Chapter 9: It's Snowing Again
A/N Very much aware the last few chapters have seemed very focused on dialogue, so I'm trying to keep up the pace of the story more otherwise season 2 will be over before I've even got as far as halfway through the first! All feedback is welcome as I continue to work on my style and writing skills
Two days later, Winterfell was busy as the Royal Party, their retainers and some of the Stark family prepared to go south the following day. Alyssa and Olivia were sat on Alyssa's bed having not long dressed and broken their fasts, glum expressions about their faces. Olivia had not yet started packing; all of the servants were busy preparing and packing and Olivia had not had a Septa for quite some time.
"Do you want some help?" Alyssa offered, absently folding Olivia's night robes.
"I don't really have much, but thanks for the offer. Shouldn't take me too long," sighed Olivia, rising and beginning to gather her things from the dresser.
"You know if I help, you'll be done sooner and have more time to spend with a certain Greyjoy..." Alyssa pointed out with a wink. Olivia had barely shut up about him over the last few days, although she had since woken up in her own bed this time. Alyssa knew the older girl was rather taken with him, and though she couldn't speak for Theon he had seemed less flirty with the other girls in Winterfell as of late.
"What makes you think I want to do that?" Olivia snapped, suddenly and bizarrely feeling defensive about her feelings.
"Your recent lodgings," shrugged Alicia, unable to resist the pop.
"Because you've been in your own bed all night each night," scoffed Olivia, giving her cousin an accusatory stare.
"Are we really going to sit here and debate this or do you actually want to see him?" Alyssa exasperatedly tried to end the argument, already folding clothing and placing it in Olivia's trunk.
"OK. But only because you seem so insistent on it," Olivia's mannerisms relaxed as she knew Alyssa was only trying to do her a kindness. And she was also appreciative. "Thank you," she whispered, grasping her cousin's hands for a moment.
"Yeah, see you later,"
Olivia's first thought was to look in the training yard where Theon spent at least an hour a day practicing with his bow. There was no sign of him there, so she wandered around the keep, though it was hard to locate anybody with so many people rushing around. When she finally caught sight of him, it wasn't where she had been hoping. In fact, the sight of him striding out of the brothel, looking left and right only made him appear more suspicious, especially the way his face drained of colour when he met her angry gaze from mere metres away. Before he had a chance to react, Olivia turned round and fled back to the keep, dodging around streets and groups of people in effort to lose the Greyjoy should he decide to pursue her.
Finishing packing with a feeling of sadness, Alyssa decided to get some fresh air and try and find some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the keep. She wasn't too sad about The Baratheons and their entourage leaving, though they had exchanged a few pleasantries Alyssa had never really trusted or particularly liked the Queen, and certainly didn't like her arrogant twin brother. She never understood why the King would want the slayer of his predecessor guarding him in the first place, let alone marrying into his family but it had been upon the advice of her Uncle. She approached the Godswood, and gently opening the gate she entered and took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the trees and foliage that grew around them. She wandered in until she got to the centre, pleased that the sounds of life were so faint they were like whispers on the wind. She reclined against a wide tree trunk and closed her eyes, when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"So, we meet here again," Robb chuckled, Grey Wind close behind.
"Hello," she grinned, opening her eyes, "I thought you'd be busy with the girls and your father going away,"
"The girls have Septa Mordane, and Father is managing," he replied, sitting opposite her. "How about Olivia, is she ready?"
"I assume so," shrugged Alyssa, "Though to be honest I packed her things so she could see some more of Theon before leaving,"
"That's thoughtful of you," he smiled. His face turned serious as he took her hands. "I know this may not be an appropriate time, but I can't help but think about what you said the other evening. When we were talking about previous...experience," Alyssa's heart pounded, her expression showing as pained as much as she tried to control it. She took a deep breath, figuring that now was as good a time as any to tell him.
