A/N:Long A/N at end. Apologies. Wanted to get this shorter bridge-chapter cranked out as well. Hope y'all enjoy :) A lot of jumping around, time progression. Not the best one, but a necessary one. Next few chapters will be spread out timeline wise and then we will start Canon.

Disclaimer: I don't own GOT or ASOIAF. Same thing as last time.


Jon had been watching Amirina for the past two days, tediously caring for her. Luwin had instructed him how to do so, which therefore allowed the maester to attend to other matters. It was not a deathly situation, so it would not require the older man's full attention. Amirina was already making strides with her health. Her fevers were becoming far more spread out than the first day. By the third day, she broke the fever and both Jon and Luwin had yet to feel her body heat up again. It was good progress and it meant that it was a simple illness that would run its course with time and rest, making it easier for the two males.

Amirina had begun mumbling in her sleep more and more, meaning her body was burning through the poppy quicker. When one was healthy, milk of the poppy was not usually effective, or so Maester Luwin informed him. The body did not focus on the wound or illness, so it focused on the poppy instead. This was also a good sign, as she must be getting better if she was waking quicker.

The third day was no different. Jon had been in the tower nearly the entirety of the day, with breaks for relieving himself and finding things to do. He would go stir-crazy if he simply sat there and did nothing but stare at Amirina. And Gods, he was already going mad with that voice in the back of his mind. He had to distract himself somehow.

He was learning the art of medicine, and he found it quite interesting. Luwin said he would teach him only the basics, the rest would be up to him. He was quite alright with that. The old man had taught him common grinding techniques, boiling as well. He had also taught him how to create a poultice and he had learned how to apply different kinds. That was the extent of his studies thus far, and he was eager to learn more on the morrow.

Jon looked at Amirina then, curious to see if she was close to waking. She had not eaten nor drunk anything for the past three days and it worried the Snow quite a bit. They would have to wait until she was somewhat awake to even think about giving her liquid. She would need to be fully conscious, or aware, to be given food. However, Luwin suggested broth being a fine option. Jon didn't know anything about feeding ill people, so he left that the man with silver chains.

Amirina's cheeks seemed a bit more gaunt, and her face did seem parler than usual, but Jon had to contribute that to the sickness that had overcome her. He worried for her wellbeing while she laid sleeping, but he couldn't voice his opinions to Luwin without being scolded, as he "was not a master of the art and therefore, could not judge as he could". Jon wanted to roll his eyes at that. It was an ignorant comment coming from a man who had dedicated his life to serving those around him. But Jon was lower than even he, as Jon was a bastard. Luwin was a respected maester. There was a large jump for the bastard boy.

Jon's eyes began to feel heavy, and he wished to be able to close them. The day had been long and he wouldn't mind being able to sleep. Sleep had been difficult, however, as he had nightmares of Amirina's illness returning and being far worse than any could dream of (ironically). He woke sporadically and often found himself laying his upper body on the furs of the bed, his hand still inside Amirina's own. He wanted her to know he was there. She had always been there for him. He would be there for her, it was only fair.

"Jon…"

The boy in question sat ramrod straight within a second and tightened his hand slightly. He looked over at the girl who lied beneath the furs. Her lips were parted slightly and her eyes stayed shut, but he knew she had said his name. He scooted the chair closer to her and leaned down to be near her face.

"Rina?" he asked quietly, hoping she truly had spoken.

"Jon," she said again, her voice quieter this time, but still definitely her voice. He wasn't sure if she was dreaming or if she knew that he was there.

"I'm here, Rina," he offered, squeezing her hand.

"Am I dreaming, Jon? I've been dreaming," she paused, "a lot."

Her words were slow and quiet, slurred at times. But she was speaking, and that's all Jon knew Luwin would hope for at the moment.

"You're not dreaming, Rina. I'm here. I'm real, dear cousin," he encouraged, scooting as close as he physically could. His excitement for the development was palpable. His features had lit up and the bags under his eyes seemed to wilt away with each word exchanged between them.

The girl smiled lightly in her drowsy stupor, and Jon could feel her hand tighten weakly in his own. "That's good," she whispered.

"Yes, that's very good, Rina."

"I had some…bad…dreams," she slurred, her tone light yet sad at the same time.

