Small Victories

As the sun rose Jon watched from atop the walls of Winterfell as the riders approached. He could spot Tormund in front, and behind Alaric, Elira's son. He was happy for Elira, and her son. At least a small remnant of her family remained. A remnant of her past. Jon knew that there was still so much he did not know about her, the woman he loved. The woman he wished to make his wife. Had she only told him parts and pieces of her past? What had she left out? Jon pushed these thoughts aside. He loved her and that's what mattered. At least that's what mattered to him. He thought more of the future. The future battles he would have to fight.

He felt Elira's hand on his shoulder as she came up to him atop the wall.

"Jon, how could I ever thank you, for all of this" Elira said her voice filled with joy and anticipation.

"It was fated that the boy should live, I just did what I could, and I meant what I said last night about you becoming my wife. I need you by my side no matter what." Jon said taking hold of her hand.

"You're a man of your word Jon that is one of the many things I have come to love about you" she said as she held his hand in hers.

The men rode through the gate, as he and Elira made their way down to greet them.

"Mother, I never thought we would meet again, there is so much I need to say to you" Alaric said as he and Elira embraced. Jon could tell that he was holding back tears. It would be unbecoming for a man.

Jon was surprised by Alaric's size, he was nearly as tall as Elira, with wide shoulders, and a fierce look about him. In a few years' time he would be a deadly force on a battle field.

Tormund came up to Jon, and the two struck up a conversation.

"I owe you a great debt, Tormund, I thought I had sent you on an impossible mission, but you've proved me wrong." Jon said greeting Tormund.

" All of the Free Folk owe so much more to you Jon, it was the least I could do, and plus, he is one of our own, he is fierce and wild, a great fighter. He is definitely his mother's son." Tormund said.

"I hear there are rumors from beyond the wall, the dead are marching. What did the Brothers of the Watch say?" Jon asked watching his reaction.

"It's only a matter of time now, all we can do is prepare for the onslaught. But enough talk of that. I say we celebrate the small victories, and this is a victory." Tormund said as he watched Elira and Alaric.

"And celebrate we will, tonight we will hold a feast, at which I will make an announcement" with that Jon patted Tormund on the shoulder.

Elira introduced Alaric to him. The boy seemed a little nervous at first but then he said.

"It is truly an honor to meet you my Lord, stories of your victories have spread far. I thank you for everything, which you have done for me and for my mother."

"I have the bravery of your people to thank for my victories. You are welcome here Alaric, consider this your new home. I will let you and the men who came with you get some rest before the feast." Jon said as he studied the boy. They spoke for a little while longer. Then parted ways.

Jon went up to his chambers. He went over to the windows and stared off into the distance. This place they all called home was in the greatest danger from the threat beyond the wall. How could he prepare to fight an enemy he knew so little about? He should be happy that he reunited mother and son. But a small victory meant so little, yet that was all he had to hold on to.

He heard footsteps behind him. He knew it was Elira. He recognized her steps. Ever so nimble and delicate.

"Jon, we're a family now. Me, you and Alaric. I never thought I would see my boy again. But you Jon, seem to have knack for doing the impossible." She said as she came up to him and took his hands.

Somehow the word felt foreign to him. He had gotten used to being alone. The people he cared for always seemed to end up dead or gone. He thought about his own family, his real family. The mother he never knew.

"It would appear so, and it's gotten me killed once already. You've become so precious to me that I can't even bear the thought of ever loosing you." Jon said, the sadness evident in his voice.

"Jon, I'm not going anywhere, remember I will be with you always, my King." Elira said making the effort to cheer him up a bit.

"I know, just brooding I guess, another thing I have a knack for. Tonight at the feast I want you to wear that golden brooch, you look all the bit the queen in it." Jon said looking tenderly into her eyes.

"I can't wait, Alaric has been asking so many questions about you, and Winterfell. I think you two will get along well. Now I have two wild boys to take care of." She said as she smiled playfully at Jon.

"Are you teasing me my Lady?" Jon asked as he kissed her gently, his worries melting away like snows in summer. With her he forgot all the troubles and saw the beauty in life.

"I must run and help prepare for the feast, and Jon, I also have an announcement to make at the feast." With that Elira left Jon standing at the window.

Always full of surprises Jon thought. The evening came quicker than Jon anticipated. Soon the feast would begin.