Dragon Wolf
A/N: Lucky ya'll, two chapters in one day. I think I may have gone a tad bit overboard with the sexual tension and subtle flirting in this one…and the not-so-subtle flirting too. I know the tourney in the show had no melee and Dorne wasn't there at all, let alone Oberyn, but this is my story and I wanted them there so I brought them in…but not Ellaria…not a fan of her.
Chapter 3 – The Tourney
Robb had sent another raven from Winterfell so the family in King's Landing was gathered around their small table to read it together.
"Robb says Lord Tyrion gave them plans for a special saddle so Bran can ride again."
"That was generous of him."
"I'm sure Bran will be beyond thrilled to be able to ride again."
When Ned had to go to a Small Council meeting the girls sat by one of the windows and watched the knights and their banners coming into the city. Sansa was over the moon with happiness.
"What's that one? I've never seen that one before."
Which one Sansa?"
"That one, the bright orange one over there."
"Oh…I believe that's a Dornish banner…House Martell I think. You've never seen it because they haven't been north of the Red Mountains since their Princess Elia was killed in the rebellion."
"Oh…I suppose I can understand that. It must bring back awful memories being here."
"I'm sure it does. I wonder why they've chosen to come to the tourney."
"Curiosity?"
The two girls shared a look and laughed merrily for a bit until Jory joined them. He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching the way the light from the window made their hair shine like fire and ink as the strands twined together in the breeze.
"My Ladies, I hope I am not disturbing you?"
"No Jory, not at all. Come and join us."
"What are you two up to on this fine day?"
"Banner watching."
Jory raised an eyebrow at Sansa which had both girls giggling again. Sansa began to point out the different banners and Jory told them which knights to stay away from. When Sansa pointed out the Martell banner Jory scowled a bit.
"Stay away from the Dornish entirely."
"Why? Are they mean?"
"No, but they are far more…free with their affections than those up here."
"What does that mean? Visenya?"
"He means they sleep around a lot."
"Oh."
"You are young enough yet that they would not dare try and go after you Lady Sansa…you on the other hand…"
"I can take care of myself Jory, and well you know it."
"Aye, My Lady. All the same…"
"I'll be careful Jory…you worry too much."
"That is my job, Lady Visenya."
"Oh I give up…none of you are ever going to call me by name again are you?"
"Not likely, no."
The look she leveled at her friend had both him and her sister grinning at her irritation. When Ned came back he walked in to the sight of both girls beating Jory with pillows and stood there a moment before laughing.
"And what did the Captain of my Guard do to deserve such an attack?"
"He won't stop calling me My Lady."
The frustrated outburst from his eldest daughter had Ned laughing again and soon they were all just sitting and laughing. Sansa told him of all the banners they'd seen that day.
"Martell? What the hell is Dorne doing back in the capital?"
"I've no idea, My Lord."
"Maybe the huge purse of dragons drew them in?"
"Sansa…if someone killed your sister, and her children, in a horribly brutal way…what would be the one thing you would want most? Gold Dragons?"
"No…justice."
"Revenge."
Visenya's quiet word caused Sansa's eyes to widen while the two men's heads bowed a bit. She was right, any man would want vengeance for the brutal murder of a beloved sister.
"Who…who killed her?"
"They say it was Ser Gregor Clegane…they call him the Mountain that Rides. Massive man. If it's true she never stood a chance."
"Aye…the Mountain is not known for showing mercy."
"That's horrible. I feel so bad for them."
"I wonder if the Red Viper has come with them…"
"Visenya…I want you to stay away from the Dornishmen."
"I can handle myself. I am not going to go out of my way to avoid an entire group of people…however, if it puts your mind at ease, I will not seek them out either."
"Very well, I can accept that compromise."
"Do you think Bran would be upset if I wrote him about the tourney?"
"Oh Sansa…I don't think so. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you."
Sansa scurried off to her room to write a letter while the other three remained to talk some more. Visenya soon left to go explore the grounds below and ended up among the tourney tents and the knights.
