Game of Thrones: Bonds of Family

Chapter 3 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Here we go.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks :)
Dovahkin no unknown: It's just a fever, you've seen the effects, Arya's symptoms.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; glad you liked that, yeah, well, that's Arya and no matter what, Gendry will always feel that way, that's just how he is :)
tardsinthesgc: Yeah, it's a shame, still, so long as she rests, she can get better :)
wazzup11: Thanks, yeah, well, they are trying to help her in her weakened state.

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 3

Arya lay in bed, despite her restlessness, she was asleep. She took Luwin's advice and remained in bed, her illness had in fact drained her so she soon fell asleep and was now getting the rest she needed. Gendry sat by her side, holding her hand and occasionally mopping the sweat from her face. Catelyn sat on the other side of the bed, working on her prayer wheel.

'I can only hope…Ned is right, Arya is a fighter, if anyone can get through this, she can.' She thought to herself. 'It may be in the Gods hands, but Arya will surely fight.'

Smiling hopefully at the thought she glanced up at Gendry, who continued to care for Arya.

Her thoughts continued. 'He came straight to her when told; he didn't care about the risks of getting sick himself, he instantly came to her side. He truly cares that much for her.'

She let out a soft sigh as she recalled when she first saw Gendry.

'I was shocked, surprised; when I saw him, he looked so much like his father, like King Robert. But I quickly learned he had none of Robert's weaknesses. I saw the way he looked at Arya too; I was afraid, but he was respectful, he knew his place…I wasn't afraid of anything happening. Then he was knighted.'

Catelyn lowered her head sadly as she recalled the way she had reacted at that time, it shamed her, but she couldn't escape it.

She recalled her immediate reaction with shame.

'I was so…cold, I couldn't believe it when he saved Arya and was knighted, I saw the way Arya looked at him and I felt dismayed, she felt the same way.' She thought sadly. 'I was cold towards him, the same…the same way I treated Jon. All I could see was a baseborn blacksmith apprentice, knighted and trying to steal my daughter away.'

She shook her head; recalled how she actually confronted him about it once. It had led to blazing argument, not with him, but with Arya.

She bowed her head sadly. 'I almost chased my daughter away…when all I wanted was to keep her safe. I was so scared, not only because of that, but because of the danger Gendry represented.'

She looked up at Gendry again; watching his careful care of Arya.

'When I heard they were betrothed, I was shocked, I couldn't fathom what Ned was thinking. I argued with them again, Gendry and Arya both, Arya made it clear. She wasn't asking permission from me. She was going to marry Gendry, with or without my approval.'

It had made her feel desperate, depressed, everybody in the family was pleased for Arya, yet they seemed so oblivious to the danger.

Catelyn returned her attention to her prayer wheel and continued to contemplate.

'I just wanted my daughter to be safe, Gendry was…is dangerous. Being the son of Robert Baratheon makes him a target, so many would view him as a threat, especially Stannis, Joffrey, Cersei…They'll all seek to harm him, due to his blood.' She thought sadly. 'I didn't want Arya to be put in that danger. But, but Arya knew all along, they all did. Arya was willing to live with that danger, if it meant being with Gendry.'

She only had the best intentions, but it had nearly cost her something dear; her daughter. Matters were more or less resolved now, Catelyn was looking forward to Arya and Gendry's wedding as much as anyone. But still, she felt terrible, terrible about the past, her mistakes.

Seeking to make amends, she looked up. "Gendry."

He looked up at her, biting his lip. "M'lady?"

"Stop that, Arya's right. You're going to be family soon." She said; managing a small smile. "I wanted to thank you, for helping Arya through this. For everything you've done for her."

Gendry seemed surprised by this but smiled. "I…Thank you."

She nodded. "It's true and…I'm sorry, for how I treated you back then, for everything, I shouldn't…"

"It's quite alright, I…I know you only wanted Arya to be safe." He replied with a smile. "There's nothing to forgive."

Catelyn bit her lip, tears in her eyes when she heard that.

There was a pause then, surprising them both.

"Gendry's right mother." A hoarse voice spoke.

They both jumped and looked down; Arya was now awake, smiling as she looked up at them.

"Arry, are you…?" Gendry gasped.

Catelyn was relieved; everything was looking better, she was amazed at what she heard, but it gave her a new feeling of hope.

"How are you?" She asked.

Arya smiled. "I…feel better, still kind of, bad though."

They both nodded; she felt better, but the fever hadn't broken yet.

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