destiny unfold.

Ramsay Bolton | House Bolton

"I'll be sure to ask." Ramsay already had plans for Theon. A wedding gift of sorts for Aaliyah. Theon had burned her brothers, a favor for Ramsay and a grievance against Aaliyah. Ramsay wouldn't flay Theon wholly, no he'd train the Greyjoy heir in how to properly serve the Lord and Lady of Winterfell. Ramsay had a hard time keeping the sadistic smile off his lips at the thought of how much fun it was going to be. Together they rode their steeds back through Winterfell's gate, the ancient wood creaking as if greeting the duo again. There were already some people waiting for their return and Ramsay dismounted, his feet thudding dully against the ground. At once two of his men rushed forward, holding their hands out for the reigns to the piebald stallion that Ramsay had ridden so they could take care of it. "Thanks." Ramsay said, wanting to keep the image of being a gentle, proper man.

He was ready to head in, sure that Aaliyah would be done with his presence for now when she called after him, hesitant and slow. "If you don't have anything you need to do after you write your father, perhaps we can go for a walk down to the Godswood? If you were in love with the countryside before, it will certainly take your breath away. Please don't feel obligated m'lord." This was almost too easy, and Ramsay could scarcely contain the feline-like smirk that was threatening to touch his lips. Rather he turned around, warmth radiating from his endless oceanic orbs. "I could hardly deny the Lady Stark anything. Even if it's something as uninteresting as my company." He spoke, a gentle tease in his voice, more at himself than her. "My reports won't take very long. I'll find you after they're through." Ramsay promised before turning to the doors of Winterfell and allowing himself inside. It was exhausting to keep this act up, and the sooner she agreed to marriage and he could put an heir in her belly the better.

By the time he got to his chambers, he quietly shut the door, and allowed his cheerful smile to drop into an irritated scowl. Snatching some parchment and ink off the table, Ramsay scrawled out a hurried note to his father. It detailed how the siege had went, how he was slowly becoming closer with Aaliyah and the progress he was making in convincing the Stark that he was an ally, and eventually a good marriage prospect. Ramsay did include a side note that Theon had been captured, currently held beneath Winterfell in the dungeons. Roose wanted Theon alive and whole, Ramsay did not so he didn't ask what to do with him. Once that was done, Ramsay sealed the bit of paper and wasted no time in sending it off. Finally, it was time to head back out with Aaliyah. After gently questioning a few handmaidens, he was directed towards her chambers where he cautiously knocked on the door. "Lady Stark? If you still wish to walk to the Godswood, I've finished writing my father." There was sound from behind the door and shortly it opened revealing Aaliyah.

"M'lady." The Bolton Bastard greeted, holding out his arm to her. Unlike the last time he had offered his arm to Aaliyah, she smiled at him, and took it without hesitation. Ramsay could see her falling further and furhter into his trap. Soon it would be time to act. The two walked peacefully through the halls of Winterfell, a few people casting dubious glances towards the pair. Ramsay pretended not to notice. Back again they trekked into the cold, biting at his cheeks and nose. "It's been awhile since I've been to a Godswood. I'll admit." Ramsay spoke as they continued on their way. He had noticed her drawing her cloak tighter around her body, and so he made sure that their shoulders were brushing so he could give off a little bit of warmth. "They say Winter is coming. And with how cold it's been lately- I believe it. Soon the darkness will be here. I'm not quite sure how to feel about that." Ramsay spoke as they walked, his voice low and husky as his gaze grew troubled,

"Are you trying to insult me, Lord Bolton?" Aaliyah teased, unable to hide the small grin that had been threatening her features. She let it show now that Ramsay had agreed, feeling no need to hide it. Ramsay had agreed, he surely didn't hate her presence at the very least. A relief because she had been afraid to get on his nerves. "I requested your presence, trust my judgement as far as whose presence I enjoy," Aaliyah continued with a shake of her head. She hoped that Ramsay hadn't taken her too seriously because that had truly not been her intention. Aaliyah was relieved when he mentioned he would find her after, gave a slight bow of her head. "I look forward to it, m'lord."

