ARYA POV:
The Kingsroad:
Water, thunder, rain...
I can't breathe...
Where are you? Where are you?...
Water, black as night...
I love you...
Please, don't go, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry...
I can't breathe...
I can't move, my heart hurts...
Please don't leave me...
Water, thunder, rain...
I love you...
Silence...
Grey eyes...
"ARYA!"- Ramsay's spoke with force snapping Arya out of her daydreams, shaken by his piercing light blue eyes, so light that under the gray skies almost looked like hers. They'd been on the road for several days now on which she had hardly slept, it didn't help that she still refused to speak to Jon and that the dreams were getting worse like just this one where she feel into a dreamlike state after stumbling upon a frozen lake by the side of the road. If the dreams were more prominent did it mean that they were close to becoming reality?
"I'm sorry... I was just distracted, that's all" She replied composing herself but she wasn't fooling anyone.
"I can't protect to if you don't tell me whatever's going on in your head"-
"Hardly even I know what's going in my head these days"
"Well more the reason the let me carry some of the burden"- Ramsay said throwing a wet cloth in her hands. "I'm ready when you are"-
Very few dared to go in the freezing water used more for watering the horses or kitchen duties but while they were resting nearby Arya reminded Ramsay that he should clean up his wounds, she had been the one changing his bandages not wanting him to fester his wound ever since Asha dragged him out of bed-rest so he could guard Arya on the trip, he was damn near killed because of her so she tried to spare him any discomfort. Ramsay sat down, no shirt on after a quick bath but with his pants and boots on. His back exposed to her as she inspected the stitches.
"They're still tender, you shouldn't be riding like this"
"And have something happen to you when I gave my word?"-
"Nothing is going to happen to me Ramsay, I can take whatever the Gods throw at me"
"So? What's wrong in having company in the meanwhile?"- She heard chuckles as she turned around. As suspected Ramsay's men were nearby. Never far from her as been the norm since they left Winterfell.
"Must they always be around? I'm already watched as it is, I haven't felt so caged in."
"Well I'm sure as hell not letting any southerner near you, I think you actually welcome their presence when Jon is around and besides..."- Ramsay winced as she dabbed his back with healing herbs. "...they're my men! They're not part of the Northern fleet, certainly not high and mighty enough to ride with my father. They are here because you need watching over and that is what they'll do."-
"Great..." She muttered handing him his shirt as she was done with cleaning him up.
They were interrupted when a huge splash was made on the other side of the lake, a couple of soldiers stood by laughing along the Kingslayer and the Imp while the Prince gasped for air after apparently being thrown in the water.
"What little you have told me about the dreams say that they started when they King arrived. I may be not great warg or have the greensight but I'm not stupid Arya, whatever is going to happen is because of that lot..."- He said gesturing towards the other side where Gendry was now shouting profanities to whoever had ears "...and I'll be dammed if I let you go after him"-
"Boss? There's some movement up ahead, the boys sent a messenger. The situation was contained but we'll like to go and see what happened ourselves. Would you and the little lady be riding with us?"-
"I'm no lady Ben Bones and you best remember that. I'm staying right were I am" She replied to Ramsay's second best herself, she was no stranger to him and the bastard boys had become her traveling companions since Jon's absence and Robb various responsibilities.
"I'm not leaving you alone Arya"- Ramsay said walking her to the side. Unfortunately it was the side nearest to the lake and he failed to notice that she tensed. Not like she would admit it to anyone but other than quick baths prepared by the few handmaidens that traveled with them Arya was avoiding water altogether. Snow? It's was the North so she couldn't exactly escape that one.
"My father's tent is right over there Ramsay, nothing is going to happen to me" Indeed Eddard's tent was a few meters away and she wasn't exactly planning on staying near the lake.
Ben was still waiting for an answer smirking at their little banter when Ramsay finally spoke. "Fine, I'm leaving but I'm going talk to your father myself to let him know you're here"- he said stomping away still shirtless not caring for the cold temperatures. Arya quickly retreat scolding herself for her fears.
