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The large weirdwood tree loomed over the Godswoods like a giant sentinel, guarding this sacred space as it had for centuries since the first Stark built Winterfell. The early winter sun's rays casting a brilliant light against the red leaves that clung to the branches dazzling those whom stood below. The crowd whom gathered here whispered quietly among themselves before the ceremony started.
His gray eyes glittered nervously among those who stood close to him, but he quietly watched. This was what He had waited for so long to do, and now today was the day that she would fully be his. The first ceremony had been to formalize, but this one was special. Family would be present for this, and that made all the difference in his world. Especially here, he thought to himself, this place would always be special to him because this was the place where destiny had been set. Had he not visited that summer, perhaps they would have met later, but he didn't want to think about that.
He had been far too in his own thoughts to notice someone had moved to stand close to him, giving him a soft smile. His lips curved into a smile of his own seeing the auburn tresses braided into an elegant crown atop her head.
"We were not sure you were going to be able to make it cousin,". He smiled at her, reaching out to hug the tall woman gently. She quickly returned the hug with a soft laugh, shaking her head.
"It was hard to get out of the capitol, especially with having to wait on Gendry. However, I told him I would leave without him, if he was going to continue to stall. This was something that I refused to miss. I have a multitude of congratulations to give out to you, it seems. No one bothered to tell me that you were going to be a father soon.". She pouted, "and my little sister a mother before me. You will have your hands full.".
Jon laughed softly, nodding in agreement at the assessment. He already had his hands full with Arya, but two babies was going to be an adventure. Luckily, help would be easy to find.
"We will cope as best as we can, but truthfully there will be plenty of help if it's needed. So, where is your fiancee at?". He glanced up over the crowd, finally having spied a flash of gold and dark hair, "Ah, spotted him. So, are you ready for your own nuptials?".
Sansa glanced over towards where Gendry stood speaking to Robb and Rhaegar, a cautious smile formed on her lips watching before she turned back to Jon with a nod.
"As ready as I can be, I believe.". She laughed, "Mother just came out of the hall, so it should be starting soon. We will talk later, yes?". She whispered giving a gentle pat before turning to move to where Gendry stood.
Arya smiled up at her father's nervous look as they stood at the edge of the godswood. Her eyes glanced through the trees to see the crowd waiting for them to make an entrance, but instead she sighed softly.
"I felt the same way the morning that I married your mother. I could barely walk to the sept, but then again I had been rather drunk the night before too. I know your not having second thoughts, so what is it little wolf?". Ned said softly, patting her hand gently.
"Nothing is wrong Father, for once it's all right. I just never thought that this day would come. I've never been the one who dreamed of all this, that was Sansa. Yet, here we are.". She laughed lightly, gray eyes light as they peered up at her father again.
"Bah, sometimes fate has plans for those whom don't even know it. You were just a girl who wasn't into what others were, that does not make you any less of a female. Now, you've turned out to be fantastic, and will continue to be so. We are all wild when children, myself no exception but I was the sensible one, my father used to tell us. That does not limit what we can become, but it makes for some interesting recounts when older. Just remember that. Now, how about I give you away before he comes back to look where you disappeared to?". Her father laughed, glancing ahead with a little grin.
After several minutes of silence between them her father gave a little nod for them to make their way towards the center of the Godswoods, where Jon stood. Her eyes lowered but they were trained on the one face that she could see, even in the dark.
The crowd parted slowly as the two came to stand in front of the tree. She turned away from her father as his hands pulled the cloak from her shoulders revealing the black and red gown that didn't hide her condition from those whom hadn't known. Her palms pressed against her sides gently cradling her stomach as she moved to stand near Jon with a shy smile.
"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection,". The septon said softly, his eyes turning to look out at the crowd assembled.
Jon turned to look towards his father, one hand out to take the large red velvet cloak that quietly unfurled against the ground, the black dragon's three heads became visible as it settled against her shoulders warmly. As soon as she smiled his hand shot out to capture her's tightly against his, the warmth began to spread into her whole being.
Quietly a scarlet ribbon was tied around their wrists, sealing the together. She stared at the little bit of fabric with a smile, there was no going back now she thought to herself. Not that this had ever been an option for either of them, and would never be.
