Game of Thrones: Beyond the Words
Chapter 1 of a new Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 1
It was late afternoon in Winterfell; ancestral home of the famous and wealthy Stark family. They were the owners of a large company, Stark Enterprises. The company was run by the oldest of the family; Brandon Stark. He was a jovial man, greatly liked by his work colleagues and loved dearly by his family. Two years ago, after the death of their parents, Brandon took over the company at the young age of twenty-one and worked hard at it; in order to provide for his younger siblings; Eddard, Lyanna and Benjen. Today however wasn't a work day and the now twenty-three year old Brandon Stark wasn't at home. He was driving down to Dorne to visit his girlfriend Ashara Dayne. That left Twenty-two year old Eddard, sitting reading a book in the living room. The kitchen table was occupied by eighteen year old Benjen, working on the mountain of homework school Seniors always seemed to get. The study was also occupied; by nineteen year old Lyanna, who was busy studying the lecture notes, given by her college professor. In all it was a rather quiet afternoon; the family were settled in, happy and secure. They were blissfully unaware that their lives were about to be changed forever.
The peace of the afternoon was shattered by the shrill ring of the telephone. Eddard sighed and stood from the couch, putting his book down. He walked over and answered it, wondering who would be calling, they weren't expecting anyone.
"Hello?"
"Eddard Stark?" A rather official sounding voice replied from the other end.
Eddard was surprised by this. "Yes; who is this?"
"I am calling from the hospital." The man replied. "I regret to inform you sir, that there was a car crash, on the motorway in the Riverlands. Your brother was brought here after the crash."
Eddard was stunned; he gasped. "Gods!"
The man then continued. "I'm sorry to say Mr. Stark; five minutes ago…Your brother died from his injuries."
It was like a blow to the stomach. Ned felt winded; he couldn't move, he just froze. He was aware of Benjen and Lyanna standing further down the hall, staring at him. But he couldn't bring himself to turn and face them.
'Brandon…No it's, it's not possible.' His thoughts felt oddly disjointed. 'This cannot be; I can't believe it.'
"Mr. Stark?"
He cleared his throat; trying to keep his voice steady. "Y-yes, I'm still here."
The man began explaining about needed Eddard to come down to the hospital for all the arrangements for the funeral, Brandon's belongings and such. Finally the call ended and Eddard put the phone down; still staring in shock.
He was jolted out of it by his sister's voice.
"Ned?"
He turned sharply; only his family and close friends called him by that name.
"I…That was." He began before sighing and shaking his head.
Trying hard to keep his voice level, he told them about Brandon's death.
Lyanna immediately looked devastated; her face ashen white. "No?!"
Ned nodded slowly. "I'm sorry Lyanna; it's true."
She and Benjen immediately broke down. Ned embraced his siblings; even as he himself broke. They all held each other; consumed with their loss. However despite their grief, Ned knew they couldn't stay like that forever, least of all him. He did his best to compose himself and straightened up.
"I have to go to the hospital; I have to collect Brandon's belongings and make the arrangements for the funeral."
Lyanna nodded. "We'll come with you."
Benjen agreed and so, together, they left the house, heading for the hospital. Everything that followed, for a long time, was mostly a blur. By the time Ned was fully aware of things again, he was at his brother's funeral. He did his best to appear strong; composed. But there was no denying the tears in his eyes, everyone could see them. Yet nobody commented, at least not negatively. Anytime he made eye contact with someone, they were sympathetic; clearly also grieving. Lyanna and Benjen stood next to him, both overcome with tears. Ashara sat with them, also in tears; just about everybody present was in different stages of grief. They all knew Brandon well and all liked him, they all keenly felt his loss; although none more so than his family. Ned carefully glanced around; he could see some of the people were also Brandon's work colleagues, those who worked for him at the company.
'My work colleagues now.' He noted quietly.
Just as Brandon had when their father died; following his death, Ned had become head of Stark Enterprises. He was due to start work as the new boss the Monday morning after the funeral, three days from now.
Finally it was time; people were going up to say their final goodbyes to Brandon. Ned walked up, along with Lyanna and Benjen. They all stood, looking into the coffin. He didn't look all that bad. In fact, if they hadn't received confirmation of it, they might have thought he was simply sleeping.
"Goodbye brother." Ned said softly, his voice choked.
Lyanna and Benjen could barely form coherent words through their grief. Ned kept himself strong throughout the rest of the funeral service and burial. It wasn't until he was back home, alone with just his siblings, that he allowed himself to cry. To let his emotions free. The family sat together, embracing each other and crying. They remembered Brandon fondly and strove to keep those memories alive. They were still in grieving, but they knew they couldn't remain so forever. They had to be ready to forge ahead; to face what awaited them with all their strength. Brandon would have wanted that and so, they swore, that was what they would do, together as a family.
End of chapter, next up we will see Ned's first day at work, as well as his first meeting with someone who will change everything for him. Read and review please.