The Varulfur
This is my submission for @tephi101’s 800 follower writing challenge
Pairing: Jon Snow x Reader
Mythical Creature: Werewolf
Warnings: None
Summary: You and Jon Snow have been the closest of friends since childhood. However, you have always suspected that the Starks were not treating him well. Now, as your family spends the summer at Winterfell, you are determined to find out what’s going on once and for all.
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"What in the world was I thinking?" You thought, rebuking yourself.
And it was a rather good question. It meant that you knew your actions were completely wrong. Winterfell was rather quiet. The only sounds were that of the crackling fires and footsteps of guards patrolling their routes.
As for everyone else, they were in their beds – as you should have been.
But no, here you were, lurking about dressed in nothing more than your nightdress and an overcoat. What would your parents say should they see you? No doubt your mother would be the angrier of the two.
She was a Lady through and through. Noble, beautiful and stricter than anyone you knew. As stickler for propriety, there was no doubt of the punishment would be should you be caught. She would likely have you sent off to King's Landing for "decorum training".
"Just one peek and I'll go right back to bed."
You should have turned back instead of entering the courtyard. However, you couldn't help yourself. Curiosity had gotten the best of you. Why did the Starks behave so strangely whenever your family came for a visit?
And by visit, it entailed a stay of weeks or months.
That is how one hosted guests in Westeros. And since your families were close, this was not your first time calling on the Starks or them calling on your estate. However, one thing always remained. The Bastard, Jon Snow was always ushered off at odd times.
This time around, he had been escorted from the Great Hall in the middle of the banquet.
Naturally, you quickly made up an excuse in order to follow. Telling Lady Sansa and your other friends that you felt quite nauseous, you excused yourself for fresh air. You then trailed the men and witnessed them chain Jon inside the kennels.
It was shocking and offended your sensibilities. He may have been a bastard, but did the Starks truly keep him with the dogs? Your mother had told you that Lady Catelyn detested the young man, but this was too cruel, even for her.
Practically crawling alongside the wall, you spotted the kennels. Unfortunately, there were two men posted outside.
"Seven Hells!" You thought, not wanting your opportunity to pass. "For the love of the Gods, please fall asleep."
What a very stupid wish.
Did you really think that the guards were going to fall into a deep slumber at the same time? Still, wishing was the only thing you could do. But then, you remembered something. There was one thing most people could not resist.
Fine drink. Especially if that drink was expensive wine. Specifically those from the Lannister's private reserve. Thankfully, you knew just where to acquire some.
"Edmund."
Your eldest brother had a large pitcher of it in his chamber. And thus, you turned on your heels seeking it out.
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You knocked on your brother's door three times before he finally got annoyed enough to answer. With a perplexed expression, he eyed you, wondering what you were doing up at such an hour.
"If I didn't know any better, I would say you have not been to bed at all." He commented as you entered his chamber. "Why is that?"
"Why should I tell you anything? You would report it to mother and father."
"Try me."
He took a seat on the bed, his sheathed broadsword resting nearby. It was a good thing you didn't make a habit of sneaking into chambers. Your father and brothers were skillful swordsmen with keen senses. Had you tried to enter without knocking, you would have likely felt the blade of his weapon.
"I…………..I want your wine."
Your brother's brow raised and his lip pursed in confusion. Never had you been keen on drink of any kind. In fact, you rarely partook. Running a hand over the stubble of his jawline, Edmund regarded you with suspicion.
"Y/N, it is fortunate that you have a patient brother such as myself. I have no idea what you are up to. But if you do not tell me why you have a sudden interest in wine, I will drag you back to your chamber."
You sighed before pacing the floor nearest the fireplace. Should you tell him, or not? His threat was a real one. As an elder sibling, he did have the power to command you as he pleased.
"It is not for me."
"Oh?" Edmund replied with an amused expression. "Who is it for then?"
"I…………………….I cannot tell you."
For whatever reason, the reply caused Edmund to chuckle. You glared at him, however, he could not help himself. It was downright silly in his mind.
"If you cannot tell me, then I will take a guess. Is it for a secret beau?"
"What? No!" You exclaimed. "You think I would fall for a man who obsesses over drink?"
"I do not know what to think, sister." Edmund replied as he got to his feet. "But since you wish to keep your little secrets, I am escorting you to your chamber."
"But why?"
He didn't even allow you to finish speaking before taking you by the arm. Adding that he would post one of your father's men at the door to ensure you remained inside.
"Please, Edmund. At least let me explain myself." You begged, knowing your chance to find the truth would be missed.
Though he hesitated, your brother let go. Perhaps being the eldest of seven children made him somewhat reasonable. It also helped that out of the three girls in the family, you were the easiest to deal with.
