ARYA POV:
Winterfell:
"I'm not sure about this color" Arya said, covered in orange silk.
"Nonsense, you look stunning. The color makes your eyes look like silver"- Sansa said as she as well was being fitted for a dress.
"I don't know... it's just too orangy..."
"That is because you always wear the same colors. You have a gorgeous complexion my child, you must take advantage of it"- Said the Queen as she was having her personal tailors make yet another dress for Arya. The three of them along with Catelyn had spent the morning inside the Queen's chambers getting ready for tomorrows festivities; Arya and Sansa's namedays.
For three days the whole town would fill itself with almost the entire northern population eager to celebrate the girls birth. Noble families would parade their sons hoping for a match while the whole event consisted of a tourney (for Arya) and a grand elegant feast (for Sansa) culminating with a large picnic on the countryside.
"And what color will you be wearing to the tourney tomorrow Cersei?"- Catelyn asked. It was still an odd site to see both women so at ease with each other, a vast contrast from their husbands who for the pass month walked everywhere heavily guarded as if waiting for an ambush.
"Yellow and black, Baratheon and Lannister my dear for a Lady always represent her house in events like these. I only want Arya in orange because my son likes the color"- Cersei giggled with excitement not even pretending to hide that tomorrow Gendry was planning to publicly announce his intentions of marrying Arya.
Arya just sighed and looked over the window. Ramsey and Rickon were deep in one of their sparring matches getting ready for tomorrow's events while she was cooped up in a tower getting groped by strange women in the name of fashion.
Her nameday along with Sansa's marked the end of the month she promised her father she would decide on weather or not she wanted to marry Prince Gendry, whom more than hinted that he was going to propose tomorrow. Talk about terrified; Arya liked the Prince, more than liked but was it love? That all consuming force? She wasn't sure and that troubled her. In a intimate level they where well matched with both more than eager to take things to the next level but deciding it would be best (and proper) to not give into their lust and needs, Gendry sitting his duty and honor while Arya just wanted a clear head, she could agree to burn Winterfell down when Gendry was kissing her! Their little moment in the library was the most intense for them, gentle caresses and sweet kisses had been enough for now.
'You would be dragging Gendry along with your games until you bore and decide you don't want to be Queen'... Rob's voice resonated in her head. No matter how good Gendry's lips felt upon her skin she couldn't really let the happiness sink in...
Rob barely spoke to her and that hurt but oddly enough he spoke plenty to Gendry. He still maintained the fact that she would back up at the last moment and resign to the title of Queen, it was a topic that she herself had pushed away to the back of her mind for she always found a way around things. Sansa and Catelyn were in heaven; both making plans for Sansa's wedding while Catelyn was surely doing some planing on Arya's behalf with Queen Cersei. Bran went away suddenly, deep into the Forrest, no one worried because he always came back but this time Arya wasn't so sure specially after how cryptic Bran had acted around her before she left; always watching, never saying anything... In Rickon she found an ally. Mostly because Shireen adored Gendry so he didn't really had a choice but the spend time with them. Meanwhile Eddard tip toed around Robert who Arya didn't seem to warm up to preferring to maintain her distance, but the thing that hurt the most was Jon, she didn't know anything about him! At night she tried to reach out for him but found a barrier around his mind as thick as the Wall itself, no letters came back, nothing. He was ignoring her and she didn't know why. It left a whole in her heart...
Jon was doing this on purpose, obviously getting good at mastering his mental abilities which made Arya proud but still, he was using them against her. Jon had been a sensitive topic for the young couple. Arya didn't need to tap inside Gendry's head to know that he was apprehensive towards Jon. He never asked her about him but was aware of Jon's influence in her life. Needle, her horse Cold Breeze, her favorite book, favorite foods; all Jon. Every time the Prince would remain silent with a frown on his face. So that part was clear; if being with Gendry meant not having Jon in her life the choice was simple and not positive for the Prince but again she could not find herself to part ways with the Prince, her selfishness coming afloat because Gendry didn't deserved to wait around for her to sort out her feelings. It wasn't love, it was a simple infatuation; she told herself everyday but he was still her last though in bed before sleep and the first one in the morning... but also was Jon.
