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Her Husband announced Lord Robert and his court were coming to the Eyrie for three months during a meal around a year after the tourney. Arya was not sure why Jon was so happy to see the well-known brute– probably because of Robert being his ward– but immediately the court began to talk about what Robert's reaction to Arya would be. It was known that the Baratheons still hated Rhaegar and were insulted Lyanna never picked Robert. The unwed daughters of the Lords of the Vale were whispering something about the Baratheon boys, but Arya did not bother trying to hear; she was an unhappily married women, and didn't have time to gossip especially when boys were involved. Jon had gotten weirdly possessive of her.

"I have heard Stannis's son Gendry is handsome," Shae said as she braided Arya's hair, earning a sharp look from Arya. "And they say Joffrey is pretty as well. Though I have always preferred a strong man to a pretty little boy."

Arya gives her a smirk knowing she spoke of Bronn, Shae's cheeks flushing pink. At five-and-ten, everyone said Arya had become a more handsome woman; Arya tried not to feel jealous of the love Shae had, but it was hard sometimes when hearing everyone around her seemed to get the love that they wanted. Sansa was the beautiful one, she actually wanted to wed a prince and of course did.

"Flirting with boys my age," Arya sighed. "It has been so long since I have done anything of the sort. When I lived with my Uncle the young Lords of the North called me Horse face."

Arya thought of Robb's wedding to Meera Reed a year earlier. When the news had been sent to the Eyrie Bran had smashed a chair. He took off riding alone. Three days later he turned up at the bloody gate covered in blood. She hadn't been able to attend because she had been pregnant again. Her second child was named Nymeria. She was beautiful with fair hair and blue eyes. Jon had not come to see his daughter at all. He had only sent a message that said Not enough.

They had gathered in the courtyard of the Eyrie. Now Ser Brandon Stark of the Eyrie stood by his sisters side by side. Jon sat in a chair nearby. He could no longer stand on his own but he somehow found his way to her bed each night. He now had to have a knight help him. She would stare up into the knights eyes. The young men no longer looked into her eyes as she passed.

As a cool breeze scattered her hair, she declared, "I wish I hadn't been the daughter of a lord."

She turned to meet Bran's gaze. "Then maybe I would have gotten to live as some old maid.. I hate it here more than ever."

The only reason her husband married her was so she could be a brood mare. He was dying and needed her. The most important thing for her now was to make sure that her children and her brother would be secure. She had already begun to talk to the nobles from around the Vale about regency and who would be in control. She knew that if she was appointed regent she could raise her children and she would never marry again.

She wore an Arryn blue dress that was loose as her baby had only been born months earlier she had a necklace that was given to her by her brother that had a wolf engraved. Her long hair was in ringlets, the wind tumbled from its braid, and she was smiling as a good Lady did.

It was quite cool that day, and Arya could feel the breeze slip through her hair, in the mid day sun that hit her she could see the faint glimmerings of the Stag Banners; Arya saw the Baratheon standards as she pilling into the courtyard and she knew she was going to entertain these people even though she was still recovering from her pregnancy. Clutching Bran, Arya attempted to greet the Lords with as much dignity as she could manage, her back positively screaming in pain.

"Be careful sister!" Bran cried as she almost fell. "If you need to leave make sure you tell me, alright?"

"I'll be fine," she grunted, hanging on tighter. "When will these idiots get out here?"

"I heard the Lady Cersei likes to make grand entrances."

Arya silently groaned as she began to hobble. She headed towards the carriage she felt an uneasiness. She did not know if she could host a grand lady, she could barely host her cousin who she hated. There were two carriages, one looking quit old and unfurnished of and the other was made with gold rims and intricate patterns of lions. The older carriage opened and the most handsome boy she had ever seen stepped out.

He looked to be around her own age, he had broad shoulders; his hair was black and and his eyes were bright blue. Arya knew he must be Gendry, but, as she was the wife of Jon Arryn she held her breath and did not meet his eyes, Arya suspected he was some kind of womanizer as he was related to Robert.

