The whitewashed stone houses of White Harbor stood out against an overcast sky, the steep gray slate roofs providing a striking contrast. New Castle, the great keep of house Manderly, stood proud atop a hill behind the city's bright white walls. The familiar chill was a comfort to him, and he breathed in deeply taking in the sight of home.

Dany stood in front of him, and looked over her shoulder to give him a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was always lovely, but when she smiled like that, he felt like a green boy. He didn't fail to notice her cheeks were rosy from the crisp air, and he wondered how she would withstand the harsher temperatures that were surely on their way.

"I can't believe we're finally here," she told him.

He kissed her brow, not wanting to dampen her mood with the worries that were causing tightness in his chest. She'd never known him as a bastard, had never seen the way the world looked at him with disdain. At least they weren't going to Winterfell yet. He wasn't ready for her to meet Lady Catelyn. Greyjoy would be bad enough.

More importantly, he had to figure out how they would begin their journey to Robb. Likely, he was at Riverrun or near enough. They couldn't avoid traveling through the swamps of the Neck, and he didn't know the Riverlands. A perilous journey for two inexperienced travelers... and with three dragon hatchlings they had to keep secret.

He could seek an audience with the Manderlys at Newcastle, and they would be able to tell him Robb's whereabouts and more news of the war.

The last two weeks had been a blissful blur and now it seemed like it had all been a dream. He tried to rub the tension from his neck as he contemplated their next moves.

She placed a tentative hand on his shoulder, and waited for him to look at her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Dany. Really. I'm just trying to decide how we should go about things once we dock."

"Don't you think it would be better if we worked that out together?"

He exhaled heavily. "Alright. We need to find out where Robb is and figure out how we can get to him safely. We have to keep the dragons hidden and you for that matter. And I don't know where to start."

"Well, if you had asked my opinion, you would know I've already come up with a plan for two of those things."

Amusement and curiosity lifted his somber mood. "Have you, now?"

"I can't very well stay hidden the whole time. What I need is an alias."

"An alias?"

"I shall be Doreah of Lys, your new bride. That will explain my features."

Warmth bloomed in his chest to hear her refer to herself as his bride, and he hoped he wasn't blushing again. "A beautiful girl from Lys who just decided to marry a Westerosi bastard?"

"Of course. They make an art of love in Lys. A romantic love match, " she told him, brushing his arm. "Any woman who looks at you will understand. Girls would claw each other's eyes out over that handsome face of yours."

If he wasn't blushing before, he certainly was now. "What do I tell them about why I was there in the first place?"

"That's for you to figure out."

He smiled truly then as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "And the dragons?"

"Nothing very clever about that. I'll just have to hide them under my cloak until we can find proper cages."

"Nothing could go wrong with that plan."

Her hands were on his neck, distracting him as usual. "All will be well, Jon. Stop thinking you have to take care of me. We are in this together."

The way she gave her love to him so freely, made him feel light headed. Anything that was in his power to give her, he would. "As soon as we reach my brother, I want to marry you."

"When we can use our true names."


His legs felt wobbly as they took to land again as he, Dany and Ghost disembarked with their luggage in hand. He offered his arm but she just winced, and waved him away.

Dany was concealing the three little dragons within her cloak and he could only imagine how uncomfortable she was with tiny talons poking her skin. He tried to help her, but not even Rhaegal would be parted from her as they took them from the only world they knew.

They rushed through the bustling streets lined with numerous mercantile shops and inns. It was a shame they couldn't take time to explore the city but he knew she would be frightfully uncomfortable and there was no telling how long the dragons would stand for it.

With great luck, they were able to buy three little bird cages and they set to work in an empty alley putting the hatchlings inside.

Relieved of her burden, her smile returned, and she took his arm now as they walked through the city holding their birdcages surrounded by canvas coverings.

They were about to pass over the threshold of a warm looking inn when they were accosted by a young woman in a blue-green wool dress.

"Excuse me, My Lord," she greeted with a curtsy. "Are you Jon Snow?"

He was surprised to be recognized at all but remembered he was traveling with his memorable direwolf. "Yes, but I'm not a lord."

"Begging your pardon, Jon Snow but Lord Manderly requests your presence at Newcastle."


The young house servant led them to the kennels first where they locked Ghost away a stall with the caged hatchlings.

