Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

49. Areo

When she and Jon arrived at his tent, Joellyn could have cried out of delight.  She had no idea who any of the men were, but she would have recognized Dornish clothing anywhere.  The large group of men standing outside of Jon's tent were dressed in armor covered in a thick yellow fabric decorated with suns.

Jon had learned enough about Dorne at this point that he recognized this too.  He turned and looked at her with surprise as he asked, "When did you ask Dorne for help?"  She wondered for a moment if he was upset with her.  She couldn't pinpoint what he was feeling right now.  All she could tell was that he looked surprised.

Joellyn admitted, "I wrote to Doran before we left Castle Black.  I didn't feel good about not asking.  Doran promised he would help, so I knew I had to ask or I would regret it."

Jon surprised her by pulling her face to his, and kissing her quickly but passionately.  She smiled into the kiss, pleased that she was able to do some small part in helping him feel more prepared for the battle with Ramsay Bolton, whenever that would be taking place.  As he pulled away, Jon left his hands on the side of her face and said, "You are exceptional, did you know that?"

Joellyn blushed, but took pride in Jon's compliment.  As Jon pulled away from her, Davos came to them and said, "I assume, my lady, that these men are here because of you?"

Joellyn nodded as she explained, "I wrote to Doran before we left Castle Black, but I had no way of knowing if he would send help or not."

The man standing at the front of the group of Dornish soldiers stepped forward, drawing her attention as well as the attentions of Jon and Davos.  He was large and intimidating, with skin darker than Joellyn had ever seen on a man before.  She noted that his voice matched his stature and appearance as he asked, "Princess Joellyn Martell must be sent for at once.  I have important information for her from Prince Doran."

Joellyn stepped forward to meet him and said, "There is no need to send for her.  You are already speaking with her."

The man looked her over before reaching into the fabric that covered his armor and pulling out a letter and handing it to her as he said, "Princess, Prince Doran wished me to express his regrets for not being able to meet you himself.  Everything you need to know is contained within that letter."

Joellyn took the letter from him, feeling overwhelmed by the fact that Doran had actually agreed to help her.  It would have been one thing if he had actually known her, but Doran only knew her through Oberyn's words and two letters.  Doran showed a great deal of trust in his brother's judgment to be willing to send soldiers such a long distance to help them.  She looked at the letter addressed to her and said, "Thank you..." then trailed off because she did not know who she was thanking.

The man helped her by saying, "Captain Areo Hotah, princess.  And we are here to serve you."

Joellyn nodded and continued, "Thank you, Captain," then turned and motioned to Jon and Davos and pointed them out as she said, "This is Jon Snow, commander of the forces already gathered here, and Ser Davos Seaworth."

Aero bowed his head slightly in their direction as she introduced them, so she continued, "I know Doran sent you because I asked for help, but I am not in charge here.  I know nothing of battles or strategy.  If Doran truly sent you to serve me, I ask that you listen to Jon."

Areo nodded his head again and turned to Jon saying, "Commander Snow, we are at your service."

Jon still seemed to be at a loss for words, but shook his head slightly before he began saying, "Captain, you arrived just as we received word from Ramsay Bolton.  We were all about to meet to discuss his terms if you'd join us."