"Two years ago, I was promised to a young Dornish knight, Arthur Martell. I had only met him a couple of times before our engagement, but thankfully he was always kind to me and I was extremely fond of him. And as we were promised anyway, we made love...," she smiled as she recalled him; tall and blonde with strong handsome features, brown eyes and a slim yet athletic body. Together, they had learned the arts of the bedroom and had great fun in doing so. Alyssa recalled her first time with him, how gentle he'd been and how scared she was but how she loved him so much and he'd been so patient for her that when she had her first orgasm, she felt like bursting into tears with joy. "Soon we found that I was with child, and although we were ecstatic, our parents were not happy and decided to bring the wedding forward as not to bring shame upon our unborn child. But unfortunately it was not to be," at this point, Alyssa had tears welling up in her eyes, her breath caught in her throat as she continued with her story. "He was killed a week before the wedding, murdered. We never found out who did it or why, didn't even have any suspicions either. The shock brought on a miscarriage, and I had instantly lost my lover and our child," she was sobbing openly now, Robb could only rub her back in silence as she leaned forward with her head in her hands. He gently pulled her against his chest and stroked her hair. He had really not been expecting to hear anything like this. She was disturbed for the afternoon with the most awful memories, many of which she had cast away in her mind as soon as they had occurred.
She stared at her reflection in awe at the growing bump just visible through her wedding dress. She patted the material down and turned to the side, marvelling at the growing life inside her. Hearing voices below, she hurriedly removed the dress for she'd already been told off for wearing it before the ceremony and didn't want to face another lecture. Pulling on an ordinary lilac gown, she unbolted her door and went down to rejoin the rest of her household. Her parents looked very grave as they sat together in the great hall, hands clasped together. She could see her mother had been crying.
Her father bade her sit down but some instinct told her to be on edge, adrenaline was pumping through her veins. He told her she was not to leave the house until further notice, until he said it was safe. She didn't know from what danger, but the urgency in her father's voice prompted her to swear to obey him. Knowing something was wrong, she fled to her room to stare out of the window. To the back of the house, all was normal and she could see the town thriving as usual, nothing untoward. The privy was to the other side of the house, so she calmly walked over there to peer out of the window. Her heart stopped for a second as she saw Arthur's body lying prone in the middle of the square, a large pool of blood spreading from a wound in his neck. She knew he was dead, there was no way a man could survive that kind of injury.
Ignoring her promise to her father, she ran down the stairs and left the house via the cellars where she would least likely be stopped. She didn't stop until she got to him, pushing everyone else aside including the Maester who had arrived with a group of silent sisters. As one of them closed Arthur's eyes forever, Alyssa sank to her knees, her hands instinctively covering her stomach. It was then that she noticed the cramps and the warmth. As she stood, she was overcome by a sharp pain and the sight of blood already soaking through her dress. She collapsed in shock, and the last thing she remembered was being carried to her room.
Dinner was an awkward affair. There was still the tension about the fate of Bran, as well as the sadness felt by the Stark family that they would be split up. Lady Stark was present, though it had taken a lot of persuading. Alyssa's mood was well and truly low as she picked at her food that evening. Robb still didn't really know what to say, and was also aware of the fact she was upset and he didn't know what to do. He noticed she was drinking more than she was eating, and he made a mental not to keep an eye on her. This was not to be, for shortly after dessert his father summoned him for a talk; no doubt some last minute advice about running Winterfell in his absence.
Feeling an atmosphere between Olivia and Theon, Alyssa excused herself to go for a walk, not before helping herself to a skin of wine on the way out. She knew it was a stupid thing to do and didn't bode well for the following morning; having to say her goodbyes to her cousin with a pounding head and trying not to be sick. But at the same time, it was numbing her thoughts relating to her earlier discussion with Robb. She was glad she'd told him but it felt like she was reliving it all over again, and this was what the wine was helping with marvellously.
She wandered away from the castle, feeling that a bit of air might do her good before turning in for the night. She decided to go to the stables, drawn by the calming noise of lightly snorting and whickering horses. Walking onto the yard, she heard another sound, a smooth, rhythmic soothing sound and decided to investigate. She came across one of the stalls to discover Jon brushing his horse ready for the journey to the wall. He hadn't noticed her yet, concentrating solely on the task before him. Despite it being the evening and getting cooler, he was wearing a white shirt of cotton that gave a clear indication of his muscular arms and shoulders working as he manipulated the grooming tools with strong hands.
