Love beneath the Snow

09| 𝔲𝔫𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔨𝔢𝔫 𝔡𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢𝔰

𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔣𝔢𝔩𝔩, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥

— THE MORNING AFTER THEIR LAST LESSON, VALIRA AND JON WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO AVOID EACH OTHER. Their interactions were limited to polite nods and brief exchanges, the intensity of their previous encounter hanging heavily between them. Both were keenly aware of the unspoken tension, and neither was quite sure how to address it.

Valira spent the day focusing on other activities, determined to distract herself from the unresolved feelings she had for Jon. In the training yard, she found herself practicing with Arya Stark, where she welcomed the opportunity to train with the bow alongside Valira. The sun was bright and the air crisp, creating a perfect setting for their practice session.

Arya, with her usual intensity, demonstrated a series of techniques. "The key is in the stance," she explained, her eyes sharp with concentration. "If you're not grounded properly, you won't get the accuracy you need." Valira nodded, adjusting her posture as Arya instructed. "Like this?"

"Exactly," Arya said, her tone encouraging. "Feel the tension in your muscles, but keep your movements fluid." Valira took aim and released the arrow, watching with satisfaction as it hit the target with a solid thud. She glanced at Arya, who gave her an approving nod. "You're getting really good at this," Arya remarked. "Are you sure you've never had some training before?"

Valira chuckled, slightly out of breath from the practice. "I've never had formal lessons, but I've picked up a few things over the years. I've never been quite this focused, though." Arya's gaze softened as she saw Valira's genuine enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's nice to have someone to practice with who's as determined as I am."

Their conversation flowed naturally as they continued practicing, discussing techniques and sharing stories of their respective experiences. Arya spoke of her training with the bow, while Valira shared tales of her own training and her family's experiences in King's Landing. As they were finishing up, little Rickon Stark came bounding into the yard, his eyes wide with excitement. He had been watching them from a distance, clearly in awe of Valira. "Princess!" Rickon shouted, running up to her.

"You're amazing with that bow! I want to be just like you when I grow up."

Valira laughed, her heart warming at his enthusiasm. "Thank you, Rickon. I'm sure you'll be even better." Rickon's eyes shone as he looked up at her. "You're so beautiful too! I want to marry you someday." Valira's eyes widened in surprise before she burst into laughter. "Oh, Rickon, you're too sweet. But you've got a lot of time before you need to worry about that." Rickon's face fell slightly, but he still looked up at her with admiration. "I know. But I wanted you to know."

Valira knelt down to his level, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Thank you, little one. You've made my day." The moment was heartwarming and pure, a simple reminder of the innocence and warmth that existed even amidst the complexities of their lives.

Later, Valira made her way to Bran's chambers, where he lay still in his bed, unconscious from his fall. Robb Stark was there, sitting by his brother's side, his face etched with concern. "Robb," Valira said softly as she entered, her voice gentle. "How's Bran?" Robb looked up, his expression a mix of exhaustion and hope.

"Still the same. We're all hoping for the best."

Valira approached the bed, taking a seat beside Robb. She reached out and gently touched Bran's hand, her eyes filled with a tender sadness. "I wish there was something more I could do." Robb sighed, his gaze fixed on Bran. "We all do. It's hard seeing him like this. He's so young, and so full of potential."

Valira nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "He is. But he's also strong. He's made it through so much already." Robb glanced at her, his eyes grateful. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot to us." Valina offered a reassuring smile. "Of course. We have to look out for each other."

The two of them sat in silence, finding comfort in each other's presence as they kept vigil over Bran. The quiet moments were filled with unspoken understanding, a shared sense of hope for the future.

As night fell, Valira and Jon prepared for their fourth lesson together. The moonlight once again illuminated the training grounds, casting an ethereal glow over the scene. Both were determined to channel their feelings into their practice, the unresolved tension between them creating an electric atmosphere.

They began with a series of intense drills, their swords moving in a flurry of motion. Valira was relentless, her focus sharp as she sought to prove herself. Jon, while skilled and attentive, found himself caught up in the intensity of the match and the underlying emotions.

Valira's determination drove her forward, and after a particularly fierce exchange, she managed to disarm Jon, knocking him to the ground. Before he could react, Valira was on top of him, her sword poised at his neck.

"I won," she said, her voice breathless but triumphant.

Jon's eyes met hers, and the proximity between them was palpable. The intensity of their fight had only heightened the charged atmosphere. Valira's position on top of Jon was both powerful and intimate, their faces mere inches apart. Jon's gaze softened, and he allowed a smile to tug at the corners of his lips. "You did," he conceded, his voice low and filled with a mixture of admiration and something more profound.

Valira's breath quickened as she looked down at him, her emotions swirling in the charged space between them. The night air was filled with the weight of their unspoken desires, and the moment seemed to stretch into infinity. Jon's eyes locked onto Valira's, his expression one of longing. Without breaking their gaze, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss. The contact was electrifying, a blend of tenderness and fervor that left both of them breathless.

Valira responded eagerly, her body pressing closer to Jon as the kiss deepened. The intensity of their feelings was reflected in the way their lips moved together, a dance of passion and connection that transcended their earlier tension. Jon's hands found their way to her hips, pulling her firmly against him, while Valira's fingers tangled in his hair, her touch both tender and possessive.

Their breaths mingled, and the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the electric charge between them. Each touch, each caress, spoke volumes of their unspoken desires and the growing connection that had sparked between them.

Jon's grip tightened slightly, his fingertips tracing the curves of her waist with a reverent intensity. Valira's hands explored his hair, gently pulling him closer as their kiss became more fervent. The urgency and depth of their embrace spoke of an emotional and physical closeness that neither had anticipated but both were drawn to.

The moonlight bathed them in a soft glow, accentuating the intimate closeness they shared. Their bodies moved together with a rhythm that was both natural and exhilarating, each moment of contact further igniting their mutual longing.

As their kiss gradually slowed, the air between them grew thicker with unspoken promises and the weight of their emotions. They pulled away just enough to meet each other's eyes, the unspoken understanding between them palpable in their gazes. The night held a charged silence, each of them acutely aware of the depth of their connection and the possibilities that lay ahead.

With a final, lingering touch, they slowly separated, their breaths ragged and their hearts racing. Jon's hand gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Valira's face, his eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and something deeper. Valina smiled softly, her gaze steady and filled with an unspoken promise.

A/N:
IT FINALLY HAPPENED. And you can guess what's next. I'm so excited but also so scared. What did you all think?
Love you all!