Five months later
The bright morning sun glistened off the tops of the ice covered trees as the plane came in for a landing outside the city of white harbor. She smiled slightly, shifting on the seat as her eyes peered out the small window down at the landscape below. The north never failed the dazzle when it was still fall, and winter was on it's way. When she had been younger this was always the best time of the year, before it was fully covered in snow and ice, there was still the green of the land, but the trees were ablaze in other colors as well. It called to her, the land, the wild land which had always been home.
"Almost home,". Jon leaned in close, one hand against her rounded stomach soothingly rubbing the taught skin. "How is my wolf doing?". His eyes searched hers as she turned back to smile at him.
"They are quiet now, thankfully. Earlier I was the current punching bag for one, or both. I cannot tell these days.". She glanced at her stomach with a sigh. "Of course, they sleep when I am up, it would be far too nice of them to sleep when we do.".
Jon laughed softly leaning over to kiss her lips tenderly, inhaling her scent as he did. His little wolf was a fighter and it seems as if the children she carried would be as well. Since the moment that she could feel them quicken in her womb they have been active, almost combative she claimed. A few months ago they could have chosen to know the sex of each, but decided to let that be a surprise.
"They don't listen to me already, so even if I give them a stern warning, they will just do it again anyway.". He grinned at her, eyes twinkling with mischief of his own. "They must already take after me. But, seriously are you feeling okay?". He asked.
"The doctor said I was going to be fine traveling, and I am, I can assure you. It's heavy work carrying not one, but two children inside you, you know. I'm just going to go ahead and start blaming you now, so you are used to it once I go into labor.". She hummed lightly, hiding a grin.
"Well, I'm sure there is something I can do to make it up to you, once we get to Winterfell.". He murmured low, his brows wriggling slightly.
She began to laugh softly, leaning on his arm with a soft sigh, "That is the sort of thing that got me into this mess Dragon,".
"You loved every minute of it, don't deny it, Wife". He leaned in again, nuzzling her neck lightly as one hand cupped a heavy breast rolling the nipple between two fingertips. Hearing the soft whimper from her lips, he began to smile wide knowing that these days she was particularly needy from the hormones. It was very bad of him to tease her, but he loved to do so. "Oh, yes you do. Perhaps tonight my little wolf will need to be petted, yes?". He purred into her ear lightly, flicking his tongue along the lobe, hearing her begin to growl.
Before she could respond the plane touched down upon the ground effectively cutting off the conversation as she watched her husband lean to yell to the pilot. She smiled to herself relishing that title, husband.
After the evening in the Valyrian Court, they had decided that a grand ceremony was not what they wanted at all. They were sure that some had been disappointed with this decision but, in the end it had been up to them to do what they wished. So, a week ago they had a small ceremony with Rhaegar, Daenerys, Drogo and few others whom had been close in essos and wed. Now, they would have another small one here for family, who could be here, and some friends as well. This time, it would be in the northern style in the godswood as befitting a child of the land, her father told her a few days ago.
Eddard Stark had called her the day after she had let her mother in on the little secret, and had surprised her once again. Much like the reaction she had received from her mother, He had told her that she had least had the promise of the ring to back up the sentiment. In that moment, all of her anxiety had evaporated into the ether. Knowing that they were not disappointed in her meant a great deal, even if she never vocally announced it.
"Let us get you off the plane and into a warm car to go home, shall we?". A voice asked her, breaking the reverie that she had been in, granite eyes watching. "Don't you fall asleep on me now!".
Arya rolled her eyes, bracing her hands upon the armrests pushing herself up carefully. It had been so easy up until a few weeks ago to move but now she waddled when she had to do anything and it was driving her mad. Jon, being a somewhat smart man, had chosen to not comment when she would bemoan the state of things these days.
Quickly the crew had them disembarked from the plane, the luggage was hastily carried to the car and stowed. She sighed as her eyes flickered around the airport, watching the activity quietly.
"It's about time both of you got here, I've been waiting ages.". Sam called out, rushing forward with welcoming smiles for both of them. When he turned to look at Arya, his eyes widened, "How're you doing little wolf?". He smiled again as she nudged him playfully, leaning in to hug the round man with a little giggle.
"Quite alright Sam, I'll feel better when I can get to Winterfell and have myself a bath, nap and some food. Perhaps not in that order, but close enough.". She eyed her husband and Sam with identical frowns, waiting for them to move. When they didn't move fast enough for her, she began to waddle towards the car, mumbling to herself loud enough for them to hear her.
"Don't think anything on it Sam, I've had to deal with this for a few months now. Pregnancy hormones make her turn at a moments...". He was able to finish before she yelled out, "I heard that, get your asses moving!".
The two men moved faster than she had thought they could, quickly sliding into the car as the driver began to steer their way towards Winterfell.