Jon cocked an eyebrow and wanted for a reason. "What type of bad dreams?"

"Myyyyy…muther. Sheeee-she died. And I saaaaw all of it," her words began to become more pushed together and elongated. It was like the poppy was trying to pull her back in. But Jon wanted to know more.

He shook her hand lightly, trying to instill some form of alertness for her. She had to fight the poppy for now. Just for a few more moments.

"You have never seen your mother, though?" he asked curiously, interested as to how she saw her mother in a dream.

"Mmmhmmmm," she hummed, "but I-ayeeeeee saw her, dead as dirt sheeewas."

Jon had a bit of a difficult time deciphering her words, but he was making do with the little context she was providing for him.

"And aaaaaa blond man," she smirked tiredly, "he thinks he's myyyyy farther."

"Father, you mean?"

"Aye," she laughed with a sleep-deprived chuckle. It was funny, as she had slept more than anyone in Winterfell, yet it seemed she was the most exhausted. "But I aaaam…a…what am I Jon?"

"A Martell?"

"Yesss," she sighed, as if content to be given her name, "I am a Martell! I am a snake amooong wolves."

Jon couldn't help but chuckle slightly at his cousin's state. She was obviously fighting off the effects of the poppy and he couldn't help but find amusement in it.

"That ya are, Rina." He smiled at her. "Why don't ya rest some more, and we shall talk more in the morn?"

"That...that sounds pleasant," she mumbled off, sleep trying to reclaim her.

Jon shook his head with a smile and began to lean back in his chair, ready for sleep to claim him as well. But she spoke again.

"Lay with me, Jon," she whispered, causing the boy in question to widen his eyes.

"What?" Was all he could manage.

"I'm quite…cold. Yeeeer hand is warm. Lay with me," she slurred, her words making less and less sense contextually.

Jon pinched the bridge of his nose. "That isn't good for ya, Rina. Sleep now, and…" he had to think of something quickly to avoid the situation, "I shall lay with you tomorrow eve."

The Martell girl smiled at that and slowly nodded her head.

"Promise me, Snow."

"I promise."


Eddard Stark took in a deep breath.

"I'm not quite sure you understand my predicament, Jon," the Warden of the North sighed. "She's my sister's daughter, not mine own."

"Aye," the Greatjon nodded, "but she is yer blood, is she not? She is in yer home, is she not? Surely, ya can approve of this."

"I-"

"Apologies, my lord," came the voice of the Smalljon, "but I agree with my father. She is your niece. She is in your home. Surely, you should be able to approve of such a thing? Write her father if ya have to, but can you not agree to such an…appealing match?"

His voice was smooth. He held a tone that made many women swoon, yet there was a darkness beneath it that few knew of. Ned had heard of a few stories. He had. But he had neither proof nor the ability to put such accusations to charge. The Greatjon was a fierce and loyal bannerman to House Stark. Putting his son to trial on rumors would hurt one of their greatest alliances.

But what other defenses did he have? He could continue to sing the tale of not being the giver of the girl's hand. But men would tire of that. He had nothing to defend his niece with. Eddard could say either yay or nay, and write to Oberyn of the decision. He knew Amirina was in his care, and her father could care less at times. He wanted her happy. And the offer that the Umbers made…it was enticing for any father. While Amirina was no full Stark, she still had it from Katerina. She had a name, a very beautiful name that would make any lord hungry. The Tyrells were out of the discussion. The young lady had been very…vague about their reasons and they left quickly after. But the Umbers? They seemed set on it.

Eddard looked over to Catelyn, his dark eyes pleading with her ice blue orbs. She was not happy with the settling of the matter, but she recognized the opportunity for every family. Her motto was "Family, Duty, Honor" and while she put her niece first in the matter, she knew the duty of a woman was to marry into a strong alliance. The Tyrells were a weak one, unstable at best due to their relationship with the Martells in the past. But the Umbers? It would benefit all of them.

The Starks would gain an even stronger loyalty. The Martells would gain land in the North. And the Umbers would gain a beauty and a new alliance, a strong one at that. It seemed strategically sound on parchment. But Eddard still gnawed on the rumors. It was all that held him back. By old and new, Amirina seemed to enjoy her time with the Smalljon at her nameday feast.

He took a deep and slow breath, running over the scenarios.

