Preface
As he fumbled through the snow, Jon found what Ghost was signaling to, a variety of things wrapped in a cloth looking older than time itself. Anxiously, he unwrapped the ancient cache to find daggers and arrows made of the strangest material he had ever seen before. These weapons seemed mighty and powerful, yet they were no different in size than an average iron dagger. However, beneath the strange weapons laid a scroll rolled taut, making the bundle itself seem freshly wrapped. Jon didn't hesitate. Leaving the weapons near his direwolf's side Ghost seemed overly distressed. He began unrolling the parchment. A lengthy text revealed itself and there in the cold snow of the Fist of the First Men was the first time he came to realize that Old Nan knew more than any other person he had met. The old text told a story all too familiar to him, the story of Ythan and Adrias. He closed his eyes with the scroll in hand as Ghost breathed heavily next to him. I remember the night many years ago, when Old Nan told us of the mixed Andal child and of the brave Children of the Forest.
"Go to them, Jon," father whispered as he nudged me through the door of Rickon's and Bran's room.
I saw my brothers and sisters gathered around Old Nan, who was sitting in a chair by the fire. I heard Father close the door behind me and Robb turned around to motion for me to come over. Bran and Rickon were sitting right in front of her while Sansa behind them working on needle-point. Arya was laying on the floor with her feet almost touching Sansa and making jabbing motions in the air with a comb as if she was in an imaginary duel. Robb was seated behind everyone and I went forward to join him.
My father always told us that we should listen to Old Nan, to respect elders, and not be so quick to see her gone because she will be one day. She's been here for generations far; longer than one surely can say. I do appreciate her but the ramblings of her fables, which I doubt to be true, are hard to bear. I know Bran and Rickon really enjoy them, despite constantly asking me questions, to which I have no answers. They take everything to heart and I over-think what I can share with them.
Old Nan began, "Oh children, children come gather here and I will tell you a tale. What do you know of love? What it can do to one's mind, soul, and spirit? It creates an unnerving feeling and yet is often matched with the longing of running after it with all the might of your being, no matter the consequences. Tonight I will tell you of a rebellious couple. In a time before the Wall, that keeps us safe from the unknown creatures of legends beyond the knowledge of your time. Before the Seven Kingdoms, when the Children of the Forest and the First Men prepared for war against the invading Andals. In this chaotic time this love was formed between the two most unlikely of this land's creatures, a love that would affect your lineage and the history of Westeros."