Alyssa did not fail to acknowledge his attractiveness once again which announced itself as a flutter in her stomach. Despite her feelings for Robb, she couldn't help but stare at his half-brother working in the light of the moon, with only a few well-guarded lanterns for sight. Boldly, she took a step forward for a better view. Jon's dark bay Garron was gleaming, as much as one of the hardy northern horses could. Yet he carried on brushing, as if he were scrubbing at stains only he could see. No doubt the beast was glad of the massage, if only it could speak to let him know. Edging further forward still, her feet weren't as silent as she would have wished as a result of the wine she had consumed and the dry straw on the floor. Jon tensed and turned in one fluid movement, hand poised at the hilt of his sword he wore with pride.
"Who go-Oh? Hello milady," he started to speak to confidently and then his voice changed to one of surprise when he caught sight of her. "What are you doing here, shouldn't you be at the castle?" the way he spoke made her feel like he left two words unsaid; with Robb? Alyssa grinned and shrugged, now that she was discovered there was no point trying to hide anymore.
"Probably, but I don't feel like going to bed just yet," she explained, taking another swig of wine. Jon stared at it with a puzzled and shocked expression on his face.
"What have you got there?" he asked, gesturing for her to pass it to him.
"Gods, how rude of me! Sorry Jon, have some wine," she giggled, gladly handing it to him. Jon was about to take a gulp when he thought it was better not to, he would be leaving in the morning and wanted to get a good night's rest and wake with a clear head.
"No, thank you. Do you think you've had enough, Alyssa? I should escort you back to the castle," he began gathering his brushes and placing them in a box, keeping an eye on his new companion as she leaned casually against the stable wall.
"No, I'm quite alright thank you. And don't feel you have to stop on my account," she gestured towards the horse.
"What are you doing here anyway?" he asked, feeling a little annoyed and confused.
"Just thought I'd come for a walk to clear my head," she shrugged. "I didn't think there would be anyone here. I'm sorry I disturbed you," she walked over to him and smartly removed her wineskin back from his grasp, swaying slightly as she left the stall and began to walk determinedly down the stable yard. Jon sighed and ran his hands through his hair before marching after her.
"Alyssa, come back," he called. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound angry," she stopped at the sound of his voice and slowly turned round. "I just have a lot on my mind, with going away tomorrow," he confessed. She began to slowly walk back towards him, very aware of the fact that she knew she wanted to kiss him.
"How are you feeling about going to the wall?" she asked in a low voice, "You know, now that it's upon you? Do you still feel the same?" Jon gulped, aware that there was nobody else around and she was in very close proximity to him. Even though they'd had "that talk", he still found her attractive and was secretly jealous of whatever it was her and Robb had.
"I think it's for the best I go," he answered honestly. "There's nothing for me anywhere else, and besides there's great honour in being part of the Night's Watch, especially when I become a ranger like Uncle Benjen," The way his eyes lit up confirmed to Alyssa, despite her intoxication, that he meant it. It also made her heart thud to see him so passionate about something again; he really could and would do great things if he focused it in the right way.
"There could have been," Alyssa blurted, ashamed and immediately turning red as she realised she was thinking out loud.
"Alyssa-," he began, but she cut him off with her hand.
"There could have Jon."
He knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't stop himself from silencing her with his mouth on hers. He was screaming at himself in his head, but Alyssa's lips were so soft and tasting of wine. He felt her kiss him back, her tongue very assured in her re-aqcuaintence of his mouth. Instinctively, he pulled her closer, feeling her arms wrap around his back underneath his cloak. When he felt her push against his cock, he was overcome by a moment of clarity and the split second felt like an age; he would either continue, betray his brother and never want to leave her thus giving up his chance to prove himself at the wall, or put a stop to this now before it went any further. Reluctantly but firmly, he pushed her away.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," he said gently. Alyssa froze and stared at him, drunk and confused. "I shouldn't have..."
Alyssa shushed him.
"Don't, Jon. Words can't take away that it happened, but they don't need to dwell on it either. It has happened. You shall go north, and I, well, I don't know. Excuse me," she staggered behind one of the empty stable doors and threw up into a conveniently placed bucket. Wiping her mouth, she returned to Jon.
"Are you OK? Maybe you should go to bed," he looked concerned.