As soon as the car left the Kingsroad she could see the looming grey walls rising from the ground alerting them that the seat of the north, Winterfell was soon upon them. Home, she thought to herself happily, glad to have been given the chance to come back to visit before the two babes were born. At the very thought of the two nestled inside of her, little kicks pressed on both side of her stomach sharing her thoughts.
"I felt that,". Jon whispered against her ear as he tapped her stomach lightly which had been pressed up against his side, "Lively little pup,". He grinned down at her.
She sighed, "If it were only one, no both decided to let me know they were done with a nap.". Her eyes drifted back to watch the eighty foot walls of the outer become closer, the crisp white banner with the gray wolf flew high above the battlements.
Once, this had been a castle that could have withstood any battle but these days it was much like most of those that were in Westeros. These days it was a large estate that helped support much of the infrastructure around this part of the north.
"So, either of you crack yet and ask the doctor the sexes of the babies yet?". Sam glanced between the two sitting across from him. When they both shook their heads in the negative he began to laugh, "I would have thought by now Arya would have".
"I have come close a few times, only because I want to have names ready but someone won't let me.". She glanced at Jon, a little pout forming on her lips. "He refuses to let me know...".
"Sam, stop encouraging her.". Jon growled softly before turning to look at Arya, "You were the one who decided that you didn't want to know. So, you only have a little bit to go. It'll be okay, M'love". He sighed, turning his dark head to look out the windows of the car as it slowed in front of the great hall.
The doors to the hall opened quickly and out spilled most of her family, in their usual glory yelling at each other about one another. Catelyn sighed and glanced at each of her children, about to yell when Eddard whistled shrilly. As soon as most of the stilled the young wolf with his wife and child in his arms stepped out with a smile.
Arya grinned out the window at the mass of people waiting to see the trio that waited for the door to open in the car. Jon slipped out of the car giving them all a gallant bow before he held his hand out for her to grasp, but she wasn't the most graceful this far into her pregnancy. She managed to get out of the car without falling over, which had happened quite a few times in the last few weeks.
"Well, it has been far too long since the little wolf has been in these hollowed grounds, has it not?" Her father said with a wink towards her, opening his arms as she made her way to his side. Eddard glanced up gave Jon a welcoming smile, "Welcome back Nephew.".
Catelyn moved to Jon's side, giving him a welcoming hug, "Let's get you both inside where it's warmer and then we can all visit. Come along you pack of wolves, inside.".
Arya was settled by the large fire in the great hall as soon as they entered, being spoiled by the staff who were happy to see the youngest she-wolf back here. Her eyes met her mother's quietly, the elder stark woman blinked back tears as she came to sit next to her youngest daughter, one hand reached out to rest along the swell of her stomach.
"Goodness, you never do anything by half do you my little wolf? Are you feeling well? Hungry? Tired?". Her mother began to laugh, pressing her hand still to her daughter's stomach, feeling a soft kick. "Well, one of them is saying hello to it's grandmother,".
"I'm quite fine mother, but hungry is a state of mind for me most days. As for these little pups, they are constantly active, one of them kicked against Jon earlier.". She smiled softly, her hand resting atop the swell. "Were you always this tired with each of your pregnancies?".
"Each one was different from the other, while I was horribly sick with one, the other I felt not one day of sick. You will find that each child will probably have their own personalities as well. It will be over soon, and then you will have two little ones to deal with.". Cat smiled, leaning over to kiss her daughter's forehead, "Visit with your siblings, while I make sure your room is ready and that supper will be on time.".
Her younger brothers had already disappeared back to whatever they had been onto before she had arrived, which wasn't all that surprising since they were still teenagers themselves.
"Where is Sansa?". She glanced around.
"She said that she would be here in the morning, she was tied up with some alterations or something. I can never tell these days what is going on. He keeps her busy with this and that," Jayne said softly coming to sit next to her good sister with a smile but lowered her voice, "If you ask me, I don't think he likes her coming up here without him but, that is just how I see it. I could be wrong, but Robb shares the same opinion but will deny it if asked.".
Arya nodded slowly glancing over to where her brother Robb stood talking to Jon, both men laughing over something each other were saying. They had always been close, she thought with a smile forming on her lips.
"You would not be the only one to wonder just what is going on, but with anything you can't mention anything because it just becomes another argument. That is pretty much how it always has been when it comes to Sansa.". Arya sighed, shifting on the chair to get comfortable. "I still harbor reservations with her choice of groom, however, but it is her choice...".
Jayne nodded quietly and leaned in closer to Arya with a soft whisper against her lips, "We all share your reservations Arya, every single person here. We cannot of course say it with as much conviction as you... given whom he is. Yet, so far he has not shown anything untoward Sansa so we keep our peace.".
