EDDARD POV:
Winterfell:
Eddard left his daughter well guarded, it's not like the Prince had made a move on her but he was going to by the look he had. He needed to talk to his youngest daughter about marriage, a talk he had with Sansa years ago but didn't seem necessary with Arya. The Prince, the Bolton Bastard and many other suitors had changed that... but first he needed to talk to the King. Robert Baratheon; the man he once considered his own brother...
Brandon was too wild and met his faith far to early while Benjen took the Night's Watch's vows and left Winterfell as soon as he could so Robert filled the vacant spot they left. It was perfect! They both were groomed under the protection of Jon Arryn and it seemed faith wanted them joined also by blood the second Robert laid his eyes on his sister Lyanna, making it love at first sight, worthy of a fairy tale that was later destroyed by the wicked monster.
After the infamous Tourney at Harrenhal; Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna starting a war that would change the kingdom forever. Eddar fought loyally at Robert's side, together versus a common enemy but the lines blurred the moment Eddard finally found Lyanna, pregnant carrying Rhaegar's child... She was heavily guarded at the Tower of Joy, taking her last breath's after a difficult childbirth since the Knights that were guarding her cared only for the babe and not for her do to their loyalty to Queen Elia. A fight ensued, ending the life of many brave men, Lyanna died not before making Eddard promise he would guard her son which he agreed to do immediately but Robert didn't think the same. He only saw the child as a young murderer, a monsters that killed his own mother coming out of her womb. Robert demanded blood for blood but Eddard ignored him for the child was his blood, Lyanna's blood and he would never part with the last proof of his sister's existence. It was the first and last time Eddard lifted his sword against Robert, he left that day with a serious injury but with the child in his arms. No matter how much he missed his friend during the years; he never regretted it. He saw his sister everyday eating at the table, at council meetings side by side with Rob and more than often riding with Arya; Jon.
"I see you brought him the only medicine for his ailment"- Said Sir Jaime Lannister signaling at the bottle of wine he had in his hands.
"Aye, Robert was always particularly relaxed after a good glass of it. How is he?"
"Cersei is with him right now but the maester said that it was only a mild panic attack; the official statement will be that he felt unwell do to the heavy climate change..."- He said smirking but aware of his words and actions "That girl of yours gave us all quite the scare. I heard the dead were rising in the North, never thought it would be quite literally"- Eddard held no love for the Kingslayer, he was the one that left him limping for life but wasn't particularly fond of holding grudges. He had already paid him in kindness.
"Nice hand" He said pointing to the obvious. Eddard left the Tower of Joy with a limp leg, a lifeless body and an infant in his arms. Robert went back to Kings Landing with a mortal wound to his stomach and Jaime left with a severed hand.
"Ah yes, I believe you never got to see my new one. Us Lannisters have so many gold so I thought it fitting don't you think?!"- Jaime said while showing his golden hand "I had to practice with the other one but I can fight the same or even better. Care for a demonstration?"- Jaime on the other hand did very much remember who incapacitated him.
"JAIME!"- Cersei yelled scolding her twin brother like a child. "Forgive my brother Lord Stark, it seems the cold has made him nasty as well. Do you wish to see how the King is? Jaime I am feeling tired as well but I would like to properly say my goodnight to Lady Catelyn, would you please escort me to the great hall?"-
"Those two men that follow you around don't do it because of your charming smiles dear sister, I'm am the captain of the Kingsguard not the Queensguard"- It was rather amusing how in a matter of seconds Jaime Lannister shrank like a bug under his sister's gaze. He quickly stood away from the door.
"Perfect! We will be back shortly. Lord Eddard will give the King company"- Cersei said practically dragging Jaime down the hall. Eddard knocked the door and entered. Robert had opened the window and if he kept it open the weather was indeed going to be his end. Neither of them said anything, alone in company of each other they didn't feel so much animosity as they did surrounded by their men. It wasn't the King vs the Lord, the North vs the South. It was old friends that used to share everything with each other and got lost down the way. Robert sat in front of him while Eddard poured the wine, the bottle was half full by the time Eddard spoke.
"She is not Lyanna!"
