Gendry Waters

She had two swords to his none.

Gendry watched with budding interest as Arya continued to swing her sword at an imaginary opponent. If one could be said about her it was that she was quick on her feet. Arya darted through the small clearing in the forest striking at someone wasn't there. Gendry would assume that she was just playing around but Arya had an intense look of concentration on her face and there was an actual pattern to her movement. She did this every night. She took out her wooden sword and moved fluidly through a clear area and worked on her swordplay. She was much younger than Gendry and he could already tell that she was better than he could ever be. Gendry was not an arrogant man but he was confident in his abilities. He also knew what he wasn't capable of and he had a feeling that swordplay wasn't one of them. If there was one weapon that he could feel comfortable wielding was a hammer. Not just because he was used to working with hammer all his life. Hammers were weighted and moved with momentum. If you were strong enough a hammer could be a great weapon. It crushed through armor and had practical purposes other than laying open wounds.

"Yah!" Arya let out a savage war cry as she stabbed at someone that Gendry could not see. In the process she tripped and fell on an upturned root. Gendry burst into laughter and didn't even bother to cover his mouth. She practiced every night for hours on end and this was the first time that she had ever fallen. Arya turned and glared fiercely at him, her cheeks going bright red in the process. "I don't see you have any skill with a sword." Gendry just shrugged at her. She turned and muttered "clumsy oaf" before she resumed waving her sword in the air. Gendry picked up Arya's sword "Needle" that he had been keeping an eye on while she practiced. He glanced at her to make sure she wasn't looking before unsheathing the sword. He stared at the weapon. He didn't see how much of a use it was. It was thinner than a dagger and barely longer than one. It was a weapon used for fencing and Gendry was guessing that it was a weapon that would suit Arya. She was small and quick and could probably stab a man before he realized he was as good as dead. He swung the sword through the air and it whistled. It was quality steel and Gendry couldn't help but wonder if it was made with Valyrian Steel. He had never used the metallic ore but he had seen a blade made of Valyrian steel...it had been the best crafted weapon he had ever seen.

"Have you ever wanted to learn how to duel?" Gendry looked up to see Arya staring down at him. Gendry sheathed Needle and shrugged.

"I'm good at forging swords. Not fighting them. 'Sides, I've never bothered with trying to learn. That's what knights do and I have no interest in being a knight." That wasn't totally true. As a child Gendry had fantasized about leading men into battle gripping a warhammer or a longsword but that was a dream all boys had. He had come to realize that he was a poor bastard who would live the life of one. As a result those dreams had faded away. The one man who had managed to reignite his former aspirations was Eddard Stark and the man was dead now. He hadn't told Arya that he had met her father. He figured that it would be a painful memory to bring up. Gendry had long ago come to realize that his lot in life wasn't going to be a good one. Besides, knights were nowhere near as honorable as they were supposed to be. The two honorable men Gendry had met had been slain by knights. "You never practice with your sword." He had only seen her draw it once and it had been to intimidate that fat boy. That was when Gendry had realized that Arya was someone who he wouldn't mind being friends with.

"I have to get accustomed to weight and balance of this one before I wield Needle. Syrio took six guards down with a wooden sword." Arya plopped to the ground in a cross-legged position as she stared at the wooden sword in her hands. "I wish I could fight like him." Gendry could tell how she felt. She was powerless. She felt powerless. To an extent that was true. Gendry could emphasize with her. He had felt powerless his whole life. His lack of influence over his own destiny was something that had used to depress him but not anymore. It hadn't come to surprise him when his master had handed him of to Yoren. That was the type of thing that happened to bastards.

"You're just a little girl. Stop worrying about not being able to fight like the First Sword of wherever-he's-from. That'll come in time if you keep attacking your imaginary foes with your wooden sword." Gendry yawned and stood to his feet. They had wandered a short distance from camp. "I'm going to bed. Yoren says we're amongst friends in the Riverlands and I can finally rest easy." A week ago Lannister guards had come looking for him. Gendry had no idea why but he knew what it meant if you were being hunted by the Queen's men. Gendry had lived in King's Landing long enough to atleast grasp the politics of the families in Westeros. Both Eddard and Jon had died shortly after visiting him. He figured that he was next on the list. It hadn't taken a genius to discover that the Lannisters were behind their deaths...especially after Gendry had heard word about Eddard's public execution.

