Cold Hands

5

Sitting up in the large bed that was in her old room, she heard the familiar double knock on the door and then the handle turn. "May I come in?" Benjen was already closing the door before she granted permission. He held up the satchel in the air and was dismayed to see her in bed clothes. "I didn't wake you did I," he asked.

"No. Well almost."

"You look half asleep."

"I had company."

"Oh? Should I be jealous?"

"Of a wolf?"

Benjen nodded. "Ghost..."

A half second later, the huge white head of Jon's direwolf popped up over the edge of the bed. Then he bared his teeth.

"Come here, boy..."

Ghost refused to move.

"He doesn't know you well," she said.

"And he knows you even less..."

"True, but you're not a girl..."

Benjen nodded and chuckled. "That's alright Ghost. I'd rather be with the pretty girl too."

Benjen removed his weapons and sat down to remove his boots and bare his woolen stockings. Then standing once again, he loosened the various buckles and the leather ties that held his jerkin closed. Unlacing his leather trousers, he turned to find Ghost watching him with interest. His blue eyes gazed toward Izzy to find her also watching him, then he removed his jerkin and cream-colored cotton shirt. He moved toward the hearth and placed two more logs on the fire and moved quickly toward the bed. He removed his trousers and stockings and slipped beneath the furs.

"You've far too much on," he said quietly.

"Ghost..."

"Wot?"

"Ghost. Not with him here."

Benjen huffed. "Ya don't mind it with 'Arry."

"Harry's my dog. Ghost isn't. It's his eyes...they're quite otherworldly, don't you think?"

"Ah. Well I can remedy that..." He slid out from beneath the furs and walked to the door. "Come on...go find Jon."

Izzy was surprised that Ghost moved, but the huge animal got up on all fours and walked slowly toward the door. Then he laid down against it and she giggled.

"Ah for fuck's sake..."

"Oh never mind. You've got to be freezing..."

"Actually, it's not too bad. Warmer than my quarters...almost too warm."

Benjen slipped beneath the furs again and slipped his hands beneath her nightdress causing her to yelp and him to chuckle wickedly.

"Twice in two days..."

"I think that's a new record for us," he replied as he pulled her on top of him.

"We have to be careful..."

"I'll pull out," he whispered.