I was briefly annoyed this morning…

The original goal was to complete this story in 30 Chapters or less. There are at least 20-30k more words, though. Lots to write.

Oh well. It is what is. Can't say I haven't enjoyed writing this story :D

Cheers!

The Water Gardens

294 AC

Despite his recent string of victories in his last three tourneys, and no longer having to need to train, Starag Mormont had found himself rising out of bed long before the sun had come up.

Immediately, he banished all kinds of thoughts related to his current predicament and decided only to relieve the stress in his body through some good old-fashioned exercise.

It had taken him only a few minutes to get dressed, leave his room, and enter the gardens. Strangely enough, it was rather cool in the late nights and the early mornings. There, he had run five laps along the length of the sprawling park of crystal water pools and blood orange trees. It was probably far more than a mile, but he didn't care.

Then, Mormont had jumped into one of the pools and swam his 20 lengths for the morning before he retired back to his room where he washed up and dressed for the day.

By the time he was finished, the sun had already peeked above the thin white line of the horizon, and the sweltering Dornish heat had begun to invade his senses. It was then that he sat down at his own private table in his room that he began to think of a solution to his problem.

How in the Seven Hells would he get Rhaenys Targaryen to come out of her shell?

It had been three days since the Martells had made their singular, and rather personal demand of him to help Rhaenys spend more time with the rest of her family. So far, Mormont had elected to stay in his room for the first two days. His initial seething rage at Oberyn and Doran had passed rather quickly and was now replaced with the ice-cold, yet oddly interested demeanor that he usually carried about himself.

Starag Mormont was not a Maester by any means. He did not consider himself to be book-smart. In fact, he considered books to be a rather poor substitute for reality and a foolish endeavor for anyone wishing to learn more about the world. Learning something new was best at the hands of a mentor, like how Arthur had taught him the ways of the sword.

And, of course, he had not read a single book in his life, at least not up till that point. And while he could read, Mormont seriously doubted it could help him in any significant way. He didn't win his gold by reading a book, it was his own two hands that had won him his fortune.

Would a book help him solve this issue of Rhaenys Targaryen's reclusive personality? No, it was very unlikely.

It was problems like these, however, that seemed to fascinate him greatly. Not only because they were uniquely human… But they were also vital to the affairs of the state, as well as his friends and allies…

It had been a long time since he had undergone one such task. The last was the whole Tower of Joy ordeal. Now, he had to help this inexplicably beautiful girl get out of her shell. Otherwise, the Dornish would not support Jon's claim to the Iron Throne when the time came.

How lovely… Mormont thought to himself. A seemingly impossible task for anyone…

But not for Starag.

What does she need the most? He calmly asked himself as he sat at the large circular yew table with his pipe in his hand, and a puff of smoke fuming out from his mouth. What is she missing? What will help her deal with this whole mess and move on from it?

All Rhaenys did was read all day long. Oberyn had told him how she'd read countless books in the massive library… But what kinds of books were they? What subjects were they about? Why did they interest her?

That would be his first and likely only lead, it seemed. While a bit dull, it was literally better than nothing at all. It would have to do in the meantime.

Mormont stood up sharply and readjusted his tunic. He didn't know if Rhaenys would be up at this time, but it wouldn't hurt to check out the library right before breakfast. Besides, he always wanted to look his best.

It hadn't taken him long to find his way back to the massive pale orange wooden door that he'd opened just a few nights earlier. It was closed shut this time around, but it gave way after a good push.

He stepped inside and took note of the still-burning hearth and familiar long wooden desk with stacks and piles of books on top of it. The armchair was empty save a rather light quilt.

Did it get cold in the library? At night, perhaps. Dornish nights were cool, and it would make sense with the hearth being there as well. Still, it seemed Rhaenys could stand a little cold just so she could read her books.

Mormont approached the long wooden table and immediately began scanning the covers and the spines of the multicolored tomes for the titles. He started with the one that lay right in the middle of the table, in what looked to be a workspace of sorts. Likely where the girl would crook her head to read.

