It took twenty-one days to sail to White Harbor, which was faster than expected. Attaching the arrow heads to the shafts, kept them busy the first ten days. After that they played games, eventually even that got boring. Arya couldn't help stealing glances in Taron and Aulix's direction. She even tried to hear their conversations, using her warg ability. But each time, they discovered her. Why were they being so secretive?

Gendry sighed, "instead of sneaking around, just ask them directly."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Not to the others."

Arya sat down on the deck beside him. "Ever since King's Landing they are so distant. Like I'm an outsider again."

"You still love Taron," Gendry acknowledged without animosity.

"Yes, it's different though. Do you hate me because I do and love you too?"

"Of course not. I wonder why in the past you never took Aulix to bed though."

"I tried, but he preferred to play games. Now he seems more interested in you these days than me."

Gendry chuckled, "are you jealous?"

She smiled and rested her head on his bicep. "A little…. Would you ever… with Aulix?"

"No. But he does make me curious…. Why do you ask?"

Arya turned to look at him. "No reason."

"M'Lady is horny." Gendry smirked.

He was rewarded with a punch into his chest. "M'Lord should keep his opinions to himself."

"Just go over and insert yourself between them."

Her eyes widened, then narrowed. "Are you testing me… my loyalty to you?"

"Why must you complicate everything? If you can't focus on war, then get it out of your system. We're not married yet."

"Is there someone you want to do still too?"

"You're plenty for me and I've had plenty in the past…. The choice is yours and I won't make you regret it. Once we're married, it's different. Now go talk to them, I want to nap."

Arya got up and walked towards her friends. Their conversation stopped, as she got within hearing range. "Stop keeping things from me. I'm not a child."

Taron raised an eyebrow. "Some things you don't have to know."

Aulix reached up, clasped her wrist and pulled her down to sit with them. He inhaled deeply and then smirked. Taron looked at him and laughed.

She got offended, "what? Do I stink?"

"You smell like need," Aulix answered. "But this is neither the time nor the place."

"Need?"

Taron chuckled, "like you need to get laid."

"I'm sure we all do. Stop dodging, what were you talking about?"

"We were just discussing, that a world with too many dragons, has no balance either."

"I'd rather be my own person, in a world of dragons, than be a soulless shell like the white walkers."

Without warning, Aulix pushed Arya over onto her back. He straddled her and lowered himself. She hadn't been expecting that and stared with round questioning eyes, into his. Unable to look away, or sit back up.

Aulix broke the eye contact by looking over at Gendry. The smith had opened one eye at the thump sound. Now he opened both, gave a wink and went back to sleep.

"He's a confident man," Taron said.

"Maybe… he knows that her mind is full of shit, instead of the war we are about to join." Aulix explained.

"You're talking like I'm not here. Get off." Arya shoved at his's chest, but he braced against it and didn't move.

"Arya we remember our promise to you. Have we ever broken our word?"

"No. But you two have been so secretive lately. I thought that you guys were…."

Taron was about to answer when his eyes went white. Arya and Aulix stopped talking and waited. When they went back to normal, Taron told them what he'd seen. "Jon's forces are retreating to Castle Cerwyn, the Night King has added to his army. Hornwood and Torrhen's Square have fallen. And… Aulix you must talk to the three eyed raven. It will come to you once we get to White Harbor."

Aulix got up and went to talk to Daenerys. "Can you go and help Jon's retreat? Maybe burn his back path, use some wildfire too and help buy him some time?"

"Yes, but what about the Night King?"

"Don't engage him and stay out of range of that dragon. Throw down these three vials, when Drogon's fire ignites the wildfire, it will burn longer than his normal flame. We'll be at White Harbor in a day. Just meet us there."

She nodded and called to Drogon. "How should I get on, he can't glide beside the ship for long."

"I will summon some sea-eagles. We'll pick you up and drop you on."

"You can do that?"

"Yes, but not for long. Make sure your furs are tied tight. Stretch your arms out, so the birds can grip you. We'll tie some ropes to your arms, so the whole flock can attach to you. Have Drogon come… now."

When twenty sea-eagles landed on the rails of the ship, Taron and Arya went to Aulix. They were told his intent and were against him doing it.

"Remember how that hurt you before? This flock is even bigger right?"

"It's the only way. And don't you dare try it too Arya."

Taron offered, "use my strength if you need it."

Aulix nodded and sat down on the deck of the ship. Daenerys stood close by, looking at the sky. Next, Drogon flew down and glided just to the side of the ship, where his wings wouldn't effect the sail wind. The flock of eagles took hold of arms and the ropes that she held in each hand. It was a miraculous feat, but successfully completed. The dragon flew up and away, quickly becoming a spec in the sky.

"My head throbs, Arya go get Byt." Once she had left, Aulix thanked Taron. "It worked, somehow I could tap into your energy. First time I've done that. How do you feel?"

"I'm okay, but super tired. Can you walk to our mat?"

Gendry came to help, "lean on me guys, I got you you both." He half carried the two guys to their sleeping mat and carefully set them down.

Taron thanked him and added, "I admire your patience and the freedom you give her."

The three of them all turned to Arya, as she came towards them with Byt following.

"I understand why and both of your connections to her. I respect you both for allowing a chance for me to set her free once again…. I love her with all I am." Gendry shrugged.

"You honour us."

"Your promise to her was before I came back into her life. If I don't let her go to you two, will she ever be just mine?"

"You'll make a fine king one day," Aulix acknowledged.

Taron added, "you're a remarkable man. Your patience with her is of epic proportions."

Gendry laughed. "I'm going back to my nap, call if you need me." Passing Arya on his way back to their mat, he bent over and kissed her cheek. "Take care good care of those two."

She looked at them and back at him. "Did they say…?"

"Nah, but they'll need rest and food, after Byt does her thing."