[Privat] Game of Thrones - Winter Love

Jon's lips quirk upwards slightly forming a hint of a smile as he straightens his back. "There is nothing for you to fret over, Your Grace, Ghost has a habit of keeping me out of trouble and safe" he says as he scratches Ghost behind the ear, causing the large quiet wolf to glance up at his master. His eyes wander to her lips and quickly find their way to her bodice and dress, a fine soft looking dress, that Sansa without a doubt had sewn herself. At the thought , Jon pulls his cloak closer around him, it could be assumed that it was because of the cold but it is to remind himself that she made it for him. "I like the wolf bit" comes to mind, causing a quiet chuckle to escape his lips.

The sound of Sansa's words has him taken aback, not prepared but glad to hear them. Jon keeps his voice low as he speaks, meant for her ears alone. "I will not keep you waiting too long" with that he bows and mounts his horse, riding out through the gates as the snow falls.
The following weeks the Lords keep tracking the raiders, with hounds and a direwolf. During the dark nights Jon finds himself slipping into the Ghosts mind, something that has been more frequent since his death and revival, in hope of tracking the raiders. The scents and the world seems more alive, even with all of the heavy snows but he is still unsuccessful, frustrated and restless he rises from the bedroll and heads out of the tent, taking a deep breath before murmuring to the wind "Why don't you send us some helpful ravens, brother" - "So I can go home" he thinks mournfully , a part of him still hates himself for the feelings he has - that he and Sansa share but those thoughts have become less and less frequent as he finds himself missing her more and more, wishing for the simple things, seeing her smile and her blue eyes becoming bright as the sky.

The sun has barely risen, casting an eerie glow over the trees and on the snow, the woods are quiet save for the sound of birds and restless horses. A sudden appearance of a small murder of crows warrants quick actions as he rouses the men and packs up his tent, saddling his horse while muttering a quick 'Thank you' to his new Kingly brother.
Lord Lake appears from his tent, wide awake and ready as he straps his sword to his belt. "Did the hounds find some leads?" he asks naturally curious.
"Aye, something of the sort" is Jon's quick reply, he is ready and mounted. "ready yourselves , they did not seem far away" the determination in his voice and expression is enough to make any man follow and follow they do as they ride off , never questioning the large flock of birds over their heads.

A small village is current set blaze, women are screaming , there are dead bodies all over, it seems that the villagers fought back, in vain judging from the slaughter that is occurring.
"Lord Lake, take two of the men and flank them the best you can-" the orders come quick and thought out. Jon can only hope that they can do enough and save the people here and bring justice for the crimes.

Sansa felt that she was losing her mind out of worry. She had thrown herself into her work, and to some extent it worked, she managed to finish everything she needed to address, so well that she had only minor things to concentrate on, which made it worse. The circles under her eyes were dark enough for her servants to question her health, she had assured them that she was fine, but she could tell that they kept an eye on her, making her irritated. In the end she spent most of her time on her room, working, sewing or trying to read, nothing that really helped her.

She had visited the crypt from time to time, hoping that she wouldn't need to place Jon there soon, that he was alright. It was moment like this she wished she had Brann's abilities, because then she would have known. Brann had still to contact her, so did that mean that he didn't know about her and Jon, or did he have some other reason?She didn't know and seeing that Brann had powers no one else had, it made it difficult for her to trying to estimate what he may do. Her tiredness may also play a part of it, but she knew it was more than that and she had given up all attempts at guessing at the moment.

To be honest she had given up her tries to work or any other meaningless thing she did to try to keep her mind of Jon. She was aware that her work was far from meaningless, but at this moment it felt like it, because Jon was out there, somewhere and she was unaware if he was well or not. So in the end she had decided to go for a short ride, coming up with the excuse that she needed to inspect the city and it's surrounding areas. Her horse had been prepared and she was not sitting on her white mare, rains in hand with her guards around her as she red towards the lower city.

