Arya had some self reflection to do and she also wanted to give Taron some space. Or maybe she just needed to distance herself from him. Either way, she knew that staying with the Street guild, was not part of her future. Finding out what family members were still alive and whom on her list of names would be the next target, had to be her priority. Preparing to leave, sooner than later, would be where her focus landed. Part of her wanted to ask Taron to come with her, but the guild needed him more than she did. In a way, this guild had become a new family to her. Because of them she now was a skilled assassin and totally self dependant. Up until coming here, she'd used just her wits and luck, to stay alive. Thinking back to her journey thus far, brought thoughts of Gendry forward. Was he still alive, had the Red Witch hurt him, did he ever think about her? Too many unanswered questions. In truth they had taught her skills that she'd never dreamed of having and she'd matured as a woman too. Her life was no longer just about surviving, but about extracting revenge and returning honour to her blood family. She was done running away, it was time to return to Westeros.

While Arya had done some growing up, Gendry too had become a man. Gone was the overly trusting boy and in his place was a man who relied on his instincts first. Some of that was thanks to his journey with Arya. He had learned to hide who he was early on, but not like he did now. Laughter didn't come easy and once again his existing fell into obscurity. For longevity that was for the best, especially since the Baratheon name still ruled the crown. He was a skilled blacksmith and could ask a good price for his armoury work. Physically he was much stronger than before. His heart wasn't completely closed off, because he worried about Arya and missed her. If he ever saw her again, he could tell her whom his true father was. That if she still loved him, as he did her, then it was possible and not just wishful thinking. Sometimes he thought of leaving and searching for her, but he had no idea where to look. Gendry listened to the street gossip, for any word about Stark family members, but her name was never mentioned. It was over three years, since he'd been taken from her side. He hoped she was still alive and doing well. News let him keep track of the names that could be taken off her death list. He had left King's Landing, travelled outside of the Baratheon and Lannister influence. One day he would return, but for now he was just a master blacksmith. Gendry wanted to play the game of life, but in a way that both he and Arya won in the end. And why play a game, unless it was to win.

Back in Braavos the sensitive street guild could feel that something was brewing with Ari. One by one, those closest to her, asked what was going on. At first she thought they'd found out about her and Taron, but then Byt clarified.

Byt demanded more and asked, "you're leaving us to head home, isn't that right Ari?"

"Yes," Arya simply replied.

"When are you going?" Byt asked a little more gently.

"Next week…. I'll miss you so much Byt, but it's like an invisible thread pulling at me."

"Babe, I'll miss you too. I'll make you a few going away presents," Byt winked with a mischievous smile.

"I can't wait to find out what those presents are," Arya replied enthusiastically.

"How many people know you're leaving soon?"

"Just you and Taron, so far. You guys are family to me and it's really hard to leave, but…."

Byt nodded, "you don't have to explain a thing. Just know, that like family, we'll always have your back if you need us."

"Thank you… for everything. Ugh, I'm going before you make me cry!" Arya whirled around to go, but heard Byt's teasing words.

"Ari, the famous assassin, cries?…. That's unheard of!" Byt laughed saucily.

"Smartass!" Arya tossed over her shoulder as she left.

Taron dropped down off a roof top and began walking beside her, like he'd done so many times before. "Do you have a plan? A place to start your journey when you get back?"

She shrugged, "back track from where I left, to pick up the trail of a friend I need to find."

"You can use our resources and Aulix to help you with that. What about money, supplies and gear?"

"Hmm, well I don't want to take too much, you know I like to travel light. As for money, that I have saved up."

Arya still hadn't told Taron about Gendry, but maybe it was time. "The person I need to find was one of the guys with me when I escaped Harrenhal. The Red Witch Melisandre bought him from the Brothers Without Banners, even though he was not a slave. He's a blacksmith by the name of Gendry."

"Was he the one who gave you that sword named Needle?"

"No, my half brother Jon Snow gave me Needle when I was a child."

"He's the brother that went to the Wall, right?"

"Yup."

"Are you going to go to the wall to meet up with him, after you find Gendry?"

