Game of Thrones: Trials of Marriage
Chapter 3 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
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Shayran16: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; well, all I can say is wait and see :)
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Brotherly Concerns
Bran continued to follow Jojen, wondering what his friend wanted; he felt apprehensive about it which worried him. He noted Jojen's face looked a little more serious and solemn than usual. They finally stopped when they reached the Weirwood tree; Bran swallowed uncomfortably. Once the preparations were done he would be marrying Meera here. Once they stopped Jojen sat on a small rock at the base of the tree, this put him at Bran's level, in his chair. There was silence during which Bran contemplated his upcoming wedding; he then came to a realization.
'Wait, does Jojen know about the wedding, is that why he wants to talk?' Bran wondered.
Finally Jojen sighed and turned to face Bran.
There was another pause before he spoke. "Bran I…I heard that you and Meera are to be married."
Bran nodded; his suspicions confirmed he clarified. "That's right; I was told about the marriage proposal today, I…I accepted it and so did, so did Meera…"
Jojen seemed slightly surprised by this. "You accepted?"
Bran nodded and Jojen sighed.
"Bran; I…I know we're friends, but I need to ask a few questions; kind of awkward maybe." He stated; when Bran nodded he continued. "First I need to be sure, this isn't just obligation; do you…Bran, do you love my sister?"
Bran swallowed nervously again before taking a deep breath and answering, when he did he made sure to maintain eye contact with Jojen.
"Yes."
He could tell that, by answering the way he had, Jojen believed him, knew he was telling the truth.
He watched Jojen's expression change from shock and surprise to slowly becoming calm again.
"Well Bran, I need to tell you something important." He explained. "First, as her brother I need to tell you; take care of her, understand."
Bran choked back a laugh. "Jojen, me, take care of her? You know it's more likely the other way around; how can I protect her when I can't walk."
Jojen however shook his head; still deadly serious. "Bran; she may be capable physically, but she's…" He paused, searching for the right words. "Self-conscious."
Bran was surprised by this; he thought of Meera; her brown hair usually tangled, messy and disarrayed; her tunic and breeches were usually frayed, in some cases tears had been patched up, not exactly matching the material of the clothing itself. Self-conscious seemed to be the last word to describe Meera; however he then remembered something. Meera was now three and twenty; yet she lacked any real womanly figure, no curves, flat-chested. Was that what Jojen meant.
Bran sighed; he was certain that was it. "I…I think I see what you mean. Don't worry Jojen, I love her, I won't let her be hurt."
Jojen nodded; apparently satisfied and so they left the Godswood and headed back to Winterfell's main hall, where Eddard Stark was getting ready to make the official announcement for the wedding.
When the sun shone through the window, waking her up, Sansa realized that it was almost midday. She was surprised; she didn't normally sleep this late. She got out of bed and walked over to the window; pulling back the shutters she looked out, grateful that her room was high enough in its tower that nobody could look up. The cool air pebbled her bare flesh and she fought the urge to shiver; a knock at the door caught her attention. She quickly grabbed her robe and pulled it on before answering the door. On the other side was Septa Mordane; she noted Sansa's appearance and deduced what had been happening during the night. Her lips pursed in slight disapproval, but said nothing about it.
"Your father requires everybody to be present in the main hall." She explained. "He has an important announcement."
Sansa nodded. "Thank you, we'll be right down."
Mordane nodded and left. Sansa closed the door and hurried over to the bed. She smiled at her husband's sleeping form before gently touching his shoulder.
"Sandor, we have to get ready." She said softly. "My father wishes everybody to be in the great hall for an important announcement."
Sandor grunted as he woke up. "I'm awake; little bird."
He smiled as he sat up and took her in his arms. She bit her lip, trying and failing to hide her smile. They kissed before parting reluctantly and getting dressed. They headed down together to the main hall.
They took their seats and noted that almost every resident in Winterfell was present.
"Must be very important." Sandor remarked in an undertone to her. "Last time the place was this crowded was our wedding."
Sansa nodded. "You're right; I wonder what father has planned."
She soon got her answer as her father stood up. "People of Winterfell; honoured guests from Greywater Watch; I have gathered you here for a reason."
He paused and, sure he had everyone's attention; he explained.
"I have gathered you here to announce the upcoming wedding of my son Brandon Stark, and the daughter of Lord Howland Reed, Lady Meera of Greywater Watch!"
Sansa was stunned when she heard this; she looked down the table, towards where Bran sat with Meera and Jojen Reed and saw the smiles on their faces. She knew then that they had both accepted the plan. She couldn't believe it; had Bran truly loved Meera all this time and she hadn't even seen it? The great hall was full of cheers in response to the news. She turned to face Sandor and saw he was smirking.
"Another wedding." He remarked. "Beginning to become quite common around here."
Sansa nodded smiling and kissed him again. She hadn't had a chance to speak to Bran yet, but in her heart she wished the best for him and Meera; after what had happened to Bran; he needed something like this to bring happiness back into his life.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.