GENDRY POV:
Winterfell:
"This is downright ridiculous! Just go back to bed! He's the size of a an infant, I think I can manage to bring Uncle Tyrion back in one piece" After yesterday's festivities Gendry had woken up early with a grand mood that was quickly soured by the head of the Kingsguard and also his uncle; Jaime. 'Go find your Uncle, no need for him to give you a bad name if you want to marry into Winterfell don't you?'... Rob had promised him a tour of the castle; not possible! He wanted to bid Arya a good morning and have breakfast together; not possible! He wanted to play and get to know Nymeria better; again, not possible! All because he had to drag is Uncle back to the Castle before the Starks noticed his absence, he also had to wait for his brother and squire to finish vomiting on the side corners of the stable.
"I want to see Winterfell as much as you do!"- Joffrey whined like a petulant drunken child.
"You want to see the brothel I am going to, nothing else! And it's not like I plan on staying and neither will you. Even if you wanted you couldn't perform. Seriously Joff, you are too drunk to even sit on your horse!"
"I can perform, let me just throw up a little more and I will be good as new!"- Gendry rolled his eyes.
"And what about you? I though you didn't drink!"
"I don't! I just ate too much! Northern recipes are so complex and rich in fiber that I just had to taste everything in site!"- Replied Hot Pie scrunched in another corner.
"Just stay here, the both of you! Don't puke on the dornish sand steed, that is all I ask!"
"Wait! You can't leave without me! I'm your sworn shield"- Exclaimed Hot Pie looking purple as a grape.
"You are my squire that can't lift up my hammer, that has to stand on a chair to put my helmet on and that doesn't know my full title. Go and rest Hot Pie, I'll wake you up once I'm back" If he was even alive... Joffrey was already asleep hugging the bucket where he was puking and threw on some hay at himself as if it where a blanket.
"My Lord I would really like that but Winterfell is huge and we need to get back as soon as possible! What if you get lost? The Kingslayer would have my head"-
"I can show you the way m'Lord!"- Said a small girl no older than 13, she was a tinny little thing and walked with a cane to show her the way for she was had no eyesight.
"But you're blind!"- Blurted out Hot Pie earning a smack on the head from the Prince.
"Don't be such an insensitive ass Hot Pie!... I'm sorry My Lady, what is your name?"
"I am Beth m'Lord but everybody calls me Blind Girl"- It was as if the goods mocked her for she had no life in her beautiful silver eyes. They were just like Arya's... it must be a northern trait for Gendry had never seen eyes like Arya's before.
"Very well, Beth it is! Now tell me my Lady at risk of being rude like my crude squire; you are vision impaired. Are you sure you can get me to where I need to go? My worries are not for myself but for you loosing your way as well"
"This is my home m'Lord, I know where everything is but the road to Winter Town is somewhat retired from the Castle, I recommend you take your horse if you want to return early"-
"Of course, thank you Beth. Do you have a horse as well?" From her poor little rags that couldn't possibly cover her from the cold Gendry knew that the child would not have a horse but he also didn't want to impose.
"Oh no m'Lord but that is not a problem. I can walk fast"- She said making noise with her cane as if to make a point. Gendry liked her, she had spirit.
"I will allow you to escort me My Lady only if you permit me to give you a ride in my horse and let it be known that I will not take no for an answer." The girl blushed.
"You are to be King m'Lord, it would be ill advised to ignore your commands. I give you my permission"- Beth smiled showing all of her toothy grin. As Gendry lifted her up to his horse he felt a spark ignite his body that made him stumble a bit, similar to last night when he touched Lady Arya, a feeling that he welcomed into his bedchambers last night...
"What kind of horse is this m'Lord? He sounds different than the others and feels more larger than the ones at the stables"- Gendry's eyes went wide in appreciation but also felt a little tug in his heart. He noticed she was too skinny, didn't Lord Stark care for his people? Conversation went fluently as Beth directed him where to go.
"I was born like this m'Lord so I can't miss what I never had. I rely on my ears, hands and nose to see"- Beth said as if reading his mind.
"Well, to answer your question; this is Bull" Gendry said while taking her little hands in his and touching the horse's hair. "He's a warhorse; they are big in size so I favor him because of my weight"
"How big are you?"-
"I don't know... you've put me in quite the predicament trying to explain that to you" Beth rolled her eyes, some would find it rude but Gendry found it endearing.
