A Portentous Reunion? Chapter 4 - Family

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Note: Warning! Much of this chapter is sweet enough to rot your teeth. If you have an aversion to fluffy Gendrya, I suggest that you skip the cute parts. What follows is my pipe dream of "Game of Thrones" events.

This chapter could be sub-titled "Four Men with Loosened Tongues in a Bar". I realized that the Hound would be the perfect catalyst for a meeting between Jon and Gendry. All three love Arya, but in different ways. The heartless killer also has a soft spot for Sansa Stark, his 'little bird'. The opportunity is too good to pass up.

My imagination is fueled by equal parts of 'GoT HBO', 'ASoIaF', and Disney fairy tales. Make of that what you will.

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Previously:

Looking over Arya's shoulder and seeing her impatient siblings approaching them, Gendry said, "In any case, milady, you will need to decide immediately what we are to each other, and what you intend to do, for we will shortly have company!"

Arya turned around and saw her concerned family moving towards her. Her stomach dropped and she panicked, What am I to say to them?!

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Jon stalked angrily towards the couple, murder in his eyes. If he had been a real wolf, his canines would have been bared, and the hackles on his back would have been raised.

Gendry directed a nervous half-smile at Lady Sansa and surreptitiously removed his hand from Arya's arse. He prayed that no one had noticed.

"Unhand my sister, Ser!" Jon snarled, still clutching the pommel of his sword, "You forget yourself in being so familiar with an innocent maiden!"

With a nervous smile, Gendry immediately released Arya from his embrace and ducked his head, "Forgive me, milord," he stammered, "I have nothing but respect for the lady," his face turning red.

I'm far from an innocent maiden! Arya thought, and decided to be forthright with her family. "Actually, brother, you should not be alarmed if Gendry holds me closely, as he is family now," she coolly volunteered.

Jon looked startled and his head snapped in Arya's direction. "Family?" he replied with some puzzlement.

"Aye, family. In a sense, Gendry and I comprise, er, a betrothed couple."

Sansa put her hand over her mouth, and exclaimed, "Oh! Arya!"

Silent Bran wore a small, knowing smile, and Jon swayed on his feet and then abruptly sat down on the ground. "Sweet sister, what have you done?!" he lamented with dismay in his voice.

With a sigh and an intake of breath, Arya seized the flustered smith's hand and explained, "Gendry and I were very close friends when we were children long ago. Last night we believed that we would not live to see another sunset and decided that our last hours together should be meaningful."

Sansa's eyes widened at the implication of her words and Jon moaned loudly whilst covering his face with his hands, unconcerned at how vulnerable he appeared. Gendry shifted uncomfortably. Finally Bran smoothly asked, "What do you plan to do now?"

Arya considered for a minute and firmly said, "I need to confer with my sister, alone! You men go to the Great Hall and share some ale." They nodded slowly in agreement. "And, Jon?" her older brother raised his eyes, "Do not kill anyone!"

The girls went to Sansa's chamber, Sansa having affectionately placed her arm around Arya's waist as they walked. Even before the she-wolf began to speak, Sansa immediately took a cloth and started to clean her sister's wounds, assessing if any would scar. Arya finally ventured, "I need your advice. I know that you are surprised because I have never done this before, but I am serious now and value your opinion."

Sansa appeared very curious and asked, "What is on your mind, sweet sister?"

Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, "I must decide whether or not to drink moon tea before this day passes."

Sansa did not appear as surprised as Arya expected. Staring at her, Arya blushed, realizing that Sansa probably had already assumed that she had been intimate with Gendry. Wrapping her arm around her baby sister, Sansa merely chuckled, "I am relieved that you did not make that announcement before Jon. I doubt that he would take it well. I hope that Gendry is safe even as we speak."

Arya appeared worried but Sansa assured her, "Arya, I do not think that Jon would slay your future husband. I must say that Gendry is truly a handsome man, and his face is full of love when he looks at you. You have always said that you never wanted to be married, and I believed you when you first returned, for you were so cold and distant. But now when I see you with Gendry, I think that you will never find a better mate."

