Brienne and Tormund had left Frozen Heath early in the morning, just after sunrise, and had ridden all day to reach the edge of The North. Now, Castle Black loomed ahead of them, and behind it even more imposing, towered the soaring seven hundred foot Wall. Brienne had always thought the ancient castle foreboding and dire. As they got closer she noticed Tormund was beaming.
"Does this place really make you that happy?" She looked at him with confusion.
"Just the memory of it?" He chuckled. Then he grew intensely serious and turned toward her. "It's the first place I ever saw you."
Suddendly shy, Brienne bit her bottom lip and cast her eyes down blushing. His mention of the recollection brought the image clearly to her mind. She saw again, how he had stood transfixed as she passed him on horseback. She had found his flirtations annoying then. Now, she could not understand why she had been unable to see the depth of his feelings behind them, and why she fought so hard to push him away.
Brienne's bashful demeanor disappeared and was replaced by a playful smile at another memory. It was of Tormund staring seductively at her over the meal that had been brought to them while Jon and Sansa talked strategy. "I wonder if they will be serving bread with dinner this evening." She teased. Tormund howled with laughter.
They rode into the busy courtyard of Castle Black. The Night's Watchmen eyed them wearily, as they usually did when unexpected travelers arrived. As Tormund climbed down from his horse and then steadied Brienne's mount while she jumped to the ground to join him, several of the guards recognized him and nodded. He stepped closer to Brienne and puffed himself up proudly, certain that every man in the yard suffered from an incurable case of jealousy over his ravishing companion.
"Tormund!" A loud voice called from across the compound. Brienne looked up to see Jon Snow's hand raised in greeting as he bounded down the stairs.
Tormund's smile widened, happy to see his friend. He strode across the compound, and they embraced as brothers. Brienne walked slowly a few paces behind, allowing them their reunion. She was glad Tormund knew such friendship.
"Going south or north?" Tormund laughed to Jon.
"I'm on my way back to Winterfell." Jon reported. "I've spent some time with your clan. I told them you should be returning soon." Tormund nodded as Jon turned his attention to Brienne.
"Ser Brienne." He said smiling respectfully and bowing slightly. "I trust this old bear hasn't made your journey too difficult." He joked.
Brienne returned his greeting with a pleasant smile, and graced Tormund with an unintentional endearing look. "Not at all." She answered. "Quite the opposite." Jon noticed the decidedly more relaxed and friendly manner in which Brienne treated Tormund now, much more so than when he had last seen them leaving Winterfell. He grinned hopefully at Tormund, who shrugged in reply.
Although Jon was no longer Lord Commander at Castle Black, his reputation, and the lingering loyalty of many of the brothers almost made it seem as if he were. If he gave an order, it was followed. He gestured for two of the younger Night's Watchmen to see to the horses. "Let's go inside and warm up. We can talk better in there." Jon suggested. Motioning for Brienne to take the lead, Jon walked beside Tormund. Clapping his old friend on the back, Jon's eyes smiled questioningly. He was eager to see if Bran had indeed been correct, and simple time together would ignite the passion between Tormund and Brienne. Again Tormund shrugged, but his joyous grin and upswept brows told Jon that perhaps things were falling into place. Jon laughed and shook his head as they walked into mess hall.
Inside the dark age stained hall, a table was already waiting with steaming bowls of stew, and a pile of bread. Brienne recalled the first time she and Tormund had shared a meal there. She could not control the snicker that came to her throat at the vision of his face buried in nearly half a loaf of bread eyeing her suggestively. Tormund understood the reason for her amusement and joined her in laughter at their shared memory. Jon noticed how comfortable they had become with each other, and how close they sat together. He realized that whatever their laughter had been about, it was not the only personal amusement they shared. The thought made him happy.
"It appears you two have been quite successful with the Northern Houses." Jon complimented.
"Yes." Brienne nodded. "I hope Queen Sansa is pleased with our progress."
"I'm sure she is." Jon agreed. "I'll be continuing on to Winterfell tomorrow." He continued. "I'll give her all the details then." He smiled.
"How is the feeling up North?" Tormund asked, wondering about the sentiments of his people in his absence.
