Game of Thrones: The Most Precious Thing

First chapter of my new Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Just a few notes, the War is over; there was no Red Wedding, also Theon stayed loyal to Robb, fighting to defend the North from the Ironborn. If there is anything else you'd like explained, so long as it won't appear in future chapters I will gladly reply.

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

Chapter 1

Sixteen year old Bran Stark sat in a chair by the window in his room. From it he observed the daily coming and goings of the people of Winterfell. Despite his watching he would be unable to take part in most of the activities, it had been that way for years now. Ever since he lost the use of his legs in an accident. However while it has dismayed him in his younger years, he had adapted to it; it was just part of his life now. As such, despite watching the people outside, some of them doing activities he would never be able to take part in, he didn't lament on it, in fact, his mind was elsewhere. With the war over and peace returned, Winterfell was usually full of activity, with many people around, yet only one truly captured Bran's attention, more than any other.

'Meera Reed, in all these years, she's stuck by us, stayed with us…' He thought to himself.

Meera Reed, the daughter and eldest child of Howland Reed, one of House Stark's closest allies. Along with her brother Jojen Reed, she had befriended Bran during the years of the war, they had remained friends long afterwards and while Jojen often travelled between Greywater Watch and Winterfell, Meera had opted to stay.

Bran sighed as his thoughts continued. 'She stayed…although, it's rather awkward. I…she doesn't know. She doesn't know how I feel, that I…I care about her.'

He had a crush on Meera from the moment they first met, however as the years passed his feelings grew and he was hopelessly in love with her.

Bran sighed; he wished he could tell Meera about his feelings, but he was afraid of doing so, in case it damaged their friendship, he wasn't even sure if she any feelings for him, he doubted it though.

'She would only see me as a little kid…besides; she could do better than me, a cripple.' He thought sadly. 'Still; there must be something that I can do.'

It was then an idea occurred to him; in a week it would be Meera's nameday; she would be one and twenty and he still hadn't found a gift for her.

'Perhaps I could…If I get her a gift that…' His thoughts rushed through his mind and he tried to calm himself and focus.

The more he pondered however the more he began to like the idea. He felt if he could get a gift that would potentially reflect his feelings, maybe Meera would understand, even if she didn't return his love, perhaps it would at least strengthen their friendship. However he wasn't going to be able to get the gift if he remained seated by his window. So, using the various pulleys and bars he used to help get himself about and worked his way from the seat by the window to his wheeled chair. He finally worked his way down and was outside; he made his way towards the forge and entered. Inside he found Gendry, Winterfell's new smith, working.

Gendry looked up and saw Bran, he bowed politely.

"Hello Prince Bran." He greeted; before asking curiously. "What brings you here today?"

Bran smiled. "Hello Gendry, I…I was wondering if you could make something for me…I, I was hoping…"

Gendry noted that the young prince seemed nervous about something. "What's wrong?"

"Please, I just need you to make something, but, it's awkward so I was hoping you wouldn't ask too many questions." Bran replied quickly.

If Gendry was surprised he gave nothing away, he just nodded.

"As you wish, what do you want me to make?"

Bran smiled and, relieved began to explain to Gendry about what he wanted made. Gendry listened carefully and checked to make sure he had everything Bran was requesting. He fought not to smirk.

'He asks me not to ask too many questions?' Gendry thought amused. 'But…He's made it rather obvious. Well it can't hurt to ask at least one thing.'

"Very well Prince Bran, I should be able to get to work as soon as possible." He thought carefully. "It should take three days for me to make it perfectly."

Bran nodded. "Thank you Gendry, I'll check back then."

Gendry smiled. "May I ask; is this intended to be a gift?"

Bran felt his face heat up and prayed his cheeks weren't red when he confirmed this was the case. Gendry simply nodded and Bran began to leave.

As he left he nearly ran into a young woman, a year older than him, with brown hair and grey eyes. It was his sister Arya.

"Hey, careful…" She began before seeing him. "Oh, Bran, sorry."

Bran shook his head. "It's alright Arya, is everything alright?"

Arya nodded. "Yes, everything's fine, I just…came to see if Gendry was finished sharpening Needle."

Bran nodded and moved past her, Arya headed into the forge. Bran smirked to himself; Arya couldn't be more obvious if she tried.

'She still thinks it's a secret, the fact she and Gendry are in love and having a secret love affair.' He thought to himself. 'Honestly, their affair is the worst kept secret in Winterfell, everybody here knows, even mother and Robb, I'm surprised they don't try to stop it however.'

Shaking his head; still amused at what he had witnessed, he steered his chair over to the archery range and stopped. His expression changed, becoming softer, more distracted. He watched as Meera, the woman he loved, took aim and fired a perfect shot. It amused Bran that, when he could walk, his own archery skills had been less than stellar, but now, utilizing his horse and it's special saddle, and with Meera teaching him, his archery skills drastically improved, while not as good as Meera, his skills were now at least equal to Theon's.

Bran sighed as he watched Meera brush back her wild brown hair with a hand and take aim again, her green eyes narrowed in determination. She fired again and hit the target perfectly; she smiled and lowered her bow. She then turned her head and her eyes met Bran's. She smiled waved over to him, Bran felt his face heat up again as he waved back. He smiled but hoped she couldn't see his blush; he just prayed she would like his gift and hopefully understand its true meaning.

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