Silver Stag

Brother

[Winterfell - Courtyard]

In the cold, misty courtyard of Winterfell, Gendry and Davos were busy overseeing the crafting of dragonglass weapons. The sound of hammering and the smell of hot metal filled the air as the blacksmiths worked tirelessly to create the weapons needed for the impending battle against the Night King and his undead army.

Just as Gendry was inspecting the progress of the weapons, a figure appeared at the entrance of the courtyard. It was Aelinor, the daughter of the late king Robert Baratheon. Gendry's heart skipped a beat as he recognized her, remembering the times he had seen her in King's Landing, unaware that they were half siblings.

She had visited Winterfell with her family a few yeas ago, but had returned to aid in the war they hoped would be among the last they would fight.

Aelinor, clad in a simple but elegant dress, her long silver hair tied back in a neat braid, walked towards them with a purposeful stride.

"Gendry, it's been so long," Aelinor said. "I see you're still working on your precious weapons."

Gendry nodded curtly, his eyes never leaving her face. "We have to be prepared for the coming battle," he said.

"Gendry, Davos," she said, her voice cold and commanding. "I need your help. My husband, Daemon, and I are preparing to fight against the dead, and we need two swords, one for each of us. Can you create something special for us?"

Gendry felt a pang of surprise and confusion. He had known that Aelinor was the daughter of the late king, but he had never met her before. And yet, there was something familiar about her - something that made his heart race.

"Of course, my lady," Gendry replied, bowing his head. "We will do our best to create two swords worthy of your skill and bravery."

As they began to work on the swords, Gendry couldn't help but steal glances at Aelinor. He was trying to decide if he should reveal the truth of his parentage.

Finally, as they were finishing up the second sword, Gendry couldn't keep his secret any longer. He looked at Aelinor and said, "My lady, there is something I must tell you. Something that I have kept hidden for far too long."

Aelinor looked at him curiously, her green eyes sparkling with intrigue. "What is it, Gendry?" she asked.

Gendry took a deep breath before speaking. "You and I, my lady, are half siblings. Your father, King Robert, was my father as well."

As Aelinor stood in the frosty courtyard of Winterfell, she couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal wash over her. She had alwys known that her father had many mistresses and illegitimate children, but she had nevr suspected that one of them was standing right in front of her.

Gendry, the blacksmith's apprentice, had just revealed to her that he was her half-brother, the product of one of her father's many indiscretions. Aelinor felt a wave of anger and hurt wash over her as she stared at Gendry, trying to see any resemblance to her father in him.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something that made her pause. Gendry looked so much like their father, with his blue eyes, rugged features and dark hair. It was almost as if her father was standing right in front of her, and for a moment, she felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her.

"Gendry, I'm so sorry," Aelinor said, her voice trembling as she wiped away her tears. "I had no idea."

Gendry looked at her with a mixture of sadness and apology. "I should have told you sooner," he said. "But I didn't know how."

Gendry, sensing her distress, approached her, his face filled with concern. "Aelinor, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

"It's just...," she began, her voice trembling, "I just found out that you're my half-brother. Our father...he nevr wanted me, but he would have liked you. You look just like him."

Gendry's expression changed from concern to confusion. "What do you mean? Your father nevr wanted you?"

Aelinor nodded, tears streaming down her face. "He resented me. He never accepted me as his daughter because I look like the man who stole his betrothed. But he would have liked you. You look just like him, you know? Strong and brave, just like him. At least, he was."

Gendry's eyes widened in understanding. "I see," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "I'm so sorry, Aelinor."

Aelinor waved her hand dismissively. "It's not your fault. It's just...it's just hard, you know? To know that my own father didn't want me, but he would have liked you."

Gendry stepped closer to her, his eyes filled with compassion. "Aelinor, I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. You're not alone."

Aelinor looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Gendry. Just knowing that you're here for me makes me feel a little better. The war has taken most of my family from me. I fear you and Myrcella are my only siblings left. I know naught of our other half siblings, Mya and Edric."

"We have more half siblings?!"

Aelinor nodded. To Gendry, this was welcome news.

Gendry smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I'll alwys be here for you, Aelinor, if you allow it. You're my sister. I nevr had siblings, no one really, just me."

Aelinor smiled back, feeling a familial sense of comfort and acceptance that she had nevr felt before. One different from what she felt from her Lannister or Baratheon uncles. Maybe, just maybe, she had found a true family in Winterfell, despite the secrets and lies that surrounded her.