ARYA POV:
Winterfell:
"Steady girl...not yet, not yet"...
She calms down her direwolf, she's eager like her. She can sense the danger and she rebels in it, today will be the day she faces death.
She is not tired but her body is bruised, abused by war. She is not scared but wary, one mistake and she will spend eternity in Winterfell's crypts. But more importantly she wants it, the battle, the fight... She tastes blood frankly no longer caring if its the real deal or that her connection to Nymeria reached it's limit sharing the same mind, body and soul.
She holds her hand out, snow lands on it. Is it snow? "Not snow...ashes"
A voice whispers with the wind but she sees no one.
Although alone in a deserted battlefield she can still feel eyes upon her. Blue eyes, brown eyes, grey eyes she will forever shut. A fury runs thought her. What do we say to the God of Death?...
"For fuck's sake, I'm getting married today!"-
Rickon's colorful yet joyful exclamation woke her up from her dream.
As her youngest brother throws himself on the large bed Arya collects herself. She is in Jon's bed yet again, his scent on his pillows the only thing that will calm her mind to sleep these days.
"So must you wake everybody else up because of it?"- Bran follows suit and joins them cuddling with Arya under the covers.
"I'm the youngest! Only Rob is married! I jumped over three Starks and I am actually getting married!"-
"Getting cold feet little brother?"- Rob asked coming inside the room with a sleep walking Sansa behind him.
As the Stark Siblings go into their normal banter Arya is still lost inside her thoughts... The Prince really; Gendry.
Last night well, for the first time Arya Stark was lost for words. It seemed that the sun came up returning her reason with it. She wouldn't pin it as reckless; he did come looking for a wife, they weren't caught and God did she want to kiss him... She couldn't say she regretted it either because it seemed... right somehow. But still she felt out of place. Something shifted last night and Arya didn't know what it was.
After leaving the Prince Arya went strait to the stables, got on her horse and ran. Cold Breeze in charge of the speed and direction as Arya relished on the snow that dropped on her body as she didn't even bother putting on her coat. It didn't matter; the snowflakes died when they landed on her skin, it was hot and blushing all over from the Prince's touch. Arya urged her horse to go faster as her heart felt a long distant thug; Jon.
She was mortified! Jon had seen her with Gendry! In all the time he could have given her a little mental shake just to say hi; he chose to warg in the moment she was going to move Gendry's hand higher up her thigh.
On the distance Nymeria howled at the moon and Arya reached out to her cousin, she could still feel his distinctive print on her mind. Jon had a strong but unbalanced presence, she soothed him noticing his mind was still active so she stayed with him until she felt him fall asleep.
She was on top of a hill when Cold Breeze stopped, the wind so strong you couldn't hear a thing but Arya was in her element. Out in the cold, out with nature, so naturally she did what any normal girl with a light fabric dress on would do: lie on the snow covered floor. Her hands found grass under the snow as she remember running her hands through the Prince's dark locks and how he growled in enjoyment. Her back against the steady ground-floor reminded her of Gendry's strong chest against her, his heart beating wildly as his callous hands touched everywhere they could.
Arya was equally giddy as she was pissed off. What's wrong with her? She didn't know who Gendry was! He was the Prince, King Robert's son, that was all. He had not fought beside her, she didn't see how he treated his subjects, and what about what she learned from his own mouth in Winter Town. He had a whore sharing his bed for years and although he made it clear they weren't sleeping together anymore she still lived inside the Red Keep but damn the man could kiss.
Arya giggled as she let her mind roam... Ramsay would have a heart attack if he found out, not that it was any of his business. But Gendry's mouth, oh Gendry's mouth. Arya's hand slipped down her body as she remembered every one of his kisses. If you want to learn how to do something: do it! That was Arya's motto. Her measurement scale of pleasure was from a sellsword she met in the Free Cities, he was tall, rough but with fair skin, had a prominent beard and had blue hair; every father's dream. She met the man inside a brothel, he instantly zoomed in on her throwing 10 full bags of gold coins for her affections. She brushed him off saying she was just there to learn the ways of pleasure and that only made him more insistent. For a whole month the sellsword would go everyday to the brothel and sit next to Arya, she busy looking at the whores, how they would lure a man in as the sellsword would tell her why some where more successful than others and what men really liked. At the end of her trip she decided to put the theory to practice and took the sellsword to one of the rooms of the brothel... If someone should demand proof of Arya's maidenhood on her wedding night a (tasteless she thought) stained sheet would be brought as proof but you could do other things without surrendering your virtue, the sellword had seen to it. His fingers, his mouth, his tongue and other things had seen to it. It was pleasure; yes... but Prince Gendry took it to a whole new level.
"Arya are you ok? You look tired!"- This time Sansa interrupted her dreams.
"Couldn't sleep last night...sort of have a headache" She shrugged under covers, she was blushing up a storm.
