Game of Thrones: What Could Have Been

Chapter 4 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Synopsis: Arya Stark visits her husband in the forge, where he reveals he is making a new ancestral sword for her family. She is touched by his dedication and ponders on a piece of news she has, wondering when best to tell him.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: True, very true.
Marina Ka-Fai: Well, I knew how much you liked him, that's why. Hope you're feeling better.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it and liked him. Remember what was said, they don't really have a problem, especially since Ygritte saved them all.
canonman89: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 4: Arya/Gendry

Arya Stark walked through the courtyard of Winterfell; seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. Truthfully her training had ensured she was fully alert, taking in all her surroundings. At nine and ten the younger of King Robb Stark's two sisters had changed over the years. She was no longer overly aggressive, most of her frustrations being taken out on training dummies or her sparring opponents when she worked on her Water Dancing.

That wasn't to say however that she wouldn't get in someone's face when they got her mad; rather, she was in better control of her temper now. Then there were the physical changes, for one thing she refused to grow her hair past her shoulders. A style considered scandalously short by the more conservative ladies in Winterfell.

Then there were her scars, mostly hidden by her clothing, it was still known that her travels had left her with scars. Many of the ladies in Winterfell felt that these, along with her attitude, meant she'd never acquire a husband, she had stated after all, several times, that she was no Lady.

However this time, her family was on her side, they accepted all this about her and, surprising everyone, she did in fact have a husband.

That was the biggest change of all; despite her usually dim view of love and marriage and such; she had found someone who had claimed her heart. It was a unique circumstance in Westeros, she had married for love.

Arya then entered the castle's forge; smiling as she saw her husband hard at work. That was yet another thing that shocked many; contrary to all that was 'proper' Arya had married a Blacksmith who was also baseborn. Yet Gendry was also a knight, despite his birth, which served as the perfect excuse for her family to give when allowing their marriage.

A knight after all was eligible to marry a highborn lady; even if Arya constantly stated she wasn't a lady, she technically was by birth. Arya was momentarily distracted by the sight of her husband standing before her, his tunic off as he worked in the forge. She quickly shook her head.

'Plenty of time for that later.' She told herself before clearing her throat. "Gendry."

He turned to her and smiled. "Arry; it's good to see you."

She smiled back and then brought up her reason for visiting. "So what are you up to? You've been here for some time?"

Gendry smiled and gestured to his work.

"I'm, well, I'm making a sword for your brother; a…new ancestral sword."

Arya couldn't help but smile wider; a strange, although not unpleasant feeling growing in her chest; but she knew Gendry and knew at least part of his reasoning.

So she then explained. "Really; that's a nice gesture, but you don't have to prove anything to Robb. He knows how loyal you are; why do you think he let us marry?"

Gendry laughed softly. "I know that; and I'm deeply grateful. But well, it won't replace Ice; but your family should still have a sword like that. That's why I'm doing this."

Arya nodded; understanding what he meant; it wasn't just to prove his loyalty. Being a knight with no family name, Gendry had adopted the Stark name upon marrying Arya. He was trying to do something for his new House and family.

While Gendry continued to work; Arya sat down on one of the benches, she drew her own sword, Needle and began sharpening it. They both worked in comfortable silence before Arya smirked, remember something she had noticed on her way over.

"You know…" She said, getting Gendry's attention. "I saw one of the serving girls glaring at me earlier."

Gendry noticed her amusement and replied. "Really; I've had people glaring at me too. Mostly sons of the Lords that visit your brother."

Arya laughed lightly at that. "Jealousy is such an obvious emotion to read; huh."

"Yes; they can't believe that King Robb allowed his youngest sister to marry a bastard blacksmith, even if said blacksmith is also a knight." Gendry replied with a grin.

Despite his light-hearted comments; she knew Gendry was still sensitive about his illegitimate birth. However she always seemed able to quash these worries; removing any doubts he had of his worthiness of her love. Lapsing back into silence, still working, Arya briefly pondered their relationship.

'I never thought I'd ever be in a situation like this. It's strange but, I do truly love Gendry.' She noted to herself. 'Not only that, he loves me, for who I am. I can be myself with him, not have to pretend to be a 'proper lady'.'

She smiled again as she contemplated her most recent piece of new knowledge. 'Then of course…There's the little one growing inside me. I'll have to tell him soon.'

After some quick thinking she decided she would do so tonight; while they were in bed together.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.