NOTES

To him/her Thank you for your response. With humility, I apologize to you. My reply was somewhat harsh, and you are right on some points. I wish I had a beta reader like you.

"In the books and the series, 'shadows' are summoned differently, right? But in this fanfiction, I decided to change things up in the way these beings manifest, making them something different from what's portrayed in the books. So, I hope you enjoy this different version I've crafted!"

To avoid confusion between the Brans, Eddard's son will simply be referred to as Bran, while the other will be Bran the Builder.

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 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.

This is a fairly short chapter

BEYOND THE WALL (ELAENA, BENJEN AND COMPANIONS) ONE DAY BEFORE THE CURRENT EVENTS

Lord Edric Dayne's gaze flickered from the captured animals to the solemn faces of his companions, a knot of worry tightening in his chest. "Will these be enough?" he whispered.

"Yes," Lysara of Asshai replied calmly, her eyes fixed on the ceremonial dagger in her hands.

"The hidden forces beyond the veil of life," Thoros interjected, "they always demand a sacrifice worthy of the power we seek."

Elaena, also preparing for the blood sacrifice, noticed Doreah's distress. She approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's alright to feel empathy, Doreah," she said softly, her voice laced with understanding, "but remember, this enemy we face must not be underestimated. The most powerful spells of blood magic always require a life."

Doreah's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded, her expression a blend of sorrow and acceptance. "I know, my lady," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "But it's still hard to witness."

Lysara and Thoros, having overheard the conversation, approached the group. Lysara spoke with unwavering conviction. "The ancient magics we invoke are beyond our judgment," she said, locking eyes with each of her companions. "They exact a toll, a price we are bound to fulfill."

Thoros, his voice echoing his years of faith and experience, added, "The road to triumph is strewn with sacrifices. These creatures, innocent though they are, will serve a noble purpose."

The ensemble fell into a reflective quietude. Elaena scanned the faces of those around her. Her husband, Ben, along with Leaf and Bran the Builder, were knelt by the animals, their lips moving in silent prayer. The creatures lay tranquil, as if in slumber, and Bran the builder looked at Elaena with a pensive stare. In a corner, Marillion was absorbed in his writing, documenting the solemn proceedings, while Beric Dondarrion gazed into the flames of the circle that Elaena had conjured for protection. Anguy, the archer, inspected the dragonglass arsenal with careful eyes.

Then, Benjen, Leaf, and Bran the Builder rose to their feet. Leaf spoke gently, her voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "Elaena of Valyria, Thoros of Myr, Lysara of Asshai, commence your incantations when ready," she declared. "We have soothed the passage of these animals, and the old gods of the forest will welcome their spirits. They will not endure pain. Their life force will shine forth in the gloom."

Leaf's words seemed to mollify the group's anxiety. Elaena exchanged a look with Thoros and Lysara, a wordless pact between them. "The gods require sacrifice," Thoros intoned gravely. "In return, they bestow the might we seek."

Elaena stepped toward Benjen, her eyes glinting with mischief. "No elaborate body paint tonight, my love," she teased, her smile softening the somber mood.

Benjen chuckled softly, pulling her close. "I love you just the same, Elaena," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Work your magic."

FIVE MINUTES LATER

The air seemed to hum with anticipation as Elaena, Lysara, and Thoros approached the chosen animals, their movements deliberate and their expressions solemn. Meanwhile, the rest of the group, including Benjen, Bran the Builder, Leaf, Marillion, Doreah, Anguy, Edric Dayne, and Beric Dondarrion, stood at a respectful distance, their eyes fixed on the unfolding rituals.

Elaena stepped forward first. With a steady hand, she drew her ceremonial dagger and approached the nearest animal, a stag. As she recited ancient incantations in High Valyrian, the air around her seemed to thrum with otherworldly energy. With a swift and precise motion, she made a single cut across the stag's throat, allowing its lifeblood to spill onto the ground.

Simultaneously, Lysara and Thoros mirrored Elaena's actions, each performing their own blood magic rituals with a sense of reverence and purpose. Both Lysara and Thoros, their features shadowed by the flickering firelight, invoked the fiery magic of R'hllor, their prayers resonating with the crackling flames of the nearby campfire. Their incantations, laced with the language of the Lord of Light, blended together, creating a powerful and haunting melody that echoed through the night.

As the blood flowed and the life of the animals ebbed away, the practitioners continued their incantations. Their voices mingled with the night wind, creating an ethereal chorus that sent shivers down the spines of those watching. The rhythmic cadence of their chants filled the air, intertwining with the pulsating energy of the clearing.

Slowly, a palpable aura of magic began to envelop the clearing. A primordial energy permeated the glade, drawing spectral beings from the depths of the night. Ghostly and shadowy figures began to materialize at the edges of the camp, their flickering forms wavering like flames in the wind. With silent and ethereal grace, they moved in a hypnotic dance around the perimeter, their movements synchronized with the chants.

Marillion, ever the observer, remarked to the group, "Look, there are two kinds of supernatural beings here."

Some of the figures appeared as wisps, their forms ever-shifting and insubstantial, while others took on more defined shapes, resembling shadowy beings with a vague, humanoid form. The eyes of these more defined figures gleamed with an otherworldly light, casting unsettling shadows that danced across the faces of the onlookers.

The figures seemed to grow more numerous, their spectral presence expanding to encompass the entire glade. They moved with an otherworldly fluidity, weaving among the practitioners and the animals, their movements imbued with a sense of purpose and intensity.

"Lord Benjen, have you ever witnessed anything like this before?" Edric Dayne asked nervously, as Benjen calmly observed the scene unfolding before him.

"Once, Lord Edric," Benjen replied. "A few months ago, Elaena and other Valyrians performed something similar in Winterfell with the purpose of creating a magical defense."

As the rituals reached their climax, the spectral figures began to interact more directly with the practitioners. The shadowy beings gravitated towards Lysara and Thoros. These shadows, devoid of distinctive features and appearing as if made of smoke or darkness itself, surged forward with a sudden, almost violent motion. They merged with the two practitioners, their forms melding into Lysara and Thoros' bodies. Both of them shuddered, their eyes flaring with an intense, otherworldly light, as the power of R'hllor filled them.

Meanwhile, the more ethereal, wispy figures danced around Elaena. These beings, less defined but no less powerful, floated and twirled in a mesmerizing pattern. Their movements became faster and more frenetic, until, one by one, they dissipated into the air, leaving behind a faint, glowing aura that surrounded Elaena.

The clearing fell silent as the last of the supernatural beings vanished. The palpable tension in the air slowly dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of awe and respect. The observers stood still, absorbing the magnitude of what they had just witnessed.

Lysara stepped forward, her eyes scanning the faces of those gathered. "We are ready," she announced, her voice carrying a note of determination. "The rituals have been completed, and the ancient magics have been invoked. Now, we must continue our journey to Craster's Keep."