"Hey Boy... you're not afraid of water are you? You're not afraid of anything!" She said to Greywind who walked over to were she was sitting on a tree log, whinnying as she started to pet him. With Nymeria currently out hunting he was by her side when she was alone. "Pathetic..." She muttered. Syrio always said that she should embrace fear but did he have dreams that told him how he was going to die? No! One thing is to be brave in front of the unknown and another thing completely to know how you were going to die and be helpless in preventing it because honestly; prophetic dreams about snow and water. What could she possible do? Do as Asha suggested and lock herself up inside her room? She had some much she wanted to do, so much to live for. Seeing Sansa happily married, little Rickard grow up, the birth Rickon and Shireen's baby. Places she needed to see, food she needed to taste, people to meet. Live, breathe... love?
Gendry's laughter filled the air as he still was inside the water talking now freely to his uncles. Completely oblivious of her presence on the other side he began to strip as Tyrion threw at him a bar of soap. God that man was a sight to behold... Manic washing himself no doubt affected by the cold, quick movements gave her a clear view of the millions of muscles that moved around his sculpted back, his hair was long covering his neck; she assumed that he had stopped grooming altogether as he was also sporting a small beard after a short amount of days. His spine was ridiculously long and strong ending up in the tightest and firmest ass Arya had ever seen as he sloshed around the water. But Arya sighed as she could no longer say it was a mere attraction; yes she couldn't exactly deny that at the mere sight in front of her she had goosebumps and pressed her legs together to get some kind of release on her lower regions but the truth was she missed Gendry, more than his body she missed him mind. She missed the way he ate up everything she told him about the North and how much she hated wasting the opportunity of showing him the landmarks as they rode along the Kingsroad, how the people should get to know their future King and him his subjects. Arya was convinced that Gendry could truly be a good king, a great king if he put his mind to it and even if they weren't lovers she lamented that they could not even be friends. He was so sheltered and surrounded by greedy men who only wanted power for themselves that she was sure he would end up being a very pretty and big puppet. Speaking of puppet? This new betrothed? Ha... she laughed! Tywin Lannister in a dress more likely! Arya didn't know exactly what went down inside the Lannister family tree but all three children hated their father, Tywin was known as an ambitious man who try hard as he could got the short end of the stick after the rebellion. He'd probably thought Robert was going to end up naming him as Hand only to have him sent off back to Casterly Rock. Nobody liked the man, Robert got the crown while Tywin got blamed with the excessive violence and killings that occurred inside the Red Keep. Both Robert and Tywin were to blame if you'd ask her...
"Enjoying the view?"- Rob asked sitting beside her. The Prince was out of the water completely naked, he seemed to be having words with both of his uncles.
"It's a man's ass Robb, I've lived with three brothers and Theon Greyjoy. I've have my fair share of men's anatomy over the years, not as impressive as the Prince but still..." She tried to look away. Sorry; non of her brothers let alone Theon Greyjoy was enough to even be compared to Gendry. Arya was blushing up a storm.
"Ha - ha Wise-mouth"- Robb said rustling her hair and giving her a side hug as they walked up the trail that lead back to the camp. "I've come to fetch you to see if you wanted to join in on a council meeting. You've been awfully absent these last few days"-
"The last time I checked our dear cousin was a permanent fixture in the council meetings" She muttered. Arya was still having a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that Jon had manipulated her and entered her mind even if she still missed him desperately.
"Jon has always attended Father's council meetings, so have you. Look Arya..."- Robb said stopping mere meters from the main tent. "I don't know what happened between you and Jon but it's clear that new feelings have developed for the both of you. This whole mater with the Prince? It's messy Arya, we; the Starks, as Wardens of the North are escorting the King out of our borders. If he wants Robert can say we're rebelling and call all of his banner men"-
"By the Old Gods Robb you think I don't know what is happening?"
"Of course you do! What I am trying to tell you is that if you decide to change your mind about the Prince; I'll back you up one hundred percent"- Well that made her shut up. Robb sighed and ran his hands over his red curls. Sometimes she forgot how young he was with the amount of responsibilities he had on his shoulders.
"You've stopped smiling. The Prince made you smile and now you just don't. If you chose to take up the Prince's marriage proposal I'll back you up, it will be messy after all that has passed but I'll be there by your side"-
"But what about Jon?"
"What about Jon? You have to figure out your feelings towards him Sister. A relationship with our cousin can end up being more complicated than with the Crown Prince. I have been very vocal about you being queen but I also have my reserves about this whole thing with Jon, I haven't talked with him yet. I think he's waiting for you to speak to him"- Arya just nodded and gave her brother one of her quick but tight hugs. She really truly adored him.