The dragons screech furiously, startling the young woman. "Lizards from Essos, " Dany told her as her eyes went wide. "They don't like light."

Jon felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as they climbed the white steps of New Castle. The Manderly banners were waving proudly atop the towers and the household guard watching them approach held silver tridents instead of spears.

House Manderly was a staunch supporter of House Stark and he felt something akin to pride that the lord of the keep would extend this support to him. That same feeling, so foreign to him, was quickly dashed as an echo from the past spoke to him.

"Never forget what you are, bastard. The rest of the world will not."

The great hall of New Castle was like nothing he had ever seen. Painted crabs, clams and starfish hidden amongst twisting seaweed covered the wooden planks that made up the floor. Sharks and other creatures of the depths were depicted on the walls, swimming through sunken ships.

At the end of the hall, on a great cushioned throne sat the fattest man Jon had ever seen. Now he understood Lord Manderly's nickname, Lord Too-Fat-to-Sit-on-a-Horse. Two young women stood on either side of him, and he realized they must be his granddaughters. The younger of the two had green-dyed hair and he was instantly reminded of his little sister.

Lord Manderly waved them over with a friendly countenance and they exchanged pleasantries, introducing his granddaughters, Wylla and Wynafryd.

As Jon was introducing Dany as a Doreah of Lys, she pulled down her hood revealing her long silver hair. Lord Manderly's eyes went wide for a moment and he sat up straighter.

"Forgive me, Doreah of Lys, but it has been many years since I've seen hair like yours."

If Lord Manderly was surprised that Jon introduced Doreah as his new bride, he hid it well. His green-haired granddaughter, Wylla, however, didn't attempt to hide a look of amusement, while Wynyfryd's cheeks became flushed. They both eyed Dany closely and she held her head up high under the scrutiny.

"Well, Jon Snow, " Lord Manderly started, "King Robb wondered what became of you when he found you were no longer at the Wall."

"Aye, My Lord. I decided staying at the Wall was not for me. I deeply regret I have not been with my brother and that is why I am trying to get to him now."

"Aye, " Lord Wyman nodded. "He will be happy to have you at his side, I'm sure. You must leave at once. We can send you with a group of twenty fresh soldiers. Your best course will be to take the King's Road through the Neck and pass through the Crossing into the Riverlands. We can be ready at dawn."

Jon could hardly believe what he had heard. "Thank you, My Lord, " he said sincerely with a bow.

"House Manderly will always stand behind House Stark. Please allow my granddaughters to show you to your chambers."

He couldn't believe how remarkably simple that had been and it made him suspicious.

Wylla and Wynafryd led them through the halls decorated with faded flags and broken shields from the glories of battles long past. Jon and Dany exchanged nervous glances and he gave her a reassuring nod.

Lady Wylla looked back at him over her shoulder. "Shall we call you Lord Snow or Lord Stark?"

"Wylla!, " her older sister admonished her.

Jon felt himself bristle, but he almost felt more comfortable with her mocking tone.

"Call me what you wish My Lady, but I've never been a Stark."

He could feel Dany's anger, as she clutched his arm almost painfully. "What is your name again, My Lady? I'd sorely like to remember it."

Wylla snickered. "You are from Lys, aren't you? Blood of Old Valyria indeed."

Wynafryd stopped, sighing in frustration before turning back to them with a smile. "Please forgive my sister. She means no offense. We've just been hearing rumors."

"What rumors?", Dany asked.

Wylla interrupted her sister, looking only at Jon. "That your brother, King Robb, was going to legitimize you. Name you Jon Stark and free you from your vows, only by the time they could get word up there, you had vanished, having never taken your vows at all."

Taken aback, Jon looked at Dany who seemed equally confused.

Wylla looked quite pleased with herself as she turned to Dany. "Next time we meet, I may be calling you Lady Stark. Or Princess."

Jon felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Did they know who she really was? "What do you mean?" he asked having lost his patience.

Wynafryd was shaking her head with her face in her palm as her little sister went on. "I also heard a rumor that King Robb intends to make you his heir. From bastard to Prince in the North."

"That's enough, Wylla, " Wynafryd scolded her through gritted teeth. "Be on your way."

The girl gave a curtsy before taking off the way they had come.