"I will…consent to it. The match is favorable to all. Amirina will stay nearby compared to other suitors. She is accustomed to Northern weather and I believe the Umbers will not hinder her interests, as I feared the Tyrells would. The Umber House will not only strengthen their ties with House Stark, but also forge new ones with House Martell. I will not decide her dowry, as that is up for decision by her father. Amirina will be notified of the pairing once her father has approved of it and once she has recovered from her ailments. House Stark will accommodate both the Greatjon and Smalljon of House Umber until the final decision has been made."

And while he spoke, Catelyn sat in her seat, writing down his exact words on a piece of parchment to send to Oberyn Martell and his older brother, Doran. Her hand shook as she wrote the beautiful black letter upon the yellow surface, terrified of what could happen with her niece when alone with the giant of a man named Jon Umber.


Oberyn sat in the chair opposite his brother at the table. The air was cool for the day and they rather enjoyed sitting out on the veranda, the sight of Doran's children playing in the waters below.

"I have authority over you," was all Doran said, his eyes distant and clouded with thought.

Oberyn scoffed, "She is my daughter."

Doran shrugged then, nodding his head in agreement. "Yet I have rule over the people of Dorne. Your daughter, my niece, is one of those people. I can decide to agree with the consent given by Eddard Stark, or I can choose to disagree and have Amirina recalled back to Dorne. She would very well hate me for such a thing, but she would hate you far more, brother."

Oberyn scowled at the older man, an anger rushing through him. He had promised Amirina a year before possibility of betrothal. And already, within four moons of time, he had allowed a betrothal to be offered and fall through, and allowed a second one to be accepted as well.

"Do you know of the Umbers?" Oberyn asked with venom in his voice.

Doran shook his head. "Does it matter, Oberyn? Eddard trusts them. We shall too."

Oberyn Martell scoffed and threw his head back with a bark of hostile laughter. "You are having quite the time with selling my daughter off, are you not?"

"She will be wed to Jon Umber, Oberyn. It is what is best for House Martell. Do you think it best that she and Arianne are near one another? Do you think it wise to send her to a house that we have no links to? Your marriage to Katerina Stark opened us to the North, and you are aware of such a thing, do not play me for a fool, Oberyn. Amirina will become his wife within the year. Do not question me on it again."


Jon sat next to the bed, helping his cousin eat the broth.

"Come now, Rina, ya have to eat it," he pleaded, annoyance staring to rise.

"I'm not hungry," she stubbornly insisted, trying to cross her arms but wincing from the pain it drew from her shoulder. "I am, however, curious as to when this damned herb will be removed from my shoulder."

Jon sighed and sat back in his chair. "Maester Luwin believes you shall be fully healed within the next few days, if you eat."

"By old and new, Jon, I will eat!" she said, exasperated almost.

"Thank the gods," he mumbled.

"But I shall only eat stew. I can no longer stand this wretched plain broth," Amirina complained, lifting her nose in the air.

Jon could only stare at her, his face blank and the bags beneath his eyes darkening with each second passing. "Amirina-"

The Martell girl began laughing then, a wide smile on her still pale features. "Oh gods Jon, I am simply jesting with you!" She then took the bowl from his hands and began eating it as best she could with the limit of her left shoulder.

Jon rolled his eyes and ran a hand down his face, feeling scruff around his jawline. He would need to go see…gods what was his name. He shook his head. He was far too tired to think of names at the moment.

"How long has it been?" Amirina suddenly asked.

"Since when?" Jon responded, his eyes tired and heavy.

Amirina set her bowl on the bedside table and leaned forward towards Jon. She placed a hand on his face and rubbed slightly with her thumb, then drew back, her eyes worried. "Since ya last slept, Jon."

He shrugged, pulling back from the close space between them, the voice whispering in his ear once more. His face was ablaze with what felt like tingling where she had placed her hand. He had to ignore the nameless feeling.

"I'm not sure," he answered truthfully. "I've slept, but I have yet to truly sleep. Most of the time I've been worried for you. It's been nearly a week since ya last ate. I grew far more anxious as the days wore on."