"I see years have not taken away your bluntness Ned"- Robert said playing with his cup. " Arya, is her name right?... she sure looks like her though"- He said in a sad tone.
"Yes, Arya. She's one and eight. She has been schooled in all the arts and possesses many of the qualities any Lady should have. She is very skilled with her wits and is gifted in the arts of war. Lyanna was wild but there is discipline to Arya's wildness, try to take her away and have no doubt that she will be the one who raises her sword first" It needed to be done, it needed to be said. If Robert came in search for a bride for his son Arya was the only one left after Sansa's engagement. Robert seemed more hurt than threatened by his words.
"For God's sake Ned do you think of me as one of your wildlings that kidnap their women or better yet, of the likes of that bastard that took Lya away from me? I would never do something like that!"-
"You seemed ready to strike the moment Theon Greyjoy proposed to Sansa. Are you going to tell me otherwise?"
"Of course I was going to say no to the matter; the families would finally be united and she seemed perfect for it but after she came in... Arya..."-
"Again Robert; she is not Lyanna!"
"But she could very well be her reincarnation! Have you seen my boy Eddard? He's my spitting image 20 years ago! I prayed so much to all the Gods to bring her back! What if the finally listened? What if they finally listened and the love we shared has a second chance to grown?"- Eddard remained silent, it was the first thing he noticed when the Royal Party arrived. Gendry was Robert's better version, even more strong and tall...apparently he shared the same taste for women if the look he had once he saw Arya was to be any indication.
"I know I haven't had the best image a King can have but the boy is not me Eddard. He may have my looks but he has his mother's kindness, the people love him and all he needs is a bride. You have a daughter and I have a son, let's finally join our houses and leave the past behind once and for all"- Robert said in a pleading tone. Gone was all the bravado, in front of him sat a man that had carried with a heavy burden for a long time but Eddard could never do that to Arya, she was the only one who decided who she should marry.
"You need to rest. Well talk more in the morning. Maybe you will give them a change to at least exchange pleasantries right now at the feast"
"Thank you Eddard! It is what's best for the Realm"- Robert's happiness was cut short. This time Eddard wanted to sound as cold as people thought he was.
"I don't give a fuck about the Realm! If my daughter doesn't want to get married I will respect her wishes. We shall talk more in the morn. Goodnight my King" Eddard said walking out of the room not caring to hear a response from Robert. He was tired as well, after spending all these years alone in his seat; politics tired him and wanted nothing more than to go to bed. Not that she needed but Arya was being guarded by her brothers and Rob already did a good job as a Lord. He decided to go to his chambers not before telling his squire to inform all members that tomorrow morning there would be a family meeting.
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GENDRY POV:
Winterfell:
"Oh and that is Lord Halys Hornwood, he is very cheerful and always has a joke to share. Over there is..."- Gendry knew he should be paying attention to what Shireen was telling him. It was important to get to know the Northern lords but he was too damned distracted. A sweet laugh that called to the very core of him, streaks of hair flying on the air as she twirled and too many hands touching her as Arya Stark danced with everyone but him.
"Gen... Gendry? Are you listening to me?"-
"You've been talking about old men and their sigils for hours Woman! It is not history class, it's a feast!"- Said Rickon devouring what seemed to look like an entire boar by himself. He seemed to warm towards Gendry again and was sitting with him at the high table. It was late in the night and both the King and Lord Stark had left for their chambers. Lady Catelyn had too retired along with his mother the Queen. Everybody else was just drinking, eating and laughing the night away, no one more than Arya.
Ever since she arrived Gendry hadn't been able to take his eyes off her. She was like the light at the end of the tunnel everyone searched for, she walked from table to table making sure she greeted everyone present, excluding the high table that is.
"Why don't you go talk to her?"- Shireen whispered as Rickon went to the kitchens. "I think you would make quite the couple"-
"Whatever are you talking about sweet cousin?" Gendry tired to sound unaffected, obviously failing when he tried to grab his cup and missed it, pouring his drink all over the table.