Why didn't he want to talk to her? Was he mad that she was with Gendry?... Gendry.... Arya was so lost in thought that she didn't even feel the needle that the seamstress prickled her with by accident.
Arya finally allowed herself to indulge in the ways of femininity (in her own way) of being courted by a young man, that had been the norm for the last weeks, almost month. In front of everyone she allowed Gendry to call on her, take accompanied strolls through the garden while talking and getting to know each other better. When in company of close friends and family; they hunted together, wrestled, sparred and danced till they were spent but in private, just the two of them; propriety went away and in came Gendry's kisses and hands. They had to make the best of every opportunity they had since the more time they spent together it seemed the more their entourage grew. Handmaids and squires following them cooing and giggling at their every move... spies for each pair of parents really.
If... when Gendry asks the question tomorrow what would she do? Arya really tried to get her head around the whole Queen thing but she couldn't find a solution, Gendry came with the title, have it or leave it, have him or leave him. The Prince still marveled her, barely leaving her side, always wanting to know more about her while she found herself craving his company the few scarce moment they were apart. Some days he seemed like a little boy who wanted to explore the world which in a way he was for he was sheltered by the King and the Small Council inside the Red Keep. Other days he seemed like one of those knights Sansa loved to read about in tales; too handsome for his own good! But it all came down to being Queen... Jon would know what to do, he knew her more than anything. He could help her sort out her feelings but he was sent away, by Gendry's father; the king.
In a way she envied Gendry, he was a very simple man as where his feelings. Favoring her was simple, he chose her as his bride, all he had to do was to show up to the ceremony, bed her and for all he cared they could live in separate wings of the castle. It was Arya who had to leave her home, leave the North for the South and Kings Landing, hold court with thousand and thousand of sycophants that cared only for titles and riches. She would have to leave her father's warm presence and her brothers loving cocoon, she would have to part ways with Sansa who was also preparing herself to leave Winterfell and her mother's loving embrace. More importantly she would leave Jon who gave her nothing but freedom, their rides along the country side, the explorations of lands, their nightly talks that often went to the early morning and his soothing presence. The last month she had been doing all these things with Gendry, it had been different; yes, not bad in comparison but there was no freedom. Gendry was always followed by the Kingsguard who still seemed wary of her while the Queen's handmaidens made sure she acted and dressed like a lady.
"Yet another dress will not be necessary my Queen for I will be in tunic and breaches for tomorrows tourney. You have completely refurnished my whole wardrobe, it will be a shame to gift me a dress that will end up ruined with dirt"
"You... you... You are going to enter the tourney? As a participant?!"- Cersei shrieked appalled, frightened and with a very small portion of amazement that Arya was going to fight.
"I always fight on the tourney. It is my name-day, so why not? It's fun and I get to show that women weren't just meant to be inside of a castle" Arya said with pride but didn't miss the look of trepidation the Queen gave to her mother. Luckily for her Catelyn was on her side.
"As a mother I worry but she is quite good Cersei. Arya has been sparring with her brothers since she was a baby and has even won various competitions herself"-
"But still... so much violence and these are not ordinary men, these are knights! You could get hurt and that isn't acceptable"- Cersei said making Arya flinch at the last word.
'you are not made for the Iron Throne little wolf, you are far more greater than that. Your spirit demands freedoms that Queens don't have the luxury to experience...' Rob's words came in like a lightening bolt rooting Arya to the spot.
"Acceptable? Pray tell my Queen; what is acceptable for me to do?" Arya practically spat making Catelyn and Sansa nervous but there wasn't a chance to continue with this line of conversation as someone knocked the door.