It was open and on its back. He ignored the contents of the page and picked it up, checking the spine for its title. He was surprised when he saw it. In sparkling golden lettering, it had said 'The Way of Ice: A Complete Directory of the Houses of the North'.

He found his answer when he flipped the book back over and read the second page which had a sternly folded top right corner. He saw the roaring black bear standing on its hind legs in a green wood. His own House's sigil. Below it was the words of his House.

"Here We Stand."

Mormont snickered softly. The girl had been doing her own research on him, it seemed. Though what for, he didn't know.

It was then that he remembered the soft and affectionate gleam in her indigo eyes just a few days prior. Was she really only interested in women? Or was that something Oberyn had said just to throw him off the scent? Mormont never knew with the Red Viper.

He put the book back how he found it and continued searching around. He soon found another book that had piqued his own interest. 'Creatures & Animals of the Known World'.

As he poured through, he couldn't help but noticed that a lot of the pages had been folded many times over at the corners, so Rhaenys could pick up where she left off. Though the whole book had likely been read a dozen times over, the most worn pages looked to be the ones focused on more… magical creatures. Mormont flipped through vivid pictures and depictions of dragons, firewyrms, griffins, basilisks, and even krakens, too.

An animal lover, too… She and Jorelle would get along. He smiled at the thought of his family. He would be home soon.

Another book simple titled 'The Last Hero' had been left by the edge of the table. Mormont had already heard the story from Old Nan about a half-dozen times, though, so he ignored it. She needs to get out of this place for a day or two. Some adventure should-

Clang!

Slowly, he turned his head to see what had caused the sudden noise in the quiet library.

Standing in the open doorway, with reddened cheeks and her shining brown-auburn hair was Rhaenys Targaryen. She wore a different dress today. It was dark maroon red, with silver trimmings and embroidery, and had sleeves with small silver studs. There were small snakes and dragons etched into the cloth.

And at her feet was a smashed porcelain plate, with a dozen bodies of steamed shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, along with thinly chopped and grilled sweet potatoes. All splayed on the floor.

"Star-I mean, Lord Mormont!" She stammered to correct herself. Her violet eyes had fixed carefully on his massive figure. "What are you doing here?" She asked, her voice having quickly regained its practiced tonality.

Mormont took one last glance at the books and then back at the girl. Even in dim fire glow, she was breathtaking. How did she ever have the time to fix herself up like this?

"You can call me Starag, my lady." Mormont stayed exactly where he stood. He didn't want to accidentally scare the girl away due to his clear difference in size. "I already know who you are."

Those red cheeks had quickly paled into a thick white. The indigo eyes had widened in fear upon being found out. "I-I don't know what you're-"

"Your uncles told me." He said. Mormont would have to tell her about Jon much later. He fixed a warm smile at the girl, something which seemed to calm her. "Now… What are you up to with this?" he waved the first book he had seen on the desk and cracked open the page where his own House had been.

All over again, Rhaenys had blushed fiercely and had stormed over to him with a fiery glare. She greedily snatched the book out of his hand and held it tight to her chest. "Nothing. Just a little light reading before bed."

"Light reading, my lady?" Mormont chuckled. "I thought most girls had read of Jonquil and Florian. More flowery words than that old brick in your hands, I should think."

"Most girls are stupid, Lord Mormont," Rhaenys replied. Though her blush was still present, her expression was of stern defiance. "Now tell me what you are doing here." Her voice had hardened into an accusing tone.

Starag had to stop himself from laughing out loud. Her glare was absolutely adorable. Despite their clear difference in size, she seemed almost fearless, like little Lyanna Mormont. "I thought I'd come and invite you to breakfast. Seeing as you managed to drop yours on the floor."

Rhaenys had glanced back at the smashed plate on the floor and pursed her lips. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Lord Mormont." She said as she looked back at him. "I'll have to clean it up and find a replacement. Besides, I have-"

"Reading to do?" He snorted and shook his head. "Do you think the books will run off if you stay away for a meal?"

