Game of Thrones: Tragedy and Reunions

Next chapter of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Banana101: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, well, here it is :)
magnus374: Thanks, well; here's the next chapter.
sakura2113: Thanks, glad you are enjoying it.
HarryPotterLover1996: Yup, Bran's the only one still missing; well, read on and enjoy :)

Now onto the story.

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

Bran

Now back out in the open, Bran had a better idea of the amount of time that had passed. It had been two days since the escape from Dreadfort. Five since Meera had been attacked. Bran noticed that her bruises had become less swollen and the red had faded to a bluish-purple. One particularly ugly one had formed around her right eye. The cut on her lip had fully healed but left a crust of dried blood. Bran also noticed the injuries had affected Meera's strength; she staggered a lot more while carrying him and tired more easily.

Bran however had another concern. He had been too afraid to put it into words, but he feared strongly that the Dreadfort men who had raped her had put a bastard in her. The thought made Bran's blood boil and he wondered what she would do. If given the option would she take Moon Tea? Or would she refuse? He couldn't see any reason for her to refuse but still he didn't know for certain. He also felt different around her; his admiration for her strength had increased the feelings he already felt. Her injuries had enraged him but now saddened him, to see her like that.

"Bran," her voice sounded hoarse now. Had he not noticed that before, unsurprising after all the screaming? "Is everything alright? You've been very quiet."

"E-everything's fine, Meera," he stammered. "I just...I was worried about you."

He could see the profile of her face and noticed the small smile on her lips. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine; I think...I think we're nearly there."

Her voice had filled with hope suddenly. Bran shifted his eyes ahead, and his heart leapt at the sight!

He could see the two castles collectively known as the Twins, hanging from the battles, flapping in the breeze was the Stark banner. Seeing this seemed to give new energy to Meera, despite her earlier exhaustion, she walked onwards; heading for the castle.

Bran smiled. "Meera, don't strain yourself. It's getting late and we don't have to reach the Twins today."

She slowed down and glanced over her shoulder.

"Are you sure? I mean, it looks like your brother is there." She clarified.

Bran nodded.

"I'm sure. If we stop and rest now, we can continue tomorrow and arrive then." He paused and then added. "It's just another day, it gives you time to relax."

Meera sighed and then agreed. They set themselves up for the night and settled into sleep. They spent their nights sleeping under the same blanket, holding each other for warmth. However, due to the trauma she had endured, Meera suffered from haunting nightmares of the past events. As such, Bran did his best to comfort her, something that allowed him, even if in just a small way, to show the affection he felt for her. That night was mostly uneventful, but it was during the moments of quiet that Bran heard the not so distant sound of howling. He smiled as he recognized those howls, it was Summer. Soon they would be reunited with him and the others and, if the banners were true, Robb and his mother too.

The following morning they gathered up everything they would need and Meera pulled him onto her back again. They continued to walk onwards. Meera's motions seemed more automatic now, her mind was elsewhere. Bran felt concerned by this; wondering what was on her thoughts. He got his answer however as Meera then turned her head.

"Bran...I've been meaning to ask." She paused. "I do appreciate you trying to help me but...But why? Why do you show so much concern? More than I would've thought possible."

Bran fumbled for a response, her query had caught him off guard. "What- What do you mean?"

"Most people, if they saw my injuries after that...incident, would've turned away. But you made sure I was all right. Then at night, you help me get through the nightmares… it's, it's nice but...unexpected. I was wondering why?"

Bran felt his mouth go dry, he thought desperately for an answer. "Meera I...The reason I did all that was because...Because..." 'Because I love you,' he thought to himself but he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead he said... "I'm sorry, I don't know why."

Meera sighed and nodded and they lapsed back into a companionable silence.

Finally Meera spoke again, "I'm sorry, I know it was a strange a question and I probably sounded ungrateful. I was just curious."

Bran smiled and nodded. "I understand," he reassured her.

Visibly relieved, Meera continued on her path until finally they arrived at the gate of the northern castle of the Twins. The gate had opened as they arrived; they had been seen from the watchtowers. It seemed that they were expected. Hesitating only briefly Meera proceeded into the castle.

They walked into the courtyard and finally, despite all her efforts, Meera's strength deserted her. Her legs gave way and she fell to her knees. Bran was so focused on her, worried about her well-being that she barely heard the varying footsteps approaching; heavy armoured boots, leather boots and feminine slippers, all swiftly crossing the ground towards them.