"Are you all fine Ladies decent? For my young and innocent eyes only are willing to see my future bride and that will only be on our wedding bed"- Called Theon from outside of the door. Arya could have kissed him for his timely interruption if Sansa hadn't untangled herself from the maid that was making her dress and went strait to the door so she could see his betrothed.
"Good Morning my Lord"- Sansa giggled but Arya rolled her eyes. The propriety was only for the Queen since Arya already knew that her sister was no maiden.
"I must admit I came here looking for another Stark sister but I am more than willing to take my fiance with me right this second!" Theon said from the door. Not even Theon Greyjoy would dare set foot on the Queen's personal chambers. Arya however heard him loud and clear as she took off the offending garment, got dressed in her normal breaches and shirt and practically ran to the door ignoring whatever the Queen was telling her.
"So Underfoot; I take it you still hate it when someone is fussing over your hair and clothes"- Theon said as they walked down the corridors. He had both sisters by his sides, arms linked.
"I've already worn in this passed month more dresses than I have ever worn in my entire lifetime yet it still isn't enough!" Arya huffed making Sansa laugh.
"I don't think it's that bad Arya, the Queen favors you so it's her way to get close to you. She is making an effort to make a bond, it could be worse."- Her older sister said.
"She practically fainted when I told her I was joining the tourney tomorrow. I am sure she must be trying to convince Mother to ban me from it"
"Now that will be a sight; someone telling you what to do! Not like it would matter because if the Queen forbids you to fight you only have to bat your long little lashes at the Prince and all will be settled"- Smirked Theon.
"I don't need the Prince's help Theon, nor his permission on any matter. I am capable of making things happen all on my own"
"Oh please, you don't have to act all tough around us Arya. You like Gendry very much as he likes you. The kingdom will be ruled by two very adorable dolts"-
"Shut up Theon, I haven't agreed to marry anyone yet"
"Arya it is implied. What do you think will happen when the Prince wins the Tourney tomorrow? Who will you think he will name his Queen of Love and Beauty? It is a simple tradition but he is the Crown Prince, everyone will look at it as your acceptance for your hand in marriage"- Sansa cooed in her Catelyn tone.
"What makes you think that he will win? He sure as well can't beat me!"
"Yeah, I'm fighting as well thank you very much"- Theon said in a fake hurt tone. Sansa rolled her eyes at them.
"No one will dare beat the Crown Prince, no matter how good they are. It would shame their houses and really Arya I know you are a skilled fighter but Gendry isn't exactly small, his built must count for something"-
"His built counts for slow movements and you aren't a true knight is you are going to knell in defeat to a man just because he has a higher title than you. Wars would not exist if that were the case"
"All is fair in love and war; isn't that the saying? There is nothing more inspired than a man in love, I haven't seen the Prince fight but I am sure he will knock out anyone who will come between him and his little Queen"-
"DO NOT CALL ME THAT THEON GREYJOY"- Arya screamed like a little child, Theon always knew how to press her buttons. Her annoyance only edged him on.
"Never would I though to see the day that Arya Stark would become Queen. The best sightseers couldn't have seen it"-
"I am not going to be Queen!"
"You are going marry the Prince who one day will be King soooooo..."-
"I told you I am not going..."
"You are in love Arya; don't be so dense! You may not do romance like a normal woman but you love just the same. You show your feelings fighting and challenging people. You should have seen your father almost cry when we found that Nymeria has been sleeping in the Prince's chambers at night. If the wolf does it than the owner..."-
"Aaaaaagh!" Arya screamed in annoyance stomping all over as she went outside over to the garrison to let some steam off.
"There you are, nice to see you around here. I think you forgot how to hold a sword by now"- Rickon smirked angering Arya even more.
"Not today Rickon" She growled making him cower instantly. As they finally cached up Theon was no longer laughing no doubt after being scolded by Sansa while Ramsay just looked at her while she stretched her body.
