Game of Thrones: Love Shall Find its Way
Chapter 2 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
Reviews
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Marina Ka-Fai: Glad you like it :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Evaline101: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 2
Eddard Stark smiled as he observed his second son, his fourth child, Bran. Bran was busy working on his horse riding; under the watchful eye of Ser Rodrik. He had to admit, he was impressed, at five and ten Bran wasn't as tall as his older brother Robb. Nor was he was muscular, but his build was still strong, wiry and compact. This, Ned guessed, was due to Bran's love of climbing and his efforts to do so at almost every opportunity.
'He's getting better and better every day.' Ned mused happily.
He looked around, noting that Bran wasn't the only one putting in practice for their skills that day. At the practice yard, he saw his youngest daughter, his third child, Arya, working on her Water Dancing. Arya was completely the opposite of most ladies; acting out against what was considered socially acceptable. She actively engaged in sword fighting and riding and other activities many felt were simply for men. She almost never wore dresses if she could help it. Before the visit to King's Landing, such behaviour had caused controversy in the family, with her mother, Catelyn Stark, her older sister Sansa and Septa Mordane all raising issue with her behaviour. Now however, realizing she wasn't going to change, that she was indeed happier this way and that it was for the best, Sansa and Catelyn no longer raised issue. They even accepted Arya's behaviour, albeit grudgingly; even though Septa Mordane still felt it was improper, she didn't raise the issue.
Perhaps part of the reason Arya's behaviour was now accepted; Ned felt, was due to who Arya was practicing with. A young man, one and twenty to her six and ten; tall and muscular with shaggy black hair and blue eyes. His name was Gendry; he was Arya's husband. That had been the main issue raised; Arya's behaviour would make it impossible for her to find a husband; something Catelyn and Sansa saw as a way of disgracing the family. Yet Gendry was different, in so many ways.
'Cat and Sansa, Mordane, almost everyone was shocked when their betrothal was announced, because Gendry is a bastard.' Ned thought to himself, recalling the matter well. 'I swore, after ending Joffrey and Sansa's betrothal, that my daughters would never marry one of Cersei Lannisters sons.'
Ned sighed; despite that vow, Robert was still insistent on a Stark/Baratheon alliance. So he came up with a surprisingly complex, yet workable idea. Ned had informed him about Gendry and Robert immediately spoke to the boy at great length. It turned out Arya had met Gendry too and they had befriended each other. Even falling in love, despite Arya's normally dim view on love. Robert had Gendry legitimized, yet, rather than supplant Joffrey; Gendry was made lord of the Baratheon Branch Family. As such his succession would come last, only if all other Baratheon males were dead, would he claim the throne, or Storms End. Yet this would help safeguard the Baratheon's too, in the event of danger. Yet he was still a lord and eligible for marriage to a highborn lady, such as Arya, the girl he loved and the one who loved him.
So it was that the two were now happily married; although they were yet to have children; which had raised another point of contention. Yet Arya clearly was simply not ready yet and Gendry respected their wishes. After watching Arya and Gendry for a while, Ned returned his attention to Bran, who had just finished. Bran smiled as he dismounted from the horse.
"You did good Bran." Ser Rodrik stated.
Bran nodded. "Thank you."
As he left his attention wandered over to the archery range. Standing there, firing at the targets, was a woman of twenty; with wild brown hair and green eyes. She was slightly built and short, as was typical of the Crannogmen of the Neck. Her name was Meera Reed; she was the daughter or Howland Reed, Lord of the Crannogmen and a close friend to Eddard Stark. Shortly after their return from King's Landing, Ned had invited Meera and her brother, Jojen to Winterfell. When they came they had quickly befriended Bran. That had been almost a year ago. Yet in all that time, Meera had only returned home twice; much to the surprise of the others. Bran however was quietly glad. It meant he could see her more often; something which always sent a strange but pleasant feeling coursing through him. Although he had never been able to admit it to anyone, Bran held strong feelings of affection for the young woman. He just wished he could somehow find the courage to tell her.
'Does she even feel the same way though?' He wondered fearfully. 'What if…What if I ask her and she doesn't…I'd just embarrass myself? I might never see her again.'
It was that fear which stopped him from acting on his feelings.
He wasn't aware that he had been staring until he heard Meera's voice.
"Bran; are you alright, you've been standing there watching me for some time now."
He blushed and stammered. "I…I'm fine Meera; sorry."
He smiled lightly as his father, along with Arya and Gendry came over to congratulate him on his riding. Meera smiled as she watched them.
Her thoughts however were on Bran. 'It's strange how much things have changed between Bran and I…I wonder; does he, the way he was watching me? Could he feel the same way I do; but, I'm just a Crannog? A minor noble at best, why would he want me; there are many better looking women out there.'
Much of the day passed with the family having fun, enjoying themselves and spending moments of peace together. Meera found herself still working on her archery, this time joined by Arya.
"So, Arya." She began conversationally. "How are things between you and Gendry?"
Arya smiled, as she often did when around, or talking about, her husband. "Pretty good; although I do wish my mother and sister would stop trying to tell me I should have a child already."
"They're just worried; don't let it get to you." Meera replied.
Arya smiled and nodded. "Yes, I guess you are right. Oh, Bran wanted me to ask you something, in case I saw you first. He wants to meet you in the Godswood tomorrow."
Meera nodded; confused; wondering just what Bran wanted to meet her for.
So, the following day; Meera headed into the Godswood. She found Bran seated beneath the Heart tree; he looked up and smiled when he saw her. She smiled back as she approached; noticing again, the faint sign of red in Bran's cheeks.
"Bran."
"Hello Meera; I…I'm glad you came." He stammered.
Meera was confused by this. "Are you alright, there's no need to be nervous surely."
"I…um…" Bran replied; faltering; Meera waited patiently so he continued. "Meera, there's something I've been meaning to say for a while."
"What is it?" She asked; suddenly wondering if Bran's strange actions were what she thought they might be.
Bran then confirmed her thoughts when he explained. "Meera I...I've been feeling...well. Meera, I think I'm in love...with you."
Meera gasped; Bran did feel the same way she did. She opened her mouth to reply, to announce her feelings when Bran spoke again.
"I'm sorry if that's…I mean, I don't expect you to feel the same. If you just want to remain friends I understand, just please…"
Meera cut across him quickly. "Bran; please, listen to me. You've got nothing to worry about, I…I have had the same feelings about you."
Bran gasped, staring at her as he realized the implications of what she just said. "You…You have?"
She nodded and, unable to resist, closed the gap between them and kissed him. He returned the kiss eagerly, catching her by surprise.
They finally parted when the need to breath became impossible to resist. They smiled widely at each other, both blushing as they finally revelled in their revealed feelings for each other.
It was Bran who broke the silence. "So, what now, we really should tell our families. I mean, they accepted Arya and Gendry, but…"
Meera shook her head. "I'm sorry, I honestly don't know Bran."
They took solace in each other's company, yet still found themselves wishing they had answers. They only hoped they would be able to find the courage to be open about their love soon. Before it was too late.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
I'm aware this was a bit heavy on description but I wanted to make Arya and Gendry's situation clear; to save anyone asking about it later. Anyway, the rest of the chapters will focus on Bran and Meera and their situation, as this is their story after all. Although Arya and Gendry will make a few more appearances that aren't just mere mentions.