"Well snap out of it, I need you up and about today. Everyone on their best; Baratheons have nothing over us"- Rickon said proudly as the boys started to make fun of him. Sansa scooted closer and tugged Arya with a hug.
"Are you sure you're ok?"- She whispered in sisterly affection.
"Yes, but... do you think we can talk later? Alone, before the wedding?"
"Of course... I'll go to your room and we will get ready together"- Sansa said giving her a soothing kiss on the forehead. She was her mother's doppelganger. Speaking of which...
"If you break something of Jon's I won't hold him back when he find's out!"- Catelyn said. She was standing with her husband looking over their children.
"You won't have to, we'll just say it's Arya's fault and all will be forgotten"- Rob said mimicking Jon's voice making them all laugh.
"Everybody up, let's go have breakfast together before we add another member to this family"- Said Eddard ushering them all off the bed. Rickon was beaming.
"A stag and a wolf... who would have thought?"- Bran said looking at Arya with the corners of his eyes.
"Is not that strange. We have two krakens on our folds. Father started it all adding a fish... what harm could a little stag do to the mix?"- Sansa replied winking at Arya. Yes, what harm could it do?...
...
"You have to wear the red one, you look positively sinful in that one"
"With my hair I'll look like an exploding volcano with that one. You on the other hand should go with the dark blue one, your eyes look amazing in that dress"-
The Stark sisters laughs could be heard in the corridors has they walked to Arya's room, Sansa enjoying the rare moments Arya talked about fashion. Their little banter was cut short by a young girl waiting for them in front of Arya's bedroom door.
"My Lady... My Lady"- She said acknowledging them both.
"The Queen wishes for you to meet her in her room so you can get ready for the wedding with her. She expressed that she would like to get to know you better"-
Sansa remained silent giving Arya the decision to accept. Sansa would never say no to the Queen but she also knew that her sister wanted to talk to her about something and that was always her number one priority. Arya gave her hand a squeeze. It's ok; it said...
"Of course, lead the way..." Arya said to the handmaiden. She scanned her surrounding to see if certain tall, dark and handsome stranger was around but nothing. She wondered where Gendry was, if he was thinking about her...
"Lady Sansa, Lady Arya; how good of you to accept my invitation. Please sit down"- The Queen said as they entered her bedchambers. Arya's headache came back with a vengeance noticing that the Queen wanted to talk.
Queen Cersei didn't hold an ounce of curiosity for Arya. She was pretty for her age, conserved might be a more proper way to put it. She said pretty not beautiful; her mother was beautiful, the Queen? Nice on the eye, men did favor blonds but that was it. She was the added price when Robert won the rebellion, he needed money, the Lannister's wanted retribution for the role on the war; here is our daughter, make her queen. The end. And what was up with her clothes? She easily wore 15 pounds of clothing and she lived in Kings Landing, wasn't it hot there?
"I am so glad you are here. I hoped that we would get to know each other better since my niece will be married to your brother. Please, I've sent for lemon cakes and pies. I asked your mother for your favorites"-
The sisters shared a look. Sansa commanded the conversation as Arya stood by picking at her nails. If the Queen wanted to talk she should get to the point and not drag this out but that wasn't the case. After the food nothing short of 30 handmaidens came in, at least 10 for each of them and started with the pampering; hell for Arya.
She was stripped, bathed and brushed like a lady but Arya only felt like a horse best in show. "That is rose perfume from Highgarden" the Queen mussed as Arya chocked on the smell that was being thrown at her. Her head was already pounding before millions on pins where stuck in her hair bringing it up to an impossible height southern style. She had enough when the corset she was being put in was so small that she was started to get light headed.
"ENOUGH!" She screamed halting everything in the room. The Queen looked appalled with her outburst but Sansa stood by her side.
"What is wrong? Do you not like your dress?"- The Queen had made a deadly mistake. ALL afternoon the Queen had talked about how pretty Arya was if only she could just... how her hair was pretty if only she could just... How nice she was if only she could just... Highgarden this, Highgarden that. You like Highgarden, your son doesn't if you so desperately want to make me his doll; she wanted to scream.
"This isn't me..." She seethed. She had a pink gown on filled with little pearls that made noise when she walked, that if she could manage two steps ahead, her head tumbled to the sides from the heaviness of her intricate hairstyle and her face looked like a cake with different colors of makeup.
"This is a Noble Wedding, you are a lady, you must represent your house. You are marrying into the Baratheons, you should represent that"- The Queen said as if was the most logical thing in the world. Sansa winced and tried to hold her back but Arya was long gone.
"Shireen is marrying into the Starks! A wolf cloak will be on her back, gone will be the bony stag left to the sides. It is Rickon who will be sharing her bed not me. I my Queen am no one's but myself. I decide what the hell I should wear and I am not going to parade myself like a clown for your or anyone else's benefit" Arya stormed out of the room leaving everyone's mouth on the floor, all but Sansa who was red but only for trying to swallow her laughter.