"I haven't seen you in a while..."- He said tentatively making Arya's mood go from angry to guilty.
"I have been busy, that's all" She just shrugged it off continuing to stretch.
"I know... the royal family seem to take up all your time. Is that what you really want though?"- Ramsay spoke softly making Arya finally look at him. He was a hard man so seeing the hurt in his eyes made Arya flinch. She had spent every waking moment with Gendry completely neglecting Ramsay, she had been a bad friend when Ramsay had always been there for her and truth be told she missed him. Ramsay was simple, when she was with him she was just Arya, not Arya of House Stark, not Arya 'Princess of the North' and certainly not Arya 'Queen of Westeros'.
"Truthfully? I don't know..." She whispered desperate to talk to someone. Sansa would never fathom saying no to Gendry based on his highborn status, although they hadn't spoken she suspected her mother secretly was ecstatic to have a union with one of Cersei's children. Jon being away made her feel lonely so she dared to tell Ramsay how she truly felt. Standing a little bit too close to her liking Ramsay held his hand to her face gently caressing it making her shy away. It felt wrong, cold. His hands didn't have the same efect Gendry's did. Arya backed away as if she was burned quickly recovering her thoughts.
"Will you spar with me?" She said trying to change the mode. Ramsay noticed her shutting him away but said nothing, nodding his head and grabbing one of the sparring swords.
Very soon she was in her element, sword in hand, water dance pose in display, gliding around the floor matching Ramsay blow by blow. He was her favorite partner to practice with, Rob never agreed saying he didn't want to hurt his little sister (not that he could), Jon was worse letting her win like a child, Bran and Theon bowed out saying that she was better than them and Rickon was a sore loser. Ramsay however never held back, he went for the kill every single time not caring that she was a girl a smaller than him. He saw her as her equal and she appreciated that.
"C'mon on! Just finish him Stark! Mind on the game or are you thinking of a pair of very pretty blue eyes?!"- Theon shouted mocking her. Arya was about to shout back went Ramsay spoke to her.
"He is right My Lady"- He said the title in a mocking tone sprinkled with disgust. "Are the highborn's softening you up?"- He said in challenge angering her which was probably what he wanted to do.
They had been at it for almost an hour, both in defensive mode eyeing the other waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Ramsay was strong but Arya was fast, Arya used diversions while Ramsay relished with the sound of steel versus steel. This time she truck first as they continued with their match, not of real danger but neither of them backing out.
Always conscious of her surrounding; out of the corner of her eye and just like Theon said came walking in the distance a very pretty pair of blue eyes. His jet black hair was wet styled to the back making it impossible to miss his rugged face, from the stubble that covered it he had not shaved that morning and it fitted him making him lose what he maintained of his boyish charm. He wore a pare of tight brown leather pants that seemed painted on him that hung dangerously low on his hips. Arya was mesmerized has he was drenched in sweat and you could see his strong torso through his shirt. Perfectly sculpted abs with a trail of black hair that disappeared in his pants. Gendry Baratheon was irresistible.
She didn't stop sparring with Ramsay but she did lessen her speed. Ramsay followed her gaze as he saw that Arya was practically drooling over the Prince. He didn't hesitate a second before moving his sword.
"Damn it" She exclaimed as her hand went to her bloody arm, thank God it was only a practice words, those had small tips designed to scratch the surface. Ramsay had cut her, it was a small wound, nothing she hadn't experienced before but enough to draw blood, certainly enough to make the Prince lose it.
"What have you done Bastard?"- Gendry's voice boomed over the courtyard attracting several soldiers that were near. He ran over her and immediately inspecting her wound.
"Gendry it's nothing. We were just practicing"
"She is not a useless flower Baratheon. Move over so we can continue with our sparring"- Everyone looked at Ramsay as he was scatting on thing ice talking so freely to the Prince. Guards quickly filled the courtyard curios of the Bolton Bastard and the Jealous Prince.
