The Love of Jorah Mormont

Chapter 5: A Plan

"Would you kiss me?" Just as the two considered what Ardin had said, branches snapped and her aunt and the insufferable Septa Das burst through the trees. Fiona was furious.

"Honestly Ardin, are you trying to ruin our house's name! And you Mormont I have half I mind telling your father what you've been up to Despicable. Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves." With that she grabbed Ardin by the arm and pulled her through the woods, the Septa close behind. Ardin knew that nothing she could say would save her from the wraith of her aunt, or that of her mother, once they got back home. She only hoped in her fury her aunt would forget to tell Jorah's father.

After having promptly punished Ardin, Fiona paced her room, fuming. Then an idea popped into her head. Swiftly, she made her way back to her sister's room. The two talked for hours, scheming. After the two agreed on what was to be done, she then made her way to find Jeor Mormont. She would convince him that a marriage between Mira and his son, Jorah, would be perfect. After all, Mira was the eldest daughter and Jorah was going to be the heir of bear island, what could be better. While she spoke with Jeor, her sister would go talk with Mira and make sure she knew her role in the plan. She found him wandering about outside. Fiona's heart raced as she thought over just what she needed to say, "Good evening." Jeor turned,

"Good evening to you." She frowned and made as if she were wiping a tear from her eye, "What's the matter, has something happened?" Fiona sighed.

"Oh, it's just awful, truly awful." She looked around as if to make sure they were truly alone and whispered. "It appears as if my sister's daughter and your son have fallen in love with one another and are planning to leave tonight to run away together. I only just caught her packing a bag." Jeor frowned,

"This is the first I'm hearing of this. The two have spent a lot of time together. Why are they running? Foolish children, if they truly want to be together then why don't they just come to us? Never mind, I shall talk to my son and sort this mess out don't you worry my dear everything will be fine." Suddenly, much to Fiona's surprise, Henry made his way over to them.

"Hello! What's going on Fiona why are you crying?" Jeor spoke first.

"It seems my son and your daughter have come up with a plan to run away together." Henry laughed,

"Why on earth would they do a thing like that?" Jeor shrugged.

"Apparently they're in love." Henry shook his head, still laughing.

"We knew that much already. Ardin and her-" Fiona quickly interrupted,

"Oh, heavens no, it's not Ardin! It's Mira." That brought Henry to a pause, his laughter cutting off swiftly.

"What? Mira and Jorah? Fiona, are you sure?" She nodded,

"Yes, they've been meeting in secret. I just talked to Mira about it not too long ago. He's only been with Ardin so much because of their childhood friendship. He doesn't want to hurt her feelings." Jeor frowned,

"Well, I've been very mistaken, it seems. What shall we do about this, Henry?" Henry hesitated for a moment then said,

"Well, if they are truly in love, then we shouldn't stop them. Though let me speak with Mira first, then you and I shall speak on this more." He turned swiftly on his heel and made his way into Night Hall in search of Mira. The Hall was bustling with activity as the servants went about their daily chores and began setting up for dinner. He found Mira in her room and much to his surprise there was in fact a cloth bag packed and sitting by her window. Still highly confused, he walked into her room.

"Your Aunt Fiona told me and Jeor Mormont the most interesting tale today." Mira turned from the window.

"Oh?"

"She said you and Jorah Mormont are planning on running away together, that you are in love. Mira, is this the truth of it?" Mira looked at the floor, then burst into tears.

"Yes... It's true. We've been keeping it a secret because of Ardin's feelings for Jorah. We didn't want anyone to be hurt."

As Henry went to Mira, Fiona quickly excused herself from Jeor's company and hurried off to find Jorah. She had to get to him before either of the men. He was heading back to the Hall when she stopped him. "Jorah, would you accompany me to the well?" He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and held out his arm. The two of them walked in silence for a bit. Then Fiona said, "There's been something I've been meaning to talk to you about." Jorah frowned.

"Is there?"

"Yes, it's about Mira." Jorah looked at the woman, confused he knew Mira very little. The older sister having very little to do with anyone, but her cousins and aunt, "I'm sure you know Mira is a very... shy girl so she would never admit this, but she's in love with you." Jorah raised an eyebrow.

"She is?" Fiona nodded,

"Oh yes, she has been for years. She just didn't know how to tell you, because of your... friendship with Ardin. Silly child mistook it for love. Don't you worry, though, it is all being settled now. You'll marry Mira and take her to you'll both be happy." Jorah stopped walking.

"What are you talking about, I hardly know Mira." Fiona waved him off,

"That's the joy of marriage you get an entire lifetime to get to know someone. Now I know you wouldn't want to cause a riff between your father and Henry. Besides, Ardin won't want to live the life of a lady, she's much too wild. Give her time and she'll forgive you for breaking her heart."

"I have done nothing of the sort."

"No, but you will. To protect the Quinn family name, you'll marry Mira and forget this childishness with Ardin. It is unseemly for the youngest daughter to marry before the oldest. It'll embarrass Mira greatly." Before Jorah could reply, his father shouted a greeting.

"Jorah, there you are, my boy! I have splendid news. Henry and I have discussed it. You and Mira shall marry in a week's time! I don't know why you felt you couldn't come to me with your problem, but I'm proud of you. Mira is a fine woman and you two will be great together."

Jorah's jaw dropped what on earth just happened? How in one day did he almost kiss Ardin then end up engaged to her sister? How in the seven hells was he going to tell Ardin? Without saying a word to his father or Fiona he took off towards Night Hall hoping to find Ardin before she heard the good news he didn't know what he'd say only that he had to think of something and fast.