They left the Peach the next day and headed to the Twins. Tom had told Kal that Arya was simpleminded and sometimes lashed out, cursing and hitting people. No one really thought that he had believed him, but Tansy and the girls promised to care for him until he healed, so he let the matter drop. They were on the road for three days when Arya and Gendry were told that they were stopping at Acorn Hall to stay with Lady Smallwood. Robb was to be at the Twins the following day, and stay for five. They would reach him just before he left, and Arya would be reunited with him and her mother.

When they arrived at the small castle, the Lady had gasped at Arya's appearance. Although Tansy had bathed her and given her a dress to ware, Arya changed into her old clothes as soon as she could. She introduced herself as Arry Snow. The Lady seemed to know instantly that she was a highborn child. She chastised the men for travelling with her, declaring it improper. Arya was scrubbed from head to toe and dressed in a silk gown. The white gown was in contrast to her brown hair and grey Stark eyes, but she looked delicate and pretty. The fabric and its colour gave her a softer form. The Lady shaped her hair into a more flattering style for a girl, so she lost her boyish appearance. When she entered the dining hall, all the others were already seated for dinner. Gendry's eyes widened when he seen her. He was about to take a drink of wine when she walked in and the shock had caused him to choke and cough. This was not lost on the other men, who laughed and made japes. Gendry's face had turned a deep shade of purple by the time she sat down. Arya's face, however, was like thunder. She felt ridiculous. The men commented on how 'pretty' she looked. Their japes to Gendry were infuriating her. The Lady Smallwood silenced them all and they began to eat. When the topic moved to the rumours of Lady Stark and the Kingslayer, Harwin pointed out that the girl was too young for such talk and perhaps she should take a walk. Lem told Gendry to go with her, but as Gendry got up to leave, Lem grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear.

Arya did not need to ask what Lem had whispered as they headed to the forge. Gendry really loved working as a smithy. He ran his hands over all the tools, picking up some and re arranging others. Arya watched him silently. She loved the way his muscles flexed when he held a hammer. She could watch him all day and not get bored. When Gendry turned around he had a look on his face that sent a shiver through her.

'You look beautiful tonight. Is this how you always looked when you lived in a castle?'

'No. I wore Jon's tunics and breeches mostly. My mother would make me dress like this if people visited, but I hated it. This is not me Gendry.' Arya tone was serious. 'My father once told me I would marry a lord and have his sons, and run a fine castle, but I told him, 'That's not me', so if you prefer me like this, I'm sorry, but as soon as I am able, I will wear my own clothes again'.

Gendry began to walk towards her, 'Arry I fell in love with you long before tonight... don't fret. It's just, I have never been to dinner with a highborn Lady before.' He was getting closer and had a smile lighting his face. Even across the room Arya could see the blue of his eyes. 'I have never kissed a Lady in a silk gown.' He was standing close enough to touch now. He bent over slightly and sniffed her hair. 'I have never kissed a Lady who smelled of flowers.' He looked into her eyes and smiled.

'Then I suppose you should take your chance when you have it, Ser Gendry', she teased.

Gendry took her face in one hand and placed the other on her hip. He pulled her towards him and kissed her softly at first, but soon they were both exploring each other's mouths with their tongues. Arya had grabbed his shirt with both hands, dragging him towards her. As the kisses got harder, Gendry slid one hand from her face down her front, gently touching her breast through the fabric. Arya had moaned when he did this, and bought her hands around his neck, so that his hands were free to explore her more. Gendrys hands were both low on her waist and he pulled her into him so that his hardness rubbed against her. They were both so engrossed in each other, that they did not hear the person entering the forge. A man cleared his throat and the pair jumped away from each other with fear etched on their faces.

'You're lucky I'm not Lem, boy' Tom said. 'Best stop that now, your hands have grubbed the little wolfs dress'.

'I'm sorry Tom... I...'

'Best fix your hair girl... I need to have a word with your bull'.

'It wasn't his fault... 'Arya began to protest.

'Hush... I'll not hurt him, I promise ya', tom said reassuringly.

Gendry looked at Arya and relaxed his face slightly before walking out.

'If I had been Lem he would be flogging you now, boy'.

'I wasn't going to do anything Tom, I swear it'.

'That was no peck Gendry. I can see that you care for her, but I'll not be able to protect you from Lem and Harwin. Be more careful next time.'

'I won't see her again probably, after this week...'