"Most support House Stark's position on unification. They just want to hear it from you." Jon reported. Brienne listened intently. Jon's description of the Free Folk's reliance on Tormund's opinion again painted a different picture than the one she had originally sensed of him. She had seen herself what a brilliant and reliable leader he was. Apparently, it was a role he was used to in his own clan. She was suddenly very proud of him as she followed the conversation.
"There are a few hold outs." Jon continued.
"They'll come around when I get up there." Tormund grunted, his usual cockiness returning. He rested his hand on the hilt of his weapon for good measure.
Jon laughed heartily and nodded. "I have no doubt." He agreed. Brienne could not take her eyes from the Tormund.
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Later that evening, Brienne and Tormund were shown to their separate quarters. Since the rooms were outfitted for visitors, the chambers were larger and better furnished than the typical rooms occupied by the Watchmen. There was a warm roaring fire in each, a table and chairs upon which sat a pitcher of wine and pewter mugs. A thick fur covered the floor in front of each hearth, and the beds, although single, seemed well stuffed and comfortable.
Never one to stay cooped up inside for too long, Tormund took an impatient glance around his chamber and threw the door open, stomping off in search of his friend, Jon Snow. He found the pensive young man hunched over a tankard of ale by the fire in the mess hall. Tormund slammed his thick hand over Jon's shoulder in greeting. Jon winced but was not surprised.
"I figured you'd be back." Jon laughed, tossing a drinking skin at Tormund as he joined him on the bench.
"This what I think it is?" Tormund's eyes grew even brighter.
"Hmmm." Jon nodded, as Tormund tore the cork out of the bag with his teeth, and began to greedily down the white liquid. "Finest vintage. Made by the best goats in the North." Jon chuckled.
"That it is, my friend." Tormund smiled, trails of the fermented concoction still dribbling down his beard.
Jon studied his friend for a moment. If he did not know better it would seem nothing ever brought Tormund down from his perpetual lust for life. However, he had seen otherwise for himself. Jon recalled how the man had been shattered to watch Brienne walk off with the Kingslayer so many nights ago at Winterfell. He hoped things were starting to turn in his friend's favor.
"So." Jon began. "How goes the wooing?" He smiled, hopeful for Tormund's sake.
"She's putty in my hands." Tormund joked.
Jon rolled his eyes. "Seriously, are you doing what I told you." He asked, afraid that once alone with Brienne, Tormund had forgotten Jon's impromptu lessons about how to court a southern woman. He had lectured Tormund nearly all the way from the clan's camp to Winterfell when it was decided he would speak for Jon on the mission.
"Come on." Tormund played it cool. "Of course. I'm taking it slow, and easy." He grinned. "Don't want to scare her off this time." He smiled, but his face held more of a sad gaze for far too long, and it worried Jon.
"What?" Jon asked.
Tormund shook his head. "That fucking Lannister cunt hurt her far worse than I expected. She's all closed up inside. I think she's even hiding from herself." He said softly.
"That's why she needs you." Jon was sympathetic.
"I don't know if she'll let me in." Tormund lamented.
Jon understood. "Just keep trying." He encouraged.
Tormund took another swig from the drinking skin, and stared into the fire before responding. "I love her, Jon." He said, a wistful smile finding his eyes at the thought of Brienne. "I just don't want her to hurt. I want her to be happy. Even if she doesn't want to be with me, I can't bare to see her in pain." His care and compassion for Brienne shown overwhelmingly on his worried face.
"That's exactly how I know she will want to be with you." Jon smiled. "Give it some more time. She'll come around. Sansa said that Brienne is not used to being the center of someone's attention. It may take awhile, but she will see how much you care for her." He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
"I hope you're right." Tormund responded. A wistful expression finding his face.
Jon held up his cup of ale. He gave Tormund a wide smile, unwilling to allow any doubt to show on his face. "To true love." Jon toasted.
Tormund beamed hopefully and raised his drinking skin to meet Jon's gesture. "To Brienne!" He answered. After which, the two friend sat for sometime, drinking in silence.