"Greetings, My Lady."
"Hello. Who might you be?"
"Forgive my lack of manners, My Lady. I am Ser Loras of House Tyrell."
"The Knight of Flowers. You are my sister Sansa's favorite."
"Loras, you should make sure to ask the Lady Sansa for her favor before you joust."
"An excellent idea sister. This is my sister, Lady Margaery."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Lady Visenya of House Stark."
"I've heard of you. The rumors of your beauty were not exaggerated. Do you really sword fight?"
"I do, with my brothers."
"I'd love to see you and Loras have a spar sometime. I think it would be rather exciting."
"As long as he won't throw a fit if he loses."
"I would not, My Lady."
The Tyrell siblings soon moved on and she was wandering again, meeting many knights from around the kingdoms. Eventually she headed back towards the tower only to be stopped by a gentle hand grabbing her wrist.
"I highly suggest you unhand me Ser."
"I am no Ser, My Lady. I am a Prince."
She looked at the man and took in his leanly muscled form, the ink-black hair and dark eyes like her own, and the crooked little smirk that played with the corner of his mouth.
"You must be Prince Oberyn of House Martell…the Red Viper of Dorne."
"Ah, you've heard of me then."
"Of course. My younger brother Bran read everything he could find about you and told the rest of us everything. I do believe he's a fan."
"And you, My Lady? Are you a fan?"
"I am not."
"You look just like her you know? The woman my sister's husband cast her aside for…the woman he started a war over."
"If you are referring to Lyanna Stark then yes, I have been told I look like her…however, I am NOT her. My name is…"
"Lady Visenya Stark…I heard. The Tyrells are not quiet people. Curious that a wolf of the north would give his eldest daughter a dragon's name."
"He said my mother named me."
"Who was she then? He's never told anyone."
"He's not told me either, your grace. If you'll excuse me I must be going now."
"So soon? Perhaps you could stay a bit longer…I could teach you some fighting techniques they don't use up here."
"I do not believe that would be a good idea, your grace."
"And if I insist? You would not refuse a Prince would you? My Lady?"
Visenya had been backing away as this lithe man all-but stalked her, very much resembling the viper he was named for, until she bumped into someone else. A pair of arms came around her and she relaxed when she smelled pine and snow.
"Jory…"
"My Lady. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Jory. Is something the matter?"
"Lady Sansa is upset and no one can calm her down. Apparently Prince Joffrey cornered her and threatened her for turning on him and getting him in trouble."
"I really hate that little shit. Take me to her, quickly. She'll work herself into a fit before too long."
"As you wish, My Lady."
Jory led Visenya back to the tower, having distracted her entirely from the Prince of Dorne's presence. Jory threw a dark look at the Red Viper who just smirked at him, his eyes trailing Visenya's form as they walked away. When they got to the tower Visenya heard Sansa's crying and all-but flew up the stairs, immediately taking her distraught sister into her arms.
"Sansa, my sweet little sister. What did he do to you?"
"He pushed me into the wall and he yelled at me. He called me a traitor for not backing him up…for getting him in trouble. He said as soon as we're married he'll teach me a lesson I'll never forget. I'm so afraid of him."
"Shh…hush now sweet one. You'll be alright now. Jory? From now on Sansa is to be accompanied by at least three members of the household guard at all times outside of this tower."
"Yes, My Lady. I will see it done right away."
"Has our father been informed yet?"
"He is on his way here now."
"Good."
Ned chose that moment to walk in and immediately dropped to one knee beside his girls, pulling them against him and reassuring both them, and himself that they were both alright.
"The betrothal is off. I'll go to Robert immediately and talk to him. I will not have my little girl marrying a boy that terrorizes her."
"My Lord?"
"Yes, Jory?"
"When I found Lady Visenya she was being backed into a corner by the Red Viper."
"I was fine. He wasn't threatening me, just trying to get information out of me that I wasn't giving him. He was frustrated and trying to intimidate me I think…"
"He was trying to seduce you, My Lady."
