The news of Val's arrival spread quickly across Skagos. She arrived with Orrick, her expression fierce and unyielding, and it was clear to everyone that she was not pleased. Jon met her at the gates of Iron Crag, trying to diffuse the tension before it escalated.
"Val," Jon began as she dismounted her horse, "I know you're upset, but—"
"Upset?" Val interrupted, her voice sharp as the chill wind. "You promised me, Jon. You swore we would be married, and now I hear you've promised your hand to another?"
Jon sighed, his shoulders heavy with the weight of his decisions. "I didn't want this, Val. Thrain's dying wish was for me to marry his daughter, Hilda. Refusing would have thrown Skagos into chaos. This was about securing peace and stability for the people here."
"You think I care about your excuses?" Val snapped, her eyes blazing. "If you wanted peace, you should've found another way. Instead, you're willing to betray me."
Jon stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "I'm not betraying you, Val. I love you, and I still want us to be together. That hasn't changed."
Val scoffed, crossing her arms. "Then prove it. Let me show everyone that I'm the only woman worthy of standing by your side."
Before Jon could reply, Val turned to the gathered crowd of Skagosi warriors and loudly declared: "I challenge Hilda to a fight! Let her prove she's worthy of Jon's hand in marriage!"
The announcement caused a stir among Jon's soldiers and advisors. Hilda, who had been observing the scene from a distance, stepped forward, her face calm but resolute.
"I accept your challenge," she said, her voice steady. "But understand this, Val. My father trained me to fight. I will not hold back."
Val smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Good. I wouldn't want you to."
Jon, caught between the two formidable women, tried to intervene. "This isn't necessary. We don't have to solve this with violence."
Both women turned to him with a look that silenced his protests. This was their decision now, and he knew better than to stand in their way.
A stage was hastily constructed in the heart of Iron Crag, surrounded by Jon's loyal soldiers and the people of Skagos. The atmosphere was tense, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. The stakes were clear: this was not just a fight for Jon's hand but a clash of pride and determination.
Val stood on one side of the stage, her wildling heritage evident in her fierce demeanor. She wielded a spear, her movements quick and precise as she warmed up.
On the other side, Hilda adjusted the grip on her longsword, her stance solid and disciplined. She was the image of a trained warrior, her father's teachings evident in every motion.
Jon watched from the sidelines, his heart heavy. He had no desire to see either woman hurt, but there was no stopping this now.
The fight began with a clash of steel and the roar of the crowd. Val's speed and agility were matched by Hilda's strength and precision. They traded blows, each testing the other's limits.
Val darted in and out, her spear a blur as she aimed for openings in Hilda's defense. Hilda blocked and countered, her strikes measured and powerful.
"You fight well," Val said, her voice carrying over the sounds of battle. "But I won't lose to you."
Hilda smirked, parrying another strike. "We'll see about that."
The duel raged on, both women pushing themselves to their limits. The crowd watched in awe, murmuring as the fight continued without a clear victor.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Val managed to disarm Hilda with a clever feint, her spear pressing against Hilda's throat.
"Yield," Val demanded, her voice firm but not unkind.
Hilda, breathing heavily, hesitated for a moment before lowering her head. "I yield."
Val stood triumphant, the spear in her hand still as she caught her breath. She turned to Jon, her smirk playful yet victorious.
"I like her," Val declared, gesturing toward Hilda. "She's strong and can fight well. I have no objection to you marrying her."
The crowd murmured in surprise, but before Jon could respond, Val stepped forward and extended a hand to Hilda.
Hilda, still catching her breath, hesitated for a moment before accepting Val's hand. Instead of just a handshake, Val pulled her into an unexpected hug. The tension that had gripped the crowd melted into a murmur of approval.
"You fought well," Val said quietly, her tone sincere. "You'll make a fine sister wife."
Hilda, relieved by Val's acceptance, hugged her back. "Thank you," she said, her voice soft but steady. "You've earned my respect."
Jon stepped forward, his face filled with a mix of pride and relief. He looked at the two women who had fought for him, not just as warriors but as individuals determined to make their place in his life.
"People of Skagos!" Jon called out, his voice echoing across the gathered crowd. The soldiers and villagers turned to him, eager to hear his words. "Two days from now, beneath the heart tree of Skagos, I will marry both Val and Hilda. They have proven their strength, their loyalty, and their place here."
The announcement was met with a roar of approval. The people of Skagos, hardened by their harsh land and proud of their traditions, celebrated this union that would strengthen their community.
Val smirked at Jon, her playful demeanor returning. "You better make it worth my while, Jon Frost."
Hilda, though more reserved, nodded. "And mine."
Jon chuckled softly, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The celebrations began immediately. The people of Skagos worked tirelessly to prepare for the wedding. The heart tree in the sacred grove was adorned with wildflowers and offerings, its ancient face seeming to smile in approval.