The fight had been brutal, two of their men had died and all were injured in some way, including Jon , who is now nursing his wounds, deep slashes that went into his arm but luckily never cut an artery. Broken ribs and more bruises than he cared to count. The raiders had been dealt with and the two men in charge of the foul deeds were chained up waiting to be taken to Winterfell, which was now almost a week's ride away. As expected , the villagers were mourning their fallen and loss of crop and cattle. It had taken all of Jon's strength not to beat the rapers and murderers into bloody pulps for the Queen's justice was more important, any savage can break a man's face but it takes a good man to deliver the proper punishment.
He is currently sitting in a meeting with Lord Lake, discussing the best route to take back to the castle, to her, which is a relief.

Wintertown is slowly being rebuilt just as Winterfell, the market town is not as full of life as it once were, people are preparing for the harsh snows, they murmur about how the Long Night might still come, hoping that their Queen will save them should they need it. For all of the life, it is a wonder that the brothel still stays open, A little girl keeps following Sansa, smiling and giggling, hoping to catch the Queens attention, gushing over her dress as a few more girls join in, their chores forgotten with Sansa's presence. "Your Grace, is your hair truly that color? like fire - it's beautiful" one girl says, still following the horse.

Jon's gaze flickers from the map to Lord Lake in concentration. "Going through the valley is quicker , aye but the risks are too great. One could be buried under the snow if you sneeze too loudly. If we follow the river, we should come out near Wintertown, isn't that so?" The valley wasn't someplace he cared to go, Jon has seen too many people get swallowed and buried in snow, it was not something he wished to experience. He wished for a warm meal , bath and just the smallest of Sansa's touches, nothing unobtainable, at least he hopes.

Sansa glanced down at the children suddenly surrounding her, almost in surprise. Margeary was the only ruler she had seen that was surrounding by her subjects, and now as she was older she could understand that it was a game from the other one, if your people liked you, you were safer. All the other rulers she had met had ruled with an iron fist, cruel and without a thought about the one living in their kingdom. Sansa wasn't all to taken that her people liked her, she knew that, yet this was something she hadn't experienced before. Maybe because it was the interest the children seemed to have in her, and their carefree way. The once she met were normally adults and this behaviour would never been acceptable from them, but all she could do now was smile as she stopped her horse, afraid one of the children may be trampled if she continued and she slowly jumped off. Her guards were eying her, prepared if something would happen.

She wasn't to worried, seeing they were children. She was truly aware of what children could do and how easily they were overlocked, but she couldn't walk around in fear. She kneeled down so she could meet the children's eyes and smiled.
"It is my true colour and thank you for your kind words" the girls eyes glimmered for a second. "Aren't you parents worried when you are wandering off like this?"
"No! Are yours?" A young boy said bravely but someone hushed him at once, but Sansa continued smiling not to upset him, he can't be older then four, most likely very unaware of the world around him.
"Sadly my parents are no longer here, but I my cousin would worry if I wandered off, just as I worry about him when he does" Sansa explained.
"You mean Jon Snow?"
"Targaryen" Sansa corrected the older girl who nodded.
"He is handsome" at those words Sansa laughed.
"He is, but I think he may be a bit to old for you"
"I will get older!" the girl stated and Sansa giggled, she had been as naïve as they were at that age, and she knew that the world was cruel and that they needed to know about it, yet informing them now would do them no good.
"Yes you will" Sansa simply answered as she stood up. "So how about finding all your parents, so they won't worry about you?"
"Will you help us?" one girl asked and Sansa nodded, resulting in the girl taking her hand at once. She almost flinched, unprepared for the hasty movement, but she contained herself and nodded, giving the rains to a guard, while they started walking back the way they had come, trying to find all the children's parents.

The older girl keeps close to Sansa, talking in a excited tone, once again, asking questions about her and Jon. "Mother and Father speak of Winterfell, saying it is wonderful and giant- is it true? it doesn't look too large from here" with a smile she continues "is it true that the Children of the Forest helped build it?" The children seem truly happy to have her near, they do not have any ill intent, simply kind and curious questions.
The boy is following, smiling. "Your Grace, is he a knight? mother says that he 'venged something" the quick ramblings from the boy are innocent, clearly not knowing what he says or how it could hurt her. Another hushing comes from one of the girls just as the guards react to the words the boy said.
The guards keep close enough should something occur, hands resting on the hilts of their swords. glancing around for dangers. Their eyes widen at the words from the boy.
"Boy, you do not need to speak of such things, hold your tongue around your Queen." The gruff guard takes a step closer to Sansa.
The boy gasps and shakes his head, frowning
"Forgive me , Your Grace, I -" he stutters and seem visibly upset, taking a step back and holding onto one of the girls who is presumably his sister.