Aaliyah retired to her chambers after watching Ramsay would away for a few steps. It wasn't long before Erri appeared and began to question her as to how the ride had gone. She laughed quietly as she took a seat at the small table in the corner of her room. Erri began to brush out her hair and Aaliyah breathed a sigh of relief. "Lord Ramsay has been nothing but polite, Erri. I just hope it's a true politeness and not just for his own gain," Aaliyah voiced her concerns quietly. Erri agreed, how could she not? But seeing her Lady's nerves, Erri squeezed Aaliyah's shoulder gently. "Relax, Aaliyah. You are a Stark, in your family's home. Ramsay wouldn't dare harm you here of all places."

The sound of a knock at the hushed the girls' discussion about the future and quickly, Erri moved forward to open the door. Aaliyah stepped forward and smiled as Ramsay was revealed. She happily took his arm and let him lead the way, all too relieved to not have to be in charge of anything. As they walked, she was aware of how strong Ramsay truly was. The way his arms flexed underneath his clothes, her hand set on his arm. Aaliyah swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, hopeful that she could push the feelings away. In times of war, particularly with her brother away, she was in no position to even consider a marriage. Robb was her King, her brother, he would decide who took her hand when the time was right.

"Winter is coming, yes, m'lord. But it is known that the Starks are prepared for the coming Winter, we will persevere. Regardless of what happens during the Winter, we have survived for thousands of years because we are always smart enough to remember that even during the best of times, hard times will come. Challenges will come and they will go, I just hope that when we come out on the other side that our friends will remain," Aaliyah spoke at length as they moved down the path that led to the Godswood. She knew her house's words by heart, she knew their literal meaning and then their philosophical one. The one that warned every Stark to be careful of who they allow close.

"There is no need to be afraid, Ramsay," Aaliyah's words were quiet and she was almost afraid to even use his name for the first time because it meant that she was letting him closer. Even if it was just a bit. "Not when you are as..." she trailed off then, her stomach flip flopping. She had been about to comment on how strong, how intelligent he seemed. It was far too forward for even Aaliyah so instead, she let her mouth shut and her eyes lower to the ground as they walked.

Ramsay Bolton | House Bolton

Ramsay listened to Aaliyah's words with a sense of smugness. He had won, he knew it the moment she asked him to visit the Godswood with her. She was eating his act up and Gods was Roose going to be thrilled with his bastard son. She spoke of how winter was surely coming, and the chills that ran up Ramsay's spine were not faked. However, what he wasn't expecting was for Aaliyah to try to assuage his fears. "There is no need to be afraid Ramsay," At this the widening of his eyes wasn't faked. His name? That was a first and a sure sign of trust. "Not when you are as..." Again she trailed off, though this time didn't finish her sentence. He was quiet for awhile as they walked, coming to a stop as the Godswood came into view. "If it means keeping you safe, and happy Aaliyah Stark- then I'd brave a thousand years of Winter. For a soul as empathetic and fierce as your's." Words quietly flowed from his mouth, soft and sweet. "I've never known a Lady such as yourself. I'm... I'm simply thankful that we have been able to spend time together." He murmured, letting his eyes fall to his feet as if hesitant to speak such things to a Lady.

"I haven't much to offer you." He spoke with a little more determination as his gaze raised once again. "But while your brother is off fighting for the North, for our people, I would like to remain by your side. As your sword. As... As your friend. If you wouldn't mind." There was a sense of boyish hope in his voice as he nervously drew his tongue over his lips. Before she could speak, Ramsay shook his head and abashed laugh falling from his throat. "Ah, sorry. I have no right to make such a request of a Noble Woman such as yourself. I forget my place." Sheepishly he shuffled his feet, watching with a viper's gaze as Aaliyah fell deeper and deeper into his trap. Once Ramsay was sure she couldn't claw her way out- he'd strike. Pumping her full of his poison and agony until she was of no use to him any longer. Then all those who laughed at the Bolton bastard, who looked down at him wouldn't dare to do so any longer. His claim to power wouldn't be shaken so easily after that. A chill wind shook the ancient boughs of the tree, it's leaves scattering to the wind. A few landed in Ramsay's hair, the crimson red providing a startling juxtapose to his dark Northerner locks.

