Notes:
This is a story based on the Game of Thrones books and TV series, but be warned, it's a very AU (Alternate Universe) story. If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a story that deviates a lot from canon, where certain characters may act out of character, or if you're not a fan of romance with a good amount of fluff, and a story that ultimately has a happy ending, then this may not be the right story for you.
Chapter 12
3 months later, 290 AC (Beyond the Wall)
Lord of Bones
With a cautious gaze, the skinchanger approached the Lord of Bones and spoke in hushed tones. "Two strangers approaching the Fist," Orell said, his eyes focused on the distance thanks to his eagle companion.
"Crows?" Lord of Bones asked, a hint of unease in his voice.
"I don't think so," Orell responded. "One is dressed like a crow, but he's accompanied by a woman of peculiar appearance."
As Lord of Bones pondered his next move, he noticed a sudden stir among his warriors. Five of his most impulsive and reckless fighters had taken it upon themselves to confront the strangers without his command. Frustration and concern washed over Lord of Bones. He had yet to decide on the appropriate response, and yet his warriors had rushed ahead, driven by their own impetuousness.
Seeing his warriors advancing towards the strangers at a considerable distance, Lord of Bones decided to follow them with the rest of his warriors. But before they continued, he noticed that Orell had something to share.
"Chief, we must proceed with caution," Orell said, his voice tinged with concern. Lord of Bones gestured for him to continue.
"There's something strange about that woman I saw," Orell paused, his face reflecting both contemplation and a touch of fear. "We need to be careful."
When Lord of Bones and his warriors finally arrived at the Fist, they were greeted with a sight that left them frozen in their tracks.
Benjen and Elaena
"BEN, DON'T LEAVE MY SIDE!" Benjen heard Elaena's cry as they both observed the scene unfolding before them. The urgency and fear in her voice resonated deep within him, jolting him into action. In that moment, everything seemed to freeze as Benjen's mind shifted, caught in a whirlwind of memories.
As he stood by Elaena's side, his gaze locked on the approaching danger, Benjen's thoughts drifted back to the arduous journey they had undertaken. They had walked tirelessly, their footsteps etching weariness into his weary muscles. From the break of dawn until the sun began its descent, they had forged ahead, traversing rugged landscapes and untamed wilderness.
Fatigue had settled upon them, and during a brief respite, Benjen found himself organizing their meager camp. It was then that Nightwing, his trusted raven, had become their harbinger of alarm. The bird's sharp cry pierced the air, drawing Benjen's attention. In an instant, he connected with the bird's senses, sharing its vantage point as it soared above the land.
Through Nightwing's eyes, Benjen witnessed the impending threat. A group of five Wildling warriors emerged on the horizon, their presence foreboding. But what unsettled him more was the larger group that lingered farther behind, their intentions concealed by distance and shadows.
Recalling the warning, Benjen turned his attention to Elaena, noticing her expression shift to a grave seriousness as she heard his words about the approaching threat. Her voice, commanding and resolute, cut through the tense atmosphere. "Unsheathe your swords, Ben," she declared, her words resonating with determination.
The present moment snapped Benjen back to reality. Elaena's voice, filled with determination, resonated in his ears, urging him to remain steadfast.
With a silent nod to Elaena, Benjen drew his swords, and a surge of astonishment ran through him. To his amazement, both of his Valyrian steel blades enveloped in intense flames, engulfing them in a fiery aura. A peculiar energy permeated the air, wrapping around him and their small camp. As Benjen's eyes instinctively turned towards Elaena, ready to voice his astonishment, but what he saw left him speechless.
Her beautiful violet eyes had changed to a terrible crimson red, but it was the profound transformation in Elaena's behavior and mannerisms that sent shivers down Benjen's spine.
This time, Elaena's voice resonated with a commanding power as she raised her voice and extended her arms towards the heavens, as if beckoning forth unknown supernatural forces to serve as weapons, her fervor demanding their unwavering obedience.