"You dare mark my Lady?"- Gendry said turning around so he could face Ramsay. His eyes sparked with anger as he stood possessively in front of Arya.
"It's just a cut Gendry, let it go" She said not wanting to see the pissing contest in front of her.
"Yes is not your Lady"- Ramsay spat back making things worse.
"You dare strike a innocent girl, smaller than you?"- Gendry talked back. By now they where walking in circles ready to strike.
"She's small but she ain't innocent"- Ramsay smirked. It was an ill intended comment, sounding as if he had done things with Arya no doubt wanting the Prince to think it as well. That seemed to push him over the edge.
"You take that back you Lowlife"- Gendry roared launching himself at Ramsay who moved fast and still had his sword in his hand.
"My Prince!"- One of the southern guards said giving Gendry a sword. As the Prince reached for it Arya recognized it's dark pink hilt.
"NO!" She yelled as Gendry swigged first missing Ramsay by an inch.
"Let them fight, they need to vent it out"- Rickon said holding her back but she struggled and got out of his hold. He didn't know, it was a secret only Arya knew, the others who knew were six feet under the ground.
It wasn't the guards fault, he grabbed the sword that was the nearest and it happened to be Ramsay's as he set all his things aside to spar with Rickon. What made Arya fear the worst was that Ramsay made it a habit of dipping the tip of his sword with poison making sure his opponents died whichever way. He failed to miss this little habits of his more now than ever with so many wildlings and the whispers of white walkers.
Ramsay failed to notice this as he quickly changed swords and he provoked Gendry on and on with his hits. Much to her dismay Arya was wrong; Gendry wasn't slow, he was quick with strong strokes. It would only be a matter of time that he hit Ramsay.
The courtyard was full with guards; southerners and northerners cheering their countryman on, no kingsguards were near or they would have stopped the fight immediately but a flash of red was seen running through the crowd as Sansa went to fetch someone, most likely her father to stop the fight.
"Not bad for a overgrown child who has not seen a battle-day in his privileged life"- Ramsay said earning a laugh from the crowd.
"I try... I think it speaks well of me that I can hold my own against a lowlife bastard that skins people for a living. Tell me Lord Snow; it must hurt to see her go with someone actually of her same class uh?"- Gendry said in a low tone but not low enough that Arya couldn't hear. She was surprised of this cruel attitude worlds apart from the lovable prince that she saw day by day but then again give a man a sword and he will become a vicious in a second.
Ramsay came full on the Prince as steel rang through the courtyard along with shouts from the men. They were both well matched but it would only take one scratch from Gendry just like the one Ramsay gave Arya to end the fight. Sansa was right; Gendry was built and so was Ramsay, with no one else willing to stop the fight she was going to do it herself but she was at disadvantage.
Never far away from her mistress thoughts Nymeria burst through the crowd and stood in between the two adversaries.
"Nymeria away girl. Stand aside"- Gendry ordered but the direwolf stood her ground. Arya slowly walked from behind. She could easily disarm Gendry while Nymeria could shield them from any blow by Ramsay.
"You hide behind the bitch? Fight me you Coward"- Ramsay yelled more hurt than ever than even Arya's direwolf seemed to prefer the Prince over him.
With his male pride put on doubt Gendry jumped at Ramsay but Nymeria did the same pushing the Prince to the ground, sadly for all Ramsay was ready to strike so he swung his sword almost slicing Nymeria's leg off...but he found a much softer, more human target.
It was instinct. As much as the direwolf protected it's master; the master protected it's direwolf, it was a unbreakable bond. Without thinking and unarmed Arya trowed herself in front on Nymeria, will all the strength she could muster she pushed the animal further away and tried to move herself from harms way but it was to late, Ramsay's sword had managed to slice her leg open and she immediate fell to the ground.
"Stop this right this instant"- Eddard's voice cleared the courtyards followed by the King but all eyes where on Arya. Both Gendry and Ramsay reached for her but both were met with Nymeria's teeth wanting retribution.
