Game of Thrones: The New Stark
Chapter 4 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 4
The tension was thick in the air as the Stark family all stood ready, along with the people of Winterfell; ready to welcome the King and Queen. It was of course a familiar situation for the family; being almost exactly like the events that occurred some years before when Robert Baratheon had been the one to visit them.
Catelyn couldn't deny her nervousness, for despite the rather high profile of their guests, Arya still dressed as she usually did; even wearing Needle as she stood by Gendry's side. In addition to that however; something else that caught Cat's attention; as well as the other members of the family, something about Arya's expression worried them; she looked concerned.
'Something is wrong here...why is Arya so; she looks distracted.' Cat wondered worriedly.
But she had to push those thoughts aside as Stannis and his group finally arrived. Cat internally reflected that despite the obvious pressures or being King and the passing years, Stannis Baratheon still looked mostly the same as ever; his blue eyes icy as he looked over the gathered audience. Riding next to him was the Queen; Selyse Baratheon.
Cat looked worriedly at her. 'She looks exactly how I've heard; I just hope nothing goes wrong here...'
Her concerns in that regard seemed mostly confirmed; for she saw the look on Selyse's face when her eyes fell on Arya.
But then, another person came to the attention, a girl the same age as Arya. She had long black hair and blue eyes; the left side of her face was marred by Greyscale scars; she had a strong jaw and prominent ears.
'That must be Princess Shireen...from what I've heard she's such a sweet girl; but somewhat lonely.' Cat reflected.
But they quickly bowed as the Royal Family and their retinue dismounted and, once they stood again, they faced their visitors, silence stretched on for quite a while.
Finally Stannis spoke. "Robb Stark, greetings; thank you for welcoming us to your home."
Robb nodded. "King Stannis, it is an hour."
There was another slight pause and then Stannis spoke again making introductions.
"My wife Selyse and daughter Shireen." He said, gesturing to them.
"Queen Selyse, Princess Shireen." Robb replied. "Welcome to Winterfell."
Selyse merely inclined her head, clearly unhappy. But Shireen smiled and spoke in reply.
"Thank you." She said softly.
Robb did not fail to note the girl was shivering and understood why. "Let us head inside; it will be warmer there. We will see you to your chambers too."
Stannis nodded in acceptance; soon they began to leave the courtyard. As they headed inside Cat observed Queen Selyse.
'As we anticipated, she's looking for something to complain about. I wouldn't be surprised if she started before we even get to the feast...' She noted to herself. 'But what will it be, Arya being improper; the Sept, Godswood, or something else.'
Still, that was something that would have to wait; she knew she wasn't the only one to have noticed; their first priority had to be talking to Arya about whatever was bothering her.
So it was, while their visitors were making themselves comfortable in their chambers, the rest of the family; after privately conferring, approached Arya as she and Gendry were about to make their way to the archery range.
"Arya, can we talk for a moment." Cat said quickly.
Arya turned, startled. "Oh, um...of course."
After sharing a look, it was Robb who spoke. "You've been acting strangely the past day or so; is something wrong?"
Arya bit her lip, glancing over at Gendry; who was also looking at her worriedly. "You all saw, huh?"
They nodded and she sighed.
"I wasn't sure how to tell you; especially when we're all so busy with our visitors." She revealed. "But, I haven't been feeling well lately; so...I went to the Maester to get answers."
They all froze, Sansa gasped.
"Arya, are you saying you…?"
She nodded. "Yes, I'm with child."
There were more gasps, then Gendry smirked as he embraced her.
"Arry, that's..."
Arya bit her lip. "Maybe...I mean, I, it..."
The family shared a concerned look; suddenly realizing.
"Arya, please, don't start thinking like that..." Sansa began.
She shook her head. "But it's true, you know me...I can't be a mother, I'm..."
"Arry; I get you're worried; scared. I'm scared too." Gendry said suddenly. "But, we can face this together...unless you..."
She shook her head. "I...I wouldn't do that. I hoped you'd say that."
The others all smiled and Robb spoke gently. "Arya, we're all here for you, you'll have help."
Arya smiled, hopeful that maybe things wouldn't be quite as bad as she feared.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.