Game of Thrones: Bonds of Family

Chapter 4 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks :)
wazzup11: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
Dovahkin no unknown: Thanks.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yeah, she's recovering, slowly but surely. Glad you liked that part.
tardisinthesgc: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yeah, she's made amends, that's the main thing.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks, well, we can only wait and see.
CadeTheSlowpoke1: Thanks; glad you enjoyed it :)

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 4

Arya smiled, hopeful, as she waited for Maester Luwin, he was checking her symptoms again, following her waking up and reporting that she felt slightly better. Her parents and Gendry were waiting; finally Luwin finished his examination and straightened up.

"Yes, overcoming the fever will take more time." He remarked. "But you are recovering, Lady Arya."

Arya smiled, relieved. "Thank you."

Luwin nodded, smiling and spoke briefly to her parents, Gendry came over to her also smiling.

"This is good; I suppose I'm nearly there." She said.

Gendry nodded. "Yes; I am glad to hear it."

Arya nodded and then Gendry, reluctantly, left, he had to return to his duties as did her father. Her mother opted to stay with her however; they were also soon joined by Sansa.

"Sansa?"

She smiled. "I just came to see if there is anything I could do to help."

Arya sighed and was about to speak.

Sansa shook her head however. "I know what you're about to say Arya; just sit back and relax, let us help."

"Fine, fine." Arya agreed in the end.

So she relaxed, easing into the comfort of her pillow, after Sansa helped make it more comfortable.

It was some time later, Arya sighed as she sat up, carefully getting out of bed. Luckily she didn't get dizzy so she was able to stand up. Sansa had suggested to her that something which might help her feel even better, especially in her current state, would be a bath. Arya had agreed, desperately wanting to wash the sweat from her body. The bath was now ready, Sansa stepped back.

"There, we'll give you some privacy." She said. "If you do need help however, I'll wait outside."

Arya rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine Sansa, yes I'm ill but it's not that bad."

Sansa just laughed as Arya removed her sodden shift, Catelyn picked it up.

"I'll get a fresh one for you."

Arya smiled and thanked her mother before getting in the bath and began to clean herself, instantly the hot water began to relax her muscles. It did not take her long to finish cleaning herself and soon she was feeling more relaxed, better even, without all the sweat. Her temperature seemed have gone down a little. She soon dried off and pulled on the fresh shift her mother had brought for her before clambering back into bed.

Without the sweat adding to her discomfort, she was more relaxed and happy, despite still feeling ill, when Gendry arrived and remained at her side.

Gendry couldn't help but smile at how Arya was taking advantage of their situation. Despite being ill, she insisted on continuing their lessons. Ever since he was knighted, Gendry wanted to better himself, to feel more worthy of his new title and his betrothed.

Arya had laughed at this, saying it wasn't necessary, but none the less helped him. So it was that she began teaching him to read and write. So here they were, working on Gendry's lessons, while Arya remained in bed, recovering. They were visited by her brothers too at various points through the day.

Robb was first. "Arya."

She grinned. "Hello Robb."

"I see you're busy." Robb remarked with a laugh.

"Yeah, so, what's going on?"

Robb replied casually. "Nothing much, there hasn't been much news from the war front. So we're just keeping an eye of things. Closer to home, well, Rickon's learning well. Who knows, maybe once you're better you'll be able practice with him."

Arya laughed at that, as did Gendry. They were still smirking when Bran visited them later.

"So, how are you doing?" Bran asked casually.

Arya grinned. "Fine, how about you? I heard you had an archery contest with Meera."

Bran blushed but nodded. "Yes, we did…She's been worried about you, a lot of people have, I've seen some praying for your recovery."

Arya almost laughed at Bran's expression when she mentioned Meera; it was clear to her just what he was thinking.

"Gods, I'm not dying." She remarked, shaking her head.

This prompted more laughter for Gendry. Still, Arya couldn't deny she was surprised at so many people being worried about her, especially on such a personal level. The good news was, slowly but surely, she was recovering.

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