"Are you bigger than the Hound?"- She asked making Gendry take a quick note of his history lessons. The Hound; the sigil. House Clegane, formerly pledged to House Lannister now sworn by it's only living member to the Targaryen spawn.
"He is very tall but he is also slow!"- Beth smirked "Are you fast m'Lord? Is your horse fast?"-
"Every man considers himself quick in combat, it is his adversary that you need to ask. As for Bull he is very quick, he has muscles that drive him forward with immense force but do not ask me to demonstrate you right know for he needs space to stretch his legs"
"Is he faster than Arya's horse?"-
"You mean Lady Arya?"
"Sorry m'Lord I forgot my place, it's just that Ary.. Lady Arya doesn't like to be called a lady"-
"Do you know Lady Arya?" He asked with curiosity.
"Of course m'Lord, we all know her. She spends time with us common folk whenever she can. She doesn't like to be cooped up inside the castle for long"- Gendry smiled, that seemed to be the impression Arya left him with. Not your common princess. Warrior or Goddess as titles seemed to fit her better in his mind.
"Are you going to marry her?"-
"Now you are quite the talkative little thing are you?!" He said tickling her sides to what she very quickly hit his hands back with surprising force for such a small girl.
"I'm just trying to figure you out m'Lord"
"Good thing you found me by the stables this morning and do not worry, I don't mind your questions. In fact I have a few myself about Lady Arya if you wish to share you knowledge with me..."
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ARYA POV:
Winter Town:
"That's it m'Lord; the Smoking Log"
"Why thank you for the ride and the most enjoyable conversation I have had in quite a while My Lady"-
For the time being changing her face had been worth it for under the face of Beth the blind girl Arya had spent time alone with the Prince getting to know him more and to her surprise all he wanted was to know her better; Lady Aya that is... Firing questions after question to Beth about what she liked and how often she went to town. He was curious about her relationship with Jon but never asked anything contrary to Ramsey. He wanted to know everything about him, how many days a week did he visit the castle? Did they ride alone together? Was he a good man? The list went on and on barely letting her ask questions of her own. From their short ride together she did however find out that the Prince was all facade! In the exterior he was all Baratheon; hard, big and loud but inside? A eager young man, very much a book worm as he was adventurous. Arya was also relieved to see him express the same sentiments from last night. He had not come to whisk her away without her consent but was rather intrigued with her and wanted to spend much time with her as possible. That is why he wanted to get his uncle and go back right away. Maybe he could still have breakfast with her in Winter Town for she already had promised to break the morning bread with Ramsey.
"It's still early, let's go inside! Maybe there is still some of Ross's stew left for us to eat"
"Wait! Where do you think you're going?"- The Prince said alarmed, grabbing her by her upper arm.
"Inside! Where else? I thought you wanted to get your Uncle back to the castle"
"I did! I mean; I do but... you cant go in there Beth! That is a brothel, it's not proper for a child like you"- That was it? The Prince was worried about a poor girl entering a brothel house? Well, this was going to be interesting considering Arya's daily activities. She didn't have to scare him off, Prince Gendry was going to willingly run away from her if he thought it was bad for Beth to enter the brothel.
"I'm not a child" She replied in a scolding tone but quickly composed herself "I am very familiar with the Smoking Log m'Lord for I have been through those doors in and out since I can remember" The Prince's eyes went hard as he squared his shoulders looking more taller if it where possible. He roughly grabbed her by her shoulders as he scooted down to her eye level piercing her on the spot with his blue orbs.
"Beth... I am going to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me, can you do that?"-
"Of course m'Lord" His stare was so intense Arya was sure he would see right though her mask. It was unnerving and made her shiver.
"Beth... what is your trait? Where are your parents?"-
"I'm an orphan M'Lord. Ros gives me odd jobs from time to time"
"What kind of jobs?"-
"What do you mean what kind of... Oh for God's sake!" She said exasperated finally understanding what the Prince was asking, he wanted to know if she worked in the brothel; one of the girls.
