Game of Thrones: A Blessed Union

Chapter 5 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 5: Second Son

Eddard Stark sighed; the year following the Greyjoy Rebellion had been busy, yet now, it seemed things were about to get even busier. He had heard that Robert and Cersei had a daughter now, Myrcella; and Cersei was expected a third child; even now Eddard and Catelyn were waiting for the birth of their fourth child. It would not be long now, Catelyn had recently gone into labour and now he was waiting. At Cat's request, so as to spare them the stress, Ned had not informed the children. Robb and Jon were in the practice yard; Sansa was attending a lesson with Septa Mordane and Arya was in Old Nan's care. He waited patiently; although his concern for his wife's well-being gnawed at him. He trusted Maester Luwin to do everything he could, but he wished there was some way in which he could help his wife. After waiting for some time he knew that continuing to do so would drive him mad. He knew he needed to go and do something else for a while; but his focus would not leave his wife. Finally however he made up his mind and headed out, he would check up on his children one more time and then come back.

As it was the closest room he stopped by to check on Sansa and Septa Mordane first. He smiled as he watched from the doorway; Mordane was busy teaching Sansa her letters. His daughters face held a rather serious expression for a three year old; her brows were furrowed as she concentrated. Mordane looked up and was about to speak, but he shook his head. Mordane realized why he was here and nodded, smiling briefly. She spoke to Sansa quietly and then stood up; they both stepped outside.

Finally Eddard spoke. "How's she getting on?"

"Very well." Mordane replied. "Sansa is a delight to teach, my Lord, she's very attentive and careful, always listens; she'll grow to be a proper lady, I assure you."

He nodded and then, noting the curiosity in her gaze answered it. "I'm just checking up, making sure the children are all okay. There's still no word."

Mordane nodded again, excused herself and returned to the room; Eddard turned and left; checking up on Arya next. He smiled at the sight he found when he poked his head into Arya's room. Arya was asleep in her crib with Old Nan seated in a rocking chair next to it, Old Nan was also asleep, her knitting on her lap. Deciding all was well and not wanting to disturb them he left quietly and headed out to the practice yard.

He found Robb and Jon busy sparring; Theon stood to the side, watching them; he wasn't trusted with any sort of weaponry yet and could only watch. Also watching the current action; and assessing it, was Rodrik Cassel. Eddard approached his Master of Arms who bowed.

"My Lord." He greeted. "Has your wife...I mean, have you come to...?"

Eddard shook his head. "No; I just came to see how my boys were getting on."

Rodrik smiled and nodded. "Well as you can see..." He stated as Robb landed a blow to the side of Jon's leg. "They're doing very well."

Eddard smiled at this and watched as Jon countered Robb's attack with one of his own, striking Robb's sword arm.

"I hate to admit it, but young Snow may be better at this than the young lord." Rodrik informed him. He then added, in explanation. "That was the young lord's first hit, and young Snow's third."

Eddard suppressed a laugh at that and nodded. He thanked Ser Rodrik and then returned to his wife, he had been away too long. When he returned he found that there had been a change, Maester Luwin was certain they were reaching the end. Compared to Arya's birth there seemed to be little to no complications and the child would be born soon. Therefore he immediately sat down and waiting, he sent his squire, Jory Cassel to fetch his children; soon they would be welcoming the newest member of the family.

It wasn't long before the children were gathered; Ned noted sadly that Jon was absent again, but knew Catelyn wouldn't like it if he showed up. Robb had been carrying Arya as they approached but she had struggled and even hit him until he put her down. She had walked to rest of the way, holding onto Robb's hand for balance. Finally Maester Luwin announced that the child had been born, it was a boy. They entered the room and Catelyn smiled and they finally beheld the new-born son in her arms. Like Robb and Sansa he had inherited the Tully looks from her side of the family. Finally Ned asked about a name; Cat had smiled and told him the name, Ned found it very fitting. Brandon Stark, Bran for short; named after his deceased brother, as well as the legendary Brandon the Builder. Mere weeks after Bran's birth word spread through the Seven Kingdoms that Queen Cersei had birthed a third child; Prince Tommen. Ned sent a letter to Robert, congratulating the Royal Family on its new arrival; he also informed Robert of Bran's birth. He smiled as he recalled Catelyn's wishes after Bran's birth; she wanted them to focus on raising the children, before trying for another. Ned agreed with her, after all, five children, even if one was baseborn, so close in age were bound to be a handful, a sixth so soon would be catastrophic to deal with. So Ned agreed to wait and wait he did, for five years.

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