GENDRY'S POV
Winterfell was looking better than ever. Not even when he first visited all those years ago did it look so good. Sansa was doing a great job at being Lady of Winterfell. The castle was thriving with abundance and joy. He almost felt at home. Almost.
He was sitting in one of the tables of the great hall of Winterfell, along with the other Lords and Ladies. He never felt more out place than in this sort of occasions. He knew he didn't belong there, but he had no choice but to be there.
He was lost in his thoughts when Lady Sansa came up to him to greet him
Sansa: My Lord
Gendry: (Standing up and bowing his head) M'lady
Sansa: How is everything at Storm's End? I hear it's regaining its former glory thanks to you
Gendry: (Clearly embarrassed) Oh I don't know about that. I think Davos is the one responsible for all of that. I just do what he says honestly.
In that moment another lady stood next to Sansa. She was tall, with long and curly blonde hair and a beautiful pair of hazel eyes. She was wearing a dark green dress and her hair was braided. She could be the most beautiful woman in the room if it wasn't for Sansa. She joined the conversation easily, as a proper lady.
Dana: Oh nonsense Lord Baratheon. He is just being humble My Lady (turning her attention towards Sansa) It's an honor to meet you My Lady. I'm Lady Dana Reed, at your service.
Sansa: Oh! It's an honor to meet you Lady Reed. We are very grateful for what your family did for Bran. We will never forget it. (Turning her attention back to Gendry) So you two know each other?
Gendry: Well yes. After restoring Storm's End I had to start meeting Lords and Ladies of different houses to reestablish former relationships between the houses. Lady Reed is one of the guests that stayed at Storm's End for a little while. She was great company M'lady
Sansa: (Looking at Gendry suspiciously) I see… well that's great to hear Lord Baratheon.
Gendry: (Feeling a little guilty after Sansa's gaze) Please call me Gendry. I will never get use to a Stark calling me "Lord Baratheon" or anyone else for that matter…
Sansa: You remind me of Ar- never mind (Remembering who she was talking to, she stood taller correcting herself) As you wish, Gendry. It was lovely meeting you Lady Reed
Dana: Likewise My Lady. And I believe I should congratulate you for your upcoming weddin-
Dana was never able to finish her sentence because Podrick approached the small group and interrupted the conversation
Podrick: M'ladies, M'Lord. I'm so sorry to interrupt but there's something you need to see right away Lady Sansa, if you'll follow me.
Sansa: Is everything ok, Podrick?
Podrick: (Smiling widely) More than ok M'Lady but the matter is urgent.
Sansa: (Starting to smile) Well then I shall go (Turning her gaze towards Gendry and Lady Dana) this was lovely, but I must go now. We will continue this conversation later. Winterfell welcomes both of you home. If you need anything let me know right away. Thank you so much for coming.
With that statement Sansa turned away and left the party. Gendry and Lady Dana continued with their conversation
Dana: So… How are you coping with Storm's End after we left? Are you still spending your afternoons at the forge?
Gendry: Pretty much… It's like I told you. It keeps me true to myself. Plus we are selling the weapons that I'm making now and they sell well so…
Dana: Oh that's good to hear. It's just that I can't imagine spending every day in a forge you know? And it's so hot and loud (Fixing her hair and obviously flirting) I do admire your strength, though. You are a true Baratheon.
Gendry never responded very well to flirting Ladies. He never knew when he was crossing the line and he was always second guessing himself and he always felt like he was betraying her… he knew it was stupid but he couldn't help it. However, he knew he had to start making some changes in his life. Specially his love life; so he tried to give it a go.
Gendry: (Smirking) Well you are welcome to "admire my strength" anytime Lady Dana
Dana: Lord Gendry, you're making me blush. Anyone could think you are trying to court me.
Gendry: (Looking directly into her eyes) would that be such a bad thing? As I recall, the last time we spoke you were quite interested
Dana: I was… I am. It's just- at the time you weren't interested
Gendry: I know… but I think I need to make some changes in my life and you have always been nice to me. I think we could try something… if you want to of course.
Dana: (Smiling) that would be lovely My Lord.
Gendry wasn't very sure about his feelings in that moment. He felt excited but at the same time he felt like he always did… like he was betraying her and somehow it felt stronger than ever. Maybe he felt that way because he was at Winterfell… he didn't know what that feeling was but he felt like she was closer than ever.
ARYA'S POV
There were only two guards at the gates when they arrived at Winterfell. The same ones that tried to stop Arya from entering her home all those years ago. She had no idea how they both survived the wars. The only difference was that this time they didn't have any problems recognizing Arya
Guard 1: (Kneeling in front of Arya) You're here Lady Arya! The hero of Winterfell is finally home!
Guard 2: (Kneeling as well) Welcome home Lady Arya
Arya: Oh enough with this bullshit. Don't ever call me any of those names again. It's just Arya, is that clear?
Guard 2: But M'La—
Arya: (Taking out her dagger and pointing it at them) I said… Is that clear?
Guard 1 ad 2: Crystal
Arya: (Putting the Dagger away) Good. Now are you going to let us in or…
Guard 2: Oh Yes of course! Appologies Lad—Arya. Let us help you with your horse. (Shouting to someone in the back of the country yard) Hey Podrick! Come in here for a minute!
Podrick… that's a name she hasn't heard in a while. It was nice to hear it though. She hoped he hadn't changed much.
Anna: (Jumping with excitement) Podrick? Sir Brianne's squire?
Arya: That's the one
Anna: Oh! I'm so excited
Podrick: (Arriving to the gates) Is everything ok? What's—ARYA!?
Arya: Shh! (Talking in whispers) This is supposed to be a surprise! But yes, it's me. (Smiling and hugging her old friend) Hello Pod! How are you?
Podrick: Incredible now that you're here. Oh this is so exciting. I haven't had a challenging spar in a while… this is going to be—who's this little thing?
Anna: (Smiling) I'm Anna. I can spar with you too, you know?
Podrick: Well you are a mini Arya. I expect nothing less from you
Anna: Yay!
Arya: Pod, could you please go and find my sister? But bring her alone please. She doesn't know that I came- It's a surprise. Just tell here that there's something urgent that she needs to see… just don't give her any clues, ok?
Podrick: I'm on it! (Getting away) Oh I can't believe this!
Anna: I'm so excited to meet my auntie Sansa mommy! Do you think she'll like me?
Arya: Are you kidding me? Everybody loves you. And even if my stupid sister has a problem with you I'll just punch it right out of her.
Anna: (Laughing and then turning serious) Hahah- Oh no Mommy you don't have to do that! What about her pretty face? I don't want to ruin her pretty face
Arya: You see? This is exactly why she'll love you. You have my spirit, aye. But you are as kind and sweet as your father… believe me, she'll love you.
Anna: Mommy… if my Father is kind and sweet… do you think he will like me?
Arya: Honey… of course he will. Like I said… he is kind, sweet and an amazing man. I can't wait for him to meet you. I know him Anna and I know you're going to mean the world to him. Trust me ok?
Anna: Ok Mommy
Sansa: MOMMY!?
A/N: OMG! Thank you all so much for your support! I was not expecting this. I try to update as fast as possible but life gets in the way sometimes. I'll try to post two or three more chapters this week. Keep the reviews coming- like winter. Get it? Ok I'll stop now. Bye!