He watched as Amirina's worried features changed to ones of sadness and guilt. Her eyes were dark today, he realized. He wondered if it was because she still felt the cold nipping at her flesh every few moments. A crease formed between her brows and her lips formed a frown. Her freckles popped out a little more upon her cheeks, but stayed rather unseen to the eyes. Her hair was rather messy, but Catelyn has ensured to take the time Jon was gone to fix the girl's hair as best she could. And funnily enough, the left side of Rina's face was red, probably aching from laying on that side of her face at all times.

"Your face," he said quietly, reaching out to lightly grace over it, "does it bother you?"

Amirina closed her eyes lightly but opened them quickly, and shook her head. "No, it bothers me not."

Jon brought his hand back and took in a deep breath. He stood from his chair and moved to the left side of the bed, motioning for Amirina to lean forward.

"I need to check on your burn, cousin," he said simply, knowing Luwin was with Bran at the moment, but Rina was due for a checking. They had been continuously checking the effects of the ground onions and lavender. So far, it had done quite well. It would definitely leave scarring, but it would not threaten her in the future.

The Martell girl nodded and leaned forward so Jon would have better ability with working with the wrapping. He undid the large and long cloth before lifting the fresh poultice. The burn was definitely still there. He grimaced thinking about how it got there, but he would let Amirina tell him that tale on her own should she wish. It looked like a center point and five tendrils pulling away from it. It was rather weirdly shaped but the skin was healing over and scarring at the outermost and thinnest points. The center was still rather raw and Jon would have to tell Luwin about that.

He shrugged through and began rewrapping the poultice so it could soak through. He also admittedly made it a bit tighter, hoping that would help as well. Jon carefully wound the cloth as he had seen Luwin do so before, hoping he would not mess it up. He didn't seem to actually.

"Rina," he started, finishing the clippings necessary to keep the cloth in place, "I'll need ya to finish the broth and tea and then rest a bit more. I know you've been sleeping for quite some time, but now you need to truly sleep."

He stepped back and began to walk over to the counter, hoping to prepare her tea.

"Alright, dear cousin," she caved, probably rolling her eyes behind his back as she did so.

Jon chuckled lightly and finished readying the sage tea, but he needed the leaves to steep for a moment. He decided now was a better time than ever to tell her the news.

"So," he gulped lightly, rubbing the back of his neck, "the Tyrells rescinded their offers of betrothal for 'further discussion'. I believe the sister was jealous of your beauty and-" Jon realized he had called her beautiful. He didn't mean to, it had slipped out. It was an internal musing that would occasionally slip from his lips. But he had to continue speaking, he couldn't draw attention to the word.

"Uh, well I believe she may have coerced her brother, Willas, into rethinking the proposition." He shut his eyes tightly and began to rub the sleep from them, feeling the heaviness wanting to overtake his current state.

Amirina stayed quiet for a moment, Jon opening his eyes to see her thinking. But that moment didn't last very long, as she quickly broke into a smile and began laughing.

"I've warded off the beast!" she laughed with good jest. "Ahhh, I love when a man rethinks his poor judgement to marry me, do you not?"

Jon wanted to say yes.

"Amirina," he took in a deep breath, "you are to now marry Jon Umber, the Smalljon, within the next three moons."

And Jon could see how the quick information came like a slap to the face. Amirina's features dropped and her eyes widened. Her mouth was left lightly agape and something must have been buzzing around in her mind. He wished it weren't true, he truly did, but he expected it. He didn't like it, not at all, but he was realistic.

"Rina, my father-"

She shook her head and put her hand up, wanting him to stop. "Don't, Jon. It is already horrible enough that I will have to call him by your name, reminding me each and every day that I am away from you: my best friend, my cousin, my most trusted believer. I will be reminded of that every time the sun rises to the time the sun sets to the time between when dreams run through my head."

But Jon already knew that he ran through her mind after the sun set and before the sun rose. He had heard her saying his name within her sleep. And sometimes, he had to leave so that whisper in his head would not grow louder. Or leave so that that feeling would leave his body. Or leave so that that feeling of pride would leave his chest at once. And right now, he had all three plaguing him.

But he could not just leave the tower for some fresh air. His cousin was awake this time. He could only comfort her and hope the feelings and words left him quickly, lest he feared for what would happen to him down the path.