Jon Snow

Pentos was the most beautiful city that Jon had ever laid eyes upon. Jon had grown up in the North and as a result had a certain fondness for the frigid wasteland that Southerners thought it to be. He found the place that he had grown to be a beautiful place but Pentos? It was the greatest city he had ever seen. They hadn't actually docked their ship yet. It would be another day before they completed their brief voyage across the Narrow Sea but Jon had seen enough of Pentos from afar to know that he would enjoy his brief visit there. He was fairly certain that Sam would be gladder to see it than he was. Not just because of the beauty but also because it would grant him a reprieve from sea sickness. Jon loved Sam dearly but sea sickness clung to Sam like a disease. As a result Jon had been spending most of his time out in the fresh air to discourage Sam from following him. There was nothing to fear about boats but Sam had already vomited on Jon once and he had decided that it would be the last time.

Jeor Mormont had desired for Jon Snow, Maester Amon and Samwell Tarly to travel to Pentos to get supplies and look for men to join the Watch. Jon didn't see why foreigners would want to come to a country ridden with war but he supposed it wouldn't hurt to ask. Pentos was known for being the merchant capitol of Essos so he could see why it would be a good place to go for supplies. Over the years the Night Watch's reputation had suffered in Westeros and they had gotten less and less benefits from countries in the South. As of now Pentos was the best place to be for supplies and men. Jon had wandered if Maester Amon would be healthy enough for a trip across the Narrow Sea but the man had shrugged off the question. He had said that he was blind and old but had his post for over half a century for a reason. Jon decided not to bring up the topic again. Luckily the Night Watch's reputation was still solid enough for them to procure a ship and a crew with little trouble.

Jon stroked the hilt of the sword Longclaw absentmindedly as the ship rocked over the waves. He was starting to feel a bit sick too. Jon had neglected to eat in hopes of avoiding Sam's fate. His hunger was starting to get to him. Jon headed below deck, still holding the hilt of Longclaw. He had never actually [i]wielded[/i] the weapon. He had drawn it once or twice but that was it. Jon was as sensitive about killing as his father was but that didn't mean he lacked the sense of adventure that every 18 year old had towards battle. As Jon headed below he realized that Maester Aemon would need to know how close they were. He altered his course towards the man's cabin and as he stepped inside the ship rocked again. He leaned against the wall and frowned before pushing himself inside. "I've looked over the maps and I dried fruit will probably be our best option. It doesn't spoil or rot and it's cheaper than fresh fruit and the exotic meats they have." Sam sat at the table with Maester Aemon gesturing at the map even though everyone knew that Aemonc couldn't see. Jon clapped a hand on Sam's shoulder before sitting across from him. Sam gave him a look of mild annoyance. He knew that Jon had been avoiding him.

"We're not far from Pentos. We should be there in the morning." Jon picked up a flagon and filled it with water. He took a tentative sip and frowned at the taste. It was warm and it almost tasted...stale. As if water could be stale. Jon was used to his water cold and realized that he was thirsty enough to ignore the taste. He gulped the water down before tearing off a piece of bread and chewing on it. "Excited to see Pentos, Sam?" Jon said cautiously, feeling guilty for abandoning his friend. Despite Sam's annoyance with Jon he couldn't help but smile.

"I've always wanted to go to the Free Cities. If I hadn't been disowned by my father I probably could have toured all 9." Sam reached for a piece of bread, cast a look at Jon and then Aemon and thought better of it.

"Maester Aemon?" Jon questioned.