"Oh please! I know you more than anyone Gendry! Although she was the biggest slut in all Westeros; Margaery Tyrell was the prettiest slut in all of Westeros and you never looked at her the way you look at Arya. You've barely touched your wine and haven't eaten at all. Your ears are red and every now and then your hands goes in search of your war hammer; specifically when Arya starts to dance with someone new"-
Shit! Gendry could try and mask everything but his ears, that was always how Cersei caught him lying. His ears would turn red followed closely by his face.
"I didn't spare to look at Margaery Tyrell because I didn't like Margaery Tyrell. I've barely touched my wine because uncle Tyrion is doing a very good job at drinking it all and I'll think I will save my food for tomorrow's breakfast since your future husband seems to be on a mission to eat all the food in Winterfell. My ears are red because all the curtsies and pleasantries I've heard since I came here and I miss my warhammer!"
"So you do like her?"- Dammit! Gendry cursed, he liked Shireen better when she was quiet and shy.
"Who does Gendry like?"- Rickon said returning to the table, this time with two massive chicken legs on his hands.
"THE NORTH! Who else? For she is a wild and elusive beast that every king wants to conquer"- Said Joffrey arriving at the table. "Cousin, will you give me the honor of dancing with me?"-
"Mhas misnt mecesary "- Said Rickon trying to swallow a whole leg in his mouth as he wiped his fingers in the tablecloth. "For we need to practice more dancing for the wedding"- Shireen just rolled her eyes and excused herself as she walked down the stairs with her overzealous betrothed while scolding him for his lack of table manners.
"Do not fret Brother? By the time the feast ends Arya Stark will have only danced with you? I give you my word?" Gendry scoffed "You know I sometimes wonder where your alliances lay Brother for your word means jack shit!"
"Whining looks horrible on a man your size Gendry!"- Said Joffrey casually sitting by his side, eating a grape "First of all the feast hasn't ended. Northerners are famous for their feasts and this one is far from ending and secondly it is all in motion my dear brother. Two songs, two more songs and you will be dancing with Lady Stark"-
"And how exactly is that going to happen? You been directing all the Lords and Ladies at my table for me to greet them I have hardly had a chance to stand up let alone asked Arya to dance with me!"
"Arya? On first name basis are we? Cheeky bastard!"- The comment only earned Joffrey a smack in the head.
"That was totally unnecessary but since you have such a thick head I am going to explain it to you... Have you seen with whom Arya has danced with?"-
"She has danced with the whole bloody room, most of all with that Bolton boy who better watch were his hands rest or he will see how much he likes mine over his body" Gendry was seething, It seemed that every time Arya had managed to get away from him Ramsey would find her and stay by her side, always, always touching her. Playing with her hair, touching her shoulder, grabbing way too firmly her waist while dancing. Maybe Gendry could kill him and plead temporal insanity not to look so much after the Mad King.
"Ah yes, Bolton. That is a piece of the puzzle that I cannot control but since you were to busy ogling at Arya you didn't see who she was dancing with. Old men too slow to keep up the pace, children too young she had to hold up like a babe and drunks who ended up on the floor before the song ends. She appears to have a love for dancing that not even dear Lord Ramsey has fulfilled"- Joffrey said with his infamous smile across his face. "Don't you find it handy that you are an excellent dancer Brother?"-
"Are you going to tell me that you have somehow managed to arrange who dances with Lady Arya?" Gendry said. Right now Arya was dancing with a man that had a wooden leg, she looked absolutely bored.
"I must say Joffrey I fear for my crown" If only Joffrey had a bit more direction he would be a better king than Aegon the Conqueror, sadly he preferred maid's skirts than meetings with the small council.
"That is your task dear Brother, the only one I have is your love life. Now all we need is chance to be on our side... and it seems it his; Lady Sansa!"- He called the redhead from the table, she was walking through the crowd and was talking to Arya the moment Joffrey called her.
"Please bring your sister with you!"-
"What the hell are you doing?" Gendry muttered, completely fearful of his little brother's schemes.
"Just watch and learn and maybe you'll be half as good a King people say you are going to be. Remember, do as I say and you'll have your lady in your arms."-
Do as he says? Gendry didn't even know his body would follow his brain! His heart started to beat faster as the Stark girls began to walk their way over to the table. Such a contrast between both of them but beautiful all the same; Sansa was pretty but Arya was in a league of their own. Gendry was going to make sure to order the scholars to invent a name worthy of her beauty.
