Lost beyond the wall, Jasmine Otherys and her twin Isabelle encounter creatures they've never seen before looming their surroundings, killing their companions, and leaving them all alone, stranded in a harsh environment.
Their flee ends them right o...
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STANNIS BARATHEON became the hero of the day as he led his massive army to rescue Jon, ensuring his safety and capturing Mance and his Wildlings. Stannis believed himself to be the legitimate ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and was preparing to take the Iron Throne.
To Isabelle and Jasmine, however, this so-called King Stannis Baratheon was merely another fool, not unlike the other kings of the Seven Kingdoms. They all remained oblivious to the greater, more pressing battles to be fought, and all this infighting over the throne seemed petty and insignificant.
The twins observed from the upper railing as the fallen men of the Night's Watch were solemnly consigned to the flames.
Maester Aemon delivered his words. "They came to us from White Harbor and Barrowton, from Fairmarket and King's Landing, from north and south, from east and west. They died protecting men, women, and children who will never know their names. It is for us to remember them. Our brothers, we shall never see their like again."
"And now their watch has ended," the crowd intoned in unison.
"And now their watch has ended," Maester Aemon reiterated as he passed the torch along.
Jasmine's attention was drawn to Stannis, not too far from where she and her twin stood. His wife and daughter stood behind him, but it was the red-clad woman whose unwavering gaze on Jon intrigued her the most. Stannis appeared to feel the weight of her eyes on them, looking up and locking eyes with her in a stern, penetrating stare, which led her to quickly shift her gaze away and walk off.
She couldn't elude him forever, as fate would have it. Later, while she was exiting her quarters, she ran into him. The man, who preferred the title of King, appeared to be lingering by Lord Mormont's room. He turned around, alerted by the sound of the door opening behind him.
"Which of the twins are you?" he inquired directly, his eyes reflecting a curiosity as though he was studying some rare creature.
Jasmine met the king's gaze, her blue eyes mirroring the same curiosity he had in his. "I'm Jasmine," she replied, her voice steady.
He observed her for a moment, nodding as if her response confirmed something he had suspected. "Otherys," he mused. "I've heard of you. Quite the reputation among the Night's Watch. The daughters of Alysanne Targaryen and Vylarr Otherys, a Braavosi nobleman, and yet you find yourself here among thieves, killers, and rapists."
Isabelle couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at his words. "But I have also heard of your swordsmanship and how you stood alongside the Night's Watch during the defence of Castle Black."
Her reputation among the Night's Watch wasn't something she had actively sought. She had simply been determined to prove herself. "We do what we can to contribute," she said, her words guarded.
The King seemed to sense her discomfort but didn't press further. "Your efforts do not go unnoticed," he acknowledged. "I suppose resourcefulness is a valuable trait in these times."