Jon reaches down to pet Ghost absentmindedly as the discussion with Lord Lake continues and the injured men must be given time to heal, himself included. "I am grateful for your assistance, My Lord, you and your men did the North a great service, I am certain that her Grace will be pleased" A curt nod comes from Jon, showing appreciation.
"Those men will not harm anyone again."
Lord Lake nods. "I would hope that we have done all we can and help Her Grace keep her Kingdom strong" He rolls up the map as the route is set.

Jon runs a hand through his hair and leaves the tent, taking a short walk around the the camp with Ghost by his side. A moon ago he was beyond the wall with some of the Freefolk that did not stay in the Gift. A scowl marrs his face, the white , snowcovered trees, brings memories back to burning Ygritte, to the first few nights with her but all he sees is red hair. His dragonblood must be stronger than he wishes to think as he is drawn to those kissed by fire. Ghost stays by his side, standing there, leaning against his master and friend.

Sansa continue smiling at the questions, far from a genuin smile, but more than the ones she smiles towards her advisors.
"It is true that the castle is large, but nothing compared to the ones in the south" she answered and the children's eyes sparkel trying to imagine how big those castles must be. Sansa remember her own feelings, seeing Kings Landing for the first time. She had thought Winterfell was enormous as a child, but seeing the capital and the royal castle made Winterfell look like a farm. Winterfell was her home and she loved it, but she had to admit it wasn't as beautiful as the castles in the south. It was built to withstand the winter and attacks from the North, yet it could have more elegance, maybe she should invest some time in that when she got back, trying to plan it somehow.

Sansa turned towards the guard at once, with a grim face.
"We do not speak to out people in such a tone, especially not the children captain" her sudden scolding made the guard turn red and become flustered.
"Your grace..."
"I do not wish to hear excuses. I wish for you to go back there with the horses! Ethan can take your place" Sansa turned towards another guard, around 35, brown untamed hair and almost black eyes, he could appear frightening, especially since he barely said something, but she had seen worse, and the man was very loyal. Ethan only nodded and took the captains place. And Sansa turned towards the children.
"No he is not a knight. When we were younger and I set out to the south Jon set out to the North to take the black, he later become their commander, and he helped me take back Winterfell from some evil men" Sansa could almost laugh of how simple she described Ramsey, he was more than an evil man, but the children didn't need to know that. "He then become king of the north and helped us stop the white walkers, and later went to the south to save us from Cersie and later his aunt"
"Your fathers sister?" one asked and Sansa shook her head.
"No Jon's mother died when he was born, this was his aunt on his father's side. He saved us all from her and her dragons"
"The dragons that were here? They seemed scary" one child said and Sansa nodded. They had frightened her, but mostly because Dany controlled them and she hadn't trusted her.
"Yes, those. So after he saved us a lot pf political things happened and today Jon is simply Jon"
"But why? If he saved us, shouldn't he be king now?" the boy asked and Sansa smiled once more.
"Yes in a perfect world he would"
"But we got you instead! You are the most beautiful queen to live! And you are kind!" a girl said and Sansa almost wanted to laugh over how naïve the girl was. It was true that she was far from ugly, but most beautiful, that was far from the truth, and she could be kind, yet she had done horrid things as well, things she children didn't need to know.
"Thank you, now lets find your parents"

It had taken some time to return the children and most parents had been horrified when she met them, thinking that their children had caused some sort of problem, but Sansa had assured them that wasn't the case. The children had happily said farewell to her and as she returned to her horse she heard how they told them about how she had chastised the captain and she knew that the story would spread, she felt a bit bad for the captain, but it would teach him a lesson for life. Sansa mounted the horse once more and patted her, just as a flock of birds flew over her head and she followed them with her eyes, before pulling up her hood, not wishing to see her brother spy on her, as they continued to inspect the wall and city.

