Sister's Keeper
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 90: Wedding Nerves
Alysanne's POV
Is this really happening?
Am I really engaged to Ser Jorah Mormont?
So many thoughts are running through my head on the concept of marriage. I was excited and nervous all at the same time, although I was scared. I know Jorah will never hurt me or try to control me. Therefore, I should not be afraid. Yet the nerves were getting the better of me.
The Northern Lords have given us two weeks before the wedding. It has been decided to have a Northern wedding. As Jorah and I will make our vows in the Godswood in front of a weirwood tree. Not just any weirwood, but a Heart Tree. The Heart Tree was considered to be the face of the gods. After all my experiences of different cultures and religions, I felt intimidated by the Old Gods. For the last time I was in the Godswood, I didn't feel welcome. Like I was some stranger. Will the Heart Tree object to the union? Not like a Septon at a sept. Then again, it would probably be the best. That way, I no longer have to compare it to my first wedding.
There is so much I want to do in preparation. However, after the Long Night, Winterfell needed to be renovated. I tried to help in the arrangements, only Lady Sansa told me in a Northern Wedding the bride doesn't do much. And since this was going to be a simple wedding, there will be little preparation. With limited supplies, there won't be a lavish feast. No, it would be the same as it was in celebrating the Livings victory. The only thing that matters was cleaning up the Castle and a pie.
I tried to do something by making my wedding dress. However, the moment I started sewing, Lady Sansa stopped me.
"The bride can't make her wedding dress," she told me. "At least for a noble and royal."
"Why not?" I asked.
"When a bride makes her dress, she sews in the sorrows of her marriage," Sansa answered.
I sighed, putting the fabric down, "I did not know that. Usually, sewing calms me down."
Sansa nodded as she sat down, "When I married Ramsey, I sewn my dress. It seems it worked, and my husband is dead."
"Why are you helping, Lady Sansa?" I asked. "I was given the impression that you don't like me."
"I don't hate you, but I respect you," Sansa answered. "You've done more than any ruler I've seen. Jon trusts you. So, I trust you a little."
"I appreciate that," I said.
Sansa nodded. Instead of getting up to leave. Sansa went over the ritual for an Old Religion wedding. Let me tell you, it is much simple and quick compared to the wedding of the Seven. When she mentioned that the head of my House has to give me away, there was a slight problem. The only male heir alive was Jon, and he was hiding his Targaryen heritage. My father is dead, and so are both my brothers. Initially, I would have Ser Barristan to give me away, except he died in the Long Night. Fortunately, Sansa explained that any remaining family can give me away. I better ask Daenerys if she can perform that right. She is the only family I have left. Otherwise, I could ask Grey Worm.
"I'll have Maester Walkon write down the steps so you and your family can practice the vows," Sansa assured.
"It's not liked the Faith of the Seven weddings," I sighed.
She bit her bottom lip then asked, "What was your first wedding like?"
Of course, that question would be asked sooner or later.
"I was barely sixteen," I told her. "A few months after, my brother Viserys raped me when I told him in order to survive, we need to marry other people. He still believed that there was a chance of the Targaryen monarchy will rise once more with him as King. To keep the bloodline pure…he forced me to marry him. It was his way of preserving my honor. We were living in Lys at the time. Our Host did everything he could at our wedding. Small due to who we were, yet it was the closest to what Viserys had of a Valyrian wedding. We married at a small sept since Lys worshiped the Weeping Lady of Lys. When we made our vows in front of the Septon, the words were like bile. I was forced to lie in front of the Septon and our guests, despite the fact it was wrong. The Feast went well, as I remained humble again. It was the bed ceremony I dreaded."
"Did you…"
"I was raped again. I tried to get Viserys drunk during the Feast. At first, it worked. He collapsed on the bed and fell asleep. I changed into my evening gown and did the same. Only to wake in the middle of the night with him inside me. Forcing the consummation."
Sansa's eyes widen from that.
"The Lords know I am not a maid. Everyone knows I married my brother, and many will use it against me."
Sansa placed her hand over mine, "I'm sure once your marriage to Ser Jorah is done, it will be better than the last."