"I the sight of the seven and the old gods, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for all eternity.". The septon drawled, "Now, look upon one another and say the words,".
Arya smiled up into his eyes as her free hand met with his, when they both started to speak together.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his/hers and she/he is mine from this day until the end of my days."
She peeked out towards the crowd and noticed her mother's tear stained face watching them carefully as she leaned against Eddard, who was watching proudly. The rest of her family's faces were quite the same, which moved her to no end to know how much they really did care about her.
His hand squeezed her gently as she smiled looking up into his eyes as he leaned closer to her kissing her lips lightly.
"With this kiss I pledge my love,". He huskily, "and take you for my Lady and Wife,". He smiled down at her, eyes shining.
She gave a gentle laugh, the blush beginning to spread across her cheeks as her lips did the same to him.
"With this kiss I pledge my love,". She replied, "and take you for my Lord and Husband,".
The septon gravelly looked up from the two of them out into the gathered people, "Here in the sight of Gods and Men, I do solemnly proclaim that Jon of the Royal House Targaryen and Arya of House Stark to be man and wife.. one flesh, one heart, one soul now and forever. Cursed be the one whom comes between them.".
As soon as the septon finished the words Jon leaned forward to plant another soft kiss against her lips, his hands reaching under the cloak to press against the curve of her stomach, "Mine forever now,". He whispered into her mouth.
She pulled away with a little grin upon her lips reaching up to pull the ribbon off their joined hands. "I've always been yours, and you know it". She whispered back, her free hand resting atop his. His eyes lightened at her words, the small nod dipped his head against her own. "I love you,".
"Now, my love when we get home there will be a formal one of these, most likely after the babes are born, but for now and you don't have to wear it but on formal occasions. This is for you, and I should confess this but it had been made years ago because...". He glanced away for a second, but swung his eyes back at her. "Well, you know why I don't think everyone needs to know.". He murmured as she nodded, knowing.
"Years ago?". Her eyes narrowed slightly, tilting her head aside looking at him curiously.
"Yes, years ago. I had hoped, and well it came true didn't it? Anyway, this is one of my gifts to you, since you will be giving me two priceless gifts soon.". His eyes slid down to where his hand still held against her stomach, tenderly his fingertips brushed against where his children lay.
She could hear the crowd chuckle softly behind her as her grin widened. "Okay...". She breathed happily watching as Rhaegar came forward with a small polished box in his hands, giving Arya a wink as he unlocked it hearing the click as it opened for her to look down upon. Her eyes fell upon a silver circlet encircled with rubies and pearls.
"The rubies are for my house, and the pearls are yours, for you were their pearl and now are mine.". Jon answered softly, plucking the circlet from it's nest settling it against her braids gently.
Her mother stepped forward with a teary smile, turning to look out at those assembled with a clap, "Please, let us go inside and celebrate this with a feast, and some music!". Soon most of the guests were making their way into the castle, chatting merrily with each other. Leaving only a few to stand before newlyweds.
Jon glanced down at Arya with another warm smile, "I do have other gifts for you, M'love, but I will not be sharing them with everyone. However, I do have another later for you.".
"Now, now let us have at the new bride.. You have had enough time with her, given her advanced pregnancy there.". His aunt badgered as the silver haired young woman appeared at Arya's side with a great laugh, pressing her hands upon her friends stomach. "Has he told you what your having yet? I know he knows! He has to know!".
"Daenerys! Stop badgering, I doubt he knows.". Rhaegar growled at his younger sister, "behave yourself, or at least pretend to.".
Arya began to laugh softly. For she had missed this greatly in the last few months that her friend was gone out on the plains spending time with her horse king. There were times when she needed a good laugh that Dany could provide.
"I honestly do not know. I do know that they are quite active all the time now. When Arya sits next to me sometimes those little pups seem to be moving around, or kicking.. I dunno. I do wish we did now know.". He eyed his bride, dodging an elbow from her with a laugh of his own.
The newly wedded couple stood alone watching as those they loved filed past, offering little cheers of congratulations as they did warming Arya with praise.
