Game of Thrones: Of Lions and Roses

Chapter 8 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, glad you like her.
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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Jon

Jon sighed as he exited his office; he had pulled up his hood to hide his face. He began to walk around carefully; keeping himself hidden as he listened in, every time he passed other members of the Night's Watch. He walked around Castle Black, including the courtyard and barracks, as well as the common hall. He had given word for his plans to be circulated, so that word would spread and as a result he could listen in to their reactions.

'It would seem matters are coming to a head.' Jon noted to himself. 'We can only wait and see who I need to talk too, to convince…'

He knew that not everyone would be open to the idea, he would have to make clear the dangers they faced, the difficulty they would face unless they made this alliance. He knew it would be no easy task; yet he was surprised at what he overheard.

Overall the reaction was mixed, which was actually better than the thought; there were in fact more people in favour of the idea than he had anticipated. Even better, many of those who were not in favour, were only uncertain, unsure what to expect, or if such an alliance as even possible.

"This is an outrage!" A voice shouted.

Jon turned, keeping his hood up; and saw the speak, it was Janos Slynt; he might have expected that; there were a few who thought like him too, no doubt they would be quick to band together, he had to act fast.

So it was that, a short while later, those that were against the idea, for one reason or another, had been called to the courtyard. When they arrived they saw Jon standing waiting for them.

"I have called you here for a reason…"

Janos snarled. "Yes, you wish for us to ally with those barbarians; have you gone mad, boy!?"

Jon shook his head. "I am thinking for our future, the future of all of us Janos…And you will address me properly."

He looked around, eyes narrowed as he explained.

"We have all seen them, we know the White Walkers are coming, they bring with them legions of dead…both of us and of the Free Folk. We have sent out word to try and get new recruits for the Watch; but we cannot expect a reply." He told them patiently. "As a result, if we want to have any chance to survive, we need this alliance."

Janos however flared up again. "You think we'll be ignored, we will have our recruits; the Queen will never let us down…"

Jon then challenged him. "If that is the case, why have there been so few, every other time we've asked for recruits?"

Janos had no answer to that.

"Now, do you understand, this alliance with the Wildings is our only chance." Jon told the group. "The decision has been made."

Those that had doubts seemed to be losing their doubts.

But Janos yelled out again. "We are sworn to kill those vermin!"

Jon sighed before responding. "Silence…"

"You mock the Night's Watch with this!" Janos yelled before leaving in a rage.

He was the only one who left however.

Jon shook his head and spoke. "Now, we need to begin; anyone else wish to complain?"

Nobody said anything and Jon knew it was time to begin his plan.

Jon waited as Alliser prepared to find someone to carry their message to Mance Rayder. He soon saw him approaching, with him was a tall man, heavy with muscle, his very short cut hair was almost completely grey, with only little black left, his eyes were also black and his face was lined. He appeared to be in his late forties and, judging by his scars, a veteran warrior.

Alliser then spoke. "Lord Commander, this is Mors; one of our best rangers. He knows the Wildlings well."

"I've heard of you Mors, the Butcher they call you." Jon replied.

Mors nodded; his voice was gravelly. "Indeed Lord Commander; I've fought the Wildlings many times…They are worthy of respect for their bravery at least; they have come to feel the same of me."

Jon approved of Alliser's choice and Mors soon left to meet with Mance Rayder. As he waited he observed the training of those recruits that had arrived, the ones from before he had been chosen as Lord Commander. They were making progress, in spite of the brief time they had been at Castle Black.

'All the same, will it be enough, that's the question.' He thought worriedly.

Finally however, as the sun was setting, Jon saw Mors returning, with Mance Rayder at his side. Ignoring the whispers of all those around, Jon hurried forwards to meet them.

Mors instantly spoke as Jon approached. "Lord Commander, I have returned with the King of the Wildlings."

Jon nodded, smiling. "Excellent, thank you."

He then turned his attention back to Mance.

Mance was observing Jon carefully; a look of curiosity on his face too.

"This is rather unexpected; Jon Snow, of all people, you are now Lord Commander." He remarked with a smile. "Nevertheless; what can I do for you, for what purpose do you wish to speak with me?"

Jon began to explain to him about his plan.

"We are facing grave danger, the White Walkers; they grow stronger every day." Jon remarked at the end of his speech. "If we do not work together, we are all going to perish."

Mance was quiet for some time, before finally nodding. "I see, there is merit to what you say. So be it, I will speak with people and we will prepare ourselves to join you."
Jon nodded too; smiling. "Good, thank you."

"You cannot be serious!"

Jon turned quickly; Mance's eyes widened in surprise. Jon sighed; it was Janos, undoubtedly here to stir up trouble again.

"I am; we've been over this Janos…"

"But they…" Janos growled.

But Jon had heard enough. "That will do."

Janos snarled and tried to advance, only to be held back by Mors.

"That…will…do; the Lord Commander…said." Mors snarled darkly.

Janos was then dragged away and Jon turned back to Mance.

"I apologize about him." Jon stated.

"Mance nodded. "It is fine; there are those amongst my own people like him. But we must persevere; hopefully we'll win them over."

Jon nodded; also hopeful.

Later; during a reprieve from his duties; Jon had left, heading into the Gift. He had a sneaking suspicion regarding some of the things he had seen and heard; he wanted to see if it was true, if this place was where she was.

When he left, things seemed to be working well; the groundwork of their alliance was already starting. However just then, his thoughts changed as he smiled; finally reaching the campfire he had seen. The red haired Wildling woman started when she saw him and then grinned.

"Well, look who's out here, Jon Snow." She remarked.

Jon nodded. "I knew I'd find you here, Ygritte."

Jon noticed she was tense; but he shook his head.

"You don't need to worry; things are actually; well…" He then explained what had been happened lately.

Ygritte was staring, wide-eyed after he finished. "You…You made an accord with my people?"

Jon nodded and Ygritte shook her head; amazed.

"My people are welcome at the Wall; for possibly the first time ever, we have safety."

Jon nodded again. "Yes. I thought you'd be pleased to hear that…"

Ygritte cut him off as he suddenly found himself being nearly knocked off his feet as she tackled and kissed him. Finally, when they parted for air; Jon couldn't help but smirk, seeing the heat had risen to Ygritte's cheek, turning them the same colour as her hair.

Seeing his smirk she shook her head and they kissed again, their kiss gradually becoming more heated.

"Don't you think…you should…be setting an example…?" Ygritte gasped between kisses.

Jon laughed and began undressing her, with her doing the same with him. "Right now…I have other things…on my mind…"

As the last of their clothes were shed, Ygritte pulled him down, on top of her, pulling a nearby fur pelt over them for warmth as Jon thrust, pushing into her; hearing her moan in ecstasy.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.