A new cub

Chapter 7

Although there was some small rumors spreading most people bought the story that Sansa had spread about the timing of the pregnancy and wedding.  Arya felt much more comfortable walking around and didn't feel like she needed to hide anymore.  

Around this time, Arya was 8 months pregnant.  Feeling large and wanting to complain about everything because her body was just so tired and aching. Sansa and Gendry tried to give her some space and reduce her workload, but Arya hated sitting around, so tried to keep busy without letting Sansa and Gendry know because they would just yell at her to sit down.

One day Sansa was summoned to the Great Hall to receive some guests it sounded like a normal day, but as soon as she walked into the room she got a bad feeling about the whole situation. 

"My Queen, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Torent."

"I'm sorry my lord, I have not heard of your house before."

"That is okay, I wouldn't expect you to.  My family is distant relatives of the Umber's.  When their family all perished in the battle, their lands fell to mine. I thought it would be good to introduce myself and pledge my allegiance to The North."

"That is very kind of you, I am honored to make your acquaintance."

"In fact I would love to take all of the great men and warriors in Winterfell and take them on a hunt.  We will honor you and your sister with a feast of what we kill."

"Oh please you don't need to do that."

"It would be my honor, I promise."

"Well thank you my Lord we would be honored."

The hunt was scheduled for the next day.  Gendry would participate in it and commented that he also thought it was weird Lord Torent specified for all the men. 

"I agree, I found it strange as well."

"Of course he wants all the men," Arya said rolling her eyes.

"Well we will just hang all day how does that sound little sister?"

"Oh just lovely," Arya said again rolling her eyes.

Sansa pushed her and laughed.  

Soon after the men left for the hunt, Sansa received a notice that Lord Torent wanted to see her and Arya in the Great Hall again.

"Arya he wants to see both of us? Why isn't he on the hunt?"

"I don't know that's really strange."

"I don't have a good feeling about this, but we better go."

"Wait Sans, before we go," Arya began and she walked over to one of her trunks of clothing, "I had Gendry make this for you, I don't want you to freak out, but I think you should wear it."

She handed her a shield of armor, one slim enough to form to her body and fit inside her dress without anyone noticing.  It would only protect the front side of her body, but she didn't want her sister to ever be unprotected again. 

"And I think you should bring the dagger I gave you too, now that you know how to use it," she said with a giggle.

"Arya, thank you its lovely. I will wear it and of course I always carry it now thanks to you teaching me how to use it. Do you have some armor too?"

Arya pulled out a similar type of armor, but it was rounder to fit her stomach inside.

"Do you think Gendry wouldn't make me one too?"

They both changed, but while Arya was putting her clothes back on Sansa spoke up, "Don't take this the wrong way, I know I'm about to be sappy, but one of my earliest memories is mom being pregnant with Bran.  I wish I remembered her pregnant with you, but I was too young.  Anyways, when I just saw you standing there you looked just like her.  She would be so proud of you right now."