"The scouts took care of them. No casualties, just prisoners. This time they where just wildlings"- Jon spoke in front of a large table. As they entered men acknowledged Arya but didn't stop the meting. Robb walked over to the center were his father and Jon sat while Arya remained near the entrance. All northern men, no representatives of the south.
"Are we sure we're going on with this whole idea that some attacks have been in fact manufactured as to look s if they were made by wildlings?"- Asked Lord Hull.
"Aye... I can vouch for it. Wildling are many thing but not organized, these attacks dance around our perimeter when wildlings don't care were they stand as long as they have a roof and food"- Rob replied earning another wave of questions.
"Wine? We've been at this for quite a long time"-
"I know perfectly how these things go Lord Bolton" Arya whispered as she accepted the flask Lord Bolton gave her.
Arya couldn't say she liked Roose Bolton, she was intrigued more than anything. Now this was a man she could sink her teeth in. Roose Bolton was one of her father most long lasting allies; long not trusted. Bolton's had somewhat of a dubious past but you couldn't deny that they where cunning, skilled and had an unnatural talent for strategy. Arya protested that Ramsay was labelled a bastard when he was clearly his father's son. He lacked Roose finesse in battle but got the job done, it was in the end how they met; Roose giving Ramsay the dirty work of taking care of any wildling attacks.
"You've been spending a lot of time with my boy lately"-
"I've always spent time with Ramsay"
"I know..."- Roose whispered back with a sly look on his face.
What intrigued Arya was that Roose Bolton had nothing to hide. If you looked inside his mind (which she already had) you saw everything yet nothing. His day to day countering with his house, that's it. Nothing else! Not passed memories, no anger, no fear. Nothing. As if his mind was a projection of what he wanted you to see. That wasn't normal and naturally Arya wanted to find out how he had managed to achieve that. Other than Ramsay he was the only living Bolton alive. He once had a wife but she died during childbirth along with the baby. He married a second time but Ramsay once told her that it was more of a political alliance than anything else since he barely even talked to the woman.
"The cold winds are rising no matter how much farther we march. I need a roof over my head. My bones aren't what they were the last time we marched"- Shouted Rickard Karstark of the Karhold.
"With your permission Lord Stark we're closer to White Harbor than anything else. I know you want to cover as much ground as possible but the weather still doesn't favor us. I have a big castle and not that I should know since I have a lovely wife but I am told our city has quite the pretty and experienced whores"- Wyman Manderly spoke earning a laugh from many. The Manderly's were influential but one look at it's current lord and you'd think they never fought for anything more than the last loaf of bread. Wyman was largely fat and always had a joke on the tip of his tongue.
"We'll do just that. Spread the word around the camp we'll be riding there tonight. I'll go and tell the King myself"- Eddard spoke always having the last word. The tent began to clear as she saw Jon making a beeline towards her. Roose noticed Arya reluctancy to see Jon so he offered his arm which she acepted without blinking.
"Care to ride with me and my party to the New Castle my Lady. We can continue to enjoy fine wine and I'm possitive my son will quickly join us. He hardly leaves you alone for more than an hour these days"- Roose said in his soft but firm voice not fooling anyone that he indeed wanted to be heard.
"It would be my pleasure Lord Bolton, lead the way" Arya said leaving Jon behind.
GENDRY POV:
White Arbor:
"More wine your grace?"- the serving girl who refused to stop batting her eyelashes at him asked for the third time in 20 minutes.
"No, no thank you. Only water for me"
"We'll that's a welcomed change of pace from this passed week. Good for you nephew."-
"Could you at least try to hide the fact that you're only saying that because that means more wine for you."-
"And could you both try to act your age and rank?"- Robert seethed fed up with his brothers in law and their constant nagging towards his son.
It was dinner time in New Castle; seat of House Manderly within the city of White Harbor in the North. Gendry thought he fell in love with Winterfell but if he was being true to himself this new keep was more to his liking. It was a large, pale stone construction that under the moonlight looked white as a ghost. Located high above the city walls it had a clear view of the harbors filled with clear blue water giving the air a scent of refreshing sea. Truth be told it was like the Red Keep should be if it wasn't for the damned heat and the stench of pollution.