"Welcome to the Vale my Lord. I offer you the hospitality of house Arryn and hope that you enjoy your stay with us at the Eyrie," she offered after a moment. He stared at her for a second before saying, "Ahh- Uhm Lady A-arryn it-it is an honor, no a pleasure to be here and uhm-"

"May I honor you by introducing" she cut in, wobbling a bit as she tittered. Bracing her hand against her brother, she said, "My brother Ser Brandon Stark of the Eyrie."

"Brandon" he echoed, confusion took over his face before realization dawned. "You mean Bran? We squired together under the Blackfish- I mean Ser Brynden Tully, I didn't know that he was staying with you… I assumed he would go back to the North,"

Bran came up beside her and grasped Gendry's arm "Yes, I'm here not freezing my fuckin' balls off in the north you Baratheon bastard!"

"For the love of the old gods and the new," Arya groaned, and Bran laughed, an almost feral howl. With a sigh she said, "Can I trust you to not ruin the ceremony because you returned to your old friend?"

"On my family's honor," he swore. Bran rolled his eyes at Gendry's seriousness. "And how will you do that? You'll be standing with me,"

Arya pretended she did not hear the friends banter. Jon was already worried she could not handle hosting. She stepped back up towards the second, prettier carriage. A beautifully aged woman stepped out along side a fat older man. They were odd and seemed to unsuited for each other.

"Ugh Robert this place smells of horse shit." She had heard that the Lady Cersei was abrasive but she thought that maybe it would have been a little less on the nose, and she had not expected it so early, She stepped up to the front and tried to greet the woman who had exited the carriage. "It is an honor to meet you Lady Cers- "

"Yes yes, thank you for greeting us." She looked slightly annoyed, following her were three golden haired heirs. The tallest was slight in his build. He had green eyes that seemed to mimic his mother. The girl seemed quite unsure of what was going on. The younger boy smiled at her while holding a cat. Robert only grunted. Cersei looked around and added, "How quaint."

"I offer you the finest rooms that we have. Ronnel's tower is spacious and built for the Queen of the Mountain and the Vale,"

"Really? Its over three hundred years old? How repulsive. I suppose it'll have to do."

Arya opened her mouth to reply but shut it as she knew that whatever she said would not help the situation; she motioned for one of her ladies in waiting to lead the family. She looked to Brand and Gendry who seemed to be laughing about an old joke. Sometimes she wished for a friend that was not her family, but she knew that they would disappoint her, like the rest.

ASASASAS

She scoffed. "This might be the most atrocious feast I've ever been too."

Gendry smiled down at her, she couldn't tell why but she felt something when he did. "I think my aunt won't be happy as Robert tries to make the eight again."

Arya was confused, she had never heard of the phrase 'make the eight'. As soon as Gendry said it his cheeks went red, "Oh my Lady I-no-that well…" Waiting until the boy stopped stuttering, Arya said, "Gendry, what is making the eight? I have never heard of such a thing."

The boy's smile became a grin. "Well my lady it is not a topic that comes up in polite conversation." He leaned in getting close enough that she could feel his breath, he quipped, "I shall tell you if you ask nicely, Lady Arya."

Arya smirked and said, "No need Bran is coming right now so I can just ask him," Gendry paled and began to stutter and Arya let out a cackle. Bran sat beside them and looked at both before asking Arya if she had broken his friend. She just smiled. Gendry looked at her with fear in his eyes as she was talking to her brother.

The three then went up towards the head table. A spot beside Cersei was for Arya while Bran had a spot beside the Imp. Robert and Jon sat beside each other. She curtsied crudely to her husband and Robert.

Robert laughed, his large belly jiggling. "It seems you've got some of Ned in ya, aint ya girl?"