"I am not sure if I want a mate," Arya murmured uncertainly.

"Well, consider this, Arya, if you are not wed by the time your belly begins to swell, Jon will take Gendry's head off and there is not a man in this castle who would disapprove of his action. They would even find him and hold him down if he tried to escape."

Arya softly murmured again, "I do not want Gendry to die."

"If you take moon tea now, mayhaps there will be other opportunities to conceive a babe, that is, if you really want one."

Arya bit her lip, "Gendry surely wants one."

"Then you must speak to him before you make your decision."

"That is good advice. I will, when I can get him safely away from Jon."

Shyly, Sansa asked, "Arya, did you enjoy lying with Gendry?"

Arya looked at her with the sweetest smile, one that Sansa had never seen before on her hostile, angry, little sister's face. "I will be in his embrace again tonight. There is no doubt of that. If Jon had not approached us with murder in his eyes, we would be lying naked together at this moment. He makes me feel beautiful and truly alive"

Sansa sighed, "You do not know how lucky you are."

Now it was Arya's turn to be the consoling sister, "Surely, you will find a man to love. You are beautiful and all the men look at you with awe."

Sansa's face turned hard and dark, and she replied bitterly, "I have only known the worst of men that have tried to bed me. Besides Father and Jon, the only men who have truly loved me would be totally inappropriate matches. In fact, I am repulsed by men and never want another one to touch me!"

Arya felt sorrow for the hurt in her sister's voice, It is so sad that she has never experienced what I have now. She had no idea what to do for her sibling.

Sansa shook off her discontent. She was actually pleased to be having this intimate conversation with Arya. They had never been close as children, and since Jeyne Poole was taken from her, she sorely missed female companionship. Now she truly had a little sister with whom to banter and tease. Her lovely face changed into the happy expression that had always drawn the attention of others. Smiling now at Arya, she said, "Enough of this darkness. We must celebrate being alive!" Her Tully blue eyes sparkling with mischief and she suggested, "Arya, when we go to the Great Hall for dinner tonight, you should wear a dress for Gendry! I wager he would like that!"

Arya's face took on a faraway gaze and she recalled 'The Peach' and 'Acorn Hall'. With some fondness due to the seemingly sweet memory at this point in her life, Arya softly replied, "Gendry has seen me in a dress, twice, when we were children. The first time I had been cleaned up by a lady and stuffed into a stupid dress with acorns on the bodice and sides. Gendry took one look at me and laughed and wine came out of his nose. Later, he inspected me closely, as if for the first time he realized that I really was a girl. He told me that I looked nice, like a nice oak tree. Gods, he can be so stupid! Sometimes I think Gendry has more cock than brains! Not that there is anything wrong with that!"

Sansa looked shocked but only giggled at the story. Never in her life had she had so much fun with her unusual sister.

"The second time we were at a brothel…."

"Oh, Arya!"

"When the whores learned that I was a girl, they forced me into a bath, even when I protested that I just had a bath only two weeks earlier, and put me in a girly dress of linen and lace like a porcelain doll. Later, Gendry chased away an old lecher who tried to take advantage of me and I yelled at him." Arya sighed, "I was often so mean to him in those days. It is a wonder that even likes me."

"Well, it is obvious that he cares for you deeply now, and you should be content."

"I suppose you are right. And we need to discuss this babe in my belly, if it truly exists already. Let us go find the boys and talk to them. I hope Jon is still sane."

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The three lads sat at a table in the Great Hall of Winterfell, a flagon of ale in front of each one. The din of revelry filled the hall, but they only sipped from their tankards slowly and quietly, ignoring the celebration. Arya had suggested that they go to the Hall and talk, but to all three youths her words were taken as a command. The wolf princess was most imperious.

