Alyssa took Theon's arm as he guided her out of the castle into the bright courtyard beyond. There were still a few hours before dinner, so they were in no rush and walked at a leisurely pace. Alyssa was grateful as her legs really felt the benefit from the walk after her long ride. Theon showed her around the village as well as the courtyard, deliberately giving the brothel he frequented a wide berth should one of the girls call out to him. He didn't fancy having to explain that one to his pretty companion.
"I didn't realise it was so big," she admitted as they returned to the courtyard. Theon almost bit his hand in response to her comment.
"There's more, fancy a drink before dinner?" he asked hopefully, gesturing towards the great hall.
"Perhaps later," smiled Alyssa, not unwise to know she was being accosted. Her attention was captured by a commotion the other side of the yard, a huge white wolf was bounding towards them with ears forward and tongue hanging out. Alyssa let out a small yelp and grabbed on to Theon, who to her bewilderment merely whistled to beckon the creature over.
"This is Ghost. I'm surprised we haven't seen any of the others on our travels," Theon shrugged as the wolf happily received a scratch between the ears.
"There are others?" she asked uncertainly, releasing her grip from his bicep and examining the creature in front of them. Before Theon could answer, there was yet another interruption.
"GHOST! Here, now!" an angry voice called from across the yard, the owner emerging hurriedly from the training circle. The wolf pricked his ears and bounded back over to the young man who had called him. He grabbed the creature firmly by the scruff of its' neck when he was within reach, but clearly wasn't genuinely angry as he gave his neck a rub. His eyes meeting with hers, he realised he'd better go and introduce himself.
"Who's he?" asked Alyssa, not recognising the dark haired man approaching. "One of Lord Stark's men,"
"You could say that," muttered Theon, Jon having closed the gap between them, Ghost at his heels.
"Hello, Lady Arryn? I'm sorry if he gave you a fright, he's friendly really," he looked sheepish. "I'm Jon, by the way,"
"It's... it's OK. Sorry, I wasn't expecting him," she replied, not meeting his eyes. She had thought Theon and Robb were good looking, but this man? He was something else. No doubt he was as arrogant as Jaime Lannister. She drew her attention back to Theon and smiled, hoping she didn't look too flustered. "Thanks again for showing me around Theon, I'll see you later, bye Jon," she didn't turn around to see Jon raise a hand in farewell. His attention was now on Theon, a slight smirk on his face.
"So... good afternoon? Or should I take it not?" Jon asked, mirth in his dark eyes.
"We had a lovely afternoon actually, and I'm hoping a better evening," smirked the Greyjoy.
"What, no action until this evening? You're not as good as you make out to be!" Jon joked in feign surprise.
"Ah Snow, you really have no idea. Maybe you should visit some of the working girls sometime,"
"After you've been there? I don't think so, who knows what pox I could end up with!"
"Watch it Snow," Theon growled, though knowing full well it was in jest.
Alyssa was conscious of all eyes on her as she entered the great hall for dinner. She had bathed and washed her hair and changed into a pale blue gown with long sleeves, embroidered with doves. Looking up, she saw the Stark family at the top table and Ned gestured her to sit with them. There was a space towards the end between Sansa and Robb, so focusing on Sansa's smile waded through the crowd to her place. The smell of food and the warmth of the room made her realise how hungry she was. She was slightly taken aback as Robb rose to pull out her chair (all of the other tables had benches) and thanking him, sat down.
"Are you hungry Alyssa?" asked the oldest Stark daughter, "It's venison this evening, it's one of my favourites,"
"Sounds lovely," Alyssa replied. She realised she was opposite Theon, who immediately smiled and tipped his glass to her as he took a drink. Alyssa smiled back politely and waited as Robb served her the delicious looking meal. They talked politely amongst themselves as they ate, Alyssa feeling more and more relaxed with every cup of wine she finished, which was four by the time the eating was over. As everybody else finished their meal, several people began to leave to return to their duties or homes. This included Lord and Lady Stark, who had taken the opportunity to round up their younger children to prepare for bed.
"But i'm not even tired," scowled Arya.
