Game of Thrones: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger
Chapter 26 of my Game of Thrones story, now the happy times begin, enjoy.
Reviews
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, yeah, it's good, she's making the effort at last.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, it's good, Selyse has finally accepted Shireen is who she is, glad you liked Joy too BTW :)
CadeTheSlowpoke1: Thanks :)
wazzup11: Yup and thankfully, it's going to get better now, thanks :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 26
There was a lot of activity in the Stark house; the family were all in a joyous mood, in spite of that. The reason behind both was simple; Arya had been released from hospital, fully recovered. As such the Starks were having a somewhat special family dinner; with Robb, Sansa, Bran and Arya inviting their loved ones around to join them.
Cat smiled happily as she finished getting dressed, the dinner was considered a smart-casual affair; as such Cat was dressed somewhat formally in a knee length blue dress with small blue heels. Ned smiled at her, also having finished getting dressed, wearing dark trousers, a light grey turtle neck sweater and polished black shoes.
"Well, I think we're ready Cat." He said at last. "We best go and join the others."
She nodded. "Yes, oh Ned, I can't believe it…Everything's changed so much, in such a short space of time."
He nodded, knowing what she meant, all the drama, affecting not just Arya but others close to them, or well known to them too.
"Yes, Sansa and Myrcella both had problems of their own, but managed to overcome them, thanks to Podrick and Robb. Rickon thankfully had nothing to worry about and Bran only needed a small dose of encouragement to help him out." He replied with a gentle smile. "Then there's everything that was happened with the others, Robin for instance…But they've pulled through so well."
Cat laughed and nodded. "They have indeed."
So, sharing a kiss, the two made their way downstairs.
Downstairs, in the living room, most of their children were waiting, chatting amongst themselves. They had all dressed up for the occasion; Robb in a pair of dark green jeans with a white T-shirt with a printed image of a wolf head on it and black baskets.
Sansa was sitting next to him; brushing off her purple mid-thigh length dress, with which she wore a pair of purple flats and white leggings; Bran sat on his wheelchair, talking to Rickon. Bran wore blue jeans and a black T-shirt under an unbuttoned white formal shirt and black shoes; Rickon simple black jeans, black baskets and a red T-shirt.
Spotting them first Rickon grinned.
"Hey mum, dad!" He greeted cheerfully.
The others all turned, also smiling.
"Good, you're all prepared I see." Cat remarked with a grin. "Where's Arya?"
Sansa was the one who answered. "In her room, still getting ready; she should be down soon."
They nodded, just then there was a knock at the door, their guests had arrived. Catelyn went to answer it while Ned and the others made their final preparations for dinner. She opened the door and smiled, welcoming their guests as they stepped in. She smiled as Myrcella and Podrick entered first; Myrcella clad in red skinny jeans and a pink tank-top, along with red flats.
Pod wearing brown trousers and a red sweater and black shoes; going by the cars in the driveway, Gendry had given them a lift up; Meera came in her own car. Gendry was naturally dressed casually, but smarter than usual, in fresh denim jeans, a blue button-up shirt and white baskets.
Meera surprisingly was wearing a skirt, a knee-length, chocolate brown one along with a black sleeveless top and small black heels.
Catelyn smiled as she closed the door.
"I'm glad you could all make it." She said happily. "C'mon through; we're in the living room. Dinner will be ready soon; Arya should be joining us before long too."
They all nodded.
"Thanks Mrs. Stark." Myrcella said happily.
The others voiced their agreement and they headed through, entering the living room. Everybody grinned and greeted them; they all returned their greetings and went to join their significant other. Bran's eyes lit up in amazement and delight at Meera's outfit.
"Meera, wow…" He gasped.
She laughed and sat herself down contently on his lap, drawing a laugh from him. "I thought you might like it."
With that they kissed; as did the other couples. Ned and Cat smiled; happy to see their children all so happy.
"Just wait." Ned whispered. "A few more years it will be Rickon's turn, once he finds someone."
Cat bit her lip. "Yes…Oh, but Ned please, let him remain our boy for a little longer."
He laughed softly at that then, someone cleared their throat. Everybody looked up and smiled; Arya stood in the doorway, smiling at everyone. Even Sansa was impressed at how well she had cleaned up from her usual look. Her hair was straight and neat, hanging down to her shoulders, she didn't wear make-up but, Sansa felt, she didn't need it.
She was dressed up nicely in dark grey jeans; a black short-sleeved top and simple black flats. She looked beautiful, Sansa noted to herself. Gendry certainly thought so as he approached Arya and they kissed. The others grinned, certainly happy; they soon made their way through to the dining room.
The family all ate, enjoying themselves as they sat, eating dinner, talking to each other and enjoying each other's company. As they sat, Robb let out a soft sigh and looked around.
"Well, we've had quite a hard time over the last few months." He stated. "But it's over now."
The others all nodded.
Sansa then replied. "Yeah, it's been a big lesson, for me, for all us. But it's over now and, things are better."
Podrick smiled and took Sansa's hand at that.
"Yeah, true." Arya replied softly.
Rickon even nodded, adding. "For my part, I'm glad Arya's better."
Arya laughed at that; while a little worrying that things had got so bad for her that even Rickon had noticed, he was right.
She smiled at him. "Thanks Rick."
"I'm glad too." Bran stated. "I'm also pleased that Myrcella's troubles are over."
Robb put an arm around Myrcella at that as she smiled and nodded.
"Me too, thanks."
Everybody revelled in that single fact; despite all their difficulties, they had overcome it and were now happy again. They continued to enjoy their dinner and then, later on, with dinner over, everybody was getting ready, the guests preparing to leave. Arya smiled as she spoke with Gendry; as he got ready.
"Well, good night." She said with a grin.
"Night Arry." He replied.
They kissed and then, as they parted, he said quietly. "I can hardly wait for our date."
Arya grinned and whispered. "Me too, I've got a little surprise planned for you."
That piqued Gendry's interest and now he was even more eager for their date.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.