Val and Hilda were both treated as brides, with the women of Skagos crafting dresses for them from the finest materials the island could offer. Though they came from different worlds, Val and Hilda began to bond, sharing stories and laughter as they prepared for the day.
Jon, meanwhile, oversaw the final preparations. He wanted the ceremony to be simple yet meaningful, honoring both the traditions of the North and the customs of Skagos.
Tormund approached him during the preparations, a grin on his face. "You've got yourself a pair of strong women, Jon. We hasn't seen a celebration like this in years."
Jon smirked. "Let's just hope they don't change their minds before the vows."
Orrick laughed heartily. "Not a chance. They're both stubborn enough to see this through."
As the day of the wedding approached, Jon stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, the waves crashing against the rocks below. Val and Hilda had each taken a part of his heart, and he knew this union would not be without its challenges. But he also knew that with their strength, and the strength of Skagos behind him, they could face anything.
"We'll make this work," Jon murmured to himself, the wind carrying his words to the horizon.
Jon sat at his desk in the Iron Crag, the glow of the hearth casting flickering shadows across the room. A raven had arrived earlier, bearing a letter sealed with the Stark sigil. Jon broke the wax seal with careful hands and unfolded the parchment.
Robb's familiar handwriting greeted him, each word carrying warmth and excitement.
"Jon,
First, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I can't tell you how proud and happy I am for you. It pains me that I won't be able to stand beside you on such an important day, but you understand the weight of ruling. With Father in King's Landing, the North falls to me, and there's much to be done.
I've already told Bran, Sansa, Arya, and Rickon about your marriage. They're all thrilled for you, and we've made a promise: we'll see you at the next Northern Games in the mountains. Rickon, especially, is eager to hear more about Skagos. He's told me countless times he wants to visit.
While I can't be there to celebrate in person, know that I'll raise a toast to you from Winterfell. May your union bring you happiness and strength, and may Skagos thrive under your leadership.
Your brother always,
Robb
P.S. Don't let Arya challenge Val or Hilda to a spar when she finally meets them. She's been boasting about her training with Uncle Bryden and claims she could best anyone in the North."*
Jon smiled at the letter, imagining Arya's fiery determination and Rickon's excitement. For a moment, he allowed himself to miss Winterfell and the days when they were all together as a family. But he knew his path lay here now, with Skagos, Val, and Hilda.
The day before the wedding, Jon stood on the cliffs overlooking the treacherous waters of Skagos. The letter from Robb had lifted his spirits, reminding him that while his family was scattered, they were still united in heart.
Orrick approached from behind, his heavy boots crunching on the frost-covered ground. "The preparations are done, Jon," he said, his voice gruff but warm. "The heart tree is ready, the feast is set, and the people are eager. All that's left is for you to show up tomorrow."
Jon nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It feels strange," he admitted. "I've fought battles, crossed icy seas, and led men into war. But this... this feels different."
Orrick chuckled. "Marriage is a battle of its own, lad. But you're not facing it alone. Val and Hilda—they're strong. You'll make it work."
Jon turned to Orrick, a small smile on his lips. "Thank you, Orrick. For everything."
Orrick waved him off. "Just don't forget to enjoy the feast. The people worked hard for it, and you deserve a moment to celebrate."
The sun rose over Skagos, casting a golden light on the rugged landscape. The heart tree stood tall and ancient, its face etched with wisdom and the blood-red leaves rustling in the wind.
Jon dressed in the finest furs and leathers Skagos could offer, a mix of Stark and Skagosi traditions woven into his attire. Val and Hilda were prepared in separate chambers, each adorned with ceremonial garments that highlighted their unique beauty and strength.
As Jon stood at the base of the heart tree, the people of Skagos gathered around, their voices hushed in reverence for the sacred moment. Val and Hilda emerged from opposite sides of the grove, each walking toward Jon with steady determination.
Jon's heart swelled as he saw them. These women, so different yet so alike in their strength and resolve, were to be his partners in life. As they reached him, he took their hands in his, looking at each of them with respect and affection.
The ceremony was simple yet profound, overseen by an elder of Skagos who spoke in the old tongue.
"Do you, Jon Frost, take these women as your wives, to honor, protect, and stand beside them for all your days?"
Jon nodded, his voice firm. "I do."
"Do you, Val and Hilda, take this man as your husband, to honor, support, and stand beside him for all your days?"
Val smirked, her voice carrying a playful edge. "I do."
Hilda followed, her tone steady and resolute. "I do."
As the ceremony ended, the people erupted into cheers, their voices carrying across the island. Jon, Val, and Hilda stood together beneath the heart tree, a new chapter beginning for them and for Skagos.
That night, the feast was a celebration of unity and strength. The people of Skagos danced, sang, and feasted, their spirits high as they welcomed a new era under Jon's leadership.
And though Jon missed his family, he knew Robb's words rang true: they would reunite at the Northern Games, and when that day came, he would share with them the story of how Skagos became not just his land, but his home.
Author's Note:
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