Chapter 8 - Relationships.
[Chapter Size: 1878 Words.]
Third Person POV.
Somewhere on North.
...
...
The next morning, Val walked back to the camp, the defeat at the hands of Jon Snow, the mysterious giant slayer, still echoing in her mind. Despite her frustration being evident, a new determination sparked in her eyes. She was about to embark on a journey of teachings and challenges, where the ancient language would become a exchange for her to become a stronger spearwife.
Her brother laughed at her when he heard about the incident but was happy for his younger sister to be on good terms with the powerful stranger.
The following morning brought an atmosphere laden with expectations. Val headed to Karsi's camp, where Jon Snow was focused on training young Lafy once again, sharing his combat skills and tactical knowledge. The respect the southerner had earned was palpable, and Val, observing from a distance, couldn't help but recognize the presence of a true leader.
Jon Snow knew how to teach, communicate, seamlessly integrate into the group, and lead, despite not being in charge. But he had something even more important; everyone seemed to accept and respect him, something incredible for a man who had arrived in this place just a week ago. He had a story, but most knew it was a fabrication. How could a man come from a tribe exterminated by wights? He was everything but a Free Folk.
Upon being introduced to Jon, Val felt momentarily disarmed by the intensity of his purple eyes again, which seemed to capture the essence of her soul.
"I see you've arrived," he smiled.
"Yes, let's find a better place," she said.
"Lafy, do the exercise sequence I showed you; I'll be going. Because I have a teacher waiting for me," he told the boy and nudged his horse to move away. Val followed him to his cabin, where she began to teach him.
The cabin was immersed in the twilight of the afternoon, shadows dancing on the wooden walls as Val and Jon Snow sat in a corner, focused on the task that brought them together. A rudimentary table, illuminated by a single flickering torch, was the center of their joint attention.
Val, with her serious expression and determined eyes, perused an ancient scroll that had belonged to her late mother. Her agile and precise hands traced the intricate lines of the ancient language. Jon watched attentively, absorbing every movement, every elegant curve of the runes composing that ancestral language.
"This word here," said Val, pointing to a sequence of characters, "means 'courage' in the ancient tongue. It's a quality valued among the Free Folk beyond the Wall."
Jon nodded, his eyes fixed on the word drawn on the paper. He repeated the pronunciation suggested by Val, his strange, perhaps southern, accent emphasizing the unique sound of the language. Val smiled, appreciating his dedication to learning, and he did it quickly, much faster than she had when she was in his place.
As the lesson progressed, the atmosphere in the cabin became more intimate. The candle cast a soft light, highlighting the striking features on Jon's face and Val's silver hair. Between the words and phrases she taught, brief silences emerged, filled only by the crackling of the flame and the calm breathing of both.
Val couldn't deny the curiosity taking hold of her. Jon Snow, the mysterious stranger from the south, was proving to be a dedicated student. He absorbed not only the words but also the cultural nuances that permeated the ancient language. In return, Jon found himself fascinated not only by the language but also by the strong and determined woman before him.
As the night progressed, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. Soon, the lessons were set aside for Val to share stories of her tribe, her experiences beyond the Wall, while Jon revealed details of his life in the South during childhood, immersed in intrigues and challenges of its own. Amid shared laughter and moments of contemplation, a shy atmosphere formed between them with each passing moment.
Jon smiled at the blonde in front of him, remembering some women he had met in Skyrim, Val with her specific 19 namedays, resembling his old friend and hunting lover, Aela, and Lucis with her 17 namedays, resembling Lydia despite being quite shy, past lovers he wasn't sure he would return to. Putting aside these useless thoughts, Jon knew he should think about it at another time; now he was here. The proximity necessary for the ancient language lessons brought with it an underlying tension, an exchange of glances that revealed more than words could express. The candles that still illuminated the space cast dancing shadows on their faces, adding an atmosphere of intimacy around the small table in the cabin.
Val, with her typically firm expression, found herself captured by Jon's penetrating gaze. His purple eyes, laden with a history she longed to know, reflected a sincerity that intrigued her. Jon, in turn, felt the magnetic force of Val's presence, despite being much behind him, her undeniable confidence and skill only accentuating the attraction that was beginning to arise in the beautiful blonde.
In the silence charged with possibilities, Val moved closer, their hands naturally finding their way to each other. The touch, initially casual, became a subtle exploration, a dance of fingers that conveyed more than words could express. Their breaths synchronized, as if sharing the same rhythm.
Intense gazes gave way to complicit smiles, and desire manifested as an electric current between them. Val felt the pulse of the moment, a man she met yesterday but who attracted her like no other in her life, an inexplicable call drawing Jon closer. Hearts beat in unison, fueling a palpable tension that permeated the air; Jon wouldn't deny this blonde, letting his carnal desire take over for the first time since he came to this world.