"Lady Sansa must I say you are positively glowing! By the time you are married you will outshine the sun"- Joffrey said while Gendry suddenly found very interesting his food plate.
"You are too kind my Prince but I wont deny my happiness. Marrying Theon is something I have yearned for quite a long time"- She responded with a voice similar to little birds chirping in the morning.
"And what about you Lady Arya? You seem to be enjoying the feast, you haven't stopped dancing all night"- Gendry dared take a peek and was faced with grey steel eyes looking at him. If Sansa chirped like a little bird Arya was sharp as a knife.
"Hardly! I haven't had a decent partner all night...it seems the only one was shipped to the Wall"- She muttered.
"Arya!"- Sansa quickly scolded her younger sister but it was just what Joffrey expected and needed.
"There is no need Lady Sansa for I have the perfect remedy for your sister's dancing predicament. Did you know that my brother here is quite the dancer himself?"- Suddenly three pair of eyes were on him and Gendry felt more nervous then ever in his life. Dancing, yes. He was quite good at it, his mother often searched for him after Robert gained more than a few pounds and got tired after dancing only one song. Joffrey's stood by his word so now it was his time to act. Thankfully dancing didn't involve talking.
He stood up and the whole room looked at him. He realized that after Robert left he had spent the whole evening listening to different lords present themselves and their families, never leaving his chair. It was the first time he sat up and the first time he was going to ask someone to dance. No woman could refuse, not even Arya Stark.
"My Lady, would you care to dance with me?" He said as he extended his hand towards her. He wiped it first since he was a sweaty mess. Arya eyed him with curiosity as if trying to read his thoughts but just shrugged and walked over to the dance floor. She didn't take his hand...
"Move you Idiot!"- Joffrey whispered to him after he was lost busy looking at Arya's ass as she walk down the stairs. Even the band had stopped playing looking at them. Very awkwardly Gendry had to signal them to continue playing. Couples dancing around seemed transfixed at them.
"I love this song!"- Arya said in a giddy tone as a song started. Gendry didn't know it but he could catch a tune quickly. After saying a quick prayer he took his dance pose and grabbed her hand, it was as if a shock of lighting roamed his whole body. He was so surprised that he yanked Arya closer to him making her eyes go wide.
"I'm so sorry My Lady" He said pouring apology after apology complete embarrassed. By now his ears were surely redder than Sansa's hair.
"How are we going to dance if we're apart?"- She said easing her body under his hands and Gendry was pretty sure he let go a moan.
The height difference was almost as extreme as the one he shared with his uncle Tyrion but to Gendry it was perfect. She was just the perfect height for him to cuddle her in his arms. He was using all of his willpower to not lower his head and kiss the top of her head that barely reached his chest. Arya smelled heavenly of snow, earth and wilderness and Gendry marveled on the fact that he could almost close his hand on her little waist.
"My wish came true"- She said. Ugh? She wants to be the Grandmother to my Grandchildren as well?
"I finally found a good dance partner but I swear that if your face stays that way you won't ever find a wife!"- She smirked. Dammit! Joffrey laughed at it calling it his 'thinking face'. He said it was a if something very unpleasant was making it's way up his... Wait, if Arya said that was it because she found his face agreeable to her liking? She also said he was a good dancer.
"Uhm...hello, I'm Gendry!"
"Yes, the whole realm knows that your Highness"- She said in a mocking tone not making things easy at all for him. His hands were so sweaty that he had to change position every few minutes making things worse because he would have to touch her all over again.
'No I mean I just... I though that you wanted to dance but if you want to talk I would very much like to get to know you"
"Well, I'm Arya!"- She said giggling absolutely melting his insides. She at least seemed in good spirits. He was going to give Joffrey a kiss after tonight.
"Is it true you came here to marry my sister or me?"- Gendry tripped and almost fell to the floor dragging Arya with him but was quick enough to hold on to a table nearby. Starks and their bluntness... He noticed she was wearing a necklace; well he first noticed her breasts and then the necklace. It had a pennant of a white wolf with red eyes.
