Arya Stark

On route from Maidenpool to Riverrun, 300AC

Surely it did not take this long to get to Riverrun.

Those words had been spinning in her mind for weeks, getting angrier as each day passed. Feet aching, blisters forming, what was left of the flimsy shoes Yoren had provided for her now covered in dried blood from where they had burst and hardened. Despite the repairs done to the wagons that were pulling them across the Riverland's, the contraption failed two more times before Yoren had cursed loudly and stated they would instead walk to a town close to Riverrun to ask for horses to get to their destination quicker. Something Arya could not wait for.

She'd never met her grandfather Hoster or her uncle Edmure. Something which baffled her as in the North, no one cared about the treacherous terrain and would travel when asked or to visit family members who were either fostering or had relocated due to marriage. Yet never once did they visit, nor did her mother go down to visit them. Perhaps there was bad blood that had never been addressed that had gone sour in the many years her parents had been wed. At least she would be getting answers to that soon.

It became apparent two weeks into leaving Maidenpool that something was amiss. Yoren asking people in the small villages and towns they passed through of things that were happening to avoid said areas. It being clear to her that either the war had started or was due to start any moment. Whilst she hated the man, she knew to bite her tongue now. The stinging at the back of her legs now gone from his cane when she had almost revealed herself.

Arry, that was his name. Not Arya, Arya Stark was as good as dead. Gone missing during the riot of the capital when her father had been imprisoned and never to be seen again. Arry was an orphaned boy from Flea Bottom who's father had starved himself to death to ensure his only remaining child had enough food to survive, said son escaping when whispers were being spoken of less food than usual coming in. Many would look at someone heading towards the Night's Watch willingly like they had grown an extra head like Maelys the Monstrous was recorded to have had if the stories were true- but to Arry it meant a roof over his head and food in his belly.

"Yoren, I'm away to take a piss."

The words felt sour on her lips, but it was what she had to live with now. At least it wouldn't be for long. Chanting those words in her head alongside why it was taking so long and the names of the list. Cersei, Joffrey, Ilyn Payne, the Hound. Never going to sleep until she had spoken every single name in that specific order. Vengeance burning deep within as she plotted ways to kill them all. She'd already killed one boy, what was four more? Walking away from the group into the woods and checking a few times to make sure no one could see her before pulling her breeches down and getting ready to relieve herself when she heard something. Squeezing her legs together to prevent an accident because the last thing she wanted to do was to walk around with trousers covered in piss. Holding her breath and listening carefully. Was it just a bird? Then a yell caught her attention, recognising who it was who done so.

Arya quickly covered herself up and rested her hand on Needle's hilt, taking comfort in the solace it brought her. Then she made her way back to the camp, eyes widening as she took everything in. Everyone had their weapons at the ready, noticing Gendry with his warhammer. Yoren walking over to her dragging him along.

"Both of you, get out of sight now-"

"No, I am not afraid- "

"This isn't about being afraid boy, this is about survival. You need to run- "

"I will not."

Yoren snorted a little at that, clearly liking her stubbornness. The man thinking it over for a few moments before dipping his head.

"If anything goes wrong, you are both to run. Do you hear me? Ride north, and do not look back. Everyone up! There is men heading this way who will not hesitate to fuck your corpse! Outside now!"

Arya's heart was hammering within her chest now, but she could not show fear. Remembering her dancing lessons with Syrio and unsheathing her sword and preparing for what was about to happen. There was no doubt in her mind who it was that was coming, and who they were coming for. Hopefully her short hair and boyish clothes would be enough to trick them. The last thing she was going to do was go back to Kings Landing unless it was to use Needle to give a few people bloodied smiles. Hooves were heard, and even more yells. The trees still disguising who it was, giving Gendry a look out the corner of her eye to silently ask if he was ready. The boy nodded her way which calmed her down more. Then they appeared. Her fears being confirmed. Gold Cloaks.

"Where is the bastard, Crow?"

What?

"There is more than a few bastards here, who is asking?"

