JON

It had been days since the Lord Commander and his granddaughter arrived in Winterfell and Jon hadn't seen Orrina Mormont since their welcoming feast on the second night. He didn't get to sit next to her that time, she was squeezed in next to Sansa and although she tried to look interested by what Sansa was saying, but he could tell she wasn't overly involved in the conversation.

Since then, Jon had only caught glances of her, usually with Sansa and Lady Catelyn so he had been sure to keep his distance. He had wanted to approach her and talk to her again. Jon was intrigued by her, the way she rode in proud and straight back on her horse, weapons at her side. But since arriving in Winterfell, Jon hadn't seen Orrina with her axe, nor her sword. But he had heard Sansa talk excitedly about making her a new dress.

It was an annoyance how much he thought of her, wondering when next he would be afforded a glance at her. Jon kept thinking about their conversation, how eager she seemed when she suggested sparing, he had never fought with a girl before. Well, just Arya but she hardly counted when it was just stick fighting. He had a feeling that Orrina Mormont really knew how to wield a sword.

Instead Jon was left to practice with Robb, while Theon watched on. He could have done without Greyjoy but for whatever reason, Robb liked him and they were each other's shadows. It was after dinner, so he had hoped Theon would go harass some girl and he would be alone with Robb. He would have liked to see what he thought of the Mormont girl, they had talked over dinner a few times, Jon noticed feeling quite jealous at the time. He always had to sit at the end of the table, away from his father's wife, afraid any closeness would offend her.

But Jon didn't dare ask about Orrina with Theon around. He would only make some stupid jape and a crude comment, Robb would laugh and they would tease him. So he settled for just practicing and hoping he could speak with his brother after Greyjoy got bored of them. They were evenly matched, Jon knew so their practicing could be quite boring and drawn out. Theon made sure to mention that anytime there wasn't enough theatrics for him.

But his thoughts were so consumed by the Lord Commander's granddaughter and what she was doing and when he might get to talk to her again, and maybe even her big eyes that freely showed every emotion she was feeling that Robb was able to best him and give him a solid whack on the back of his knees. It sent him to the ground with a surprised grunt and scowl and a barking laugh from Theon.
"You are distracted," Robb stated holding a hand to help his brother up. "It was almost too easy," he grinned as Jon dusted off the front of his breeches.

"Hm, and what were you thinking of, Snow?" Theon butt in, a stupid smirk on his face. Jon said nothing, but glared at the older boy. "What do you think Robb?"

"I would wager a guess it has to do with our new guest." Robb's tone was much more playful than Theon's, it made Jon wish that they were alone. "I've seen the way you look at her."

"Shut up," he scoffed and stalked off to put away his practice sword. He wouldn't talk about this or her in front of Theon Greyjoy. Not now, not ever.

"Can't say I blame him, Stark." Theon's voice carried over as he started to follow Robb and Jon. "I couldn't tell at first, wearing mail and all that," he continued with a sneer. "But nice tits." He grinned again, elbowing Robb in the side. Robb didn't comment either way, but rolled his eyes at the older boy he had grown to think of like a brother.

"Shame she's a traitor's daughter. Else you might find yourself having to marry the She-Bear."

Jon could feel a flush rising to his face, but continued to say nothing, just glowering at Greyjoy. He wanted to comment, but once Theon got started discouraging him only made it worse. He didn't like the way he was talking about Orrina, but it wasn't his crudeness that was bothering him the most. It was the way he talked so easily about her and Robb marrying. Or maybe it was the way that he so calmly dismissed her.

It reminded him of the way that he was constantly dismissed because he was a bastard. He didn't choose it, he didn't choose for his father to break his marriage vows, just Orrina didn't choose for her father to sell to slavers. Why did they always have to pay for the sins of their fathers?

Jon said nothing more and stored his practice sword and left them to it. Let Theon Greyjoy reduce her to her body, he heard the contempt in his voice whenever he discussed Bear Island and the women there. He was like minded to many men of the North that women shouldn't take up arms. But he could move past that for the sake of how she looked.

He didn't know Orrina very well, but Jon had a feeling that Greyjoy wasn't her type and she could hold her own against him.

The sun started to set, and instead of turning into the warm walls of Winterfell, Jon made his way to the Godswood. He wanted a quiet place to think, a place where he wasn't just seen as Ned's bastard. Under the Weirwood tree, he could be alone with no judging eyes on him. He took his time walking there, maneuvering between trees, and stepping over roots.