Ethan keeps close to Sansa, his hand still on the hilt of his sword, ready to protect. "Your Grace, should we not return to the castle? there might still be raiders about , the safest place is back in Winterfell" he says in the Northern tone, deep and rough, he looks up at the flock of crows a frown crosses his features but he rides on in service of his Queen. As the chill wraps around them , Ethan pulls his fur collar higher and wraps his cloak tighter, he may be a Northman but the cold is still in his bones.

The familiar feel around him causes Jon to turn look up, thinking he sees a large shadow loom overhead and a presence in his chest, something that he felt months ago. A heat as if he was standing in near his hearth in Winterfell, as it was then he rode Rhaegal. For a moment it felt as though they were bonded, those flights seems to have done much, mayhaps it was the warging , he muses only to look back down and find Ghost missing, tracks leading into the forest. He has always been that way, quiet, nothing like his siblings. The Direwolves were a gift from the Old Gods but Ghost was even more special , fur white as the bark of the Weirwood and eyes as red as the leaves and sap, truly a gift. He had been one of the only ones to stick with Jon for every day, when he left his home , Ghost was there even his mind was open for the moment when Jon's mind wandered into wolf as his 'brothers' stabbed him and left him to die in the snow.

The flock of crows that helped them find the raiders has not left, it lingers , circling always watching. Such things make Jon wonder if there is a shred of Bran in that body or if there is someone else there, using the boy as a puppet for other purposes. Horrid as it has been , the man that Meera said that they found, Brynden Rivered , had been a Targaryen bastard sent to the wall or beyond. Being trapped in such a place for so long could make anyone go mad. If the White Walkers are real then why would something as strange as this could occur. Stranger things had happened.

Shouts from the prisoners cages causes him to walk over, limping somewhat. "What is going on here?" he asks. "I ordered them not to he harmed until the QUeen as had her say"
One of the men , beating up the raider leader, stands up, straightens his back, as if he is challenging Jon. "The Great Bastard commander would do anything for his pretty sister - Queen wouldn't - " he's cut off by a tight grip around his throat, with one hand he's almost picked up off the ground, unprepared for the fire in the White Wolfs eyes at the mention of the Queen.
"You will speak of her with respect, no matter who or what I am." with that Jon drops the man who scrambles to his feet as a menacing growl comes from behind him.

Sansa closes her eyes for a second, she are aware that Ethan means well, all of her guards does, yet the frustration gets to her. They are always worrying over her, treating her as she was a young girl once more. She had most likely seen more than they had, experienced even more, yet they thought her as weak. Or maybe weak wasn't the word, it was a feeling she couldn't describe. She was aware that she wasn't a fighter like her siblings had been, she couldn't make use of a sword or a knife, yet she was alive, had survived it all without the help of a weapon. She had needed assistans from some, nonetheless her mind had assisted her and she was alive. She was familiar with the dangers of the world, what could happen to one, but she refused to stay inside the castle wall, guarded as a prisoner, because if that had been her wish she could have stayed with any of them men in her life. Sansa opens her eyes and turns to the man, showing no trace of frustration.
"I appreciate your concern Ethan but the wall and town needs to be inspected, we no longer live under the threat of white walkers and dragon queens, yet we can't forget our duties and responsibilities"
"We can inspect it for you, Your Grace" Marcus another soldier nearby said.
"And if I was a man, would you ever dare to make such an offer?" she gave him a steady but not hostile look, yet the man kept silent. "The faster we do this, the faster you will be back at the castle"

Sansa had refused to hand over her horse to the stable boy, wishing to take care of her today. Once again the guards seemed a bit worried, as the roof would fall down on her. It was moment like this she missed Brienne, someone that saw more of her. When the horse was done she stepped outside the stable to see the birds still flocking around the castle and she glared at them before walking inside to her room, being more frustrated and upset than before, at least the worry for Jon was gone, replaced by her other feelings. But she could use the anger, to start the planning of a more modern and comfortable Winterfell.