She could hear all of those inside chatting loudly to one another as she stood outside in the receiving hall with Jon. Their fingers still entwined afraid to let either out of their sights.
"I think we shocked some people today, especially after taking off the maiden cloak, didn't we?". He asked with a laugh, his fingertips brushing down the sides of cloak she wore now.
"I hardly doubt I am the first woman to marry this late in a pregnancy... but, I do doubt that Royals do this at all.
It's all your fault, you know. We could have been more careful.". She eyed him with a grin hearing the growl that rumbled from his chest as his hands grabbed her, pressing her body against his.
"We should have been, but when it's you.. I sometimes forget to be careful.". He whispered, lips nuzzling her neck teasingly."I should probably just go ahead and apologize for the future because I am sure you will have more accidental children because of my need for you.. but then again...You didn't stop me all the times that I did fuck you now did you?". His eyes rose looking at her with a triumphant smirk upon those lips. "No, you didn't, admit it. You have not had a bad pregnancy, so lots of children wouldn't bother you would it?"?
She caught the curious look from him with a laugh upon her own lips. He was nothing is not subtle, and would continue to not be when it came to this subject. Yet, if she acquiesced to his words, then he would win and that was not going to happen any time soon.
"I will only say that I did enjoy creating them, past that I shant say a word. Now, shouldn't we be be inside there letting everyone give us congratulations." She caught his hand, pressing it against her own with a little smile. "You are incorrigible, what am I to do with you?"
He laughed low, his eyes turned to look at the door, pushing it open allowing all inside to see the happy couple, "Well, for now you are to come sup with me, and then perhaps tonight we shall see.". His gray eyes bore down on her with a need so fierce it caught her breath, "But, the only thing I ask of you is to never lose faith in me. I know you won't but, it's important enough to just have you swear you won't.".
She glanced at him with wide, frightened eyes, "You speak as if something is going to happen my love. What is it?". Her breathy voice whispered up at him, as the people before them began to wonder what was going on with the wedded couple.
"Nothing as bad as you may imagine, my little wolf. However, you asked and it's all I want in return.". He replied, grasping her hand pulling her into the large room to the cheers of the crowd. Her answer was drowned out by the applause and catcalls from those around them. Soon, they were led to the dais upon where they sat to look out at the rest of those assembled there.
"I promise that I will never lose faith in you, and you should never lose faith in me.". She leaned closer to him, eyes searching his.
"I never have, and never will.". He answered looking away from her with a grimace upon his features. "A promise is a promise, and I will hold you to thee.".
In that moment it felt as if a bell rang deep within their souls, that only each other could hear. As if a stir of echoes moved through the pair, binding them to this promise. Neither heard the whispered talk from below, their hands intertwined tightly, hearts beating as one.
"And I to you,". Her words quietly drifted to his ears making him smile. His nod was enough of an answer.
They sat with matching smiles as those they loved came forward with presents, or just wanted to give them well wishes. There were also exclamations of wonder over her figure since none except family had known that she was with child, for good reason, she mused watching the hall with quiet dark eyes.
"When I first met you the first impression I had of this place, was you. Honestly, father had told me when I was younger about this place, and the family whom inhabited it. He had never really hid whom my mother was, but he told me to make my own impressions of the family once I met you all. I never understood it until the moment I stood in front of the great rooms fire, listening to a little girl snarl at me because I chuckled at her. You were ice to my fire, and have been ever since. We are the song of ice and fire are we not m'love?". His voice was low, as he began to chuckle at his own words.
"No, I think you are ice and fire yourself. A royal dragon and wolf combined. If that is not a song of ice and fire, I do not know what is.". She replied with a smirk upon her lips, reaching for a goblet with a little chuckle.
"Ah, then I can only imagine what our children will be then.". He mused, reaching out to touch where his children lay, "more wolf, I bet. One of them will be given a good northern name, I think.".
Before she could answer her sister appeared before the table with a gentle smile upon her face, clutching a goblet in her nimble hands.
"Family and Friends, We meet here today to celebrate both a wedding and it seems the imminent birth of some princes or princesses.". Her eyes flickered towards her sister with a little pout upon her soft lips, "Since no one will tell me anything... anyway, congratulations to the wedded couple, and congratulations on birth of the new heirs to the throne of Valyria.".