After a brief moment of silence, during which Benjen felt as if time had stopped and the calm before the storm had settled, a mighty roar reverberated through the air. His astonishment grew as he witnessed a protective circle of fire enveloping the area where Elaena and he stood, its flames dancing with a fierce intensity. Within the fiery enclosure, a flame shot up into the sky, ascending several meters before exploding. As it burst, the fiery explosion formed the image of a dragon.
Benjen believed that these spells were unlike anything Elaena had ever used before, or at least unlike any he had witnessed since he had known her. They were vastly different from the one she had employed back in the Lord Commander's tower. Benjen could perceive the aggressive and dangerous energy emanating from them. Even the way she chanted was distinct. Tranquility had vanished, replaced by an aura of power.
Lord of Bones
Lord of Bones and his companions, who had witnessed the spectacle of magic and power, noticed that their five companions, who had gone ahead, had momentarily stopped, gazing at the two strangers within that strange circle of magical fire.
"Don't be stupid, don't be stupid," Lord of Bones thought anxiously as he observed three out of the five warriors launching an attack.
Elaena and Benjen
Elaena and Benjen remained focused as Elaena recited a few words, and a flame shot forth from the circle of fire, engulfing one of the unfortunate warriors, setting him ablaze.
With a cold and stern gaze, Elaena turned to Benjen and said, "These Wildlings are not the true enemy, but I want to show our strength now as a warning for them to leave us alone in our mission."
Having spoken these words, Elaena recited an incantation, and suddenly, the circle of fire opened a small entrance. With a flick of her hand, Elaena beckoned the two remaining Wildlings to come and fight. After a brief moment of hesitation, the Wildlings charged at Elaena and Benjen.
"They aren't even made of ordinary steel," Elaena thought, smiling as she saw that when their weapons clashed, her Valyrian steel blade effortlessly shattered the primitive weapon wielded by one of the Wildlings, reducing it to mere fragments. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Benjen, with his own sword, had no trouble rendering the other Wildling's weapon ineffective as well.
Elaena observed the leader of the Wildlings, distinguished by his peculiar armor adorned with loosely-tied bones and a skull helmet, staring at them from a distance. In response, Elaena smirked, uttered a small spell, and lightly touched the tip of her sword to a small part of the defeated Wildling's neck. A sizzling sound filled the air as the Wildling's flesh began to burn, leaving behind a mark of Elaena's power.
Lord of Bones
He had witnessed countless acts of cruelty throughout his life, from giants tearing unfortunate souls apart to enduring tortures inflicted by rival Wildling clans. Yet, the agonizing scream that pierced the air in that moment sent chills down his spine, leaving him cold and terrified.
"Who is she, this White-haired witch?" Orell exclaimed fearfully, his voice trembling with unease.
Elaena and Benjen
Elaena noticed that the Wildling she had touched with her sword had fallen unconscious, his body rendered powerless by her fiery magic. She turned her gaze towards Benjen and saw that he had immobilized the other Wildling with ropes.
A warm smile formed on Elaena's lips as she acknowledged Benjen's unwavering support. However, the gravity of the situation quickly overshadowed her expression, and she adopted a stern and serious demeanor as she approached the remaining Wildling. "He is just a boy, only slightly older than Viserys," Elaena thought to herself as she closed in on him. The fear in his eyes was palpable as he glanced back and forth between Elaena and his unconscious comrade, uncertain of his fate.
Lord of Bones
Meanwhile, Lord of Bones observed intently as the mysterious woman interrogated the captive member of his group who remained conscious. He noticed the captive occasionally pointing towards their location, revealing the knowledge he possessed.
After what felt like an eternity, the circle of fire opened, granting an exit for the captive who emerged, carrying his still unconscious comrade. They headed towards the two remaining members of their group who hadn't engaged in the fight. Lord of Bones keenly observed as the mysterious woman closed the circle of fire once again, sealing off their position.
As the four survivors of the original group finally reached him, Lord of Bones maintained a watchful gaze. The interrogated survivor approached him, guided by fear.
Lord of Bones, spoke with authority, commanding the survivor's attention. "Speak, boy," he demanded, his voice a low growl. In response, the survivor relayed the message he had received, his voice filled with trepidation. "Chief, the woman of fire is sending a message to Mance Rayder."