Fingers came up at once almost to run through the tresses, shaking free the leaves. Let the gods watch as he led this little lamb into his slaughter. The thought was one that made the Bolton male smug, here they were yet the Gods were doing nothing to stop him. They didn't concern themselves with the affair of silly little girls who were so quickly swayed with a few sweet words and tales of the isolation that came with bastardization. It was then he noted Aaliyah drawing her cloak tighter about herself and without thinking Ramsay hurriedly undid his own cloak, feeling inwardly reluctant about this. "Here- I can't have you freezing." He murmured approaching her so they were merely centimeters apart as he draped his cloak around her shoulders, confidently buttoning it. "What kind of man would the Gods think me to be if I let someone as exquisite as you freeze?" There was a small smile that touched his lips- barely turning the corners up as he stepped away again. He was silent for a little bit as the two stood beneath the Godswood Ramsay's gaze drawn to the odd face on it.

"Do you come here very often? You seem familiar with this place." He asked, curiously. Was she a terribly pious woman? He wasn't Gods were of little concern to Ramsay Bolton. "It seems peaceful at any rate. I understand why someone would be drawn here. It's a shame there aren't any near Dreadfort... I think I would often find myself beneath one if that were the case." Overhead the shrieking of a raven split the air, gaining Ramsay's attention for a moment. Though soon enough the noise had ceased and Ramsay turned his gaze back to Aaliyah. "I've asked a lot of you today Aaliyah- if I may indulge you for one more request?" He paused for a moment before asking, "Would you like to take dinner with me tonight? My men usually eat with one another and I always find company is a pleasant thing. Though if you have other plans- feel no pressure to dine with me." He asked, curiosity lighting his voice as he studied the Stark before him with wide, curious eyes.

Aaliyah's breath caught in her throat as he spoke. She lowered her head, eyes focused solely on the ground in front of her. Her heart was racing as she walked side by side with Ramsay. She had flirted with a few Lords before but that had been as far as it had ever gone, she had never once kissed or touched more than taking a Lord's arm. Aaliyah had found herself wondering why before her father was slain, had a Lord asked for her hand and Ned denied the request? Had it happened many times? She didn't know then and now, had no way of finding out. Robb was off fighting a war, she had no clue of when a marriage proposal would came her way, and she was sure she would accept if for no other reason than she was nearly out of her teenage years. If she waited too much longer, no respectable Lord would want after someone as old as she. Aaliyah's brows knit together as Ramsay spoke again. "I would be delighted to have your company until Robb's return. Perhaps even longer, if we forge a friendship while you're here," Aaliyah replied, offering him a polite smile. Her words had been about as bold as she ever dared, unused to courting anyone.

Biting into her bottom lip to stop the giggle that bubbled inside of her, Aaliyah watched with amusement as Ramsay shook the leaves free from his hair. Her fingers had twitched, wanting to remove them herself but that simply wouldn't do. It wasn't her place, certainly not standing beneath the Godswood. Her eyes lowered just enough to make eye contact with him, watching in surprise as he removed his cloak. "M'lord," she managed the title well enough before her breath was taken by how close Ramsay stood to her. Aaliyah looked down to his hands as they buttoned the cloak on her shoulders, refused to look up in hopes he wouldn't notice the affect that his proximity had on her.

"More than I used to, yes," Aaliyah answered, eyes drawn to the tree. There was a sad sort of smile that overtook her features. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, head tilting to the side as she listened to the sounds of the forest that surrounded them. "I was never very appreciative of the Gods when I was younger. Father always came here when he needed to think, it makes me feel closer to him. I believe his spirit is nearest when I have the opportunity to come here," She offered her explanation, her smile transforming into a frown. "Which hasn't been as often as I would like."