"What is Bolton's son business with you?" Gendry practically blurted out. If she wanted answers he was going to ask questions of his own.
"Ramsey? He's a friend! You didn't answer my question Baratheon!"- She was so direct with him it was refreshing, but he didn't like the Baratheon, he much preferred how his name left her plump lips...
"I came for Shireen's wedding with your brother... My father is the one looking for a bride"
"If you are to be King some day why not trust your decision on the mater?"- She asked curiously but it was a question Gendry had asked himself millions of times with no answer. He would answer her the only way he could.
"You are lucky Stark, for your father gives you freedom on who to marry. I do not have that pleasure"
"You have a wonderful warhorse; what's its name?"- She was at the stables! Maybe if he had sneaked out earlier he would have caught her alone. That sounded very creepy.
"Yes, he is my loyal companion. His name is Bull! You also have an exquisite steed. I would have a dornish one myself if they would hold my weight"
"Thank you, she was a present and her name is Cold Breeze... why do you have a horse named Bull?"-
"Because he never listens to me and never does what I tell him to do. My Mother said he was as stubborn as I was, since she already calls me Bull I though it was fitting... My brother also gave me a bull once, on my name-day. His name is Arthur"
"Bull the horse and Arthur the Bull... You are a strange man Gendry Baratheon"- She said looking at him directly in the eyes, Gendry felt like he was being held on trial for murder, as if she could read his mind so he chose to look elsewhere. His eyes landed again on her necklace...well again; first on her breasts and then on the necklace. Someone should give her seamstress a raise.
"Is that your direwolf?" He asked, his hands working on their own reaching for the pennant that was nested between her breast. He almost fell again...she was so soft.
"No, that's my cousin's wolf; Ghost. He couldn't be here so it reminds me of him"- She seemed sad. He must know who this cousin of her's was. "My direwolf is Nymeria"-
"Really? She's yours? I met her by the smithy. She is so sweet and playful!"
"You met Nymeria?"- She said as if it was a lie.
"Yes...She wanted to play with me but I had to return to the feast. I hope to get to know her better during my stay" Arya had stopped dancing.
"Surely you must mean Lady, little thing, hardly my height..."-
"No, Nymeria! Rob told me she was yours! Taller than me with golden eyes, at first I though I was her dinner but she only wanted a good rub at her belly"
"You rubbed her belly?"- Arya yelled in astonishment making more people look at them. They were the center of attention since they started to dance.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have... I" Gendry was turning into a mumbling mess again but Arya quickly reassured him.
"No, it's not that It's just... strange that's all"- She said looking at him up and down as if expecting a missing limb. This time she was the one who took his hands and started dancing. He felt the energy again. He wondered if she felt it as well. She looked so graceful and sure of herself...
"Why aren't you married? You are what? Two and nine? Aren't you little passed the age of marriage?"- Again, Gendry almost fell, this time he couldn't avoid it and stepped on her foot. Arya didn't even flinch but Gendry knew he was a heavy man.
"Twenty nine? I am only twenty four and I have never found someone I... liked enough to marry!" Did she just tell me I look old? "Aren't you passed the age of marriage for women?" Gendry quickly regretted it but Arya didn't seem to mind.
"I'm one and eight and I don't want to get married!"-
"Ever?!" Well that was going to be a problem. How was he going to marry her if she didn't want to be married? This was definitely a task for Joffrey, possibly his uncle Tyrion as well.
"I don't want to marry some high lord so he can throw me in his castle to clean while he keeps me pregnant with his children!"- She spat. Definitely a job for Joffrey and Tyrion, maybe throw in Varys as well.
The conversation flowed between them, each asking whatever came to mind. In the middle of a very high spirited song Gendry twirled Arya and felt something sharp hit his knee, he asked what it was and she casually said it was her sword.
"You have a sword strapped on to your thigh? Why?"
"Why shouldn't I?"- She said as if she was talking about makeup.
"Can I see it?" Arya put her leg on a stool and was very slowly pulling her dress up. Another thing was going up in Gendry's pants.