"Beth you must come back with me to the castle. I have to talk to Lord Eddard! You are hardly passed your tenth birthday, it is abhorrent for you to be living this kind of life"-
"Let go of me, I don't want to go!" She said trying to get away from his arm but he was strong and she couldn't do anything to betray the strength of a little blind girl.
"I'll talk to Lady Catelyn, she must know a suited job for you or maybe Mother; you can be one of her handmaids. God knows she's constantly needing new ones because of Joffrey... uhmm, no, no handmaiden for you"- Gendry was rambling and Arya was annoyed and wanted to go inside. Now more than ever as she saw Theon's horse outside. She put her foot down immediately stopping the Prince from draggin her back to his horse, he could wait; she needed to sort out Theon first. He proposed to Sansa hours ago for God's sake!
Gendry stopped amazed that a scrawny little girl could stop his walk but still tried to nudge her. He was a stubborn one.
"M'Lord... I do not sell my body if that is what you are worried about" He look relieved "The only thing I knew about my parents was that highborns they were not. I have counted on the help of all of Winterfell including the Starks themselves so please do not worry about me. I live an honest content life and as for the Inn? Yes, obviously I know it's a brothel, it's not like it's a secret your Uncle prefers them and Ross; the madam is very nice. She gives me free clothes and a bed; for myself may I add, whenever I need one. So please... I am going inside, will you come with me?" She said extending her hand to him which he gladly took but there it was again; the spark she felt every time she touched him. She felt it last night the minute he took her hand to dance, her entire body tingling all night long as he held her, she felt it this morning when he lifted her up to his horse, her body shaking every time his heart thumped against her back. The Prince felt it as well as he turned to look at her again as if he knew her little disguise.
"Beth your eyes..."-
"Let's go on them" She said ignoring him and going inside the brothel. It was loud as ever and she was not surprised to see many of the Lords that were dinning in Winterfell last night...minus their wives that is. The place went silent as all eyes were on the Crown Prince, Lords ashamed of being caught and the women eyeing the maximum price. It was the man they were searching for that broke the silence.
"More beer and more breasts; only the best for the future King!"- Tyrion yelled on top of a table dancing to the rhythm of the music. It was quite funny really but Gendry looked like he was about to murder him. Arya stopped thinking it was funny when she saw Theon dancing with two girls.
"Where are you going?"- Gendry said again grabbing her by her arm, this time with much force. He wasn't playing games, he was angry and well...it quite suited him, he looked imposing. He dragged her behind him, shielding her from anyone who looked at her, was he protecting her?
"Nephew! So nice of you to join us this fine evening!"- Tyrion said still dancing his little feet off.
"Uncle it is 8 in the morning, it is hardly evening"- He said trying to get a hold of the Imp who was now jumping from table to table making everyone laugh.
"Is it? Then it's official: Northerners throw the best feasts! You must marry the young one Gendry. Ohhh the things I've heard about her, you are going to like her very much"- The Imp said winking at the Prince fueling his anger, by know he had jumped to the tables as well trying to catch him. Arya took the chance to go over where Theon was.
"What do you think you're doing?"- She spat turning him around really fighting the urge to slap him. Blind girl or Arya she gave a dangerous vibe, the two girls he was dancing with cowered to the sides.
"Bethy-Beth! You are a sight for sore eyes; no pun intended. C'mere"- Theon was left with his hands in the air as the room went silent.
"Don't you dare put your hands on her Greyjoy"- She felt his presence behind her, Prince Gendry could command a room like no other. She had to admit by now that she quite liked this side of him so stifling a giggle she turned around to see Prince Gendry looking murderous while holding Tyrion Lannister up like a rag doll.
"Lord Greyjoy it is highly inappropriate for you to be here as of today you are an engaged man, engaged into the family that rules the land you are standing in. I am leaving, I hope I wont have to pull my rank for you to leave with me"- How appropriate of him but my what a vision was Gendry Baratheon all worked up. His eyes positively sparked and his voice grew lower and heavier making Arya's insides tingle.
"But my Prince you have it all wrong! I know I am an engaged man; TO SANSA STARK!"- Theon yelled holding his cup up, the whole inn joined in the toast.
"You dare toast in her name surrounded by whores?" The Prince was livid, it was the owner of the Inn that calmed everyone's nerves.