"Fine." He said with some reservation. "Get talking or off to bed you go."
"You know how I have always told you that there is something strange with how the Starks treat Jon?"
Edmund nodded and stated he was aware of your strange fascination with Ned's bastard. Rolling your eyes, you ignored his taunt. You then explained all you had noticed over the years and what you had witnessed that evening.
"So you think they are mistreating him?"
"It seems that way. After all, who keeps a family member in the kennels?"
Though he disliked your prying, Edmund saw reason in your assertion. And to be honest, he now wished to know more as well.
"Fine. You may take the wine, but under one condition."
"I'm listening." You replied with excitement.
"Try your best not to get caught. But if that should occur, tell the guards to send for me. No doubt mother would kill you should father be the one informed."
You nodded before thanking Edmund once again. Taking the pitcher of costly wine, you exited the chamber, one step closer to your goal.
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"Halt! Whomever you are, show yourself." A thin but stern looking sentinel called out as you approached.
Walking closer, you held out the pitcher of wine. Both men glanced at each other before looking at you again.
"I beg your pardon, Milady. I did not know it was you." The thin guard said apologetically. "May we be of service?"
"Not really. I was up writing letters and I recalled that I had all this wine I cannot finish. Lannister wine to be exact." You said sweetly. "And since it would be a shame for it to go waste, I thought you men would like it. Besides, it will warm your bones."
They nodded eagerly, feeling fortunate to be given the opportunity to taste the King's wine. As the taller of the two took the pitcher from your hands, the other bowed his head.
"We need chalices." The large one mentioned to his companion.
"So what are you looking at me for? Do I look like a stocked kitchen?" The slender one countered. "Anyhow, we can just drink from the pitcher."
"Are you mad? I do not wish to taste your spittle."
You cleared your throat before mentioning that the Great Hall was totally empty.
"You could snag drinking cups before anyone was the wiser. Besides, there is loads of leftover food from the banquet in the kitchens. It would go well with that red wine."
With that you bid them a good evening and walked off. But you didn't go far.
Only far enough to duck behind the wall nearest the gardens. Hopefully, the two dolts would take the bait. You waited and watched. For whatever reason, the two of them began arguing. They continued for what seemed like forever before finally coming to some type of agreement.
When they both walked off in the direction of the Great Hall, you nearly clapped.
The door to the kennels was now unattended.
"Would you look at that? Who knew small-folk were so easy to manipulate?"
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As you entered the kennels, you realized that it was much darker than you had expected.
Despite there being a lantern hung from one of the wooden beams, you could hardly see a thing. Thus, you had to take care walking since you were mostly feeling your way around.
Oddly enough, the numerous cages that lined the walls were all were empty.
"I know the Stark children own Direwolves and there are numerous hunting dogs. Where are they?" You wondered. "In another kennel perhaps?"
Just as you finished the thought, you heard a reverberating snarl. In the blink of an eye, something knocked you to the ground. And did you ever land hard. The impact to your head was so severe, your vision blurred and you eventually lost consciousness.
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"Edmund?" You muttered with your eyes still closed.
Though you could feel a presence beside you, whomever it was did not reply. When you eventually tried opening your eyes, everything was blurry. However, you knew that you were still in the kennels.
And though you could hardly see, you spotted a shadowy figure.
"Edmund, is that you?" You asked again before rolling onto your side.
And that was when you realized the figure was not human! Its fiery eyes met yours and it was as if time stood still.
"I'm going to die."
You tried to remember any of the prayers Old Nan had thought you, but your mind was blank. You were simply too terrified. As for the creature, it watched from the darkness – perhaps waiting for its chance to pounce.
Quickly, you rotated onto your stomach, trying your best to crawl away. But you were quite weak. You had barely dragged yourself a few inches when the creature leapt, landing beside you with a loud thud.
Dust and rush leaves flew into the air, obscuring your vision further.
It grunted and then made an unearthly sound, much like a voracious wolf.
"I should have stayed in bed."
But it was too late for such regrets now. With your heart pounding within your ears, your mind filled with ghastly thoughts. Thoughts of being devoured in brutal fashion. Suddenly, you felt something wet upon your neck.
"It's going to eat me!"
Your eyes shut tightly as you awaited the pain of your flesh being torn by teeth.
But that did not occur. Instead, you felt the cold of the creature's nose pressed against your neck, sniffing inquisitively. Whatever it was, it was quite enormous and wolf-like in nature. It sniffed you for a long while, going from your neck to your hair, pressing its snout firmly against your head.
Then, it did something you did not expect.
