Reassuring Gendry

Jason had visited many vast ruins and underground passageways in his life, yet the passages of Dragonstone rivalled them. Considering the place was hundreds of years old along with being a mix of natural and constructed chambers, the vast space could very well spread across the whole island. While he nearly got turned around in the shadowy passages, his sharp senses helped him pick out the stand on banging metal and bellowing fires among the whispering winds blowing through this place.

The chamber that housed the old forges were quite large, which made sense considering the unique design about the many smelting and smithing devices around. The forges were a mix of black stone and metal, designed like much of Dragonstone to be stylized as roaring dragons. Whenever the nearby bellows were worked hard, it makes the flame surge out as if the stone dragon was trying to spew flames. Jason saw how the ceiling also had holes borrowed out across it, letting the smoke and heat flow out to the surface. Still, the air was hot and thick, making the Surgebinder already sweat in his leather clothing.

His attention focused onto the workers, smiths and craftsman busy repairing or forging new gear for the soldiers above. They seemed to have plenty of materials on hand thanks to the supplies Davos had been providing over the last few months, enough to arm a small army at least. With so many people about, it was difficult to pick out Gendry, so he focused on seeking out the foreman. It wasn't hard to find the man considering his attire was made of finer material and the fact his booming voice was constantly giving out orders.

"Keep fuel going for those flames! I don't want any delays on the latest orders!" The short-bearded man noticed Jason approaching, his snarled expression becoming a friendlier one. "Ser Jason! An honour to have you visit us down here." The took firmly shook hands before the foreman continued. "I was at King's landing during the tournament. Always enjoy seeing the fights and seeing the finest arms the men use, though I can say yours were the most impressive."

"Thank you. I take you to have quite the experience working here?"

"Aye. Been here since the Rebellion two decades back. Was little more than a journeyman at the time, though my efforts got me noticed by Lord Stannis. When I was requested to come to serve here, I didn't hesitate to say yes." The two started to stroll around the chamber, watching the smiths at work. "Dragonstone forges are one of Westeros's oldest and finest, though admittedly not fully understood. I thought they'd hold answers to Valyrian steel. Sadly my experiments have not gained any tangible results."

Jason simply nodded as he listened. Considering what Mott had shared, he knew well what was missing to the forging process for such fine weapons. Still, he had to feel impressed by the foreman's ambition and dedication to his craft. "Can say this forge outclasses anything from my home, though the one at Mott could be considered a good equal."

"Heh! Perhaps…the man does have odd techniques and knowledge on his side, though I doubt it matches what to the Valyrians." The man waved one hand about. "Bah, but you're not here to yammer on such history and debate. What do you need of us Surgebinder?"

"Want to talk to one of your workers, a young lad by the name of Gendry. He was part of our group from Ser Davos ship."

"Ah, that lad!" The man nodded towards one of the anvils where the young man was busy hammering out a new blade across it. Considering his age, the boy was quite fit and seemed quite focused on his task even as the two approached. "Boy's been working all nonstop. So far, the quality of his crafts matches some of my top workers, even though he claims his teacher to have been a simple man."

Jason guessed Gendry was trying not to reveal too much of his past to the people here at Dragonstone, perhaps for his safety or to avoid attention. If they knew he had been apprenticed to one of Westeros most praised smiths, he'd be constantly bothered. "Must have been a humble yet talented master then."

The foreman gave a short shrug as they'd walk up to Gendry who'd finish up on the sword before sinking it in a large bucket of water and then setting it aside to fully cool. Wiping the sweat off his brow, he'd at last notice the foreman and Jason, giving a short respectful nod to them both. "My lords."

"Heh, no need for lording with me boy. Ser Jason only wanted to check up on you." The foreman chuckled, giving a firm pat on the boy's shoulder.

"Would prefer to talk privately with him. Think he's earned a break?" Jason asked.

"See no harm. The lad hasn't taken much time off today and has met the quota. Can take the rest of the day if he wishes." The foreman glanced to Gendry who remained silent, only giving a short nod to answer back.

"Then let's go." Jason turned and moved to leave the forge, only pausing to make sure Gendry followed once the boy grabbed any of his tools to put back on his belt. The two walked out of the hot chamber and into the cooler passages ways, moving through the maze a bit until the Surgebinder stopped. "So…settling in just fine?"

"Yes, but I know that isn't why you're here Jason," Gendry muttered. "Something has come up after you spoke to my uncle hasn't it."

For a moment Jason didn't answer, trying to think of a proper answer to give back. "Lord Stannis is…complicated."

"You mean as stern and stubborn as the rumours go." Gendry bluntly stated.

"He has a dead set view on about the world, with a determination to taking his rightful place on the Iron Throne. He had some…extreme thoughts about whoever opposes him."

"Like the Lannisters…Lord Robb…Me?"

The boy again showed that observative wit, the same kind his father had at times. "I haven't told him the truth about you…not yet."

"Because your worried of what he may do to me?'

"It's a precaution."

Gendry clenched his fists now in a show of frustration. "So, what do you suggest? That I run again if he plans to kill me like the Lannisters?"

"Lord Robb would accept you under his protection. He's a trustworthy and-"

"But what if that doesn't work out? What if Stannis demands he hands me over? Do I run again…until I have to cower beyond the Wall just to be safe?!" The young man snapped those last words out.

"That won't happen!" Jason spoke sternly, making Gendry snap out of his anger. "Most is uncertain now, yet I won't let fear or doubt muddle my choices. It shouldn't for you." Giving a small sigh, Jason put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'll find the right moment to talk to Stannis, once I'm sure he has no intents to harm you. For now, just on focus your craft and bonding with the other smiths."

Gendry relaxed his hands, giving a short nod before that hand left his shoulder. For a moment, he seemed ready to remark back before deciding otherwise. "Will that be all Sir?"

"I do have a small request…more of a request from Arya." The mention of the young Stark brought a curious look in Gendry's eyes. "She needs proper armour for training and travel. I have designs that should help you craft…that is if you can handle leatherworking."

"Heh…just because you see me working metal doesn't mean I can't do leathercrafting." A show of pride showed on the man's face now. "I can request the foreman for supplies-"

"No need for that. I can get you all the materials need, top quality stuff. Just be sure to do this project on your off time."

"Of course." Gendry paced about slightly, seeming a bit restless. "May I go now, Sir? I feel I'll be resting for the rest of the day."

"Nothing else Gendry." Jason was unsure what else to say to the boy since overall his future was uncertain right now. However, he was dead set on making sure he was safe along with the rest of his companions. "I'll see you tomorrow with the blueprints and supplies. Until then." With a parting nod, he'd turn to disappear down the dark corridor towards the way out of the underground, leaving Gendry by himself.