"Bloody Queen, bloody pleasantries, bloody weddings" Arya muttered as she wiped her face with her dress and pulled her hair loose with force.
"I heard you where wild but seeing it is a whole different thing"-
Arya looked up to see the Kingslayer standing in front of her smirking as he blocked her way.
"Go look after your King, you don't want him to choke on his own vomit do you?" She pat.
"Now Lady Stark there is no excuse to talk like that about your King, especially know that his own son seems so taken with you"- He smirked making her more angry. Her head reached it's limit, she felt like she might explode.
"I have nothing to do with neither of them. OUT...OF...MY...WAY"
"Well I guess you are right. What future Queen would parade herself like that?"- The Kingslayer gestured to her dress but Arya still saw that appreciative look on his eyes. She had practically torn her dress off if it wasn't for the damn corset.
She said nothing and tried to get passed him but he blocked her path.
"I am only saying this once; move over" She said in a low voice but the Kingslayer paid her no attention. Men like him never did to a little thing like her, not until she made them...
"And I am only saying this once. My sister wanted your presence and that she shall have"-
It all happened in the blink of an eye...
The Kingslayer put a hand on her shoulder roughly turning her around when Arya scooted down, hit him in the leg, made him fall, took his sword out of his sheath and pinned him down to the ground.
"Touch me again and you will find yourself with two golden hands" She seethed. The Kingslayer didn't have a chance to reply.
"She will give you back your sword and you will walk away"- Rob voice boomed on the empty corridor. Greywind by his side snarling at the Kingslayer who in turn looked angry and shocked that he was disarmed by such a little thing. He stood up only to bend down again as Arya threw his sword to the floor. Greywind patted further on.
"This was a first and a last for you Sir Lannister. You will never touch my sister again. Are we clear?"- Jaime nodded and retrieved back to the Queen's chambers. Rob walked over to Arya, she was expecting a scolding but was surprised to see him smiling at her.
"I wonder what would you have done if I hadn't arrived"-
"I don't know. Hacking his hand with his own sword sounds old doesn't it?" She smiled back as Rob gave her a tight hug.
"What on the seven hells are you wearing?"- Rob saying looking at her ruined pink dress.
"The Queen wanted me to represent our house properly now that we are to be joined with the Baratheons" She replied. Rob's face turned to stone as he took off his furs and put then around her.
"A wolf is a wolf, I don't see why bother adorning you in sheep's clothing. As if they could make you more beautiful"-
Rob kissed her as they walked back to her room, they where joined by ten guards the second they turned around the corner. Rob had seen everything but as always stood back letting her handle herself.
"I can wait for you outside if you want to me to escort you to the wedding"- He said as they finally reached her room.
"It's ok. I'd like some time alone anyways" Rob smiled and Arya let him ponder for a while, he wanted to tell her something.
"Humor me as I'll leave two guards outside just in case? Arya... I know this is Rickon's day but can I ask you something?"- This threw her back, Rob never asked her for anything.
"Of course brother, what is it?"
"Don't tone it down!"- Uh?
"People want to change what they don't like, let them see them for who you are; Arya Stark of Winterfell. Even if the Prince chooses you let him chose you for what you are, not a tainted version of what they think you should be. Wear your armor today! Let them see a true northern beauty!"- They both grinned.
"Really? Don't you think it's too much?"
"The only one who should be worried about her attire is Shireen and as long as it's white she's good. And it will also piss Asha off, she's been complaining about dresses all morning"- Rob smirked but Arya still felt unsure.
"Don't worry about Mother, I'll take care of her. In the end you will look stunning in whatever you put on"- Rob said while giving her one final kiss.
'Let him chose you for what you are, not a tainted version of what they think you should be' Rob had said and he was right, she had certainly had worn more dresses in these past few days than in the last six months.
Arya's eyes landed on her most priced possession; Needle.
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CERSEI POV:
Winterfell:
The three lions sat silent; analyzing, contemplating what just happened. A mother meddling with her son's future. A warrior licking his defeated ego and a drunk eager for another cup.
"In the end it's Gendry's decision. He has made up his mind; he want's the girl as his wife"
"Has the cold frozen your brain woman? She is wild and dangerous! She doesn't have a submissive bone in her body! What kind of Queen will she be?"-
"Don't you have any wine in here?"-
"Submissive? So you are saying that a Queen's role is to just sit and be pretty? Is that what you think of my life's purpose brother?"- Cersei lifted her eyebrows challenging her twin.
