Game of Thrones: One Happy Christmas

Chapter 1 of a themed Game of Thrones fic I felt like doing; set during Christmas time, will start on the week leading up to Christmas and will eventually culminate in a big Christmas party, Pairings will be revealed as the story goes on, hope you enjoy it :)

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

Chapter 1

It was the week before Christmas day; already at the Stark Family Mansion; preparation were underway for the large party that was to be held on the day. Catelyn Stark was hard at work in the kitchen, although not cooking, that would come later; she was busy setting up the decorations; her husband Eddard was also working on the decorations, but in the living room. Catelyn sighed as she reflected on the rest of her family; she and Eddard had five children, three sons and two daughters; but only their youngest son, the youngest of the five, sixteen year old Rickon, still lived at home. The remaining children were all grown up now and living either on their own or with their romantic partner. Upstairs in his room, Rickon Stark was still in bed, asleep. His wild messy auburn hair even messier due to bed hair. His blue eyes opened blearily as the phone rang, he groaned and pulled the blankets over his head, grumbling to himself. Hearing the phone, Ned called out to Cat.

"Don't worry, I'll get it." He hurried over to the phone and answered it.

"Hello?"

There was a brief moment before the other person replied. "Hey dad."

Ned smiled widely; it was his and Cat's eldest child, also the oldest son, twenty-four year old Robb Stark.

It had been some time since Robb had last called them; it was a relief to hear from him.

"Robb, it's good to hear from you again." Ned said truthfully.

Robb laughed lightly before replying. "Yeah; I was just calling to say, I'll be coming home soon. I thought maybe I'd come and stay over for Christmas."

Ned couldn't help but smile wider. "That's a great idea, I'll let your mother know, she'll be excited."

"Yeah, um dad, there's something I should tell you." Robb said in reply.

Ned paused; concerned. The last time Robb had called it had been to inform them that he had broken up with his long-time girlfriend Roslin Frey. It had been a hard time for the family, with the Frey's taking the matter very personally, almost like an insult. But things seemed have calmed down now, since Roslin was now dating Catelyn's younger brother Edmure Tully.

"What is it?" He asked; letting his concern show in his voice.

Robb sighed. "I know Roslin will be there, with Uncle Edmure but, I just don't want things to be awkward, you see…I'm dating someone else."

That caught Ned's attention. "Really; who is it?"

"I'd rather wait and introduce you all to her when I arrive; that's what I said to her anyway; it's just…"

Ned accepted that and set his son's worries to rest. "Don't worry; Roslin's happy with Edmure, I'm sure things will be okay."

Robb seemed to calm down and, after some more small talk they hung up. Ned headed through to the kitchen to see Cat.

Cat had finished with the kitchen decorations and as Ned came in she turned and smiled to him. Ned walked up to her and they kissed softly; Ned then explained.

"That was Robb on the phone; he's going to be coming home for Christmas."

Cat's whole face lit up and she replied instantly. "Really, oh, that's wonderful."

Ned nodded and informed her. "Yes; he…he has a new girlfriend too; he didn't say who though, said he'd introduce her when they arrived, looks like they're coming together."

"I see, well, that's good news." Cat said, mentally recalling to add Robb's girlfriend to their still growing list of guests. "Do we know about the others yet?"

Ned nodded. "Bran and Meera will be here later today, Arya and Gendry should arrive sometime tomorrow…We've not heard from Sansa yet."

Catelyn sighed sadly at that; Sansa was the eldest daughter and the second child, Arya was the third and Bran the fourth. Sansa had been dating Joffrey Baratheon since high school, Joffrey was the eldest son of President Robert Baratheon; while the relationship seemed happy at first, but it soon turned out Joffrey was abusive and treated Sansa horribly. They had recently broken up; Joffrey had taken it badly; Sansa however had since left him behind and now lived alone.

"She's been through a lot." Ned stated softly.

Cat nodded. "Hopefully she'll meet someone else; someone who'll treat her better, the way she deserves to be treated. Maybe she already has found someone, Gods willing."

Ned nodded in agreement, hoping his eldest daughter had indeed found someone she could be happy with, she certainly deserved it after what she went through with Joffrey.

Finally, it was just after midday; Rickon was finally awake and dressed; the house was completely decorated and they had just had lunch. Just then the doorbell rang, Rickon hurried to answer it. He smiled as he opened it; standing in the doorway was nineteen year old Bran Stark, with his twenty-four year old girlfriend, Meera Reed.

"Bran, Meera, hey, you made it." He remarked cheerfully.

Bran smiled and nodded. "Hey Rickon; it's good to see you."

Meera greeted Rickon warmly too and Rickon stepped back while Bran worked his way into the house on his crutches. Many years ago, Bran had suffered an accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down and stuck in a wheelchair for years. Yet recently he had undergone and experimental laser surgery which would allow him to regain the use of his legs. The surgery was a success but as Bran had been paralyzed for so long his leg muscle had atrophied; therefore he was now undergoing intense physical therapy to regain strength in his legs so he could walk again. He had advanced far enough that he could walk with crutches as well as stand on his own without support. Once inside Bran hugged his brother and together the three of them headed through to the living room. Bran and Meera sat down on the sofa.

"So, how have you guys been?" He asked Rickon.

Rickon smiled and nodded. "Just great, and you two?"

Bran smiled back. "We're doing good, yes."

"I see your parents have been busy." Meera stated as she looked around at the decorations.

Rickon laughed and nodded as Ned and Cat entered; Cat smiling widely as she saw Bran.

"Bran, Meera, it's god to see you." She remarked happily as she approached.

She hugged her second son and his girlfriend as they returned her greetings. They also exchanged greetings with Ned. They sat together talking, already discussing what they hoped to do when the rest of the family arrived and also, on the big day, during the party.

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