"Nymeria let us pass"- Eddard said but it was pointless. Only Arya commanded the Wolf and right now it was on alert, protecting her mistress. Arya felt cold and started to shiver.
"Sansa don't!"- Theon yelled being held back himself by the guards. Sansa had managed to slider in the crowd right in front of the giant beast.
"It's ok, she wont harm me, will you girl?"- Nymeria snarled but made no attempt to bite Sansa.
"Arya is hurt Nymeria and I am going to help her ok? I am just going to check on her"- Sansa said holding her hands up. The crowd went dead expecting the worse, Catelyn's gasps were heard as she came down along with the Queen, Rob made his appearance as well but it was Asha who ordered archers to take down the wolf at any sudden movement towards Sansa. WHo very slowly never breaking eye contact with the Wolf scruched down to her sister who was cold and paler than ever.
"Which sword, which sword was it?" She whispered, her mind was starting to make no sense from the blood loss but she needed to be sure.
"Ramsay's"- Sansa answered not knowing why Arya released a raged breath of relief. Well, at least she wasn't poisoned.
"She's losing a lot of blood"- Sansa said panicking after taking a better look at the wound. Rickon himself tried to come closer but Nymeria growled with violence. With her last conscious thoughts Arya acted fast.
"Nymeria... up. Follow Sansa, follow Sansa and Mother."
Arya fainted and everybody feared the worst but the direwolf did as told. With the most gentleness in the world Nymeria picked Arya up by her arms and with the help of Sansa she managed to put her on her back as she was a horse. Follow Sansa and Mother; she had said. Rob cleared the part so the wolf could leave the courtyard following Sansa and a sobbing Catelyn back inside of the castle in search of a maester.
...
Arya woke up in the middle of the night, warm from the heat coming from the fireplace and Nymeria at her feet. She was in her room but felt as she was in court. Next to her to her left was her mother with red eyes and her father with a worried face, on her right side sat the Queen crying like her mother but what surprised her more was the Kings presence, he was the first one to notice she was awake but said nothing.
"How long have I been out?" She croaked, her mouth was dry.
"My darling girl!"- Catelyn said crying but composed as ever "It is pass midnight but Maester Luwin said you needed to rest"- She scooted so her father could get closer to the bed. Nymeria growled still in anger but made no move.
"Are you aware that you are more worrying than trying to command the whole north?"- Eddard said giving her a kiss on the top of her head.
"You like me keeping you on your toes daddy, Rob can take care of everything else" She said but her throat bothered her. She asked for water and was tended by the Queen herself.
"Where is Ramsay?" The question seemed to anger everyone but she needed to now no one had harm him, Ramsay would cut his on hand than hurt her. Cersei was the one that spoke breaking the silence.
"Well, my son is outside my dear but you need to rest, you can see him in the morning. We just wanted to know you were alright"- Arya remained silent, she wasn't sure she wanted to see Gendry.
"The Queen is right little wolf, you have lost a great amount of blood. The blade didn't cut any muscle but you need to have plenty of bed-rest and sorry, no tourney for you tomorrow"- Eddard said successfully drawing a tear from Arya.
"You nearly died yet not joining on a tourney makes you cry? The Gods really gave her back to us didn't they Ned?!"- The Kings laughed clearly talking about Lyanna. Arya wasn't in the mood so she said she was tired, everyone was leaving when the King stood near the window not done with her just yet.
"I want to speak with you girl"-
"She is not well Robert, leave it be"- Eddard said but Arya really was tired.
"Father let him speak his mind. Nymeria will sent him off if I see it fit" Baratheon's and Starks really where a explosive match. She didn't want her father fighting with the king because then the Kingslayer would show his ugly head, then Rob, then the kingsguard, etc, etc. She just wanted to sleep.
"I'll be right outside"- Eddard reluctantly said opening the door. Gendry peeked inside but the door was quickly closed.