Jon stared at Gendry. Prior to today he had appreciated the young smith and felt comfortable with him, as they were both bastards, struggling to make places for themselves in a cruel world. Ever since he saw Gendry with his hand casually fondling his little sister's buttocks, he was furious with the smith. In her breeches, it was obvious that Arya possessed a sweet little arse, one that any man would crave to fondle, and it grated on him that Gendry seemed to have such a careless familiarity with it. He cursed himself for dwelling on the fact that she did have such a fine bottom, and tried to dispel his thoughts on that matter. He should definitely not be brooding about his baby sister's lovely figure! Poor Jon was totally flummoxed and wanted to take all his frustration out on the smith.

Looking closely, Jon recognized that Gendry was indeed a very handsome lad – large, well-muscled, powerful, with a strong jaw, sleek black hair, and bright blue eyes. Serving girls were constantly approaching to refill his tankard, and Jon saw them rake their eyes over his frame. One was even bold enough to bend over and practically shove her teats in his face, but he apparently took no notice.

Aye, he is certainly 'a maiden's dream' and could bed any wench he desires, Jon pondered, mayhaps he seduced Arya and forced himself upon her. But he realized immediately what a ridiculous notion that was. By now he was well-acquainted with his fierce warrior sister. She was no gullible maiden susceptible to seduction. Arya takes what she wants, and I'll wager that mayhaps she seduced the smith! he considered with some vexation.

Suddenly, the trio felt the Hound's enormous shadow looming over them. Clegane waved for a serving woman and roared, "Wine!" He seized the goblet from the trembling girl's hands, took a sip and bared an evil smile, "Ahh!" Then he peered down into Bran's tankard and loudly asked, "What in the bloody hell are you drinking, Raven?!"

"Autumnal mead," Barn volunteered evenly.

"Shite!" Clegane exploded and shook his head in disgust. Then he slapped his huge hand on Gendry's shoulder, but the smith barely flinched. A lesser man might have been thrown to the ground. "I envy you, Baratheon bastard!" the Hound leered, "You must have a way with the ladies! I always thought that the wolf girl was a stone cold bitch, but after seeing her trying to choke you with her tongue and straddle your loins in the forge, I'll wager the little urchin is as hot as the fire in your furnace! Ha! It was about time she got stuck with the pointy end! Did she wear out your cock, lad?!"

Gendry looked startled, but Jon instantly jumped to his feet. "You go too far, Ser! I'll have your head for disrespecting my sister so!" he shouted, his eyes flashing with anger, and began to pull Longclaw out of his belt, spoiling for a fight.

The Great Hall immediately went quiet and all heads turned in their direction. Before Jon could fully draw his sword, Clegane quickly stepped back and raised both hands in supplication. With a more calming tone of voice, he replied, "Hold, dragon boy! And I ain't no bloody knight! I was only japing! I know the she-wolf well and do respect her skills, some of which I taught her meself! Alls I meant was that I'm glad that she has found some measure of fucking happiness with our clueless smith here! He's a good lad, if a bit simple, but she seems to favor him, and if he can keep her in a good mood, there is less of a chance of anyone getting stabbed by her fucking Needle!"

Jon reseated his weapon and sat down again, confused and not completely sure if Clegane's words were actually an apology, but decided not to pursue the matter. He was aware that the Hound had saved the lives of both his sisters several times, and for that Jon owed the crude soldier some latitude. Arya actually grudgingly considered the Hound a friend, and Jon had even noticed Sansa staring at the huge man's back with a small smile when she thought no one was looking. Reluctantly, Jon motioned for Sandor to join them. Bran had watched the whole episode with obvious amusement and was following every word.

As the Hound pulled out a chair and sat down, bearing an expression that was more smirk than smile, the tension left the chamber. The revelry started up again, and the curious faces turned away. "So it is you and the wolf girl, heh?" Clegane addressed Gendry again as Jon watched closely. Cautiously, Gendry nodded, observing Jon's reaction out of the corner of his eye. "She's a good lass, if a bit wild, and deserves some happiness after all she has been through. If she favors you, be grateful. She doesn't like many people and is more like to kill someone than shake their hand. The two of you do look good together."

