Game of Thrones: New Era
Chapter 38 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
Reviews
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: Yeah well, he did his best :)
wazzup11: Yeah, that was the intent, glad you enjoyed it :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
jelpy1: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, it's good, I did my best. I honestly don't know what you mean, why would Robb need a regency, for what?
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Arya
Arya let out a soft sigh as she began to walk through the streets of King's Landing. She was heading to the square before the Red Keep; where Gendry was due to make his speech. She was finally out of the armour and felt somewhat more comfortable now; the armour did have it's purpose but truthfully it was uncomfortable, a common problem with all armour she had heard.
She adjusted the sling slightly; ensuring her arm was in a more comfortable position; while it had been fixed up, a lingering pain still remained, but nothing unbearable. She still retained the breeches and tunic she had worn, citing her arm as an obstacle to changing into fresh ones.
She just hoped she would find time later and help if she truly needed it.
All the same, her mind was currently full of her curiosity. 'What is this speech Gendry plans on making? What did he mean when he said he had...something important for me to hear?'
She shook her head, there was only one way for her to figure this out and that was to go and listen to the speech. She soon reached the square before the Red Keep, Gendry stood at the top of the steps, looking out over the gathered crowd, many of them looking up at him expectantly.
Robb stood next to him and, amongst the crowd, she could see Jaime Lannister, still in Brienne's custody. Cersei was bound and heavily guarded, so many others were present too. Arya soon stopped, finding herself in the front row of people, with a direct view towards Gendry.
As she watched, Gendry looked over the crowd before finally speaking.
"Everyone, the battle is over...But the greatest challenges still lie ahead." He declared; his voice clear and precise, Arya couldn't help but be impressed. "This should be a time for peace, we need to end the conflict, the strife between us, we must work together and try and mend what has been broken. It will be an uphill struggle, but if we face it together, we can overcome."
This drew cheers and murmurs of approval from the crowd.
Arya smiled gently. 'This is incredible, he is just...so different from when I first met him. In a good way.'
It was clear however that, due to his victory, Gendry was expected to announce something else. The fate of those he had conquered, the very fates of the Lannisters who had survived were now in his hands.
'People are calling for blood, but, if it wasn't for the extenuating circumstances that I've heard of, I would have agreed.' She sighed. 'As it is, I'm not sure what I feel now...But it's up to Gendry, I wonder what he will do.'
Gendry said nothing at first, simply waiting for the people to calm down, and stop their clamouring, seeing his expression.
Once he had everyone's attention Gendry began again.
"I will not have more unnecessary bloodshed; is an entire family to blame for the deeds of one person?" He queried. "If that is the case, you could blame me for my father's drinking and whoring...I can think of other examples if you wish."
That made everybody quiet and gave him a chance to announce his plan.
"Therefore I have decided...those that surrendered, will be shown the leniency they deserve. For I will not start my reign by causing more death."
That brought more murmuring, this time in surprise and many were curious; Arya herself was curious too.
'What does he have in mind?' She wondered. 'Also, he said he had something interesting for me to hear, this isn't it, but what could it be?'
Nevertheless she remained to listen.
Gendry continued. "Now, to begin with, for allying with us and aiding us in claiming the city. Ensuring our victory came sooner rather than later, ending the bloodshed before it was too late and far too many people lost. Tyrion Lannister; you will be rewarded for your services, by having your birthright granted. I hereby name you Lord of the Westerlands."
This brought more surprise from many, yet nobody openly spoke out against it; clearly Gendry's words was still on their minds.
Tyrion stepped forwards at that point.
"Your Grace, you are very kind, I am grateful...may I have the temerity to make a few request however?"
Gendry nodded. "What might they be?"
Tyrion then spoke up. "There is a woman, named Shae...she has long been on my mind, I would wish for your blessing to marry her and as for my squire, Podrick Payne, after everything, he should be knighted for his services."
"That is a reasonable request, after everything you've been through...I gladly grant it." Gendry explained.
He then turned his attention to the next member of the family.
He prepared his next speech and the audience listened closely. "Jaime Lannister, you have made the decision to surrender and I accept that...As the new King, I will require a Kingsguard, but I will not have you as part of it, despite everything, I still cannot trust you in such a position."
Jaime replied calmly. "I understand Your Grace, so, what is to become of me?"
"You will remain a prisoner of Brienne of Tarth, until further notice." Was Gendry's reply.
Arya had to admit, that shocked her; along with a good deal many other people; who all started clamouring at once. Gendry raised his voice to quiet them down and then revealed his reasoning; revealing something that had been revealed to him. The truth behind Jaime's reason for killing Mad King Aerys.
Finally, once things had calmed down, the explanation for sparing Jaime being finally accepted, in some cases reluctantly, Gendry continued to deliver the sentences to the remaining surrendered family.
In truth, knowing all too well they were just children, nobody raised any complaint about Myrcella and Tommen being spared. It was agreed by Oberyn that Myrcella and Trystane's betrothal would stay intact and Tommen would go to live in Dorne with them.
Arya smiled lightly. 'He's ensuring that the one punished, is the one truly behind all the madness we had to face...Remarkable that he is able to keep a cool head and accomplish that; despite so much anger against the Lannisters right now...'
Gendry wasn't finished of course. "Finally, Cersei Lannister...Your punishment for your actions has been decided. I can tell many here want you dead; I do not blame them. But I do ask them, what good is it for me to kill her. How will that bring justice, how will that ensure a lesson is learned?"
There was silence after this, it was clear Cersei was being spared death; yet everybody was curious as to what Gendry had in mind instead.
He then revealed it. "Therefore, I have decided to ensure that you learn humility...You will have no contact with Myrcella and Tommen except under certain circumstances, as I send you to spend the rest of your life...as a Septa."
Cersei's eyes widened at that and many people gasped and laughed. So many of them truly appreciated the irony of this; Cersei was being forced into a life of servitude, piety and, above all else, celibacy.
After the sentencing was carried out and a few more announcements were made, enforcing their commitment to continue rebuilding and promoting peace. In addition, the two vacant positions of the Kingsguard were filled by volunteers, those volunteers being Wynston Manderly and Victarion Fowler.
Many other things were also discussed but Arya did not pay much attention.
'This is all well and good; but everything that's been discussed here isn't all that personally interesting to me, what is the point of this?' She wondered.
She soon got her answer however as Gendry spoke once again.
"Finally, there is one thing lacking...As the King of the Iron Throne, I must ask...While I will respect the independence of the North and Riverlands. I seek an alliance with them. King Robb has already agreed and so, if she is willing to accept; I will make my request." He announced one last time. "Princess of the North, Arya Stark; will you accept my request, to be my Queen and rule by my side, as my equal."
Arya froze, more murmuring was heard, many were clearly shocked by this choice, but none as much as her.
'Gods, this is, is he seriously...' She thought to herself. 'He never gave up on me, Gendry's feelings for me remained strong, just as mine have. There is no need to bury them and, what he said...He still desires that I remain myself.'
She smiled and spoke, silencing the others who were still murmuring.
"King Gendry, I gladly accept your request." She remarked.
With that, she stepped forwards, Gendry offered her a wide grin, one she returned. This was certainly the beginning of an unexpected, but interesting future. One that she prayed, would be of peace.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
Now we have only one chapter left, the epilogue, this has been a long and enjoyable series, can't wait for my future stories :)