Game of Thrones: Love Shall Find its Way

Chapter 5 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, glad you liked that :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Yeah, it is pretty sad for them both. However just wait and see what happens next.
Evaline101: Yes, it is very sad; but please endure, things are going to take a rather interesting turn soon.

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 5

Bran was in deep internal conflict. It had been almost a week since Meera had told him to forget her and do what was right by his family. Since that time, he had been stuck spending his time with Bethany. Yet, despite everything; he couldn't find it within him to be angry. In that time, he got to know Bethany; she was kind, good natured and friendly.

'But…she's not Meera. I don't…I can't love her.' He thought to himself. 'She's a good friend; but I just don't feel any stronger than that. There doesn't seem to be any chance of that changing either.'

He was currently with Bethany as they crossed the courtyard. He felt the awkwardness keenly as he could see Meera, at the archery range. She was firing arrows at the target, yet seemed strained. She was certainly not aiming as expertly as she usually did. Even at this distance, he could hear the creaking from the strain she put on the bow as she notched the arrow and aimed.

It was as he feared. 'Despite what she said, Meera's not taking this well. She's suffering, despite her best efforts to hide it.'

Despite his wishes; he couldn't go and talk to her. She avoided him now, clearly believing that allowing him to be close to her would be too much temptation.

He shook his head sadly; before composing himself. Luckily Bethany didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she gave no indication of it. Bethany however had noticed Bran's preoccupation.

'Bran; what could be bothering him so much?' She wondered, worried. 'He's been such a good friend, even if nothing else. I'd hate for him to be upset, especially if it was because of me.'

She was happy to have easily formed a friendship with Bran; but, like him, she knew they simply couldn't be more than that. She knew that such matches normally took time, yet for her, it was already clear that she just wouldn't be able to win Bran's heart. What was more, while she had to admit she liked him, for his kindness, his cheerful attitude and his intelligence, she didn't feel love for him. Yet she was more than happy to have his friendship; but for them to marry, it just wouldn't work out she feared. But without any real legitimate reason, she couldn't say anything about it.

Bethany couldn't help but wonder however. 'Why is Bran so worked up? Could he, could he really…?'

She bit her lip; curious, Bran had never shown any overt signs of being interested in someone else. But she couldn't help but wonder; his behaviour was certainly suggestive. Bran was giving her a more in depth tour of the castle; she had already seen much, yet there was still more to see. However, while enjoying her time at Winterfell; she knew she'd have to think of something, either to overcome this barrier preventing them going beyond friendship or to convince their families to end the betrothal. Preferably before both she and Bran would be trapped in a loveless marriage.

Meera fired her last arrow; the creak of the bow made her realize how tightly she was holding it and pulling the string. Much like the previous shots, she missed the centre of the target and she sighed.

'Ugh, dammit; what is wrong with me?' She thought, frustrated.

She knew the answer, but didn't want to really admit it to herself. She stalked over to the target and retrieved her arrows. She looked up and tensed when she spotted Bran, with that girl Bethany. It was strange, Meera thought, that, despite everything, despite feeling she should hate the girl. She couldn't, she just couldn't. Bethany had spoken to her, sometimes at meals, sometimes at the archery range. Bran wasn't normally present during these meetings, yet despite her initial anger, she fought to be polite with the girl. Strangely, the gentle friendship the girl displayed towards the older woman had affected her.

Meera shook her head. 'Try though I might, I can't help but feel friendship towards her. If only she wasn't betrothed to Bran, then it wouldn't be so confusing.'

Shaking her head, she left the archery range and headed back inside. She returned to her room and set her bow and quiver in their usual places. She sat down and covered her face with her hands, letting out a slow breath. She was depressed, confused, everything was just getting too much and losing Bran only made it worse. She finally let her sorrow come to the surface and wept.

She was jolted out of her thoughts by a knock at the door. She quickly composed herself; wiping her face and eyes. She normally was always strong and didn't want anyone to think less of her by seeing her weakness. Once prepared she went and opened the door; she was surprised when she recognized the person on the other side.

"Jojen!" She gasped.

Her brother smiled lightly as they embraced. "I thought I'd come and visit…I, I heard about Bran's betrothal."

Meera bit her lip as she stepped back. This was a subject she'd rather avoid. But she couldn't so she nodded.

"Yes; he's betrothed to Bethany Mallister. They were outside last I saw them, I don't know if you…?" She explained.

Jojen nodded. "Yes; I saw them. Meera; don't take this the wrong way, but you don't look well."

She started at that. "What, I…It's nothing Jojen, don't worry about it; I'm fine."

Jojen nodded dubiously and said nothing else. All the same, he couldn't help but wonder if things truly would turn out as he had been shown in his dreams.

Later that night; in their chambers, Arya let out a breathy sigh as she and Gendry came down from their height of ecstasy. Their intense love making had reached its end; both of them peaking at the same time. Gendry rolled off her, to avoid crushing her under his bulk. Arya could still feel the intense feeling of their exertions, it made her skin tingle and the furs feel itchy against her bare skin. Gendry smiled widely as he looked at his petite wife; they had made love before, but Arya wasn't ready for children. As such he always took care to pull out, spilling his seed on her belly instead. Yet this time had been different; this time, she had refused to allow him to do that and he peaked inside her.

"Arry, are you…did you really…?"

Arya nodded as she wrapped her arms around Gendry, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm ready Gendry; I'm sure of it."

Gendry smiled widely at that; a feeling of elation growing inside him. While he respected Arya's wishes, he had begun to start feeling, keenly, his desire for having his own family. Now it seemed like that desire was about to come true.

Arya saw his expression and gently reminded him. "It might not happen because of this, there's always a chance of that. But that's okay…We can keep trying after all."

Gendry kissed her deeply, he couldn't agree more.

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