"We will be there tomorrow? ...That is good. I've always preferred the frigid North to Pentos. It is a beautiful city though. I remember when I traveled there once in my youth..." Maester Aemon stared into the distance for a second as if he was gathering his thoughts. "Anyway, yes. Dried Fruit. Good, Sam. We have enough funds to procure enough of that. We have enough space to gather a good amount of brothers too. I doubt we'll have enough recruits to fill the ship, though." Aemon's hand shook ever so slightly as he reached out his hand and managed to grasp a goblet before the ship rocked again. Jon was suddenly seized with a queasy feeling in his stomach. He turned away to cough and wound up vomiting up the bread he had swallowed minutes before. Samwell laughed. Jon wiped his hand with his mouth and stood, feeling his cheeks glow.

"Is there anything you need, Maester Aemon?" He questioned. The elder man shook his head as he swallowed water from his goblet.

"We can not be in Pentos for long. You two must rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. The last time I was here we had men who were willing to accommodate the Night's Watch for the right price. But it has been years since I've been here and I am not sure if we will have it as easy." Jon nodded.

"Come along, Sam." He said. Sam nodded and rolled up a map before following Jon out into the hallway.

"I'm excited for this, Jon. Are you excited? I've never crossed any sort of sea before. I always figured I'd be spending the rest of my day on The Wall. Being a member of the Night's Watch isn't as restricting as I thought it would be."

Jon smiled as he stood in front of his own door. "Just remember that we're going to have to cross the sea again, Sam. Hopefully if we make The Bear proud we'll be able to visit again." Jon could see himself wanting to stay in Pentos but he had nearly abandoned the Night's Watch once and he had no intention of doing so again. "Have a good night, Sam."

Arya Stark

"Dragons." He smelled like perfume and his fingers were adorned with rings. Arya also noticed that he had a shiny hook in his nose. She had assumed it was a booger but at second glance she had discovered it was gold. "I tell you my friend. I practically fled here from Pentos after I heard the news myself. I assure you that I am not the only man to know this. Rumor that this mysterious woman has a man from Westeros who tells all her secrets. I don't know the name of this woman but I know that she has dragons...I saw them myself." The merchant lifted the beer to his lips and drank. Almost immediately he made a face and spat it out. "What is this filth? This is another reason why I'd rather be in the Free Cities than here. I'd rather finish my business and flee from this dreaded place as soon as possible." The merchant turned from his companion and laid eyes upon Arya. "Boy! Bring me some wine. Good wine. No worries. I can afford it." Arya had been standing in the corner waiting for Yoren to finish relieving himself. They had stopped at the inn long enough to restock on supplies and that was it. Arya had followed Yoren in hopes of hearing news about her brother. Instead she had heard news nearly as important...dragons.

Arya knew that men lied but this man didn't sound like a liar. He didn't look like he was from Westeros and even though he was a merchant he spoke with an honest tone. Arya knew that technically she wasn't supposed to be talking to strangers. Yet she was curious. "I'm not a boy!" Arya said hotly as she stepped towards him. "I'll get your wine if you tell me more about the dragons, though." The merchant stared at her moment before his lips spread into a grin and Arya noticed that atleast two of his teeth were pure gold as well. His companion laughed and said nothing and drained his beer. The merchant stared at her for another few moments before he leaned back in his seat.

"Fair enough." He finally said. "I was traveling outside of Pentos and came across a group of stragglers. There I saw a woman with silver hair. A creature with wings spouted smoke from its snout. The woman saw me and if I hadn't fled than I am certain than I wouldn't be here today. Who else could it be other than a dragon? I have heard rumors about a Targaryen traveling through the Nice Cities and I have a feeling that she would be one of them. Which one? I cannot be certain but I swear to you that I saw a dragon that day." Arya looked into his eyes and saw honesty on his face. He was a merchant and clearly good at lying..Arya could tell. However, it was almost as if there was desperation in his eyes for her to believe him. Whatever it was Arya felt as this was the truth. These were strange times and her father had once told her that winter was coming. Maybe dragons that spouted fire were the ones who would usher in winter? After her father had died Arya had come to learn that winter also meant troubling times...not just thick snow.

"Come along, boy." Yoren stomped through the bar towards the exit and Arya winced. She had forgotten that she was supposed to be a boy. As of late pretending to be one had become a little harder. Especially after Gendry had learned her secret.

