I have seen in my fires."

Arya actually looked pleased. Gripping the pommel of her sword, she spat, "Good! I shall not rest until the bitch is dead!"

Melisandre sighed and wore a sorrowful countenance, "Ah, you are but a youth and it would be a tragedy if fulfilling your destiny also led to an early demise."

Gendry blurted out in alarm, "Say it is not so! Milady cannot die young! We have much planned!"

Melisandre directed a small smile at the lad, but it did not seem to be an encouraging one, "Your path, young stag, is also entwined with the wolf child, but the course you will follow is more like the Trident. There are many branches, and I do not know which one is the true channel. Some of the pathways are ominous, but there is a chance for happiness."

Gendry looked distraught, but Arya forced him to meet her eyes as she sternly proclaimed, "Words are wind! We will choose our destiny!"

Melisandre smiled, "Now that is the attitude of someone who is bold enough to take what they desire, rather than meekly waiting for the fates to bring them random events. Mayhaps you will carve out the future you wish to achieve. I shall continue to seek you out in my fires, wolf child. Good fortune!" And she drifted back into the shadows, leaving the very uncomfortable witnesses to stare at the empty space where she had been.

"The Red Woman consults the Lord of Light about the future," Stannis rumbled, "but not all she sees in her fires does come to pass." But the three youngsters still appeared uneasy.

#####

Arya's company had been at Castle Black for several days and yet no one had seen Tom Sevenstrings since he turned aside in Mole's Town to 'dig for buried treasure'. The wolf princess had begun to believe that the rascally singer had fled the Wall, for he had complained that the cold of the North did not sit well in his 'aged' bones. However, just when the wolfsguard thought they would never see their comrade again, Tom reappeared, entering the Great Hall and shouting for his companions, asking if the soldiers had been granted comfortable quarters. The bard had always been a lean man, but he was even thinner now, although his face bore a brilliant smile and his eyes twinkled with merriment. Arya and Gendry heard the hubbub and approached the Hall just as Mudge asked Tom just what in the seven hells had he been up to. Puffing out his narrow chest and crowing like a rooster, Tom proudly announced that Zei, Sky Blue Su, and Lady Meliana, whores who resided beneath the red lantern, had fallen in love with him and he had been required to service them frequently. It seemed that the women had been so starved for entertainment that his voice and skill with the woodharp had captured their hearts, and they only released him when it became obvious that his strength was flagging and he needed to fatten himself up at the black brothers' dining hall if he was to continue to keep them diverted. Tom grinned, "Brothers, I have a variety of women to pleasure and can 'dip my wick' at will. It is as if I have died and gone to the seven heavens!" His rowdy companions hooted and slapped him on the back and Arya just shook her head as she turned away, muttering, "Some people never change."

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Notes: I suppose Jon has to act as tour guide in the next chapter. And Gendry should meet his cousin Shireen. This fic follows the books more closely than HBO, so Shireen is not going to die. I have also hinted at some future possibilities for Arya's travels.

I meant to include Sansa's tryst with Harry in this chapter, but never got around to editing the action to my satisfaction. Also, I'm not sure how many readers find either character compelling. Opinions?