Her lord husband smiled frostily but Arya was certain he did not want to speak of her father, she knew from experience that it was not a subject he enjoyed as she saw the pain in his eyes. Robert was in the middle of telling the story of when he first met her father. Arya's eyes widened as she saw Gendry making faces at her. He smiled at her, amusement present on his face, and Arya wished she could walk up to Gendry Baratheon and smack him right in the mouth. just a stupid prince playing a trick. Arya tried not to look at his handsome face but she soon could feel herself smiling. She rushed to her seat beside Cersei. Cersei gave her a bored look and seemed to turn her nose up at the food.

"So, Lady Arya how has it been in the Eryie?" Cersei said without looking at her. Arya smiled indulgently from her place. Arya watched as Cersei pushed the food around her plate without taking a bite, and she literally bit her tongue to keep from asking Cersei if she needed to be spoon fed, knowing it would only become a nasty battle of words. "The last time I saw you was your cousin's wedding. Such a lovely little dove. Of course she has become pregnant has she not? You must be so proud that the.. Starks have become so prominent in the realm."

"Yes, it is such an… honor to have such a position in the Eryie." Arya replied.

"Your cousin marries the most handsome prince" Cersei continued, her voice as soft butter but what she was saying was as sharp as a knife. "But you have to marry Jon Arryn. You must have been so, happy."

Arya shut her eyes, as she felt the tears come to her eyes. When she opened them she could see the first emotion that wasn't anger or annoyance on Cersei's face, pity.

"I was just like your cousin you know? My father promised me that I would be Queen but alas Elia Martell stole him and then your Aunt took him again. Robert was promised to your Aunt and of course now here I am. Married to a man who is still in love with a girl who would rather be hated by everyone than marry him."

"It may seem as if it will never get better" Cersei gently patted her shoulder, "but Jon Arryn will not live for much longer, and then- it can all be yours. Men may seem to have the power. Raise your son to love you above all others and you will be able to control him."

Arya could not contain herself anymore. "I pray for his death every night. He comes to me every night. He still says that it isn't enough. My son who hasn't even reached his third year has to watch me cry because of that monster."

Cersei's green eyes filled with disgust. "When I married Robert he was quite handsome. Gendry reminds me of him. The first time he mounted me he called her name."

Arya hoped that her husband would leave, and then she'd never have to see him ever again.

ASASASAS

She had been feeding Nymeria when Gendry had walked into her sitting room. He looked down at her exposed breast and turned bright red.

"What can I do for me Ser Gendry? I hope you have a reason for entering my private tower." He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked more like a Tully with his jaw hanging like a trout.

"I am sorry for disturbing you my Lady, "Gendry pointed to Nymeria, who nestled her breast, "What's her name?"

"Nymeria." Handing her daughter off to Shae and walking out of the door into the courtyard with him, she asked, "I don't understand why you are here Gendry."

"Because you might be the most interesting Lady I have ever met." Gendry met her gaze unwaveringly. "I have never met someone like you. All of the women in the Stormlands and the only one similar to you is Brienne of Tarth and she is not nearly as pretty."

"I'm not pretty. I never wanted to be a lady."

"I was told you would entertain me this afternoon." He reached over, taking hold of two wooden sword, "Do you often practice with swords?"

Arya felt defensiveness rising in her chest. "What would you like me to beat you up? Or prove your manhood?"

Gendry blinked in surprise at the aggressiveness in her voice. "No, I..." Sighing, , "Are you angered by the mere presence of me?"

Recoiling, she snapped, "I am quite sorry, my lord, for not being ladylike for you."

"No my lady I like you the way you are. You are beautiful and-"

"I am a married woman you cannot say these things to me!"

Arya was filled with irritation after a day of walking about with Gendry. When she stepped out into the yard with Gendry she could see Bran sparing. While there were no women present, Arya sat upon a bench to watch the boys spar; Bran bested the Joffrey easily before going to disarm two members of the Royce family. Arya idly noted Gendry made no move to fight her brother, even when Bran had his back turned to him; he made his way towards Ser Estermont, and Arya dimly recalled that they were cousins.