"Ser Amory Lorch, sworn bannerman to Lord Tywin Lannister. These men require your assistance."

Anger pooled deep within her now even more than before, immediately cancelling out her fear. Arry did not know that name, but Arya did. Had heard it more than a few times in Winterfell. This was the man who had stabbed Jon's blood sister half a hundred times. A girl younger than half her own age that had done nothing other than to be cursed with the name of her House. Moving to take him off his horse but Gendry grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Drop your weapons in the name of the King."

"And which King will that be? The blonde headed shit on the throne? The one who looks like he constantly has a stick shoved up his arse? The man who prances around like he's the best thing in existence? Or the one with the dragons?"

"This is your last chance. In the name of King Joffrey, drop your weapons."

Yoren's words echoed in her mind, a small feeling of joy entering her. It was amusing when High Lord's and Ladies were talked about directly without fanciful words, and it was clear who he was referring to. The first being Joffrey, the second being Stannis, the third being Renly, but it was the last one that caused her to pause. The one with the dragons. There only was one person that could be. Jon was pressing his claim. Yoren stared at Ser Amory for a few moments before breaking eye contact and spitting on the ground, spit coloured red from the sour leaf he never stopped chewing.

"I don't think I will."

"So be it."

It didn't register for her before a bolt was fired at him, knocking him off his feet and cursing under his breath how much he hated crossbows. Then the bolt was removed from him as he threw it towards someone who fell from his horse immediately as it hit him directly in the neck. This was what kick started everything. The horses began charging, those with bows working on hitting them to have their riders be on foot instead to make it a fairer fight. Gendry grabbing her arm and going to tug her away.

"No! We can't leave!"

"Yoren told us to leave if anything happened!"

"I don't care what Yoren says- "

Gendry lifted his hammer and aimed it above her head, hearing a loud thud from behind confirming someone was right behind her. Turning to the other and looking to him in a mixture of anger and thanks. The sound of steel against steel was ringing in the air, the song of death. Not one that she would ever have thought she would hear solely because of what she lacked between her legs. Whinnying added to the equation as horses fell with severed legs, their riders being shot across the area from the force of the fall but getting up again a moment later to continue fighting. But then she spotted Yoren preparing to go against the Knight, barely able to get a swing in before someone grabbed him from behind and slid their sword between his ribs. Panic erupting within her at what she had just saw. No. He was her only way back home. Ser Amory had a smirk on his face now as he grabbed him just before he fell and finishing the job, anger filling her even more.

"Help us boy!"

Arya snapped her head around to face three people in a cage, it being said they were far too dangerous to let out. But if they were too dangerous, perhaps they could use it to their advantage. Running from Gendry who cursed as he failed to catch her as she ran behind the fight, noticing someone had thrown a torch or two as there was fire everywhere. The heat was uncomfortable, wondering if Jon felt this whenever he let his hand sit inside an open flame. Taking the keys off the pole and running to the cage and giving them to one of them and running back to where she was as she knew she couldn't waste time out in the open. Eyes spotting Hot Pie trying to hide behind a large tree and grabbing his arm as she ran. The other yelping in surprise but meeting back up with Gendry that were it not for what was happening would've yelled at her. Then they started running, and she felt something catch her foot which tripped her and caused her to get separated. This followed by a thud on her back as she was pushed to the ground, rolling over to face one of the Gold Cloaks. It wasn't one she recognised but that wasn't surprising considering there were hundreds of them.

"What do we have here?"

She acted before she thought, unsheathing Needle and pointing it towards his face, trying her best to keep her face steady but her rapid breathing betrayed her.

"That's a fine little blade. Maybe I'll pick my teeth with it."

"Why are you taking me- "

Dammit, they'd gotten Hot Pie too. A part of her wanted to yell for Gendry but her voice had gone, the man grabbing Needle by the hilt and prying it from her hands.

"Round up any survivors and we will take them to Harrenhal!"