"I think I'm a bit young for him don't you think?"
"I hear that's what he likes."
"Jory…you're jealous…"
"I am not, Lady Sansa."
"Yes you are. You're jealous that another man was paying Visenya attention instead of you."
"Sansa…go get cleaned up sweetling."
"Yes Father."
Visenya was looking out the window with a frown on her face and Ned sighed softly. Raising daughters was a challenge far greater than any battle he ever fought in.
"Visenya, my darling girl. I worry about you, not because I don't think you can protect yourself…I know you can…but because I love you and cannot bear the thought of anything happening to you. I know what men can be like around a pretty girl and I would not have you hurt like that."
"I know…I didn't seek him out though…he came to me…he knew my name already."
"That worries me even more. He knew your name and sought you out…he wants something and not knowing what it is can be dangerous."
"I'll be more careful."
"That's my girl. I'm going to go see Robert now…gods help him if his bed is full of women when I get there."
Visenya snorted softly at Ned's muttered comments as he left. A quick glance at Jory had her sighing and looking away from him. His jaw was clenched shut and his fists were balled up. She'd never seen him like that and it made her nervous. Seeing her looking away from him with her eyes so full of sadness made him release a long breath and force himself to calm down. He walked up behind her and gently placed his hands on her arms, leaning his head close to her ear to speak softly to her.
"I'm sorry, My Lady. I did not mean to upset you. Seeing him backing you into a corner like that...I felt true fear for you. I couldn't hear what was being said but you looked upset and cornered and he was smirking at you."
"I'm alright Jory, I promise. I'm not upset at you for being worried about me…I was afraid you were angry with me."
"I could never be angry with you, My Lady…unless you go running headfirst into a battle and get hurt…then I might be a bit angry with you."
The two stood there like that for a long while, taking comfort from each other as the sun set over the tents and banners spread out across the field. A pair of dark eyes watched them from below, narrowed in annoyance at having been delayed from what they wanted. Prince Oberyn noticed how the man hovered around the Lady, watching over her, and he saw the love in his eyes…but he did not see the same emotion reflected in hers, only fond affection. Getting information from her would prove challenging, but he did so love a challenge.
The next day was the start of the tourney, beginning with the Archery competition. Visenya had wanted to enter but they would not allow a woman to compete which left her irritated and sulking. Her mood brightened as she watched the archers compete, cheering for the northerners in the competition. Archery was the only tourney competition northerners would usually compete in, preferring to keep their skills a secret in case of battle or war. It was one of the Northern men who won the competition and when he came over to bow to Lord Stark, after bowing to the royal family of course, he bowed to Sansa and Visenya as well. The two girls shared a look before standing together and placing a kiss on either of his cheeks. The poor man turned Lannister red and Ned laughed at his cheeky girls.
"I think you've tortured the poor lad enough girls."
"Was no torture, My Lord. I am honored, My Ladies."
The next day was the melee fight, an all-out battle to see who the last man standing would be. Any close-range weapon was allowed to be used. When a behemoth of a man entered the arena Sansa's eyes went round in shock, and a bit of fear.
"Who, or what, is that?"
"That, is Ser Gregor Clegane…the Mountain."
"Lord Baelish…to what do we owe this…unpleasant surprise?"
"I've no idea why you dislike me so, Lady Visenya."
"I don't trust you...at all."
"By the gods he's huge."
"Easy Sansa, you are safe up here."
Most of the men were in the fighting pit when the last few entered…the Dornishmen, led by Prince Oberyn Martell. Half of the Dornishmen carried swords and the other half had spears…one guy had a spiked mace in his hand.
"That thing looks…painful."
"That's a mace Sansa…a spiked one…and yes, that would hurt very badly to get hit with."
