A Jon Snow sequel: Beyond the North (GAME OF THRONES)

IV. The First Meeting

The large dining table was filled; every square inch housed a plate of food from vegetables, to fish, to red meat, breads, wine, and fruits.  Jon couldn't help the low rumble his stomach made at the sight.  Tormund was practically drooling.  A harpist was in the back corner playing softly as Jon and Tormund awaited the king's arrival. 

The large wooden doors flew open, the king and his children all filing in.  The two guests stood and Tormund swallowed the piece of meat he had ripped from the smoked pig's ass just a moment prior. 

Ares smiled boldly as he introduced his children.  "My youngest, Ivy, she is seven.  Then we have Forrest, Alder, Alameda, Oren, Ramses, and..." the king paused and rubbed his temple, "Where is Lilith?"

The two maidens glanced at one another before speaking in perfect unison, "We'll find her!" They scurried off beyond the large oak doors, closing them behind. 

The king and his children took their places at the table.  "My apologies.. my eldest daughter is always off somewhere she shouldn't be," he pointed at the two outsiders, "Never have girls." 

Tormund laughed, "I am a man of too much love to settle."  He picked at his nice clothes, not used to the way the fabric felt on his hairy body.

The king laughed along with him, both of them sharing remarkably similar chuckles, "Too many beautiful women to love just one! I'll toast to that! Let's feast!" He raised a wine cup.

Everyone began picking up food items and stacking their plates high.  Jon kept his portions normal and ate slowly to savor the rich flavor of the duck he indulged in.  Tormund was a cyclone, all food within the vicinity had entered his mouth which was practically a black hole.  It was pretty silent as they still awaited for the late guest.

Ramses looked at the two terribly groomed men before him, "Where are you from exactly?"

King Ares cleared his throat, "My dear boy, we must hold all questions until Lilith arrives."
A moment had passed and a loud eruption of voices echoed beyond those oak doors causing a shift in attention. They flew open in an instant and the entire room stood frozen in time.  All eyes locked in on the intruder standing in the doorframe.

The youngest boy, Forrest, had a spoonful of juicy berries ready to enter his gullet.  The spoon had just touched his lip before the clock had stopped.  Everyone stared in unison at the young woman who entered.  The only one unaffected, the harpist, continued playing as if this was a regular occurrence.  Jon's dark eyes softened at this stranger before him and the others. 

The young woman's porcelain skin was tinged pink from embarrassment as she appeared to not have known the dining hall was full of guests.  The two maids from before stood behind her plucking small objects from her hair and clothes.  She dawned a wine silk dress that had been torn at the right puffed sleeve and the front lathered with dirt residue.  Her raven, wavy hair was disheveled with thorns caught between the strands.  She held two flat shoes in her left hand, her bare feet cold from the icy tiles. 

King Ignis stood, lips tight, and arms crossed.  He ran his tongue across the top row of teeth and used his large finger to motion for the girl to step forward.  The harpist continued, and the soft taps of the woman's feet echoed as she stomped forward.  "Lilith, so gracious of you to join us." 

Jon sat, his lips parted, his eyes lingering.  His brain tried to determine how old she was as she appeared younger than him, but her full breasts and wide hips signified maturity.  She was incredibly beautiful. Her hair as dark as his, she seemed a bit dirty on her arms and calves as if she had been digging in a garden. His heart quickened most likely from seeing a beautiful woman for the first time in a while.