Harrenhal? At least she knew roughly where she was, and Riverrun was much farther west. There was no time to think though as she spotted two more leaving the trees with Gendry tied between them. Walking into the open and spotting Lommy on the ground with a broken leg.

"Is something wrong with your leg boy?"

"Look at it!"

Someone walking over to him and kneeling down beside him.

"Can you walk?"

Lommy shook his head to confirm he could not, stating that if they were taking him they would have to carry him. Moving to pick him up but at the last second Needle slipping through his neck. Arya was about to yell out but decided against it. The sound of someone choking on their own blood was one she never wanted to hear again, trying her best to drown out the sound. Not that she needed to do so for long because after a few seconds it was over.

"Carry him he says."

The remaining Gold Cloaks all laughed like it were the best joke told of all time, anger boiling even deeper inside of her now.

"We're looking for a bastard named Gendry. Give him up, or I will take eyeballs."

What? Confusion ebbed her mind at this, she was certain they were after her. Why would they be after Gendry? Ser Amory looking at them all awaiting an answer but then something caught her eye. A silver bull helmet, and it was lying beside Lommy.

"Do you want Gendry? You've already got him. He loved that helmet."

It done the trick. Ser Amory raising his chin and nodding towards her before rearing his horse and riding away from the scene, the other Gold Cloaks following leaving a handful behind. It was only once silence was the only thing heard before her heart calmed down to a normal beating pattern and her breathing returned. Feeling pain in her back from where she had been hit to make her fall. People grabbing a few of them but she walked away with Gendry following in confusion as to how they knew his name and why they were after him in the first place. When asked, both saying they wanted to freshen up at the stream nearby which they were granted, but with watchful eyes on both.

"Why did the Gold Cloaks want you?"

"No idea."

"You're a liar."

"And you shouldn't insult people that are bigger than you."

"Then I can't insult anyone."

A small smile broke out on the others face at her retort, leaning down to scoop some of the cold water in her hands and splashing it on her face and cleaning as much as the blood off of her as she could. Despite not taking part in the fighting herself, she'd been close enough to be hit with a few sprays of warm sticky blood.

"No good ever comes to those who come and ask questions."

"What do you mean? Have you been asked questions before?"

"Aye. Jon Arryn asked me questions and he died. Stannis Baratheon asked questions and he ran away. Eddard Stark asked questions- "

Now, her eyes widened in shock. Who was this boy?

"You see? Asking me questions is bad luck. You'll probably be dead soon."

"What did they ask about?"

"My mum who died when I was little. Wanted to know what she did, what she looked like."

"Only your mother? Not your father?"

"No idea. For all I know it could've been one of the gold helmeted bastards we just ran into."

A small snort left her at these words.

"Why did Yoren tell only us two to run if things got ugly? You'd think they were after you."

She hated how perceptive he was.

"Did you kill someone or is it because you're a girl?"

"I'm a boy- "

"No you ain't. You're the only one who walks away when you need to take a piss. So either you're a precious little Lord who refuses to piss in front of others or you're a girl. From your lack of restraint I'm guessing more the second. I'm not as stupid as the rest of them, you know. They couldn't tell a pussy apart from an elbow."

"Night's Watch doesn't take girls- "

"Doesn't change that you're a girl, if you want to prove it take out your cock and take a piss."

Her eyes narrowed at him, knowing the game was up with him. She had no comebacks to that. Instead mumbling she didn't need to do so which was all the confirmation Gendry needed. But he did make a good point. Why had Yoren told only the two of them to run if things got ugly? For her it was obvious as she was a daughter of House Stark. But Gendry was a blacksmiths apprentice. Looking him over and thinking over what people had asked him. Why was her father asking him about his mother?

"What did your mother look like?"

"I don't remember her much, she died when I was little. But I do remember she had dark eyes and blonde hair."

Clearly he had gotten precious little from her- then it clicked. Eyes widening but for a complete other reason. All of Robert Baratheon's bastards were killed or were being actively hunted. Now that she was looking at Gendry she could see the resemblance. But she wasn't going to spill this to him, not knowing if he would appreciate knowing that he was a royal bastard.

