Game of Thrones: Birth of a Northern Love

Chapter 2 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Ruxi23: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, I'm guessing you're referring to canon pairings, since you seem to like the pairings I do :)
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, here's the next chapter :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks, well, brides, since the sisters are getting married together on the same day.
Marina Ka-Fai: Yeah well, she is in a bit of state at the moment.
jean d'arc: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, that's the sort of thing I felt too. Something like that, we all know that during this time, she was still deeply infatuated with Petyr and had been forced to abort his child.

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 2

Eddard Stark, the twenty year old Lord of Winterfell, stood nervously in the Sept. The man who had been a second father to him, Jon Arryn, stood next to him.

'I wonder if it's any easier for Jon; this is his fourth marriage.' Ned wondered. 'I shouldn't even be here; this is Brandon's place…All of this, should have been Brandon, not me. But now, with him…Now I have to take his place, in so many ways. That includes marrying the woman he was supposed to marry.'

At that he glanced over his shoulder at the doors of the Sept. He wondered how much longer it would be; this was never something he had expected, but it was happening anyway.

"You should try and relax Eddard." Jon said softly. "You are too tense, on edge it seems."

Ned sighed. "I know, I understand Jon. It's just; we're at war, is it really the right time for weddings and such?"

Jon gave a wry smile and replied. "It may be the only time Eddard."

He sighed, Jon was right, this was war, they could be dead tomorrow. This might be their only chance of ensuring their lines continued. It was especially vital for Jon, who had no sons, no heirs. Eddard knew that if he died without a child, things would pass to Benjen, but he had felt the burden of Lordship now. He did not want that to pass to Benjen's shoulders, not while he was so young.

His worries were cut off with a sharp laugh as Robert came up next to him.

"Ah Ned, moping again."

Ned shook his head. "Robert, this is hardly the time for jokes, I'm about to be married after all."

Robert simply laughed again and shook his head. However Ned was able to smile as the shorter man next to Robert spoke.

"A wedding should be a time of joy, my friend. I know what you've told me about all this, but truly, you should try and focus on what is good here."

"Thank you Howland, I…I see what you mean." Ned replied; smiling at the Crannogman who was one of his closest friends.

They all quickly assumed their places since at that moment, the Septon stepped up and the doors opened as the Tully sisters were led. Catelyn was the first one to enter; Eddard felt his breath catch in his throat as he saw the woman who was to be his wife. She was close to his own age, very beautiful, she looked radiant. When their eyes met she smiled at him; but he saw the look in them. He knew she too mourned Brandon's loss; he swore at that moment, while he felt he could never match up to Brandon; he would do everything he could to make Catelyn happy. He felt, he knew, that was what Brandon would want. Lysa Tully followed; only the strained expression in his eyes made her slightly less radiant than her sister. Before long, both women stood beside the men who were to be their husbands. Now the Septon began and Ned tried hard to focus, but the beautiful woman at his side, proved herself to be very lovely distraction.

Catelyn smiled as she looked around the great hall. The wedding ceremony had gone perfectly; Lysa had indeed calmed down which helped her cope. Cat found that sense of warmth she felt when Eddard had kissed her still lingered. She then remembered something, something he had said as they walked to the great hall and she had attempted to talk to him.

She mentally corrected herself. 'As his wife, I am one of those closest to him. He prefers those close to him to call him Ned, it feels less formal he said.'

She smiled at that; it wasn't something she expected from the man. He always looked so serious; yet there were times, Catelyn noticing mostly directed at her, when he smiled. She had returned his desire to use a less formal name, asking him to call her Cat. She observed her husband as he spoke to his friend, Howland Reed.

'He is kind of handsome. Not like Brandon. But he has something in him that makes him attractive.' She thought happily. 'I truly could grow to love him.'

That thought made her happy; things would work out, she was sure of it. She looked around and spotted Lysa; sitting next to Jon Arryn. She bit her lip; hoping that things would work out well for them too. She turned back to Ned as he turned to face her.

"Cat." He said, smiling as he used the less formal variant of her name. "I meant to tell you. As you probably know, in the North, we pray to the Old Gods. But I've sent word back to Winterfell for them to build a Sept for you. I know leaving your home will be hard, I just hope that will help ease you in some way."

She smiled back, touched by the thoughtfulness of his gesture. "I'm sure it will, thank you, Ned."

He nodded; both of them feeling happier than they had first thing this morning.

Soon however; Catelyn found her happiness replaced with a feeling of nervousness. Her reasons were simple; it was time for the bedding. She was grateful to her new husband, and to Jon Arryn. Together they had ensured neither she nor Lysa suffered the indignities of the bedding ceremony. She now stood in the bedchambers; waiting, trying to prepare herself. No matter how hard she tried however, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Nothing had ever prepared her for anything like this. Not even the lessons her Septa had taught her regarding what was expected of her as a Lady and to be a good wife. It was then Ned entered, Cat stood up from the bed and smiled shyly.

"Well, we're here."

Ned nodded as he approached her and took her in his arms. "Yes; we are."

He kissed her gently; when he pulled back she saw the concern in her eyes.

"You're worried; is everything alright?" He asked.

She nodded. "It is fine; I just…I don't know what…"

She couldn't find the words, but he seemed to understand.

He smiled kindly and offered. "If you are uncomfortable, not ready, we do not have to do this now."

"It is my duty too…"She began explaining; but Ned shook his head, cutting across her.

"Duty is important, but so are respect and honour. I want to honour you, not force you."

Hearing that made her feel a little calmer.

She pulled Ned in for another kiss; in the process she began undoing the laces of his tunic and doublet. Her fingers, usually nimble, were clumsy due to lack of experience. She found he was the same. But, by the time they parted, they were both bare from the waist up. Ned let out a low, shaky breath and she smiled; realizing the effect she was having on him.

"I want to try." She said finally.

He nodded, unable to take his eyes off her body. "Alright then; but if you feel uncomfortable, ill-at-ease…or if I hurt you, don't push yourself. Simply tell me and I'll stop."

But the emotions running through Catelyn, as they finished undressed and fell onto the bed, passionately kissing and preparing to begin, told her one thing. No matter how much it was uncomfortable or hurt; she did not want him to stop.

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