"You never are," Jon ruffled her hair, "go on, for every minute you wait i'll knock off a minute of archery practice tomorrow," his younger sibling looked shocked and not wanting to lose any already scarce archery time, ran towards the exit of the hall to the castle.
Left at the table were Alyssa, Theon, Jon and Robb. Sansa and her friend Jeyne Pool had already retreated to walk with her direwolf Lady before heading to their own beds. Alysa tried to protest as Theon filled her cup once more, but gave in as he already felt drunk. With new found confidence, she felt little of the self-consciousness she had earlier being in the present handsome company. She barely noticed Robb had moved his chair slightly closer to hers, much to the annoyance of Theon.
"So Alyssa," Robb drawled, lowering his eyes to stare into hers. "How are you enjoying Winterfell?"
"No complaints so far," she sighed contentedly, drinking more wine. "I daresay it's been most pleasant," Theon managed to discreetly nudge Jon in the ribs.
"I'm pleased to hear that," he grinned, clearing his throat. Robb was feeling slightly drunk too, not being as used to alcohol as Jon or Theon.
"The night is still young," he exclaimed. "And It's not every day we get such a beautiful guest," Alyssa blushed in spite of herself. Jon and Theon had quickly picked up on the Stark boy's inhebriation. Jon sat back, ready to enjoy whatever bicker his brother and father's ward would end up in. It also gave him more opportunity to observe the girl opposite him. She was pretty, no doubt about that.
"And how do you propose we watch the night grow old?" asked Theon, though his eyes were on Alyssa's. She was beginning to feel a little awkward, but also enjoyed the power she felt at being in the middle of the two men. Jon saw his brother start to flush and quickly spoke to save him.
"Royal visit in a week, just imagine the feasting and dancing," the three others looked at him in bewilderment, wondering why all of a sudden he had changed the subject. Robb however was secretly grateful, he didn't want to be made to look foolish in front of Theon, especially as he actually found the girl next to him attractive. Realising this, he moved away reflexively with a start. Nobody else seemed to notice.
"What?" blurted Alyssa, staring at him.
"Mother received a raven, King Robert and his household are coming to visit father," Robb explained. "I'm surprised you haven't noticed how busy everyone is,"
Alyssa shrugged. "That's just how I thought it was," and added with a sad smile "Though of course the last time I saw the royal family, it was at court with my uncle,"
"I'm sorry," Robb put his hand on her shoulder automatically.
"It's OK, maybe I should excuse myself anyway, it's late and I've had a bit more to drink than I should have. Goodnight," she stood to leave, Robb disappointingly removing his hand from her shoulder. Jon stood up before either other man had a chance to react.
"I'll walk with you, at least until the castle entrance," he offered. Theon scowled at him, silently cursing the bastard and his gallantry. Still, he had a point. It would not be the first time Theon had got lucky thanks to good old alcohol and his ceaseless flirting and wooing.
"Are you sure Jon? I don't mind," yawned Robb. "I'm pretty tired myself so will be turning in soon anyway,"
"I'm sure I can continue my excellent services as a tour guide," Theon couldn't help but add, he wouldn't have minded about Jon going as he for some reason didn't see him as competition. Robb, however, was.
"Thank you Jon, a very kind offer," Alyssa decided much to the other two men's dismay. "You were first to offer, so I conclude you have the sharpest wits and reflexes to escort an unarmed lady," They all laughed at her drunken logic, and swaying slightly, she took Jon's outreached hand as he guided her around to his side of the table. "Goodnight gentlemen," she curtseyed to the remaining men, allowing herself to be led gently out into the cold night time courtyard. She could not help shivering, despite her cloak and Jon tentatitively wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Not far to go now," he gritted his teeth, focusing on the warm castle entrance in front of them, Alyssa smiled, leaning into him and despite herself enjoying the closeness. She stumbled a little as they crossed the great gate threshold, but Jon was there to support her, stifling a laugh.
"I'm sorry," she giggled. "Maybe I might need help further than the entrance after all," her hazel eyes met his brown ones and flashed wickedly. Maybe it was the feeling of no longer being confined thousands of feet in the air with very little company her own age for so long, or perhaps she just found Jon Snow incredibly irresistible. Or the alcohol could indeed be a large contributing factor, but she didn't want to part from her present company just yet, and currently had the confidence to see through her current desires.
