The House Mormont was unlikely to be called rich. They were on a level of a middle class King's Landing resident. But they took care a wedding was memorable. With a simple potion called ale. Galons were brought to the Mormont House or Palace, if you prefer, on the night Jeor Mormont's son got married. The entire Bear Island came to the feast and they drank. Gods, they knew how to drink, pouring ale down their throats like water.

At the head of the party, Mormont family, and the family of Lynesse Hightower, Jorah's wife, all of them drinking. Except Jorah. And Aleyna, she was not yet allowed to drink. Jorah was after several hours still stucked with his first cup of wine (newly wed couple had a privilege of drinking wine). He kept glancing at Aleyna. Lord Mormont decided it's finally time to have »the talk«.

»Aleyna, come with me.« She stood up, following her father to a quieter place. They reached her room.

»My dear, there's something I need to say to you, and I think it's the right time.« He paused, thinking of what saying next. »You...you were not born on Bear Island.« She lifted up her head.

»I don't understand...«

»Your father is unknown, believed to be a soldier from Dorne. You mother...she worked at an establishment that takes care of pleasing men.«

»Brothel.« He sighed.

»Yes.«

»So she was a whore and my father fucked her, so she ended up with me.« Jeor moved uncomfortably. She was angry, sad and disappointed at the same time. »So where does House Mormont come in?« He licked his lips.

»I went to Dorne. And I found a room at that pleasure house. I didn't...fuck any of those women. But my room was right opposite your mother's and I heard crying. I was sure she had a baby recently. So I went to see her when she was...off duty, and I saw you. She asked if I can get you somewhere safe or else you'd have to work there when grown up.«

She couldn't believe it. Jeor Mormont saved her from whoring around Dorne but at the same time she grew up here normally, as if she was the child, actual child of Lord commander. But she wasn't. She was a Dornish bastard, a worm, unworthy of living. She was nothing.

And yet the first question wasn't at all related to her thoughts.

»So...why are you telling me now? Were you affraid your son might proposed to me if he'd known?«

»Oh he knows.«

»He...does?« she stuttered.

»Yes. I told him he was supposed to treat you as a sister, and he obeyed my orders.«

She began to understand certain Jorah's actions. He didn't mean all those things agains her sword teacher being bossy. He was jelaous. Of everyone who came near her. He wasn't protecting her. Well, he was, sometimes. But in that case it was jelaously for sure. It was hard not to notice her. She was bearly 14 but already a beauty. She looked a bit exotic, with weavy black hair, brown eyes and a bit darker skin even though she grew up in the North. And her smile...a great worrior with a smile of a princess.

»Jorah loves me, doesn't he? That's why he »rescued« me from the man who was teaching me how to fight. And you knew it all along.« She stood up. »That's why you told me now. So I won't be able to marry him. To spoil your plans and ruin House Mormont.« She picked up her sword from the desk and point it directly between Jeor's eyes.

»Tell me. Am-I-wrong?« He didn't move. Hatred was bursting out of every vein, every molecule of her being. She was ready to stick her sword through his brains and wouldn't care. He was the enemy now.

»I loved him. I thought I loved him like a brother, but I know now I loved him like a man. I wanted him, by my side, every day of my life, and you took that from me. Give me a reason I should let you live.«

»Because without letting me live, I can't make you Lady Commander of Bear Island.«

Her lower jaw moved slowly. She got really confused, lowering her sword.

»Isn't Jorah supposed to take your place?«

»Yes,« he replied without so much as looking at her. »But I want him to have a peaceful marriage.«

»Unhappy peaceful marriage,« corrected Aleyna Lord Commander.

»That's why I didn't tell you. First of all, other residents don't know that, only the closest members of the family. Secondly, Jorah is more of a knight than a leader. If you want to lead this Island, you need to be a leader and a good warrior. You have both, he doesn't. I know he's my flesh and blood, but I can't die knowing I didn't leave my island in capable hands.« He finally looked at her. »After this wedding I'm going to the Wall to join the Night's Watch. They need a new commander and I decided to go.«

»But I'm not of age.«

»Aunt Maege will take that place for the next four years. After that it's yours.« He stood up. »Now, I must say goodbye to the guests, let them know of the news, and than head north.« He turned back to her.

»We are Bear Islanders.«

»Here we stand.«

A little smile crept on his face before he left the room for the last time. Before leaving the island.

Knowing he left it in capable hands.