"I need help but no one can know."

"They won't, not from me."

For some reason, she believed him. Beginning to feel her heartbeat pick up as the following words left her lips.

"You're right. I'm a girl. My name is not Arry, it's Arya, of House Stark."

Gendry stopped cleaning himself at this before looking to her astounded.

"Yoren was supposed to be taking me home to Winterfell as the Kings Road goes through there. But he changed his mind and was heading for Riverrun instead so I can be with my grandfather and uncle."

"Your father, the one they named traitor- "

"He was never a traitor. He found out the little shit on the throne is not a Baratheon and he revealed it openly, and the Lannister's were not happy with that piece of information."

It had been hard to hear. Not knowing if he had survived or not when she escaped, but word had gotten out and exactly what had happened.

"So you're a Lady- "

"No- I mean, yes- my mother is the Lady and my sister- "

"You're a Lord's daughter and you lived in a castle which makes you a Lady- "

"Clearly you don't understand it as well as you think. It is only once I am tied to someone by marriage which I am going to fight against because that's not me that I will be a Lady. Until then, I am just Arya Stark. Nothing more, and nothing less."

Gendry called her Lady in response automatically but she got there first by pushing him into the stream and walking away to finish cleaning herself up. Once she had done so, the remaining Gold Cloaks walked over and thank the gods they had been too far to hear their talk as they tied a rope around her wrists and marching her towards everyone else. At least she was being taken to family. Even if it was family she didn't know much of.

Catelyn Tully Stark

On route from Bitterbridge to Storm's End, 300AC

It had been a false alarm. Well, not fully, and she hated that she didn't see the obvious flaw.

Stannis Baratheon was a well-known commander and a veteran of many wars from fighting alongside Robert in the rebellion to fighting against Balon Greyjoy when he rose in rebellion to bring back the old way. Obviously he wasn't going to do something as stupid as ride right into his brothers camp who was in active rebellion against himself. A part of her wanted to scream over it, but what was done had been done. At least she'd gotten some information and it helped massively Elissa was watching through her eagle. All it took was for her to control her animal and remain just out of sight as she spoke to everyone. Now understanding just how useful it was having a network as such.

Could it even be considered a network? Usually people had hundreds of people spying for them. Being passed from ear to ear with occasionally some parts of the story eliminated before reaching whoever had requested the information. Yet in Jaeron's case, he had a dozen. But he did have the luxury of not needing people to pass it around in between. Therefore going straight from source to source with no middle ground. It certainly helped now that Robb was beginning to gain control too which meant both her nephew and son could work together to plan for battles accordingly.

She didn't even know where they were currently. But one thing was for certain. No one in this camp knew. Or if they had heard the rumours were simply shrugging them off. Catelyn had to give the praise, they were loyal men. At least, this was until Renly stated he was going to Storm's End with ten thousand men and would be leaving his young wife to watch over everything. This was her opening she needed to speak to the Tyrell's. Margaery knew that neither Sansa or Arya were in Kings Landing, and it was a desirable match to have two great House's tied through marriage. Not that she could actively agree to anything though because Jaeron was considering Prince Tristayne as a way to sooth wounds created when he had gone to Sunspear with Ser Arthur.

However, her schemes were crushed into dust when Renly stated she was coming with him. Wording it as discussing an alliance, but everyone knew that was not the case. A hostage in all but name, much like Theon was. She wondered often about him, having not seen him since Robb sent him to Driftmark to fill out a term of the pact. When Jaeron planned to reveal that portion she knew nought, but she hoped it was soon because it would further pull everything apart which in turn gave them an opportunity to sneak in and get more support.

For a week they had ridden along the Rose Road before turning south on the Kings Road directly for Storm's End. Renly was not being subtle about it either which many grumbled about because it meant Stannis was going to be made fully aware of what was going on which would give him time to prepare. She just hoped Jaeron was quick enough with the temporary opening she had spoken to Elissa. If all went well, he would be able to send a contingency at the least to try and get some Reach Lord's to support his cause. It was going to be tricky though considering their loyalty stuck out massively to her. Perhaps if she was lucky she would be able to speak to Lord Monford as he had sent a raven to his brother stating he was laying siege to Storm's End.

