The White Wolf of Winterfell

Chapter 9: The Price

Albedo inspected the fortress her lady had built in the last years. While the outwalls were constructed in a way it inspired fear in the heart of the enemies, the fort itself was anything but horrendous. The structure was made from the same black stone as the rest of the fortress. But it had been carved into an elegant shape with many windows and balconies. Albedo's mistress liked to watch everything around her, so she could see any danger coming for them before they arrived. It also allowed Galadriel to observe the large and mysterious forest that was Wolfswood. And it was quite the sight when Galadriel stood in the highest room in her castle.

The building was not large enough to house more than four dozen people. Still, several other buildings nearby housed all of Galadriel's servants and monsters. There was even one small tower that looked out over the entire valley where Albedo often spent time when her mistress wasn't present. It was her room, her office in some sense. There, Albedo used her skills and ensured everything was running smoothly. A godsend for Galadriel since it put some weight out on her shoulders. Albedo's role as the second in command wasn't questioned by the other monsters and summons. Still, while Albedo was joyful about serving her lady, it didn't deter her from what she had seen.

"Those humans, why are those humans so important?"

Albedo couldn't comprehend the relationship between that family and her master. They were all too eager to please her, to be near her. Albedo understood that, after all, who could say no to her master? Galadriel's allure itself was enough to break anyone's will. Yet, Albedo felt that it was different with them. Pandora's Actor spoke to her about something Albedo couldn't quite grasp.

Albedo, I hope you understand why the Stark family needs to be protected at all costs. They meant more than you'll know to our lady.

Why? Why are those humans so precious to her?

They are what she never had. But, if you desire to know more, speak with our lady. Allow her to be the one to tell you why she cares for them.

The succubus overseer's understanding of their importance was confused by how they acted toward Galadriel. Albedo has kept an eye on them. They behave rowdily with Galadriel, making her annoyed, or taking her on those long walks and making fun of how much her lady eats. The first day was hard, and Albedo found herself trying not to snap back at them and kill them for their insolence. However, Albedo would notice after a few days of just monitoring them that her lady would behave so carefree with them.

Albedo's mistress would hold such a genuine smile on her face, filled with love and authenticity, that brought conflicted feelings to Albedo.

Why...? Why is she smiling at them like that?

Albedo didn't know what to think or do. Perhaps Albedo was wrong about them after all. Maybe, Albedo knew nothing else about these humans except that they loved Galadriel. If they really did have this wonderful connection to the Supreme Being, then perhaps there was a reason for her happiness.

But if they were part of the family...

If they were part of the family, then surely they must be worthy of being saved. Albedo wanted to help her mistress keep them. What better way to serve her love than to ensure that these humans would live on despite whatever happened to them? Albedo was willing to sacrifice anything to protect them, even if it cost Albedo's life. And the reason for that was that. Suppose her lady's happiness depended on them. Then it's her happiness too. Albedo's love and loyalty to her lady were intense and deep; she would accept those humans as part of Nazarick and protect them from danger only because of what they mean to her beloved lady and no more.

"The things I do for love," Albedo whispered while she watched her mistress enjoy herself among the humans. Her mind began to drift into thought. She wondered if Galadriel would ever find someone to make her happier than that family. Would it be another human of this world? No, Albedo realized, none of these were possible. That's because the only ones who can make my mistress happy are those same humans and me.