Arya nodded, nibbling on her bottom lip in thought before she turned back to her good sister, "Now, let me get a good look at the little pup I seen in your arms earlier?".
Her good sister smiled happily as she deposited the still swaddled baby into Arya's arms. Her smile widened as soon as the baby's eyes leveled with hers. This child was a true wolf child, she thought looking at his flinty gray eyes and silky black hair.
"He acts much like you did as a babe, you know.". Robb grinned as he sat across from his sister, nodding towards his son. "a temper to behold, stubborn."
Arya laughed softly, leaning in to smell that soft baby scent that always clung to any child. Rickard took the opportunity to grasp a mass of the silky dark hair that hung near his tiny fists, pulling upon it with a soft cooing sound. Quickly she glanced down at the infant with another grin, kissing his plump cheeks before separating her hair from his grasp.
"Are you sure we aren't speaking about you brother?". She smirked, handing the child to Jon whom had come to sit next to Robb, watching the exchange with a grin of his own.
"Oh, to be sure we are much of the same aren't we. Jon, why would you torture yourself with having this wild wolf with you for the rest of your days?".
"We could ask Jayne why she shacked herself to you as well, but I think we all know the answer to that one. It's probably the same as why I would want to be around your sister, insanity of course.". Jon teased, a pleased grin on his face as he stared down at the child in his arms. Soon, he would have his own children to hold and that gave him a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time. "This one is of the north, no doubt for her looks like his grandfather,".
Jayne nodded her head in agreement as she took the now sleepy babe back, gently holding him against her shoulder with a little laugh.
"I'm sure your children will have the look as well. He is a little wolf, to be sure. He growls when his needs are not met in a sufficient time. Unless his grandmother has him, in that case he's a good little boy.". Jayne murmured with a grin, gently rubbing the baby's back.
Ned stood at the edge of the group and watched as his family bantered back and forth with each other. It was good to have most of them here under this roof again. Soon others would arrive for tomorrow's festivities and it would be chaos, but Winterfell had been used to that when his children were younger. Now that his children were having children it would be again, he opined quietly to himself. Starks were a hardy bunch and would survive for many, many years to come.
The sun had long set and the stars were twinkling high above when Jon set out to find Robb. Once dinner had finished they went their separate ways, to prepare for what would be a long day in the morning. Catelyn had come to their room with Jayne to speak to Arya, so he had left not wishing to intrude of the female bonding that was sure to come.
He glanced around quietly in the courtyard of the inner bailey with a grin, remembering those summers that he spent here. They had been some of the happiest in his life, just to be near those whom didn't want or need anything from him. Most especially Robb who had embraced him from the moment they met as friends and family, and had equally did so to his aunt who shared no blood with him. It had made the world of difference and now he had the chance to pay some of that gratitude back, he thought looking down at the large wooden box that he carried carefully with him towards the lord's tower where he knew he would find the stark men.
"Wondered when you would wander this way,". A voice came from the darkness, but he only smiled knowing who it was. Theon emerged with a smirk, "Blimey, you've grown older. So, serious too.".
"So have you old friend, I've heard your to be shackled soon as well. Your father wore you down it seems, who is the unlucky lady?". Jon snorted, his eyes glancing at Theon.
"Lyra Mormont," Theon mumbled, one hand rushing through his dark hair. "I guess it could be worse, and she's a hell of a lot better looking than her older sisters. Still, she's a damn fighter.".
"Then at least get to know her, you may find that she's actually what you need. At least it'll stop you from acting a fool won't it?". Jon said softly, narrowing his eyes at Theon. Next to Joffrey Baratheon, Theon was quite harmless but still much gossiped about in certain circles. "You may actually have to stop spending so much time over in Braavos in the pleasure palaces, won't you?".
Theon snorted, shaking his head with another laugh, "Not hardly, but I suppose I'll have to pretend, for a while that is. Father wants another outpost to build ships on, and bear island is good enough, he says. Besides, I think it's time that I stopped being a prat that all of you call me. C'mon, Robb had me wait out here for you anyway, in case the two hooligans tried to get up there.".
Jon nodded following Theon into the tower proper feeling the warmth from the walls closing in on him. Even today the springs still heated this large castle for those who lived here, but he had never much felt the cold that seeped into the very hart of this place. Yet, it still was a marvel to him.
Theon grinned and motioned for Jon to enter the room before him, giving a mocking bow with a wink. He heard the men inside bantering amongst themseves about some sport they all loved. As he turned the corner he could see Robb lounging on one of Ned's large chairs before the fire, sporting a mug of ale.
"You left this probate outside to watch for me, I was surprised he didn't wander off to get drunk on his own.". Jon motioned to Theon as he entered a second later with a large grin on his face.
"Sadly, His liver needs to dry out a little from time to time. Else, he's going to end up needing a few transplants before he's fifty.". Robb snickered softly, eyeing his oldest friend.