"Please... too early... little Tyrion need his wine!"-
"Would you act your age and not your height for once Tyrion? This is serious, we are talking about our nephew! I know I have been tough on the boy but he is to be King, who he marries shall be Queen! And Arya Stark is nothing but a wildling!"-
"I am acting my age! It's a wedding! What do normal, adult people do on weddings? They drink! Loosen up brother, your protests only highlights the fact that you where disarmed by a girl half your size and age"-
"And what was that all about? No one, no one disarms me Cersei! Yet that wicked girl did it in a second! What kind of girl disarms the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard?"-
"A pretty good one..."- Tyrion smirked.
"I actually like her!"
"What? Really?"- Both brothers said in astonishment. Cersei herself was in awe. Arya Stark wasn't everyone's cup of tea but apparently she was Gendry's cup of tea so naturally as his mother she had to give the girl a chance. Even more after talking with her son this morning...
"My Lady I am so sorry but the Prince..."- Her handmaiden was furiously apologizing after Gendry barged inside the room while she was still asleep. At first she thought it was Joffrey complaining again about the cold but was surprised to see her eldest jumping up and down the bed. As the handmaiden left he started his monologue.
"I found her mother! It's her! My soul-mate! You were right! I just... it feels... It's just right! We fit together, we make sense! Like, she completes me and the more we talk the more we find out we have in common. She is wild but gentle and so much like you mother! And she has some many ideas, I think she would make a better ruler than me! She will be an excellent queen! She likes to read, I know she'll fit in with uncle Tyrion, also with Uncle Jaime as well. I still haven't talked to father but do you like her mother? Of course you like her, what there not to like? She is so graceful mother! And beautiful, I swear her voice was made for my ears and her kisses are just like..."-
"GENDRY ORYS BARATHEON WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" Cersei went for authoritative but was dying of laughter on the inside, Gendry was the cutest thing ever.
"I... I... I am in love! I love her mother! I love Arya Stark! I love Arya Stark and I want her to be my wife!"- Gendry started to babble on as Cersei watched him. His father son indeed; she thought. She was the one the vouched for Gendry's happiness and Robert wanted him to find a wife. They got their wish...
...
"These Starks, they have something up their sleeves and I don't like it. The girl, you should have seen her, she moved liked water Tyrion, I never saw her coming"-
"Although I don't see it as some dark foreshadowing like you Brother I do agree that the Starks are holding certain things against us. I believe I shall mimic our dear nephew of go to the library to brush on my history"-
Cersei coughed getting her brothers attention.
"I also agree on the fact that they are guarded but why wouldn't they be? It's not like we have been friends for the past years! Eddard Stark is a good man, he could have easily revolted against us yet he stayed content here in the North. Stannis likes them and Stannis doesn't like anyone! But more importantly I trust Lady Catelyn, she is my friend! Her children like mine are an extension of her! Yes the girl is wild and doesn't follow proper etiquette but you know what? She is perfect for Gendry! She is perfect for the realm! I spent the whole morning picking her brain out and she's smart and cunning, she nods when she has to and speaks when has to but not to please anyone but herself. If Gendry wanted pretty and submissive..." she said giving a glare to her twin.
"... he would have stayed with the Tyrell girl. Which by the way I hated! At least Arya is sincere with us. I am putting my foot down on the matter. She may not be your traditional lady but Gendry likes her and what my son want's he shall get!"
"Splendid! Spoken like a true lioness mother! Now if you would excuse me I remind you that today is a day for celebration and that we are expected shorty for a wedding ceremony. I'll see you two downstairs."- Tyrion said clapping and bowing with dramatic flair leaving the twins alone.
"Are you saying that you deliberately made her mad?"- Jaime asked, she just shrugged. Letting loose around her brother.
"Of course I did! How else would I have found out her true colors? At least we know she's not after the crown! At least we know she can take care of herself and is more preoccupied in feeding her mind with knowledge than fashion! What I want to know is if she feels the same way about Gendry!"
"Cersei I don't like the girl one bit..."- Jaime warned.
"I don't think she's dangerous Jaime, we just need more time to get to know her better. Tyrion is right, you're just pissed she got the best of you!" She giggled. Jaime stormed out of the room but she quickly stopped him.
"I am not talking as your Queen but as your sister talking about your nephew. Gendry is a nice boy Jaime, he deserves some happiness in his life. My marriage... hasn't been easy, not from the beginning but that was a different situation. I will do everything in my power to see that both my boys marry for love"
"Fine... so be prepared to welcome to the family the three breasted whore Joffrey is sure to bring over"- Jaime laughed instantly putting his guard down.
"I'm sorry about calling you submissive. I know you are anything but and that it is you who has ruled the seven kingdoms for the last twenty years"-
"I have ruled alongside with Robert Jaime, it has been hard but we are partners for life" She said giving her twin a kiss on his nose. She adored Jaime, he was in charge of Robert's life but one word from her and he would live up to his nickname Kingslayer. People would never get the connection they had. Cersei always thought that the God's cursed her denying her the love a man shared for a woman but blessed her with Jaime's unconditional love, Tyrion as well. Her brothers filled the void left by their mother and certainty their father...
