Game of Thrones: Birth of a Northern Love

Chapter 3 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, glad you liked him :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
jean d'arc: Oh yes, they were; the whole part of marrying someone you don't know, the dangers of a political marriage. The bedding ceremony can also be quite embarrassing, yes, in the books I'm pretty sure Cat mentions Ned spared her from it.
Ruxi23: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I agree, of all the confirmed canon couples on the show, they are my favourite.

Now onto the story.

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


Chapter 3

Catelyn awoke the following day; smiling lightly as she remembered the previous night. Their love-making had been awkward, neither of them having any experience. But it had also been sweet, both of them wanting it to happen. Some primal emotion simply took them over and they found themselves enjoying the act tremendously. She sat up and saw Ned, clad in a robe, standing by the window. He had a distant melancholy expression on his face. Catelyn bit her lip as she noticed that.

'He knows what is to come. Today he rides off with everyone else for war.' She noted to herself. 'All he may be able to keep of our marriage is the memory of this one night…'

She rose from the bed, picking up a nearby robe and pulling it on. She approached him, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

"Ned." She said softly.

He turned to her, smiling, although his eyes were still anguished. "Cat. Well, it is almost time."

She lowered her gaze. "Yes, I know."

"I am sorry; we've only had a brief time together." He said softly. "I wish we had longer before I had to go to war."

She shook her head. "Do not apologize; you know why you are doing this. I understand…Please Ned, come back to me."

He embraced her, looking her directly in the eyes. "I will Cat, I promise."

He pulled her close and they kissed; both hoping it wouldn't be their last.


Ned sighed as he stood next to his horse. He had already ensured that he had everything. The armies of the North had all gathered, ready to march on his command.

"Are you sure about this Howland?" He asked the Crannogman Lord; one of his closest friends. "Your people aren't best suited to open warfare."

Howland Reed smiled. "You speak the truth Ned, but we can still help. You'll need good scouts and we're always useful in an ambush."

Ned smiled and nodded; Howland was right about that.

"Very well, my friend. But do be careful; I'd hate to have to explain to Jyana how I was responsible for leading you to your death." He replied.

Howland smiled at that and shook his head. "Do not worry, Ned. I know how to be careful."

With that Howland went to prepare his men. Ned sighed again as he did one final check to make sure he had everything he would need.

"Why so grim Eddard?" Came the familiar and much loved voice of the man who had been a second father to him.

He turned to face him. "I don't know Jon; I feel…I just can't believe it's come to this. That Aerys could have sunk so far into madness."

Jon Arryn nodded slowly. "The Targaryen's…habits always run the risk of madness."

"What's troubling Lord Tully?" Ned asked, noting Hostor's angry expression.

Jon shook his head.

"One of his bannermen, Lord Frey of the Twins; hasn't brought his army, or even moved. All the other Riverlords have responded; but Lord Frey remains aloof and there's no time to do anything about it." He explained.

Ned shook his head; yet another trouble for them to add to everything that was happening.

Very soon everything was ready for their departure. Ned stood in Riverrun's courtyard; observing as the army mobilized and awaited their leaders. He turned to Robert who stood next to him.

"When we do this Robert, there is no going back." He warned. "I…"

Robert cut across him however. "Seven Hells Ned, I know that. But you know I have no choice in the matter. That thief Rhaegar stole your sister away; my beloved. You more than anyone, should understand how I feel!"

Ned nodded slowly. "You are right; but your actions; you are committed to see this through. This isn't just some minor skirmish or battle over Lyanna. You've turned it into a full scale rebellion. You'll be expected to see it through to the end."

"When we save Lyanna; that will be the end as far as I'm concerned." Robert growled.

"Not for the people, not for our enemies it won't." Ned replied. "Aerys won't forgive you for this; House Tyrell stands against, as does House Martell and those that serve them. Even some of the Stormlords are against you Robert and many others."

Robert sighed and shook his head. "You think I don't know all this; I do. I know for everyone else, this war isn't over until I'm either dead or sitting on that throne…But what good will it do me if I don't save Lyanna."

Ned nodded slowly; from what he could see, Lyanna's rescue was indeed important, in so many ways and not all of them personal. He had to admit, Robert seemed to have worked out a way to ensure that the entire army would see things his way. They expected Robert to become their future King, so he would use that to convince them to save their future Queen.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, Robert's mood eased and he smiled.

"This is very grim talk for so early in the morning Ned." Robert remarked. "Even if we're going into battle. I'd rather lighten the mood a little; discuss something else. Such as how things were for you last night."

"Robert!" Ned gasped, feeling the heat rise to his face.

Robert laughed. "Ah Ned, come on, we're friends, you can tell me. How was your new bride?"

Ned quirked an eyebrow and smirked lightly. "I doubt you'd feel the same way if I asked about you and Lyanna."

Robert groaned, shaking his head. "Ugh, fair point. How do you always do that Ned?"

Ned just shook his head and was about to mount his horse. But Robert stopped him, catching his arm.

"Wait a moment, Ned; your wife is here to see you."

He turned sharply. Sure enough, there was Catelyn, standing at the edge of the courtyard, watching him. He walked over to her and she smiled gently.

"I came to see you off, my lord." She stated formally. "I wish you luck."

Ned was about to reply when her smile widened and she lowered her voice. "Be safe Ned; I hope you find your sister."

Ned also managed to smile; realizing her formal act had been just that, for the benefit of their 'audience'.

"We will; I promise you that."

"It would be nice to see her." Cat remarked softly.

Ned nodded in agreement and then, with one last kiss; he said goodbye.

Cat watched as Ned returned to his horse and mounted it. Robert was already mounted; as was Jon Arryn and her father. She looked around but didn't see Lysa anywhere; Edmure was present, trying hard to keep himself under control. But there was no sign of Lysa.

'She didn't even come to see her husband off.' Cat fretted.

She watched as they rode out to join their armies and began to lead them off to war.

Cat sighed as the feeling of worry settled upon her. 'So soon, married and so soon there is the danger I could become a widow. Oh please Gods, keep him safe, he does not deserve this. So good a man does not deserve to die.'

It was only after thinking this that Cat realized she wasn't sure which Gods she meant, hers or Ned's. Perhaps both; she didn't think about it for too long however. Instead she prepared herself; she had to be strong, for her siblings, for Riverrun.


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