I held back my tongue, not sharing the fact I have only slept with Ser Jorah since Viserys death. I told her of my two previous engagements. Well, one offer from Xaro Xhoan Daxos, and the actual engagement with Hizdahr zo Loraq. She was intrigued by the different cities I went to. But was shocked to learn the ploys these men had.
"So be careful on the next husband," I warned her.
"It will be a while before I consider marrying again," she said.
I nodded, understanding what she meant.
Time went on when there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It's Missandei and me," Daenerys said.
"Come in," I said.
My sister and Missandei came in with two unsullied carrying a trunk. Daenerys glanced at Sansa, raising a brow. Sansa stood up, straightening her dress.
"I'll let you three be," Sansa said.
"Thank you, Lady Sansa," I replied.
She gave a nod before leaving the room. Daenerys watched her leave, waiting until the she-wolf was gone. After a few moments, she looked at me.
"Why was Lady Sansa here?" Daenerys asked.
"She was telling me the ritual for the Old Religion Wedding ceremony," I answered.
"Oh," Daenerys said.
The two Unsullied put the trunk down, giving a bow to me before leaving.
"What's this?" I asked.
"Some dresses," Daenerys answered. "I was told of the tradition of the bride not making the dress. Hopefully, we can find something you can wear."
"Well, I'm no maid, so I can't wear white," I joked.
Missandei chuckled, knowing that is true. She opened the trunk and pulled the formal gown out and setting them on the bed. She pulled out the ones that are more suitable for the climate. There were three options. One was a lavender, then there was a navy-blue dress, and lastly, there was a white one with golden trim.
I tried on the first dress, which was lavender. It was made of velvet and decorated with exclusive trim. The trim is embroidered with beads and tiny pearls along the neck slit, sleeves, and front accents. The sleeves were fitted on the upper arm, the bell-shaped with a slit that was trimmed in white fur. While the chemise had fitted sleeves that held the same design.
The blue dress has a tight bodice that had side lacing with ample puff sleeve until reaching the elbow that becomes fitted at the high cuffs. A full draped skirt. Low neckline coquettishly reveals the chemise underdress. There was delicate through noble trim in embroidery with a final finish of a silver belt.
The last dress was a white one. It was made out of natural velvet. Having a narrow bodice that is tightened on the side by two pieces of gold lace, which are simultaneously decorated at the seams. A deep triangular cut and shoulder parts of the sleeves are decorated with golden brocade, enhanced with the application of the golden metalized net, golden lace embroidery and crystals. Along with long flared sleeves that are trimmed with gold braid on edge and lined inside with the silk. The skirt flares and is draped into the deep folds. Each wedge of the skirt is decorated with two elements of the golden embroidery, that take the shape of dragons. There was a hint of dragons through the dress in the embroidery trim.
"I don't recall ordering this dress," I thought aloud.
"Actually, I ordered it when we lived in the Bay of Dragons," Daenerys said. "I thought it would be the perfect coronation dress. But I think it makes a better wedding dress."
"Agreed," Missandei said. "Why do you not want to wear white?"
"White usually signifies purity and virginity," I replied, staring at myself in the mirror. "I'm not pure, nor am I a virgin."
Missandei stood behind me as she adjusted my hair, "You may not be a maiden Alysanne but you are a pure soul. The color of white does not mean virginity. It means a new beginning, hope, simplicity, and perfection."
"You all think so?" I asked.
"Yes," Daenerys said as she took to secure a belt around my waist. "You deserve this dress."
I stared myself in the mirror, contemplating what the dress should be.
.o0o.
Jorah's POV
Jorah was making his way to the forge needing to ask Durak a favor. It has been three days since the announcement of his engagement. And yesterday, a shipment of food arrived from White Harbor. In other words, things are peaceful in Winterfell. Despite the construction of repairing the damages. There were many things he needed to get done before the wedding night.
Once he arrived at the forge, he found Durak hammering away.
"Durak," Jorah called out.
The Qohorik looked up, then back down, hammering away, "Armor is not ready."
"I'm not here for armor," Jorah assured.
Durak looked at him, confused.
"I need a ring made," Jorah explained. "A wedding ring."
"Do I look like silversmith?" Durak grumbled. "I don't even have silver."