The confrontation with the knight had left Jon drained and weary, men will always fight and challenge, after everything that has happened, Jon was sick of it, he just wishes for a quiet life, something similar to what they all had before they left Winterfell all of those years ago. The warmth is not something he has gotten close to in all of these years, there was something akin to that with Daenerys, he had hoped that it would come to something before his true parantage had been exposed, after that everything became more complicated with Dany but at the same time easier with Sansa, in a way at least. Winterfell was his home, his heart , as she is.
The current missions reminds him of when he left for Dragonstone, he has not expected to miss her so, not when he was in the company of the Dragon Queen but he did , more so than he would care to admit. A far away rustle and huff from Ghost, which no one else seems to hear , Jon heads towards the sound. As he reaches the place he heard Ghost, a surprised look forms on his face, a den, large enough for Direwolves, as he moves closer, his companion crawls out of the den. "What are you doing here, boy? have you gotten bored of me?" he chuckles and pets Ghost, ruffling his fur. He's taken aback when a pair of golden eyes stare back at him and growls echo from the cavern.

He couldn't believe it what was current curled up under his furs on the ride back to Winterfell. The men had given him strange looks as the bundle was brought with , Ghost has not strayed as far from Jon as he usually does, all the way to Winterfell. The gates of the castle were a welcomed sight even with the curses and spitting noises from the raiders. A moon away from home made it easier to see the changes , the towers and walls were well on their way to be fully restored. "The work has gone well and the people seem happy still" he muses, his mouth twitches into a smile as the servants and workers greet him, a few still adress him as Your Grace

A maid rushes to Sansa's solar, knocking raptly on the door, "Your Grace , I have news" her voice is cheerful and she seems somewhat out of breath from the rush. She walks in, curtsing infront of her Queen. "His Gr - Lo- Jon has returned, Your Grace, he and Lord Lake are in the courtyard." A warm smile is plastered on her face. "They wish to speak with you, at your convenience , My Queen"
As said, Jon , Lord Lake and his men are waiting with the raiders in tow, tied up , cold and miserable looking.
Jon has dismounted his horse, still holding something in his arms, a true smile breaks onto his face as he sees Sansa.
"She looks beautiful" he thinks, wishing he has not said it out loud. "Your Grace"
Lord Lake bows as well , along with his men. "Your Grace , the raiders have been dealt with and are awaiting your justice" the Northern accent and the tone of his voice, is gruffer than Jon's but the pride is easy to hear in the older mans voice.
Ghost stays by Jon's side, eyes darting to his master.

Sansa had come further in her plans then she thought she would. She had planned to change the interior with paintings, coloured windows, rugs, some plants, anything to give it a more lively atmosphere. She hoped to remove the grey, cold feeling she got when she walked alone in the halls, and she also wanted people to feel welcome, not like they came to a prison or a fortrest. Sure Winterfell had it's own charm, yet it needed some help, and she needed something new. She may never want to return to the south, yet it had become a part of her, and she also wanted to make it her home, in her own way. Maybe it would chase away the ghosts from her past.

Sansa lifted her head when someone entered her room, she could take that the servant was taken back from seeing her, most likely due to her looks. She was still tired, and her hair were unorganised, but when she heard that Jon and the others were back she nodded and asked the woman to leave, she needed to freshen up somewhat. She couldn't let her people or Jon see her like this.

It had taken her sometime to change into a dark dress, and style her hair into something that was acceptable and she was glad that the servant had told her in advance when the men approached the castle, and she now walked out into the courtyard over to Lord Lake. She wished to speak with Jon first, but she couldn't, needing to think of her bannermen first.
"Thank you Lord Lake" Sansa gives him her standard fake smile, yet the man doesn't notice as always. "The law are clear, the punishment are death, but we can't overlook the trail, they need to be put in front of the tribunal"
The men bowed and went to place the raiders in the cells.
"It saddens me to see that not all of you have returned" Sansa turned towards her steward "Make sure their families are looked after"
"Thank you, your Grace" Lord Lake said and she nodded once more before turning towards Jon, walking over, containing herself from throwing herself into his arms.
"I am pleased to see you return, mostly unharmed" there was a question in there, she couldn't see any threatening wounds, but with all the clothes Jon wore, she couldn't be sure.