Meaning Theon would be there. Bile forming in her throat over her distaste for the boy. Robb got along great with him, but she was of a mind with Jaeron in not trusting him. They had to keep him loyal and if word got out now that he was not sent to discuss trades and instead as a disguised hostage, that would break the string. Thus giving Balon an opportunity and they could not allow that to happen. Catelyn had witnessed first hand on more than a few occasions what the Ironborn did when they raided somewhere. Remembering Halen well. The woman was a servant and when she was a little girl she would read her stories. But she had gone back to Seagard once she had flowered as her father deemed her too old for such things. Receiving a raven a few months later she had been raped more than a dozen times and had gotten a reminder with an unwanted babe.

In total, it took thirteen days. Thirteen days of riding all through the day and most of the night. Some people doubling on mounts so one could rest and they would get to their destination faster. All they had to do was head straight there but clearly they wanted the easier route of travelling through open roads. A stupid move for anyone to make considering the point where the Rose Road and the Kings Road met was scarily close to Kings Landing. For days she had looked over her shoulder for any foes riding their way but none ever came. And finally, in her sight was Storm's End.

Unlike many other castles, she had never seen this one before. Eyes widening at the sheer height and thickness of the walls where even though the sea was relatively calm, waves were still hitting off the coastline with vicious force. No wonder so many people drowned in these waters, Renly and Stannis' father being one of many to fall below the stormy waves. If the stories were true, it had also been Bran the Builder who constructed the building but legend and truth regularly merged into the one. Perhaps he had, perhaps he had simply aided, perhaps he hadn't helped at all. No one could say, but what was certain was that it was built around the same time as Winterfell was.

They didn't get much farther towards the castle before a few horses rode their way. Not being able to see who it was from the distance or from the spray of salt water. But a banner one was carrying did catch her eye. A gold background, with a burning heart, and a crowned stag in the middle of the heart. Gods, what was it with family members taking personal sigils? She never saw the use in it. Not that Catelyn ever said so aloud because her own uncle had done just that. Then the first face came into sight and her eyes widened temporarily at noticing it was Stannis himself. Understanding now that this was a parlay.

"Lady Stark, I had not thought I would find you in the Stormland's."

"I had not thought to be here, Lord Stannis."

From beside her, Renly let out a small snort over her refusal to name him King, obviously believing Robb intended to bend the knee to him. If only they knew. Three of the men standing behind him she did not recognise, but the last was a woman. Eyebrow quirking as bright red eyes bore into her own. Taking her in from head to toe. Her horse was draped in red, her cloak was red, her clothing underneath was red, she wore a bright red ruby at her neck, and her hair was red. Everything about her was red. Despite never having met one before, she knew what she was. A Priestess of R'hllor. Why did Stannis have a supporter of another faith in his midst?

"I have to say brother, I did not recognise it was you. Who's banner is that?"

"My own, I have to say it's a little more creative than your own, younger brother."

And there was the barb. Emphasising the younger portion but the man beside her didn't seem to catch it. The short time she had spent with him since being commanded to ride for Bitterbridge was enlightening to say the least. Renly reaching down and throwing something to his brother, a few people cocking their heads in confusion before Stannis lifted up an orangey-pink fruit. Seriously?

"Consider this your bread and salt, dear brother."

By the Seven and the Old Gods. Surely he did not do something as stupid as to openly refuse guest rights? But from the stunned looks of those with them confirmed he had done just that. Suddenly feeling an even more impending sense of doom than she had felt previously.

"Why is your stag on fire?"

"The King has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of Light."

"Ah, brother. I now understand why you have found faith in another religion. She is quite the sight."