"Oi, you aren't too far behind me there prick.". He grumbled flinging himself into another chair.
Ned glanced up from a stack of papers on his desk with a small smile at Jon, motioning for him to have a seat with the rest of the men.
"I have something for you,". Jon began moving to the desk, his hands gripping the box gently as he set it down. He glanced at Robb with a small smile, tapping the glossy wood lightly. "I know that the Starks have an ancestral sword, a fearsome heavy thing it is. I thought that there should be another one, something a bit smaller. This is a gift for you on the birth of your heir.".
Robb glanced at Jon with an arched brow, looking at the box with a curious look. He gave his cousin a nod before settling down in a chair to watch as Robb moved forward. The sound of the little metal locks clicking open held the four men in the room's eyes. The glow of metal could been seen as soon as the box was opened fully revealing a shining sword. The surface was as dark as Ice, but smaller with a hilt decorated with a howling wolf, it's eyes shiny made of dragonglass.
"For the young wolf, as it is such, it must have a name.". Jon murmured eyeing Robb as he stood transfixed staring down at the surface watching the metal dance in the light.
"Frost,". Robb chanted quietly, his hand brushing along the velvet that lined the box, "It's name shall be frost, for in winter it comes before Ice, and no one wants to see Ice before them.".
Eddard laughed softly, eyeing the sword with an approving smile. "Frost does come before ice in winter, yes, very wise choice of names.".
Robb smiled at Jon warmly, picking up the sword gently from it's nest. His hands wrapping around the pommel tightly, testing the balance as he held it. The weight was magnificent as was the beauty of the blade itself, but the world knew how special this metal truly was.
"Thank you cousin, for this gift. Tis truly magnificent, and I'm sure when the time comes that the wold pup will know how to use this, and Ice. Remember when we were trained to use swords," Robb grinned wickledly before adding, "and guns..".
Yes, they have been trained to know how to defend themselves and others when he had come to Winterfell all those years ago. Eddard believed strongly that if you were a lord of anything, you should be able to defend said place from all. The boys ate it up, to learn how to use every weapon that they could get their hands on, save a few that would have been hard to a acquire. That summer had been a bonding experience that they would never forget for it forged family bonds.
"It's a beautiful blade, and an excellent addition to the family. Ice has been in the family for so long, and now it has a mate to stand with it.". Eddard smiled, his dark eyes gleaming as they viewed the blade.
"I'm glad that you both like it, for I wanted something to honor the Starks, both because you opened your home to me and because you gave your blessing for me to marry the little wolf. However, more than that you are family, and as such it's the little things that bind us to each other.". He explained with a smile upon his lips. Robb came up next to him with a smile, patting him on the back with a little laugh.
"You do not have to tell us thanks for being family, it's what we are. You are wolf as well, part of this pack. As for taking Arya off our hands, well you made that choice. You can't give her back now.". Robb laughed softly, "More importantly, you will always be part of this family, regardless.".
"Now, we have that out of way.. Theon would you go down and get some more ale for us?". Eddard asked quietly, smiling up at the tall man. "and make sure the hooligans aren't milling around, because I have a feeling they are..". He growled, thinking about his two younger son.
Theon nodded and shook his head, rolling his eyes at the thought of Bran and Rickon loitering around trying to get some brew for themselves. He jumped up quickly and hurried out of the room.
"Now, that he is gone.. I wanted to ask how my girl is doing?". Ned glanced at Jon, those dark eyes that were so familiar yet serious. "Will she be up for going to King's landing for the wedding?".
Jon knew what Ned was asking without even having to say it outloud. Yet, he was surprised that Ned asked.
"She's doing good, but you know how she is... always trying to get herself into something or another. Luckily, she has been trying to help my aunt with her wedding to really have time to cause mischief. As for the wedding, I think she will be okay it will be close for her due date. However, the doctor assures me that it will be fine. She will not have time to be alone for anything to happen to her, I will probably have someone near her when I cannot be. There is no need to tempt fate. I also have rented a floor of the best hotel in the capitol, so there is plenty of room for all of us. Including my father, aunt and her intended. I will not have her stay in the keep, there will also be guards on the floor. Call it being prudent.". He said quietly, a fierce smile upon his lips. He had said everything he felt, without having to utter the true meaning of it.
Eddard nodded in agreement, for he knew that his nephew had gotten the gist of what he had really been asking. When it came to Sansa, if she was happy then that was all that mattered, but her choice of groom had been a little concerning. Still, from what he knew there had been nothing to give any doubts in the two years since.
Before any could continue this line of conversation heavy footsteps came up from below on the steps and two voices were in deep conversation. The two men entered the room loudly, holding more mugs of ale for each of them with identical grins.