"No, I need it to be made out of this," Jorah said, handing him a key.
Durak quenched a pauldron and came over taking a look at the key, "It's a perfectly good key. It would be a shame to melt that down."
"Oh, you don't melt it down," Jorah explained. "I want you to keep the blade and the bow."
Durak examined the key again, "It can be done. I assume you want it before the wedding?"
"Aye," Jorah confirmed.
"I'll make a new shank for the key as well," Durak added. "By any chance, do you have the Queen's size?"
Jorah pulled out a simple ring. He had Missandei snatch it to help the blacksmith. It was nothing fancy or valuable. Only a band, since Alysanne keeps a mock ring when traveling and jewelers wanted to sell items while the Targaryen was busy.
"I appreciate it," Jorah said.
Durak secured the ring in his pouch. "With what the Dragon Sisters pay me, it is enough to live three lives."
Jorah can only nod. He thanked the blacksmith again before leaving the forge. It was a tradition in House Mormont to make a ring out of their key. Jorah did it once with his first wife, Gillian. Lynesse preferred many expensive things. And Alysanne, she did not care. She only cares about the sentimental values.
"Cousin!" someone called out.
Jorah stopped as he turned around to see Lyanna walking towards him. He was pleased to see his young cousin able to walk and not rely on her wheelchair.
"What can I do for you, Lyanna?" Jorah replied.
"I have something for you," Lyanna said, handing him a leather pouch.
He accepted the pouch, wondering what was inside. There was some wait and a clinking of something. Loosening the strings, he opens it to see what it was. His eyes widen, for it was something he has not seen since he was a wee lad. It was his mother's necklace made out of pearls. Jeor Mormont gave them to his mother on their wedding day. Jorah thought Jeor had the necklace buried with his mother in Mormont crypt.
"My mother held onto them," Lyanna said.
Of course, Maege would, Jorah thought. His aunt did not take fondness of Lynesse and probably hide every valuable from them. Then again, Jorah was thankful for his aunt. The woman who was like a second mother to him. If only he'd listened to her wisdom more often.
"Don't spend them," Lyanna warned.
"I promise, I won't," he assured her.
"Good," Lyanna said. "I like her. She's not too feminine."
Jorah snorted, knowing that is true.
"Is she taking the name?" Lyanna asked.
"No, her House is near extinction, so I will be taking hers," he confessed.
Lyanna nodded. Jorah assumed when Lyanna decides to marry, her husband will take her name. It was the same for Maege, as her husband took the Mormont name to save it from extinction while he was in exile. It was rare for men to change their names. Especially from noble families. But if a House is nearing extinction, many men are willing to take the risk. Although when he talked to Alysanne about it, she felt guilty. So, she made a compromise to change their name to Mormont-Targaryen, including for their children.
The thought of children left mixed emotions. When he was younger, he always wanted children. However, after three miscarriages from Gillian, especially the last one killing her, the desire to have a child right away terrified him. He was cautious with Lynesse since she was young. Now with Alysanne, he wanted one, but he worried about her condition. Quaithe told him Alysanne's death will be of age. Therefore, there should be nothing to fear. Maybe it was nerves.
"Don't forget who you are," Lyanna warned. "You might live in a castle, but don't forget where you come from."
"I won't, my lady," he promised.
Lyanna nodded as she left with her advisors. Jorah sighed, then looked at the pouch in his hand. One he will give to Alysanne after their wedding. He had to admit, he didn't anticipate getting married like this. Then again, he feared he wouldn't be married to Alysanne. What he dreaded was Alysanne being required to marry a lord to secure her claim as Queen. Now here he was, a lesser lord marrying a Queen to appease the Northmen. When it was offered, Jorah saw red, as the Lords eyed the young men. How he proposed is not what he preferred, letting jealousy and possessiveness got the better of him. But damned if he let an opportunity slip.
Still, he needs to make up for the rush. This was not the wedding she deserves. Then again, Alysanne isn't about material things. He could probably name five important objects she can't part or wear again. In the end, Jorah wants to cherish her.
Jorah walked about seeing how the restoration is doing. He was talking with the Dothraki when a few men walked by.
