Introduction

As a modern SEOer leveraging various search engine strategies, it is prudent to explore the potential ramifications of historical decisions through an imaginative lens. This article delves into the hypothetical scenario where Robert Baratheon decides to send his bastard son, Gendry, to Storm's End to be raised there. The implications of such a decision on his well-being, other characters, and the overall conflict would be significant.

The Decision and Its Immediate Consequences

Robert Baratheon, as the king, may have been unaware of Gendry's existence or might have known but did not think to show him the same attention as his legitimate children. If Robert suddenly took an interest in his bastard son and placed him under the guardianship of Renly Baratheon at Storm's End, Gendry's life would take an entirely different course than it originally did.

Life Trajectory and Training

Under Renly's guidance, Gendry would likely continue his journey as a blacksmith, following the path suggested by the lord of Storm's End. Given the opportunity, Gendry could enhance his skills and become a respected blacksmith, a position that offers both financial stability and a sense of purpose. This also means that Gendry would be away from King's Landing, thus avoiding any inconvenient comparisons with Jon Arryn, his spitting image.

Political Implications and the War of the Five Kings

During the War of the Five Kings, Gendry would serve under Renly and then Stannis, aligning himself with the Baratheon cause. His presence in Storm's End would offer both the Baratheon brothers additional support and a skilled blacksmith, crucial for any army tasked with waging war. The notion of a blacksmith serving a noble house could bring out a sense of duty and loyalty, which, coupled with Renly's favor, could lead to a promising and stabilized life for Gendry.

Hiding and Survival

Parallel to this timeline, Gendry, like his counterpart Edric Storm, could be placed in hiding by Davos Seaworth to protect him from potential threats. This decision could be contingent upon the unfolding of the Melisandre issue, as seen in the original A Storm of Swords. Such a move would ensure Gendry’s survival and allow him to avoid the perils that beset the Game of Thrones world.

The Aftermath and Familial Reunion

For Arya Stark, if Gendry’s journey took him away from King's Landing, the scenario would drastically alter her path. Without the constant threat of her carriage being attacked, Arya might remain at the Wall, perhaps even staying there long enough to be indoctrinated fully into the Night's Watch. However, the complex nature of her story cannot be fully stated without considering the eventual split from Robb Stark in the Riverlands. Ultimately, Arya could reunite with her family in either Riverrun or Winterfell, although the details after her potential betrothal to Elmar Frey would remain murky and uncertain.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Gendry being sent to Storm's End introduces a fresh narrative layer to the complex history of Game of Thrones. The potential alterations to Gendry's and Arya's lives, the broader political landscape, and the important allegiances formed or dissipated would reshape the narrative in intriguing ways. This thought experiment encourages us to reevaluate the choices made by characters and the far-reaching consequences of those decisions.

Keywords and Tags

Keywords: Gendry, Storm's End, Robert Baratheon, King's Landing, Arya Stark

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