Game of Thrones: A Blessed Union

Chapter 2 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

SweetImagination15: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yup, so true :) Well we've still got a ways to go, hope you continue to enjoy it :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you liked it; yeah; poor woman, she never has any luck.

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 2: Firstborn Daughter

A piercing scream broke through the silence. Ned looked up; worried and turned his gaze to Robb who had leapt out of his seat. He placed a restraining hand on the boys shoulder and shook his head.

"But Mother…" Robb began to complain.

Ned shook his head. "You heard Maester Luwin; we can't go in there; it won't help anyone. We need to wait here…Where's Jon?"

Robb frowned. "In our room, he said Mother wouldn't want him here."

Ned sighed sadly as he noted that statement was probably true; he wished he could tell Cat the truth, maybe it would make her treat Jon better; but he didn't dare, he couldn't. He knew to do so would put the boy at risk; only he and Howland Reed knew the truth and both promised to never reveal it. Another piercing scream pulled him from his thoughts.

Robb was shaking. "She's in pain, can't we help?"

Ned shook his head. "Maester Luwin's doing everything he can; if he needs help he'll let us know."

Seeing the shadow of doubt pass over his son's face Ned knelt down till he was level with his him.

"Luwin knows what he's doing Robb; he's had experience with this sort of thing, he's done it before."

Robb sighed and nodded; finally accepting that his mother was in good hands and returned to his seat.

Ned sighed and listened; Cat's cries had quietened down, but he could still hear her harsh breathing. He shook his head and turned to Robb.

"I will be right back Robb; I need you to stay here."

Robb nodded and Ned left; he desperately wanted to be there for his wife; but he also had another responsibility that he had to take care of; especially after his promise. It did not take him long to arrive at the room Robb and Jon shared. He knocked on the door and stepped in; Jon was sitting on the bed, looking out the window. Outside Ned could hear the sounds of men on the training yard and knew Jon was watching them. Ned approached Jon as Jon turned his head towards him.

"Father." He said softly. "Has…Has Lady Catelyn…?"

Ned shook his head. "Not yet; I came to make sure you were okay."

Jon nodded in response; his expression was bright enough for Ned to believe that it was true.

"I was watching the men fight in the courtyard." He explained. "Do you think I could do that someday?"

Ned smiled. "You'll have to be taught how to fight properly; I don't see why you should be denied the chance when Robb will also be doing the same."

Jon smiled and nodded in reply. Ned sighed. "I have to return to Cat now, you be careful, okay. I'll see you at the evening meal tonight."

"Okay." Jon replied.

Satisfied Ned left and returned to where his wife was giving birth to their second child.

When he returned he found Robb still sitting waiting.

"Has nothing changed?" He asked. Robb shook his head.

"Nothing…You went to see Jon, didn't you?" He asked.

Ned sighed. "You don't miss much, do you Robb? Yes, I went to see Jon; just to make sure he was okay."
"Was he?"

Ned nodded. "Yes he's fine. Before long you'll be old enough to start learning how to fight with a sword. Would you like Jon to join you in those lessons?"

Robb smiled brightly. "Yeah; that'd be great."

Suddenly they heard Catelyn scream again.

"Mother; she…she's started screaming again." Robb whispered.

Ned looked down at his son. "Is that the first time she started screaming since I left?"

Robb nodded; Ned looked over at the door worried. Some more time passed before Catelyn cried out again, louder than before; then silence. The silence drew out, long, agonizing until finally, the door opened and Maester Luwin stepped out. The old man looked tired, dark bags had formed beneath his eyes and his eyes were veined with red. Yet when he saw Eddard Stark and Robb he smiled.

"It is done; both Lady Stark and the babe are well." He explained. "The babe is a girl; my Lord."

Ned smiled and nodded, he and Robb followed Maester Luwin into the room.

They entered and saw Catelyn sitting up in the bed. Her face shining with perspiration; she looked just as exhausted, if not more so, than Maester Luwin. In her arms was the new-born girl, wrapped up arm in blankets. She smiled when her family approached.

"Here she is, Ned." She said softly. "Robb, come meet your sister."

They both stopped next to the bed. Ned helped Robb up onto the bed so he could see. The girl was beautiful, her skin winter pale, just beneath the blanket could be seen a small tuft of auburn hair. Her eyes, when she opened them after adjusting to the light; were the same Tully blue as her mother and brother. All three family members smiled.

"Wow." Robb breathed as he beheld the little girl.

Ned smiled, noting that, given her physical appearance the girl would likely grow up to be the double of Catelyn.

"What shall we call her?" Catelyn asked.

There was a small debate between them as they discussed names, discarded unlikely ones and then finally settled on one. Particularly after the baby girl's reaction; when she laughed happily, hearing the name.

"Sansa Stark."

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