Those thin eyebrows on her face and hedged in frustration. "No… But I have research which demands my attention." She closed the book and tossed it onto the desk, and then placed her hands on her hips and gave him an expectant gaze. "And unless you'd like to learn more about the Coming of the Andals and their generational wars with The First Men, I suggest you find some other woman to entertain you."

Mormont already had a warm grin on his face at the challenge. She was trying to shake him off… Or perhaps she was wondering if he'd get tired of her bookish nonsense and wanted to test him. To see if he really was interested in her, at least as a person.

Starag Mormont was, by all means, a persistent man. Being persistent in life had only ever gotten him results. He was far too stubborn to give up on anything. "I've always enjoyed a good history lesson. I'm sure you can tell me more over breakfast." He said as he gently took her soft hand in his calloused palm. Rhaenys did not take it away. "Come, you can meet my squire, Jon, and Lord Garlan. And I'm sure you would get along rather well with Lady Margaery."

Rhaenys seemed to be reading his deep blue eyes for any sign of authenticity. And while he was being genuine about his offer, he could tell that she was frustrated that her search was found lacking. She had no plausible reason to say "No."

Still, even Rhaenys Targaryen herself was just as stubborn as he. "I suggest you revise the terms of your bargain with my uncles, Lord Mormont. You'll find your liability far too expensive."

How does she know? He had underestimated her intelligence, it seemed. No matter, he wouldn't make the same mistake again.

She likely knew because she had told Doran of what happened that night… If Mormont sought her out again, it was probably because her uncles had put him up to it. Or at least, that's how he imagined she thought of the whole thing.

Mormont had only slightly widened his eyes in surprise, but that was more than enough for the girl standing in front of him to answer his confused expression. "I spent quite a bit of time in King's Landing, Lord Mormont. What did my uncles promise you? Gold? Women? Holdings? Tell me now and I'll have them give it to you."

Should he tell her about Jon? No... That was a whole other issue for another day. She'd find out sooner or later, but not now. Isolating herself had developed a sort of self-reliance in her, but being alone practically all of the time was the most torturous experience of them all.

And sure, he was driven here so Dorne could rally behind Jon one day… But he had also wanted to see this girl again in the three days he spent alone in his room. Mormont found that nothing had come to mind except for her enchanting pale face and violet eyes. And of course, her joyous laughter as well.

Lying to her would only make Rhaenys distrust him further. So, Mormont elected honesty as his champion. He put his hands on her arms and brought her closer. "Your uncles did ask me to stay awhile longer for your sake, true." He admitted. "However, you've made a mistake in assuming that I'm here strictly for business." He spoke truthfully.

Rhaenys' violet eyes narrowed in on him once again, inspecting him thoroughly before they widened significantly. She had realized that he was not in fact lying at all.

He continued, his voice taking on the authoritative tone of the Lord of Bear Island. "You're a beautiful girl," Mormont did not fail to notice the flush of red in her cheeks. "The invitation stands. If you don't want to eat with us, that's fine. You don't have to come along. Personally, I would love to see you there. You look lovely in this dress." He said with a warm and genuine smile. "The seat next to mine is all yours, Rhaenys."

The girl gave a sharp exhale upon hearing him say her name. All of her prior frustrated haughtiness had completely vanished. Now, Starag Mormont was looking at the lonely violet eyes of Rhaenys Targaryen. There was a brief twinkle of… admiration in those large indigo orbs.

Once again, Starag Mormont had kissed the back of her hand and made his exit. He stepped over the spilled food and strode sternly out of the library.

Mormont sat at the breakfast table, attacking his food with the same vigor and energy as he had when he climbed the southern walls on Pyke with his brother and Thoros of Myr.

On his right was Jon, who was also stuffing salted shrimp and fresh, fluffy bread into his mouth. Further down past Jon was Garlan and Margaery. They seemed the more civilized pair of foreigners as they went at their food with a simple knife and fork.

What a bunch we make… He had not liked shrimp initially. It was too stringy for his tastes. Yet like the lizard-lion meat he had back in the home of Howland Reed, Starag had soon developed a keen liking for the delicacy.

