Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
It had snowed again during the night. During breakfast, and before he left for the Wall, Rickon said it snowed more than he remembers. Daenys believes him – he spoke quietly, almost like he feared for what was to come. No one spoke much that morning. Rickon and Bennard bit their goodbyes for some time and rode for the wall alongside some of their men. Gilliane and Margaret were left behind and alone in the Keep. At least they had each other.
She also came to the realization that once the snow gets to your skin; your bones will start to ache. The godswood of Winterfell was beautiful during wintertime – the tall trees with ancient old roots were covered in such thick snow that the branches started to crack. She would look up every so often when she dragged her boots across the tall snow. Balerion let out a small whine and Daenys bend down to pick him up, a small smile on her lips, "ao gīmigon, syt nykeā zokla bona iksos supposedly naejot mazverdagon hae bōsa hae half hen Meraxes, ao sure gaomagon whine nykeā lot." (you know, for a wolf that is supposedly to grow as tall as half of Meraxes, you sure do whine a lot)
Balerion sniffled and nudged his snout closer to the top of her chest. She smiled again and covered him with her cloak before she started to move again. When she finally reached the ancient weirwood that stood proudly in the middle, she gently tucked Balerion on the snow-covered floor. He whined again and Daenys clicked her tongue, "Balerion, truthfully, nyke adore ao, yn ao issi tolī spoiled." (Balerion, truthfully, I adore you, but you are too spoiled)
The small animal tilted his small black head and looked up at her like she hurt his feelings (she did). Daenys cooed and bend down to scratch him behind his ear, "Nyke'm sorry, issa jorrāelagon. mērī nykeā jest." (I'm sorry, my love, 'twas only a jest)
Balerion couldn't stand to be angry at her for a long time, no one seemed to. He wiggled his tail and moved closer to the tree for warmth. Daenys looked at the melancholy face carved into the tree before lowering herself on her knees. She intertwined her fingers together then, "Father, who judges justly, grant me wisdom to know right from wrong. Let your justice temper my hand, and may I rule my life and my House with honour. Mother, who gives mercy, wrap me in your kindness and keep safe those I love. Ease the burdens of the suffering, and teach me to love with compassion, even in grief."
The snow crunched but she didn't hear, "Warrior, fierce and brave, lend me strength when I falter and courage when I fear. Stand beside me in battle, within and without, and may I protect the innocent with your sword. Maiden, pure and full of hope, bless me with grace and remind me of joy. Keep the hearts of the young unburdened and lead us always toward light and laughter. Smith, who shapes the world, bless my hands and all honest labour. Let my work be strong, and my purpose steady, that I may build what is good and true."
Another crunch of the snow behind but she didn't stop, "Crone, ancient and wise, light my path through shadow and doubt. Whisper truth to me in the quiet and guide me when all roads seem lost. Stranger, unknown and dark, I do not know your face, but I do not turn from you. Walk beside me in death as you do in life and carry me home when the end comes. Seven Who Are One, watch over me and all I hold dear. In your light, I walk. In your will, I trust."
