Lem and Harwin had raged at Gendry and declared that he and Arya were not to see each other, but they both just laughed.
"I am no-one. I am a bastard too. You can do nothing." Arya reminded them daily.
Gendry had even grown tired of all the threats and warnings. He knew one day Arya would want to claim Winterfell in her family name, but until then, she was his and they could be together. Lady Smallwood had conceded to their relationship when she realised she could never separate them. She was fond of Arya and told her she could stay at Acorn Hall but insisted on giving her a full briefing of a Lady's reproductive cycle and a promise to ask for moon tea should it become necessary. She had also banned her from excessive drinking.
Arya and Gendry spent every free moment together. The Master had started to train Gendry too and they spent hours practicing. Gendry had convinced Arya to form a plan and complete training before seeking vengeance. He would still go out with the Brotherhood and Arya would wait a year or so to build her skill and strength.
Their night of drunken lust was fresh on both their minds. Gendry looked his usual shade of deep purple when the met the following morning.
"I... I got a bit carried away... I was drunk... I shouldn't." he fumbled.
"Yes, but I was drunk... and I got a bit... I'm not sure what I got... but it was fun." Arya giggled.
Gendry grabbed her and kissed her before saying "You will be the death of me Arry Snow."
They both laughed and began to plan their future now that they could be together.
About a week after Gendry and the Brotherhood arrived back at Acorn Hall, a young rider in black stormed in through the castle gates. Gendry was just leaving the forge and was nearly run down by the speeding rider.
"Watch it... you could have killed me." he shouted.
"I'm sorry... tell me, do you know a girl by the name of Arry Snow... or Nymeria Snow?" the man asked.
"Who are you?" Gendry's eyes narrowed.
"Do you know the girl or not... I do not have time... where is she!" the man yelled.
Gendry squared his shoulders and walked up, into the man's face.
"There is no-one by that name here. You had best leave... now."
"You're lying... where is she?" the man was starting to lose patience. He put his hand on his sword and looked into Gendrys eyes.
Lem, Harwin and Tom noticed the interaction and went over to see if Gendry needed help. It was only then that Harwin said
"Jon... Jon Snow... is that you?"
"God's... Harwin." They embraced each other with a quick hug, as men do. "It is good to see you Harwin." Jon said "Is she here? Is she well?" Jon could barely breathe.
He had raced to find Arya and was overwhelmed to see a familiar face in Harwin.
"She's fine, Jon." he said, patting his shoulder. "Men, this is Arry's brother, Jon Snow."
The men all greeted him cordially. He and Gendry shock hands by way of an apology for their misunderstanding. Then Gendry looked over Jon's shoulder and saw Arry standing, frozen. She was staring at Jon in disbelief. When Jon turned around, Arya threw her hands over her mouth and let out a loud cry. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She ran over and jumped into his arms, sobbing.
"Is it you? How did you...? I cannot believe... is it really you?" she repeated.
Jon squeezed her as tight as he could. He pressed kisses into the top of her head whilst saying,
"It is little sister. I am here." He took her by the shoulders and moved a step back so he could look at her. "God's little sister... I barely recognised you... you have grown."
Arya had no reply. She just buried her head in his chest and sobbed like a child. She did not care if the men seen her. Her brother was here. Her favourite brother. The one who always allowed her to be herself. She though she would never see him again and now she was holding him. So the hell with everyone, she would cry as much as she needed.
By the time they broke from their embrace, the others had moved away, giving them space. Arya took Jon inside and introduced him to Lady Smallwood, who found him chambers and announced dinner. Arya did not change into her usual gown to eat, as Lady Smallwood preferred she do. She had not argued this point as she thought it was a small price to pay to be allowed to train and see Gendry. Jon and Arya sat huggled together as they told each other all that had happened in the three years since they last seen each other. Arya had so much to tell that she didn't even introduce Gendry to Jon. He did not mind, however, he knew she was absentminded because she was so happy. As she told her tale, Jon interrupted,
"This Gendry... he wouldn't happen to be the boy at the end of the table who keeps looking at you?" he said with a smile. Arya looked over and caught Gendry gazing at her. They both smiled.
"Yes... that's him. You should know that he is a smithy from Kings Landing, and Bastard born... but I love him and we will be together so don't bother to protest cos' he is not some stupid Lord. I want him only." Arya said flatly.