"Be a sweet brother and wait for me so you can escort me to my husband" Jaime rolled his eyes.
"Again; KINGS-guard woman! Not QUEEN'S-guard!"-
"Sorry but this is a new conversation. I am the QUEEN, not your sister!" She smirked. Submissive my ass!
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GENDRY POV:
Winterfell:
'Cool, calm and collected...' Simmer down Baratheon, simmer down. Gendry said to himself.
Gendry Baratheon was a simple man; yes he was the Crown Prince but that did not mean he lived on the edge and gorged on his expenses. Really, he could be content spending his life in Flea Bottom earning his keep as a smith while playing with the street orphans. A wife? Commoners didn't have to marry for duty, they actually had the luxury of marrying for love! If Gendry was a commoner it didn't matter if he ended up a bachelor for the rest of his days. He would have his hammer, his horse and his bull. Gendry smiled; in this alternative universe his brother Joffrey would never exist. If Joffrey had dreams they would to be even richer, more handsome and to be the last male on the planet filled with eager women. But dreams are just dreams, the cold that shock his body reminded him that he was in Winterfell in front of a Weirwood tree. It was here where his cousin was to wed Rickon Stark in front of their Old Gods and Gendry was doing his best not to run to Arya's room, drag her out back and marry her on the spot. That would make quite the scene wouldn't it? He almost did it this morning but opted to go to his mother's room to talk to her and proclaim that he was in love.
Gendry didn't sleep, his mind was working miles ahead of himself. He needed to act fast, cool and precise and he needed three people to roll with his plans. That would be: His father, the Infamous Jon Targaryen and the She Wolf herself; Arya. I can't marry her if she doesn't want to!
She was younger than him but Arya Stark was no blushing maid. Silly girls who paid attentions to their septas don't kiss like that but Gendry didn't care. He quite liked it, more so after seeing every lightheaded bimbo every house had thrown in front of him. Margaery Tyrell? He laughed. Margaery Tyrell wasn't half as alluring and sexy as Arya Stark and he would bet his life that she hadn't slept around like the famous Rose. That however did managed to tick him off...but his jealousy issues and Arya's skills he would dwell on after he'd secured her hand in marriage. For that he needed to:
1. Obviously get Arya to agree to marry him: Yes, she sucked his mouth dry last night but that didn't mean she wanted to be his wife. She said it so herself: '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!'... Some serious changes had to be made inside the Red Keep, he would have to up his game and really reach out for her company; no doubt consulting his brother in that department. And kisses, definitely more kisses! In fact, when they marry he would command something simple and quick so he could kiss Arya all he wanted.
2. His father the King: Arya is a person, not a thing and certainly not Lyanna Stark reborn. If Arya would be willing to marry him it shall be on her own terms, she will not be coerced nor commanded into doing anything other than her own free will and he would just have to mind his own damn business and let him do this by himself. Gendry made a mental note to talk to his father as soon as possible. Arya's moans slivered into his mind... Focus Baratheon, focus!
3. Contain the Targaryen threat: It was a fact, the last Dragon was a threat to the Baratheon reign. Gendry knew his father would not hesitate chopping his head off if he saw something out of place resulting in a war with the North ergo; him not marrying Arya. Her relationship with her cousin was also something he would dwell upon later.
"I'm sorry but that is just downright scary."- His plans for the future where disturbed by his brother Joffrey who was referring to the Weirwood tree and it's carved faces.
"Do you think so? I find it quite peaceful, like the past is giving you it's blessing to go on with your life"
"Seriously? Well you are weird like the rest of them or you have finally settled on a piece of ass and you're just agreeing with everything Stark"-
"What da?..." Gendry said frantically looking around to see if someone had heard the blond idiot. Grabbing Joffrey by his ears he walked to the side of the woods. Not that Joffrey cared, he was grinning.
"First of all don't talk about Arya like that...!" Gendry tried to sound kingly but he was grinning as well. He looked around again before actually high-fiving Joffrey.
"...She will be a royal piece of ass so show some respect"
"Finally! So you like her? She likes you? Uncle Tyrion said you two disappeared last night"-
"She's... she's just perfect Joff. She's wild, vivacious and smart too. I can speak to her about anything!"
"And it doesn't hurt that she has a pair of glorious breasts... Ow, damn it Gendry, don't mess my hair!"- Joffrey squealed after receiving a smack on the head. But he squared his shoulders the next time he spoke.
"Seriously Brother. I am glad that you finally found someone you liked. I hope you will have a marriage filled with love because I know that was all you wanted"- It was rare to see Joffrey serious and composed, even rarer to see him give Gendry a hug. Of course he had to brake the moment.
"Now hurry up and put a ring on it so we can leave this cold fortress or I am going to have to ask my soon to-be good sister to warm me up"- Again, another smack.