The Manderly's were as loyal as you could get to the Starks so it wasn't as if the Royal Party was welcomed with opened arms. The high table was actually offered to Eddard and his kin but he gracefully reminded his hosts that the King was present and that that was his spot of honor. Jaime muttered that they were just a better target up and center. So here they were, shielded from everyone else, completely secluded as the rest of the feast flowed in high spirits. Gendry took advantage that Tyrion excused himself to go to the bathroom and changed his seat next to his mother who was at the farthest side of the table away from Robert.
"My sweet boy, don't you look handsome"- She said with a smile on her face, a strange gesture these days.
"Your handmaids were more than enthusiastic in preparing and aiding me in my bath. I think I smell more that all of Highgarden" Gendry replied annoyed but leaning into his mother's touch. He could never say no to her.
"You reeked Gendry! Even after a plunge in the lake you still smelled like a little street urchin. That is no way to present yourself if you want to win a girls heart" Cersei said looking over to were Arya sat. Before Gendry could tell her to please leave the mater alone she quickly changed the subject. "When are you going to fix things with your brother?"-
He scoffed "I don't have to fix anything. Actions speak louder than words" After their little exchange of words because Gendry still had a thing or two to say; Joffrey shunned everyone out and preferred to spend time alone, his budding friendship with Jon was also cut short. Not that Gendry cared, he wouldn't forget how his own brother wouldn't back him on his decisions. Things were even worse with his father who decided to call it a night as was walking away with Jaime in tow.
Right now Joffrey stood alone in between the shadows as the feast took place, the Starks as always alternated their seating arrangement every night so they could sit with someone different getting various points of view and feedback on the Targaryen sat as always near the main entrance along with his Hound and Arya sat with the Boltons.
Arya... his heart sank every time he thought about her. What was going through her little head? She loved him, she may not know it herself but she loved him. So why her sudden change of character? Her crude lashing, striking him? And the kiss? How could he forget the kiss? How he sprawled his hands all over her body. Targaryen...
"Look away my love, look away"- Cersei's voice brought him back to the here and now as he managed to chip the glass cup with his grip as his eyes found Jon laughing from afar.
What game was Arya trying to play? Going back and forth between both of them. And now? Now she seemed to favor the Bolton Bastard again, spending all her time with him. Gendry did his fare share of vomiting what little he had in his stomach after seeing her touch Ramsay's naked back by the lake while tonight she sat on the Bolton table flanked by father and son drinking wine and sharing stories.
"Who did this? Who dared put a hand on my son?"- As shrewd old voice rang across the hall. It was accusing but people started to laugh as if it was expected.
"It was a tourney mother, what did you expect?"- Wendell Manderly cried as a woman poked and touched his injuries. Beatrice Manderly; lady of the house and perfect half to the infamous Lord Lard bickered and scolded all of her three sons while everyone just laughed at her antics.
"What did I expect? I expected you to win, what else? I demand to know who put you in this state!"- She said turning around and addressing the whole room. "Don't let these skirts fool you, I can punch any man down"-
"Calm down Old Bea! It was my youngest; Rickon and he did not travel with us but he won the tourney, your boy fought against the best"- Eddard said casually leaning on a pillar. It was the most relaxed Gendry had ever seen him, he seemed to welcome the banter.
"You didn't win?"- Beatrice turned around this time addressing Jon who quickly held his hands up in defeat. She was certainly a character this Old Bea.
"Wait a God damned minute! Why assume that Jon would win? You break my heart Lady Manderly."- Robb spoke in a mocking tone.
"Because if he isn't winning it's because this one is"- She said clinking her cup, gesturing towards Arya and who held her cup in a toast quickly downing the drink. "Ok... let's give this Crown Prince a proper look at"
"Beatrice..."- Lord Manderly warned his wife but it was as if she didn't hear him.
"C'mon Lad, I won't bite"-
The entire room feel silent looking at him but what choice did he have? Gendry walked down the stairs from the main table standing in front of Lady Beatrice. She was possibly in her late fifties but she was what his father called a spitfire. Her hair was already graying but she wore it with grace and pride, her hands also seemed more aged which only made Gendry liked her more, she was used to work. Simple gown, no ornaments and like the majority of people barely reached to his chest. She began to circle him.