The creature gently rolled you onto your back. Not something one would expect from something so large and imposing.
"A Varulfur!" You thought as you swallowed hard.
Still laid upon your back, you looked up at the creature. It's lush silver and black fur finally discernible. For some peculiar reason, it was now staring at you with a less menacing expression. It seemed almost docile.
Carefully, you took the opportunity to try to back away. Sitting up, you scooted on your bottom, easing yourself closer the sole light source. In the end, your back hit a wooden beam, meaning you were trapped.
The door to the kennels was far off.
Even worse, you would have to pass the Varulfur to even get to it. Mercifully, your vision had cleared further, allowing you to take in the sight before you. Though terrified you looked at the creature hoping it would remain where it was.
That was when you noted the chains around its legs. Though it had broken the ones around its wrist, those appeared to be holding well. Perhaps they were made of Valerian steel and the ones that were broken were just iron.
"Wait, that leather necklace it's wearing."
You would recognize it anywhere. After all, you were the one that gifted it to Jon. That was when everything clicked. The Varulfur was in fact your dear friend. It all made sense. That was why the creature had not devoured or mangled you as they were known to do.
"Jon?"
Like magic, the creature was suddenly in front of you, its snout inches from your face.
It was almost as if it moved faster than the wind itself. As it sniffed away at your hand, you trembled but allowed it to continue.
"Jon, if you can understand me. Please, calm yourself."
The Varulfur looked at you briefly and then, to your surprise, laid its head upon your lap.
"So, it is you." You said in a lowered voice.
He remained still, comfortable where he now lay. And though you were now certain that the creature was Jon, you were cautious as you caressed its fur. It was simply fascinating. Every Westerosi knew tales of such legendary beings.
From White Walkers to Dragons people knew that the magic of the old Gods was keeping them alive. However, few had ever come across such creatures. And fewer lived to tell the stories.
But here you were. Sat on the ground with a genuine Varulfur rested on your lap as if it were a puppy.
"Jon, I'm getting you out of here." You said, causing him to sit up.
That was when you realized just how huge he was in his transformed state. If he stood, you deduced he could tower over six feet easily. After informing him that you were going to find the key for the chains, you stood. But as you approached the door, he let out a low growl.
"It is alright. I'm not leaving." You reassured. "I'm only searching for the keys."
You words seemed to work because his shoulders relaxed. After searching for some time, you found a ring of keys.
"One of these should be it." You announced as you made your way to the Varulfur.
You tried them one-by-one. After inserting the seventh key, you heard the telltale click. Unlocking both clasps from his legs, you gently removed them. But then, you saw the damage they had been causing. The fur underneath was matted with blood and some parts were deeply gashed.
"I'm so sorry Jon." You said soothingly, looking at the wounds. "Let's get you to my chamber and I'll clean it up."
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Getting to your chamber was easier said than done.
Though the passageway that led there was quite close to the kennels, maneuvering undetected proved difficult. Winterfell, as with most keeps, was full of guards.
But with the help of the Gods, you managed to get to your chambers unscathed. Shutting the door, you exhaled with relief. As for the Varulfur, he went straightaway to the fireplace, laying on the floor as if exhausted.
"Get up." You commanded.
Grabbing some sheets and coverings, you began crafting a makeshift bed as the creature watched.
"There we are. Now you can lay down."
Doing as you asked yet again, he got comfortable, much like a massive dog. As he focused on the fireplace, you fetched a pitcher of drinking water from the table. After grabbing some clean linens, you returned to the Varulfur's side.
"I'm going to clean your wounds. So please, do not be alarmed."
As you worked, you realized something. Jon did walk with pained steps every now and then. This of course was strange since he was a perfectly healthy young man.
Now, it all made sense.
They had practiced locking him up for so long, it had caused damage to his mortal form. Finishing up, you set the bloody water and fabrics off to the side. You then laid down beside the Varulfur, unafraid.
"You should have told me about this, Jon. You said aloud. "You're my best friend so I would never have shunned you."
It was then you noticed that he had fallen asleep. Remaining by his side, you curled up comfortably and soon, drifted off to sleep as well.
________________________
You were awakened to the sound of your name being called.
When you raised you head, you saw none other than Edmund sat in a chair looking as if he was ready to kill you.
Sitting up, you looked around. There lay Jon beside you in is his mortal form, completely nude. Fortunately, his manhood was hidden thanks to the quilt your brother had placed over him.
"What is the meaning of this, Y/N?" Edmund asked. "Do you know what people would say if they knew of this? You reputation would be ruined along with any marriage prospects. And not just for you, but for Lilyana and Maddeson as well."