Joffrey went to mingle with the guests that started to pore in for the ceremony. More lords and ladies of the North that Gendry didn't know but that he greeted non the less. He stood constantly looking at the entrance waiting for Arya but she was nowhere to be seen, in fact; other than Joffrey there wasn't a Baratheon nor a Stark in sight. Where were they?
Suddenly in came a man in average size but with presence. He was like his uncle Stannis; he commanded attention but where Stannis earned a sense of respect, this man earned a sensation of wariness and something else... fear?
The man ignored everyone around him as he looked around the crowd stopping his eyes directly on Gendry. He was joined by another man, tinny, simpleton looking that had flowers on his helmet but he quickly scooted him away and began walking with purpose towards Gendry. He had a plain face that betrayed nothing but his eyes were something else, they were cold, pale and strange. Gendry had seen those eyes before. If Gendry had Robert's eyes then Ramsay had his father's eyes as well.
"My Prince; let me introduce myself"-
"No need Lord Bolton, I know who you are..." You cannot outsmart a man who has grown up inside the Red Keep; ground zero for gossip and intrigues. Roose Bolton didn't even attempt to bow at his Prince, he was sizing him up and down and no matter how soft his voice was Gendry knew this man wasn't to be trusted. How can you trust a man that exhibits human heads on his breast plates? Gendry had a feeling that the flaying was not an old custom.
"A man with no need for pleasantries. I approve..."- Roose said as if Gendry actually was seeking his approval.
"Who would have thought that Starks and Baratheons would attempt to join their houses again..."- Gendry knew a bait when he saw one but he was curious to see what the off commentary was going to be.
"And why would you say that Lord Bolton?"
"Well... it's safe to say that your father has quite neglected the North after he got crowned. Not that I would blame him; such a nasty situation with the Stark girl..."- Roose shot the last part as an afterthought. Gendry remained unaffected.
"But still...turning your back on the man that practically put you in the throne? Well, the North remembers Gendry"
"Those are Stark words Roose... and as you can see Starks and Baratheons are on their way to solidifying their union more than one way" Gendry smirked. Half because of Lord Bolton's angry expression and half because of his own union in mind.
"Aye...you've been absent from Winterfell for a while Lord Bolton. You wouldn't even suspect both houses where estranged for so many years"- Jory Cassel came from behind Gendry granting a look from disdain from Roose. His words surprised Gendry for the relationship between both families was far from repaired. Robert and Eddard where civil to each other but were barely seen talking. Members of the court that traveled with them seemed absolutely horrified with the Northern way and to say that things where tense between the guardsmen was an understatement.
"When is the ceremony going to start Cassel? And where is my son?"- He said dismissively, dusting off snow from his shoulders.
"Well your son must be chasing around a lost cause as always and the wedding is about to start. My Prince? Your Lady cousin wishes to speak to you first"- Gendry didn't look back at Roose as he walked back to the castle with Jory.
"Well... Lord Bolton seems interesting"
"A fine strategist, that's all you are getting from me"- Jory said as he nodded to various people as they walked.
"Should I be more wary than I already am Sir Cassel?" Gendry didn't know why he asked, let alone why he trusted Jory. Wait, he did know; Arya seemed to trust him...
"They say the South is fractured... I don't know, I haven't left the North since birth. But the Starks hold the power of the North and power brings jealousy. I came just as he said 'the North remembers'; Well Starks remember. Stark remember that Boltons have always wanted to bite more than they can chew..."-
"Something not lost on the heir so it seems..." Gendry muttered. Quickly corrected by Jory's sharp reply.
"The warning is for anyone who thinks they can mess with wolves and come out alive... My Prince"- Jory said bowing in respect and turning to the opposite direction of the castle. He obviously knew Gendry was with Arya inside the library last night yet he chose to remain silent. At least he favored him even the slightness over Ramsay but Gendry got the message. Don't mess with the Starks, or a Stark in particular.
Gendry continued to look around to see where everyone was but nothing. Shireen's room was next to Arya's but walking a little bit further into the corridors he could see that two guards where guarding her doors. He just needed to see her, talk to her, just to be in her presence to soothe his mind.
"Ohh... I'm sorry, I must have entered the wrong room. Forgive me my Lady."
"GENDRY!"- Shireen squealed as she ran into his arms ordering her handmaidens to go away for some privacy.
"Whatever am I to do? Now I will die alone with my bull and hammer... and possibly Joffrey because my Little Princess is getting married to some northerner she fancies" He said jokingly but froze when he noticed that Shireen was crying.
"Hey, what's wrong? This is your wedding day, there's no room for tears today..." He said soothing her hair as much as he could without messing it up.
