Out of the woods // Ned Stark

3. Not A Date

Maelia was confused but she was getting better. Remembering more about life and being a human. She didn't know how long she was a wolf for, she didn't remember her transformation but the feeling she felt around Ned and his family... she had just reacted she didn't think about it. When Catelyn was swinging a sword around Maelia had to help. The boys were freaking out and Maelia acted. Ned was grateful. Maelia stopped Catelyn from hurting anyone and the way she was acting, it made him certain that Catelyn would have hurt him and the children if he couldn't subdue her.

Ned never thought the children would have a family again a real mother, that they wouldn't be scared, walking on egg shells everyday for the fear of setting her off. But Maelia was the childrens own personal guard dog. Guard wolf.

Ned never thought the children would smile as much as they did once Maelia started opening up. She liked to watch and listen more than she liked to talk but she was there and she was sweet and caught them when the fell.

He didn't think about a future at winterfell being anything more than babysitting Catelyn until Malia showed up. It was like the children could have a second chance at a proper role model. A beautiful woman a bit confused and lost but besides her former wolf form she seemed sound enough of mind.

Ned still didnt understand that. Her transformation. But she seemed to have it under control enough.

"Maelia." Ned said running up to her. She had Rickon on her back as the wolves were chasing them around.

"Hello Ned." Maelia replied.
"Hello father!" Rickon shouted waving from Maelia's back.

"Are you having fun, Rickon?" Ned asked.

"So much fun! Maelia and I training the wolves." Rickon declared.

"Wolves need lots of exercise." Maelia added. "If they are not trained and properly exercised they will lash out." Maelia told him knowing from experience and that was the most Ned had heard her speak in one breath. She had a nice voice. The children adored her. All of them.

"Well then I'm extra glad we found you.'' Ned told her. "Might have a moment alone with Lady Maelia?" Ned asked and Rickon jumped down from her back.

"Come on Shaggy dog!" RIckon declared running back to the castle.

"Maelia... I..." Maelia always looked him in the eyes, a sign of respect and full attention on him. That was new for him. He never thought he had Catelyn's attention, her focus on him even when she was sane of mind. "Maelia I'm... would you like to have supper with me tonight?" Ned requested.

"Don't we always have supper together?" Maelia countered.

"Just you and I." Ned clarified.

"Sure." Maelia agreed.

"I thought we might go out." Ned remarked. "Whats your favorite food?"

"Deer." Maelia answered immediately and Ned chuckled.

"I know a good place, not to far away." Ned remarked. He looked her up and down, she wasn't a fan of clothing, dresses she hated very much so Ned offered her his clothes. They were large on her but Ned liked seeing her in his clothing. She didn't like the way dresses hugged her skin, she felt like she couldn't breathe in them.

+

"Can I come?" Arya asked.

"No."" Ned answered for the 50th time.

"Why not?"

"Because I want to talk to Maelia alone." Ned answered fixing his collar.

"Like a date?" Arya asked.