It was only when they stopped that he looked up. He felt as if all the breath had left his body. He blinked back tears as he saw the faces of those he once thought lost to him. Osha, Hodor and Jojen had been the first to approach; Jojen appeared apprehensive as he noted his sister's appearance and injuries. Just behind them however was his family. He spotted Rickon right away; he appeared to have been halfway through getting his hair cut when news must've arrived. Standing just behind him were the people he never thought he'd see again. Both his sisters, Robb and his mother. They all looked at him as if they could scarcely believe their eyes. Remembering the helmet Bran pulled it off and dropped it so they could see him properly. More stunned silence, apart from Meera trying to catch her breath, followed. Finally he saw Arya's smile which was slowly, one by one reflected on the others. His mother stepped forwards, smiling, her eyes shining as the last member of her fractured family was returned to her.

Before anyone could say anything Bran turned to Hodor.

"Hodor, put me over there." He said, gesturing to the small stone steps to the left. Hodor did so and Meera, now free of her burden, stood up shakily. Now happy that he wasn't causing her further distress, Bran returned the smiles of his family as they gathered around him. His mother and sisters all hugged him while Robb clapped his shoulder. Rickon kept asking so many questions Bran couldn't keep up. In the end it was his mother who settled everything down.

Catelyn smiled at her second son. "Thank the Gods you're safe Bran. But..." She trailed off.

Bran followed her gaze and saw she was looking at Meera, the bruises and some of the other injuries that were visible. Jojen was stood next to his sister, concern for her wellbeing evident on his face.

"What happened to the two of you?" Cat asked with an air of incredulousness.

Bran sighed. "It's a really long story, but...we were caught, by Bolton soldiers."

Catelyn gasped in horror. "But...Jojen said you escaped?"

"We escaped the first group." Bran confirmed. "There was a second group, they caught us in a trap and...Took us to Dreadfort and...Ramsay."

Bran barely whispered the last word, as if afraid to utter the name out loud. He shuddered and then continued.

"They threw me in the dungeon but...Meera, they; Gods..."

Catelyn and Bran both shifted their gaze to Meera again and noted her haunted expression as she spoke to Jojen.

Catelyn turned back to her son. "Bran, was she...violated?"

Bran nodded. "Several times." He managed to choke out. "They beat her too."

Just saying it caused the memories to flood back; the pain, the rage, the guilt he had felt. How he wished things could have been different.

When he finally recovered, and looked up, he saw his mother observing him carefully. There was a sadness in her eyes and something else too. He couldn't quite place it.

Finally she turned and called for the Maester. The old man came up, but the moment he tried to touch Meera and try to help he to her feet; she jerked away, her eyes wide. Bran sighed; it was clear now that her suffering had made her extremely wary of all males, well, all but two males. It seemed that he and Jojen were the only ones she trusted now.

"Meera," he called out. "It's alright, he just wants to help. Look carefully."

She carefully studied the man, and suddenly recognition dawned across her weary features. Her shoulders relaxed, and she seemed faintly embarrassed.

Jojen noted the exchange and then spoke up, "If it makes it easier for you, I could come along Meera?"

She nodded and so the Reed siblings left the courtyard, along with the Maester. Bran watched them go, feeling his heart break for Meera. For the obvious horror that she endured, something no one should have to suffer. Following instructions from his mother, Bran was lifted up by Hodor and they headed through the castle to the chamber that had been set aside for him.

As they walked Catelyn sighed. "Meera is in good hands Bran, don't worry about that." She reassured him.

He nodded. "So, what's going to happen now?"

She smiled. "Well, after the victory we earned here; Robb's men have been making all the arrangements...There's going to be a celebration feast. Everybody will be there. We just need to get ready."

Bran smiled and nodded. His mind was still on Meera however, would be present too? How would she fare at such an event?

"Mother, I don't know I...I know I should make an appearance, it's my duty as Prince. But...about Meera, she..." He paused and then finally found the words. "She only seems to be comfortable around Jojen and myself. I was thinking maybe she could sit between Jojen and I at the feast? That is, if she feels up to it."

His mother agreed wholeheartedly with him; knowing that Meera would be uncomfortable surrounded by people unfamiliar to her. So she left to inform the others of the arrangements while Bran, with Hodor's help, got ready for the feast.

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