MASKS [Jon Snow]

THREE • RAVEN CURLS

CHAPTER THREE

•••

she fell in love
with the way
he touched her
without using
his hands

•••

   THE morning was cold, and although she had been given warm clothes to wear, she still felt the chilly breeze as they stood in the courtyard that morning. And unfortunately she hadn't been allowed to take Scorch out with her, not that he'd want to be out here for any other reason than to curl up in her jacket.

The clothes she had received were all black, no surprise there, it consisted of; a woollen jumper and matching breeches with a thick leather tunic to go over the top, she had a pair of versatile combat boots and some scratchy socks that despite boing the most uncomfortable socks Liliana had ever worn, they were actually really warm. To top the look off she was given a simple cloak to keep the cold out.

   Jon had taken it upon himself to teach the new recruits how to fight, so he had rounded everyone up and made them stand as he explained to them about duties.

   "The Nights Watch is an honourable and much needed organisation. You idiots are what make up that organisation. Meaning it won't function without men. Good strong men who can follow orders and know how to fight." He paced back and forth in front of the group.

   "It is my job to teach to to fight and it is your job to be bothered to learn. You will be brothers in the Nights Watch and you must know the importance of your job." He paused in front of the men, not even a hint of a smile of his face. "You are the last defence of the people of Westeros against what is out there." He pointed to the wall behind them.

   "Now," He gave a hint of a smirk. "Who's up to fight?"

   No one raised their hand.

   "No one?" Jon raised his arms in disappointment.

   In a sudden moment of bravery, Liliana raised her hand. "I'm up for a fight, My Lord." She smiled. She was definitely not up for a fight. Jon's eyes flicked to the girls and they held genuine surprise.

"Please, I am no lord." Jon frowned.

   Looking at him in the light of the new day, Liliana realised that there was a certain handsomeness about Jon that she hadn't noticed in the dining hall. Maybe it was the shoddy lighting or perhaps she was to tired and hungry to notice but he was quite impressive.

   Although his large cloak and furs that he wore disguised his figure a lot, she could tell that he was strongly built, no doubt from hours of hard work and training. His eyes were cold and unyielding, guarded like treasure, yet they told a great passion.

"Of course." She smiled a bit, letting her hair fall into her face to hide her features.

   As she stepped out of the crowd, Jon chucked her a sword and shield. "Right," he walked over to her. "Arms up, don't let the shield drop and just try not to get stabbed." Jon told her, organising her so she was in a defensive position.

   Without warning he lunged at her, his sword clashing with her shield. The feeling of the vibration as the sword hit her shield reverberated through her, shocking her into stillness. He didn't stop either, hitting and hitting until she stumbled back and fell to the floor.