Silence fell between them and Aaliyah took the opportunity to sit on the stump just beneath the Godswood. She looked up for it and a fleeting smile came to her lips, only to drop as Ramsay spoke again. Mildly concerned that he was going to ask her to do something that she wasn't prepared for, Aaliyah's breathing relaxed once he finished his question. "That is hardly something I could deny you, such a simple request," she answered, a bit of excitement seeping into her voice as she spoke. "I wouldn't consider anything you've asked to be difficult, I've... I've enjoyed our time together, if I can say so myself."

"We can have supper in my chambers, if that is alright with you. They're a bit larger than yours, so that we can be comfortable while enjoying our meal," Aaliyah's words came out as hesitant, unsure of whether her words could possibly offend Ramsay. "I'll be sure to have the cooks to prepare boar if we have any meat available since you seem to take a liking to it."

Ramsay Bolton | House Bolton

Ramsay's face brightened as Aaliyah agreed to let him remain by her side while Robb was away, and the possibility of remaining past then. Of course, if Ramsay had his way- Robb wouldn't ever be returning. And if he did, Ramsay and Aaliyah would be married before then. And it would be simple enough to orchestrate his death should it really come down to it. "I would be delighted to have your company until Robb's return. Perhaps even longer, if we forge a friendship while you're here," The Bolton boy's gaze narrowed happily at her words. "I have no doubt in my mind Aaliayh- we will become good friends." There was an almost cheeky smile on his lips as Ramsay answered her lightly. He was the perfect image of enthusiasm. He stood listening as she explained her frequents of the Godswood, how she felt closest to Ned Stark here. Ramsay felt no such connections. If there were gods, all they'd done was birth him a bastard, and allow others to ridicule him. He hadn't been lying about that.

"Perhaps we can set time aside at least once a week to come out here. I'll escort you so you remain safe, and you can visit with the Godswood. It's always wise to feel close to the gods. And your father's spirit." Ramsay mused. He had noted the way her fingers twitched when the leaves from the Godswood fell into his hair as if she had half a mind to brush out the mess. Sure, Ramsay had heard she was kind. That she was eloquent and beautiful; atypical of what a Stark normally looked like with their darker looks. But he hadn't anticipated on how kind she was. A lady of high birth willingly wanting to brush out leaves from a bastard's hair? Unheard of. It almost made him irate wondering what in the seven hells possessed her to act in such a way. He was used to scorn, had believed that even if she had a bastard brother herself- she would look down on him. Yet she had done no such thing. It made Ramsay want to strap her, flay her to find her secrets. But he couldn't, not yet.

"That is hardly something I could deny you, such a simple request," She agreed, eyes sparkling in a manner that left the Bolton befuddled. "I wouldn't consider anything you've asked to be difficult, I've... I've enjoyed our time together, if I can say so myself." Ramsay forced himself to smile at this while maintaining a super human effort not to roll his eyes. She was likely the only person on this earth that found his presence enjoyable. Of course, she hadn't truly seen him but few often spared him glances. Never mind dinners and walks. She went on to offer dinner in her chambers, and Ramsay forced himself to keep a calm, relaxed manner while she spoke; internally trying to piece together the mystery that was Aaliyah Stark. "That sounds good and fine to me, m'lady." He agreed, chipper and friendly. "I'll be sure to have the cooks to prepare boar if we have any meat available since you seem to take a liking to it."

At this he perked up, brows furrowing together. He would like that, she knew he would like that. Why go to such lengths to please him. Sure he had been charming, but that'd barely gotten him anywhere before. He want to growl, demand to know why she was accepting him, all of him so well. The last time his father made him endure the company of a noble woman she had thrown her wine in his face for being presumptuous enough to speak to her. But he would have time to discover how Aaliyah's mind turned later. "It's getting late m'lady. If we don't get back soon my men may become worried for our safety. Shall I escort you back?" He forced himself to remain calm, not to spit questions of why she was being so nice to him. It would only drive a wedge between them and that was something he couldn't have happening now. Wordlessly he offered his arm to her, his eyes sharp and alert.

