Author's Note: Alright, so I am posting this chapter a few hours early, A. because I am compensating for my missing my last update and B. because I recently read a fanfic about Arya/Gendry called the The Reluctant Bride and the author is flipping amazing! Go read it! But back to my original point, I read her story and then I realized how small/short my own chapters are and feel the need to OVER compensate! I seriously have no clue why you few readers still faithfully read my baby fic! But I thank you! So enjoy the chapter and more babble at the bottom!
The sun was just coming up as Arya splashed water on her face. She truly had been away from the north for far too long. The cool air moving through her lungs made Arya feel right at home. Nymeria clearly had no issue with their journey either. The direwolf came and went as she pleased but was happier when running through the glass forests. There times when Arya felt as if she were running with Nymeria in her dreams. They had but half a day's walk left and Arya wanted to get an early start. Bran was expecting them for his wedding in the morning but also for the grand feast the night before.
It constantly amazed Arya how much everyone she once knew had grown and changed. Her siblings were like amplified versions of the Starks Arya remembered. Sansa was still prim, proper, and shielded but something new gleamed in her blue eyes and almost a sadness showed behind the gleam. Sansa still disapproved of Arya's riding leathers and her carrying a sword. Arya smiled to herself as she remembered her auburn haired sister's attempt to get Arya into a dress before Septa Mordane caught her in muddy boots.
"Enjoying the scenery I see." Jon said as he knelt beside his significantly smaller sister. Arya turned her head to look about. Mountains, whose peaks were covered in clouds that seemed as fluffy as the potatoes served at the great feasts, lined the skyline. Late winter snow sat on everything green and glassy ice lined the river.
"I haven't exactly been North in, quite a while it would seem. I think I am entitled to a moment or two with my land." she finished, rising from her spot in the dirt. Being here gave faded memories some colour again. The blur is still there, but this time, so is the light.
Jon filled his canteen and then stood as well, being sure to dust off his trousers. "The camp is all packed and ready to go! You also forgot to let Robb ride with you last night and he's asking for you." her brother finished with a laugh. Arya gave him a nudge and then called to Nymeria to be on their way.
"Strange is it not? The boy looks like his father but had Robb's curly hair. The poor thing even got Catelyn's colouring."Jon stated as they approached the now picked up camp. The only thing remaining was the smoke from the fire that done its job and kept the group warm for the night. Most of the caravan had gone their separate ways by now, so only one fire was needed. Much to the pleasure of those who had called the wood all night.
"I wish you had a better relationship with Cat, Jon. Most of the time, I knew what it was like to not be in the lady's good graces but we never had the enmity between us you did. Unfortunately most of my memory is wiped so, I could be completely wrong." Arya said as she untied her horse. Before mounting she gave out a wry laugh. "If only our Lady Mother could see me now. I nearly killed the king of Westeros!" she finished, laughing even harder than before.
The siblings exchanged a small nod and Arya focused all her attention on her nephew. Robb was to sit with her the rest of the way to Winterfell and Arya found herself regretting the agreement. Robb needed constant supervision and every time Arya would run her hand playfully through the young boy's hair, her very soul ached. What was worse was Arya hadn't the slightest idea why.
Since leaving the protection of the House of Black and White, Arya's nightmares returned with a vengeance. Though she loved being up here again, the old gods of the north seemed to worsen her night terrors just for sport. Arya tried to sleep at the edge of the camp but from the look Sansa gave her come daylight, Arya's plan seemed to do little to keep from disturbing the other travelers.
After a few hours, their caravan started up a hill that seemed oddly familiar. It wasn't until they reached it's tip that Arya knew why. Miles off was a castle that jogged so many memories, Ayra thought lost. The stones were lighter where the towers had been rebuilt by Bran but her brother had made sure the reconstruction looked exactly as it did prior attack. A few trees were out of lace and there seemed many more people at the gate than Arya remembered but it was still Winterfell. It was still home.
Not wanting to contain her excitement, Arya rode with Robb to Sansa. Arya returned the small child to his mother. The moment Robb was safe in Sansa's arms, Arya galloped full speed toward the gray castle and after walking all morning, the copper mare minded not. Everything around seemed full of life despite the white that covered the barren tree's.
When Arya reached the gate, she saw a fully matured Bran and a young boy with ginger hair she assumed to be Rickon. Arya slowed her horse and watched as Nymeria tackled Rickon, and Arya finished dismounting her now tired horse. "Look how you've grown!" she yelled throwing her arms around her Bran's neck snd sitting on her brother's lap in his chair with wheels.
Arya had forgotten Bran was crippled now. How did she forget her own brother's legs rebelled against his body Arya heard the Kindly Man's voice in her ear telling her that her father's execution never happened, and she fought hard to keep the bad memories off. Arya felt a pang of regret. Here she was running to her brother's arms expecting him to stand so their embrace would be equal and Bran would never stand on his own again.
"You look well, horseface." Bran teased. Arya gave him a small slap and watched her bother's hand motion to his companions. "You remember Hodor, and this is Osha, Meera, and Jojen. They accompanied me on my journey beyond the Wall." he finished.
That statement took Arya a minute to ger her head around. Bran, her little brother, who got scared just hearing Old Nan's story's went north of the Wall. "A brave bunch indeed, I'm Arya." she paused rising, "And this handsome young fellow must be baby Rickon." Arya said crouching to the boy's height. Rickon smiled, then he proceeded to run off shyly, Shaggydog trailing behind him.
"And where is your bride to be Lord Stark?" Arya questioned turning back around to face Bran. THe young wolf simply smiled and his friend, Jojen, answered in Bran's stead." It is bad omen to see the bride the night before the wedding." The boy informed.
Jojen's sister, Meera, shifted uncomfortably where she stood and adverted her gaze from Bran quickly, so not quick that Arya could not catch it. Bran asked where the others were and Arya explained her haste to arrive and leave them behind. Bran nodded his head and ordered Meera to show Arya back to her old chambers. "I think I can find my own way, Bran." Arya protested and dismissed the girl with a strange trident strapped to her back.
"I do what Lord Stark tells me, milady. I'll walk behind you if you prefer but I will escort you to your quarters." Meera confronted. Arya was taken aback by he girls boldness but continued to her destination.
The outside of Winterfell looked the same, but the inside seemed newly decorated and Arya had to admit she was unsure of where to go. She glanced at the trident girl for direction and Meera pointed left. The further up they went, the more familiar the furnishings appeared. Finally, Arya saw the door, Unsure if it was indeed the one, Arya looked once to more to Meera, who remained stone quiet the entire time, received a half smile and Arya opened the door.
Her room looked like she had never left. All the tapestry's, wood, and torches looked identical tot he ones in Arya's memory. She approached the covered window to view her home at a better vantage point. Though the landscape was gorgeous, Arya found herself feeling sad. The past grief attempted to come for a visit but Arya refused it's entry. Staying in Winterfell was going to be more difficult than Arya initially evaluated.
Note: Arya's home and I know exactly what I want to do in the next few chapters so I'm stoked! One of you lovely readers messaged me and asked when a "naughty" scene was coming up and honestly I don't know if there will be one and if there is, it won't go into great detail simply because I am a virgin? Possible TMI and I'm sorry! But I am and I don't think I could write about that stuff accurately! So, yeah! Sorry to disappoint you guys because I love you all! Because you read my, bored procrastination storys! Well 'till next week!