"Please my Lords, my Prince! It is not as it seems."- Ross; a busty redhead (the irony of redheads preferring Theon didn't escape Arya)
"Call this more of an early breakfast to celebrate Lord Greyjoy's engagement to Lady Sansa! Yes, he has more than enjoyed our services but that all stopped once he started courting Lady Sansa. You know it Beth, please tell... Oh my good Beth what happened to your eyes?"- Ross screamed alarmed tugging at her face. The Prince looked down at her confused while Theon squinted his eyes to see better through his self indulged alcohol gaze, suddenly he smirked at her.
"Oh dearest Beth, whatever is the matter with your eyes? Some sort of side efect from your blindness?"- He said with a knowing tone. Shit!
She looked at her reflection in Tyrion's golden cup as he was still dangling from his nephews arms. Her eyes! Beth had brown eyes, not grey. Most definitely not Stark grey! When did she lose her concentration? It had never happened to her!
"It is nothing! The lighting I assume!" She said pulling herself closer to the shadows willing herself to change her eye color.
"Beth are you ok?"- Gendry's worried voice and soft touch didn't help. She retreated back from his touch as if he burned her, he was messing with her head. She literally saw her hands change their shape.
"Please everyone! The Prince is here, more music - more food! My Lord?"- Said Theon backing Gendry off giving Arya time to concentrate again. Why did this happen? Gendry was scooted off to a table but she could still feel his eyes on her. She shook her head to regroup herself then went to sit down with him.
"Your eyes... they are not grey anymore"- He said in astonishment, thank god for Ross and her business interests.
"My Prince why how grand it is to have you are in my humble abode. Beth why don't you go and eat in the kitchens while I take care of the Crown Prince"- The girls where circling the Prince like hungry wolves around a wounded stag. This was not an option for Arya...nor for the Prince as well so it seems.
"Beth gave me her time this morning to show me the way to your humble abode My Lady. I would prefer if she stayed by my side, in fact I insist it."- He said grabbing a chair from another table and putting it next to his. She couldn't resist in poking her tongue out to the eager lust filled women.
"You should try the blond one Nephew, she does this marvelous trick with her fingers"-
"What do you think you are doing?"- Gendry was seething but Arya could only hear is low growl as he turned around to talk to his uncle while blocking nearly half her view of the entire inn with his broad back, he was like a human mountain.
"What do you mean what am I doing? I'm eating breakfast and learning more about the Northern culture"-
"I finally found someone I liked! Please, please don't give me a bad impression. I am already in a whorehouse at first light when I should be back in Winterfell having breakfast with the Starks"- Arya froze, the Prince was definitely talking about her. Across the table Theon meet her eyes and winked at her, he meant to reassure her but he made her feel the opposite.
"Do not fret my Prince. I am a man spoken for but if I'm not mistaken you are talking about Lady Arya aren't you? No official proposal has been made. I'm sure the ladies of the establishment are more than eager to give you a proper welcome"- Arya was toying with the blade she carried under her sleeve.
"I will not partake in anything. We must leave this instant!"- The Prince said red faced looking at Beth, obviously not wanting her to hear the conversation.
"Oh please, your father has been dragging you to whore houses since you were 10, most of your early wet nurses where quite entertaining. I often found myself babysitting you as well"- Tyrion exclaimed while digging in his breakfast.
Whore houses at 10? Everyone said that Robert had a wild side that was tamed by his Queen but what about his son? Maybe there was more than one reason that he didn't want to marry. Maybe he was a man of vices that enjoyed having women in his bed... he certainly didn't have to beg for attention. Last night Arya saw her own mother give the Prince a double take.
"Just because I went doesn't mean I did anything!"-
"So you're a Maiden?" She blurted out making everyone but Gendry laugh. Ross looked like she won a pot of gold while Gendry looked mortified.
"Well that is actually a good question. Are men considered maidens or is that a term solely for the fairer sex? What do you call a man who hasn't deflowered?"- Theon asked as if it was a mystery from the universe.
"He's called a bloody idiot that's what!"- Tyrion replied "I for one know that is not your case Gendry, you had that pretty little thing for years. What was her name?..."-
"So which is it; are you a maiden or have you laid with a woman?" She was just curious, just that... most definitely not jealous. No, she was certainly not. Gendry was taking a sip of his soup when she spoke making him splutter half the bowl over the table.
