Game of Thrones: Tragedy and Reunions

Next chapter of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

magnus374: Yup, glad you enjoyed it; that's exactly the point of course :)
Baccan: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)

Now onto the story.

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

Bran

"There seems to be no ill effects," the Maester said finally. "Your only injury is that wound..." He carefully examined the small scar from the whip welt Bran had received in Dreadfort.

"Yes, it's healed up well and there will be no further risk. I say you are quite well."

Bran nodded. "Thank you, Maester. Hodor?" Hodor bustled in and lifted Bran up, taking him through to the chambers that had been set aside for him. With Hodor's help he was able to get changed into fresh clothes. The finest ones available, and Hodor took him down to the great hall. On the way down Bran remained silent; his thoughts engaged elsewhere.

'She kept things together for so long on the way here.' He thought sadly. 'But maybe it was just too much for Meera. What is she going to do now?'

Bran desperately wanted to have Hodor stop and check up on her, but at the same time he wanted to be with his family. So he said nothing and let Hodor take him to the main hall. Maybe, if she felt up to it, he would see Meera there.

'Would she still let me help her though?' He wondered. 'She's strong, but, this has shattered her...Gods alone know how long it will take her to recover. I wonder if she'll ever be the same again.'

At that point he realized he was now in the main hall and Hodor had set him down in his seat before going to take his own.

He was seated next to Robb; Robb's wife Jeyne, the rest of his family, and the young man who he heard rescued Arya, Gendry, were seated on Robb's other side. Beside him was an empty seat, Meera's, and in the next seat was Jojen.

Still worried about Meera, he turned to Jojen. "Jojen," he began; realizing how much worry was in his voice. "Where's Meera?"

Jojen sighed. "We finished with the Maester and were shown to our chambers. Meera is still there as far as I know. She told me to come down without her."

"Do you think she'll come down to the feast, I mean she…?" Bran trailed off awkwardly, wondering how to word what he wanted to say.

It was then he heard his mother's voice. "Bran, please, relax."

He turned and saw his mother nod at him reassuringly. He managed to smile and calm down, settling back in his chair.

The feast then started; Bran ate, although he found, despite the lack of proper food beforehand, that he didn't have much of an appetite. Still he managed to eat something, although he just poked at it for the most part. Arya, he noted, had no trouble wolfing down her meal and for him that signalled a return to things being back to normal.

Behind him he heard footsteps and looked over his shoulder. He smiled as relief flooded through him; Meera had arrived and took her seat next to him. She wore a pale green dress; something that seemed unusual to him, being used to seeing her in breeches and tunics. She was still rather pale and her bruises stood out a little, her hair hung lank and dull, yet she smiled when she sat down and seemed more relaxed than before.

Bran smiled too, feeling elated at seeing Meera. Apart from what he noticed earlier she showed no ill effects; the physical damage she had received was definitely healing. It was the damage done to her mental well-being he feared for as well as the chance she had been impregnated by her assailants.

Finally he asked her outright. "Are you alright?"

She turned to face him and smiled lightly. "I'm fine, Bran." She said reassuringly, although her demeanour said otherwise.

He nodded slowly but saw her shift in her seat and fidget with the hem of her sleeve before finally wrapping her arms protectively around herself.

Bran felt his fears mount again. "Are you sure? You…you don't seem to be comfortable."

Meera sighed; there was a sad smile on her face as she explained.

"It's nothing; I'm just…there are just so many people and, after what happened I…" She paused and then shifted slightly again. "Plus I'm not exactly comfortable in a dress."

Bran did his best to stifle a laugh, but couldn't, and a soft chuckle escaped him.

"Arya's the same; I think you and her would get along really well." He replied to her.

That brought a genuine smile to her face and they continued to eat. Bran however had difficulty focusing on his food. His attention was drawn to Meera; checking for any signs of distress, ensuring she was eating enough, offering his coat in case she felt a draft. He couldn't help but smile each time he looked at her and caught himself admiring her features again; even the injuries made her beauty seem hauntingly delicate.

At that moment Meera turned to face him and he quickly turned his gaze down to his plate. Once again feeling the heat rise to his face, certain his cheeks were red.

"Bran, are you alright?" She asked. "You look…flustered."

He nodded. "Yes I'm, I'm fine. It's just; it's rather warm in here." She nodded and Bran feared she didn't believe his excuse. However, to his relief, she said nothing about it. Instead she smiled and nodded.

"Well, I must say I'm glad we're all here, safe." She said; Bran smiled, happy at the change of subject.

"Yes, you're right. How are you…holding up?"

She took a shaky breath and then finally replied. "I'm fine, but, I think I should leave, it's getting too much for me here."

Bran nodded; he was sad at the thought of her leaving but knew she was liable to break down if pushed too far. "I understand, good night."

She stood up, smiling softly. "Good night, Bran."

Meera quickly exited the great hall; Bran watched her go longingly. Once she was out of his sight he let out a sigh and resumed eating and picking at his plate. He too felt exhausted, and the feast had only served to overstimulate his already fatigued state. He wished to leave for bed, but sullenly remembered his princely duties to attend to.

So he stayed and listened while Robb attended to concerns being raised, both by his banner men and the people still living in the Twins. There was some discussion on what they would do next, how they would try to reclaim the North. The main obstacle being Moat Cailin…

"If we can't go through it, we'll have to work around it," Robb summarised.

"I may have a solution," Jojen stated. "Meera and I can take you to Greywater Watch; from there we have people who can guide you around Moat Cailin and strike it from the rear."

The plan had its merits certainly and Robb decided to give it great consideration. Bran could tolerate no more and so Hodor carried him to his chambers.

Once back at his chambers Hodor helped him get ready for bed. Once he was lying on the bed, and had the furs pulled up, he dismissed Hodor.

"Go and get some sleep Hodor, I'll be fine now."

"Hodor," replied Hodor, and with that the giant man nodded and left, whistling tunelessly to himself. Once the door was closed Bran gave his eyes time to adjust to the dark. After that he stared up at the unfamiliar wooden beams of the chamber ceiling. His feelings were all over the place; he was relieved and happy to have reunited with his family. Although his fears for Meera overshadowed most of his joy.

Three swift taps on the think wooden door immediately caught his attention. His eyes snapped down to it, surprised.

"It's open," he called out.

The door opened slowly and Bran relaxed when he saw Meera enter. She silently slipped into the room, latching the door behind her. It was then he realised she was clad in a simple sleeping shift and looked extremely nervous.

"Meera, what's wrong?" He asked her, worry clouding his tone.

She fidgeted slightly, shifting her feet. Finally she took a deep breath and explained.

"I...I've been having problems sleeping again; the nightmares just won't stop." She told him with such sorrow in her voice. "I...I know it's not proper but..."

Bran smiled lightly. "Do you want to stay with me tonight?"

She looked at him in surprise at his offer. "Are you sure it's...alright?"

He nodded encouragingly.

"Of course."

She seemed to relax slightly, her shoulders lost their tension and she approached his bed.

With Meera's help Bran moved into a more comfortable position and she climbed in under the furs. They embraced each other as tenderly as they could; Bran fearful of hurting her. They lay together holding each other and slowly, as time passed, Meera relaxed even more. Finally she drifted off; Bran smiled as he watched her.

'She's still so beautiful, even like this.' He thought forlornly. 'I just wish I knew how to tell her that.'

Still smiling he allowed himself to drift off to, letting sleep take him as he felt Meera's warmth so close to him.

End of chapter and of story, however still one more chapter to come up; a little preview of what to expect in the next story, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.