"That would be far too much to ask of you, m'lord. I couldn't ask for such a thing from you," Aaliyah replied wistfully, trying fo ignore the longing in her gut. It would have been so easy to turn around and change her mind to thank him for such an offer and agree. She knew that while Ramsay was frowned upon by many of the North, he was still here to help her in anyway that he could. To take advantage of him in such a way simply hardly seemed fair at all. "Please don't take offence, I just don't want to take advantage of you. You've already done so much for me in the day you've been here." She tried to explain, hoping that it would be enough to ease the tension that she could see building in his eyes. Aaliyah briefly wondered if she should be afraid but Ramsay had yet to give her a reason to be and so she decided it was a silly idea.

The return to Winterfell's main area hardly seemed to take any time at all. Aaliyah felt a twinge of disappointment, Ramsay made her feel just the slightest bit more normal. His presence made her remember what it was like to not be the sole person who people turned to for guidance. Aaliyah was doing her best to rule over Winterfell, her only hope was that she was doing her father proud wherever his soul rested. "I'll send a maid when supper is ready so that you know when to come. Until then, m'lord," Aaliyah gave a small curtesy before turning and leaving Ramsay to do as he so pleased.

Aaliyah went straight to the kitchen where she asked the cook to prepare a plate of boar for Ramsay to be delivers to her chambers along with a meal enough for the two of them. Once she was sure the cook understood, Aaliyah hurried back to her chambers. Erri wasn't far behind and by the time her maid arrived, Aaliyah had undressed and taken her hair down. A bath was pulled and she was thankful for her friend's help. Selecting one of her more revealing dresses, with an open back and a dipping neckline, Aaliyah was, for once, glad that her brother's weren't here because they would have scolded her at the very least. Her hair was pulled back into an elaborate braid and while Erri did her hair, Aaliyah took the time to relax.

Having sent Erri away to help the rest of the maids with the feast to be served that evening, Aaliyah was alone with her thoughts. She felt her anxiety building as she stood in front of a length mirror, inspecting herself from every angle imaginable.

Ramsay Bolton | House Bolton

"That would be far too much to ask of you, m'lord. I couldn't ask for such a thing from you," Aaliyah protested and before he could drawn his own conclusions for that statement, she hurriedly added, "Please don't take offence, I just don't want to take advantage of you. You've already done so much for me in the day you've been here." And just like that Ramsay felt her fall further into the web he wove. "It'd be no trouble Lady Stark. If you ever reconsider and would like to visit here, I'd be happy if you could call on me to escort you." He offered. Ramsay mentally reeled in his curiosity, his befuddlement and doubts about Aaliyah's attitude or lack thereof towards him. Perhaps if he were a normal human being, Ramsay would of felt pity for her. Pity for what was coming, for Ramsay's plans towards her now, and for the Bolton's grab for power. But Ramsay wasn't like most men. He did not feel pity for the bright-eyed blonde before him. Rather he felt eager, eager to peel back her mind and see what made her tick. What made her jump.

And in time he'd learn. But for now he'd cover up his monstrosities with a smile, with kind words and quick wit. Just as he'd been raised. They walked back together towards Winterfell, Aaliyah still blissfully unawares to his inner sickness, and Ramsay mentally running through plans for her. By the time they reached Winterfell's gates Ramsay paused offering a gentle half-smile. "M'lady. I will see you for dinner. Until then." He watched her retreating back as Aaliyah headed back into Winterfell's warmth as he paused. A part of him yearned to drop this mask but he couldn't, not in the courtyard. Too risky, after all they were on Stark lands. They'd have eyes and ears everywhere. Whatever preceded him here was what defined him, at least to the handmaidens and stewards. He could not risk them reporting to Aaliyah he seemed anything less than pleasant and human. Once she had departed from his company Ramsay headed to his own chambers. He had already updated his father, so he didn't need to write again. Rather, Ramsay drew himself a bath allowing himself to undress and relax in the scalding water.