However, before desire could transform into something deeper, the curtain at the cabin's entrance abruptly opened. Lucis entered unceremoniously, interrupting the charged atmosphere hanging in the air. Her shrewd eyes instantly captured the scene, and her eyes showed surprise.
Lucis's presence in the cabin was marked by a shy demeanor and a look that, despite being curious, conveyed insecurity. She entered the space with a reserved air, her inquisitive eyes capturing the scene between Val and Jon before she could look away, slightly flushed.
"Sorry for interrupting," murmured Lucis, her hands nervously twisting before the unexpected encounter. She maintained a withdrawn posture, as if fearing to be intrusive.
Val, still recovering from embarrassment, shot Lucis a cutting look, though she could perceive the shyness surrounding Jon's wife. Jon, in turn, tried to conceal his own discomfort, shifting his gaze to the parchment before him.
"Don't worry, Lucis. We were just having an ancient language lesson," explained Val, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Nothing more."
Lucis nodded, her eyes avoiding direct contact. Her shyness was evident, and insecurity hung over her like a shadow. However, despite her reserved nature, Lucis seemed determined not to let her own insecurity overshadow Jon's experience.
"If you need help with anything, I'll be outside," she murmured, heading towards the cabin's exit.
"No need, we're done here. I'll be leaving; my sister needs me right now, so I'm going. Jon, until the next time we can have more lessons," Val interrupted Lucis's departure, grabbing her belongings, bidding farewell, and leaving.
With Val out of the cabin and the atmosphere more tranquil, Jon noticed the subtle tension between him and Lucis. He observed her for a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully.
"You know, Lucis, I understand this situation might be a bit peculiar for all of us. I'm here only temporarily, helping and contributing to the tribe as I can, but I want to ensure you feel comfortable, considering all you've done for me," Jon said calmly.
Lucis glanced away for a moment, her hands intertwined with nervousness. "I know, Jon. You're being very kind. And I appreciate that."
Jon gave a friendly smile, trying to dissipate any awkwardness. "Lucis, what's with that shame on your face? Where's that woman who tries to control me all day?"
"T-This has nothing to do with it, Jon. I don't know what you're talking about..." She said flustered, trying to look away again.
Jon saw this and stood up from the chair he was in. "I hope my wife isn't jealous of her husband, is she?" Jon walked towards her, closely observing her expression.
"Of course not, in our culture, men can have many spearwives, as many as they are strong enough to have," she said, trying to maintain a firm posture, but shyness still leaked into her voice.
"Oh? You know, if you want, we can act like man and woman here," Jon spoke, smiling, getting even closer, his eyes fixed on hers. The atmosphere in the cabin was charged with palpable tension, and Jon's smile indicated a bold invitation.
"But you're leaving, as you said yourself..." She murmured timidly, her eyes now meeting Jon's. Lucis was torn between curiosity and insecurity, her heart pounding unevenly at the provocative proposal.
"Maybe I'll take you with me. I'm not a man who's tied to one woman, but I'm also not one who abandons one, knowing that your life wouldn't be easy after presenting a husband who fled to the south." Jon wasn't foolish enough to ignore the possible consequences for Lucis if he simply left. He faced Lucis with a sincerity that, for a moment, made her consider the possibility.
"Jon..." Lucis murmured, looking at Jon in the eyes for the first time, the Dragonborn fixing his gaze on her crystal blue eyes. Time seemed to freeze as tension and proximity between them increased, and an electric current ran through the cabin.
Lucis's eyes, for a brief moment, revealed an unexpected fascination with Jon's proximity. Her heart raced, and she found herself enveloped in a subtle desire she hadn't recognized until now. However, before she could fully comprehend this new wave of emotions, panic and shame invaded her.
"Jon..." she murmured, her voice trembling, as her eyes turned to the floor. The sudden closeness, the intensity of Jon's gaze, and the suggestion of a more intimate connection left her stunned.
Jon smiled at the shy girl in front of him and said, "Lucis, it's okay. I want you to be mine in this moment."
Lucis, being pressed like this, began to flee with her turmoil of emotions. "I... I need to go. I must find my brother; it's already late." She quickly fled from the cabin, leaving Jon smiling amusedly.
"Hahahahaha. Silly girl." He laughed cheerfully, returning to studying some runes he had marked on the leather of an animal.
----------------------------------------------------------
Author's note:
* I know that emotional involvement is happening quickly, but I don't see a reason to prolong it. Jon is an alpha male amidst many single women, and it's natural for them to feel attracted to him. However, it doesn't mean that things will unfold so quickly; I'll try to extend it as much as I can.
* Help me to reach 10 reviews!
* Thank you in advance, I hope you have a good read.