Game of Thrones: Birth of a Northern Love

Chapter 1 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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

Chapter 1

The sound of the birds singing woke the young auburn haired woman from her bed. Her blue eyes opened and she rose, stretching as she did so. The young woman was eight and ten years of age; her name was Catelyn Tully; she was the eldest daughter and child of Lord Hostor Tully of Riverrun. As she stood, looking out the window she contemplated what was to come. Following some drastic incidents, some of which she didn't know the full details of; Westeros had been plunged into war. Robert Baratheon, Lord of the Stormlands, was waging war on the ruling Targaryen family and their allies. He had acquired several allies too, splitting the Seven Kingdoms. Two of Robert's allies were the Starks of the North and the Arryn's of the Vale. Both families were also on friendly terms with her father. There had been plans for the Starks and Tully's to join in marriage.

'But poor Brandon was killed, along with his father when they went to confront the King.' She thought sadly. 'Yet my marriage into the Stark family is still going to progress. I will no longer be marrying Brandon; but his younger brother instead.'

She sighed as she thought of the ache she felt, knowing that Brandon had died. She had truly cared for the man, it had been her duty to marry him, but as she came to know him, it became more than simple duty.

But now, now she was marrying a man she hardly knew; the younger brother of the man she was supposed to marry. A man who, likewise, hardly knew her, yet like her, he had his duty to perform. This was especially true since, with the death of Rickard and Brandon; her soon to be husband, Eddard Stark, was now Lord of Winterfell. He was fully responsible for securing the alliance between Stark and Tully; creating stronger bonds for the allies within Robert's army.

'This is my last day, my last hours as Catelyn Tully. After today, I will be Catelyn Stark and will need to go to the cold lands in the North.' She pondered quietly. 'How will I survive the cold…How long will it take to get used to it? This isn't how I thought things would happen…But, it must be done; I can do this. Just because I barely know him just now, doesn't mean I can't come to love Eddard Stark.'

She wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure herself or simply reminding herself that, despite her difficulties in adjusting, she would manage. Taking a deep breath, savouring the feeling of the morning air. The smell helped encourage her, despite her apprehension about her wedding. She felt stronger already, confident; ready to face what the day held for her.

She had just turned away from the window; preparing herself for the arrival of her maids. The door burst open at that point, but it wasn't her maids; but her sister. Six and ten year old Lysa Tully was in a terrible state. Like Cat she was still in her sleeping shift; there were tears falling from her blue eyes. Her auburn hair was tangled; clearly she hadn't been tended to by her maids this morning either.

"I don't want to, this is madness!" Lysa wailed.

Catelyn had noticed these outbursts; they were becoming more and more frequent as this day approached. This wasn't just her wedding; but Lysa's too. Lysa was to marry Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale. A man much older than her, even older than the girl's father. Yet their marriage was essential for the family, their honour, their duty and the alliance.

"Lysa…" She said; trying to get her sister's attention.

But Lysa was almost hysterical as she suddenly burst out. "Why can't I marry for love?! I am but a second daughter, I am not that important!

Catelyn was shocked by this outburst. "Lysa, don't say that, you are important to Father."

Lysa turned to face her; tears in her eyes. "He hates me; why else would he make me marry an old man."

At that Lysa broke down and the tears spilled forth. She impulsively throwing her arms around Cat; Cat nearly staggered but caught herself. She shook her head, carefully embracing Lysa.

She shook her head; she couldn't let this happen. She understood Lysa's point of view, but the rest of the family, the others involved in the double wedding. She knew they wouldn't, so she had to calm Lysa down, try to appease her.

"Lysa, please, listen to me." She said kindly, but firmly. "Jon Arryn is a good man; you might even find happiness with him."

Lysa shook her head as she stepped back from Catelyn.

Catelyn continued however; trying to give Lysa some feeling of hope. "Now, let's go. We're getting married the same day! Don't you see what it means? If my marriage is happy, so will be yours."

Lysa let out a few gulping breaths, composed herself and seemed to accept Cat's word. Even if she didn't actually believe it, it was enough to give her strength, to hold on to hope.

"I…very well Cat." She said at last. "I better…"

She trailed off; seeing Cat's maid's arriving. The look of surprise on their faces when they saw Lysa there. Lysa quickly acted as if nothing had happened and left. Cat smiled lightly as her maids entered.

'She will be fine; I pray she will.' She thought to herself. 'Time to get ready; time to prepare for the wedding.'

She began to remove her shift, the maids waiting to begin getting her ready for the family.

Hostor Tully stood outside the Sept, with him was his son and heir, twelve year old Edmure. He could hardly believe that his daughters were getting married today, and at the same time. True it was political matches but there was so much to hope for. There was potential for happiness, for laying strong bonds that would surely last for a very long time.

"Wow, father." Edmure gasped.

Hostor turned, following his son's gaze. He couldn't help but smile as his daughters approached. They both looked so beautiful; even though he could see a slightly distressed expression on Lysa's face. Still she covered it well and they both approached, composed and radiant.

"You look wonderful, both of you." He said softly as he embraced and kissed them both.

Cat smiled. "Thank you Father."

Hostor nodded and then explained. "We're all ready to begin; Cat, I will walk you in first; then Edmure, you will walk Lysa in."

They all nodded and took their places, ready for the wedding to begin.

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