"Oh Gendry do you think this is a good idea? Do you think Rickon will approve of me? Really approve?"- Shireen said looking up to him, her blue eyes filled with tears as Gendry's heart broke. Gendry knew that Shireen's insecurities didn't come from Rickon's affection, he had seen them himself and if anything else the boy had to be refrained from her. No, her tears came from her mother's grave. That damned woman! Gendry knew better than to welcome death but he didn't shed a tear the day Selyse Baratheon died. She was a cold, hard woman that didn't care for her child just because she had a bout of greyscale when she was merely days born. She actually made Shireen cover her face every time Gendry would visit her, not that Gendry cared, he threw the damn cover out the window once they where alone. Gendry was also convinced that she was the one that kept Shireen sick but no need the rehash that. She was dead and Shireen was healthy, alive and about to get married.
As he had done millions of times; Gendry sat on the nearest chair and sat Shireen on his lap. Giving her a kiss as she curled up to his chest.
"Although I am a little bias since you know I adore you; I know that any man present here would be lucky to marry you. That their lives would elevate to an exponential level of happiness just by having you as their wife. If you are asking in terms of beauty well, the only thing that outshines your body is your inner beauty because no one is more gentle nor kinder than you Shireen. So no more tears and that's an order from your Prince"
"Do you really mean that? You really don't mind that I'm different?"-
"Different is good! Don't you think the world would be absolutely boring if we where all the same? The beauty is in the differences Shireen, you are different, special! Rickon knows it, your father knows it and I knew it the second I held you all tinny as a baby in my hands" Gendry continued to tell her how much he loved her and how precious she was. Shireen's sobs had stopped but as she lifted her head he could still see some hesitation in her eyes.
"I love Rickon, I really do!...but I just hoped that you and I would be able to spend more time together"-
"You think just because you are becoming an old married lady that I am going to pack my bags and leave you here in your winter palace? Never! I actually intend to spend more than my fair share of time in the North"
"Promise me you'll always love different. There is just so much I have to tell you Gendry and I fell like once I'm married, once I become a Stark..."-
"What's that suppose to mean?" He said, confused as to what his little cousin was telling him.
"It means that your little cousin is getting a case of wedding jitters because she will never be a Stark. She'll marry a Stark, yes. But she's a stag! We Baratheons a too stubborn to forget who we are"- Stannis said leaning against the door. Both of them not sure how long he has been there.
"Go on to your place Gendry, I need a moment with my daughter. I... well... fuck off boy, I don't need to explain myself"- Gendry and Shireen's eyes went wide. It's not everyday Stannis Baratheon's voice trembled after seeing his daughter dressed in white.
"Promise me Gendry. You said it yourself, different is good. Remember that"- Shireen said. Stannis gave her a look but she ignored him. Gendry promised to do whatever the hell she was talking about and left the room to go to the Godswood.
"You're late"- Robert said as he arrived. Finally the whole family had appeared and was seated.
"I am not late if the bride hasn't come out yet. I was with her"
"We need to talk"- His father said in a serious tone but said nothing else. Gendry looked at Joffrey but he just shrugged in ignorance of their father's mood. Gendry scanned the crowd but still no Starks. The Boltons sure where there, up in front row as if they where giving the bride away. Roose looking at him strait in the eyes but surprisingly Ramsay was looking strait ahead somewhat uncomfortable...Interesting. The crowd went silent and Gendry being tall could see clearly who was coming.
Not that he cared but he knew that as the royal family they where dressed in the finest fabrics in the world, styled with the latest trend and decked with Lannister gold but the Starks where the ones that screamed royalty...
Dark colors; black and specks of grey ruled their attire. Lady Catelyn leading the family along with Eddard looking solemnly as ever. Next came Rob and his wife Asha; hand in hand as a guard; an Ironborn held baby Rickard. The things was that Rob was decked in his armor. From head to toe, even walking armed with his sword as he approached his seat with his wife and family. Sansa followed with an also heavy armored Theon Greyjoy; the blue in her eyes the only bright color in their group. But the next two... well, the woman specifically...
Gendry could hear his father gasp as Arya walked alongside her brother Bran. Heavy furs covered her back, knee high leather boots on her legs with tight black leggings that accentuated her toned legs where topped with chest armor. A snarling wolf proud out front. Needle; he assumed at her hip. Never once did she look over to where he was, walking over the front where her family was followed by Rickon who stood alone in front of the Weirwood tree.
Gendry had to will his eyes away from the deadly beauty that was Arya to pay attention to Shireen who was being escorted by her father Stannis. She wasn't nervous but glowing, looking at Rickon like they where the only two people alive. Gendry's eyes went back to Arya and smiled. I think she'll agree to her father walking her to the altar but a white dress? Hell, I wont be married in an altar. The Godswood will be my destiny as well... People (the southern court) gasped in horror as 5 large direwolves appeared in the back of the tree surrounding the couple as if the Old Gods and the old ways were giving them their blessing. Nymeria's tail moved once she saw him but remained in place. Shaggydog however rooted himself next to Shireen. Tyrion gave him a not so subtle nudge as the cloak was exchanged but his uncle Jaime just gave him a pointed look. Before he knew it the ceremony was over, no cheers but five howls ruled the wind. Shireen was a Stark.