Arya gave her sister a wide smile, knowing how much the siblings had not gotten along for most of their lives, being too different in temperament and looks to have it otherwise. Yet, she was still family and that was important in the little wolf's mind. She rose slowly, hands bracing against the chair's arms pushing upwards to gain some traction as she began to chuckle softly.
"Thank you sister mine, but we should also be celebrating another upcoming event which will be here before we all know it. That is, Sansa will be wedded and on her own way to a family, Gods willing.". She exclaimed softly, her voice carrying around the room. The guests began to cheer, and began to offer their felicitations to the other couple. Sansa turned to give her a wink and a laugh.
Sansa turned to look towards her intended, motioning him to join her near the dais. When he stood, taller than many of the men assembled eyes turned to look upon his visage remembering his own father, but they knew he was cut from a different cloth. Sapphire eyes took in many of the faces watching him with a smirk.
"We have brought a gift for you both, but had we known about the children it would have been another gift as well." His eyes shifted between the two before him, hiding any emotion from being read yet Arya could feel the intent every time they rested upon her.
Jon looked up watching the man before him silently for several seconds, dark eyes taking in the scene before him. When he seen nothing that would be taken as Gendry still having feelings for his wife, he began to smile. Perhaps it was time to let the guard down a little, but not completely. He had to remind himself that some people are good at hiding their emotions to others, especially those bred for thrones were. Those were qualities that had been taught for as long as he could remember, so he knew that Gendry would have been shaped like that as well.
"We thank you then Gendry, and will soon welcome you to this rather rambunctious family as well." Jon replied cordially, his gray eyes locking with the blue seriously but a smile curved his lips after a few seconds. "You will need it when dealing with the stubborn Stark Ladies.".
Sansa turned to look at her good brother with narrowed blue eyes, "I'm hardly stubborn, I thank you very much. That would be your lovely bride cousin, yet you seemed to have tamed the wild little wolf. Soon you will most likely have your own little wolves, or dragons to deal with and then you shall know.". She laughed softly, a soft smile upon her lips. "Just hope she can last till my wedding, for I don't wish for her to miss it!"
Arya glanced at her sister with a wolfish grin upon her features, dark eyes twinkling merrily as she came to stand next to Sansa. One dainty hand rested upon her arm with a little laugh. She knew the game her sister played, but she was far better at this and always had been she found.
"I cannot make promises when the Gods decide things, but I think I will make it without incident. In fact, they shouldn't arrive for several weeks after the big day. I may not be able to move much, but I will be there. Even if someone has to carry me around, I will be.". Her eyes slid back over to Jon with another wide grin, watching as his own rested upon her breasts.
If she moaned now, they would know what she was thinking, she mused feeling the tight buds begin to pucker against the material of the gown against her sensitive skin. Damn him and his libido, she growled internally. As soon as she had hit the eight month of pregnancy there had been a switch that hit making her crave sex even more than normal. Of course, Jon used it to his own advantage which made her already overwhelmed senses going into overdrive.
Arya knew that the doctor had warned of this at the onset of pregnancy and it hadn't been a bother really, just inconvenient at times. Still, this has been fairly easy for her except being uncomfortable most of the day. No one had told her about never being comfortable or that she would be best friends with her bathroom because her bladder had shrunk several sizes since the two within her began to grow. Yet, even after all of this those two whom stirred within were the most precious beings in her life.
"...need to rest dear, you are beginning to look a little peaked,". Catelyn's voice reached her brain making her thoughts go away as she looked up into blue eyes.
"What? I'm sorry my mind wandered there for a moment. It seems to happen more these days,". She said softly, a frown upon her features.
Catelyn gave her daughter a soft, but understanding smile having been a mother she knew what the human body did when a child grew. Gently she took Arya's arm and guided her back to the table next to Jon, settling her down upon a chair.
"Rest my little wolf, your food should be here soon. When I was carrying you, I had a hard time sitting for you were a restless babe within me, always moving and kicking. A mother should rest, and eat and be waited on,". Her blue eyes looked over to her good son with a little smile upon her lips, "shouldn't she?".
