Hey guys!

I'm sorry for the lack of updates, Winter has cometh in the shape of exams and a huge Thesis to write...

hope you enjoy this one, though it's not all happy and cheery...

btw, some of the lines in the dialogs here are "borrowed" from the song "Her Lies" by Asaf Avidan and the Mojos that somehow was stuck to my head for the last two days, thought i'll give him some credits.

hmmpf. Well, back to writing that fat useless Thesis.

Gendry

Gendry watched as the snow fell, covering the ground in a beautiful white carpet. The window glass was misted from his breath, making the view of the pine forest outside blurry. He squinted his eyes as he saw a grey stain emerge from the green blur. Gendry turned from the window to look at the little figure that sat of the floor.

"Daisy, I think they're back. Go and hide" He told his daughter. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement and within a second she was cradled to a ball behind the oak door, only a glimpse of her dark hair peeping out from her hiding place.

A moment passed and the door was opened slightly, the head of a giant direwolf peeping in. Nymeria entered the small cabin, two dead rabbits in her mouth. She went to the kitchen and placed her trophy on the table, then she came to Gendry and dropped her head on his leg, he scratched her ears dutifully. Another figure entered the house. Arya's dark hair was covered in snow; she had a basket full of various roots in one hand, and something that looked like a dead badger in the other. The minute she stepped into the kitchen she was attacked by the small child, who pounced on her shoulders and grabbed her neck. Arya dropped the basket and the badger and gripped the little girl holding her upside down by her feet. Nymeria left her comfortable place by Gendry and went to lick the girl all over her face, causing her to release hysterical giggles.

"I yield!" cried the little creature. Arya let the girl down, and the girl hugged her leg tightly. "I missed you momma" the girl said, and her mother kneeled down to hug her. Gendry looked lovingly at his wife and daughter, sighing in bliss, his life could not be better.

"We both did", he said warmly. Arya looked up and stared at him with her silver eyes.

"why do you keep seeing things that you know that can't exist", she told him.

And the room whirled around him, the snow disappeared and the rain came crashing on his face, he was near the inn and the small figure of a twelve year old Arya ran right through him. Harwin called after her and Lem snorted calling her a wild beast. Gendry started to run after her, calling her name, but the rain was too heavy. He thought he saw her there, curled against a tree, a big dog grabbed her and she yelled "stop it, you're hurting me!" Gendry tried to reach her, to save her, but suddenly the forest was on fire and a great beast descended on Arya's little form. She reached her hand and the dragon picked her up and flied with her laughing, away, far away from Gendry. He went to the place where she was sitting just a moment ago and found their daughter, her hair now silvery blond, her eyes silver pools, and she was covered in blood and clutching Needle.

0o0o00o0o0o0o0o0o

Gendry awoke with a jerk and saw a snobby looking youth standing by his bed.

"The queen demands you presence, Ser Gendry", Gendry groaned and got up. Yet Another day of false courtesies and empty compliments. He couldn't wait to travel again, travel north, with Arya. Just like old times.

He walked through the castle, grabbing a small breakfast from the kitchens, not wanting to talk to anyone this morning. He has been having strange dreams lately, and he had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He crossed the practice yard and looked at the new recruits for their journey north, it seemed like there are going to be more than a thousand men, Arya would probably complain about the slow pace that they are going to face. If the gods are good, she will be impatient and drag him with her to walk at her own pace, and they could travel together, just the two of them.

When he reached the main hall he was introduced as Ser Gendry of house Baratheon. That sounded odd, since they got back to King's Landing the people at court always referred to him as Lord Baratheon.

Queen Deanerys greeted him warmly. On her left side sat Aegon, who looked very annoyed and uncomfortable, and he wouldn't meet Gendry's gaze. On her right sat Arya's brother Jon, he too looked angry and somewhat bored. Gendry became uneasy, Jon and Aegon were his allies, if they won't meet his gaze it seems that they are about to give him bad news, are they going to delegitimize him? Are they going to declare him a traitor? What was going on?