"Well... you're big. I'll give you that"- She said eyeing him up and down.
"Aye... He can pass as a northerner"- Jory Cassel spoke.
"And he's pretty good with the hammer. He was the only one who fought without a sword. Didn't need it. His warhammer was enough"- the other son, Wesley pipped in. "Did you see how he sent flying that idiot from the Vale with one swing?"- his brother Wylis added.
"He's strong and has good aim. That was a compliment coming from my wife Baratheon"- Said Robb, it was obvious that Asha had told him about the fight with the wildlings in the Wolfswood.
"So... you're every inch of a man"- Lady Beatrice said very brazenly giving Gendry a smack on his butt making him red faced. "But what about your head? Are we safe with your hands on the kingdom?"- The room went silent, tensions escalated in a mater of seconds. Gendry was pissed off at the jab but how could he respond properly without being gutted at the spot.
"He has much to learn..."- His mother's sweet voice filled the air. "But I have no doubt that he will be what was expected of his father and much, so much more"- She said, green eyes bright scanning the whole hall daring anyone to say otherwise. Lady Beatrice made a point of bowing in reverence to the Queen ending the conversation. Everyone quickly back to their small talk on the tables.
"My Prince? A word if you would?..."- Eddard asked gesturing out of the hall. Lord Wyman also followed saying nothing but as they left the main hall a fourth set of steps could be heard. It was Arya.
"I'm retiring for the nigh father, I'm not feeling well"-
"Are you sure? Should I call the Maester?" Gendry blurted out reaching out to her even as she took a step back.
"It's alright Gen... Your grace"- She corrected herself "It's just a mild headache"-
"You've been downing drinks with the Boltons ever since we arrived. My personal batch is not something for lightweights girl"- Lord Wyman spoke earning an eye roll from Arya.
"Go to your room then. I'll check up on you in a while"- Eddard said giving her a kiss on the head. "My Prince?"- He urged Gendry to continue walking as he was rooted on the spot torn in going with Arya, making sure she was ok. She had shadows under her eyes and looked tired.
They walked in silence in what seemed to be as a secret passage, a corridor like the one Arya had shown him inside the Winterfell Library. Faded banners, broken shield and rusted swords from ancient victories decorated the walls which were tall and made of solid stone. As they continued walking the decorations ceased as shackles, rats and old bones began to make their appearance. They were headed or already inside the Wolf's Den; old castle, new prison. Both Lord Stark and Lord Wyman shared stares between them but said nothing. Gendry also remained silent, he wasn't scared. He trusted Eddard, he truly did. But then again he missed his warhammer more than ever... Passing barracks, cellars and cells that Gendry was more than curious to look inside they finally arrived into a Godswood grown inside of the castle wall. Curiously enough it felt homey.
"I'm sorry about my wife Prince Gendry, that woman doesn't have control over her own mouth"- Lord Wyman said siting down in one of the many tree stumps, producing a wine flask out of nowhere.
"It's also her right as she is in her house. It's quite alright"
"No, it's not!"- Wyman quickly replied.
"Excuse me?"
"A woman should not dare to speak at the future King like that. Also grow a spine boy, do you let your mother fight all your battles?"-
"What... why?..." Gendry was flabbergasted while Eddard stood silent watching the exchange. Lord Marderly kept on talking.
"You're to be the King, act like it! You don't have to have the crown on your head to have power. Also quit pinning over the girl. If you want her; go after her just stop acting like a hapless lovestruck idiot. You handed her your balls, men follow a King with balls!"
"I'm sorry but after you're escorting; which is a fancy way of saying kicking out my family and me out of the North because I dared to fall in love with Lady Arya, forbade any union between us; your actually urging me to go after her? That's it, I'm tired with the whole lot of you! You talk about intrigue and plots of the court but you're worse. We don't go and shout we have honor, while that is all I've ever heard 'honor this, honor that, upon my honor...' to hell with all your honor and I swear on the Seven that if someone else comes and tries to tell me how to live my own life I will punch the back to your precious wall!" Birds flew out of the tree branches startled by Gendry outburst.
"Now that's what I was looking for! We just have to get him out of the Red Keep and he'll be ok"- Nothing could be heard other than Lord Wyman's laugh. Gendry on the other hand was boiling.
