Redemption 19 - An Extended Layover

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Notes:

The Baratheon family will linger a while in Winterfell and there will be more amusing events. Jon describes his life after leaving King's Landing. Gendry returns to the forge.

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Previously:

The Stark siblings have a long awaited and fond reunion. Sansa and Jon interact with their nieces and nephew. Renwick and Hargrove enjoy an unexpected benefit at Winterfell.

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Winterfell

Arya approached Jon and queried, "Sansa said that you had a surprise for me?"

Jon smiled, as he had been looking forward to personally recounting his recent history to his long-absent sibling. They were in the Great Hall and Jon signaled for a passing servant to fetch them goblets of hot spiced wine. "Have a seat, sweet sister," he grinned, "for I have much to tell you." Arya obliged with a patient and curious expression. Jon gazed at her lovely face, recalling how sorrowfully they had parted on that dock so long ago. The battered young warrior woman had calmly stated that she intended to throw her life away on a meaningless quest into the unknown, her psyche having been so damaged by the horrors she had faced since leaving Winterfell nine years earlier. She was convinced that her heart was cold and empty and she had nothing to live for. Arya was so determined in her obsession that she had not even considered that she was also taking her blameless crew to certain death. Jon considered that his contrary tomboy sister, so fierce in her insistence as a child that she was not a lady, was now leading the most conventional life of all the Stark siblings, one that emulated that of their esteemed parents, with her strong and loving marriage, multiple energetic offspring, and the shared leadership of a Great House. He was very pleased that his favorite sister had achieved a full and meaningful life.

"After my exile from King's Landing and evading Daenerys' followers who desired to have me executed," Jon began, "the ship I boarded took me to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and the ruins of the Wall. I was adrift, had no plans and nowhere to go. The Night's Watch had been disbanded and all the remaining castles were in disrepair and inhabited by squatters." Arya tapped his hand sympathetically as he described how his role as a defender of Westeros had disappeared with the defeat of the Night King and destruction of the Wall.

"Tormund Giantsbane suggested that I join the survivors who were making their way to Hardhome, intent on making a new beginning after the war," Jon continued, "The port had suffered centuries of hard times and was finally destroyed by the Night King's army. I traveled through the Haunted Forest with the hopeful free folk and Tormund's youngest son, Dormund. The weather was becoming more inviting as the magical bitter winter ended with the Night King's death and the town began to thrive as fortunes could be made from furs, fishing, and timber, as of old. Merchants were beginning to prosper and desired to hire guardians for protection from thieves, pirates and Skagosi invaders. Dormund had inherited his father's leadership skill and charisma, and intended to organize a group of fiercely independent wildling fighters into a troop of dependable sentinels for Hardhome, to be financially supported by the merchants' guild. Tormund suggested that my knowledge of Westerosi swordplay and combat experience would be useful for training said unschooled guardsmen. So lacking any other purpose, I accompanied Dormund to Hardhome and became his master-at-arms."

Jon paused and Arya interjected, "So you had unexpectedly found another mission that took advantage of your natural talents."

Her brother chuckled as he responded, "Just so. I suppose I have always gravitated towards activities that involved public service." Jon appeared embarrassed now as his story became more personal and his voice, softer. "Daily I shopped for food in the marketplace and found myself frequenting a stall operated by a former spearwife named Mornah. I admit that I was first attracted by her red hair, which the free folk deemed lucky and referred to as 'kissed by fire', and her lopsided grin. I was well aware that she reminded me of my wildling friend Ygritte, and I could not avoid conversing with her." Arya saw that Jon's eyes were glistening with unshed tears for his lost lover and squeezed his hand in sympathy, as Sansa had informed her sister about Ygritte.

After a pause, Jon continued, "Mornah was a widow, mourning the loss of her husband and brother to the White Walkers. She was still horrified from the experience of having to decapitate her husband when he was killed before her very own eyes and began to shiver with reanimation as a wight. We spoke daily about our past lives, consoled each other, japed, and eventually formed a friendship over time. I have never had the nerve to take the lead with a woman and finally Mornah found where I lived and 'stole' me in the fashion of the wildlings, that is, she crept into my bed one night and seduced me, declaring that I belonged to her now. I had no objection, but insisted that we say words of joining before a weirwood tree in the proper Northern manner though. We have been happily married for seven years now. Mornah would have liked to meet you and Sansa, but did not want to leave Hardhome."