With that declaration Jon laughed so loud and hard that he spit wine from his nose and coughed all over himself.
"What is so funny?" Arya demanded.
"I'm sorry little sister... but... it is just... you... in love, with a boy. I never thought... I'm sorry. I will not say another word. There is nothing wrong with falling in love with a Bastard. Were quite nice really." he teased.
"I know, my two most favourite people in the world are Bastards, and now I am too."
"No, you are a Stark," he whispered. "Never forget."
Arya turned and said into his ear "I will not Jon. I will reclaim Winterfell. I will avenge Father, Mother, Robb, Bran and Rickon. I swear it."
Jon looked at her with pain etched all over his face.
"Please don't, Arya. You can not kill them all. I cannot bear it if I lost you too. When I got your letter I begged the Commander for three weeks, daily, to let me come and find you. I had thought I might be too late."
But Arya just smiled and placed her hand on his cheek. She had heard all the pleas. She would not change her mind, and if she could persuade Gendry to help, she could persuade Jon.
Arya and Jon stayed up talking half the night. She did not even say goodnight to Gendry. The next day, Arya showed Jon her training. He was impressed with her skill. When Lady Smallwood insisted she bath and change into a gown for dinner, Jon went to the smithy to introduce himself to Gendry. He was rather curious about the boy who could woo his little sister, and change her mind about love and all the things she used to think were nonsense. Gendry was busy fixing a horseshoe. He was shirtless and covered in soot and sweat.
"I am sorry to disturb you Gendry." Jon said as he entered the forge. "I want to apologise again for yesterdays misunderstanding."
"No need. I was at fault too. Nothing good ever came from people asking after Arry on the road. I got a bit defensive." Gendry said.
"So have you been in love with my sister long?" Jon asked directly, looking straight at him.
Gendry nearly dropped his hammer onto his foot. He struggled to retain his balance for a second. He had not expected Jon to be so forthright. He looked at the ground. I have no reason to lie... I will tell him the truth, hang the consequences, he thought. He looked Jon in the eye and said
"Bout a year, I'd say."
Jon nodded, thankful for his honesty.
"She told me of everything that happened on the road. You seem to have helped her and cared for her over these last two years. I thank you."
Gendry was a bit surprised. He had not expected to be thanked.
"She got us out of Harrenhall. Me and Hot Pie would probably be dead by now if she wasn't with us."
"I heard tales of the Mountain and his men. They are vicious, I hear?" Jon tone became quite serious.
Gendry looked down at the ground. He did not like to think about the things he had seen. "Yes," was all he could say.
"Did any harm come to my little sister... with those men... is there anything I should know that she would not tell me?" Jon was looking at Gendry again with a look that was both firm and uneasy.
"She was not... touched... I mean, they thought she was a boy for most part... she was lucky."
Jon chest visibly fell when he sighed in relief.
"It's just that... she is so determined to kill everyone... this list. I know why she would want them dead... but she is determined to wield the blade herself. It is not normal for a girl of three and ten, even Arya." He was almost talking to himself now.
"We saw some awful... in Harrenhal, Jon. Most of the other girls were not as lucky as Arry. I understand what you mean... I'm not really happy that she wants this either, but I have learned to live with it, cos' she won't be stopped... and I'll not let her do it alone. Winterfell is hers. What the Frey's did to your brother... she won't be stopped." Gendry said with purpose.
"I know, but she is my little sister..." he began to say when Arya appeared at the door, dressed for dinner.
She wore a green gown with white trimmings and her hair fell over her shoulders. Gendry looked at her and smiled. Jon just starred. She walked over and Gendry instinctively held out an arm and she nuzzled into his large frame.
"What are you two talking about?" she asked suspiciously. "Why are you starring at me like that Jon?"
"I just... I just can't believe how much you grown Arya." he smiled and then looked at the ground, "I was asking Gendry what could have happened to make you so full of vengeance..."
Arya gasped. Was he really asking this question?
"How... do you not know? How can you not feel the same? I don't understand Jon." she said exasperated.
"I do want you back at Winterfell, and I want to save Sansa from Kings Landing. I do Arya. I just don't want you killing anyone."
Arya laughed. Both Gendry and Jon looked at her in confusion.
"I have been killing since I was ten years old. I had no choice. I had to kill a boy who was going to sell me to the Queen after they killed father... I slit the throat of a guard in Harrenhall so that we could escape. I have survived Jon. I am not ashamed of it. I am sorry if you are." She said flatly.