The seat to his left had still remained empty for the past few minutes. Starag wondered if the girl had simply shrugged off his invitation or whatnot. It did not matter, he would find another plan of attack. He always did.

Doran Martell was avoiding his food and was looking at the empty chair with hopeful yellow eyes. A part of Mormont felt for the man. His only niece had survived the most devastating of circumstances to befall the Martells and then had promptly shut herself off from her family. It was as if Rhaenys had also died herself.

Oberyn was trying not to look at the slightly open twin-yew doors that led into the narrow dining hall. Though occasionally, his black eyes had landed on Mormont with a sort of threatening appeal. As if to say "Bring my niece here please, or else."

Starag didn't really want to find out what that would mean. He was sure it had something to do with poison. And perhaps a spoon, as well.

He let out a sigh of careless resignation and went to pour himself another cup of coffee. The hot black liquid rolled out of the clay pot with a fine steam and filled his nose with the rich smell of fresh coffee.

As he reached over to the jar of honey, Mormont had felt a slight breeze brush against his left cheek. The chair to his side had moved back a few inches before an exquisite behind had planted itself on top of the cushion, covered in a thick maroon red dress.

Mormont glanced to his left and saw Rhaenys Targaryen sitting stiffly in the chair. Despite how awkward she had likely felt in a room filled with people she rarely talked to, she gave him a warm smile with a mirthful twinkle in those perfect violet eyes.

He immediately rewarded her by cracking a wicked grin. "Good morning, my lady." He said politely as he pawed at the jug of coffee and held it out to her. "Coffee?"

"I would like that very much, Lord Mormont," Rhaenys said. She picked up the empty cup in her dining set and held it under the cap of the clay jug. Starag had poured the last of the coffee into her mug and immediately ordered for more to be made.

Another glance around the table had told him everything he needed to know. This was certainly a rare occurrence indeed. Not just to Doran and Oberyn, but also to the other eight Sand Snakes and Arianne, who had looked at Rhaenys as if she had suddenly grown a second head. Curiously, however, she had ignored their strange gazes and had opted to make polite conversation with him.

Doran had given him a thankful nod and had returned to his meal, while Oberyn had returned to his usual smiles and witty banter with his daughters.

Mormont set to take his spoonful of honey for his first cup of the day and dipped it slowly while the golden ichor drizzled into the black steaming liquid.

At his side, he heard her voice speak up again. "Is that not terrible for your stomach?"

Starag Mormont stopped twirling his honey-covered spoon in his coffee and slowly turned his head to the owner of the treasonous words. To his right, he had even heard Jon stop talking with Garlan and also look at Rhaenys with a deep-set frown.

She saw both of their hard looks and was completely puzzled. "What?" She asked innocently. "I read about it in-"

"Have you tried it?" Mormont kept his voice stern and hard. If Rhaenys Targaryen was going to be spending more time around him, this was a lesson she needed to learn.

The girl's answer was a firm shake of the head. "No. I haven't. Why?"

Mormont said nothing as he set to work. He gently took the fresh cup in Rhaenys' hands and switched it with his current mug. "Drink." He said as he quickly found the waiting jar of honey.

"But-"

"Drink," Mormont repeated himself sternly, leaving no room for argument.

With a frustrated huff, Rhaenys Targaryen gingerly lifted the wooden mug to her lips and took a careful sip. Then she had let the mug down, held it in her dainty hands for a few moments while she licked her lips, and stared blankly at the wooden tankard.

It was then that she drew back her head and downed the rest of the mug in a series of small gulps. After a few moments, the tankard had been drained with the exception of a small golden pool of honey at the bottom. The result was a beaming smile on the girl's exceptionally pretty face.

She's hooked.

"Oww!"

Mormont could not help but chuckle as Rhaenys rubbed her arm softly to soothe the pain. She had held up the wooden practice sword out in front of her like it was a spear.

He lowered his practice sword and walked up to her. He'd have to show her how to properly guard.