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Brienne stood staring into the flames of the hearth in her quarters for some time. The heat from the fire flushed her cheeks and nearly made her sweat, however she suddenly felt chilled and very alone. She had tried to sleep, but the bed felt empty. Her mind went unbidden to memories of her journey with Tormund. Brienne had not realized how she had grown used to his presence. Images of the room they shared at Frozen Heath filled her busy mind. A smile came to her lips picturing how they had nestled together in the only bed. She missed his arms around her as she slept. She saw his face as clearly as if he stood beside her. She heard his voice whispering in her ear, and her heart grew happy at the thought of him.
The wall that separated their chambers might as well have been a hundred miles thick. Brienne walked slowly to the partition that kept them from each other. She leaned against the plaster and laid her hand softly atop the ancient woodwork, her body trying to sense him on the other side. Feeling nothing but foolish, she chastised herself. However, her mind and her heart refused to give her rest. As tears began to fall, she now understood the depth of emotion that had grown within her for him. Standing in the cold darkness without him, and longing for his presence, Brienne realized what she could no longer deny. She loved him. Somewhere in their travels, somehow in their time together, Brienne and fallen in love with Tormund. She prayed she had not waited too long. She hoped that despite all her previous protests, he still held the same feelings for her.
Her mind was working overtime. Brienne suddenly felt as though she were going to crawl out of her skin. The walls in her quarters seemed like they were closing in on her. She needed fresh air to help her think. Wearing only her britches and tunic, having stripped her armor off when she entered the room, Brienne quickly slid on her boots. Grabbing the cloak she had absentmindedly discarded earlier, she threw the heavy fabric around her shoulders, hurled open the door, and stepped out into the frozen night.
The cold hit Brienne's face and stole the breath from her lungs. She did not care. Her thoughts of Tormund had already left her breathless. The sensation invigorated her body, and cleared her mind. Drawing the door to her quarters closed behind her, Brienne spun around and tried to take a step in the opposite direction, eager to be anywhere but in her stifling room. Her progress was stopped as she ran into the wall of Tormund's chest.
He had chosen that moment to return from drinking with Jon. Tormund had assumed that Brienne was already sleeping, and had not expected to see her. His face registered his pleasant surprise as he reached out and took her by the elbows to steady her. She was shocked to see him, but not displeased.
"Can't sleep?" He smiled at her.
Brienne caught herself in his strong grasp. "What?" She questioned. "Uhm. No." She meant that her lack of sleep had not been her reason for leaving her chamber, but she did not protest at his misunderstanding. Perhaps it gave her a more plausible excuse. Coming back to herself, she smiled nervously at him.
"Join me?" Tormund motioned toward his quarters. Brienne nodded in eager response.
Tormund placed his hand lightly on Brienne's back and guided her into his room. He could think of no better way to end the evening than sitting by the fire with her. He had other thoughts as well. Tormund wanted nothing more than to spend a passionate night making love to Brienne. He remembered his talk with Jon just a few moments earlier, about being patient, and forced his deepest desires to the back of his mind. He would have to be satisfied simply enjoying time with her, for now. Once inside, Brienne turned and waited for him as he secured the door. He removed the heavy fur he wore and took her cloak, laying them both on the bed. She watched him, savoring his every move. Brienne could not remember the last time she had felt so nervous. Yet, being there with him and finally realizing that she was in love with him, she also could not recall a time she felt more comfortable. Spurred by the closeness they shared and eager to show him how she felt, Brienne could no longer stand the distance between them.
As he turned from the bed to pour them each a cup of wine, she crossed the room and stood in front of him, halting his momentum. Grabbing his biceps with her trembling hands, she braced herself to him. "I missed you." She declared. Unsure, and disbelieving her own actions, but wanting so desperately to be close him, Brienne pressed her hungry lips against Tormund's mouth and kissed him.
Tormund stood there, unable to move, the world spinning as he tasted Brienne's magnificent lips. He was shocked, but it was the tentative stupor of finally being given everything he wanted most, and being afraid that if he moved it was would all disappear. He could not afford to take any risks. Even if this was exactly what she wanted, he had to be certain. He could barely bring his own lips to meet hers. Never before had he been so affected by a woman. Never had he been so sure of his feeling, and yet so uncertain of his actions. He felt like an awkward boy, fumbling through his first time. The feel of her body against his was almost too good to be true, and he froze. He was terrified of making a wrong move with her. He prayed Brienne would not misinterpret his reaction. She did.
