Game of Thrones: Shot Through the Heart

Chapter 1 of my Game of Thrones Bran/Meera modern AU story, enjoy.

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

Chapter 1

The noise of people chattering excitedly filled Bran Stark's ears. Bran was sixteen years old; the second son and fourth child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. Like most of the children in his family he had mostly inherited his mother's physical attributes, including auburn hair and blue eyes; however some of his father's traits were also evident. He smiled to himself as he left his last class of the day, school was finally over and he joined the crowd of students as they made their way to exit the school. As he walked he turned his head to the boy walking next to him. The boy was also sixteen and had brown hair and green eyes; his name was Jojen Reed, he was Bran's best friend.

"Hey Jojen; do you have any plans after school?"

Jojen smiled calmly and replied. "Not especially; why?"

Bran then asked. "I wondered if you wanted to come to the afterschool archery club."

"Oh, no thanks Bran; I appreciate the offer but; it's not really my thing." Jojen replied.

Bran shook his head. "Okay then, but you don't know what you're missing, it's fun."

Jojen smiled. "For me maybe, but it's not my thing really."

Bran nodded and accepted this; they reached the school's hall. There they spotted a girl of seventeen with a long face, rather short brown hair and grey eyes; she was clad in worn baggy denim jeans and a dark blue T-shirt that was far too big for her. Bran smiled as he and Jojen approached the girl.

The girl spotted them approached and smiled.

"Hey guys." She greeted cheerfully.

Bran smirked. "Hey Arya; stealing Gendry's clothes again?"

Arya glared at her younger brother; blushing at the mention of her twenty-two year old boyfriend.

"Shut up Bran." She said quickly. "Anyway, you ready to head home? Sansa said she'd come and pick us up."

Sansa was Bran's nineteen year old sister; the second of the five Stark siblings.

Bran shook his head. "I won't be coming; I'm going to the archery club."

Arya nodded and soon she left; Jojen also leaving, being picked up by his parents. Bran however separated himself from the crush of students making their way to the exit and made his way to the school gyms where the archery club was held. He entered and smiled at some of the other club members. They smiled back and a few of them greeted him cheerfully.

"So, we all ready to begin?" He asked.

They nodded and then Bran offered. "Who's up for a friendly little contest?"

That changed their tune however; they shook their heads, one commented. "Against you, get real Bran; you've already beaten us all at least twice."

Bran sighed; he might have guessed this; Bran had improved vastly since he started at the club. To the point he was one of the best in the class; and few of his fellow club members wanted to risk challenging him.

Before he could even begin however; the teacher in charge in the club approached.

"Bran."

He turned to face the teacher. "Yes?"

The teacher smiled and explained. "You are far too talented for this class now. I spoke with my colleague in the advanced class and we think you're ready to go over to that one."

"I…" Bran gasped. "Thank you; I'll go right away."

With that he gathered up his things and followed the teacher to the gym where the advanced class was. Bran smiled as he entered; and began to get set up. He bit his lip however as he noted he was the youngest in the class. Determine not to let this perturb him however he pulled on his training gauntlet.

"Well, well, long time no see Bran." A female voice said behind him.

Bran spun around and gasped when he saw an eighteen year old familiar woman. She wasn't that tall for her age; rather slender with shoulder length, curly dark brown hair and green eyes. He recognized her; she was right; while she went to the same school, he rarely saw her except at lunch time. But she had been very busy lately, due to exams and such.

"Meera?" He gasped. "Meera Reed?"

Meera smiled at him; she was Jojen's older sister and it was through Jojen they met and knew each other.

Meera adjusted her own training gauntlet as she spoke to Bran.

"So; I see you've joined us here." She remarked.

Bran nodded. "Yeah, I just got transferred over here. The teachers think I'm getting too skilled for the basic class."

Meera laughed good-naturedly. "Nice, welcome then, let's see what you've got, take your bow and show me what you're made of."

Bran smiled and nodded. "Sure thing."

He headed over to where the bows were lined up and picked one which felt right in his hands. He picked up a quiver and took up his place. Meera watched him; still smiling. Bran took up his stance; notched an arrow in the bow and focused on the target. He was aware that everyone had stopped to watch him. He was aware of how he must look; a younger student brought into their class. They were watching to see how he performed. The target he noted was set at a further distance than the other classes. Taking a deep breath he took aim at the target; taking the further distance into account. He let out a slow breath and let loose the arrow which flew through the air. There was a thud as the arrow struck the target; it wasn't a perfect shot, landing in the third ring. But for a first shot in the advanced class, it was rather impressive. All the students smiled and clapped; Meera smirked and clapped him on the shoulder. Bran smiled back; he was certainly looking forward to this; especially hanging out with Meera more. It would be good to finally have a proper friendship with her, rather than being a mere acquaintance.

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