"I'm sorry, Lyle. That was grossly inappropriate." Lyanna said to me as we walked to the food hall.
"It's ok, Lyanna, you don't have to keep apologizing."
"It's not! I mean… it's just…"
Because of events last night, I ended up sleeping on the floor, to the grumbling of the Dragon. It wasn't really because of Lyanna, but what Elena attempted because of her. Pressing herself against me and trying to tease a certain reaction. Elena enjoyed the situation, seen by the smile on her face. Still, I didn't find it that big a deal. Other than Elena's scheming, there wasn't really much that needed an apology.
"You shouldn't have had to sleep on the ground. I don't know what came over me." Lyanna mumbled.
I stopped, forcing them to with me. Turning to Lyanna, I held her gaze for several seconds.
"I don't want to assume, but I would guess the freedom I provide is alluring. I would also guess Elena has been whispering in your ear. Don't let her fool you, she's smarter than she's been playing."
My piece said, I started walking again, ignoring Elena's protest. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lyanna's slightly dumbstruck look, before she giggled and ran to catch up. Elena hadn't said much all morning, but she had the look of a plan working as she followed along. She can be scary when she wants to be.
"So, you believe yourself alluring, Lyle?" Lyanna said coyly as she arrived next to me. Elena grabbed my hand from the opposite side.
"No one beats my Lyle." Elena proclaimed. I gave her a reprimanding look, flabbergasted with her behavior.
"Ignoring Elena, I believe that I hold enough power to do whatever is wanted. I won't, because of my personality, but the opportunity is there. I imagine it would attract… the free-spirited. On another note, I believe we should leave today." I could feel the stares we've been collecting as our drama unfolded. Lyanna noticed the same thing and turned quiet, a contemplative look on her face.
"Also Lyanna, stop teaching Elena weird things."
She couldn't look more innocent.
We wasted a lot of time but after breakfast, we finally arrived at what we entered for. Howard didn't even offer an argument when asked, though he did look like he wanted to say something. We immediately left after gaining approval though, avoiding it.
The lift was slow but provided a nice view. I wouldn't say it was the best view I've ever seen but the magic made it worth it. As we rose, I could feel it condense around us, searching for what it was made to protect from. Of course, it didn't find it, but when it interacted with my magic it pulled away in disgust and fear. I smiled mockingly.
"You don't have the right to judge." I said.
"Who are you speaking to?"
"…Nothing…"
On top of the wall, we finally caught a glimpse at what laid beyond. A wide expanse of trees and snow. It wasn't all that different to the other side, except the growing fog in the far off distance. Ice ridges creating tall shadows hinting to the unknown. There was a battle being fought unseen. I was surprised the Wall was able to keep the consuming fog that far out.
I could feel it. The hunger and hate. And growing power as the seasons changed.
Yeah, the Night King has a hold of the weather it seems.
The girls ran around oo'ing and ah'ing as I tried to gauge the power being displayed. I would win, but I didn't want to fight in the fog. There was more than necromancy and ice in it. Magic can be overloaded by feelings I've learned and the hate coming from the fog has been culminating for thousands of years. A disgust for the living having what it couldn't have. And vengeance, so much of it.
On one part, I was sympathetic. They didn't deserve what had been done to them. And if they weren't so far gone, I would've wanted to try to help. As it is, to help I would have to at the least erase memory. I'd rather just kill them.
Done with my observations, I sat down to watch Elena and Lyanna run around. It seems the cold from up here finally convinced Elena to wear a coat, though it still was on the thinner side. I ignored in favor of watching her smile and play around. She and Lyanna stopped every couple of seconds to observe the ground below. Lyanna would quickly step back, but despite her fear, she would join in repeating the process only a minute later. Elena didn't have the same problem, leaning a little too far over the edge. Well, she's always at a height, so why would she fear it?
It was peaceful, despite the threat the Wall implied. The Others are active, but they haven't gained enough power to be a threat yet. It would take them a couple decades to challenge the Wall. It might be better to end them now, but I still wanted some rest. I've had enough of fighting the big bad, I would give myself at least a decade. That's if I don't get dragged into the upcoming war.
I've already decided to protect Lyanna, but I had no doubt the rebellion would still happen regardless. From what I remember, Rhaeger is prophecy obsessed and his father still mad. They most likely would become their own undoing eventually, just with different circumstances. Still, fighting mortal men wouldn't be as tiring as fighting Gods.
The girls eventually tired and plopped themselves next to me. Elena leaned onto my side, and Lyanna noticing it, did the same. I gave her a questioning look.
"You weren't wrong you know." She said softly.
"Oh? I rarely am." I said mock arrogantly. I'm wrong all the time. "What about though?"
"I am attracted to you and I didn't understand why until earlier. You are definitely handsome, but I was raised in a Noble house, there's been many handsome men around…" She took a sad smile. "The adventure. I've always been called to it. To get out of the stuffy dresses and the role of a Noble lady. My father, on occasion, would let me hold a sword, but even he wouldn't let me learn it to completion. To risk my delicate hands with acts of violence."
The silence sat as I contemplated what to say. Looking to Elena, she had a bright smile as she reached around me to hold Lyanna's hand.
"…I suppose I can teach you how to fight properly on our travels…" And, like always, I avoided addressing her confession. She giggled and reached up to kiss my cheek.
"I had a feeling that would be the way you respond."
"How else am I suppose to? My… significant other is right by me." I argued, causing Elena to laugh. A real one, not a mischievous giggle she has been doing lately.
"You were also right that I've been whispering in her ear. Right, Lyanna?" Elena said, and Lyanna exaggeratingly nodded along.
"Yes, she's been feeding me all kinds of juicy information."
"…Curses…"