Brienne realized that Tormund was not reacting to her nearness. Shaken, she pulled back from him, searching his eyes. Her expression registered her confusion and hurt as she drew her hands from his arms and brought them up to cover her mouth. Suddenly horrified by the realization of her actions, Brienne could only stare at him. She stood there numb for a moment, and then backed away from him in embarrassment. "I'm sorry." She begged, mortified. "Forgive me." She felt the need to run, and turned to flee.
As she moved toward the door, Tormund caught Brienne gently by the wrist and brought her around to face him. "All I've ever wanted was to be close to you, holding you, kissing you." He admitted. "The last thing in this world I want would be to hurt you." His love filled eyes met hers. "Are you sure?" He asked her lovingly, caressing her cheek.
For a moment Brienne could not speak. All she could do was nod, unable to take her eyes from his. She was awed by the depths of his caring for her. In that moment she realized why he had not met her kiss the way she had hoped, and she loved him even more for it. He had wanted her to be completely assured of them, and totally comfortable. She mirrored his motions and brought her hands to his face. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." She smiled, tears coming to her eyes.
Drawing Brienne closer to him, Tormund wrapped his arms around her and kissed her long and slow. The sweet luscious taste of her lips drove him mad. He needed more of her. Brienne reveled in his kiss, as their tongues hungrily explored the depths of their mouths. She pressed her aching body against his and still found that she could not get close enough to satisfy her yearning for him.
Finally, their faces parted, but not far. Their breath still mingled together, and their desperate fingers still clung to each other. Brienne's eyes searched Tormund's. As if reading each other's minds, their hands began to work together untying laces, and opening the closures of their garments as their breath came in lustful pants, and their tongues probed the other's mouth. Tormund reached beneath Brienne's tunic, sliding the fabric seductively up over her arms until she stood naked before him, a vision. The glory of her perfect breasts bared to him. His lips left hers, and he trailed kisses down her neck to where his tongue and teeth began to expertly work her hard nipples, eliciting the most luxurious gasp from her throat. Her hands worked blindly to undo the waist of his britches.
Slowly, softly, her trembling hand glided down into the front of his pants, searching for her prize. Upon reaching her intended goal, she found him already hard for her. A knowledge which brought a warm rush from between her own legs. Carefully she grasped him, and began to work her hand up and down his erect shaft, wanting to feel him inside her. Unable to wait any longer, he tore his own tunic off over his head while she slid her britches down her legs and left them in a pile on the floor. She stood before him in only her small cloth. Taking her hips in his hands, he disrobed her of it with only a few flicks of his wrist. She stood holding his shoulders, and pressing her breasts against his hairy chest as he turned his attentions to the other inviting parts of her body.
Deftly he reached one hand between her legs, while he balanced her with his other arm wrapped around her shoulders. His touch on her sensitive private skin brought a delighted shutter to her entire body. Her arms went around his neck, and her hands ran through his hair as he worked her delicate folds. The most enticing moans came to her lips when his fingers disappeared inside her. Brienne's breath caught in her throat as Tormund worked the needful places deep inside her. She rocked against his fingers, begging for more. His motions intensified until she released another wave of warm fluid over his hand. She fell against him almost in a trance of pleasure, as he brought his fingers to his mouth and tasted her.
"Delicious." He declared. She smiled wickedly at him.
Carefully, Tormund lifted Brienne in his arms and carried her to the fur that covered the floor by the hearth. Gently he laid her down, and settled himself to join her. She watched him in passionate awe as he brought himself down atop her. As if separated for far too long, they kissed each other greedily once more. His warm hands cupped her breasts as he tasted the skin on her neck. Bringing his face up to hers, their eyes held each other as he traced his fingers along her stomach, and again began to work the sensitive nerves between her legs. Brienne wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly, throwing her head back in ecstasy and sighing deeply with want. She moaned passionately as she came for him again. Finally, he could wait no longer. He needed to be inside her. He lifted up slightly, and moved himself level with her. Brienne felt him hard between her legs, and gasped with longing. She kissed him lustfully once more, and spread her legs for him, beckoning him to her. His approach was met with a warm wet invitation, and he happily accepted, entering her softly and slowly. She inhaled exquisitely, and tilted her head back luxuriating at the feel of him within her. In the dim light, their hungry mouths searched for each other. Finding their intended goals, they urgently tasted the hot sweetness each other.