Jon walked over and took her from Gendry's arm.
"I will never be ashamed of you sister. Never. I don't like you being in danger, that all... but, you have survived more than most, so... I will help you. You need to be trained." He said seriously.
Arya jumped into his arms and squeezed him until she hurt. "Thank you Jon, thank you." She said, over and over.
"I have made vows to the Nights Watch... I have to return tomorrow. We are to go beyond the wall..."
"You cannot leave me Jon." Arya said as tears fell from her eyes.
"I have a duty... but I will get Harwin to train you and I will try and persuade him to let you travel with the Brotherhood, when he says you are ready... I do not like it, Arya. But you can help remove some of the men terrorising the lands. When this damn war is over we can reclaim Winterfell, but you must keep your identify hidden so Bolton or the Queen wont hunt you. Is that understood?" he looked into her eyes hard.
"Yes... thank you. I knew you would understand."
"Okay... now go... I... I need a word with Gendry, alone." Jon flushed red as he said the words. Gendry stiffened beside him. He did not know what Jon was going to say... but he knew it would be embarrassing to hear.
"No... no... no... it is about me, isn't it?... oh, probably my maidenhood, or the fact that I received my moon blood... because every man in the Seven Kingdoms thinks he has right to comment on them... let's get the Brotherhood, Jon... we can discuss it over dinner!"
She was animated. Her hands had started to fly around in the air and she was exaggerating her head from side to side with each mouthful she spat out. Gendry... as usual, was purple. Jon was no better.
"Okay... stop you... crazy.., okay Arya. Look, the thing is... you two obviously... care... and you will be travelling together... you have travelled..." Jon fumbled.
"God's Jon, spit it out... I'm still a maiden if that what you're asking." Gendry head was now pointed directly at the floor. His face was like a beacon, illuminating the room.
"Did Lady Smallwood say something to you? Cos' nothing happened... I was a bit drunk..." Arya was starting to ramble now.
"What... no she did not... what's this about!" he yelled at Gendry.
"Ah... nothing... it was a drunken... chambers... wasn't as bad as it looked... ah..." Gendry had lost all coherency. Jon grabbed him by the throat and pushed him up against the wall. He drew back his right fist and punched him in the face.
"Ouch! God's that hurt." Gendry said as he put his hand up to his eye. Jon had stepped back instantly, realising he was being stupid. Arya was shouting and cursing at him with language he never heard before, even from the men at the Wall.
"Sorry... um... sorry." was all he could say.
"I told you I am still a maiden, Jon." Arya said as she took Gendry's face in her hands.
"I... need you to stay that way." Jon began before Arya rage boiled over.
"It is not your business!" she yelled.
"Listen Arya... please... I do not want to tell you what to do... but..."
"You are going to anyway." Arya interrupted sarcastically.
"Listen... when the war is over and we want Winterfell... your maidenhood might be the only way to claim it."
Both Arya and Gendry looked at him confused.
"If we cannot prove that Bolton married an imposter... we can have the marriage annulled by proving you never consummated it..." Jon was starting to go red from embarrassment again.
"God's... how long... no... I will prove I never married that sack of wine... how long will that take."
"I don't know.. but we have to plan for all things, so I wanted to have a word with Gendry about it." Jon looked at his hands.
"It will not... I wont... she will get Winterfell back." was all Gendry could say.
"I will leave ye to talk... sorry again." and with that Jon left the forge.
"Oh hells, the stupid war could go on for years! I will be a maiden forever Gendry." Arya spat.
"So be it. it has to be." He said defeated.
Tears started to swell in Arya's eyes again. She could not believe that he was not upset by the news. Did he not want her... the way she wanted him? Perhaps it was not good for him, like it was for her.
"What... talk to me." He said concerned.
"No... fine, it will be... not that you seem to care." she said.
Gendry grabbed her hips, his favourite place in the world to have his hands.
"I would take you now. God's Arry... I want you. I don't know how I will last." And he kissed her hard. His hands caressed her hips and she moved hers to his stomach and felt his hard abs. They moaned into each other. Gendry was first to break way.
"We have no choice Arry, you must get Winterfell back from that turncloak Bolton."
"I know. I know. We will be fine... with just kisses... surely." she said, but her voice was weak and neither of them believed it.