"Shae! That was her name. She was a greedy one, she wouldn't share you with anyone!"- Tyrion said not noticing or not caring for his nephews chagrin with the topic.
"Shut your mouth! Do you want this to go to Eddard Stark's ears?"- The Prince was absolutely livid.
"I don't think Lady Arya would appreciate finding out about your preferences... she's wont be impressed" She said as the Prince's face paled. He stood up immediately.
"I have not set foot in a brothel for years! Not since Shae had the baby!"- The entire room froze.
"I... wait... that came out wrong!"- The Prince was a blubbering mess. He sat down drinking in one gulp half the content of a wine bottle.
"Beth I think it's time you go to the kitchens"- The Prince said to her, dismissing her like a child.
"What? I'm not moving one hair, not since..."
"Yes, you are... this is grown-ups time so go play along Beth Dear"- Said Theon lifting her up and dragging her to the kitchen. "Don't let yourself be seen, that can't be hard for you can it?"- He whispered in her ears as he turned back to the table. No need to change her face again. she just slithered down the floor like a snake till she was under the table that was now only occupied by the Prince, his Uncle and Theon.
"I am not denying father's urges in making me a man, I am denying however that I had various partners. I detest men who treat women like objects"- The Prince said with disgust.
"But then again I believe a woman should do with her body what she wishes to... I don't know nor I care how this makes me look but I just don't enjoy being with whores. I don't know them, they don't know me, there isn't a connection"-
"You don't even have to be married to have a connection my Boy. It's just sex, it is healthy for a young man like you. It clears the head and relieves tension"- Tyrion said while Theon raised his cup.
"I was fifteen when I meet Shae, the first courtesan who cared to know me. We didn't even shared a bed the first times I visited her. We just talked and gave each other worth given the circumstances"-
"My Prince... Dare I ask, is the child yours?"- Theon said through gritted teeth as Arya wasn't aware she was gripping his hand tightly not really sure what she felt regardless of what the answer was.
"Oh God no! You see Shae really became my friend but five years ago she got pregnant, not mine I must assure you but I could not let her raise her child under those circumstances. So I found her a job inside the Red Keep and I stopped going to brothels all together, I know how to pleasure a woman but I prefer she like me back for who I am and not my Crown"- She released a breath she didn't know she was holding. Dark locks of hair started to fall in her shoulders, she was losing her concentration again. She was eyeing the window for her escape when Theon said her name.
"What are your intentions towards Lady Arya my Prince? I was there last night as you were the last to leave the Great Hall and I know a lost man when I see one. It seems the Stark Sisters wave a heavy kind of magic for I once visited brothels just like you"- Once? Arya laughed. Eddard Stark was no Robert Baratheon but all of his sons still enjoyed many nights in brothels courtesy of Theon Greyjoy.
"I just met her last night my Lord but I wont deny she's very interesting..."-
"God, sometimes I forget you are Robert's son! Why must you be so formal? Speak your mind boy! I've never seen you pay more attention to a woman that much that wasn't your mother or your cousin"- Tyrion said amused and frustrated at his nephew's shyness.
"Well she is quite alluring..."-
"You never left her side"-
"And is quite intelligent and quick witted"-
"You where hanging on her every word"-
"And I must say that her beauty is exotic looking"-
"I saw you pinch yourself twice to see if you where dreaming! Admit it Gendry you like the girl, we might as well add you two to the wedding tomorrow to lessen costs"- Tyrion said laughing out loud. Arya had heard enough. She dashed outside quickly calling her horse to come to her. Cold Breeze was fast so she had to think quick as to what to do with her clothes. She smiled as she remember she had left a bag with a couple of old rags next to the saddle. 'Bring it to me girl, you'll get lots of carrots when we get home'.
Ten minutes later Lady Arya barged into the Smoking Log.
"Good Morning Gentlemen... I see you are enjoying your fine share of northern cuisine" She said in a mocking tone looking at the women ogling at Gendry. Everyone was still bowing down to her but Gendry, he was too stunned by her presence to even remember his manners. She was wearing her ridding breaches and an old shirt she stole from Bran that no longer suited her, uhm... size. Let's just say it was very form fitting.