"Ser Gendry", the queen said in a too warm voice, making Gendry even more anxious, "you're a good and honest man, and so I would be blunt with you, no sweet talking, and I hope you'll understand. I'm afraid the position that was promised to you as the lord of Storm's End is no longer available. We have reached an agreement with the inhabitants of Storm's End and the Baratheons' bannermen about the identity of the heir of the Storm Lands", she stood up and beckoned someone to approach her. The man came to stand in front of Gendry and Gendry's eyes widened in astonishment. before him stood a young man who looked almost identical to him. His ears were larger, and he was a bit smaller that Gendry, but the structure of their face and body was the same, Gendry felt like he was staring into his own eyes. The man before him was more confident, he stood straight emanating power, "Edric Baratheon" the man said in a voice like his own, a perfect smile gracing his face, he clasped Gendry's arm, "nice to finally meet you, brother", Gendry was speechless, he turned his gaze back to the queen, she gave him a sad smile, "Edric was trained all his life as a highborn. He is well loved in Storm's End. My nephew says that you are a good warrior with a loyal heart, Ser Gendry, you should go with your brother and help him protect the storm lands. You can also stay here and be on my personal guard".

Gendry looked back at his newfound brother, still smiling at him and clasping him arm tightly. His gaze then traveled to Jon whose face was unreadable and finally he looked at Aegon. The royal prince didn't even have the decency of looking him in the eye. Gendry felt his face flush in anger, his hands curled into tight fists. He inhaled deeply and exhaled noisily through his nose, like a feverish bull. From the high lord of Storm's End, he was just degraded to a common sell sword. He let his fierce stare burn into Aegon, "You pulled me out of my home, where I was loved and valued and 50 orphans depend on me. You took me away from the people I knew and the work that I loved. You gave me false hope of becoming something I never thought I can be, you gave me a little bit of pride in myself, and now you're taking it all away. Is this what you call justice, your grace? " Aegon looked up and met his gaze, the usually smug and confident prince turned as red as his garment, the queen looked at him worriedly.

"You will be compensated, Gendry", Aegon said in a choked voice. Well at least he had the decency to feel somewhat ashamed; Though Gendry did not expect him to look so miserable. Maybe there was something more that they weren't telling him, but what else they can do to him?

"Is there anything you would like as compensation, Ser Gendry? Maybe some lands? Or an amount of money to open your own forge?" the queen asked sweetly, Jon was shaking his head slowly, he knew what Gendry felt.

Gendry lowered his head in defeat. He didn't want lands, or money, or to be in the royal guard. He didn't even want to be a lord, he only ever agreed to it because he thought it might give him a chance to…

"There is one thing that I want" he said suddenly, and earned a smile from the queen and a hopeful look from Aegon, Gendry turned his gaze to Aegon when he said, "I want Arya Stark to be my wife". Aegon's look turned to a frown, he grabbed tightly to his sit. Jon brought his head to his hands and the queen just sighed sadly.

"Unfortunately, Ser Gendry, thist is the one thing I cannot give you. Lady Arya was promised that she would choose her own match. Though, your request for a suitable match is quite reasonable. May I suggest other ladies? Maybe Arianne of Dorne, she is similar to Arya in her character, or maybe the Lady Ann of Beesbury…" and the queen kept rambling, suggesting more girls as his match, like any of them agree to be married the blacksmith bastard who wasn't good enough to rule on his own. He averted his eyes to Jon who gave him an apologetic look, and then turned around and stalked out of the hall, ignoring the queen's calls.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Gendry, wait!" a voice called behind him as he left the Red Keep. Gendry didn't care, and he hurried his pace. The man ran to him and stood before him, panting heavily. So maybe Edric Baratheon wasn't so perfect after all, if he won't get in shape, maybe he'll end up fat and ugly like his father.

"What do you want?" Gendry spat at him. Edric caught his breath quickly and gave Gendry a half smile. "I wanted to make you an offer". Gendry was intrigued, and raised one eyebrow in question. Edric took that as a sign to continue, "I can see that you're upset, so I'll make it short. We're family and family stick together. I don't think what they did to you back there was fair, I want you to come with me to the storm lands, you'll be my right hand, we'll rule together, you'll be my counsel and my support. Baratheons should stick together".

Gendry was surprised, this new brother of his didn't know him and now he wanted him to be his trusted friend? "Why? You just met me. What makes you think I'm worth anything?" Edric smiled at him, and it looked familiar and safe. "Because you're my blood, and I always wanted a brother. You and I, we are the last Baratheon males; we need to look after each other. As for you character, both Prince Jon and Prince Aegon vouched for you. Don't you want a home of your own, Gendry?"

So there it was, the mighty princes told Edric to take Gendry with him so they can get rid of this nuisance. Gendry was tempted to just go with him, he always wanted a family of his own, and a place he could call home. But he didn't want this stranger, he wanted something else.

