Game of Thrones: The Path to True Love

Chapter 1 of my new Game of Thrones story; a modern AU Ned/Cat story with a twist, they are teenagers in this one; something I've noticed isn't normally done, anyway, enjoy.

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

Chapter 1

It was a quiet day at the Stark household. The Starks were a rich family, the richest in the Northlands of Westeros. As such said house was a mansion. The head of the family was Rickard Stark, CEO of Stark Industries as well as a widower and a father to four children.

All four children had mostly inherited their looks from their father; all having the same brown hair (although theirs wasn't going grey) and grey eyes, as well as the same long narrow face, although at least two of the children had inherited a few facial features from their mother. Being from the north, where the climate was naturally much colder, they were all rather pale of skin too.

Rickard's eldest son was eighteen year old Brandon, followed by sixteen year old Eddard, fifteen year old Lyanna and finally, thirteen year old Benjen.

Currently Benjen was seated in the living room, flicking through the TV channels. Ned was in the same room, although he was reading a book instead, their father was busy in his study while Brandon was away out. He hadn't said where he was going either; only he'd be back later. As for Lyanna, at that moment she had just entered the living room. She had noticed her younger brother's antics and rolled her eyes.

She walked over to the couch where Benjen sat and shook her head.

"Honestly Benjen." She complained. "Just pick something to watch and watch it."

Benjen glanced up at her with a smirk. "There's 999 channels and you expect me to watch just one?"

Lyanna groaned at that, looking over to Eddard for support. He just smiled lightly and shook his head, before returning to his book.

"C'mon Ned; you could back me up here." Lyanna remarked, using the affectionate nickname the family used for him.

He responded by using hers. "Sorry Lya, I'm a little, busy at the moment."

She sighed. "You and your books."

Lyanna sighed and headed towards the kitchen. Then, amazingly, despite still being in his study, the kids all heard their father speak, and hear him correctly deduce who was in the kitchen.

"Lyanna, if you eat something now and don't eat your dinner later, you are going to be in trouble young lady." He called out; it wasn't severe or really a warning, his tone made that clear.

Yet still, all three were surprised that he knew it was Lyanna in the kitchen.

She turned back to her brothers, both of whom were just as surprised as she was. She shook her head, mouthing to them 'I don't even wanna know' before simply getting herself a drink. Finally Benjen found something to watch and Lyanna sat down to watch too.

About half an hour later, the family heard the door open and then a familiar voice call out.

"Hey, I'm home!" It was Brandon.

Immediately the siblings got up and headed out to the hall to meet up with him. They could hear their father moving to greet him too. They entered the hall and found Brandon, Rickard smiled.

"Welcome home Brandon." He greeted his eldest son.

Brandon smiled back. "Hey dad, hey guys. There's someone I want you to meet."

It was then they realized he wasn't alone; with him a young woman around Ned's age. She had long wavy auburn hair and clear blue eyes. She looked a little nervous as she stood there, shifting her feet awkwardly.

Brandon then introduced her. "Everyone, this is Catelyn Tully, my girlfriend."

"Hello." She greeted them politely.

Brandon then introduced her to each family member, starting with Rickard.

"Pleasure." He replied in response to the greeting. "Tully, you're Hostor's daughter then?"

Catelyn nodded; her family, like the Stark's ran a large company, they were also involved in a business partnership, which was benefiting both families considerably.

Ned smiled politely as it came to his turn, shaking hands with her. "It's a pleasure to meet you Catelyn."

"Thank you, you too." She replied softly.

Lyanna grinned and welcomed Cat warmly, as did Benjen. Following the greetings Catelyn joined the family for dinner.

Soon the family and Catelyn were all seated around the dining table, having dinner.

Rickard then looked up at her. "So, how exactly did the two of you meet?"

Catelyn smiled lightly. "It was at school, Brandon was helping me find something I'd lost; we got to talking, things just…went from there, that was a few weeks ago."

Brandon nodded grinning. The conversation around the table as they ate was mostly about Catelyn and Brandon's relationship. The family asking simple questions, as well as getting to know Catelyn better. Upon hearing of Cat's interest in literature; Lyanna smirked.

"Well what do you know, Ned, finally, someone you can share your interests with, whenever Brandon is busy."

Ned rolled his eyes and Cat looked at them confused.

She bit her lip and spoke. "I'm sorry, I don't quite…"

Lyanna quickly explained. "Ned's really into books and all that as well."

Catelyn nodded, finally understanding; Ned just shook his head.

"Sorry about that." He apologized for Lyanna's joke.

Catelyn however shook her head. "No, no, it's fine, really."

The family continued their meal; as well as continuing to learn more about their guest. Even after dinner, they simply moved through to the living room and continued to talk.

Finally, as the evening wore on, Brandon and Catelyn were out in the hall, getting ready. Brandon was preparing to drive her home.

He smiled at her. "So, that's you met the family, what do you think?"

"They're really nice." She replied. "They were all quite welcoming, I…I think Lyanna's plotting to tease me though."

"Oh don't worry too much about that, Lyanna's like that, you're not the only one." He reassured her.

Nodding Cat finished getting ready and they prepared to leave. As they walked out to his car, Brandon turned to her.

"Well, what do you say tomorrow, after school, I come over and meet your family?"

She smiled at that. "Sounds good to me."

So with that they kissed and got in the car, heading off, both already preparing themselves for the following day.

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