Game of Thrones: Hearts in the Forest

Chapter 14 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 14

It had been some time since Arya Stark had returned home to Winterfell. Her family's joy at her return had been profound. In that time, the war front had changed. Unable to get through the Riverlands due to their firm defence, the soldiers from the Westerlands had resorted to sailing around to the Crownlands. Stannis had recovered and, with the aid of mercenaries, was renewing his assault. Seeing a chance to avenge Elia, Dorne had also turned against the Lannisters. However they had opted not to side with Stannis; seeking instead, in wake of Joffrey's death, to put Myrcella on the throne, following Dornish succession customs. The Vale and the North continued to stay out of the war, although the Starks ensured that they sent aid to the Riverlands as much as possible. However things were changing, indeed those currently involved in the war, seemed to be the only ones interested in continuing it. The others, the Stark's especially had instead turned their attention to preparing for Winter. The air was growing colder and it was certain that Winter would soon arrive. The Starks words were coming true; Winter was indeed coming. Yet Arya Stark had a more immediate and pressing concern.

Arya groaned as she straightened up; she had been throwing up again. It had been happening every day now for the past week or so. Truthfully she lost track of how long it had been happening.

'Ugh, what is happening to me? Why do I keep throwing up like this?' She thought frustrated. 'Just once, I'd like to eat something without bringing it up again later.'

Just then there was a knock on the door. She turned, making sure to wipe her mouth; she hurried over and answered the door. She stopped when she saw it was Septa Mordane. Their relationship had become slightly better; Mordane at least had accepted Arya would never be a 'proper lady'. Arya noticed Mordane's expression and was apprehensive; she noted that Mordane seemed to be worried.

"Lady Arya, are you alright?" She asked worriedly. "You have looked rather unwell these past two weeks."

Arya sighed. "I…I think I'm alright, I'm not sure though. I mean; I can't eat without throwing up some time later. Also, some smells make me throw up too."

Arya saw the Septa's expression change; she suddenly looked thoughtful; yet still worried. Finally she spoke gesturing to the nearby chair.

"Please, Lady Arya, sit down for a moment." She said; confused Arya did so, with Mordane sitting opposite her. "I need to ask…Were you and this young man of yours, Gendry, ever…intimate."

Arya flushed bright red; that was the one part of their story the two of them hadn't spoke of to the others. Yet now it looked like things were about to be revealed.

Arya's blush seemed to answer everything; but Mordane knew she had to be certain. As such, she needed to hear from Arya herself, in her own words.

Finally Arya sighed. "Y-yes, we were."

Mordane nodded slowly and then, finally she asked the important question. "How long has it been since you last had your blood?"

Arya went even redder; however, she thought back and froze.

"I…About, two moons." She stammered.

Mordane sighed, it was as she suspected. "I see; well, I think you should see Maester Luwin, there is a chance you could be with child."

Arya's eyes widened; the moment Mordane began questioning her; she began to suspect it, but to hear it simply mentioned like this still shocked her.

"Pregnant, but, I can't…this is…"

"I said a possibility, if you are however, what exactly is worrying you?" Mordane replied.

Arya groaned and shook her head. "You know what I'm like Septa; I can't be a mother, I'd…I'd be terrible. I'm not made for motherhood."

Yet to Arya's surprise, Mordane smiled. "Many woman think the same, until they hold their babe in their arms."

"But what if…What if I can't; what if I don't feel that way?"

Mordane shook her head. "I don't think that will happen; I doubt even someone as wild as you could hate your child."

Arya nodded. "True, I could never do that."

Mordane nodded reassuringly and then, finally, they left, heading off to see Maester Luwin.

Later; Arya was sitting with her family; she had gone to see Maester Luwin. He had confirmed Mordane's suspicions; despite feeling overwhelmed by the news, Arya couldn't help but also feel strangely happy. It was a new experience, one that normally she would have hated. But amazingly she didn't; perhaps because the child was Gendry's. She had just informed Gendry and her family; they had been surprised; yet thankfully; none of them seemed to have any direct problems with it. Although she saw her parents share a look, they congratulated her.

"I…I don't understand." She said finally. "I'm unmarried and pregnant and…"

She never got to finish her statement, but she didn't need to, not when they already knew what she was going to say.

Ned smiled. "It's alright Arya; we're all happy for you. You deserve happiness like this, after everything you've been through. I know your thoughts on marriage Arya, but the truth is, marriage doesn't change who you are. Rather you live with someone who can share that with you."

Arya smiled and hugged her father. While Arya spoke to the rest of the family, Ned turned to Gendry.

"Gendry, I wish to speak with you in private for a moment."

Gendry stood up. "Yes M'lord."

He followed as they headed up to Ned's solar.

Once in the solar, Ned took his seat, Gendry sat down across from him. Gendry was nervous but Ned's smile made him feel a little more relaxed.

"Gendry, I've been talking with the rest of the family. They all feel the same way." He explained. "So, you have my blessing to marry my daughter."

Gendry started. "But, M'lord; I…I am truly grateful, but I am unworthy of her."

Ned shook his head. "You are more worthy than you think; you are not just a normal bastard. You do have noble blood from your father."

"I'm sorry, what?" Gendry gasped.

Ned nodded. "Your father was King Robert. Also, do not forget the reward I promised you for bringing Arya back to us. Baseborn or not, a knight is worthy of marrying a noblewoman."

"I…Thank you M'lord; I accept, yes, I accept." He replied finally; all the while thinking. 'I don't want Arya to be mocked and looked down upon because of me.'

Ned nodded and they prepared to begin. That night, with tentative permission from Ned and Cat; Arya and Gendry lay together in her bed. They were embracing each other, currently locked in a deep kiss. When they finally parted Gendry smiled, sliding a hand around to her still flat stomach. Arya was relieved as she noted that, despite all her fears, marriage hadn't really changed her, neither had her pregnancy and likewise, Gendry's knighthood hadn't changed him at all. Now they could look forward to a future together, with their child too when it was born.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.