"Settle down your grace. You too Wyman..."- Eddard said giving a quick glare at his friend.
"I will not discuss the whole mater with Arya. It's done... but Wyman is right. As a man you look helpless, as the future king you look weak"- Gendry winced "I am here to talk about your small council. Who are they?"- Eddard asked on.
"The same as they always have been. Baelish, Varys, Pycelle..."
"That is your father's small council, who's going to be yours?"-
"Well, I assumed they were. They been loyal to the crown, to my father haven't they?" It seemed it was the wrong answer as Lord Stark and Wyman shared a look.
"Contrary to what it seems the North as no intentions of declaring independence. We are a spoke on the wheel that needs to run smoothly. We want to guarantee that it does indeed that"- Eddard sat down and urged Gendry to follow suit which he did, he didn't know where the hell this conversation was heading.
"So when I become King... you want a spot in the small council?"
"Of course not, we're from the North, we stay in the North. We just want to make sure the right people are there to advice you, not whisper sweet things to your ears and tell you what to do"- Lord Wyman said, this time his joyful demeanor gone.
"Who do you trust Gendry?"- Lord Stark asked deadpanned.
"I trust Jon Arryn. Over the years Father has put more and more responsibilities upon his shoulders which he has managed to accept under such delicate position"
"So you should"- Lord Stark agreed. "Who else?"-
"Truthfully I don't see eye to eye with the rest of them. Possibly Varys but to certain extent."
"Well minus Jon; whom I trust implicitly I would not aid any one of the members of the small council. Varys is loyal to whoever's on the throne, Littlefinger is loyal only to himself and Pycelle is a lion is sheep's clothing. Your Grandfather arranged your new marrriage, he's to go to the capital... If Robert plans to step down as King once you've secured a wife and an heir, god forbid something happens to Jon; who do you think will be appointed as the Hand?"-
"But I wouldn't chose Tywin out of the blue. I would value my options but he's still my grandfather. Surely if someone want's me to succeed as King it would be him"
"His three children don't speak to him, Robert sent him back the second he could to his golden castle. You're at war boy and you don't even know it. The Lion is roaming the Stag which is an easy kill"-
"What war? You speak of war yet I have heard nothing of it!"
"You haven't been told about it, you haven't seen it. Do you care to take a closer look inside my cellars? We take care of our own your Grace, that's including our prisoners and lately they've been coming a lot from the South. Burglars with blood on their hands looking for a clean start and new places to scam."- Wyman said spitting to the ground in outrage.
"Arya has told me you've been kept out of all of this but you'll see. We're headed for the Riverlands, they're filled with outlaws that ravage villages out of sport. The Stormlands are the same, if anything Renly should use the army he's getting out of the marriage and clean the lands"- Both Lord Eddard and Manderly continued to tell him multiple examples of the dire state of the kingdom. Outlaws, raped women and children, burned down villages, sacked castles, stolen livestock, you name it. What indeed had his father done all these years?
"So you want my head out of the girl and on the realm. Unlike my father did after Lyanna's death..."
"You're a good lad Gendry... but my daughter? She's just too much for anybody, she can't sit in place for five seconds. It really is for the best. She demands a freedom that only you can give her by setting her free"-
"Aye... but if you don't want to marry this new girl you shouldn't have to. Specially if it means that you'll be laying in bed with Tywin"- Lord Wyman threw his two scents in as they all stood up ending the conversation. Back to the castle through the same corridor, no one talked specially Gendry who was silent pondering everything he had learned. If the small council had lied to him why should the northerners be so eager to tell him the truth? Yes, he trusted Lord Stark but he had been lied to enough, he needed to see with his own eye so he was going to save his thoughts for himself and wait to arrive to the Riverlands. There was another person he trusted but he would wait to see him face to face, it has been a while since they saw each other and he always was more of the radical sort.
They were finally back inside the castle when Lord Stark stopped them and drew out his sword Ice, it was official; Gendry was never letting his warhammer out of his sight. Minutes passed but none heard anything till a large white direwolf padded towards them. His nuzzled filled with blood that matched his eyes. It was Jon's wolf. What had Robert done now?
All three men ran after the wolf who led them strangely to Gendry's chambers. Jon stood rooted at the door.