Jon laughed reaching over to take one of his wife's hands in his, bringing it up to kiss with a little wink towards Catelyn.
"I do all I can for her, if she lets me. She has slowed down in the last few months, and hopefully will continue after the children come. But, this is Arya we are talking of, so it's all I can do to help.". He murmured as Arya turned her eyes towards him with a little laugh.
Catelyn nodded, reaching out to place one hand upon her daughter's stomach. The taught skin rippled as a small foot kicked against the hand pressed upon it, causing her to laugh softly. Her daughter had been the same way when someone pressed a hand against her own body during pregnancy. It boggled the mind that her youngest daughter was married and going to be a mother in a few months. This was the child that she had worried about the most growing up, because she was the north made flesh. Yet, now looking back upon it all this was the child that she knew would survive on her own.
As the evening wore on the guests were replete from the massive quantities of food and wine, and soon they would be worn out from the music that urged them to dance in the middle of the hall. The only one whom didn't much dance was the bride herself, whom chose not to because she was so uncomfortable as the children shifted within her. Yet, she didn't complain a bit to anyone and kept a smile upon her lips each time anyone looked up at her.
Jon quietly dropped into the chair next to her with a little sigh upon his lips, glancing out at Rhaegar who was conversing with Gendry and Sansa. He knew that his father was an excellent judge of character and yet he still couldn't find anything that would mark Gendry as less than honorable, but there was still something in his gaze. Something that he couldn't quite figure out, but until such time there would always be doubts between them. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt Arya now, or ever.
He could feel something in the air, something that he wasn't quite sure of and from the looks of the Starks. He wasn't alone in the assumption that they didn't feel it as well. Bran was restless, more than usual for a boy of nineteen, he thought watching him out the corner of his eye.
"He's restless, and that usually means something,". Arya said quietly, watching Bran herself pace near a window, looking out into the night. " Something is brewing, I've felt it too...". She trailed off as Jon stood holding out one hand for her to grasp to stand.
"We will see, and then it's time for a little mother to be abed, with her husband, no?". He said softly, his eyes dark as they assessed her. He knew she was slowly fading and needed rest. Each day it seemed that she grew more tired as they day went on, but the doctor assured them it was the children that zapped her, and to rest more each day before the birth.
Arya sighed unhappily at the thought of going up to rest but not as unhappy as she would be if it was alone. These days it was a struggle for her to stay awake even just sitting in a chair.
"What is bothering you love? Don't give me this stupid answer that I am tired, because that won't wash with me and you know it.". She hissed as he pulled her up from the chair, one hand cupping her stomach with long fingers, brushing against the material of the dress gently. "Don't seek to distract me either, I'm serious. What is it?".
Jon sighed softly, his dark head dipped in frustration at her tone, but he nodded back at her.
"Bran has been agitated since the sun went down, and the wolves have had to be penned. That has never been the usual around here, granted there are a lot extra people here but they are generally well behaved. Does that not tell you anything? It's most likely the free folk again, one can hope. I wanted you to go on up to the room just so that you can relax, I don't want you to get upset.". He stepped closer to his bride, his hand still upon her midsection, caressing the mound that held his children. "I hope that it isn't the free folk again, but they scattered too quick the last time. Luckily, meleys came with father when he flew them over. I can go take a look in the morning, if that is the problem.".
She eyed him sharply knowing that if there were problems farther north, that he would go help possibly missing the birth or the wedding that would be occurring within the month. Yet, she knew he considered this to be a duty to help the family. Still she had every right to be concerned because the free folk were often times dangerous.
"Well, let's find out what is going on before you start giving promises.". She said softly, "I know how you are when you start doling out those promises that you are steadfast in keeping.".
Jon glanced at the small woman in his arms, sighing softly at the rebuke but deep down the truth was what she said.
"I don't promise many people, nor do you my love. You've kept every promise that I've elicited from you. We are both steadfast, are we not? So, will the little wolves you carry, I suspect. Now, before I have to drag you off, let us go wish everyone a good evening and get you into bed, my bed.". He leered, leaning down to capture her lips against his.