'I never did understand why you joined us... but it's done, and the others won't take kindly to handing the King his little sister, dishonoured by one of us... they will kill you boy, make no mistake'

'I joined because I would not be allowed be near her when she's back with her family anyway. I would probably see her in the grounds, but not be allowed to be friends with her. I thought that if I did some good, maybe her family might reconsider... in a few years or...' Gendry said looking at the ground. Tom was easier to talk to than the others, and he seem to like that Gendry and Arya cared for each other. Gendry hoped he might contradict him or give him some advice. But Tom said simply,

'You're probably right, they wouldn't allow it... that is the way of the world. You will always be Bastard born Gendry. Nout can change that. Come with us and try to forget the little wolf. There are plenty of other women on the road to distract you.'

When they entered the dining hall Lem and Harwin gave looks to Gendry that chilled Arya. She had tried to fix her hair and remove the dark stains from the white silk, but they were still obvious. Gendry's hands had dirtied when he examined the tools in the forge, leaving behind evidence of every place he had touched her, from her face to her ass. 'He's right, I will be the death of him', she thought. Lady Smallwood took Arya upstairs and changed her into a green dress.

'This should be harder to stain, little one', she said in a gentle manner. 'Tell me, have you had your moon blood yet'.

Arya looked at her shocked. 'What business is that of yours', she said angrily.

'I don't mean to offend you. I just thought that it must be difficult travelling with men at your age... if you had questions that only a woman could answer... if you need someone to talk too'.

'I have not'. Arya had reddened.

'I am not your mother, but I feel I should tell you nonetheless... it is up to you to take care when alone with Ser Gendry. He is the one who will pay dearly if... and men will never say no'.

'You don't know Gendry. He would never dishonour me... and I'd thank everyone to leave us be. It is no one's business but our own.' Arya had enough. Everyone seemed to have an opinion on her maidenhood.

'Of course, little one. It's just your young. I thought you may want some counsel.'

'I thank you... I do not want to be ungrateful'. Arya and Lady Smallwood returned to the dining hall and joined the men. Gendry looked positively miserable. She was sent to bed not long after. She and Gendry would not sleep together here. Arya did not sleep much. She missed Gendry beside her. He did not find sleep either. Lem and Harwin had raged at him because of Arya dishevelled appearance. They were staying one more night at Acorn Hall and then three days to the Twins.

'She will be ransomed to her brother and you will be coming with us, boy', Lem spat at Gendry after Arya had gone to bed.

'I know', Gendry said. 'I mean, Arry said I could smith for her brother... but I made vows to ye... so I can't... but', Gendry fumbled.

'You would be stupid to work for her brother, boy. If he seen what we did tonight he'd flay ya. Best not to tempt it'. Harwin said.

'Just tell the boy Lem... before he sacrifices himself for nout', Tom put in.

'What?', Gendry looked worried.

'I heard that the Lord Frey's had a few conditions for King Robb Stark to cross the river at the Twins. That he marries one of his daughters and his sister Arya marries one of his sons.'

Gendry stood frozen for few seconds. 'It can't be true'. Arya said her brother would never send her off to marry someone she didn't love', he thought. But this was war, and all promises can be broken in war.

'But... but he broke his marriage promise, perhaps'

Tom cut him off ' Even more reason why the little wolfs marriage must go ahead. I am sorry boy'. Gendry said nothing else and went to bed.

The next morning Gendry mood did not brighten. He did want to tell Arya, but he knew she would go wild. It would destroy her to find out that her brother had traded her for safe passage over the Trident. She was still raw from the lies about her mother. She had not seen her family in over a year. Her memories were all she had and if Gendry told her the news she would feel like they had changed as much as she had. She needed to believe that there was a familiar place waiting for her. Gendry had none, and knew how bad it felt.

'Did you get in a lot of trouble? Arya asked.

'No... But I don't think you should ask your family about us Arry. They would never approve. I think its best I just leave with the brotherhood. You will be safe and protected. It's for the best.'

Arya felt as though she was kicked in the stomach. She was stunned. Last night he had wanted her so bad they ached. Now he could leave and never return? Anger rose in her. Her shoulders clenched and her fists squeezed so tight her knuckles were white. 'What do you mean? You said you loved me. You said you would find me anywhere. What was that, lies! For what, Gendry?'

'I meant every word I said to you Arry, I do love you. But we will never be allowed to be together. It is pointless.'

'You are just a damn craven Gendry Waters!' she spat. 'You can let Lem and the others scare you and tell you how to live, but I'll not be told by anyone... and I can never love a man who lives by others leave. I will never love a craven.'

She turned and ran to her chambers before Gendry could respond. His heart was truly heavy. He had broken his promise and hurt her badly. She thought him a craven and she had no idea the fate that awaited her at the Twins. Her life had been decided by others and she had no idea. And now she hated him. He had lost her forever.