So, carefully, he walked over to the bed and sat down on it. His cousin looked near tears and he knew Amirina did not shed tears that much. She was in need of comfort, and despite how uncomfortable Jon was at the moment, he would be there for her. So he sat next to her and opened his arms, allowing her to lean over and rest her head upon his shoulder. He used his left arm to rub her arm up and down in comfort like she had done for him before. It was causing discomfort to tingle within his fingertips to the balls of his feet. But that pride…it swelled slightly. And that other tingling, the far more pleasant one, it tickles his face and his chest and his hand.

He didn't want to feel it, but he did. And he hated it. He couldn't name it, but it plagued him now. He knew he shouldn't. Gods it was his cousin he felt it with. That wasn't right. He suddenly closed his eyes and tried to force the good feeling down and the tingling of discomfort to the forefront.

"It shall all work out, Rina," he comforted, his eyes still shut. "You shall be near to us and you shall be treated well. Maester Luwin and father believe the man to be infatuated with you. You will be in good hands." But not as good of hands as mine own

Jon felt her nod against his shoulder and he could not hear what she said, for the words she had mumbled in her sleep last eve had only invigorated the good feelings that plagued him. And he could never forget those words.

Jon leaned down, his cousin speaking once more. She had yet to wake, but he was growing anxious with her speaking and approaching a time when she could be awake.

She was mumbling, obviously voicing sentences from her daze. "Jon…"

He wasn't surprised by her use of his name now, more of a confirmation that he was there.

"Yes, Rina? I'm still here, cousin."

She gave a lazy smile and he felt her hand twitch slightly as if trying to tighten her grip.

"I quiteeeee like ya, Jon Snow," she whispered, so quietly that the bastard could almost not hear her.

And he wish he hadn't.

Jon opened his eyes then and looked over at his cousin. He would need to pull away from her. He could not let such a…such a thing ever bud. He would cut the roots from their water, and he would distance himself from his cousin. Perhaps she would hate him for becoming distant, but he could live with that. He couldn't live with what ran through his mind. Amirina Martell had a duty. Jon Snow had a duty.

It mattered not if he interpreted it incorrectly, or if it was dazed and confused ramblings by his cousin. Jon Snow would distance himself from Amirina until she forgot about him and until he forgot about her.


A/N: Don't worry loves, all will be revealed in due time ;)

For everyone who is confused by my god-awful timeline, here ya go!

Early 257 AC- Oberyn Martell is born

Late 262 AC- Katerina Martell is born

Early 266 AC- Jaime Lannister and Cersei Lannister are born

Around 275 AC- Katerina and Oberyn marry; Elios is also born around this time as well

Near end of 277 AC- The twins are born: Doran and Eliana

Beginning of 281 AC- The Tourney at Harrenhal occurs; Katerina and Jaime meet and begin affair

Around End of 281 AC- Amirina Martell is born

Beginning of 282 AC- Lyanna Stark is "kidnapped" by Rhaegar Targaryen; Jon Snow is born some nine months later; Robb Stark is born around end of 282 AC

Sometime around end of 282 AC to mid 283 AC- Katerina Martell and her first three children are found dead in the middle of Dornish desert

285 AC- Sansa Stark is born

287 AC- Arya Stark is born

288 AC- Brandon "Bran" Stark is born; Amirina visits a little soon after

292 AC- Rickon Stark is born

296 AC- My story begins

298 AC- Canon begins

I hope that clears things up for everyone!

Evaline101: Yes, that will be confusing. And I apologize for that. It is not confirmed however. Jaime doesn't know for sure that the girl was his. It will be revealed in due time but for now, I will drop hints as to who the father truly is. I like to add a bit of mystery, as cuckolding was quite the…trade. Thank you for the review love!

Marvelmyra: Since you are catching up and have so many reviews, I was going to address each one individually, but that'll be a bit too much I believe. I hope you'll be able to create an account and follow this story, as I believe you will continue to enjoy it. Thank you :)

Arianna: She could be, it is all up to his own assumptions and we shall find out later in the story ;)

10868letsgo: Jaime COULD be her father. There will be no confirmation for the negative or positive until later in the story. It is simply an assumption by Jaime. Infidelity was not uncommon during this time, so I didn't want to make Amirina's mom this perfect woman that everyone saw, but that she was in fact cuckolding Oberyn, just as he was to her. She was definitely good at pointing rumors away and ceasing Oberyn's suspicions.