"He waylaid me, sorry.". Theon said sheepishly glancing at Bran, who had the decency to give a little shrug.
"It's not like I'm crashing a stag party here or anything, I came up to see the sword!". Bran exclaimed, his eyes falling on frost with wide, interested eyes. "Bloody hell, that is beautiful! Oh, obsidian. Good choice for a northern sword, I take it you designed this?". He glanced towards Jon with an inquiring gaze. Jon nodded his head, smiling at the younger boy.
No, he was no longer a boy Jon thought of the now eighteen year old young man. Already a few inches taller than his cousin, he looked more like his mother's family, with his curly auburn hair and lively azure eyes that were always dancing with interest. Always on the quest for knowledge this one, the old soul looking for something to quell his thirst for the world.
"I design most of the ones that are ordered, which isn't much considering how expensive they really are.". Jon grinned, shrugging his shoulders. "These days there isn't much of a call for them, but the metal itself is still in want.".
"Bran, where is your brother at?". Eddard asked, glancing up from his desk with a frown. "Or did you mother get ahold of him?".
Brandon nodded with a smirk, leaning against the desk with a little laugh on his lips. "Yeah, the moment we got in, she pounced on him. I think I heard her threaten to chain him in the dungeons, or something like that.".
Ned sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a few seconds. His youngest was his test, he knew it the moment the child was born. Wild was not the word that you would begin to think of when your eyes fell upon Rickon, but that was what he was.
"What did he do now?". Robb asked with a smirk, clearly enjoying this. Once, he had been the one to get the weekly conversations with his father after they had caught him with Jayne in a compromising position. Now, he was able to clearly enjoy watching his siblings get the full weight of disappointment settled upon them.
"Where do I start?". Ned began, grumbling softly as his hand rubbed the back of his neck, "First he was caught drinking but no, he was completely off his rocker and then decided to get into a bar fight with some of his fellow classmates. I mean, I guess I can be glad it hadn't had anything to do with females." He glanced at his eldest, eyeing him. "Shoes on the other foot isn't it now? Just remember this when Your older and it's Rickard, and you have to deal with this.".
Robb laughed loudly, "Well, in that case he's going to an all boys school. I learn from my mistakes, even slowly, but I do!".
"No, no you don't". Theon mumbled glancing at Robb. "How many times did you get caught? Fifty?".
"I rest my case,". Ned eyed his son, lips twitching in a smirk of his own. "No, Rickon likes to fight. Perhaps it's time to send him somewhere he can hone those skills before he hurts himself, or someone else.".
"Send him to Braavos, where you sent Arya. He'll be close enough by for his sister to go knock sense into him if need be". Jon grinned as Bran began to laugh softly at the image of the very pregnant woman slapping around the feral wolf.
"That's an option, he's fifteen and needs to lean that he cannot go through like like a warlord. Maybe I'll go over and take a look after the wedding.". Ned said thoughtfully as the men began to drink the ale, each in their own thoughts.
Her feet whispered against the ground as she made her way towards the glass gardens that stood at the edge of the Godswood. The trees themselves bare with the coming of the season, all except the weirwood tree in the center of the space looking high above everything. She had always loved this space in the castle grounds the best, both because it was quiet and most people left her be when she visited. But, tonight she wanted to go into the gardens, where it was warm and inviting since she couldn't sleep.
The stars blinked down from the night sky as she stopped before the glass doors, one hand pressed against the warmth letting it seep into her skin for a moment. Since a child, this had been one of her favorite places to visit when she felt restless. Catelyn could always find Arya here, among the flowers, breathing in the heady fragrances or digging her hands into the dark and moist earth. Yet, no one really wondered why she came here, but the answer was simple. She loved to stare at the winter roses that grew here, crawling up the among the many panes of glass towards the sky.
Those winter roses always made her think of love, or the memory of love. Ever since her mother told the story of Lyanna, and when she had missed winterfell so much her husband planted many of the roses on both Dragonstone and at the palace for her to remember the north by. As a child she didn't understand the full meaning of this, but now, it was clear the lengths someone would go to make another happy.
Her hands cradled around her stomach gently, rubbing the taunt skin. One day the children would come here and she would tell them the stories that she learned, and they would know this history. Family. Home. Love.
"Somehow, I knew I would find you out here... Without shoes and enough layers.". She heard him behind her, but didn't bother to turn as she smiled glancing up beyond the glass ceiling at the moon.
"It's warm enough in here, and I couldn't sleep. I tried to get comfortable but, it's damn near impossible these days.". She sighed, one hand cupping her back feeling a slight twinge of muscles. "I know I should be laying down, but I just wanted to visit here".
She could hear his sigh as he stepped up behind her, arms wrapping protectively around her midsection laying those long fingers against the swell of her abdomen. Leaning back against the hard planes of his chest, her eyes closed breathing in the scent of the roses, and dark earth below.