Wynafryd showed them their chambers which were richly furnished in a similar style to the great hall. Once they were alone, Jon threw himself back on the bed, mind racing with the things Wylla had told them.

Robb had needed him. Had sent for him even and he hadn't been there. Was Robb really planning to name him Stark? Lady Catelyn surely wouldn't like that.

He didn't have time to contemplate it further as Dany sat beside him gently, "Jon, the dragons."


She tried to tell herself it was silly, the way she was fretting and wringing her hands as she waited for Jon to return. He had insisted that he go alone and she could rest but it was not restful to be sitting and worrying that something would go wrong.

A knock at the door had her jumping to her feet and she ran to open it. Her shoulders dropped when she was greeted by Lady Wynafryd and a handmaiden but she received them politely and welcomed them inside.

Wynafryd had brought her gowns and boots for her journey and she assisted the handmaiden in fussing over her, holding up the wool gowns to see if they would fit properly.

"These garments must be quite dreary compared to what you're used to in lovely Lys, but they will keep you warm."

Dany ran her hands over the thick, dark blue fabric. "I thank you, My Lady, for your kindness. Truly."

"Of course. We stick together in the North."

Dany was surprised to feel her eyes sting at Wynafryd's words. She had never known such bonds, having grown up mainly around people who looked out for themselves. Maybe she would find a true home on this side of the Narrow Sea.

"Now try on these boots, " Wynafryd directed. "Your footwear is quite important on a journey such as this."


She was alone again when Jon returned, and she rushed forward to help him with the cages.

"I'm sorry I took so long, " he sighed, exacerbated. "I ran into Lord Manderly and he wanted to fill me in on all of the details of the recent battles. Thank the Gods this lot stayed quiet for once."

She giggled at Jon's predicament as she unleashed the dragons, who sprang forth full of pent up energy.

"New dress? " she heard him ask while she knelt on the floor playing with her children.

Turning to face him, she held herself up on her elbows giving him a better view as he loomed over her. "New boots too, " she told him, brushing her foot against his.

Lowering himself to the ground, he crawled over her. "You're dressed like a Northern girl now."

"So I am, " she answered, running her fingers along the scruff of his beard before resting them on his neck.

He kissed her softly and her body surrendered when a piercing screech next to her ear startled her. They both cried out when her forehead went crashing into his nose.

Rubbing her smarting face, she turned to see Dreamfyre perched on her shoulder puffing his chest out at Jon defensively.

"What's wrong with him?" Jon asked, reaching out to pet the little black dragon. Dreamfyre hissed at his hand and Jon pulled it back.

Rhaegal appeared on Jon's shoulder hissing right back, and soon the two dragons leaped off of their parents and scampered around the room playfully chasing after one another.

Dany hugged her arms around Jon's middle and tucked her head under his chin, delighting in the way he hugged her back.

"Today was... unexpected, " she remarked.

"Aye... I didn't think we'd get a reception like that. I think I prefer being ignored."

"And what they said about your brother wanting to name you Stark? Did you know?"

"I didn't and we don't know that it's true."

"Do you want to be a Stark?"

"I don't know. The first thing I remember wanting as a boy was to be Jon Stark. But I've always known I wasn't. I'm not a Stark."

His words pleased her. She'd barely been able to refrain from wrinkling her nose at the thought of being Lady Stark. "No, you are a dragon. Ao issi nykeā real zaldrīzes. You are a real dragon."

His lips were warm against her temple and his thumbs were trailing patterns on her back.

"What will you tell Robb? Will you tell him everything?"

"He's my brother, Dany. If I can't trust him then there's no one I can."

All she could do was hope Jon was right. If his brother was anything like him, she didn't think they would have anything to fear.

He had a thumb tracing her ear now, and another along the line of her jaw. "Do you know I've never unlaced a Northern girl's dress before?"

She suddenly felt shy even as she felt a tingle between her thighs, and she ducked her chin, looking up at him through her lashes.

Tilting her chin back up to him, he kissed her deeply before turning her around wordlessly. Carefully, he brushed her hair aside and over her shoulder while her spine began to tingle.

His hot breath on her neck had her sucking in a breath.

"You're unusually quiet, " he whispered against her skin.

"Yes, " she breathed out.

His fingers began plucking at the fastenings of her dress, her own quickening pulse catching her off guard.

