CHATBOT: INT. INN ON THE KING'S ROAD - NIGHT Gendry works at the forge in the dimly lit inn on the King's Road. Arya enters, looking tired but determined after a long day of traveling. Gendry notices her presence but doesn't stop working. GENDRY Couldn't sleep? ARYA I never could the night before a big adventure. And tomorrow seems like the beginning of one. Gendry realizes where the conversation is heading and puts down his hammer, wiping sweat from his brow. GENDRY I was thinking about that actually... (pauses) I don't think I'll be joining you to Winterfell. Arya looks at him, confused but not visibly hurt. ARYA Why? What's changed? GENDRY After everything we've been through, fighting the Night King, barely surviving... (deep breath) I just realized... I'm not a fighter. I'm a blacksmith. I can be more help to the people here in King's Landing. Arya tries not to show her disappointment. ARYA King's Landing has blacksmiths. Winterfell might need you more. GENDRY I understand that. But I also have few friends here. People who rely on me. It's hard to just abandon them. Arya looks down, trying to find the right words. ARYA I don't want you to abandon anyone. I want you to live the life you choose. GENDRY (sincere) And I appreciate that. It's just... We both know that neither of us is meant for the life the other one wants. Arya nods, knowing that Gendry is right. They share a moment, riddled with mixed emotions. ARYA King's Road is a dangerous place now. Are you sure you'll be all right here? Gendry smiles and picks up his hammer again. GENDRY I survived the Red Keep, the Night King, and even the Brotherhood Without Banners. I think I can handle a few bandits and petty lords. Besides, you know I have a way of always turning up. Arya manages a half-smile. ARYA That you do. GENDRY And I won't be alone. Not really. But... Winterfell, you'll be with your family, and that's where you should be. There is a quiet moment as Arya processes everything. ARYA All right. (slight pause) I'll leave tomorrow for Winterfell. I won't ask you to change your mind. GENDRY (nods sadly) I wouldn't ask you to change yours. Arya approaches Gendry, putting her hand on his arm, a small act of affection and farewell. ARYA Take care of yourself, Gendry. Live your life, wherever it takes you. GENDRY You too, Arya. You're strong and I have no doubt you'll thrive. Arya gives his arm one last squeeze before pulling away, leaving Gendry with a small smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. EXT. KIN...

CHATBOT: INT. WINTERFELL GREAT HALL - NIGHT A feast is happening in the great hall of Winterfell, celebrating their victory over the Night King. Arya and Gendry sit next to each other, cups of ale in hand, observing the festivities. The cheerful noise of the feast surrounds them, but their voices carry through it. GENDRY Arya, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. ARYA (leans in, curious) Go on. GENDRY When I left you back when we were with the Brotherhood... I've always felt a sense of regret about that choice. ARYA That decision led you to become a great blacksmith and now a lord. And it led me to my own journey. Things have a way of working out. GENDRY Aye, but I often wonder how different things would have been if I had chosen to follow you to Winterfell at that time. ARYA (smiles) You may never know. GENDRY (sincere) My entire life I've been on the run, or huddled in one corner or another, bending iron for every second. And eventually, that led me back here. I never had a place I could call home or someone to share it with. ARYA And now you have a title, lands and people who look up to you. You're finally at home, Gendry. GENDRY (nods) But sometimes it feels like something is missing. ARYA What are you trying to say, Gendry? GENDRY (looks into her eyes) Arya, I left without a word. I wasn't honest with you. And after everything you've gone through, you deserve the truth. ARYA (skeptical) The truth about what? GENDRY That I cared for you. More than just as a friend. And that leaving you behind has haunted me ever since. Arya is taken aback for a moment. She looks at her ale and ponders how to respond. ARYA We were children, Gendry. Different people. We did what we thought was best at the time. And that's okay. GENDRY (softer, almost whispering) Do you think we could have a fresh start? ARYA (sincere) I think you're a good man, Gendry. And you've proven your loyalty and bravery a hundred times over. But I've become someone else - someone who doesn't quite fit in this world anymore. GENDRY But we could try, couldn't we? Arya looks deep into Gendry's eyes. She sees the desperate hope and decides not to crush it. Instead, she smiles and clinks her ale against his. ARYA (leaning back) Who knows what the future holds? But for now, let's just focus on living through the next war. One step at a time. Gendry nods, understanding her signal to move forward in a more casual manner. He returns her smile and takes a sip from his cup. GENDRY (nods) One ste...