As he neared the heart tree and it's dark pool, Jon heard a voice rising above the sound of the woods. The voice rose high, sweet as a lute, and Jon stilled, feet away from the heart tree, masked behind an ironwood tree. He peeked around and caught sight of the person attached to the voice, somehow not surprised when he saw Orrina sitting under the weirwood, eyes closed and singing freely.

There was no harp, no flutes to accompany her but Jon found she didn't need it. Her voice rang through the trees, rising and swelling with her words. It was a love song she sang, clear and golden. It rooted Jon to the spot and for a moment he felt like they were the only two things in the godwood.

He watched her sway, eyes closed, face lifted up towards the branches and Jon felt the words were meant for him. Somehow this song was for him and him alone. It was hypnotic and powerful, Jon had never found himself captivated by music like he was in this moment.

With the roar of the fire my heart goes to its feet
Like the ashes of ash I saw eyes in the heat
Sitting soft in this purest snow
Fell in love with the fire long ago
Each love I could lose
I was never the same
Watch it's still living roots be consumed by the flames
I was fixed on your hand of gold
Laying waste to my loving long ago

It wasn't a song that Jon knew but he wanted to know the words, to sing them along with her. He wanted to cross over the black water of the godwood's pond and sit next to her, and listen to her sing until the sun set and rose again. He wanted to reach out, to make his presence known and for her know how her voice captured him.

Instead Jon did none of that, and stood in the shadows watching her like some sort of simple minded fool with his mouth hanging open. As much as Jon wanted to walk over to her, he was still a bastard and it would be inappropriate to approach her alone, near at night time like this. So he leaned into the tree and closed his eyes, letting her singing voice wash over him.

"Jon?" A voice called out, startling him where he nearly let out a yelp. Orrina's voice still rung out across the godswood so in that moment, Jon was thankful it wasn't her and he wasn't caught spying on her.
However, worse still, it was Arya's long face that stared back at him from under the fading sunlight. Arya, his favorite sister who he loved more than anyone, but his sister who had a big mouth and no ability to hold her tongue.

"Arya? What are you doing out here so late?" Jon's voice was barely above a whisper, not wanting the Mormont girl to know they were out here, watching her, listening to her in a private moment. Jon only had to take a few steps to be at Arya's side, placing a hand on her shoulder and directing her away from the pool.

"I was looking for you, I saw you come in here," Arya said, Jon was glad they were moving further away because his sister did not try to keep her voice quiet. "Why were you standing there like that?"

"I was going to pray, but I didn't want to interrupt Lady Orrina," he mumbled, even the excuse sounded weak to his ears. But Arya was young and hopefully wouldn't question him.

"It seemed like you were spying." It was a foolish hope.

"No." Jon answered with what he hoped was enough authority to keep Arya Big Mouth shut.

"Her voice is pretty. Were you listening to sing? I didn't know she could sing." He was a fool for thinking that Arya would be satisfied so simply. Once she started, it was hard to get her to stop, so Jon let her ramble off while they stooped under branches and made their way back to the courtyard.

Jon said nothing, hoping her chattering would die down by the time they got inside. And in truth, he was embarrassed she caught him. It certainly did seem like he was just stalking around in the woods, spying on her in her intimate moment. He felt his cheeks start to redden again and he shook his head at Arya, his curly hair brushing his ears.

"What?" Jon had tuned her out too much he realized when she stopped in front of him and looked at him with a raised brows.

"I said," Arya started, a tone of clear annoyance. "Do you think father will let me practice with a sword? Like Lady Orrina?"

"Maybe," likely not though, Jon kept that part to himself. Arya was afforded a lot of allowances at Winterfell, more than most little ladies her age, he knew she reminded their father of their long dead aunt, Lyanna. Even still, Jon thought Catelyn Stark would sooner kiss him than see one of her daughters with steel in her hand. "Maybe if you keep practicing with the wooden ones." He patted his sister on the top of her head, messing up her brown hair.

Jon spared a look behind him, almost like he expected Orrina Mormont to emerge from the godswood after them. He couldn't help but feel disappointed when she didn't and instead steered his little sister back inside.

ORRINA

Despite being at Winterfell for five days, Orrina was still an early riser, the Wall didn't appreciate late sleepers and she was finding it hard to break the habit. However, this morning, she woke up even earlier than usual. The sun was just barely breaking over the horizon when she turned over in her feather bed, awake like she had never gone to bed. She had tossed and turned for a few moments before giving in and slipping out of bed.