"That was my original plan before coming here, so maybe. But, I can't hide my gender like I could in the past, so the Wall would be dangerous. I'm more inclined to hunt down and execute the people on my list."

"Give me a few days and I'll see what I can find out about your family and friend. I'll send word to Aulix too."

Arya wondered if he would ask her more about Gendry, since this was the first time she'd ever told Taron about him. They'd discussed her past plenty over the last few years, but not about him. "I feel bad about not being able to do anything to help Gendry."

"I think your guilt is misplaced. Back then you couldn't do, what you can now. If you find Gendry and fail him now, then maybe guilt is justified. But he survived just like you and if he was a blacksmith, he's a strong guy too." Taron winked at her and then jogged off.

His response to everything she'd told him and planned on doing, was what Arya had expected. What she was surprised by, was how quickly the information was obtained. Two days later, Taron and Aulix both came to her. Instinct told her they had bad news.

Aulix spoke first. "We're still looking into info on your brothers Bran, Richon and Jon Snow. Your sister Sansa has been married off to Ramsay Bolton, bastard son of Roose Bolton and whom has been Warden of the North. The Boltons assisted in the massacre of your brother Robb Stark and your Mother."

Arya nodded, her face revealed none of her emotions. Taron and Aulix recognized that she had shut down her feelings, like when she'd been assigned a target to assassin. Both hopped that the remainder of their information, would change that.

Taron stepped forward. "Gendry escaped Dragonstone. He was given a row boat and told to head for King's Landing. We don't have confirmation yet, that he is actually there."

"Thank you both for all you've done. I now know where to start tracking Gendry. If my sister is in the North, she'll be protected by the people who are still loyal to our family…. how old is this information?"

"There is no way to gauge that, unfortunately."

Next she asked, "are you staying a few days Aulix?"

"Undecided… why did you miss me?" He laughed and gave her a wink.

She teased right back, "always. Life is much more interesting when you're around. How about a drink boys?"

Taron declined, he had something to take care of. "I'll meet up with you two later."

Aulix cocked his head to the side, with one eye closed. He watched Taron leave. "If you're buyin' then I'll drink."

"You never change," Arya smiled. She grabbed his hand and pulled him in the direction of a pub.

They drank and discussed her upcoming journey. He hadn't told anyone yet, but Aulix was going with Arya for a little portion of the trip. Partially to satisfy his own curiosity and also to put Taron's mind at ease. Whether he just showed up or tagged along with Arya on this new journey, he'd figure out on the fly. Aulix had to admit, he was impressed with her planning for this departure. She was a smart girl and the years spent living in the street guild had given her valuable knowledge and skills.

"You've become a crazy good strategist. If you wanted to become Queen of the North, I'd be bettin' on you," Aulix complimented.

"I ain't no Queen. And I sure as hell wouldn't want to deal with all that shit involved with that position. Dresses and acting all girly, no thanks!"

Taron showed up, carrying something wrapped up. He sat down with them and put the item beside him, leaning against the wall. "We like when you act girly… just have to watch out not to get sliced by your secret blade."

The three of them laughed together. Aulix nodded toward the long, covered object. "Is that for me or her?"

"Since you've brought attention to it," Taron said, handing it to Arya. "Go on uncover it."

Arya unwrapped the item and found it was a beautiful scabbard. One side would hold Needle and the other a new sword he had made for her. She drew out the new blade and could tell by the craftsmanship that it was an expensive blade. Standing up, Arya moved it around, it was perfectly balanced for her.

"Wow, thank you so much."

"See the loops at either end of the scabbard?" Taron asked and waited for her confirmation. "You can clip on your quiver of arrows and bow too. That makes for carrying both easier."

Aulix admired the gift, "that's a brilliant design. I might have to get me one too, unless it's one of a kind?"

Taron shrugged and then told his friend where he'd had it made. He watched Arya run a finger over the etching on the hilt. "I hope you like the dire wolf design."

"I love this sword, just as much as Needle." Arya kissed Taron deeply, not carrying that Aulix and the whole tavern saw it.

"Ahh now I see… so that's what it takes to get a kiss from you," Aulix smirked.