Arya kissed her brother's cheek and murmured, "I am happy for you, Jon. I feared that you were still alone and mayhaps lonely." Then she chuckled, "Gendry also lacked the nerve to approach me intimately, and it was my efforts that brought us together. It seems that you and my husband have more in common than you realize." Jon laughed lightly as he wiped his eyes, recovering his composure and pulling his beloved sibling into a fond embrace. Arya's face now appeared troubled, "Jon, I feel sad for Sansa. She has no one with whom to share her life. I wish we could find her a fitting consort."

Jon's expression was thoughtful as his eyes stared off in a faraway gaze. "Our sister had terrible experiences with men before becoming Queen of the North. Joffrey, Littlefinger, and Ramsay all abused her, and although Tyrion tried to be kind, their marriage was inappropriate and meant to punish them." Then Jon adopted a perturbed countenance, "But Arya, Sansa admitted that there was one man who loved her, long ago in the Red Keep, but he was violent, broken, and frequently drunk, and only expressed himself with anger and frustration. She said they met again in Winterfell after the Long Night and reconciled, and later he died nobly during the defeat of the Lannisters." He stopped to stare wide-eyed at Arya, "She told me with a small smile that he also loved you! How can that be?"

Arya was startled and gave it some thought, then blurted out, "Jon, she could only have been talking about the Hound, and he behaved horridly during the months that we traveled together. But I had mixed feelings about him later when I realized that in his own rough way he was trying to keep me safe from harm. When we met up again in Winterfell I saw respect in his eyes, and when we parted in the Red Keep it was obvious that he cared deeply for me." Jon looked astounded at this revelation and his sister continued as a tear trickled down her cheek, "With his last words, he insisted that I had a reason for living and ordered me out of the collapsing walls of the castle. I did not really understand his advice until I was halfway around the world."

Jon embraced his emotional sister, who was reliving horrors suffered so long ago and kissed the top of her head. "Who would have imagined," he murmured, "that such a callous and vicious man had a soft spot in his heart for both my sisters."

Arya smiled weakly, wiping her face with the cuff of her sleeve, "Aye, most people thought he was a black hearted villain, but he was not all bad. Under different circumstances I believe he could have lived an honorable life. Obviously, Sansa still thinks kindly of him."

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After a few days of awkwardly observing the Stark Family reunion from the sidelines, Gendry became restless and wandered into Winterfell's smithy, recalling how feverishly he had forged the weapons necessary to combat the Night King's army. The enthused craftsman was pleased to find useful work by assisting the smith in repairing armor and weapons, and constructing useful hardware. Arya came looking for him and saw a fond sight: The single-minded armorer was shirtless, sweaty, and covered in soot, as he swung his hammer with immense power, molding metal into the desired shape. When she entered his field of view, he looked up from his work and smiled at his adored wife. She returned his smile and slyly asked, "Do you remember when I asked you to make me a weapon?"

Gendry smirked, "What I remember best about our reunion is that you came in with the manner of an icy warrior woman, but all I had to do was grin and say, 'As you wish, milady,' and your eyes dropped and you returned a shy smile like a blushing maid. I knew at that moment I was still hopelessly in love with you."

Arya chuckled at the memory, "I sensed that you wanted to kiss me, and that is why I flirted with you."

Gendry paused, impetuously pulled his wife into a tight embrace, and gifted her with an intense kiss, which she enthusiastically returned as they both moaned with renewed pleasure, to the amusement and guffaws of any nearby craftsmen. "Aye, I wanted to kiss you just like that," the smith gasped when they broke their embrace, his bright blue eyes sparkling with lust.

A few days later, Jon was walking through the bailey and heard a racket coming from the forge. Out of curiosity he entered the smithy and observed little Ned banging furiously on a dented breastplate with a child sized hammer whilst Lyarra was intently watching her father as he patiently demonstrated the process of quenching a new blade in oil. Gendry looked up for a moment and shouted, "Eddard, change hands now! You will want two strong arms!"

During supper that evening, Jon smiled at Gendry and said, "So Lyarra will follow in your footsteps as an apprentice armorer?"

Gendry sighed, "That I doubt, for the girl has far too many interests to remain in a forge. I see her as a traveler for she has a thirst for adventure. She is so like her mother in several ways." He cast a thoughtful gaze at his good-brother, "Jon, King Bran said that he plans to find a match for Lyarra when she is older, and Arya and I have considered sending her abroad before that comes to pass. What say you?"

Jon smirked, "You would give Lya leave to become a pirate?"

Gendry did not laugh at the intended jape, but seriously replied, "Better a captain than a courtesan. Mayhaps we will indulge her desire to go to sea and will ask Captain Randyll of Nymeria to take her under his wing."