"Thank you, Edric, you are too kind. But I have prior obligations." He told his brother.

"The Stark girl?" Edric asked, nodding slowly.

"Yes"

Edric looked at him, puzzled. "You know, our father was in love with a Stark girl, he went to war for her. But she chose a Targaryen and they both died. Our father was left alone and miserable for the rest of his life. Starks and Baratheons don't belong together; it'll bring you nothing but pain". Edric searched Gendrys eyes for something and it looked as if he didn't find what he wanted, he sighed deeply and clapped Gendry's shoulder. "As you will, brother. Know that my offer still stands. You are always welcome at Storm's End". Gendry nodded to him, and Edric gave him a warm smile and left him there.

Gendry closed his eyes; can this day get any worse? He thought about what happened at court and remembered the queen's words. She said that Arya was promised that she can choose her own match, but the queen never said that it can't be him, only that Arya needed to agree. Arya never wanted to become a high lady, maybe what he has to offer her now will be even better than before.

He had to find her.

He searched everywhere. The king's woods, the stables, the practice yard, her room, the red keep. He even went down town and to the piers, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Then he remembered her talking about the godswood. She said that she didn't believe in the old gods anymore, but maybe… yes! She had to be there.

It was high noon when he got to the godswood, and as he stepped closer he heard voices. He recognized Aegon's voice and he decided to hide as he came closer to the voices. He crouched behind a big bush and watched.

There was a huge white tree in the middle of a small clearing, it had red leaves and a sad face was carved on it, it looked like it was weeping blood. In front of the tree he saw Arya. She was wearing a simple gown of white and silver, trimmed with grey fur, on her head was a delicate circlet of white daisies. She was smiling and looking at the man beside her, her hand connected to his. Aegon towered above her, wearing his red and gold garment, his silky silvery hair shining in the sunlight. Around them stood five people in a half circle, Gendry could only see their back but he could guess that it was the queen, Jon, Connington, Barristan Selmy and Varys. Gendry gulped and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. The couple turned to face each other, smiling, and said something in soft voices. Aegon stroked her cheek lightly and leaned down to kiss her. She leaped at him enthusiastically and the small crowd clapped.

Gendry could hear his heart break. She chose him. She gave herself to Aegon. And she didn't even bother to inform Gendry of that choice, she just led him on and… it hurt so much.

A hushed "no" escaped his lips, and he hoped that nobody had noticed, he was clearly not wanted here. Jon turned to look in his direction, and recognized him; he gave him a long sympathetic look, and then turned back.

Gendry had to get out of there; he stumbled his way through the woods, when he suddenly came to a realization that he can't see where he is going. Tears blurred his sight. He collapsed next to one of those white trees, and closed his eyes tightly, trying to hold the tears. He felt warmth against his arm and opened his eyes to a slit. Nymeria was rubbing her huge head against his arm, making him lift it and pet her. He hugged her head close, never wanting to let go, the grey fur reminding him of his love's eyes. and he wept, her soft fur muffling his heart wrecking sobs.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

He wondered the city streets all morning. The dragons soared above the city skies flying to battle, and he wished that he could shoot every single one of them down and trample their proud figure under his feet. She probably kissed her husband goodbye.

He didn't know where he was going, and he wandered on, far away from where she was.

His legs brought him to a familiar street. The smell of fire and metal was strong and he turned to walk into Tobho Mott's shop. He wondered if his old master was still there. He saw a familiar broad back turned to him and it brought a small smile to his lips.

"Excuse me?" he asked quietly. The big man stopped his work and turned his head to him.

"Get out ser, we don't take any more orders, we're full for the coming war. Queen's orders. Get your tourney sword somewhere else."

"Not even for an old useless apprentice?" Gendry asked, wearing his most stubborn stare. the master armourer stopped his hammering and turned to face him. He looked him up and down, squinted, opened his mouth and closed it. He rubbed his chin, then his head, and then his mouth fell open and his eyes widened. "It can't be" he mumbled, "Gendry, my boy?", when Gendry nodded the bulky man wrapped him in his strong arms, and squeezed him tight.

"I can't believe it! I can't… I thought they got you, boy! I thought that wretched queen got my boy and I'll never see him again! My boy! My boy!" he leaned back and Gendry could see tears in the old man's eyes. "Look at you! You're a man now. You made something out of yourself".

They sat down and talked about a hundred different things. Gendry was so comfortable here. This was his place. This is where he belonged. With the honesty of the fire and the steel and the anvils. Not in the world of hierocracy and false courtesies and puffy shirts.

