Game of Thrones: Trials of Marriage

Chapter 1 of a Bran/Meera story; AU setting, after being told by Robert to leave and go back to Winterfell after resigning as Hand of King, Ned did just that. The incest was not discovered, Sansa however no longer loves Joffrey due to his actions on the Trident, she is married in this story, but the details will be explained later, uses the TV ages, but set six years in the future; so Bran is 16. Anyway, enjoy.

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

Overhearing Surprising News

Bran sighed as he looked out of his window. He was watching Robb and Theon down in the practice yard. Robb was sparring with one of the Winterfell soldiers while Theon showed off his archery skills. He normally would've been down there with them; but instead he was stuck in his room, unable to go and join them, or do anything that required moving throughout the castle, ever since the accident. Bran had been an avid climber, able to scale any wall in the family castle of Winterfell; but that all changed one day. There were many castle inhabitants, including his tutor Maester Luwin who believed he had fallen from the broken tower; one of his favourite climbing places. While his memory of the incident was fragmented; he was certain, and his family at least believed him, that he had been pushed. He just couldn't remember who had pushed him. That had been six years ago; he had been only ten then. Now at six and ten he had adapted to life as a cripple, being unable to walk or use his legs at all. Yet there were still moments where he wished for his old life back. There were times where he felt abandoned by his family; whenever he did go out in public, he was usually carried by Hodor, the giant simple-minded stable boy, as he grew older he needed a wheeled chair to move around. He was glad his father had builders alter various parts of Winterfell so he could get around.

As Bran watched his older sister, Arya arrived in the yard. He smirked; unlike most females; Arya had no interest in pursuing lady-like traits. Something which initially caused consternation with his mother, oldest sister Sansa and the girls tutor Septa Mordane. Now only Septa Mordane raised any complaint of issue for Arya's 'wild' actions. Sansa just brushed off Arya's actions now; while mother finally accepting Arya's actions and even allowed them. That included letting Arya used the practice yard for her own style of sword fighting. Arya however bypassed the yard after greeting the others there. She instead headed to the forge; Bran smirked; everybody believed that Arya was good friends with Winterfell's new blacksmith, a three and twenty year old man named Gendry. Bran however was certain there was more to it than that; he had, after all, seen Arya sneaking out to the forge during the middle of the night more than once. Deciding he'd had enough of simply looking out the window; Bran used the various rails and pulleys fitted into his room to pull himself from his seat into his wheeled chair. Once in his chair he manuvered himself out of his room and down until he reached the bottom of the tower his room was in. When he reached the bottom and rolled out into entrance hall he stopped; he was just outside the door to the main hall and could hear his father talking.

He stopped and listened, he never felt good skulking around and listening in on others conversations, but it was the only way he could find anything out these days.

"Lord Howland, have you spoken to her about this?" His father asked.

Bran listened carefully; Lord Howland Reed was one of his father's close friends; he had recently came to visit; bringing his family with him. His wife Jyana and his two children, Jojen and Meera, aged nine and ten and two and twenty respectively. Bran was good friends with them; although he never had the courage to admit it, he also had a crush on Meera however he was certain she didn't feel the same way. After all; he was crippled, who could love a cripple; he couldn't give her anything, except his feelings.

Howland Reed then replied. "No, but I'm sure there'll be no issue."

He then heard Jyana Reed's voice.

"Given how Meera reacted when she heard about our visit; I definitely see no issue."

There was silence for a moment then his mother's voice. "Maybe so but…This is something very serious; this is a marriage proposal after all."

Bran froze, stunned; he couldn't believe what he was hearing; Meera was getting married. He felt a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach, but still listened, wondering who the lucky man was. It couldn't be Robb as Robb was already married, but whom?

He heard his father sigh as he seemed to ponder their discussion.

"I suppose you are right, but you still need to inform Meera." He stated. "As for myself, I will…"

But whatever his father was about to say Bran didn't hear. At that moment Rickon, his younger brother, one and ten years of age, had come up to him and started talking, making Bran jump.

"Bran; what's going on, are you…?"

"Rickon." Bran hissed. "Shhh, I'm trying to hear."

Rickon glared. "Listening in on father again?"

Bran sighed and shook his head. "It's the only way I ever find anything out around here."

Rickon's expression softened; he understood Bran's awkward situation, however it was too late; whatever his father was saying had passed and they could hear them leaving, coming towards the door. Rickon nodded hastily to Bran and they both left, heading outside. Rickon turned to Bran.

"I'm sorry Bran, I…" He began but Bran shook his head.

"It's fine; I guess, I guess we'll all find out soon enough."

Rickon nodded and ran over to where the family Direwolves were currently sleeping. As he approached his own Direwolf; Shaggydog, woke up and bounded up to him. Bran smiled as he watched Rickon and Shaggydog head out to the Godswood.

Bran sighed as he returned his attention to Robb and Theon; as he did he saw Arya had since left the forge and was working on her own swordplay, Water Dancing. Bran was suddenly aware of someone near him. He then saw his Direwolf; Summer, standing next to him, resting his head on Bran's right thigh. Bran sighed as he felt nothing from it, a reminder of the damage that had been done. Bran gently scratched Summer behind the ear.

"Meera's getting married." He said quietly. Summer lifted his head, as if he understood. "I just…I wish I knew who too. Guess now I can never tell her how I feel."

Summer then turned his head and Bran followed his gaze. His mouth went dry when he saw Meera approach; Jojen was with her, which made things more awkward for him. How do you explain to your best friend you have romantic feelings for his sister? When they joined him he smiled and greeted them. While Jojen stayed and talked with Bran; Meera headed over to the archery range, easily matching Theon, which shocked the older man. Bran smiled as he watched Meera; taking care not to make his feelings too obvious; keeping his expression guarded. He wondered if this was the last time he'd be able to do this, from the sound of things, Meera would be married very soon.

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