Both remained silent even more Arya since the King was the one who requested to talk. He said nothing but remained near the window looking out. Arya could see the resemblance father and son shared but the years had not been kind on Robert. His drinking and eating habits had taken their tole, he also had no grace whatsoever as he had more of a soldiers demeanor than a ruler. She remember Gendry's cruel and harsh words from earlier, had he learned that from his father?...
"All I have heard since I came here was that you knew how to fight but it was a fools move to stand in front of that blade, outright stupid"- The king said maintaining his spot by the window not looking at her.
"I had my reasons" She said, she wasn't going to discuss about Ramsay with him.
"I am sure you did..."- He said finally looking at her. Robert began to walk around the room, Nymeria's yellow eyes following his every move.
"My boy had never raised his sword for anyone. He has changed; you changed him"-
"No one has the ability to change another person my Lord. One must be willing to change by their own wishes and yearnings"
"You're a smart one, too smart if you ask me"-
"And what question would one ask the king?"
"One would ask what you want with my son!"- To this Arya laughed, regretting it instantly as pain shot through her leg.
"You forget that it was you who came here reaching out for me or my sister. You breached our northern boarders my Lord, your son would not have known me if it wasn't for you. If anything the question would be what does the King fear?" Her words seemed to struck a nerve as Robert raised his voice.
"I FEAR NOTHING YOU DISRESPECTFUL CHILD"-
"Yes, you fear nothing and hide nothing is it?..." Arya said looking strait into his blue eyes, the same shade as Gendry's.
"Calm your beast down girl, I won't harm you. My own son would kill me first if I even touched you"- Robert said as Nymeria growled went he sat on a chair next to her bed. With his elbows on his knees he looked at her, studied her face making Arya wonder something.
"May I speak freely my Lord?"
"As if you haven't all this time..."- The king scoffed gesturing her to continue.
"You hold the memory of my late Aunt close to your heart in a place of reverence and perfection. Yet you compare her to me but shun me out completely. Why is that Lyanna was good to you and I am not good for your son?"
"Lyanna was bad for me... it's just that I took me years to find it out. Lyanna, you... you she-wolves are bad for us stags. We give too much and you take too much. I won a kingdom for my Ly yet I never felt so lost in my entire life. My son barely knows you and he is acting out, anyone can see that the Bolton boy is no saint but he is a prince, he should know better than to draw swords at any taunt."-
"He would now better if you let him spread out of your grasp and give him more freedom"
"Are you telling me how to raise my own son?"-
"I am telling that both your sons, the future of the realm; need to grow up and gather more experience that can only come from living life outside their little bubble"
"And Gendry's growth and experience are to come how? By marrying you?"-
"I never agreed on marrying your son!"
"But he want's to so it's already half done"-
"So maybe your logic is wrong, maybe stags are the ones that drift over to wolves, we can't help it if we see a easy kill"
It came easy for her to taunt the King, he angered quickly and attacked her all the same. He wasn't a fool that expected her to remain silent, if all Arya suspected that the King actually relished on her smart mouth.
"My youngest went to 'visit' the wall while the eldest is provoking Roose Bolton"- Robert sighed as he sat up to leave. "It doesn't matter, it will be over soon"-
"What will be over?" Arya asked as she saw the King try to put on a evasive face on, he was hiding something. Arya decided then and there that she was going to do a little digging inside of his royal head tonight.
"Nothing! Go to sleep, your birthday is tomorrow so you need your beauty sleep"- The King said in a condescending tone. Has he opened the door hushed words where exchanged, Eddard came in again.
"How are you feeling little wolf?"- He asked her, ever the dotting father.
"Tired, restless, frustrated... why?"
"The Prince is outside and he wants to see you. He's willing to sleep outside of your room if it's necessary but he prefers to talk to you right know if you want"-
"I don't think it's necessary that he sleeps outside but I think I'll rescind his invitation father, I'd like to try and rest for now"
"Of course my Love, there will be a guard outside if you need anything. I'll check up on you later"-
"Father, where is Ramsay?"