"Are you alright Jon, are you ok?"- Eddard said inspecting Jon from head to toe who very calmly stood aside and gestured inside the room after saying that it wasn't his blood.
The room was a mess, clothes thrown everywhere, empty bottles of wine, blood splatter on the wall and on the bed a half naked dead woman.
JON POV:
White Arbor:
Five people stood inside the room, one dead body and a direwolf guarding the door. Lord Wyman trembled out of fear and out of rage, Lady Beatrice shocked at the scene, his uncle Eddard raking his brain as to what the hell happened and the Prince completely clueless watching possibly his first dead body in his life. Jon on the other hand was cool, calm and collected since death intrigued him, it always did. Robb sometimes accused him of being morbid but it was more than that, death was as magical just as life was, it was something otherworldly. What wasn't magical was how this poor girl met her end. She had bruises all over her body, her clothes were ripped and her throat was slashed.
"Whe have outside two armies of men waiting for just one word to rip the other's throat out. If we blame the Northerners the King will say it was an attempt on his son's life as retaliation for what happened with Jon. If we blame the Southerners the guest right would be the first thing to rise and nothing good comes from that option..."- Eddard said calm as ever. A huge contrast from the Prince who's heart Jon could hear loud and clear.
"Well I didn't kill her, then who did?"- He spoke trying to get a good look at the body but Eddard stopped him from going near the bed.
"I know you were with me at all times Lad but still. It's your room, it's your clothes, you could have killed her in multiples chances"- Lord Wyman said trying to squeeze wine out of his flask.
"He didn't do it..." Jon said looking around at every detail.
"And how you know? This is bad Ned, I won't allow this to go unnoticed under my roof"- Old Bea said hugging herself for strength, for the untrained eye it really was a gruesome scene.
"He smells too much" He said gesturing towards the Prince and then to own nose. Wolves scent "He has a very strong smell and it's not in the room"
"He's right, I didn't even come inside up until know. I bathed and dressed in my mother's bedchambers"- The Prince said earning a chuckle from Lord Wyman and a 'this is what I was saying about your mother'... whatever that meant.
"But the thing is there's also no scent at all. Nothing! Only the woman's, its as if someone staged to whole thing waiting for the Prince to come in and blame himself"
"That is my clothes..."- The Prince said gesturing toward his opened luggage but more specifically to a worn set of pants and shirt near the bed that were filled with blood. "But those? They washed away earlier on the lakeside were we camped before coming here. My uncles threw me into the lake and I had a quick bath, didn't care for the clothes really since I hadn't bathed in days."-
"And there's rips on them. The girl has defensive wounds on her hand. If we match the rips on the clothes Gendry's chest and arms would be filled with scratches"- Eddard said as on cue the Prince lifted his sleeves to his forearms and opened his top buttons. Nothing.
"So? Who framed who?"- Beatrice asked as nobody spoke. Both sides wanted war, Robert had a wounded pride and Robb had a chance to probe himself as leader but he couldn't given the order. He actually liked the Prince, so no... Robb would have aimed directly at the King.
"Oh Gods... the girl? She was at the banquet. She was the one serving me, constantly offering me wine. Everyone saw her"- The Prince said horrified but it was all starting to make sense.
The man was a walking bar up until that afternoon that apparently his own uncles sobered him up. Someone had paid the girl to keep Gendry drunk and seduce him. When all that failed they no doubt resorted to kill the girl making it look like he had done it. With everybody riled up they assumed that no one would ask questions and quickly draw swords but unluckily for them it was Jon who found the body and although the Prince wasn't exactly his favorite person he wasn't in favor of foul play... well, most of the time
"My Lord, what's the course of action?"- Lord Wyman asked to Eddard.
"This doesn't leave this room. Bea; does the girl have any relatives?"- Eddard asked.
"No, I... quite frankly I think it's the first time I've ever seen her."-
"She's probably a whore, more disposable" shrugged Jon.
"Disposable? How can you even talk like that? She was a human being!"- The Prince said appalled at Jon's aloofness at the situation.
"This noble human being tried to get you drunk first, she was going to die either way. Why don't you think about that for a while"
"ENOUGH!"- Eddard roared, now was not the time to bicker. "Whoever did this is expecting a reaction. Beatrice? Can you find staff trustworthy to clean this up?"-
"I think I can find a maid or two, I'll even help"-
"Good, the less people know the better. Jon? Not a word of this to Robb. Gendry? You as well"-
"And what about the body?"- The Prince gulped the Prince.