When Bran and Gendry began to cross swords, Bran was quite clearly better with his sword than Gendry, Arya found Gendry was much stronger, a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and Arya found herself wondering what he would look like without his breeches,. The fight continued with Gendry smashing his sword atop Bran's shield. Finally Gendry smashed Bran's shield hard enough that it shattered.

The fight ended when Bran yielded after another brutal 10 minutes of combat. They both were sweating as they walked towards Arya. She clapped and stood as Bran Collapsed on the bench.

Arya nodded. She was not sure why she patted Gendry's head awkwardly, "You faired quite well Gendry. You may be one of the best swordsmen in the realm," but Gendry did not seem to judge her for her awkwardness. In fact he seemed quite happy from the attention. Arya knew everyone thought that, because she had married well, she was somehow happier with her life, but of course that was the opposite of reality. Because of who she married she was filled with dread. He offered her his arm.

"I was close to breaking but your brother relented," Gendry revealed, his eyes following Bran as he put away his sword and armor. "Your brother let me win. He always felt bad for me. My father never wrote. Bran tried to cheer me up. We were the only foreign wards in Riverrun. Though he was lucky he always had your letters."

Arya understood what Gendry just confessed to her was something deeply personal. Arya turned red and revealed, "After my brother left I had no one in Winterfell. My cousin Sansa would frequently remind me how few friends in the world that I really had. Every time that I felt that I had no one to turn to I would write to Bran,"

Gendry's laugh was pleasant, it was like a calm stream compared to the rapid river of his Uncle Robert. "I think that you are much better company than any lady that I have met in the past."

"If that were true, I wouldn't have spent all morning alone with no one to talk to in my room." Fidgeting with her skirts, she ventured, "You are as well great company to have. There aren't many that see my brother and I as friends."

"I do."

"That must be why so many think you're odd."

ASASASASAS

The friendship that Gendry and Arya had began to grow over the following month. They spent most of their days together. Gendry even took Rickard and Nymeria with them to many mid day picnics. She pictured a life married to Gendry away from the Eyrie. On a prominent feast night about half way through the visit Arya's life changed forever.

The feast had been going on for quite a while, people eating and dancing together, Arya sat with her son who kept trying to get up to walk. His stubby legs were not quite at full strength and would wobble and she would have to grab him. Nymeria was in her quarters with Shae. Bran was staying at their table but at the sight of Lady Hunter and her young daughter he stood to flee.

"If you will excuse me, my sweet sister," he said, "I have to leave before I am proposed to."

At least the girls are pretty, Arya thought, She knew that her brother had not yet healed from the scars that were left behind by Meera, Arya nodded absently as he got on his feet, leaving her alone as he made his away from the women. Hot breath touched her ear.

"Is this seat taken, my Lady?"

"Well it is now," she said, taking a sip of wine. He cleared his throat. Seating himself beside her and taking Rickard into his arms. Rickard's laughter rang out and he tried to grab Gendry's nose. Arya sighed looking at the perfectness that she saw. That was the family she ached for.

"Your son is going to be a good man, my Lady."

Arya smiled a little, she always found herself wishing that Rickard was Gendry's and that they would live happily ever after, but she was faced with the reality that she would have to see the sickly Jon Arryn, that night and again and again until the filthy fuck died.

"If he ends up to be half the man you are I'll be happy." She gave him a small smile. He returned a much larger one. His blue eyes made her heart melt and the feeling of joy consumed her.

"I know that he will be much better my lady."

"Don't be stupid. You're not that bad."

"It's nice to know you have such a high opinion of me."

When Arya feigned sadness and regret, he looked quite unsure. She knew full well what he was feeling, the insecurity of their relationship. The fact that they only had two more weeks together.

"We need to talk about this."

"Is that what you are worried about? That we will somehow lose this connection when I leave-."

"I can't let you leave without saying properly how I feel Gendry-"

She glanced around to make sure nobody was in their vicinity. They had sat at the back of the hall as the rest of the court.

"You have changed the way I live my Lady," he managed to say. "I think that- I feel that- I know that you feel the same and I will visit-"

"Don't, not until tonight," Arya cut him off, "Come after Jon leaves. I'll make sure Shae keeps a lookout,"

She gave him a smirk.

