The Vailed Dragon

What Should Have Been

As the morning sun painted Winterfell's courtyard with golden hues, Alysane found herself lost in her own contemplation. Her mind wandered through the corridors of what-ifs, painting vivid pictures of a life she could have lived had the rebellion not shattered her dreams of legitimacy and luxury. Yes she had a sort of luxury most lowborns would dream of and Unbeknownst to her, a luxury her trueborn siblings would be jealous of but she at times wished the rebellion allowed the line to pass through Ayres II and go to Rehgar, he would have legitimized her at last. The thoughts weighed heavy on her heart, casting a shadow over her usually sharp and witty demeanor.

Lost in her musings, Alysane didn't notice Jon Snow's approach until his gentle voice cut through her reverie. He knew he shouldn't have pondered about what the girls whereabouts but an inch of concern laced curiosity crept into his thoughts since he had not seen her in a few days since their last interaction. "Alysane, there you are. Your, well, presence has been less frequent. Is everything alright?"

Startled, she blinked, her eyes meeting his concerned gaze. The familiarity and comfort he offered were a balm to her restless soul. Alysane mustered a faint smile, her voice tinged with a rare vulnerability. "Jon," her smile slightly grew. "I was merely reminiscing about what might have been. tis nothing to concern yourself with."

Jon's eyes softened, his voice filled with empathy. She seemed more mellow than other days, Jon wanted to comfort her as she did to him in the past but didn't really know how. "At times, thoughts of what could have been can be both a comfort and a curse I suppose."

Alysane nodded, appreciating Jon's understanding more than she could express, sensing the awkwardness mix with genuine concern in his voice. In the depths of her mind, she pondered how he, too, carried the weight of being a bastard and the challenges that came with it. Though they had different experiences, there was a thread of kinship that tied them together.

Their conversation meandered through the courtyard, skirting around the delicate matters that plagued Alysane's thoughts. Jon, ever the empathetic listener, provided a safe space for her to unburden her soul. Yet, Alysane treaded cautiously, careful not to reveal her true desires and ambitions staying -at times annoyingly- vague. It was a dance of veiled words and elusive meanings, a test of trust and discretion.

Their conversation took a truly expected turn when Jon mentioned Lady Catelyn Stark. Alysane's face tightened, a flicker of anger igniting within her eyes. She had little patience for the woman who treated Jon with such disdain, unable to fathom the cruelty bestowed upon him though deep down she knew if her lord husband brought a bastard it she would have been just as bad or even worse.

Alysane's voice dripped with venom, her words laced with unbridled resentment. "Catelyn Stark... Oh, the things I would say to that woman if I were in your shoes. I'd be banished from Winterfell in an instant."

Jon's brows furrowed in though a light chuckle escaped him. "Aye I'd rather you not say that to loudly for the sake of us both"

Alysane's anger turned to a cheeky grin. She had some admirability for the calmness he held towards the women."Im simply saying I would do something to make sure she knew the hatred is mutual" 

Jon just looked at her a smile once again gracing his lips and the breeze blew through his dark curls. At times witty and sulking Jon Snow had a sense of comfort surrounding him. It was a quality cherished by Alysane, for few others understood the weight of her thoughts and the tumultuous path she treaded.

She chuckled softly, a rare moment of genuine levity as a true smile ghosted on her face. "Jon Snow, It's a comfort to have you by my side, amidst the shadows that surround us."

Another one of her few and between riddles she spoke in. Jon wished she would just speak outwardly but even he knew that was not in her nature. He understood the experiences she had endured was of secrecy yet he found comfort in the girl. In the past when he would become genuinely upset at Catelyn's treatment and she would put a hand on his and with a comforting smile, reassure him. Though he didn't know that others that knew her would look at Jon as if he had lost his mind if he spoke of her as a caring woman.

As they walked, their steps in sync, Alysane, a very self serving women couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Jon's unwavering support. In his presence, the weight of what could have been lifted ever so slightly, allowing her to glimpse the possibilities that lay ahead, though she could feel this wouldn't last she cherished it. As their conversation became lighthearted once more together, they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of Winterfell, a bastion of secrets and whispered desires.

In the depths of her being, Alysane cherished the bond she shared with Jon Snow, a connection that transcended the boundaries of their birthright. And as they continued their journey through the heart of Winterfell, the shadows of reflection danced around them, whispering promises of a destiny yet to be revealed. 

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A/N emo's being emo 

next chapter will actually start some plot I swear