"Would you let me work here for a while?" he asked his old master, hope filling his eyes. The man looked lovingly at him and nodded. "I sure can use some help."

Then it was just him and his work, and he was calm and peaceful and relaxed. At first, he kept imagine that the metal bore Aegon's smug face and he hammered at it joyfully, but after an hour or two he got into his usual trance and he was dead to the world.

He didn't even notice that it was dark outside until he heard Master Mott shout his name. He shook his head and stretched his arms. It was so good working again. He went to see his master, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Master Mott turned to face him. "You have a visitor, Gendry". The big man moved aside to reveal a tall lean figure behind him, wrapped in a grey coat. "You've worked enough for today, boy. You should get some rest", and with that he disappeared into the back room. Gendry turned to his visitor.

"Since when do you work with your shirt on?" she asked him, revealing her beautiful face, she smirked wolfishly. Of course it had to be her, she just couldn't leave him be.

"Don't you have somewhere else you've got to be?" he looked angrily at her. Why did she had to torture him?

"I looked everywhere for you"

"Well, you've found me, m'lady, good for you. Now leave me alone".

"Jon told me you were there… Gendry", she made a move to take his hand and he shoved her away from him, a little too strongly. He heard her crashing to the wall and he fought the urge to run to her and check if she was alright. She is a big girl now; she can take care of herself. She definitely doesn't need him. He didn't even turn to look at her. There was desperation in her voice when she whispered "Gendry…"

"I said go away, m'lady. Let me live my life in peace." There was silence, and he thought she would actually leave. But then, he knew her better than that. She came from behind him and hugged him gently, he couldn't resist her touch, she smelled like winter.

"I'm sorry for not telling you. You deserved to know first. I'm a stupid vicious wench. And I'm sorry". She let go of him and stepped back.

He wanted to yell at her, he wanted to shake her and throw her out of the forge, and his life. But when he saw her big eyes filling with tears that she didn't dare shed, his anger melted away and a great sadness engulfed him. He looked away from her.

"I saw our future. We were happy and content, living free beyond the wall with Nymeria, and we didn't have a care in the world. We were so happy", he started playing with a horse shoe he found on one of the tables.

"Gendry, look at me" she commanded, and he did as she said.

"If you insist" he said, drowning in the silver pools of her eyes. Sometimes in his dreams, their daughter would have the same grey eyes.

"Why do you keep seeing things you know that can't exist?" she asked him quietly, like in his dream.

"Arya, I love you. What can I do? I'll probably love you till the day I die".

She sighed and closed her eyes, and he felt weak and used. You're pathetic,waters. How many times does she have to tell you that she doesn't want you? He sat down heavily on a chair. She came to him and hugged him to her, his head rested in her bosom. It felt nice, it felt safe, and it felt right. She was torturing him.

"You're my best friend. You know me more than anyone, you understand me and you are the only person alive that I will trust completely. Well, you and Jon. You two are my family, my pack. I will never trust Sansa, I don't know who is the Rickon I'm going to meet in winterfell and I have no idea if Bran is even alive. I will always love you as a brother, Gendry. You are more a family to me than anyone else, even Jon. I love Aegon, and I want him as my husband, but if that means losing you, my soul, I will leave him and stay as I am forever."

I don't want to be your fucking brother! He wanted to shout at her, it seems like I gained a whole new family in the last couple of days, so why do I feel so alone? How was he supposed to trust her ever again?

"You should go with your heart's desire" he told her sadly. He knew that that was what she wanted to hear. How can she even ask this of him? She was cruel and selfish, but he had learnt a long time ago that he would rather see her married to another man than be separated from her. Gendry hated himself for being so weak. He knew he deserved better than this. The problem was that there was nothing better than Arya Stark.

"I want to take you with me everywhere, will you still come?" she asked him as if she didn't know the answer.

"Alright Arya, take me everywhere. Take me through the day and through the night, I would follow." She looked at him surprised by his easy surrender. She searched his face and he lowered his gaze to the floor. He will join her in battle, and if the gods are good he will die protecting her, and maybe one day she would tell her royal children of the brave Ser Gendry, her stupid loyal bull. She can be happy with her prince and he will wait for the night to fall, and his dreams will be filled with her laughter and her love. Only his dreams.

"Are you serious?" she asked, bewildered, Gendry knew that she didn't expect to get off with him that easily. But he was broken and hollow, and he didn't care.

"You can have me", though I will never have you.