Lover of the North

I am new here on this forum.  I just read your post, and I am also getting the feeling that they are heading toward the same end game for some characters.  Just watching Jaime and Brienne, for example.  We are seeing their relationship grow over time.  There is a rough start and then a growing of mutual respect as they get to understand each other.   At first, there is distrust and suspicion. There is some separation.   But now I feel we will see a step forward for them.  I hope the show doesn't botch this type of thing up, for the most lasting relationships are those that were able to develop over time.  GRRM purposely goes into detail when describing Cat and Ned's relationship from start to finish.  He is doing this for a reason. Cat is trying to talk to Rob about going through with his marriage to the Frey girl, which we know he doesn't.  When Cat was younger she was infatuated with Brandon Stark, her betrothed. She didn't think that young Ned was physically attractive and she was mistaking infatuation for love.  When they marry it is for political reasons.  Over time, however, their love becomes an example of what I think Martin believes is true love.  I think GRRM is a bit of a romantic, but I also feel he shows us through his characters the difference between a toxic relationship (Jaime Cersei) and a healthy one (Jaime, Brienne) I know he does it in the book, at least.  But this is the show so anything is up for grabs. 

I agree with you.  This "awayforthelads" or whatever the name is has been filling in the blanks based on a basic outline.  The outline is proving accurate so it is being embraced as 100% spot on. I don't believe the leak is the "bible" for season 7. Any time we spot an inconsistency in the leak, due to the way it is worded, it is easy to figure out a way to defend any discrepancies.