"You're trembling, " he teased.

"Yes."

She was the stranger in a new land now, embarking on her own adventure, and Jon had the upper hand... for now.


Early the next morning, they were at the stables greeted by the smell of manure and hay. He had trouble sleeping the night before thinking about the difficult journey that lay ahead of them.

Dany had a stubborn streak, he was finding, and it made her quite sure of herself, but they would be riding hard all day for weeks and sleeping out in the open with naught but bedrolls. They would bring enough food to get them through the Neck and avoid hunting in the swamplands, but then they would be eating whatever they could hunt off the land.

The group would move faster the less they carried and Lord Manderly suggested they forgo tents and anything that wasn't a necessity.

He warned them that Ser Gregor Clegane and his men had become a blight in the Riverlands and that they should avoid drawing any attention to themselves.

With Dany's limited riding experience, she would need a patient and forgiving horse and he helped her find a dapple-gray palfrey that didn't seem bothered by the dragons.

She felt small against him as he helped her climb onto the saddle, and he wished, not for the first time, that he could spare her this. For her part, she sat tall in her seat, looking every bit the Northern girl, as much as she could anyway with those striking features of hers.

"Riding all day is hard work, " he told her. "You just tell me when you need to take a break."

He felt her fingers run through his hair as she gave him a tender look. "You do the same for me, Jon Snow."

She laughed when he rolled his eyes at her, and it was clear to him she was not taking this seriously.

"Don't look so sullen. This is supposed to be an adventure."

He climbed into the seat of his chestnut courser before he replied. "We'll see how you feel about that by nightfall."


Her nose and cheeks stung in the cold morning air but the way the sun was beginning to climb in the sky she was hopeful it would be a sunny day. She felt instant affection for her dappled gray and shifted forward in her seat every so often to scratch her neck and tell her how good she was.

Growing up, she hadn't been on horses much but, what did that matter? She could learn. The men around her did not seem to share her enthusiasm, most looking like they were still half asleep.

Jon rode beside her with a furrowed brow, seemingly turning something over in his mind. She was finding he often had a tortured look on his face.

In Pentos, she had assumed his mood had simply reflected the circumstances but now she was starting to think otherwise. She had to admit, he looked quite comely even when he sulked.

The terrain was green and open as they made their way to the King's road. No one talked much, which was somewhat disappointing, but she had so much to take in, she told herself she didn't mind.

Riding hadn't been nearly as hard as she thought it would be, and she laughed at her sweet horse when she tried to divert from the path to eat the tall grass. She ignored Jon when he told her to be more firm with her, finding him to be overly serious.

As the day wore on, their path took them over rolling hills. The hills had been enjoyable in the beginning but quickly became difficult as she shifted forward and back in her seat, muscles working harder than she was used to. Her horse's snacking antics weren't cute anymore, and her affectionate petting had all but ceased.

Her thighs were starting to feel raw and it was only midday.

No wonder everyone looks so dour.

She could hear her children, cages hanging from her horse, crying out in their own frustration from being kept in the dark so long. Her horse had now completely stopped, ignoring her tugs on the reins while she ate the tall green grass she simply found too tempting.

Her eyes started to sting making her feel like more of a failure. These men already didn't think much of her capabilities because she was a woman but they'd think even less of her now.

Before her tears could fall, Jon was by her side. She let her hair hide her face as she tugged on the reins uselessly.

"Take in the reins, " he instructed calmly.

"Now pull up on them hard. You're a wee little thing, Dany. You won't hurt her."

Doing as he suggested, her horse finally complied.

"There you go, Dany girl."

His face reflected patience and warmth and she felt her lip quiver as they looked at one another.

"Come on now, " he bid her with an encouraging smile.

Steering her mount to keep stride with his, her thighs were still sore, her muscles woefully weary but they were in this together.

She tried to hide the full-body relief she felt when they stopped for the night. Barely able to walk straight after Jon helped her down, she went straight for her dragons.

She felt the other men eyeing her canvas cages and she couldn't imagine what they thought. The plan had been to keep them a secret and she hoped they could manage it. If the wrong person found out, they could try to take them from her.

Before helping the others set up camp, Jon took Dany and the hatchlings to an out of the way clearing so she could tend to them. Ghost standing guard, she fed them raw meat and watched them play.