Visenya turned back as the King prepared to start the melee to find Oberyn watching her. She lifted her chin into the air and gave him the most unimpressed look she could muster up when he started spinning his spear around and showing off. Sansa raised an eyebrow at her sister's reaction to him and wondered if something had happened. When the fight began the entire fighting group turned on the Mountain, determined to knock him out of the fight first so that they might just have a chance. It took what seemed forever to get him out of the fight, but eventually they wore him down enough that he stayed down for more than two minutes which meant he was out. As he was dragged off the field, which took six full-grown men to accomplish, Visenya noticed the smug look on Oberyn's face. She frowned at him, trying to figure out why he had that look when it was not his blow that finished the Mountain off. The man threw her a wicked smirk and blew her a kiss, earning him an eye roll as she turned her head away while Sansa giggled at the interaction.
As the melee continued the Dornishmen knocked out many more opponents, though in Visenya's opinion some of them were far too green to be in a melee yet. Eventually it was down to just a handful of men. Prince Oberyn was still in the fight as was another man from Dorne, there was one man from the Riverlands still hanging in there, and lastly one Lannister was left in the fight. The man from the Riverlands knocked out the one Dornish man while Oberyn took out the Lannister man. Then it was down to just the two, the river man fought bravely, and he was good…but Oberyn was agile, and lightning fast. In the end Prince Oberyn outlasted the river man and won the melee. Visenya was pleasantly surprised to see the Prince show good conduct in helping his defeated opponent back to his feet. When Oberyn approached the King's box with a lazy sort of swaggering walk and gave an almost mocking bow the watchers went silent. The King began clapping and everyone relaxed.
The jousting was held the next day and Jory made sure to sit directly behind Visenya and Sansa, unfortunately Lord Baelish chose to sit beside Visenya and the look on her face showed that she was anything but pleased with the arrangement. A shadow looming over them brought everyone's eyes up to see the Prince of Dorne smirking down at them.
"I was hoping to sit with the loveliest ladies here today…but I find a little mockingbird has stolen the best seat."
"Yes, I have, which means you may leave now."
"You were not invited to sit beside me, Lord Baelish. As irritating as I find the Prince…I would much prefer his company over yours."
"My Lady…"
"Please leave me be…I will not ask you again."
"As you wish…My Lady. Perhaps the Lady Sansa…"
"No. You will not sit with her either. Leave us."
Lord Baelish gave a small bow and left their area, his face scowling in agitation. Prince Oberyn studied the young woman and found himself intrigued by her as he lazily reclined in his newly-claimed seat.
"So…you are not a fan of the Mockingbird then?"
"Obviously not…just as I am not a fan of yours either…your Grace."
Sansa's eyes darted between the two of them as the man gave her sister a lazy little smirking grin and chuckled softly. She was confused by their interaction…she might call it flirting if it weren't for the fact that she'd never actually seen her sister flirt with anyone before…ever.
"So, tell me Lady Stark…how are you liking the capitol?"
"I'm not. I miss my brothers…I miss fighting with them…"
"And beating them."
"That too…and the summer snows…"
"You love your home, and your family."
"Of course I do."
"I'm honestly surprised the boys didn't ride all the way down here when you got hurt."
"I know they're both reckless but they aren't quite that stupid Sansa."
"I beg to differ…I think the only reason they didn't come is because mother and father forbade it. You read that letter they sent…they were ready to come and wring his neck for you."
"Among other things."
Both girls fell into a little fit of giggles while Jory snorted softly behind them, knowing that the girls were probably completely right about those boys. They were insanely protective of the girls in general but especially Visenya. Both of them had been by her side when fever had nearly taken her form the world at only nine name days. Oberyn's eyes had narrowed slightly when Sansa mentioned an injury.
"What sort of injury did you receive, Lady Visenya?"
"Oh…it was nothing…just a scratch really."
"It most certainly was not! You nearly died…twice, once from the injury and then from the infection. I was terrified for you. I still can't believe Joffrey attacked you like that."
"I lived Sansa, calm yourself sweet one."
"What did the little Princeling do?"