Brienne groaned in pleasure as he fit himself into her, an act which told Tormund she was ready. He began to work his hips against her, a low lustful growl escaping his throat at the feel of her. Rhythmically he probed deeper into her, and retreated, probed and retreated until Brienne was gasping and close to screaming from the wonderful force of him inside her. He continued his thrusting, and moaned at the feel of her beneath him. She had not realized a man could last so long. She was nearly losing her mind from the intensity of his passion. Needing more of her, he drew her legs up around him as their hot wanting breath mingled in a frenzy of kisses. Her legs wrapped around him caused him to drive deeper inside her. Automatically, she threw her head back and wailed long and loud at the intense sensation. Her fingers clamping onto his back. The sound drove him wild, and he could wait no longer. He needed to fill her. They rode the last few hard thrusts of passion before they climaxed. Their chests heaving, their lungs starved for oxygen, and dizzy from their love making Brienne and Tormund collapsed against each other on the fur, still caught in a passionate embrace.
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Brienne's awareness returned to her early the next morning. The sounds of activity in the courtyard stirred her gently from her sleep. She lay for a moment, her eyes still closed, as the memories of her passion with Tormund returned to her. She could feel the sturdiness of his body still pressed against hers. His strong arms still enwrapped her. She could feel his breath on her skin. Yet, she never wanted to open her eyes. She was terrified that if she lifted her eye lids on the cold light of day, that it would all disappear...like it had before. She could not bare to lose him.
As she summoned the courage to open her eyes, Brienne felt Tormund's hand rub against the arm she had draped across his chest. Now was the time, she could stall no longer. Brienne carefully opened her eyes, almost in dread, but found him there. He was smiling at her as he held her in his arms. Gently he bent his neck and kissed her hair. Her worst fear had been simply a specter left by someone else. This man, she could trust. He was truly hers. He would not leave her. He loved her, and she loved him. Brienne's apprehension was replaced by a sleepy affectionate smile as she beheld him.
"Morning." He greeted her. A relaxed laziness in his voice.
"Hmm. Good Morning." Brienne answered back, lost in his embrace. His nearness emboldened her once more. She raised herself slightly on her elbow and reached to kiss him. Tormund met her advance eagerly, and soon one kiss was not enough. Their morning explorations threatened to explode into heated fervor once more. Both willing, both wanting, they reluctantly forced themselves to separate as the clamor from the courtyard below told them the morning was slipping away. They had wanted to be underway by now, in order to be deep into the North by nightfall.
Tormund raised himself to a seated position bringing Brienne with him. He sat for a moment behind her, kissing her back. His arms wrapped around her middle. "I suppose...we should...get moving." He told her between skimming his lips across her skin.
Brienne leaned her head back against his. "You're making it very difficult." She smiled dreamily, placing her hands over his at her waist, holding him in place.
An exaggerated frustrated sigh burst from his mouth, and trailed down Brienne's spine. "Fine." Tormund acquiesced. Moving around to face her, he kissed her mouth long and slow one more time. "But, you owe me." He said as he stood and pulled her to her feet.
"Gladly." She flirted, smiling passionately at him.
Tormund handed Brienne her clothes and began to dress himself. He watched with regret as she covered the splendor of her body. He was certain he would never come down from the joy of her. Once they had dressed, he walked her to the entry. She needed to return to her empty chambers to gather the belongings she had left there. When the door had opened, they found themselves exposed to the stares of all the watchmen in the yard. Neither cared as they shared a final passionate kiss. The brothers knew better than to make any commotion over it, though many passed a few amazed glances at each other. Jon, who was busy packing his saddlebags for his return trip to Winterfell, also witnessed the exchange. Happy for his friend, he merely grinned and shook his head. He should have known the old bear would get what he wanted eventually. It seemed Brienne had as well. He was overjoyed for them both.