...
"It's custom, I actually find it quite fascinating"-
"Then you'll be the first casualty when this wedding turns red"-
Gendry just sipped on his wine as the Lannister brothers bickered about the Starks and their fashion choice for the evening of weapons and armor...
"They are not planning an attack you idiot! Look! They are making a claim, Shireen is one of them now, part of their little pack dare you say. Mess with her and you'll mess with all of them"- Tyrion said to Jaime as Gendry was wondering just the same.
Lord and Ladies walked over the the newlyweds congratulating them on their union. On their right stood Lord Eddard with Lady Catelyn, on their left stood Rob with his wife Asha; the present and future of house Stark. On the high table was the royal family as expected but in the hallway stood the rest of the Stark Siblings, even Sansa, tall and proud with their hands on the pummel of their sword, indeed it was a claim. But Gendry was focused on Arya... She was different today, her eyes where cold, scrutinizing anyone who came in, today she didn't greet the guests table for table and barely talked to Ramsay who stood by her side. She hadn't even talked to him let alone spared him with a look but Gendry knew something was wrong. Not that he would say it out loud since his Uncle Jaime was already on the edge.
"That however I find quite disturbing..."-
"It's her wedding day. She'll have whatever she'll want Imp"- Replied Stannis as a court jester Shireen had favored since she was little danced and sang in the middle of the hall.
The hours went by but Gendry still felt restless. It wasn't just Arya, Bran was tense as well...both trying to hide it. Gendry was about to walk over and finally say hi but was held back. A spine chilling howl filled the room and people started to move like a chest match, Gendry couldn't compare it to anything else. As he was on the high table he saw how nobody ran or loosed their calm, they just walked quickly to their assumed position.
The women where held back in a perimeter by the guards and Sansa's Lady; she was the smallest of the litter but she still installed fear, but out front stood Bran, Rickon, Rob and Arya. All far apart, with their eyes dead white and with their nose up sniffing the air. Gendry looked around as he saw Shireen's eyes search him from across the room pleading for her earlier promise. Different; she has said. But what did she mean?
"Shaggydog! Left wing!"- Rickon yelled as the four of them ran out of the great hall.
"Where are you going? Stay here!"- Gendry only could hear his father from afar as he ran after the siblings. They were fast, you had to hand it to them as he ran as fast as he could but they where far away. Theon and Ramsay ran beside him as they at least knew directions to the left wing. When they finally arrived there was a dead guard lying on the floor, one was badly wounded if the blood on is clothes was any indication. Three men in rags and old furs stood holding another guard hostage with a knife on his throat.
"It doesn't have to end badly, lower your weapon and let us talk"- Bran pleaded. Rickon and Arya where nowhere in sight.
"You westerosi are all basterds, we are good as dead! As least we had good food and wine before you killed us"- One said as the other two didn't look quite anxious to die. Wildlings...
"Spare my man's life and I will give you the same courtesy"- Rob snarled but the man holding the knife didn't care. As he moved his hand to slice the guards throat Arya appeared from behind twisting his head and snapping his neck like a tree branch. The second man ran but was stopped meters away; stabbed in the back by one of Arya's blades as the third, who ran first was chased down by Nymeria who no longer looked like a happy puppy in Gendry's eyes. She ripped his stomach open with one strike and was eating his insides as he still screamed.
Arya walked with laziness to retrieved her blade from the back of the dead man, she was wiping the blood on her breaches as another howl was heard.
"Far east woods, 4 more"- Bran said.
"Nymeria... to me"- And just like that Arya's hand landed of Nymeria's bloodied fur as she rode her away into the woods.
Gendry stood rooted in place, what the hell had just happened?
"Not dangerous my ass...!"- Jaime said as he stood behind him. He must have followed them as well. From afar screams of agony, sounds of tearing and growling where heard...
Hello FanFic Friends!
Two people unfavorited; that hurt... no lies, it did. Anywhoooooooooo
As for chapter 11 (Jon's chapter) three things:
*Jon is not crazy; the Targs just simply are wired different.
*The Guest who wrote "Jon and arya incest, grosses me out because they are suppose to look so similar!"? Not possible because A) they are cousins not brothers; a custom that was not frown upon in ye'old times. Some cousins still hit it off and B) Keep reading, Jon is going for a ride on this one, let's just say he is not going to be the same guy in the end.
*Do to your lack of reviews I get the feeling you guys didn't liked what I hinted but I must remember you that this is a GENDRYA fic! I love them so I would never drive those two apart, just throw rocks at them for a bit ;)
PS: Clues people, I always leave little clues as to what is going to happen so pay attention and you might find out what the end game will be and how.
As always I hope you liked the chapter
Leave your reviews and remember to favorite / follow
XOXO