"Visenya had been in a field practicing with a stick and Joffrey called her a …a bastard…but she's not…father and the King legitimized her so she's a Lady now. When she reminded him of that he called her some horrible things and started swinging his sword at her. I ran to get our father and by the time we got back they were both bleeding. He slashed her stomach but Ghost bit his arm…it's a pity he didn't tear it off."
"Sansa!"
"Well it's true. He's horrible. He cut you open and you almost died on me."
"Ghost? Who is this…Ghost?"
Oberyn froze as he heard a low growl behind him and slowly turned his head to see a pair of ruby eyes surrounded by white fur and teeth looking at him. Those eyes were far too intelligent for a normal hound.
"That, is Ghost…my Direwolf."
"You have a pet Direwolf?"
"He's not a pet…he's my friend. You reacted better than most do though."
"How do most react then?"
"Screaming, running, or pissing themselves. Sometimes all three."
"Visenya, we're not supposed to use language like that."
"Father's not here to hear me."
"No but I am, and I could easily tell him."
"You wouldn't do that to me Jory…would you?"
The wide doe-eyed look Visenya turned on him made Jory swallow hard and shift in his seat, his voice was raspier when he answered no and she beamed a smile at him. Oberyn held back the urge to snort at the poor besotted man and how easily she had him wrapped around her finger. He wondered for a moment if she knew what she was doing to the man before realizing that no, she did not. The young Lady was still very much an innocent in the ways of men. Finished with his warning Ghost went to sit in front of Visenya and laid his head on her lap to be petted gently, Lady came from behind Ghost and did the same with Sansa.
"This one is my little Lady. She's normally very gentle but I'm sure if I was in danger she'd attack too."
"Of course she would Sansa. Any of our wolves would fight to protect us."
"There are more of them?"
"Hmm…oh yes…six total. One for each of us Stark children."
"Interesting. They seem to suit you both very well. The calm and gentle one with the gentle Lady…and the quiet fierce wolf for the Lady with the sharp tongue."
Visenya allowed a small smirk to cross her lips at his comment and looked back at Jory who looked torn halfway between amusement and jealous irritation. The first joust was about to start between the Mountain and Ser Hue of the Vale…it ended badly. The Mountain's lance shattered and a piece of the wood impaled Ser Hue in the throat. Visenya turned Sansa's head into her shoulder when she started shaking. She'd never watched a man die before. Oberyn noticed how calm Visenya was and leaned a little closer to her, wary of the ever-watchful wolf at her feet.
"This is not the first man you have seen die is it, My Lady?"
"No…it is not. Not for me anyway…for her, yes."
Eventually it came to the final two men…the Mountain and the Knight of Flowers. Ser Loras had a long cape covered in live flowers and Visenya snorted a bit at the sight of the gaudy thing while Sansa nearly swooned over it.
"What would possess a man to parade around in that thing?"
"I think it's lovely."
Ser Loras rode over to them and bowed his head to the two Ladies before speaking up to be heard by all around them. Lady Margaery could be seen beaming at him from her seat so everyone realized she had no problem with him asking a favor from someone other than her for a change.
"Lady Sansa, would you do me the honor of your favor today?"
"It would be my honor, Ser Loras. Wear it well and may it bring you safety and good fortune."
Sansa took one of the many ribbons from her hair and tied it gently around his wrist. He bowed to her again before riding to his place. Sansa was definitely swooning now while Visenya snickered at her sister, sharing amused looks with Jory.
"The boys are going to tease you mercilessly when I tell them how you swooned over the knight of flowers."
"You would not!"
"I most certainly would. They'll be thrilled to have some new material to tease you with."
"You can be horrible sometimes."
"And yet you still love me."
"You're my big sister, of course I love you."
When the joust began the Mountain's horse threw him off, making Ser Loras the winner, but the Mountain was livid. He grabbed his great sword off of his shaking squire and beheaded his horse. Sansa turned into her sister's shoulder, unable to watch anymore. Visenya passed her to Jory and told him to take her back to the tower immediately and he only hesitated a moment before she gave him a sharp look and he took Sansa away from the area. The poor thing was shaking like a leaf in a storm. Visenya stood like many others when the Mountain moved towards Ser Loras, her hand moving to her thigh which drew Oberyn's attention for a moment.
