DAGGERS TO THE HEART Part 1 - GAME OF THRONES

Jon XV

The horses and the mule showed signs of unease as the wind bit into them. The rain seemed to be due to fall within the next few minutes. Near the cave entrance, Jon spotted a spot to shelter the animals as best as possible. Walking them over, he tied them up just as the first raindrops fell. Aware that he had little time before he would be soaked to the skin, Jon quickly moved to remove everything from the mule and horses. It didn't bother him; he had spent too much time in the open, and nothing could compare to the rain he had experienced in the haunted forest on his way to meet with Mance.

Jon hoisted the panniers over his shoulder and placed them at the cave's entrance. Discovering a steel pot had been packed, likely for situations like this, he positioned it alongside the other items. By the time the horses and mule had been unloaded and everything arranged at the cave entrance, Jon was soaking. His clothes clung heavily, and his hair was plastered to his face. Hauling the remaining items inside the cave, Jon realised Sansa must have brought some of them in herself. This was obvious as he saw her, also looking soaked through and shivering.

"Hopefully, there are some spare clothes." Jon suggested, but Sansa didn't appear convinced. "Take your dress off and use the furs to keep you warm while your dress dries by the fire. I'd offer you my cloak, but that's even wetter than yours."

"It is only my cloak and some of my dress. I've got three layers underneath, which are all dry. It is you I'm worried about."

"I've had worse." Jon said, taking his cloak off and tossing it over a rock to let it dry. "It is warm in here; my clothes will dry out soon enough."

Jon undressed down to his tunic and breeches. They were still damp, but they wouldn't take long to dry out. Sansa had removed her cloak and dress but was still wearing three shifts. The cave was warm, so they wouldn't freeze, and neither felt overly embarrassed, having shared a bed that morning wearing significantly less clothing than they had on now.

The panniers yielded no spare clothes, but they found some blankets kept in animal hide, which had escaped the elements. A large pot was also present, allowing them to boil down the fat from the sheep if they needed any for torches. Several cushions were packed, providing a reasonably comfortable bed. Jon found pitch and cloth, perfect for their adventure.

As the rain set in, it became clear that it would last for at least a day. An overnight stop, perhaps even longer, seemed inevitable. Ghost had hinted at such a need with the amount of meat he had brought for them.

Sansa, inexperienced in rabbit skinning, watched Jon complete the task in less than a minute. Deciding there was no need to teach her at the moment, he observed as she took it upon herself to build a spit for the fire, preparing to roast one of the rabbits.

"Do you think they might search for us if we don't return by nightfall?" Sansa inquired, her voice carrying a note of concern.

"It depends on the storm. If it continues like this, I doubt they'll expect us to return. There were worse storms north of the wall. Tormund and Ygritte will reassure them we are alright, and how well equipped I am to look after you." Jon replied, his attention on preparing the rabbit for their meal.

While Jon tended to the food, Sansa rummaged through the bags he had brought in. Her hands emerged, holding what looked like four wineskins, a welcome discovery that would sustain them for a couple of days.

"Wine?" she asked.

"I think that is a wonderful idea," Jon smiled, wiping his hands on his wet cloak. "Who said this couldn't be a romantic dinner?"

"You were the one who seemed put off by the idea of being in a cave." Sansa teased, settling down beside him.

Just at that moment, a scurrying noise outside caught Jon's attention. In a swift motion, he stood, Longclaw drawn, ready to protect them. However, the furry face of a soaked Lady trotted inside.