Rhaenys had changed out of her dress and had gotten into something rather pleasing to Starag's eyes. Now, she wore tight leather riding pants which did indeed show off her shapely figure, and a crisp white shirt that looked more like a blouse, along with tanned leather riding boots.

Her hair had been done up with the same braid as it had been a few nights prior so as to not get in her line of vision. While Mormont thought she was ravishing, he was mildly distracted by her footwork.

The young woman stood as if she were fencing like a Braavosi Water Dancer. As such, she was holding the longsword with one hand.

"You were holding the sword wrong." He said softly, letting his blade rest against a nearby pillar.

"Oh…" Rhaenys managed a small giggle. She had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "I suppose that makes more sense."

It was… strange to be teaching a woman how to use a sword. As a general rule of thumb, Starag Mormont had never taught any woman about anything related to combat or warfare.

But seeing as he was likely going to have a hand in the training of his cousins, he knew he might as well get some practice in. The women in his family often preferred to swing a sword or a mace as opposed to dancing at a feast. With him in charge, they'll have to suck it up and learn how to dance as well.

He lay his rough and calloused hands on Rhaenys' soft porcelain skin and rubbed the red patch where he'd rapped his sword against. "Better?"

"Yes..." Rhaenys smiled at him. Her violet eyes were laughing. "How is it properly done?"

Starag took her practice sword by the blade and guided her arms into the right position. "Here. You want it to be held a bit closer to your chest so you can properly bend your elbows. Not too far away, because then you'll fall off balance."

He had not failed to notice how… easy his touch had come to her. She did not mind the scars on his forearms, nor the roughness of his hands. In fact, she seemed to relish it. "And what about my feet?" Rhaenys asked.

Mormont met her indigo eyes again. This time she looked at him with a knowing smirk. Damn provacatrix… He shook his head lightly and smiled. She was an observant one, always knowing where his eyes were wandering.

Immediately, a plan had formed in his mind as to how he'd get her back. "If you're going to tease me for the rest of my stay, Rhaenys, you might as well do it properly." He said with a wicked grin. "You've got a book for that, too, I trust."

"Only with the most explicit pictures, Starag." She flirted back with a smirk. "I may be persuaded to help a certain wayward barbarian read it… If he could help me with my footwork."

"I can think of something more sociable to do," Starag said with a broad smile. "It's much like dancing. Do you know how?"

Rhaenys had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "It's been far too long since I've last danced. I fear I've grown quite sluggish."

"Then we ought to rectify that first." Mormont took the practice sword out of her hands and tossed it away. It clattered on the pink marble floor of the courtyard just a few meters away.

There was no point in teaching a girl how to use a sword before she learned how to dance. She would have no concept of how fast one needed to be on foot, otherwise. It was better to start with something simple.

"You're going to show me how to waltz, Lord Mormont?" Rhaenys asked with a playfully raised eyebrow as he wrapped a single hand around her slim waist. Her left hand had slid up his right arm to his shoulder, while the right had melded into his left paw.

"That will be our first lesson, Lady Targaryen." He replied just as spirited. Mormont almost laughed upon seeing the sheepish blush and self-conscious smile on her face once he called her by her real surname. "I've never danced with a Dragon before," he commented.

Rhaenys' hand latched softly onto his shoulder. "And I've never danced with a Bear, Lord Mormont. I'm afraid you'll have to show me how it's done."

He did show her the specific foot movements. Mormont didn't doubt for a second that Rhaenys could pick it up, though. She was as smart as a whip, quite possibly the smartest girl of eight-and-ten that he'd ever met.

She exceeded his expectations, and after a few missteps, Rhaenys began to walk in sync with him as they paced the pink marble courtyard. Neither of them had noticed the passing observers. They were both entranced in one another's eyes.

Just before dinner, Starag and Rhaenys had been joined on their walk through the Water Gardens by Jon, Garlan, Margaery, and even Arianne Martell.

The long column of sunlight blazed on the pink marble as they walked towards the dining hall, though this time, Mormont had soon found Rhaenys linking her arm in his own. The group of six had passed by the various pools in the Water Gardens and were just coming upon the largest pool.