"You know, the summer when you first visited... Well, you and the rest of the hooligans used to go out into the woods to swim...". She began, a slight blush forming on her cheeks heating the skin lightly. She could feel him nodding against the top of her head, only the steady rhythm of his breathing alerted her that he was awake.
"One night, you all went out with some of the local girls.. probably by Theon's invitation.. and skinny-dipped.". Sheepishly she glanced back at him with a grin.
"I remember...". He grumbled, his eyes lidded the gray beneath them dark, as the sky above.
She nodded, giggling softly as she remembered like it was yesterday the way the boys were trying to persuade the girls to come into the water with them. All, except for one who had been quite nude as the rest, but had chosen to not bother the girls, but lounged on a large rock in all his glory.
"I had followed you all out there to see what you were up too. My curiosity had gotten the best of them because, night after night there would be a ruckus on my side of the castle. I was shocked that Mother and father never caught on. I saw you sitting there, not joining in with the Robb and Theon.".
He laughed softly into her ear, pressing himself closer to her backside, "None of the girls interested me, at least not the ones whom would meet us there. I should confess I was sure you had followed us, but I hadn't actually spotted you. So, a few times I would just sit on the rocks. Hoping that you were watching, but you never let on. So, after a while I just would swim and ignore the girls.". He breathed against her neck, lips sliding down the sensitive skin, nuzzling it lightly.
She squirmed against him with another giggle rising from her lips, "I looked, and watched and fantasized, but I honestly realize why until years later . Mother would have skinned me alive if she caught me, and would have chained you all in the dungeons if she had caught all of you. I cannot believe you did that.. very naughty of you.".
His laugh filled the air, that wickedly deep thrum that pulled deep inside her bringing up a gasp as her nipples puckered against the thin material of her nightdress. Those long fingers of his began to slide up cupping the heavy globes, growling playfully back into her ear.
"I will be very jealous of the babes once they arrive, for they will get to touch these while I do not". He whispered against her ear again, flicking it lightly with his tongue as his palms tightly cupped the skin again. "They are magnificent, and so very sensitive. It's amazing how much they have enlarged. ".
Arya breathed, her skin turning to fire as he touched her extra sensitive skin. She began to squirm, hips grinding back against him.
"I bet your soaking wet, aren't you my little wolf?". The soft hiss from his lips blew across her ear gently, the hot breath making her shudder against him. When she didn't answer his hands crept towards the hem of the gown, pulling it up slowly along the creamy expanse of thigh until he could cup the hot flesh. "No, not soaking.. dripping.". His voice rasped, deep with desire.
"ye..yes". She sobbed, biting down upon the lower lip drawing blood, the metallic taste filled her mouth. She could feel his fingers sliding along the swollen skin of her sex, only delving in every so often to flick against the clit causing soft moans to escape her lips.
"My sweet little bitch, always in heat... just for me, only for me. Aren't you?". He growled low, "Mine,". Sliding his fingers from their warm nest as he spun her around to face him, "Tell me, tell me.. who's are you?".
Gray eyes peered up at him through the haze of need, coral lips glistening as they part breathless. She takes a step back but feels the cool surface of the wall against her backside. She can only watch as he advances on her, eyes dark and ruthless as a wolf with prey. Before she can look away one hand grasps her hair tightly, pulling her close to his body again.
"Who's are you?". He asks again, eyes narrowed and dangerous.
"Yours,". Arya sobbed out against him, pressing the curve of her stomach up against him, wanting to be against the warmth that the dragon possessed.
His eyes lightened giving her a little purr of satisfaction from her words, lips brushing against lips as the fire between them began to lick against each of their bodies.
"So sweet,". He murmured against her lips, "turn around and lean up against the wall, m'love".
Her body trembled slowly hearing his words, the wolf inside wanted her to run and let him catch her to mate, but she knew that she couldn't run. Turning away from his gaze with a little whimper, biting down again upon her lower lip. Tentatively fingers pressed against the steamy window panes, trying desperately to calm the heavy thuds of her heart. Ever so slowly the nightgown that she wore was pushed back up against her hips baring the naked flesh to his eyes. The urge to squirm surfaced quickly, the heated air touching her already inflamed skin.
Jon's eyes devoured every curve of his wife's heart shaped bottom. Ever so gently fingers caressed the soft skin before they crept lower cupping her wet heat. He could feel the wetness begin to drip down onto her upper thighs, making them shine in the faint light that enveloped the two lovers.
The only sound that could be heard was the faint rustle of clothing falling towards the floor of the gardens. The press of the head of his cock against her flesh caused her to shiver in excitement. In one swift movement, he slammed into her soft body filling it completely. The feel of his hands grasping her hips, brought a soft gasp from her parted lips, as he began to furiously thrust against her soft flesh. This was not the night for soft caresses, or gentle words she thought to herself. No, they both needed a release.