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Lyarra and Ned built snow forts daily and had furious snowball fights with the children of Winterfell castle. However, as time passed, each day brought less snow and eventually parts of the courtyard were clear of the white stuff. The perpetual snowdrifts began to melt completely and were not replaced by new snowfall. As the clearings appeared in and around the castle grounds, the weather was slowly becoming warmer. The oldest smallfolk in the castle insisted that the signs of a real spring were appearing. Arya looked imploringly at her husband and confessed that she wanted to stay at Winterfell and experience another Northern summer again. Ravens arriving from Ser Davos back at Storm's End had been perfunctory; there had been no matters of consequence in the Stormlands to concern Lord Baratheon. Gendry responded that there was no urgency for returning home and was rewarded with a brilliant smile and a kiss on the cheek from his cherished wife. Besides, Lord Baratheon dreaded boarding the ship again and did not look forward to the long voyage home.

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One afternoon following the midday meal, Arya put her hand on her husband's chest and firmly grasped the laces of his tunic. She stared at him with wide grey eyes and intoned with a serious expression, "I am going to practice my archery in that storeroom. Will you come meet me there later?"

Gendry's eyes lit up with recognition. He nodded and responded in a husky voice, "Aye, milady, I would not miss the opportunity for the world!"

As their entwined bodies lay naked on the grain sacks following the spontaneous rendezvous, Arya panted, her flushed face glowing with perspiration, "I believe that this experience was much better than the first time."

"Aye," Lord Baratheon grinned, "and it was far from silent, too."

Lady Sansa sauntered into Arya's chamber, where her sister was brushing out her hair following a refreshing bath. The Queen of the North smirked, "So you and your husband had another tryst in the storeroom. I suppose it was a fond memory."

Arya looked at her sister questioningly. She had always meant to ask about the package she received from Sansa after announcing that she intended to wed Gendry. "Sansa," she asked, "How did you know that the bloodstain on the grain sack was mine?"

Sansa laughed charmingly, "Sweet sister, I do believe that I would be a successful investigator. My interest was aroused when I beheld Sandor glowering at Gendry at the feast when Daenerys legitimized him and raised him to his lordship. I questioned him and he snarled, 'The bastard smith has always had an eye on the wolf girl. I even saw him by her side with the Brotherhood. I wager the fucker thinks that he is worthy of her now!' The next day I noticed that in the Great Hall, when word spread that you and Clegane has set out for King's Landing on your own, Gendry appeared to be extremely miserable, which seemed strange since he was a Lord of Great House now. Then during the conference in King's Landing where Bran became king, his eyes were fixed on you and only you the whole time. Before leaving Winterfell, a worried servant brought me the bloodied grain sack, suspecting that some foul deed had occurred in the storeroom. I knew that you practiced archery in that room when you desired to be alone and realized that the bloodstain had the shape and color of maiden's blood. All I did was put the clues together and assumed that you and Gendry had been intimate before the battle and then you broke his heart by leaving him."

As Sansa revealed her secrets, Arya blushed and lowered her eyes and her sister continued, "Really, Arya, the boy had obviously been besotted with you for a long time and you treated him quite shabbily. I was surprised at how dedicated he remained to your memory. At least you did return to him and make up for your abandonment."

Now the bold wolf princess looked up and grinned, "Gendry has no cause for complaint. I gave him my maidenhead, wed him, and presented him with three children. What more could he ask for?"

Sansa's voice tinkled fetchingly with humor, "Another babe!"

Arya rolled her eyes, slapped her forehead, and groaned, "You are probably correct. The man is never satisfied!"

The Lady of Winterfell was still highly amused, "From the sounds emanating from your chambers at night, I believe that you are never satisfied either! Mayhaps that next babe has already been conceived."

Arya groaned again and shook her head, "I fear that I will never have peace."

Now Sansa's expression was compassionate, "You were not meant for a peaceful life, dear sister, but at least I do not expect any more bloodshed. Celebrate your loving husband and growing family. I can only envy you." Arya embraced her sister tightly, wishing that she could help her find her own happiness, but alas, as far as she knew, that would be a great quest.

