Game of Gendrya

Goodbyes

  In the morning, before anyone was awake, Arya slipped out of bed and into her travel clothes. Her old clothing she had with Gendry was becoming small and tight, especially in the chest area. She thought about requesting some new clothing from the hem, but she decided against it. The Night's watch had already done so much, she didn't want to ask for anything more than what she already had.
  She smiled at the worn leather, the memories it brung back were both nice and uncomfortable. She was wearing this the first time her and Gendry had kissed, and it made her feel warm. She'd have to remember that when she was freezing on the cold ground.
She tiptoed out of her chamber and closed the door, leaving Gendry asleep inside. Perhaps that would be the last time she saw him.. But she had to think positive. She went down into the kitchen, where some cooks were already at it. By now, she was quite friendly with the cooks. She'd often skip dinner, and they'd always remember to leave a bowl out for her before she went to bed.
  Errold Holt was baking some bread when she appeared in the doorway. "Good morning." She croaked, hardly awake. "Do you get up this early every morning?" She asked, stretching her arms in the process. He laughed a hearty laugh. "Breakfast isn't ready quite yet, but I know you're going on a trip. Don't tell the others, but I got ya something." Errold went towards the back of the kitchen, bringing out a few lobs of bread. Arya smiled a sweet smile. "I know it ain't much, I do.. But it's enough for the ten hour trip." She embraced him with great tightness. He had been a true friend to her the day she arrived, though most were quite welcoming.
  She stuffed the bread in her pack and said her goodbyes to Errold. "You'll be back here with good news." He said finally, giving her a nod. She hoped he was right.
  Arya also filled her water case from the well. Most northerners knew eating snow would only result in more thirstiness, so she was smart to fill it before leaving. John allowed her to take a horse, perhaps it would make the trip a little shorter. It was very long in the first place, but it didn't hurt to have a bit of help.
  Arya had procrastinated heading out on her journey. She wanted the boys to wake up to say goodbye. Just as she was about to leave, someone caught her arm. She turned around and saw Jon.
  "If you feel as if you're in any danger at all, come back." He told her in a serious voice, his brown eyes triumphing over her gray ones. She nodded and felt the sudden urge to hug him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and she wanted to jump up into his arms the way she did just before she left for Kings Landing.. Before all of this happened. Hugging Jon always brought her back and close to home. They chatted for a bit, mostly about the plan and Jon trying to find out what was in the package from Braavos, but Arya wouldn't budge. "Will you tell me after we get back our siblings and Winterfell?" Jon asked, his eyes hungry for answers.
  Arya smiled and nodded, and just as she was about to turn around, Jon had something else to say. "Arya. You and Gendry.." Suddenly Arya was nervous. She felt a blush rising on her cheeks. "I love him." She blurred out, covering her mouth afterwards. She regretted what she said, but she was ready to protest what he was going to say before he even got a chance.
  To her surprise, he only chuckled. "I was only going to tell you to say goodbye first." She smiled an embarrassed smile at him. He had a good heart, she thought. "I can't, he's sleeping." Jon looked up towards the balcony to see Gendry waving at them, his eyes focusing on Arya. "Looks awake to me." Jon smiled. Arya looked up towards Gendry and his goofy smile, sighed, and headed up towards the balcony.
  "You're only going to make it harder to leave," she said as he took her into his warm embrace. "Sorry, kid." She wished she could just stay wrapped in his arms forever. They were large and comforting, he had been wearing a fur vest that was soft against her cheek. "You'll come back. When you do, Rickon and Sansa will be behind you.. Proud on your horses." He rubbed the Arya's back. Suddenly she felt strong. Stronger than before and even more confident, the thought of having her siblings behind her, safe and sound, filled her with joy.
  "Let's hope so." Arya smirked against Gendry's chest. "Remember the first time we did this?" Gendry asked absently. "Mhm. It was unusually cold, we had been wrestling and we kinda just fell asleep in each other's arms." Arya felt even warmer than before. It was good memories like this one that she would need to remember while on her short journey.
  "That night was special." Gendry said calmly, kissing the top of her head. She leaned back from his embrace and looked into his eyes. She pushed herself forward and up towards his lips, impacting his with her own. She made sure to give her best effort to tenderize the kiss, she was afraid it could be their last.
  When they pulled apart, they smiled at each other. "I love you, too." Gendry whispered, caressing her cheek before she headed down the steps.
  She made sure she had her bag with her, her dagger was in her hold and the face was safely tucked away with the letter inside the pack. She mounted her horse and turned around towards the castle one last time.
  Most of the boys were standing around the gate, waving goodbye. A select few were heading towards the breakfast hall and the other majority was training. Ollie made sure to be in front of the boys who were waving, standing proud with his sword in hand. "Bring us home!" Jon shouted, the entire castle erupting with cheers as the gates closed behind her. She smiled to herself. The journey may be short, but she knew it would feel like one million years.