His hands tightened cruelly against her waist, slamming his cock deep within her cunt, those velvety muscles that gripped him began to flutter with excitement. She was close, he knew, those little sounds she made drove him on, faster and deeper into her willing flesh the wet, slapping sounds of their union filling the room.
Arya's body began to shiver uncontrollably , the onslaught of an orgasm so intense made her breath catch. Tiny twitches erupted from deep within her center pushing them outward, clamping down upon his cock, milking him with those flutters.
He continued to pump into her body, feeling his own release close to the surface. Those tight muscles of her glorious cunt rippled over and over as he could hear the whimpers coming from her mouth. Bracing his palms against the window, he slammed into her repeatedly, faster than before.
"Fuck,". He growled jerking his hips tightly against hers as his orgasm responded to her own. The heat of his seed pouring into her still clenching muscles, draining him completely. As his body slowed he glanced down upon her, watching the sweat glisten against her skin.
"You wear me out m'love,". He murmured softly, pressing himself against her back, pressing soft kisses along the exposed skin. After a few minutes he stepped back, gently pulling her up with him. He started down at her with those gray eyes, lidded still with lust and love.
"I didn't hurt you or the babes did I?". He asked looking down upon her again, brushing tender kisses upon her lips.
Arya chuckled softly, shaking her head up at him. She knew that he was worried their lovemaking would hurt the children, but he was never truly rough enough to do so.
"You worry too much my love, I would have said something if there had been.". She admonished him teasingly, glancing down with a little grin upon her lips. "I mean, you could hurt me.. but you didn't...". She trailed off as he began to smirk.
She watched intently as her husband began to pull his clothing back up, a little pout emerging as he finished. "Such a good view too,".
"You can have more of a view once we get back to our bedchamber, I'm sure that I have more for you.". He growled, pulling her up against him again, rubbing his lips against hers. "Let us go, before we are discovered,".
Morning came quickly at Winterfell, and with it many preparations for the midday nuptials. The castle was buzzing with talk and everyone was doing this part to help get it finished. All, except the bride herself, whom was currently cradling the littlest wolf in her arms entertaining the baby with funny faces. She had came to the nursery to get away from her mother's military like precision.
Little Rickard was a very robust baby, she noted as she gazed down at the plump little cheeks. He was of the north, to be sure, she noted that he looked much like the pictures of herself as a baby. He had the temper to match as well, for little growls could be heard before she entered the room, of him demanding attention.
"Sweet little wolf, I hear your growls.". She cooed down at him, a little smile upon her face inhaling the baby's scent. "What is the matter little one?".
She hadn't heard Jayne enter behind her but the woman began to laugh watching the big and little wolf growl at each other.
"You should be sitting down Arya. Hell when I was in my eight month all I wanted to do was eat, sleep and lay about. Yet, I rarely see you sitting.". Jayne grinned leaning over to kiss Rickard's downy head. "He probably needs to be changed,".
Arya chuckled handing the child over to Jayne before settling into one of the comfortable chairs. Yawning wide as the exhaustion of the last few days began to catch up with her.
"You do have a few hours before they begin to come for you yet, go get some rest. Your sister should be in any time now. Daenerys and Rhaegar have just come in. They were scooped up by your mother to help her. She's a great taskmaster." Jayne chuckled as she quickly changed the little wolf, listening to him giggle up at her.
"Were my parents disappointed that we wed after...". She glanced down at her round stomach, fingers gently laying atop with a little sigh.
Jayne shook her head quickly, frowning as she picked up Rickard and moved to the other chair opposite of Arya. The little lord growled up at his mother when she settled him against her shoulder, patting his little back tenderly.
"Why would you believe they would be disappointed in you?". Jayne asked her quietly, a sincere frown upon her face. "No, they were not. However, I believe they were concerned, but it's you Arya. Of all of their children, they knew you would be okay and that Jon was beyond honorable. Your father told me he knew years ago that you would one day marry Jon.".
She nodded with a little smile, sighing again. "For a while there, it wasn't a certainty that we would. I'm glad to know that they put their faith in me. I will say that we were engaged before I knew about the babes, so yes he is very honorable.". A blush began to bloom against the apples of her cheeks.
She stood in the great hall listening to her mother give last minute instructions to the staff before the ceremony was to begin. Everyone was outside waiting, but she had almost fifteen minutes before she had to step out with her father. One would believe just by looking at her that there was no anxiety flowing thought every nerve in her body, but that would be untrue. This institution of marriage was still new to her having really only been wed a little more than two weeks now, but that had been in Valyria and now they would repeat it here, in the customs of the north.