It evaporated all the tension in his shoulder's, bringing him a sense of serenity and peace to his mind. He scrubbed himself clean, and when he was finished got dressed into a clean set of clothes so he would be presentable for their dinner. After his bath and getting dressed, it was dark outside and he was in the middle of trying to tame his dark tresses when a quiet tapping came at the door; upon opening the door he found one of Aaliyah's handmaidens. "The lady is ready for you M'lord." . With a relaxed yet serious air about him Ramsay left his own chambers, walking down Winterfell's halls to Lady Stark's chambers. A couple quiet knock on the door by the handmaiden and Aaliyah called out to them, "Come in." She bade and the woman gestured to the door before quietly bowing her head and leaving Ramsay standing alone to open the door. Stepping into her room he noted at once the few plates that had been laid out on her table, the aroma enriching the air. Though what he noticed second and most prominently, was Aaliyah herself. She had her hair arranged in an elaborate braid, and wore a dark green dress that had a neckline daring enough to be considered risky.

She was beautiful and for the slightest of moments Ramsay forgot about his plans. Rather he felt his throat dry and his stomach flip. Aaliyah was in uncertain terms, enchanting and perhaps after he had secured the North and a couple heirs- he would keep her around. "M'lady. You look positively stunning." He all but purred, a small smile touching on his lips as he stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind him; leaving the two alone to enjoy their supper together. He bowed slightly to her before straightening up, and gestured to the chair before pulling it out for her to sit in. The fireplace crackled merrily, giving the two a pleasant and friendly atmosphere to enjoy. Once Aaliyah was seated, Ramsay took his place across from her his gaze quickly dipping to examine his hands. His dinners usually were taken with his father, or with his men. And the topics they discussed weren't suitable for dinner with a noble woman.

Aaliyah's stomach flipped at the sound of the knocking at her door. She hesitated a moment longer, biting on her bottom lip as she took one, final glance in the mirror. She had no experience in what it meant to seduce a man, she had never had her eyes on someone that would have even been remotely acceptable. What her father would have wanted for her, she was unsure whether Roose Bolton's father would have fallen under that but at least he was the son of a Northern lord, there was no betrayal in regards to the North. She thought that was, perhaps, the most important aspect of all with the war that was raging further south. Aaliyah took a deep breath, turned from the mirror as the door opened. A hesitant smile broke onto her lips as Ramsay stepped through the threshold. Holding out her dress, Aaliyah tucked one foot behind the other before bending to curtsy. "Thank you, m'lord," she answered softly, trying to play the docile part she thought would be pleasing. The part she had been taught since she was young, she was to be seen and not to be heard, even if her mother was one helluva strong woman.

A blush crept onto Aaliyah's cheeks as she watched Ramsay pull out a chair, fully expecting for him to take the seat but when he motioned for her to, Aaliyah stepped forward to sit. She edged the chair forward a bit until she was comfortably against the table. Chewing on her bottom lip, Aaliyah focused her attention on the plate that was already dished up for her. She cleared her throat, feeling her stomach flip. What was the proper topic for conversation? She didn't know, this was far more intimate than a feast in the Great Hall.

"I had them prepare some boar for you," Aaliyah started, clearing her throat as she reached for the mug of mead. She sipped at it before finally raising her gaze up enough to meet Ramsay's gaze. "I know it's probably not what you are used to but the chef seemed confident that he could offer you a worthy meal," Aaliyah explained softly, reaching forward to pluck a piece of the deer meat from her plate. It was a plain enough meat, sure, but it was her favourite animal luckily for it was easy to hunt. There was little chance at harm coming to the hunters if they were only after a deer, unlike a boar. Shuddering at the thought, Aaliyah stabbed at the pile of mashed potatoes on her plate.

"Have your chambers been treating you well?" Aaliyah inquired, hopeful that it was an easy enough topic to discuss so that she wouldn't make a fool of herself in front of Ramsay. She smiled uneasily, "I'm sure my brother will appreciate everything that you and your men have done for us. I was beginning to lose faith, I must shamefully admit," Aaliyah continued to speak, wincing when she realized that she was beginning to ramble. So unladylike. "My apologies, m'lord," she mumbled, dropping her gaze back to the table, ducking her head down to try and cover her blushing cheeks.