"Boy?" The merchant frowned and then shrugged. "The boy offered to get me wine, if it pleases you." He inclined his head. Yoren snarled and stared at the merchant and then at Gendry. He dug his hand into a pouch in his and tossed a handful of coppers at the merchant.

"The boy has to hit the road. You have a nice night." Yoren said gruffly before spitting red liquid on the ground. He took Arya by the shoulder and squeezed it roughly for a brief second before leading her out of the inn. "What'd I tell you? Keep to yourself, didn't I? I can't get you where you need to be if you keep making yourself known. That bloody merchant smelled like two types of slime n' the last thing I want is for you to get snatched up by a man who'd sell you for another ring in his nose."

"You smell like slime, too." Arya shot back, feeling annoyed. She knew she was a Stark but she hadn't actually been one since she had fled King's Landing. She felt like she was a different person now. She wasn't meant to be a lady and she felt as if she went back to Winterfel with Yoren she could only be a lady. She liked Yoren (despite that whipping) for how he had helped her escape. She appreciated him and admired what he had done for her but at the same time she wondered if Winterfel was where she wanted to be. She knew very little about her brother but she knew that he wasn't there. She wanted to be wherever Robb Stark was. Yoren chuckled at her statement as they walked towards camp.

"The good kind. Make sure you get some rest...we have a long day ahead of us."

When they made it to camp Arya had made up her mind about something. Yoren took a drag out of his wineskin before he stumbled off towards the fire. Arya immediately made her way to Gendry. He was normally sitting with Hot Pie where it was quieter. The men could be rowdy at times and while Hot Pie was an annoying sod he wasn't as loud as the men near the larger fire. "Gendry." Arya said just loudly enough for him to hear. The blacksmith-in-training was sitting at the fire, holding a stick above the flame for what looked to be no reason at all. Gendry looked at her and pulled the stick away from the flame. She saw that he had chipped at it until it roughly resembled a sword.

"What do you want?" He said, not unkindly as he tossed the stick to the side and placed his hands over the fire. Arya jerked her head to the right, indicating that she wanted a private moment. Gendry glanced at the sleeping Hot Pie before standing to his feet and walked with her to the edge of the camp. They were soon standing near the large cage where the three heavily changed men were forced to stay. Arya glanced at them and noticed they were sleeping (or appeared to be so.) She wasn't entirely sure why Gendry had decided to speak with her [i]here[/i] of all places. It wasn't private enough for her but she didn't want to start an argument. It would seem as if she spent most of her time arguing and Arya wanted to get straight to the point.

"Let's run away."

Gendry stared at her. There wasn't a change in facial expression. He just stared at her...almost as if he had been expecting that. Arya expected to argue with him until he agreed but his next statement completely surprised her. "Alright."

Arya frowned. "...what?"

"Well, it's definitely a stupid idea. I doubt you've thought it through but you'll probably do it anyway. Besides, those guards may find me any day now and I don't want to die."

She frowned again. "You aren't...you aren't just saying yes and planning to tell Yoren the next time you get a chance do you?"

Gendry shook his head. "All my life I've done what people tell me to do. I became a blacksmith...I went with Yoren to the Night's Watch. I don't mind following you. You're just as lost as I am and maybe we can find what we're looking for...together."

Gendry looked awkward in the moonlight and Arya couldn't help but feel awkward too. That had been a heartfelt albeit brief speech and she had known Gendry long enough that he wasn't the type of person to say things so eloquently. Eloquently for Gendry, atleast. "Good. We can't do it now because we're to close to the inn. Let's meet near the cage again late at night. If Yoren catches us he'll just think we're trying to get a glimpse at the prisoners."

Gendry nodded. "I don't like the looks of this place...I'll walk back with you tonight but we'll have to meet separately from now." Arya nodded. As Gendry lead the way back towards the camp she glanced back at the cage. She could have sworn she saw the man with red and white hair shift in his cage but pushed the suspicion out of her mind. It must have been a trick on the light. Arya soon fell onto the blanket she slept on. As she drifted to sleep she dreamt of dragons and reuniting with her brother Robb. He was the only one who would help him strike back at his foes and avenge the death of her father and the kidnapping of her sister Sansa.