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By the time the Baratheon family had been residing in Winterfell for a turn of the moon, it became common knowledge throughout the North that both of Lord Ned's and Lady Catelyn's lovely and precious daughters were present in the kingdom's main castle. Prior to troubles brought on by Lord Ned's ill-fated attempt to aid his old friend Robert in successfully ruling Westeros from King's Landing, the vassals of the Great House of the North had been charmed by the charismatic and spirited offspring of their popular liege lord and lady, and visited Winterfell regularly, often with their own children, and the castle was frequently a lively place. Lady Catelyn once complained, "I fear that we have become a tourist destination," but Lord Ned simply smiled and welcomed his vassals, for it was their tithes that supported the comfortable lifestyle of the reigning family. Once again, the vassals were eager to visit Winterfell and meet the grown-up version of little 'Arya underfoot' and become acquainted with her family.

Queen Sansa was an obliging hostess and had mastered the art of entertaining visitors, and her guests had always marveled at her beauty and talent for striking adornment. Sansa encouraged her younger sister, who seemed to live exclusively in masculine tunics, breeches, and boots, to dress up for the feasts so both highborn ladies could display the unparalleled beauty of the women of House Stark. Knowing that Arya loathed feminine finery, Sansa slyly reminded her sibling of how much her husband enjoyed her efforts in that direction. The wolf princess, reflecting that her wearing of a court gown with a revealing bodice always led to a night of lovemaking so intense that the happy couple barely had the energy to attend break fast on the following morning, usually acquiesced to her clever sister's ministrations.

Lyarra was an observant and perceptive child, and since the day she had caused so much commotion by pretending to be the Black Pearl and being subject to an uncomfortable and confusing lecture about a courtesan's function, she was even more curious about the roles of women. She was well aware that her mother was most comfortable in the masculine tunics and breeches she habitually wore and sparred in daily, but on the evenings when her noble parents hosted feasts for their vassals and dressed for the occasions, Arya made a serious effort to play the part of the lady of a Great House.

Now in Winterfell, Lyarra watched in fascination as Aunt Sansa's handmaidens attired both her and Mother in layers of petticoats and fit them into luxurious gowns of Myrish silk and lace that hugged her hips, waist, and bosom, and the low-cut bodices revealed a generous amount of décolletage. Aunt Sansa helped her sister paint her face carefully as the handmaidens fussed with their hair, brushing it out and adding jewelry. Lyarra found it most intriguing that during the feasts, her lord father's expression seemed strangely 'hungry' as he viewed Mother, and the eyes of every man in the hall followed her movements and jostled to be her partner when the dancing commenced.

Children were welcome in the early hours of the feasts, and Aunt Sansa had made it her business to see that Lyarra attended as a proper young lady, bathed and scrubbed to a rosy glow and stuffed into an appropriate silk gown with her glossy hair brushed out, very similar in appearance to her mother. Minisa was an enthusiastic proper little lady, enjoying 'dress up' and politely imitating her queenly aunt, who she closely resembled. Young Ned displayed his grandfather's look, but his bright blue eyes and black surcoat with gold piping, identical to that of his lord father's, indicated that he was the Baratheon heir. The lad was too young to be expected to do much dancing, and he was mainly ordered to try to keep his clothing clean whilst dining.

Lyarra was amused by the fact that most of the familiar adult males made it a point to dance with her, jape about her unusual attire as they admired her, and tell her that she was beautiful as they gracefully twirled her. Squires closer to her age were also attired appropriately for the formal affair, and she found it amusing that they seemed to be ill at ease and blushed as they held her awkwardly in a sweaty embrace when they clumsily danced. These boys have no problem with familiarity whilst sparring, wrestling, and riding, she mused, why is dancing different? Their behavior would become clearer as she grew older.

Later, Lyarra was impatient to discuss her observations with her mother, who looked uneasy and muttered something about a woman's beauty has power over men, and a clever woman knew how to use this to her advantage. But then her eyes narrowed and she spat out, "Lya, men are usually stronger and larger than women, and sadly, some are cruel and enjoy exhibiting their physical superiority. A woman with a blade and the knowledge of how to use it to defend herself may have some protection against the vicious actions of those men, but a blade is not always a guarantee of safety."

Lyarra looked very troubled by her mother's words as Arya sighed and continued, "That was what attracted me to your father. He was a huge and powerful young armorer, but from the first he was always gentle and his behavior indicated that he cared about me. Mayhaps we argued frequently, but I knew that his anger and frustration was an indication of his affection and fear that he could not protect me from the evil men that surrounded us." Lyarra had listened most attentively, for she loved her parents very much and liked to hear about their relationship. Arya looked pointedly at her daughter and cautioned, "Lya, if some day you come to the conclusion that you require a man to complete your life, and the gods know that I did not accept that attitude until I possessed almost twenty namedays, I hope you find a man as kind, gentle, and understanding as your father. Men like him are rare indeed."