Her heart ached when she had to put the hatchlings back inside their cages before they all settled down for the night on bedrolls near the crackling fire. Jon lay behind her, pulling her into him for warmth. The cold was harsher than she thought it would be and Jon had draped his cloak over her in addition to her blanket.

She pressed her frozen nose into the comforting fur of his cloak as she was watching the fire dance against the dark. All but lost in its flickering flames, she was pleasantly surprised when she felt Jon's hand slip through the blankets. Inch by inch, she felt him pull up her skirt while she began to squirm with anticipation.

His fingers found her womanhood directly, fondling the sensitive skin protected by a thin layer of small clothes. She had to turn her face into her bedding immediately to conceal the sounds that wanted to spill from her lips and give herself away.

Jon was a quiet, private man. Yet, here he was, stealing inside her skirts to drive her wild while they slept feet apart from their traveling companions.

Her body writhed as he teased her, struggling to keep still. In response, Jon grabbed her leg none too gently and trapped it between his own, exposing her further to his roaming hand. His hot breath on her neck, she thrilled at being trapped and at his mercy.

She almost groaned aloud when his hand moved under her small clothes and spread her slickness around her delicate flesh. Nothing could stop her hips from moving into his hand as his fingers plundered deep inside of her.

When his slick fingers found her pearl, she strangled her would-be moans and surrendered herself to the euphoria. Her body jerked as he took her through her silent release, and she squeezed her thighs together when he loosed her captive leg.

Rolling to face him, her heart fluttered to see his dark hooded eyes. Kissing him softly, she began to slip her own hand down between his legs, when he stilled her hand and moved it aside

Looking back at his eyes, she found regretful determination and she marveled at his self-restraint.


Jon found sleep difficult with his cock straining in his trousers, and he felt every lump and root beneath his bedroll. So when her silky smooth hand slipped inside his trousers the second night, his restraint waivered. Mercifully, she granted his release into an obliging piece of cloth, and he slept as soundly as he might anywhere.

By the third night, need had overtaken shame, and he fucked her as quietly as possible underneath their pile of bedding. He knew he wasn't fooling anyone, he knew it wasn't proper. Let them think he was a greedy bastard, they'd surely struggle to withstand her charms if they were in his shoes.


The party approached the ruins of Moat Cailin an hour before dusk and the remaining light showed the towers of the fortress covered in green moss. The malodorous smell of the swamps and the resounding sound of frogs chirping overwhelmed her senses, but it didn't matter because tonight she and Jon hoped to sleep more privately inside the ruined fortress.

A hard looking slender man, whom she had learned was Gavin Rivers, captain of this small band of soldiers, approached her. "Take care not to wander too close to the water, my dear. Lizard lions lurk in these swamps."

"They're not half so fearsome as lizards from Lys, " someone added causing a few to break out in laughter.

"Lizard lions? What are lizard lions?"

"They're like crocodiles but don't worry, " Jon told her while he unburdened their horses. "They won't bother you unless you go for a swim."

Dany helped Jon tend to the horses and she felt her affection growing for her gentle beast again as she brushed down her coarse hair.

Her children were beginning to chirp for her from their darkened cages and she felt guilt tugging at her heart. She wished she could let them rest on her shoulders while they rode but it wasn't safe yet to let them be seen.

She gave Jon a pained look when they began to cry louder. "Alright, go find us a space for the night but take Ghost with you. I'll find you soon."

She carried the three little cages awkwardly as she explored the ancient ruins with Ghost close by her side. Imagining that this place was once whole and full of life made her sad and weary of ghosts. Broken archways revealed a darkening sky with awakening stars as she passed under them.

She wandered into a small room that retained all of its walls though the ceiling was open and the floor was packed earth and sparse weeds.

"This will do, boy," she said to Ghost. "No lizard lions here."

Quickly, she set down their cages and unleashed her restless children. Bursting with energy, they sprung to greet her first, nuzzling her and scurrying about her shoulders and arms. Viserion crawled upon her head and she couldn't help but laugh at their enthusiasm.

"Fearsome dragons of old," Jon said with a smirk, as he walked in carrying their bedrolls.

"I hate keeping them in the dark all day long."

The little dragons rushed over to greet Jon when he knelt beside their mother, Rhaegal showing him the most affection.