"Very well," replied Jon, suddenly feeling a little confused and out of his depth. She continued to lean on him as they approached her room, and saw the fact that he had not removed his arm from around her as a positive sign. "Here we are," he stated when they got to her door, turning the handle and holding it open for her. She smiled drowsily at him and walked in. She turned when she reached the bed, eyeing him questioningly.
"You gonna shut the door?" she asked, cocking her head to one side. "You never know what dangers might be lurking between here and this bed," the words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, but the mischievous glint in Jon's eyes as he entered her room and shut the door were a just reward. Feigning seriousness, he examined the floor closely as he closed the gap between them, then lifted the fur blankets to check underneath them.
"Well, it all appears to be clear," he announced as her shoulders shook with laughter. It was the first time she'd really laughed in a few weeks and it felt wonderful, and the intimacy she was currently experiencing was equally as comforting. "I hope I have fulfilled my duties," he added,
"I certainly feel you have brave Sir, and now I shall reward you," she stood straighter, and stepped closer so her body was slightly pressed against his and looked into his eyes. She rested her hands firmly on his shoulders. "Close your eyes," she whispered, and when he obeyed reached up and gently kissed his lips. At first he was taken aback, though he was sure she was flirting on their walk over he did not think she was seriously interested. When he felt her start to pull away, he wrapped his arms around her waist and recaptured her lips with his own. Alyssa was shocked, though pleasantly so. The way his lips expertly massaged hers and his tongue gently probed her lips made her knees feel weak, gladly accepting his invitation with her mouth. He gently nudged her backwards, until the back of her knees connected with the edge of the bed, causing her to fall back in surprise. Before she had chance to react, Jon had seized the opportunity to lean over her, assaulting her mouth with his once again. Alyssa wrapped her arms around his neck, grabbing his hair, the passion and desire she felt reflected in the kiss.
"Do you think we should check they're OK?" Robb looked at Theon with concern, eyelids drooping with the effects of the drink.
"I doubt it, I'm sure she's passed out and he's gone to pleasure himself," shrugged the older man. "Hadn't you better get to bed soon? You are going to be feeling rough in the morning,"
"Yeah, perhaps you're right," sighed Robb, attempting to stand and managing on the second attempt. "Goodnight, Theo,"
"Goodnight, I'll be off to visit Roz," he grinned, draining the last of his wine and swaggering to the brothel.
As much as she was enjoying the kiss, Alyssa wanted more and Jon seemed to be holding back. Taking the initiative, she broke the kiss and pushed him gently to his back, loosening her bodice as she crawled on top of him. She could feel his arousal through his clothes, and grinded against it making him groan. Reaching up, he gently ran his fingers over her breasts, feeling her nipples stiffen through the fabric as she gasped and squirmed against him. It was almost his undoing, and taking control again he flipped her onto her back in one fluid motion, placing his body over hers.
Alyssa wrapped her legs around his waist in response, writhing against him as she took his lips in hers once more.
"Alyssa," he whispered against her lips.
"Hmm?" she responded, stroking his hair back as she kissed him.
"We should perhaps calm down a little," he sighed, kissing her once more and reluctantly pulling away. They both sat up, looking into each other's eyes.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked. Jon shook his head furiously.
"Never, I just want to make sure we both don't," his libido was screaming at him in anger, but he didn't want to go through with this if she was just going to be another notch on his bedpost. Alyssa herself had only been with one other person, and it probably wouldn't be helpful to think about that right now.
"You're probably right," she sighed. "It has been fun though,"
"There was no implication it wasn't," he grinned, pecking her gently on the lips. "But if the gods smile upon me, there will be other opportunities, I hope,"
"Here's hoping they do," she replied. "Until then, I'll see you in the morning," Jon nodded, kissed her once more and left, shutting the door behind him. He hoped he wouldn't run into anyone on the way to his room, his erection was still very prominent and would need to be taken care of before he slept. Something he could at least have more control over.