You were in no mood to discuss your twin elder sisters or anything else. The only thing you wanted was to clear your name.
"I can explain everything. Despite appearances, it is not what you think."
Were you ever glad that Jon was between you. If not, you were certain Edmund would have grabbed you by the neck. With a shake of his head, he stated that he did not believe you.
"Please, just listen to me." You begged, rushing to him.
Kneeling, you placed your hands upon Edmund's knees in a show of contrition.
"For one thing, you can see that I am dressed." You said.
"I do see. But that does not explain why Jon is naked. Nor does it explain why he is in your chamber!"
"If you are implying that I lay with him, it's not true. I would never do such a thing."
Edmund frowned, still furious at the sight before him.
"Y/N, you know I am only looking out for your best interest. I do not wish for anyone to take advantage of you. If you can look me in the eyes and say he did not defile you, I will believe it."
"Nothing happened between us." You replied. "That I swear to the old Gods and the New. I am still a virgin."
Relieved, Edmund patted the back of your hands.
Without a word, he left and returned with some of his own clothes for Jon. Rousing him from his slumber, he helped the tired young man dress while your back was turned.
"I am taking him to my chamber. We will talk later."
With that, Edmund departed with a lethargic Jon at his side.
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In the afternoon, you had your bath and dressed in one of your finest gowns.
It was red and gold and all the fabric had been imported from the Summer Isles. As you rushed down a passageway, you spotted your two younger brothers at the archery range.
The two of them were laughing it up with Bran and Rickon as Arya looked watched. But you had not time to be entertained or make fun with them. You had to speak with Edmund.
Fortunately, you didn't have to look far.
He was standing with the Stark ward, Theon, by the kennels. After greeting them, you glanced at Edmund, asking if you could have a moment of his time.
"We will pick up the conversation later." He informed Theon.
Once you were out of earshot, you asked of Jon's whereabouts. Somewhat annoyed at the mention of the name, Edmund stated he had gone along on King Robert's hunt.
"The King? They have arrived already?"
"A little earlier than expected. But we have more important things to discuss than the Baratheons."
Reluctantly, you began telling the entire tale of the previous night. Edmund listened, bewildered by all you were saying. When you finally stopped speaking, he stared at you with a strange expression.
"You really expect me to believe that?" He asked.
"But it's true. He is a Varulfur."
"You must have been sleepwalking. Or drunk."
"It was no dream and you know for a fact that I don't drink." You said in frustration. "And why is it so hard to believe anyway? Were you not there when they announced that the Targaryen girl has three dragons?"
Edmund bit his lip.
You were right about the rise of magic in the Seven Kingdoms. If Dragons had returned, was it really that far-fetched to believe that Jon had become enchanted?
"If he is truly a Varulfur, you must be cautious. They are ferocious man-eaters. It is said they enjoy the sight of our blood so much, the kill even when not hungry."
"That may be true but as you can see, he didn’t hurt me."
"That is strange. Everyone knows that people have no control once transformed."
"Thankfully, Jon does."
"That may be true, but how do we know it will last? What if-------"
Edmund's words were cut off by Asher's voice. Your second eldest brother was all smiles as he approached. Ever the vigilant one, he looked around before greeting you both.
"Where are your escorts, Y/N?" He asked.
"Must you always chastise me?" You snipped back, annoyed that he was already being overbearing. "They are awaiting me in the Great Hall if you must know."
"Hmm. That is odd. Are they not retained to be at your side?" Asher asked with a smirk. "I will drop the matter this time around but do not let it happen again. If it does, I shall tell mother."
You glared at him but said nothing.
It was something you had become accustomed to. Ever since you became of marriageable age, everyone watched you like hawks. Thankfully, you were saved from the conversation by Jon.
Despite the previous night, he looked rested and in a good mood. After greeting your brothers, he asked their permission to walk with you. As expected, Asher wanted to deny the request but Edmund stepped in.
"I see nothing wrong with a mere stroll in the gardens." He said. "You may go."
Then turning to Asher, he suggested they find Robb so they could hear of the hunt. As your brothers walked off, you eyed Jon. Instantly, his cheeks went red, recalling that he had been naked in your presence.
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"I wanted to thank you." Jon said as the two of you walked a cobbled path in the gardens.
"For what?"
"For taking care of me.............last night. I never wanted for you to find out that way. In fact, I wish you did not know my secret at all. For that reason, I must beg you to do one thing."
"What?"
When he replied that he wanted you to stay away from him, you were stunned.
He couldn't be serious. Though you were friends, there were things you had not told him. For instance, the fact that you were utterly in love with him.
"Jon, do you really expect me to behave as if you do not exist?"