Orrina had been stuffed into dresses (one new one thanks to Sansa Stark and her nimble, fast working fingers and another one that had been one of Lady Catelyn's) since she arrived and she was itching to wear her breeches. Wearing a dress had been almost nice at first, it had been so long since she had reason to. But she was sick of them now, she wanted to run and not have to worry about her skirts getting dirty.

No one from the Stark family should be awake at this time, meaning she could parade in her own clothes without offending anyone. In a second, Orrina was out of bed and digging through her very meager pile of clothes. And without thought, she took her sword into her hand, shoved her feet into her boots and raced to the courtyard.

Although Orrina preferred her battle axe, she missed swinging a sword. It wasn't very often, but sometimes Ser Allister would let her whip some new recruits. Only when they really on his nerves and he wanted to embarrass them by having a girl best them. Still, even without humiliating the new Brothers of the Watch, Orrina made sure she practiced everyday. Usually by herself, but everyday since she arrived at the Wall, she held steel in her hand.

She already felt weaker, for her lack of training in the last five days in Winterfell, but she finally felt like herself when she entered the courtyard, sword in hand, the sunlight barely lighting her way.

For nearly an hour, Orrina swirled and turned, kicking imaginary foes, hacking off their heads, stabbing them in the hearts, deftly slitting throats. Sweat dripped from her forehead into her eyes, and her arms felt heavy from the intensity of her swings but she felt stronger, true to herself.

Orrina was so focused on her footing, on precise movements that she hadn't noticed Jon Snow silently make his way into the training yard. He stood at the sidelines, saying nothing until Orrina whirled in his direction, her sword cutting through the air.

"Oh!" She nearly dropped her sword when she met Jon's eyes, surprised that he was there, that she hadn't noticed him. "How long have you been here?" Her breathing was heavy as she wiped her brow.

"Not long." She was noticing a theme with Jon, in the few rare moments they had in each other's company. He was quiet, he kept to himself, with the exception of a few people. She saw him crack a smile in his siblings presence, especially Arya's. He was more solemn when his father was around, and tried to make himself invisible whenever Lady Stark was near.

"Well," Orrina paused, still trying to catch her breath. "I did say I wanted to spar with you, right?" She smiled at him, brushing her sweaty hair off of her forehead. "With training swords, of course," Orrina sheathed her sword and grabbed a practice sword for herself and one for Jon, holding it out for him tentatively. She hoped he wouldn't dismiss her because she was a girl.

"I probably shouldn't," Jon started, not looking her in the eye, instead trained on her hand that extended towards him. He didn't say anything else, but reached his own out and took the sword from her hand, the barest of smiles on his lips.

Orrina had no such qualms about hiding away her grins and smiles, and gave him a broad one as she moved into place. She planted her feet, side turned to him, sword raised. Jon took a similar stance, but didn't look nearly as excited at his partner.

Moments passed between them, both waiting for the other to make the first move. Orrina figured Jon's lack of attack was due to not wanting to hit a girl, while she waited to see what kind of fighter he was. She figured he had to be good, he had a Master-at-arms to practice with, to teach him. He was solidly built (something she had noticed long before she faced him in this moment), but he was still growing so he was likely quick on his feet as well. Orrina knew he would fight honorably, she would expect nothing less than Lord Eddard Stark's son.

She grew tired of waiting for the Bastard of Winterfell to attack so Orrina took a step towards him, swinging broadly in his direction, not surprised when he blocked her attack. Even less surprised when he didn't take her opening to attack her back. So, she would have to provoke him fully.

Orrina kept this up for a minute, blindly attempting to get a strike in all while Jon did was block her. So she feinted, moving towards his left side and when he went to block, she turned suddenly and hit him hard on his right shoulder. He stumbled back a moment, a look of surprised passing his serious face.

"I might as well be out here fighting myself." She turned and went to strike again, aiming low this time. There was force in Jon's block, this time he actually pushed back against her. Orrina let out a twinkle of laughter before it quickly died when Jon finally got over himself and struck her back.

She was regretting her vigorous solo practice now, Jon was fresh while her arms shook. Still, Orrina would not give up. She met his sword with hers, grinning wide, teeth flashing at him as they both grappled for the upperhand. While Jon Snow may have had his Master-at-Arms to thank for his skills, she had her Aunt Maege, she had the many Brothers of the Night's who spent years fighting off wildlings. She stumbled forward, knowing that Jon would back off enough for her to gather herself and Orrina went low again.