"My Lady... how... why... What are you doing here?"- The Prince said finally gaining some sense as he bowed to her with reverence.
"I had business in Town and couldn't help but notice my future good brother's horse outside. Saying goodbye to old friends Theon?"
"You know me, I have a big heart!"- He replied as more than one girl sobbed remembering his engagement.
"I CAME HERE TO RETRIEVE MY UNCLE"- Gendry shouted in his defense, he looked like he was caught stealing. The situation would have been different if she hadn't known all that happened is a few hours. She took him out of his misery.
"I don't doubt that for a second my Prince" She saw his shoulders relax. "I'm going back to the castle, anyone cares be my escort?"
"I WILL!"- Prince Gendry shouted with his strong voice drowning the other suitors, not that she wanted them. Wait, she didn't want the Prince either, she just wanted him out of there. She was already on her horse when Gendry finally dragged his uncle out of the brothel but the Prince didn't mount his horse yet.
"I'm sorry my Lady but I came with a guide; a young blind girl. I cannot leave her here"-
"A blind girl? You mean Beth?"
"Yes, do you know her?"-
"Beth and I are great friends. You are welcome to wait for her but I know that she must already out and about doing her different chores, if you wish to see her again I'll be sure to tell her for we are good friend and tend to share everything with each other" Arya said as she stormed in a gallop back to the Castle. Heavy hooves behind her.
"My Lady whatever you hear I give you my word I only went inside there to get my Uncle, nothing else!"- Gendry said pouring apologies after apologies to her.
"I just found you in a whorehouse Gendry, I'd prefer you called me Arya as I see no reason for propriety in this conversation" She meant to tease him further but the look of utter horror in the Prince's face made her stop and slow down her horse.
"I was just jesting you Gendry. Please, no need to apologize, I believe you" She said while giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. The feeling of lighting being struck was there again but this time the Prince held her hand in his studying their joint hands as if searching for an explanation for the sensation.
"Do you feel it as well?"- He asked as she found herself hot and bothered again.
"Are we there yet? Maybe ale for breakfast wasn't such a good idea after all Lord Greyjoy"- The Imp interrupted their little moment as he managed to catch on with Theon on his horse. From there to the castle the ride was ruled by silence.
Do you feel it as well?... So she wasn't the only one, her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. he felt it as well!
"What is he doing here?"- Arya snapped out of her internal debate as Gendry's tone was hostile again. Ramsey was waiting for her in the castle gates. Thank God! It was enough for today, she needed to get away from the Prince and regroup, her thoughts were all over the place.
"This is where I bid you farewell My Prince for my morning is claimed by someone else" Knowing how and what to look for in a face Arya saw how Gendry felt disappointed, panicked, sad and angry at the same time. Even his horse was having a hard time not running over Ramsey's body.
"Will I see you later in the day? When you are available again?..."-
"Tonight is Shireen's last night as a Maid" His face fell...
"But it wouldn't be the first time I ran away from my Lady duties" That earned her a huge smile from him. She didn't think she could blush more till The Prince walked his horse closer to her enough for their legs to touch and grabbed her hand gently kissing it on the top.
"That would give me immense pleasure Arya..."- Was his voice always this... husky?
It was the Prince himself who broke the moment galloping back to the castle not even acknowledging Ramsey as he passed right through him.
"Arya are you alright? Where you out riding with the Prince?"- Ramsey asked her. She didn't doubt it was because she was sweating buckets and was flushed from head to toe.
She didn't even say anything back but rode strait into the Godswood to find some piece of mind. Something she would not find... for the Prince and his final kiss was carved in her mind.
Hello FanFic Friends...my computer died. Period!
This chapter is the result of little minutes of borrowed time in various computers so it's safe to say that my updates are going to be scarce for the time being but again; rest assured that I will not quit the story! I just got a new job so hopefully the money it's on it's way for a new laptop!
Hope you liked this one, already waiting for your reviews.
Remember to follow / favorite and I have to remind you yet again of my computer woes, since I have no computer. I'll be writing in a notebook till then so bear with me. I have another fic about Gendrya called 'New Horizons', it has more chapters so you can check it out till I upload again if you want.
Read ya next time :)