"That is exactly what I expect. I am not only dangerous but I am cursed. Though I cannot recall her name, the Red Priestess that enchanted me said it was forever."
"I don't care if it's three lifetimes. Besides, we don't know that for certain."
"Y/N, you don't understand."
"No, I understand plenty." You said, forcing him to look at you. "I understand that friendships must endure much if they are genuine. And since I love you and you love me, we can handle this. Regardless of the outcome."
The last portion of your statement made Jon's eyes go wide.
He was utterly dumbfounded. Though he was smitten, he never thought you could ever feel the same. After all, being a bastard with no fortune didn't exactly make him a worthy match.
"How did you----"
"You heard me Jon. I love you. And I know for a fact that you love me as well. I have dreamt it."
He smiled, despite himself. You had always believed that your dreams were prophetic.
"Y/N, I do love you. But your parents cannot allow you to be with me. I have nothing. And you know how things work in the world."
"I will figure something out." You said, taking him by the hand. "Or do you wish for another man to have me?"
Jon admitted that he wanted you to be his and his alone. Very badly in fact. But he had overheard your father make mention of possible matches already. One being none other than Robb.
"I wish my father would make me official already.” He confessed. “But I know for certain that Catelyn is the issue. She will never agree."
You embraced Jon, knowing that he was speaking the truth. The only way to push things along was to win the mind of Ned Stark.
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After eating in the Great Hall, you went in search of your father.
Eventually, one of the Maesters told you were to find him. Just as the man had said, you found him and Ned Stark sharpening swords and chatting underneath a weirwood tree. They seemed to be having a great time of it until they took notice of your presence.
"There is my lovely daughter. How are you this afternoon, Y/N?" Ned asked with a warm expression.
"Fine, Milord. And yourself?"
"I can't complain. So, tell us, what crisis can we help with this time? Did Arya cut up one of your dresses again?"
You laughed but stated it had nothing to do with anyone in particular. In fact, there was no trouble. They both chuckled before telling you to speak your mind.
"Father, Uncle….." You began. "I came to talk about something very important. In fact, it's more of a confession. But first, I must have your word that neither of you will get angry."
"What kind of confession?" Your father asked without looking up.
"It had to do with……………..a man."
Your father stopped shining his broadsword and scowled. Already, you could see the apprehension in his eyes.
"Y/N, if this is some type of jest, I suggest you stop at once!" He said.
"I beg your pardon, but it is no jest. I came to speak about something important."
Raising a hand to keep your father from yelling, Ned gave you permission to continue. Adding that they would listen to all you had to say without any repercussions.
Though your father protested, Ned held his ground.
"Last night, Edmund entered my chamber to check on me. However, he was surprised when he found Jon and I asleep by the fireplace."
Your father looked like he had been struck by an arrow.
In fact, both men were stupefied. After processing your confession a moment, your father asked that you repeat yourself.
"I said, Jon and I were-------"
"Y/N! Why was Jon in your chamber?" He shouted despite doing his best to remain calm.
"I was taking care of him."
Ned's eyes went to the ground.
He knew very well that Jon had turned the previous evening. The blue moon had been high three nights straight. Instantly, he realized that you now knew the family secret. How you were still alive, that was another story. It was something he would find out from you later.
As your father stood and tried to get hold of you, Ned stepped between you.
"Calm yourself. I am sure it was innocent."
"It was." You said, hiding behind him.
"Jon has been quite sickly for some years now. He was feeling poorly during the banquet so I had him escorted out. Though I wish Y/N would have left him where he was…" Ned said. "I'm glad she looked after him."
"But you heard her. The two of them were alone." Your father exclaimed.
"I understand that it looks improper. But yelling at the poor girl is not going to help anyone."
You were relieved.
Ned Stark always managed to be the voice of reason even when things were at their worst. Still enraged, your father looked at his friend and stated he wanted satisfaction.
By that, he did not mean a duel. No, he wanted something much different.
"This is your doing." Your father insisted. "Raising a bastard here, all the while knowing you would never claim him formally. Now look at this mess. I swear by the old Gods that I will make him pay."
"Calm down, Erik." Ned replied calmly. He then looked at you. “Please, leave this to me and your father. We will sort things out."
You curtseyed to them both, knowing you had started something that could not be stopped.
But you had to do it. Your parents would never have allowed to marry Jon unless you stepped on their morals. Especially your father.
Knowing his firm religious beliefs, he would insist that you and Jon be wed. It mattered not if you had laid together in his eyes. Even better, Ned also grasped that he had to make Jon a legal heir.
That way, the two could marry and the family secret would remain as it was.
A family secret.
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The End.