I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire series, it belongs to GRRM.

All That Matters

Eddard Stark quickly rode his stead back to Winterfell with as much haste as possible. He had just finished executing a deserter of the Night's Watch when he received the news. His wife had finally gone into labor with their second child.

It had been three years since Robb was born and the end Robert's Rebellion along with the beginning of his reign as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms. It had also been three years since he returned home to Catelyn with Jon Snow in tow, his "bastard," much to her betrayal and chagrin.

Though things had been tense between them at the beginning, especially with his insistence to raise Jon alongside Robb, but they had eventually warmed towards each other and ultimately come to love one another.

As Winterfell came within his sights, Ned couldn't help but feel excitement bubble in his chest. This would be the first time he was present for one of his children's birth. Due to Robert's Rebellion he wasn't able to greet Robb into the world or meet him until he was almost a year old. However, this time things would be different, he would know the child from the moment they were born.

Entering Winterfell's courtyard Ned quickly dismounted his horse and ran into the castle. Arriving outside the doors of his and Catelyn's bedchamber he was greeted by the castle steward Vayon Poole.

"She went into labor about three hours ago my lord," said Vayon as his lord approached.

Ned nodded at the man's words while standing in front of the bedchamber's doors. He stared straight at the doors wishing he could be inside with Catelyn supporting her but knowing it was inappropriate for men to be present during the birthing process stopped him.

Trying to keep his mind off her pained filled cries he turned towards Vayon. "There hasn't been word of any complications have there?"

Vayon shook his head. "No my lord. As far as I know everything is going fine."

Ned let out a sigh of relief at that. Catelyn's pregnancy had been very smooth with this child, more so than Robb's. No morning sickness, hardly any pain or discomfort though her appetite had been ravenous making them think at one point that she was carrying for two. It was good to know that the birth would continue in such a worry free fashion.

Over time Ned began to pace as the minutes ticked by and their seemed to be no lull in the labor until the birth neared its fourth hour. That's when there was silence soon broken by the wail of a babe.

Stopping in front of the doors Ned waited for few minutes, simply listening to the cries of the child, giving the healer's time to finish up. He was just about to enter when the door opened admitting him. There stood a midwife with a bright smile on her face as she greeted him before stepping aside. "The child is healthy and your lady wife is fine my lord."

Ned briefly acknowledged her words before moving towards his wife who held a buddle to her chest. Out of the corner of his eye Ned saw Maester Luwin, several servants and another midwife going about cleaning up the bedchamber. He saw Catelyn on the bed smiling at the babe with a tired but joyful expression. Looking up from the bundle her smile widened as she laid eyes on Ned.

"It's a beautiful baby boy Ned."

Walking closer to the bed Ned leaned over to get a closer look at the child. The child's facial features greatly resembled Catelyn's with his nose and cheekbones. Though he had his father's strong chin and tufts of dark hair on his head, though in a certain light there seemed to be streaks of gray in it.

"He's a beautiful child," Eddard agreed while smiling softly at the child.

The child released a wide yawn and shifted in his mother's arms before slowly opening his eyes for the first time. Ned and Catelyn gasped at the sight that greeted them.

His eyes were a glowing, misty, almost smoky light gray with bright flecks of blue surrounding the pupil.

"Ned?" questioned Catelyn in a slightly frightened voice.

Ned stared at the child trying to make sense of what he was seeing. This odd coloring was a trait of neither Houses Tully nor Stark though it seemed a remarkable mix of the two; the glow and moving mist like quality of the iris aside.

"Maester Luwin," he called.

The maester swiftly moved over to the couple to see what the matter was. "What can I help you with Lord Stark?"

"Look at the child's eyes. Have you ever heard of anything like this?"

The master peered closely at the child, a pensive expression on his face. He moved a finger in front of the child's eyes and watched as it followed the finger back and forth. Finally he shook his head. "I've never heard of such an occurrence, though it appears there's nothing wrong with the child's eyesight. I'll definitely look into the matter and see if I can find anything."

Both parents nodded in agreement while saying their goodbyes as the maester went off to begin his research. They both looked back down at the child, observing him as he closed his eyes and seemed to drift off into a quiet slumber.

"So what name should he be given?" asked Catelyn softly.

Ned stroked his chin as he thought about things. "Well I had planned on naming his Brandon, but it just doesn't seem an appropriate name now."

Catelyn nodded in understanding.

Ned pondered on the subject for several minutes before coming to a conclusion.

"His name shall be…..Galen Stark."

A/N: This is my first A Song and Ice and Fire fanfic so please bare with me. If you enjoyed teaser of what's to come please review and let me know what you think or if your interested.