"What are you doing little Lady?"
"Stay focused…Prince Oberyn."
"I am focused."
"On the fight about to break out…not my thigh."
"It's such a pretty thigh though…all pale and creamy."
She threw him an unamused look but the sound of clashing steel had her whipping back to the action unfolding on the ground. Seeing the Hound facing off against the Mountain made her heart race and her mouth go dry. She actually kind of liked the Hound…he wasn't so bad once you got him to stop growling at you. The tiniest little gasp escaped her when the Mountain almost took off his brother's head, her hand tightening around her dagger, only to have the King stop everything with a loud yell. She let out a breath and let go of her dagger, smoothing her skirt back into place. She could feel the Prince's eyes burning into her but she refused to look at him. When everyone settled back down she left the area, heading back towards the tower to check on her sister. A hand on her wrist stopped her and she barely repressed the annoyed sigh that tried to escape her.
"Do I need to go through this again, Prince Oberyn? I am not fond of being touched, especially by people I don't know that well."
"My apologies, Lady Visenya. I tried calling to you but you seemed not to hear me."
"I need to check on my sister. If you'll excuse me."
"Just a moment, My Lady. What were you doing back there? I saw the dagger on your thigh. What did you think you were going to do? Attack the Mountain? Do you know what he would have done to you?"
"His voice was low and he sounded slightly angry with her as he berated her. She wasn't having it though. She was a grown woman who knew how to handle herself.
"I know what kind of man he is…or rather isn't. I am not stupid enough to attack a man that much bigger than myself. The dagger is for my own safety, in case things got out of hand and they ended up coming too close. I am not a fool, Prince Oberyn. You would do well to remember that."
"Look at me."
Visenya had not looked at him the entire time she spoke, her eyes firmly fixated on the tower where her sister was waiting for her. When she continued to not look at him, and continued to try and move past him, Oberyn became a bit frustrated with her. His long fingers gently grasped her chin and applied just enough pressure to turn her head to face him.
"I said, look at me, Visenya. You are hiding something. I do not know what it is yet, but I will find out. You are like no other woman I have met outside of Dorne…I find I am intrigued by you."
"Good for you…now let me go."
"Not just yet little one."
Visenya brought up a hand, intending to smack the Prince but he caught her wrist gently and shook his head at her. That wicked little smirk was back and she felt butterflies take flight in her stomach as he leaned in and kissed her. His kiss was nothing like Jory's barely-there kiss…this was a full-on assault on her lips. He gently nipped at her bottom lip and used her little gasp as an opening for his tongue to invade and explore her mouth. By the time he pulled back, that lazy smirk dancing on his lips, she was breathless and light-headed. Her dark eyes found his and she blinked a few times, her mouth hanging open just a bit until his thumb swiped across her bottom lip and she pulled away from him sharply as her brain tried to restart.
"You…what did you…why…?"
She could not form anything remotely resembling a coherent sentence, too many thoughts jumbling together and trying to come out at the same time, so she slapped him and stormed off towards the tower. Oberyn rubbed his jaw and laughed at her daring, not many women would be so bold as to strike a Prince for kissing them. His dearest friend, Ser Daemon, came up beside him and snickered at him as a little red mark began to bloom on his cheek.
"I think you finally found the one woman in Westeros that won't throw herself at your feet and beg you to take her to your bed."
"There's a fire in that one…just waiting to be lit. These men up here wouldn't know what to do with a woman like her…she should be in Dorne where her beauty and her fiery nature can be truly nurtured and appreciated."
"Good luck getting her overly protective father to agree to that one my friend. Gods I like that one though…did you see the ass on her?"
"I saw it Daemon…I also saw the dagger she keeps strapped to her thigh at all times."
"Really? I like her even more now."
"Perhaps when I manage to win her over she might be willing to let us share her."