"We can dump her in the sea but we'd have to leave the castle, the less we're seen the better. I vote for the rats in the Wolf's Den, they haven't been fed in a while"- Wyman said as if he was actually looking forward to the espectacle.
"Then it's done, no one says a word and Gendry? After tomorrow you will ride with Jon, Robb and Arya; no one else. You can bring one of the kingsguard but that is all. We need to dwindle down our possibilities of finding the murderer."- The Prince just nodded to being surrounded by wolves. He trust us, interesting...
"I'd like to help with the body"- The Prince spoke. Jon saw a flare of approval in his uncle's eyes.
"Oh sweet boy, not is not the time to be a hero. Let me prepare another room for you so you can sleep all this off"-
"Hush Woman, I think it will be good for the boy. What do you think Ned?"- Wyman asked Eddard who in turn was looking straight at Gendry. After a while he just nodded and everyone went to do their part. Eddard back to the feast, Old Bea to try and clean up the room as best as she could because really the room was a mess, the job was for someone more thorough like Arya whom by the way was suspiciously absent, so was Nymeria.
Gendry and Jon held the body while Lord Wyman led the way back to the famous Wolf's Den. Another time he would have to see on his own the castle's cellars, including oubliettes and torture chambers for the rat-filled pits? Jon was going to have a good look close and personal.
"Here you go..."- The Prince dropped his end of the body as Lord Wyman opened the door and a truly horrible stench came out. It was a dark room with no light. The more Wyman stepped inside the more squeals were heard. Rats, hundreds of them huddled up in a hole deep enough to dwarf four grown men on top of each's shoulders. "Throw her in there, your shirts and jerkins included, you've got some blood on ya"-
They dropped the body and Jon began to undress following Wyman's orders to drop his clothes into the whole since apparently the rats would eat anything. He was already dressed in a large brown cloak when he turned around and saw the Prince still fully dressed, entranced looking down at the whole. He shook as Jon touched his shoulder.
"You need to be a little less impressionable if you're going to clean up the Kingdom"
"Clean up the kingdom?"- The Prince winced as a particularly hard bone was being crunched on. "I'm meant to be a king, not a butcher!"-
"All rulers are either butchers or meat... you best know that now..." Jon walked away.
...
Back inside the castle it was best if he headed straight to his chambers and took a bath but Jon really did have a nagging feeling about Arya. She always had an eye on the Prince, Jon found out about it when he took a glimpse inside of her head. Ghost was present, she could have easily seen everything yet she hadn't shown up. So he walked over to her bedchambers only to find Nymeria whining in front of her door. Jon didn't hesitate to kick the door down.
"ARYA!" He yelled, she was on the floor by the window shaking uncontrollably. Her eyes were white and she was babbling nonsense.
"ARYA PLEASE... Gods what can I do?" Jon screamed to however could hear him. By know Ghost and Nymeria were beside him howling in desperation, soon the whole castle would be in the room.
"Arry please..." Jon whispered this time hugging Arya as if to absorb whatever was overcoming her body, closing his eyes, trying to get inside of her mind, to at least be able to stop the shaking.
Snow and Ashes...
I can't breathe...
Where are you? Where are you?...
Snow, tainted red...
I love you...
I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry but I have to go...
I can't breathe...
I can't move, my stomach hurts...
I'm sorry I have to leave you...
Snow and Ashes...
I love you...
Silence...
Green eyes...
Jon snapped out of it, Arya was no longer shaking but she was knocked out cold and had a fever. Robb and the Prince were now in the room with worried faces asking him millions of questions. What the hell did he just see? Was his mind playing tricks on him?
Jon saw Arya die.
Hello FanficFriends!
Up and about with a new chapter that I hope you'll like.
Yes, I used GoT quotes so all the credit to the show writers.
Lady Beatrice and one of her sons; Wesley are my creation as Lord Manderly is a widow on the book and has two sons not three.
To all the people who are truly into details of the books? I'm sorry! I suck at details, specially at geography so if I take a turn to another place that isn't remotely close it's for the sake of the story.
Remember to review - follow and favorite :)
XOXO