"He is fine my love, other than taunting the Prince he is not at fault for what happened, It was an accident and he is deeply ashamed. I'm sure he will call on you in the morning"-
That relaxed her, Arya knew that although acknowledge Ramsay was still frowned upon, Gendry had said it; a bastard, so she was worried that someone would try to blame him for what happened. As for Gendry she didn't know how to feel, she was even more confused so she chose to give herself a goodnight sleep before talking to him.
Giving herself to sleep Arya broke into a fever that night; her worries getting the best of her as the ache for Jon grew in her heart. She woke up started, drenched in sweat. It was still dark but it was a new day, another year had passed and she was now nineteen years old.
"He wouldn't miss my birthday, he promised" Arya said to herself as she tried to get out of bed but it was hopeless, her legs hurt too much, she was going to be carried around tomorrow if she even wanted to see the tourney.
"Has he ever broken a promise to you?"- Rob voice startled her as she didn't see him standing by the door. Arya began to cry like a little girl, she chose it blame it on the milk of the poppy than to admit she was shaken from yesterdays event's and Jon being away.
"I can't see him Rob, not even in my dreams. Why won't he talk to me?" She sobbed into Rob's neck as he sat down in bed with her engulfing her in a hug.
"I'm sure Jon is just busy, you know how involved he gets with the Night Watch, Uncle Benjen and Stannis must have him on his toes, that's all"-
"He's never missed my birthday!"
"You can sulk once the clock struck's 12 Arya, the day hasn't even started. Have some faith in our cousin"-
"Why haven't you been talking to me? Are you still mad with me for wanting to be with Gendry?"
"You know me, I can be a bit overprotective of you. I only want what's best for you"-
"I don't even know what I want" Arya said still sobbing.
"Then more reason for you not to make permanent decisions"- He said in a scolding yet loving tone.
"I know it's your birthday but it is you that needs to give me something"-
"What do you mean?"
"I am going to need a favor from my favorite lady is I am going to fight in her name"- Rob said in a teasing tone.
"You mean for the Tourney? But what about Asha?" Rob smirked at her question.
"As if Asha Greyjoy will permit someone to fight in her name"-
"Stark... Asha Stark now" Arya corrected him making him smile.
"Aye... she is. Now what about my favor?"-
As Rob was rummaging through her drawers after she told him to search for one of her ghastly sown hanker-shifts she remember Gendry. He was to fight today as well, he would certainly ask for her favor. Would he be mad that she gave to Rob?
"Here it is, I shall wear it with honor as I expect you the wear the crown of roses once I win"- Rob said flashing her his famous smile. He gave her a kiss as he went out the door.
"Why don't you try to sleep a little more? I already know Sansa is bringing you breakfast in bed along with Shireen. I'll take Nymeria with me and give her a bath, we don't want guests to think she ate someone"- Rob said gesturing to Nymeria's fur coat covered in Arya's blood. She refused to leave but got out of bed as Grey Wind entered the room and took her place in bed next to Arya, one wolf taking over the other's place as protector.
"You really think Jon is going to come?" Arya asked already half asleep.
"I know very few things in life are strong enough to come between Jon and you... Sleep dreams little wolf, I'll see you in a bit"
Arya did indeed have sweet dreams... She dreamed of snow and frosted leafs, of ice and trees. She dreamed of Ghost running back home to Winterfell, of Jon running back home to her.
Hello FanFic Friends!
Merry Holidays for all!
I am still working but school is out so I have more time to write, still no computer but I have a new phone that kick's ass. It helps me with my stories but still don't expect regular updates.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I had fun writing so please remember to leave your reviews, favorite / follow.
Next chapter; the girls nameday. Who will win the Tourney who will be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty? Fell free to guess!
XOXO