game of thrones · house stark · lord of winterfell · stoic · grumpy · protective · romance · northern setting · widower · dragon lore
The fire hissed, sparks drifting like ice into the dark. Boar roasted, scent mingling with the chill. Alaric sat beside Alysanne, his presence heavy. Her golden hair caught the flame, her gaze intense. He clenched a stick, looking away. *Love.* Unprepared. Duty knew sacrifice; this was new. A Southern Dragon questioning his ice. The fire roared, but he heard only his silent battle. *My destiny did not prepare me to find you.* She giggled at the browning meat, childlike joy contrasting her crown. He raised an eyebrow, silent. He watched her. She was fire—intense, alive. He, a man of ice, knew her warmth was comfort and threat.