"Are you going to start to show him your blades? Arya it is 4 in the morning, it's time to go to bed!"- Said Rickon appearing by their sides.
Gendry looked around and indeed the hall was empty. The musicians were looking at him with tired eyes imploring him to let them retire for the night, Joffrey was conveniently sitting next to them obviously being the one telling them to keep on playing. Shireen was asleep on the high table where Sansa and Theon were still talking. Bran was sitting at a lower table looking at them with a smile on his face while Rob stood near the door silent along with his wife Asha. Next to them was Ramsey Bolton looking like he was about to murder him.
"I'm sorry. I lost track of time" He said ashamed of himself, paying all his attention on Arya. A whole army could have barged through the doors and it wouldn't have mattered. He was already dreading saying goodbye for the night.
"Don't worry Gendry. Time flies when you are in good company. We are to be family aren't we?..."- Said Bran making the room go more silent than it was. Rickon joined Ramsey with the murderous stares. "...I mean; Rickon and Shireen are going to be married in two day. Wolves and Stags finally united"-
"Ooooooooooof course they will and what a fine match the will be"- Joffrey said raising his cup in the air.
"Arya come, I am going to escort you back to your room"- Said Ramsey grabbing her a little to forcefully by her arm.
"This is her home and she is surrounded by her father's men, I think she knows very well how to get to her chambers. If you are so worried about her safety I pledge my warhammer to her right this second"
Again, more silence...
Gendry himself was amazed of the words that came out of his mouth, how can someone feel so close to another person being mere stranger hours ago? But still, he meant every word of it. Arya was looking strait at him again but this time he did not cower. He held her gray gaze for what seemed to be an eternity. Sansa was the one that broke the spell.
"Prince Gendry if you would be so kind in helping Shireen..."-
"What? I'm to be her husband I'm sure I can..."- Rickon protested but was shut down.
"You aren't married yet"- Sansa snapped at him but quickly went back to her sweet tone "If you could please take her to her chambers, Arya can tell you where they are. They are next to her's..."- Gendry was definitely going to like his sister in law.
Like many times in his life Gendry lifted Shireen up and held her like a baby as he followed Arya out of the room. Rickon, Bran and Joffrey following as well while Rob stayed in a hushed conversation with the others. As they walked trough the corridors Gendry couldn't wait for the morning to come, Winterfell Castle seemed to have magnificent structure and Gendry wanted to see it all, maybe Arya could give him a tour...
"Here it is..."- Arya said as she opened the door. This room was even grander than the one Shireen had in Dragonstone filled with books, Gendry felt happy that the Starks treated his cousin well. He gave his cousin a kiss goodnight when Rickon coughed behind him.
"Ok now, out you go..."-
"Don't you mean you have to go. Two days Rickon, you're not married, get out of her room"- Said Arya.
"I'm supposed to be the husband. What are these two?"-
"Cousins" Both Gendry and Joffrey say at the first time making Bran laugh out loud, Shireen stirred a bit.
"Out! All of you, I have to get her changed! Goodnight Boozo's! Prince Joffrey... Gendry"- Arya said with a smile on her face as she quietly closed the door leaving two pair of drunken brothers; three drunk on ale, one on love.
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ROOSE POV:
The Dreadfort:
"My Lord will Master Ramsey will be returning tonight?"- Asked a fearful servant.
"No, he will stay in Winterfell until the wedding. You are dismissed for the night Reek"-
'That boy better make himself useful or I will have acknowledged him for nothing' Roose though. Heirs and heiresses were coming of age and the Game of Thrones had started. The older Stark had been fucking the Greyjoy for a while so it was obvious that another union with the Ironborns was going to be made. The barbarians had proven to be savvy, not that Roose cared for he had his eye on the best price; the pretty one that Eddard loved. That was the one he wanted!
If Ramsey would man up and take matters into his own hands the Boltons would finally had the recognition they deserved after serving the Starks for so long. Whoever married the She Wolf was going to have equal power of the North that was bound to declare it's independence from the South any day now...
He hoped for his sake that Ramsey managed to marry the girl. Or he would be useless for him...
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