She raised her sword to hit him again, ducking under his swing at her and driving her shoulder into his ribs, nearly knocking him off his feet. Judging by the look on his face, Orrina figured Ned's honorable son did not care for that move.

"Wildlings don't fight like proper Lords." Orrina grinned again, lip curled back. Sweat rolled down her neck, down her back, into her eyes, but she didn't stop. She went after Snow again, unrelenting in her swings, but Jon held his own with ease. He was stronger than her, it hardly looked like he was sweating at all.

Which annoyed Orrina Mormont most of all.

They continued their dance for a few minutes more, both twirling, mirroring each other's movements. She was most surprised when Jon landed a hit to her stomach, definitely not as hard as he could swing, she knew but still she was happy he was no longer afraid to hit her.

Perhaps she was distracted by the light sheen on his neck, or the way his dark curls hung in his stormy grey eyes, but Orrina was not happy when Jon had out maneuvered her and before she knew it, he had his practice sword pressed where her heart hammered under her ribs.

"I yield," she dropped her sword to the ground, holding up her aching arms in defeat. She was annoyed that he had bested her, but Orrina was still beaming. It felt good to properly fight with someone, someone who was better than her. Most of the green boys who came to the Wall had barely held a sword in their life. It was easy to knock them on their behinds. Jon Snow may have been shy to fight back at first, but he was a good sparring partner.

"You were actually pretty good," Jon started, and then stopped, likely realizing she could take his words as offense, but Orrina only laughed and threw herself onto the ground.

"You are lucky that I was already tired from practicing." She japed, knowing that even if she had faced Jon Snow when she first woke up, he would have beaten her then too. "You are a worthy opponent, Jon Snow." Her smile was kinder and softer this time.

"As are you, Orrina Mormont." She still hadn't earned the full face smile that seemed reserved for his siblings, but the corners of his mouth were definitely upturned and Orrina counted that as a win.

"Sit, you deserve it after a good fight like that," she gestured for him to sit next to her, she didn't care about her breeches getting dirty. They were already sweaty and dusty from their fight.

Jon didn't have a moment to really consider sitting next to her, it seemed like he was contemplating the idea, that it wouldn't be SO bad for the bastard to sit next to her when Robb's voice cut through the air like their swords had previously.

"I've heard how well the women of House Mormont fight, but I never thought I'd see it in person." The eldest Stark made his way over to them, his Tully red hair gleaming in the sun.

"Not well enough to beat Jon," Orrina responded, leaning back on her hands. Was it rude to speak to the future Lord of Winterfell on the ground? She didn't know, nor did she really care. She was exhausted from her fight with Jon and didn't feel like curtseying for the boy. She had enough of that.

"Jon is a good swordsman." Robb said simply, clapping his now scowling half brother on the shoulder. Maybe he was just as disappointed that their moment had gotten interrupted as she was. Orrina had plenty of time with the Starks, except Jon, and she had so wanted to talk to him since their first meeting over dinner. A sword fight was a different conversation, and even if she had learned something about Jon from it, she would have liked to have one with words.

One where he wasn't so tight lipped, so self aware of his status as a bastard. Orrina had wanted to talk to him as equals, there was something that was tugging her towards him.

"Aye, he is."

"So are you."

"You should see my cousin Dacey, she's the real warrior. No one can fight like her." Orrina shrugged, she practiced enough to be considered proficient but it was Dacey who was the real prodigy.

She wasn't used to flattery, she certainly got none at Bear Island, nor at the Wall. Orrina liked Robb Stark, he was easy to like, but she didn't need his compliments. Judging by the look on Jon's face, he seemed to agree. She stifled a chuckle and pushed herself off the ground, brushing off her backside and knees.

"Keep it up Stark and she'll start to think she can fight every man here." A mocking voice interrupted them, and Orrina's eyes cut to an older boy approaching them.

She knew there was a Greyjoy ward at Winterfell, she had been introduced to him in passing, but Orrina had gone out of her way to avoid him, she feared she might try to rip his throat out with her teeth if left alone with him long enough.
The Mormonts had no great love for the Greyjoys, nor their Ironborn. Even when they were brought to heel by King Robert, they still took to their boats, and found themselves sailing towards Bear Island. The Ironborn were the reason the women of Bear Island, the reason House Mormont took up arms, to protect their lands, their men and most importantly themselves. They would not become Salt Wives, to be raped and taken from their families.

