Brienne of Tarth.
The thought of the lady knight is the only thing that keeps me warm at Eastwatch-by-the-sea. Ever since that magnificent woman came riding through the gates of Castle Black I could not take her out of my mind. I had never seen anyone like her, and I don't think I ever will again. Tall, strong, fierce, yellow hair, blue eyes. A formidable warrior. She could be a perfect spearwife to any man of my people. What a woman.
The Southerners call her Brienne the Beauty. I envy whoever gave her that title, which fits her so perfectly. If the gods allow me, I will tell her every day of my life just what a beauty she truly is.
If Brienne were a woman from the Free Folk, I would have stolen her for my own the moment I first saw her. But she isn't. Besides, I know she could cut me in half with that fine sword of hers if she wanted to. If only she knew how much I respect and admire her for it… So I have to make do with what I've got, which is watching all her gracious moves; approach her with as much caution as possible. For the first time in my life I wish I had knowledge of the Southern customs, in order to properly woo her. Maybe Jon Snow could help me with that. He owes me that, anyway.
But this has to wait. Right now my men and I must help the crows guard Eastwatch. Now we, men of the Free Folk, are part of the Night's Watch. Who would have thought?
Beric Dondarrion follows me to one of the lookout posts at the top of the Wall. It's always been cold here, but now that winter has come, it feels colder than I can remember. Ravens fly croaking. Conversations between men are almost muffled by the howling winds of winter.
"It's a long way down," Beric comments, looking down.
"Yeah," I agree. "The crows keep telling me I'll get used to it." Deep inside I find it very hard.
I look down and away. The White Walkers are getting closer. They are thousands, and there are even giants amongst them. I tremble, whether for fear or the cold winds, I don't know. The memories from that suicide mission looking for a wight are still fresh. Men of the Night's Watch start blowing horns.
Suddenly the army of the dead simply stop. I'm confused for a moment, wondering how they intend to pass through the Wall. The answer to my question comes from the sky. I look in terror: one of the Dragon Queen's sons, the one that had been hit by the Night King, is back to life and approaching quickly. I don't think twice: I urge Beric and the other men to run.
I can't see exactly what's going on, but judging by the tremors I feel, I know the wight dragon is destroying the wall. I'm sure of it when I see right before my eyes a kind of blue fire cut the ice walls. But I don't have much time to understand what's happening, because I am caught by a massive layer of snow and ice, and everything around me darkens.
The Long Night has come, the Wight Walkers will have gone past the Wall, and all I can think about now is Brienne. Gods, help me. I don't want to die without seeing her gorgeous face one last time. I want to survive so that I can claim her for my own; fight by her side; make my babies with her.
I'm getting breathless and I feel my strength fall away as I try to get out of the snow, but I have strength enough to utter one single word, without caring whether it was heard or not.
"Brienne."