"I can't wait for the bedding ceremony," one lord said.
"Yeah, a chance to grab that lass's ass," his companion agreed.
The Knight saw red, yet he kept his composure. He had forgotten about the bedding ceremony. Mainly the lords carrying the bride to the bedchambers while stripping her clothes. That is one thing Jorah did not like, other men seeing Alysanne naked. Almost wanted to kill Daario when he saw Alysanne naked. And there was the Great Masters, after the incident with Rhaegal. Alysanne tried to be modest, slightly insecure about her body. No way, Jorah will let those men touch her or see her indisposed.
Jorah then realized he has become Ned Stark. From what he heard, he threatened to break jaws before anyone lays a hand on Catelyn Tully.
He took a deep breath needing to clear his head.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
The girls left, giving me some privacy. I sat by the window holding Dark Sister. Tracing my fingers over the ruby that was on the rainguard. I held Dark Sister once before handing it over to Ser Barristan. This sword once belongs to Visenya. She was the first well-known wielder, followed by Maegor until he took Blackfyre. It would be over a decade before Jaehaerys took it, using Dark Sister to claim his birthright to the Iron Throne. Followed by Baelon the Brave, who took the sword to avenge his brother's murder by Myrish exiles. Then came Jaehaerys' grandson Daemon using it in the War for the Stepstones of not the Dance Dragon. The battle of Above the Gods Eye, where Daemon leaped from the back of Caraxes and plunged it into Aemond Targaryen's eye. Then there was the Dragon Knight, Aemon Targaryens son of King Viserys II, who was considered to be the great swordsman of the era. Afterward, Bloodraven, given by his half-brother. Until it vanished never to be seen in over a hundred years. The last wielder being Ser Barristan Selmy.
Now it is back in my possession. However, I was not trained with a long sword. I felt comfortable with an arming sword and a short sword. Jorah and Ser Barristan did teach me how to use a two-handed handle, but it's been some time. My sword, the Targaryen sword, was lost in the fight with the Ice Dragon. I remember the sound of shattering. Probably lost somewhere in the Wolfswood.
I will have to ask Jorah to reteach me how to use a longsword.
'That you do,' Visenya said.
I looked around until staring at a mirror in which Visenya appeared.
'Visenya,' I greeted. 'it's been a while.'
'Thatit has,' she agreed. 'I'm pleased to see you are alive and safe. And I congratulate you on your betrothal. Like I told you, Jorah is a good candidate.'
'He is fresh blood,' I agreed.
'And his seeds will reset the bloodline and never again shall it be tampered,' she said. 'From what I've seen, he is a good knight. A bit old, but strong as any bear.'
I chuckled slightly, 'I guess I prefer older men.'
'Strong, muscular, if not hairy,' she teased.
I chuckled again and stared at the sword, 'It's a beautiful sword.'
'Dark Sister was made for nobler tasks than slaughtering sheep. She has a thirst for blood,' she murmured. 'That is what Daemon Targaryen once said. She meant for a purpose, not for display or theatrics."
'It sounds like you don't think I'm worthy for her,' I thought.
'Youhave a sword.'
'My sword is lost.'
'Well, there is another sword.'
I felt heat in my cheeks in what she meant. Gods, why is everyone perverted. And I thought Jorah was worse when he gave me his sheath back in Meereen.
Visenya gave a laugh.
'Lendthe sword to Jorah, he will need it for the coming war with the Lioness. And soon, another will be in his hand. Once you are Queen and King Consort, Dark Sister will be in the hands of your children, and their children, and so forth. She has been lost, and now she has been found. Just like you.'
I smiled softly, tracing the flames on the crossguard.
'Can you see my children?' I asked, curious.
'Ido they are beautiful. Strong as their father and wise as their mother.'
I smiled thoughtfully of the future.
Visenya gave a sad smile.
'Whatis it? What's wrong?'
'Icannot say. Only know nothing can stay.'
Before I could ask what she meant, she left. I sighed, wondering what she meant by that? I pray for a good future. Not for the Iron Throne, but to be happy. Yes, this wedding will put the North at ease. But most importantly, it will make me glad to be married to someone I love.
The next chapter will be the wedding.
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