A flash of red made her eyes turn towards the doors leading out into the yard. Her sister, Sansa, stood demurely hands clasped together in a nervous pose.
"Arya!". Sansa exclaimed rushing forwards with a bit of laughter on her breath, casting a look at Arya's ensemble.
When her gaze fell upon the swollen stomach she stopped, blinking in confusion. The family had decided that it was not best to let her sister know because of certain people having knowledge of it, but it had hurt to exclude her. They were not close, no, and never had been really but she still was family.
"Woah, You're pregnant? Why has no one told me?". She frowned glancing at her mother and then back to Arya, eyes filled with confusion and hurt.
"I didn't want to take away from all of your shine, with the wedding and coronation. We only decided to get married this quick because of the babies... else we would have waited...". She murmured quietly, feeling guilty now seeing Sansa's face.
Sansa's eyes widened again, her lips circling in a perfect circle as those words sunk in. "Babies? As in more than one?" a fleeting smile appeared, still betraying the hurt on her features.
Arya stepped forward taking her sister's hands in hers and smiles, pressing a kiss to the other's cheek gently, "Yes, twins. We do not know the genders, we chose not to know. Please do not be mad, we didn't do it out of malice. You know I don't like the spotlight on me,". She grumbled unhappily as Sansa began to laugh, shaking her auburn locks.
"I'm more hurt than anything, but I'll get over it. I admit that I have been very busy so I wouldn't have had time to come visit anyway. But, I think everything is just about done. It's stressful to have both ceremonies at the same time, I will tell you that. However, I am glad to be here now.. both of us are. I dragged Gendry along with me, we needed to get away from his mother for a few days.". Sansa said brightly, a pleased smile upon her lips.
Arya nodded in agreement, but deep inside her she began to shriek. By now, she thought, this whole weird thing should be over with since he's going to marry Sansa and has not tried to cause any trouble with anyone. Still, She couldn't shake a feeling that something was brewing, but if it never did it would be a welcome relief. There was something to be said about not bringing it up to her sister, because that would cause more hard feelings and she was ready to move on.
"He's going to be family soon enough that You don't have to ask anymore, and I'm sure that Mother and Father would like to spend time with you both before your super busy with being a Queen. This is partly why we wanted to have a second ceremony here, for Jon was of the mind as well that this was a shared family so we wanted everyone to celebrate.". She explained, squeezing Sansa's hand gently.
"Thank you,". Sansa whispered, her eyes filling with unshod tears, "I mean it, I know that there has been problems in the past, but everything is different now. I've seen Him change, and I just hope everyone else can too.".
Before Arya could muster up an answer their mother swept back into the hall making sure that everyone was ready. Her eyes fell upon her eldest and they quickly hugged before she shooed her off to the Godswood so that Arya could be in place.
"Thank you, for this. I know that we did this all wrong, children before marriage but, it was not intentional. I hope that I didn't disappoint either you or father.". She whispered, laying her head on Catelyn's shoulder, feeling those arms wra around her tenderly.
"Oh, my little wolf. You didn't, I swear. It was, yes, a shock to know that you were pregnant, but you wouldn't be the first bride to be carrying a child before the ceremony. I didn't worry because of whom I was thinking of, You and Jon, if it was your brother's then yes, I would have worried. You, however, my little wolf have been straight in your affections for him. After you had left home, we figured out it was because you loved him, but as a thirteen year old we just didn't know how much. At that age it's hard to understand the logical thinking of a teenager, but we knew that neither of you were flighty. That helped quite a lot. Also, he was one of the most mature sixteen year old's that I have ever met.". Catelyn smiled down at her daughter, brushing back a stray tendril that had escaped the braid that hung against Arya's shoulder.
"I feel I don't deserve him, sometimes. Yet, I cannot live without him either.". She confessed, blushing slightly.
"Rubbish, pure rubbish. You deserve all the happiness in the world, my love. Sure, it's not been the smoothest of roads for you both, but most of that was stubbornness on both of your heads. I can only imagine what my grandbabies are gonna be like if they both have that in them, which they will. It's a stark trait, your father has it in spades.". Cat grinned, rolling her own eyes quickly. "Now, I need to get outside to see if everyone is ready. I will send in your father in a moment. You take a few minutes to relax.".
She watched as Catelyn gave a few more instructions to some of the staff before stepping out in the late afternoon sun. Her voice could be heard for a few moments, then faded into a dull murmur that came from the direction of the Godswoods. Anxiety settled into the pit of her stomach as she waited for her father to come collect her.
"Are you ready little wolf?". Eddard asked quietly stepping into the hall quietly, holding the maidens cloak up with a little grin. When Arya nodded he stepped forward, placing it securely around her, hiding her figure from sight. "Well, then let us make our way there.".
She gave her father a smile as she laid her hand upon his arm and stepped into the bright sunlight.