The young wolf girl continued to observe the older women in her life and often discretely copied their behavior, noting that certain facial expressions resulted in predictable reactions from the grooms and squires with whom she spent her time. She was early on becoming unknowingly skilled as a coquette as well as a warrior maid. Sometimes Arya was a witness to these interactions and wondered if she should comment. Arya often found herself thinking, What will Lyarra be like when she flowers? Instinctively, she did not have a comfortable feeling about the future.

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When Lyarra had celebrated her ninth nameday, her closest companion at Winterfell was a twelve year old squire, Wallace Waynwood of the Vale. Lya was tall and agile for her age due to her Stark and Baratheon heritage and she could spar with the older boy without any disadvantage. They crossed swords and rode out into the hills together to practice archery. One day whilst grooming their horses in the stable, Lyarra spied an extremely tumescent stallion. Her eyes went wide and she blurted out, "Oh my!" upon seeing the size of the remarkable member, completely unlike the flaccid state of which she was familiar. Squire Wallace snorted, "I can do that too!"

Lyarra was curious; she had seen her brother's tiny cock and was thoroughly unimpressed. Her curiosity had grown since overhearing the scullions whispering with smirks and giggles that Lord Gendry carried a veritable tree trunk in his breeches and it was a wonder that he had not split his wife in twain. Lya had no idea what that meant, but was keen to find out. She responded to the squire, "Will you show me?"

Wallace grinned, "Aye, my lady, but if I do you have to take down your smallclothes, too. Fair is fair." Although her mother has warned her about boys scheming to see her private place, Lyarra was much too curious and agreed. As usual, Lyarra had bad luck and the septa almost fainted when she discovered the youngsters disrobing in the Godswood; Lyarra standing stock still in her smallclothes, staring at the stiffening cock in the boy's vibrating hand, and thinking, Hmm, that is larger, but certainly not like a stallion's.

In high dudgeon, the septa transported the children to Arya by firmly grasping their ears as they squealed in pain, announcing with obvious revulsion that they were 'playing maester'. Both children were immediately reprimanded for inappropriate behavior and the squire was given a forceful lecture by an angry Gendry and forbidden to spar or ride with Lyarra unsupervised for the nonce.

Arya scolded her impetuous daughter, laid out the details of her own forthcoming grounding, and reluctantly gave Lyarra a limited 'sword and sheath' lecture using the stallion as a model. Lyarra was amazed but unfortunately even more curious now. Recalling the scullion's gossip, she innocently asked, "Mama, is Father's cock as large as the stallion's? Does it hurt you?" Arya's jaw dropped and she was too scandalized for words to respond. Lya had seen the usual range of her mother's moods, happy, angry, dangerous, and sulking, but she had never seen her so red-faced and embarrassed. Arya muttered that they will return to that discussion when she is older and ordered her to drop it for the moment. Naturally, Lyarra was still intrigued and curious with the idea.

Gendry spied his wife in a reflective mood and kissed her forehead, enquiring, "Something on your mind, sweetling?"

The Lady of Storm's End coolly focused on her husband, "Your older daughter has been contemplating the size of your cock."

Gendry gave a start and blurted out, "Seven hells! That is not something I want to think about! Will I never get any peace?!" Arya responded with a small laugh, obviously somewhat amused by the idea. Gendry looked thoughtful and smirked, "If I recall correctly, the first personal conversation we shared so long ago concerned my cock also. Stark females must be obsessed with it."

Arya glared and shoved him, muttering, "Stupid bull! Do not be so smug! What are we to do with her?!" After much discussion, a schedule was devised for their troublesome daughter. First of all, an adult would always be in attendance, be it the maester, the septa, the master at arms, or the sailors, especially during sparring, swimming, or riding. Lessons with the maester would fill the morning and physical activities would take place in the early afternoon. Gendry was to supervise her as she worked on a challenging armor project in the forge before supper, and after the evening meal, family time completed the day. Gendry looked over the list recorded on a sheet of parchment and beamed in satisfaction, "There, this should keep Lya too tired to cause any mischief!"

However the girl's mother appeared more doubtful, reflecting quite well how a girl intent on misbehaving would find a way around restrictions. That had been the story of her own childhood. She tried to present a hopeful expression, "We shall see."

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Note: The sojourn at Winterfell will continue for a while longer, and then the family will board Nymeria again. Hmmm, is it time for an adventure at sea?