Although the frequency in raids from the Ironborn decreased significantly since Balon Greyjoy's rebellion, there were still Ironborn who reaved and raped. Men who tried to come for Bear Island and left disfigured. Orrina had been twelve, the first time she witnessed the Kraken at their shores. She had been twelve when she drove her axe into a man and had harboured an intense hatred for Ironborn since.

Of course Theon Greyjoy would swagger into their conversation, arrogance dripping from every part of him. Orrina couldn't even begin to play the part of a lady, her lips pulled back into a snarl, eyes narrowing. She wished she hadn't discarded her sword, she would have liked it in this moment. He may have lived with the Starks, broke fast with them, raised the wolves of Winterfell, but he would always be an ugly sea creature as far as she was concerned.

"I needn't fight every man at Winterfell, just one." Orrina glared hard at Theon, fingers curling into fists the longer she was forced to look upon him. "Although for you, I'd prefer to use real steel."

Theon looked bewildered for a moment, like he wasn't aware of the bad blood between the Greyjoys and Bear Island, of his people and hers. Of course he wasn't, he thought himself a Stark. The tension grew thicker and both Robb and Jon looked at Orrina wearily. It was a change from the easygoing nature they had only witnessed.

"What is wrong with you?" Theon still didn't seem to grasp why his presence angered her. What an idiot, she couldn't help thinking as she uncurled her fingers. She didn't want them to be stiff in case she needed to wrap them around his throat.

"You forget that Bear Island has fought off the Ironborn for years," Orrina sneered, furious that he had the nerve to speak to her so freely, acting completely indifferent and clueless. Finally it seemed to dawn on him, where her anger came from.

"You are really angry with me, over that?" He seemed shocked and let out a mirthless laugh. "I heard things about your House, that it's full of crazy cunts, but you can't talk to me that way." Theon matched her energy quickly, his own fists balled at his sides. "

Almost like Jon could read her mind, he caught her around the waist easily while Orrina launched herself at Theon Greyjoy, prepared to claw his eyes out, to fight him without a weapon. "I should kill you." She spit at him, over Jon's shoulder, still trying to escape his hold.

Infuriatingly, Theon Greyjoy made no move towards her, even though Robb moved in front of him, just in case. He stood there, that stupid smirk on his stupid face. Orrina wished Jon would let her go, she would show the Kraken how crazy House Mormont could be. She would crush him like a bear easily batters it's prey.

Let him call me a cunt one more time, he will see how bears defend themselves, Orrina thought savagely to herself, as she struggled against Jon. If he wasn't such an honorable fool, she might consider elbowing Jon Snow in his face to get him to release him, but as much as she wanted to tear apart Greyjoy like her and Alysane had discussed many times, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"What is going on here?" Ned's voice carried so much authority, he needn't raise it, shout or yell. Jon still didn't let her go, but Orrina stopped her active struggle against him to face the Lord of Winterfell.

Her hair was in her face, red from yelling at Theon, still slick from sweat from her fight with Jon, but she met Lord Stark's eyes. Defiant, and angry, Orrina stood straight, wrenching herself away from Jon. She may be acting inappropriately but she would not back down, nor would she apologize.

Here We Stand, her family's words rang in her ears nearly bringing a smile to her face. "I was trying to kill your ward." She answered honestly, curling and uncurling her fingers trying not to imagine using them to strangle Greyjoy.

Ned was silent as he regarded her, a heavy sigh on his lips.

"Come with me."

I had to split up this chapter, because it was getting away from me. I had more planned for the end, but I had to cut it for the next one. I personally love chapters, but I don't want it become too long of a read. So we will pick up where we left off in chapter four.

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, although I do find Theon and Robb's voice's hard to nail down. I want to feature Robb during these early chapters in Winterfell, especially considering his lack of POV in the actual books. Robb is one of my favorites but I can't wait get him down. Whereas I openly despise Theon in the early books. He's such a swarmy little shit, and part of my reasoning choosing a Mormont woman to play opposite of Jon was their hatred of the Greyjoys. Hopefully you don't find them too OOC.

I'm planning on ten-ish chapters in Winterfell, including when Robert makes his way there. So I hope no one is too disappointed by the lack of Orrina/other Starkling interactions still. I really want to build the foundation of Jon and Orrina's friendship before exploring her relationships with his siblings but I promise it's coming!

If you haven't checked out my tumblr for this story, the link is on my profile! Mostly inspo pics for how I envision these characters but also songs/mood boards that inspire me as well. Also total credit for the song Orrina is singing goes to Hozier, Would That I. His entire album is a huge inspiration to this story.

I'd love to hear what you think! Until next time!