Both Jon and Gendry were amazed to see this side of the heavily scarred man, as legend had it that he was simply a mad murderer. Somehow the Stark sisters, or mayhaps the wine, brought out his softer side. Turning to glare at Jon, he accused, "And if you were a real fucking brother, you would find someone to make the Lady Sansa happy! The little bird has walked through the seven hells, and she can't even handle a weapon like the wolf girl does, yet she lived! Shite, that girl is a survivor, too!"

"Aye, I am glad of that myself," Jon choked out, not believing the conversation.

Ferocious once more, Clegane continued, "The little bird is a pretty one. Surely you can find a good match for her! You owe it to her! And not the Imp!"

Jon was bewildered. I swear there is a wistful tone to his voice! What in the seven hells does that mean?! Taking a deep breath, Jon slowly replied as he looked from Clegane to Gendry, "When we defeat the Lannisters and there is truly peace in the land, I will devote my attention to my sisters' happiness. I vow it on my honor."

Sandor leaned back in his chair, which creaked under his weight, and raised his goblet, "Good!" was all he said and drank deeply. Bran still appeared amused and Gendry looked relieved.

When Bran drew Jon's attention for a serious, low conversation, the Hound immediately leaned towards Gendry and roughly whispered, "Out with it, lad! What does the little wolf look like under her leathers?"

Gendry flushed red but replied honestly, "She is beautiful! My heart almost stopped!"

Sandor grinned again and signaled for a serving girl to refill his goblet. As she poured the wine, he squeezed her arse. The wench saw his scars and turned away with a disdainful expression on her face. Gendry noticed a flicker of disappointment quickly pass over Clegane's damaged features. "The wolf girl was never afraid to look at my face," the Hound muttered, "Seven hells! She was the only person I have met who was not afraid of me! I saved the little bird's life and it took all her courage just to look into my face and thank me!"

He looked accusingly at Gendry and snorted, "I spent six bloody months with the wolf girl's sour bitch face, and all you have to do is blink those pretty blue eyes and she smiles like a simpering maiden! Lucky bastard!"

Gendry had no idea what to say, so he just took another drink. Clegane seemed to have much to relate. "Sometimes I told her the nastiest things I could think of just to piss her off, and she would glare up at me with such hate in her eyes. She was such a tiny thing; I could have crushed her in one hand. She would threaten that someday she would stick her little sword through my eye and out the back of my head! I could not have been prouder of her! She could have been my daughter!"

The smith was perplexed by the Hound's twisted sense of reality and said nothing, just nodding as the man rambled. Clegane leaned closer. "Did she tell you about the time we ran into that cunt Polliver, one of my brother's men, the one who took her precious Needle and killed her useless friend, I think his name was Lommy?"

Gendry shook his head no, curious about the story. "We were at an inn, and the arsehole thought that the wolf girl was my camp follower. He asked me how she was and suggested I let him have a go at her. Ha! You should have seen her face when she realized that I might let him rape her! Well, I hate the Mountain's men and they have no love for me, either. We were all itching for a fight and when it began, Arya snuck up on Polliver and stabbed him. She took her Needle back and started to poke him like a pin cushion! I don't know if she was madder that he had killed that Lommy or because he had wanted to fuck her! That cunt was bleeding out completely when I pulled her off him and told her we had to go right quick. Ha!"

Clegane took another sip of wine and continued, his eyes glowing, "That's the kind of bitch you want at your back in a fight!"

The Hound had been so open that Gendry felt the need to reply. "She was the youngest and smallest of all of us, yet she was our leader after Yoren was killed. Arya just naturally assumed command. Later at Harrenhal, she urged us to escape with her from that cursed castle. She convinced me to steal swords, Hot Pie grabbed food from the kitchen, and she stole us horses from the stables in the dead of night. We only got out alive because she killed the guard at the postern gate herself. She wouldn't talk about it, but I saw that her hands and the cuffs of her jerkin were soaked with blood when she grabbed the reins of her horse. I would be dead today if I had not left with her then."