"Too much wine. All the best Jon, and don't let this taint your honour," she didn't give him a chance to reply as she fled back into the courtyard, almost running right into Tyrion Lannister.
"Most young ladies don't run from sweet kisses in the dark. Fancy a ride on the bastard before he takes the black?" he questioned her.
"No my Lord, you may be mistaken," she replied, head spinning, just wanting to lie down.
"Calm down Lady Arryn, I care not for the complicated love trysts of the north, besides those I've personally been involved in," he laughed, drinking from his wine skin. Alyssa realised she still carried hers and thrust it into Tyrion's other hand.
"Then enjoy it more on me," she muttered, staggering away thankfully uninterrupted to her room.
"Please Olivia just let me explain!" he cried to her in desperation as she stood up to leave shortly after Alyssa had departed.
"I watched you walk out of the brothel. What is there to explain?" she replied coldly, refusing to look at him. Theon sighed and looked down into his cup.
"If you must know, I was talking with someone,"
"In a brothel? What's wrong with the Inn?" her eyes blazed with anger, she hadn't wanted to make a scene in front of Alyssa or Robb, but now it was just her and him she couldn't avoid him as easily as she had earlier in the day.
"Because there was only one person I could talk to about this, please Olivia, listen to me," his looked at her pleadingly, something about the intensity of his gaze forced her to sit back down opposite him.
"Explain," she stated, pouring herself a cup of wine. "I'll let you have that chance, although I feel it's more than I should give," she continued to glare at him as she drank. Theon found it hard to meet her eyes, he felt panicked and was not used to feeling this way about a girl.
"I was with Roz," he confessed, quickly adding, "But not for any of her services, I swear it!" at that point he met her gaze, which though still showed signs of anger gave way to confusion.
"What did you have to see her about then?" she could have sworn Theon was starting to blush, a very rare sight. She did not know Roz personally, but knew who the pretty whore was as she was quite popular, it would seem.
"You actually," he mumbled.
"Me? Why would you talk to her about me?"
"She's a woman, you're a woman," he shrugged, "So I figured she might be able to advise me on how to make sure you don't forget your last night here in a hurry," Olivia didn't know what to say, she was torn between shock that Theon, with his reputation (Alyssa had warned her) had actually asked for advice on how to make her happy, and that she had wasted most of the day avoiding him when she could have had him for a few more, precious hours. Her cold expression melted and she smiled at him, rising.
"Well, come on, I'm curious to know what advice you'll be following,"
"I think you'll like it," he grinned, joining her and feeling relieved that she had apparently chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt. In his room, there were more candles than normal, a bottle of wine he had acquired thanks to persuasion and bribery, lemon cakes and fresh cream.
That night, Roz's advice certainly paid off as they enjoyed their dessert in such a manner that would certainly not be accepted in the great hall.
Alyssa slept fitfully that night, not even feeling able to face Robb the night before and running straight to her room. The initial endorphins had dissipated, and now she felt guilt and shame. When she awoke, the colour of the sky suggested it was past dawn. She was grateful for Olivia's absence as she quickly ran out of bed and vomited into her water jug on the dresser. Grimacing, she staggered to the window to see people starting to gather already to bid farewell to the guests, and the Lord of Winterfell with his two daughters.
Her stomach lurched again when she caught sight of Jon preparing to leave, and Robb stood with him embracing him with a sad smile on his face. Before she could react, Olivia came in, hastily removing her clothes, washing, and dressing into her travelling clothes. In almost silence, the girls followed the servants as they carried Olivia's things to the courtyard to be loaded on top of one of the carriages and covered to protect it from the weather.
Her and Theon had already said their goodbyes, yet shared a longing look whenever they had the opportunity. Although he helped Lord Stark prepare for his journey south, Theon would remain in Winterfell with Robb and the boys. It was a harsh reminder that he was really no more than a well-treated prisoner. After the final goodbyes, the men of the night's watch and party for King's Landing set off as one, the former heading north accompanied by Tyron Lannister, and the latter heading south. Catelyn Stark, who had come down briefly to say goodbye to her husband and daughters once more, ran back up to Bran's room, continuing her silent prayers that he would awaken and come back to her.