"I know that you will enjoy your gift,"

"Uh oh yes I think I will my Lady." Gendry said with a gulp.

ASASASAS

"You look just like your Aunt," Robert's voice said behind Arya's back, causing her to freeze. "And ya speak like she did too."

She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She had left her seat at the table to walk back to her room, but as soon as she had entered the court yard. She made her lips form a tight smile as she turned towards him. He stumbling towards her with ale stained around his beard.

"I am sure that I do," Arya replied. "My father always told me that I had the Stark look."

"Ahh Ned what a fucking man," he said. "Do you know what your fucking father did for me?"

"I am sure that my father did many things for you." she carefully answered trying not to upset him. "You were after all, his very best friend."

He grabbed her free wrist tightly. She held her breath and looked up at the giant of a man. He was still in great shape and had strength. His eyes were bloodshot.

"When my brother Stannis married his Florent wife, her cousin, the little minx she was asking for it." He said, his fingers digging deeper into her flesh, "I fucked that lady and the Florents demanded that I take her as a husband, I didn't want the used bitch so your father took her as a wife."

Arya closed her eyes. She couldn't believe that her father had done that, her mother. Her entire existence was because the man in front of her had disgraced her mother. He bent over, whispering into her ear.

"Do you think you are the product of love? Your mother was a fucking whore just like your aunt. I should have had your fucking Aunt. I was the one promised to her! One day they will all pay for their treachery! Would you like that?"

He moved back, still holding her wrist, his face cruel and ruthless as her entire body shook beneath him. All of her usual fearlessness was gone and in its place stood the scared fifteen year old girl.

"You wouldn't? It won't matter. After your father died I care not for the house of Stark, but I'll have my way with you one way or another."

Arya felt a hand on her shoulder, and Robert's fingers finally let go of her. Arya turned her head to the side and saw Gendry. His eyes filled with fury and hatred. Robert met his glare with one of his own.

"I am sorry to intrude, my Uncle, but I've been told by your wife that your presence is requested back in the great hall."

The battle of unspoken glares continued for minutes until without another word to Robert turned and walked in an unsteady line back towards the hall.

"I-I thank you," she whispered.

"Fuck Robert Baratheon," he said, "My Uncle is a fool and a drunk, in his whole life he has only accomplished losing his betrothed to a married man."

She gave him a shaky smile, her eyes watering after the truth about her mother revealed.

"I know that he cannot hurt me. His words hurt more than his hands."

Gendry's frown deepened, his fingers traced the bruises that had been left by s traced the bruises that had been left by Robert's hands.

"Did he do this to you?"

For a moment Arya stayed silent as his hands began to shake. In that moment she saw the resemblance between Gendry and Robert. The Baratheon temper was quite well known.

"No its fine Gendry I don't want any more issues with him-"

"Did he?" Gendry insisted.

"It's nothing," she quickly replied, "Or at least it will be nothing. He cannot hurt me here and we never have to worry about him again."

Gendry shook his head, glancing around the empty courtyard. The silence was building as he slipped his hand around her waist.

"I will protect you I promise," he said.

"I know that you will," Arya agreed. "I've never felt like this before."

"I'm not sure that I should be seeing this," Bran's voice rose from behind the pair, "May haps my good friend should remove his hands from my sister,"

Their eyes turned on Bran, and Arya blushed, He stood grinning. Gendry had told him of his growng love of his sister and he had been all for it, it had been along time since he had seen his sister smile. Arya removed herself from Gendry's grasp and hugged her brother. His arms held her tight and she sighed softly.

"Well well," Joffrey's voice rang out loud in the silence, "My cousin has done quite well for himself in the Vale."

His eye met with Gendry's: there was a almost a challenge in those words. Cruelty met with fierceness. Gendry stepped towards Joffrey and toward over him. His fist clenched. Joffrey stepped back. Cruelty was replaced with slight fear as he scampered off.