"Now that…is a dream worth having."
Visenya was unknowing of the two men speaking in her wake as her sole focus was on the tower. When she finally got inside she found Sansa curled up in a pile of cushions, shaking but not crying. She walked over and sat next to her, gently rubbing her back and speaking in soft tones.
"Are you alright sweet one?"
"That was horrible…it was nothing like the stories."
"Life is no fairy story Sansa. Life can be ugly, and brutal. It can be harsh and unfair. Yet, sometimes, it can be joyous and full of love. There is good and bad in life sweet one, you have to see the bad to truly appreciate the good."
"I think I understand."
"Good, now go get washed up for supper."
"That was very wise Visenya. When did my little girl grow up on me?"
"It had to happen eventually."
"Aye that it did. You seem shaken yourself. Did today's events get to you as well?"
"I guess so, seeing him just behead his horse like that…"
"That was a bit rough. How about after dinner you and Jory go to the training yard for a spar?"
"That sounds like fun."
"She'll just knock me on my ass again, as usual."
"Maybe so, but at least she'll be smiling as she does it."
The two Starks shared a laugh as Jory groaned in defeat. Dinner was a decidedly quiet affair as Sansa was deep in her thoughts, Ned was going over paperwork, and Visenya was lost in her own mind replaying that kiss Oberyn had stolen from her. She'd had a few kisses before, Theon had even done it a couple of times, but no one had ever kissed her like that. As soon as dinner was over she grabbed her sword and practically dragged poor Jory down to the training yard, making sure to tell Ghost to stay at the tower. Ghost tended to get a bit agitated when she sparred with anyone and could get a bit snappy so it was best if he wasn't around when she did so. As the two began fighting they unknowingly drew a crowd of knights and warriors, including a number of Dornishmen who kept up a running commentary through the end of the fight.
"The Lady is rather skilled."
"She's light on her feet…"
"Also quick, though she could be faster… do you see how she evades his reach?"
"She needs a bit more arm strength but overall…not a bad fighter that one."
"I'd say she's better than some of our own Dornish women."
"…and he's on his back…"
"Oh…that's not a nice place to have a dagger."
Visenya had knocked Jory down and sat on him, her legs on either side of him. When he brought his dagger to her ribs she had hers pressed against his crotch, a little smirk dancing on her lips.
"Which do you think is more important my friend, my ribs, or your pride and joy?"
"I yield, My Lady. You win…again."
She rolled off to let Jory up and allowed him to pull her to her feet. The clapping that erupted had her flushing as she realized how many men were watching them. Jory bowed to her and grinned like a little boy which made her laugh softly. Oberyn stepped into the training area and Visenya felt her body tense up as that lazy smirked turned his lips up again.
"I would love to see you spar with my best man, Ser Daemon. Would you be willing, Lady Visenya?"
"Will he cry when I beat him?"
"You mean IF you beat me, My Lady?"
"No…I meant what I said."
"Let's find out then shall we?"
"Daggers only. I'd like a challenge."
Daemon only laughed, loving her fire. Oberyn stood by Jory who did not look happy about this turn of events, and he was sure his Lord was going to be very cross with him for not stopping it…not that he could tell her no.
"If anything happens to her I will hold you personally responsible, your Grace…and so will her father."
"The little one can handle herself. You should have more faith in you Lady."
Jory glared at Oberyn but the other man's entire attention was on the fight. The two seemed to be evenly matched in speed but not in strength. Whenever they locked up he was able to overpower her but her smaller size meant she could squirm out of his holds and slide under many of his attacks. They ended up on the ground, fighting for control. The fight ended with him on top of her with his dagger at her throat and his other hand holding her wrist in a vice grip to keep her dagger away from his crotch.
"Do you yield, My Lady?"
"I yield…this time."
"You seem to have an unhealthy enjoyment in threatening men's cocks, My Lady."
"I've found a dagger held against a man's most beloved body part is a rather quick way to drain the fight out of him. It's a rather effective method as men are overly fond of their cocks."