"So do I, " he told her, kissing her forehead. "Everything will get easier once we reach Riverrun."

"I hope you're right."

Together they laid out their bedding side by side and as soon as this task was done, Jon pulled her into him for a kiss as the dragons danced about their shoulders.

"At least for tonight we'll have some privacy, " he told her. She smiled as he tickled her nose with his.

"Tired of rutting beneath the blankets already?"

He laid down on his back, taking her with him, and she pressed herself against his chest."Hmm. No, only looking forward to hearing your moans again."

"Confident, are you?"

"No, just hungry. I haven't been able to taste your cunt for three days."

She slapped his cheek playfully. "Is that any way to speak to Doreah of Lys?"

"Apologies, my love". Goosebumps broke out over her body when he began kissing her neck and moving lower.

She took his head in her hands before kissing him sweetly. Rolling onto her back, she rested her head on his shoulder and faced the stars. "Imagine how those stars would look on the back of a dragon."

"Do you really think they'll grow big enough to ride?"

"I know they will, " she told him truly.

"How do you know?"

"I've dreamt of it. Many times, " she answered, threading the fingers of her hand through his.

"I've dreamt of many things too, Dany. It doesn't mean they'll come to pass."

"Haven't I told you already, Jon? I'm no ordinary woman. My dreams come true."

"What do you mean?"

"I've always had such dreams. I don't always know what they mean. I dreamt of the manse burning, though I didn't know I'd be the one to do it. I've dreamt of dragons and unfamiliar castles. And... of a lover... whose face I could never see."

"A lover?" She knew she had his attention now.

"Yes. A Westerosi man whose face was always hidden in shadow... until I kissed you on that ship. Now, when I think on that dream, it's like the shadow was never there, to begin with, ... all I see is you."

She bit her lip when she saw his eyes become glassy before he brought her hand to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Have you had the dream since?"

She felt her face grow hot. "Once or twice. You're older in my dreams and... very sure of yourself."

"Should I be jealous, Princess?"

"Your beard is thicker in my dreams too, " she teased, scratching her fingers along his scruff.

"Maybe I should let you sleep then so you can get to your dream lover, " he told her, feigning offense.

Dany couldn't help but laugh at the idea of Jon being jealous of himself. "Or you could stay and I can watch you grow into him...night after night."


He quickly fell under her spell as she kissed his mouth and ran her fingers through his hair. "There's something I've been wanting to try, " she told him.

"Oh? What's that?"

"You'll see, " she taunted him as she began undoing his trousers.

His mind began to race wondering if she was going to do, what he thought she was going to do.

"Dany, you don't have to..., " he trailed off as she took his stiffening cock in her hand.

Please, Gods, don't stop.

"Are you nervous?, " she asked breathlessly.

He only nodded in return and she gave him a demure smile.

"Good."

He watched her watching him as her lips brushed lightly over his stones. The swipe of her tongue made him grunt and then she was lapping at him with the tip of her tongue, reminding him of a kitten drinking a bowl of milk.

The heat of her breath teased him further as she asked, "Is this alright? Does it feel good?"

"Aye, " he responded quickly. "Aye."

He heard her giggle and then his head was rushing as her lips were peppering his shaft with kisses, her tongue peeking out to drive him to madness.

When she trailed her tongue slowly up the side of his shaft, he was sure it was the greatest feeling in the world, until, her tongue flicked against his head and he thought he would burst.

He barely recognized his own voice with the sounds he was making. Having found his weakness, she exploited it and he was done for. This was ecstasy, this was fucking joy.

This is what Theon was always going on about. Fuck Theon, don't think about Theon.

There wasn't any point in trying to control himself any further, if someone heard him, then they heard.

Months ago he had been a bastard freezing his arse off at the Wall, thinking he'd die a virgin guarding the realms of men. Now, a princess was sucking on his cock.

He tried to warn her as he was teetering on the edge, but he could only mumble incoherently. Seeming unbothered, she continued to bob her hot little mouth up and down until his mind went blank and his limbs went numb as shivers spread from his groin and up his spine.

When he opened his eyes, she was sitting up and staring down at him again. "I should have done that a long time ago."

"It's ok, " he panted. "I don't think I was ready for it."

"And just think, " she said, pressing against him. "That was only my first try."