Her horse began thumping one of its hooves now, clearly sensing her agitation as she worked to soothe the animal. Gifted to her by Ned for her thirtieth name-day. Not only had Renly now insulted everyone by refusing guest rights, he had just insulted Selyse Baratheon with what he had insinuated.

"Watch yourself- "

"No, if anything I'm relieved. I never would've taken you as a fanatic considering you fought with Septon's and Maester's often as they tried to have you be a godly man like many in this gods forsaken country?"

"You should kneel before your brother, he is the Lord's chosen. Born amidst smoke and salt, a son of ice and fire, and he is destined to bring the dawn."

Renly snorted aloud now and from the scowls of Ser Loras it became obvious he was desperate to put an end to this petty fight. And that's what it was. Clearly no agreement was coming from this.

"From salt and smoke? What is he, a ham? If so the little gift bestowed should go just peachy with it."

Now, Catelyn was embarrassed. Both for herself and for everyone she was with. Had this man beside her never been punished or been told the word 'no' before? The more he opened his mouth to talk the less likely it seemed.

"Watch yourself, you have now been warned twice- "

"Listen to yourselves!"

The words left her mouth before she could stop herself. Both snapping their heads to face her but she did not take in Renly's expression. Instead focusing solely on Stannis. If no one stepped in, this was going to get uglier than it already was.

"If you were sons of mine I would've banged your heads together in such a way it would've felt like you had a bell inside your skulls. Then I would lock you in a bedchamber and make you work together doing chores neither of you wanted until you remembered that you are brothers."

"It is strange to see you with my brother, my Lady. Your husband was a supporter of my claim. Lord Eddard's integrity cost him his head, and you sit beside this pretender and have the gall to chastise me?"

She's forgotten Ned had written to Stannis confirming what he suspected about the royal children. But something stuck out to her massively, the fact he had not said Jaeron's name. Then again, he could've just saw the opportunity.

"My husband did write to you, but he did not pledge himself to you, my Lord. With my husband's death, my son Robb became Lord of Winterfell and Lord Paramount of the North. Tying me to his orders and his orders were to speak to Lord Renly about an alliance- "

"So you admit your son is a traitor to his father's vows?"

Her face grew hot now but she knew she had to keep her anger in check. Instead biting the inside of her cheek as she thought of her next words.

"My son has yet to declare a side. Like I stated, my husband did not pledge himself to you, meaning no vow was made and as a consequence of this no vow was broken. You are forgetting the last time the North rose to join a war it was to fight off the Ironborn and before this it was to get justice for what happened to Lord Rickard and Lord Brandon- "

"But not Lady Lyanna? I find it curious you did not mention her name considering her father and brother would not have ridden south were it not for her being kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen."

"And you my Lord's, are both forgetting that is what ties you both to the throne. Your grandmother was a Targaryen. I bet you right now if Rhaelle Targaryen to rise from the ashes she would have you both on your knees apologising to one another and instead to the logical thing of joining your claims."

From the stony look Stannis gave her, Catelyn knew she had overstepped a boundary with said remark. Bowing her head low in shame as silence surrounded them all.

"The Iron Throne is mine. By right. All those that deny that are my foes."

"The whole realm denies it from Dorne to the Wall."

As her head was still down, she allowed a small smirk to come on to her face at these words. For once, Renly spoke truth. Even if it was not in the way he assumed. Dorne was neutral in the wars. Then the Riverland's and the North had sworn themselves to her nephew.

"No one wants you for a King. You never wanted any friends, brother. But a man without friends is a man without power."

"For the sake of the mother who bore us, I will give you the night to reconsider. Strike your banners, come here before dawn and I will grant you your seat in the council and name you my heir until a son is born. Otherwise, I will destroy you."

At least he was fair, she had to give him credit for that.

"Look across these hills behind me. Do you see all the banners?"

"Banners will not make you King- "

"Nah, they won't. But the people holding those banners will."

And then Renly snapped his reigns. Turning around and riding back towards his ten thousand men. Ser Loras not making it subtle when he glared at her for speaking her mind. Fear ebbing deep within her for what was about to happen in only a matter of hours.