It was a long rectangular shape. The same one he'd used to when he had trained earlier that morning. There were founts of crystal white water flowing into the pool, filling the courtyard with a pleasant, soothing sound.

"As for Alysane, well… She used to be quite the prankster when she was younger." Mormont had keenly remembered his grand plan to get back at Rhaenys for teasing him. In preparation, he had begun telling her a few stories about his cousins earlier in the afternoon and finally came upon one that would perfectly set up what he was about to do.

Rhaenys herself had changed back into a much simpler, sleeveless forest green dress. Her pale skin was lightly tanned from the sun. A part of Mormont suspected she might've had darker skin once if she had not stayed inside for so long.

"One time at dinner, she had crept up on Dacey and dumped a hot bowl of venison stew on her head." Mormont had continued. He had not failed to notice how the girl was rapt with attention. "It was as if time stopped completely. Nobody spoke a word for a few moments. Finally, Dacey stood up from her chair, picked up Alysane by her collar, and dragged her outside."

It was then that they walked along the middle section of the pool. Now was the time to strike. "And what did she do next?" Rhaenys had asked, looking rather attentively at him.

"This," Mormont said simply. For a few seconds, the girl seemed to be downright confused right before he had effortlessly scooped her up in his arms and tossed her into the shining pool of crystal water.

"Oh!" Rhaenys managed to squeal just before she landed in the water a few meters to his right. Swoosh! Drops of water flew into the air and had splashed against the marble walkway.

Mormont did not hold himself back from laughing at the sight of the now completely drenched Rhaenys Targaryen as she came back up above the water. Despite her furious expression, there was a playful smile on her thin pink lips.

"Now!" Jon's voice had called behind him. Starag made to turn around but found himself being propelled downward into the water as he felt four pairs of hands shove into his back.

Starag Mormont met the rushing water headfirst. His ears rumbled with the crashing impact which was then followed by the soft and pleasant hum of the ocean. The pool had been deep enough so that he wouldn't hit his head, and now he was entirely submerged underneath the shimmering gaze of the orange sun.

A few feet away he saw Rhaenys' toned legs treading the water. The forest green dress fluttered as if it were in a slow wind.

The hourglass body had turned to face him, and Mormont was greeted with the sight of the round and perky breasts on the girl's chest. Just barely through the thick linen material, he had noticed that the nipples which were pointed directly at him were hard and firm.

Mormont came up for air, his head breaking through the crystalline ceiling of the water and back into the real world above. As his ears emptied out more drops of water, he had heard the deafening sound of collective laughter.

It had taken the combined might of Jon, Margaery, Garlan, and Arianne to push him off the pink marble walkway and into the pool. And now, he saw them nearly bunched over on their knees, their chests rising and falling while tears came from their eyes. His unrelenting mind had begun to construct a plan to get back at them.

Yet before he could do anything, a pair of pale and thin arms had wrapped around his neck from behind. The hands planted themselves on his chest with surprising strength, and once again he was plunged underwater.

Starag found himself looking back up at the laughing violet eyes of the girl he'd come to enjoy so much. This wonderful girl had so suddenly managed to make him enjoy the simple things in life again.

Mormont had taken great pleasure in teaching her how to dance, especially when she'd taken to his preferred method of drinking coffee. He genuinely liked her company. She gave him the peace of mind that he'd been starved of his whole life.

And, it seemed that she felt the same way for him…

The girl's hands had let go of his chest and had wrapped around his shoulders to pull him back up. When Mormont had burst through the water again, he had soon been embraced in a tight hug by Rhaenys. The large breasts had rubbed wetly against his chest as the two of them trod the water.

Slowly, she had reached up to his ear and pulled him closer to her. With her steady, hot breath on his ear, all he heard was. "Thank you."

Author's Notes

For those of you who may be wondering (or potentially concerned), Rhaenys is eighteen years old in this book.

I aged her up a few years from the books, and you can actually figure out how old she is at the beginning of Chapter 16. And Starag correctly guesses her age in Chapter 24.