"Don't think I won't tell mother!" he claimed, "Just because you practice with that sword doesn't mean you can hurt me."

Joffrey ran back and Bran let out a snicker. Arya and Gendry began to walk back towards her Tower. As they passed the door to the bedroom that had been prepared by Shae, they stood facing each other, their eyes connected as Gendry remove his shirt. Arya undid the back of her dress and let it fall to the ground. Gendry looked down at her naked form. Her hair had been undone and was over her shoulders, the brunette curls falling down her shoulders and hiding her small breasts. His strong chest was breathing heavily. His blue eyes staring intently into hers.

Arya felt herself blushing under his gaze, his eyes held something very primal that had an element of hunger. Why was he looking at her like that? She had never seen herself as very pretty. He grasped her waist and brought it close to his. There was tension in the room, it was hot and heavy, until Arya couldn't take this heavy silence anymore.

"I'm... I'm not sure how you like this. With Jon it is always very quick. I-I am not quite sure-," she confessed.

He wanted to tell her that he had never laid with a woman, but he kept that thought to himself. Feeling unsure of how to procced, he brought them towards the bed, glancing at her beautiful body yet again. Her soft hair had been braided and twisted for the feast, making her normally straight hair wavy as it fell down her shoulders and on her breast her body was flushed as he ran his hands over her skin- only when he met with her eyes did he touch his lips to hers. He touched her hand, and her fingers entangled themselves with his. As their hands joined, her whole body was pushed into his. She could feel his hard member throbbing between her legs

"May I take you my Lady?" he asked softly. "You are the only thing in this world that I desire."

"Yes, My Lord..."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Gendry took a deep breath before leaning in to kiss her lips gently. He touched her breast with his free hand, his fingers trailing on around her hard nipples and going lower to cup her womanhood. She let out a gasp as his fingers slid in. He kissed her harder then. It was much more urgent Arya deepened the kiss, her tongue met his, who responded to his newly found fierceness: his hand found its way back to the roundness of a breast and Arya let out another little moan in pleasure.

Gendry's hand squeezed her breast gently, sending shivers all over Arya's body, and she dug her fingers in his back in an attempt to get closer: after a while her hand trailed down his chiseled stomach, and her hand gripped his member and he let out a large moan. As Gendry's lips began to trail down around her womanhood she arched her back and felt her legs opening up lightly to his touch: he kissed her gently right there, and a pleasured sigh left her mouth.

Her hips began moving uncontrollably, following the kiss he began to go further and there was a fire burning in her, a fire that kept growing the more he went, a euphoric scream escape her lips. Arya thought she might explode, pleasure touching every corner of her body. She felt him against her legs and she looked into Gendry's eyes. A fire had awoken in him, his erected manhood brushing against her womanhood. He kissed her hard and brought her atop him, and only then did Arya know that she had fallen in love with this man.

"Mount me," he told her in a hushed voice, "Fuck me my pretty little she wolf,"

She managed to give him a seductive smile.

"I'm ready," she assured him.

Arya began lowering her slowly as Gendry bit his lip from letting out a shout, and Gendry's eyes widened when she kept lowering to the bottom. Her grasp on his hand tightened as she went on. She began to ride him. This sensation inside of her, she felt it build again. It didn't take very long for him to reach his peak: burying his face into her neck, he heaved a pleasured sigh to her ear as he lost himself inside of her for one final thrust. Although she was still aching a little, she could feel his seed inside of her. Arya tilted her head to the side, looking at Gendry, She smiled at him tentatively. He smiled back and kissed her softly. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

"I-I think that I'm in love with you," he said hesitantly. Worrying that he'd done something wrong.

"I am defiantly in love with you,"

He smirked, and she felt herself blush. He kissed her neck hard

"I don't think that I could ever feel this way,"

She bit her lower lip.

"Would you stay with me?" she finally whispered after gathering enough courage.

He nodded his head and put his arms around her body and bringing her close to his body. Arya quickly fell asleep, a smile lingering on her lips.