"My Lady…"
"My father isn't here to scold me Jory, nor is Lady Cat. Ser Daemon, I thank you for a challenging fight."
"You as well, My Lady. You have a fire in you…I would love to see what happens when it is unleashed in all its glory."
She looked so honestly confused that Oberyn took pity on the poor innocent maid and led her back towards her self-appointed body guard, brushing gentle fingers along her jaw as he spoke in a soft tone.
"Get some sleep little one…you've more than earned it."
"Thank you, Prince Oberyn. You can be quite pleasant when you're not being a cocky pain in the ass."
Oberyn and Daemon laughed at her comeback while Jory led the exhausted woman back to the tower. Ned looked up when they entered and his eyes widened at how dirty and tired his daughter was while Jory just looked beaten up a bit.
"What happened?"
"I got to spar with Ser Daemon Sand of Dorne. It was quite a challenge, I actually lost but only just…next time I'll win."
"Next time?"
"I'm sure he'd agree to a rematch sometime…if not I believe Prince Oberyn would grant me that request."
"Since when are you friendly with the Dornishmen?"
"They're not that bad father. They might say things that are a bit…racy…but they haven't attempted to take any liberties with me. They seem to genuinely admire my fighting skills. It's quite…refreshing. Right now though…I need a bath…I smell like dirt."
"You look like you rolled in enough of it."
Visenya rolled her eyes and sauntered off to her and Sansa's room where Sansa helped her get her hair clean before they curled into bed. Sansa had Visenya tell her about the fight with Ser Daemon and fell asleep halfway through the tale, amusing Visenya as she let her own thoughts drift off to sleep. Ned and Jory remained in the main room talking in soft tones so as not to wake the girls.
"She gave that man one hell of a fight, my Lord. She nearly had him too."
"Jory, tell me honestly. Have they done anything?"
"Not that I've seen, my Lord. Ser Daemon is flirtatious but he genuinely seems fascinated by her fighting. Oberyn is…hard to read. He seems to have no ill intentions, but that constant smirking look is aggravating. I think he purposely says thing to rile her temper yet, at the same time he treats her gently."
"Some men like seeing a woman get angry and flushed. I've no idea why. I hate it when Cat gets angry at me."
"I cannot bear Visenya's anger either. I always feel the need to apologize, even if I'm not the one she's angry at."
"Stark women seem to have a talent for making the men in their lives feel guilty."
"Aye, just ask Robb and Theon."
The two shared a quiet laugh before going their separate ways for the night. Ned looked in on his girls to find them both sound asleep, their wolves curled up next to them. He smiled before heading to his own bed. Jory lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He didn't like the way Oberyn riled Visenya up, flirted with her, and dared to touch her. It aggravated him and made him want to hurt the man, but he couldn't because he was a Prince. For whatever reason Visenya seemed oblivious to the man's flirting, just as she was with his own unless he was blatant about it, which gave him some small measure of relief. He just hoped the Prince stuck to those little brushes of fingers because with the man's reputation…if he actually tried to seduce Visenya he probably could…and that was a horrible thought for him.
A/N: I'm re-watching the entire series since I kind of stopped watching after they killed off Oberyn…I was angry, what can I say? I liked the cocky, sexual Dornish man. He's one of my 5 favorite male characters, the others being the Hound, Tyrion, Jon Snow, and Bronn because he's a sarcastic little Shit and I love it. As for my favorite women…Danaerys of course, Lyanna Mormont (little she-bear), Sansa, Arya, and Shae (until she turned into a backstabbing, lying, bitch). In case anyone is wondering…yes Bronn will be featured in this fic and I cannot wait to have him and Visenya meet…I have a feeling there may be bloodshed lol. At some point Oberyn will learn that Visenya was technically born in Dorne, since the Tower of Joy is in Dornish lands…and thus technically should have been a Sand rather than a Snow had Ned not laid claim over her before anyone could find out where she had been born. His reaction to that should be…entertaining.