Sandor nodded, "Aye, the wolf girl is a tough one, that she is."

Frowning with concern, Gendry impulsively added, "Clegane, she has the most awful scars! Someone almost killed her!"

The Hound smiled grimly, "She is not easy to kill. The bitch does not need protection, but guard her well anyway."

Gendry nodded, "I will."

Clegane sighed and made to stand up. "I need some sleep and since none of these wenches seem inclined to allow me to use their teats as my pillow, I might as well find a cot in the barracks. Goodbye, lucky bastard!"

The Hound staggered away, wobbly on his feet from too much wine and memories, and Gendry felt some sadness, no one has ever loved him. Such a shame!

As he left the Hall, Sandor accidently brushed against a guardsman, knocking him to the floor. The man returned to his feet, and noting the Hound's size, decided not to challenge him.

But before leaving, he stopped by Jon's chair and slapped him on the back, almost knocking him over. "Don't be so hard on the smith, dragon boy or wolf king, whatever the fuck you call yourself now. He is a good lad and is only doing the same as you with the dragon queen. You know what I mean? Pounding a wet and willing wench hard as she squirms underneath you and shrieks your name when she reaches her pleasure. And I'll wager you like that sound, heh?"

Jon just blushed at the truth of his words, but did not reply as Clegane left. He certainly did not want to think about Gendry and his little sister like that. He turned to Bran. "What a strange man," was all he said.

Bran fixed Jon with a serious look, "You realized that the Hound loves both our sisters. He would never admit it or act inappropriately, but he loves them just the same."

Jon quirked his eyebrows, "Really?"

The young seer continued, "He saved both their lives several times. He killed for them. He bled for them. He proudly wears scars on his body from blades meant for them. And all he is thought of is as a heartless killer. There is more to Clegane than people know. He is a good man."

"What should we do for him?" Jon considered.

"He is an unhappy man and I doubt anything will make him happy. Knight him and appoint him Sansa's sworn shield. She is unhappy, too, and they can be unhappy together."

"But Clegane sneers at knights!"

"He would accept it if you told him the purpose. Ask Arya if you don't believe me. She spent six months in hell with him and knows his mind."

"And Sansa?"

"Strangely enough, I think she would be pleased. Neither would ever discuss it, but they would be content with the situation."

"I'll give it some thought."

"Do that."

Jon sighed and realized that he still needed to discuss matters with Gendry. The young smith was brooding over his tankard, reflecting on the Hound's words. He was startled into reality when Jon asked, "Ser Gendry, what are your intentions with my sister? I will not dwell on the fact that this question may be late in the game."

Gendry took a deep breath and boldly retorted, "I mean to wed Arya Stark, milord, if she will have me."

Jon was becoming wise and huffed, "She may not have a choice in the matter. I love my sister, but Arya is spoiled, independent, self-centered, and dangerous. Do you really desire to join your life to hers? It will not be easy, Gendry. You know that she is not like other girls."

Earnestly, Gendry replied, "I met her as a child and have loved her since our very first argument. I am most familiar with her unique nature and value it highly. I prefer her over any other girl and have always felt this way. I tell you truly, milord, no matter what you decide, I will never lose her again!"

"Well, Ser Gendry," Jon smiled wryly, "we will go talk to Arya and Sansa. Arya says that you are family now, so it is only fitting that the girls be involved in this discussion. Bran has already given you a vote of confidence. And no more of this 'milord' stuff, just call me Jon."

"Aye, milo.., er, Jon."

"And one more thing, Gendry?"

"Aye,…..Jon?"

"Please limit the public displays of affection. We do not need the entire castle looking at your hand on my sister's bottom!"

"Aye, milord! Oops, Jon!"

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Note: This may all be a waste of energy. I have no idea what D&D have planned for us concerning Arya and Gendry.