Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

4. Feelings

The feast had been very much what Joellyn expected it to be.  There was a lot of food and a lot of wine, and her brother by law made a fool of himself and his marriage in front of all of Winterfell.  Joellyn did not really care all that much for Cersei, but they are sisters.  It was difficult for Joellyn to watch her sister have to ignore her husband's bawdy behavior just because he happens to be the King of the Seven Kingdoms.  It clearly made Lady Catelyn uncomfortable as well, because she kept talking to Cersei as way of trying to distract her.  Joellyn appreciated the kindness, though Cersei probably did not.  Cersei was use to ignoring her husband.  It made Joellyn sad.  It also scared Joellyn.  This was a marriage that their father had arranged for Cersei.  The same way that Joellyn's future marriage to Robb Stark was arranged.  What if she was just as unhappy as her sister someday?

Joellyn knew that Jon had time to see Robb before the feast began, but if they had seen each other it seemed like Jon did not mention how they had overheard the conversation between Robb and his father.  Joellyn appreciated this.  She was able to pretend that nothing had happened and that everything was fine.  She was seated next to Robb and they were able to have a little conversation, but it was loud in the banquet hall.  Conversation was even harder once their engagement had been announced.  Many people began filing by and offering their congratulations and well wishes.  It was sweet.  The Starks clearly cared about the people in their charge and, in turn, the people really cared for the Starks as well.  It wouldn't be so bad being Lady of Winterfell.  Joellyn just hoped that she and Robb would be able to spend some time getting to know each other better.  It would be much easier if they could be friends before they became husband and wife.  Robb had to excuse himself from the banquet hall before Joellyn left.  His youngest sister, Arya, had flipped some food into Sansa's face and Lady Catelyn motioned for him to deal with it.  He was a very caring older brother and dealt with Arya gently before escorting her out of the banquet hall.  It was heartening that he cared so much about his mother and sisters.

After Robb left, Joellyn realized how tired she was from travel.  Especially now that she was full of food and warm.  She excused herself from Sansa and began to exit the banquet hall when she found her brother Tyrion by the door.

"My dear brother, I thought that you had gotten lost," she said to him.  "I haven't seen you since you departed my company earlier today."

Tyrion smiled a wicked smile, indicating to Joellyn she did not wish to know the details of his escapades.  He said, "I was lost.  Lost in a bed of beautiful women that our brother provided to hurry myself along and get me here to share in the suffering of the company of the Starks."

Joellyn frowned and Tyrion said, "Excuse me, I should not speak ill of your future family."

She replied, "No, you should not, but this feast is becomming tedious.  I am returning to my room for the night if anyone should happen to ask for me."

Tyrion waved her along.  Clearly he was intent on drinking more wine so that he could pass the rest of the evening more tolerably.  After leaving the banquet hall, Joellyn heard sounds of someone practicing with a sword and soon stumbled upon the source of the noise.  Jon appeared to be taking a lot of frustration out on a practice dummy.

Joellyn spoke, "Jon, are you alright?"

Jon stopped what he was doing and turned around, appearing to be surprised by her presence.  "I'm fine, Joellyn.  Don't worry about me.  You should go back to the hall or to your room.  You'll get cold out here soon."

Jon is handsome and caring, she thought to herself, then said, "But I am worried about you.  You're not just practicing.  You're practically killing the dummy and yourself.  What is wrong?"