After those heartbreaking goodbyes, I slowly resume my ascent toward the walkway. I greet every single person I cross paths with, even the most ordinary soldier. I feel indebted to the sacrifice they are preparing to make.
Even though I promised Tyrion, as well as Theon, not to die, doubt settles in when our immense army appears before me, composed of Unsullied and Dothraki on one side, and Westerosi on the other. Thousands of men and women.
I suddenly have the strange feeling that I should have greeted the sun one last time before it set, for it risks never rising over Winterfell again.
"What is it?" I ask my sisters, both far too focused on what is happening on the other side of the wall to greet me.
"It's the Red Witch," Arya answers.
At last, we find ourselves in the same place at the same time. Melisandre of Asshai, priestess of R'hllor, and I have often narrowly missed each other. Whether at Castle Black after she resurrected Jon, or on Dragonstone during our meeting with Daenerys. Beric and Thoros sang her praises to me. Yet, the only question that torments me, no matter what they say about her, is how she managed to brave the cold all alone to get here?
Surely under her impulse, the curved blades of the Dothraki catch fire one after the other. Every time I doubt the existence of the Lord of Light, he finds a way to persuade me anew.
"I want you to go up into the tower," I suddenly say to Sansa. "Arya, give her a dagger."
Our little sister complies, but Sansa protests.
"I will never abandon my people."
"You are very brave, that has already been proven. You won't survive out there."
"Take this."
Arya holds out a blade, which Sansa takes not without hesitation. Once again, I was acting for her own good, even if she didn't realize it.
"Diana..." she complains.
"Join Rickon... and everything will be fine."
In the background of our discussion, the Dothraki lead the first charge, heading straight toward our enemy. They are supposed to act as scouts, rid themselves of a few dead, and return to continue the fight with us. However, just as I am reassuring my sisters about the outcome of the battle, the cries of the savages fade away. Until silence reigns over the plain once more.
Alarmed, the three of us raise our heads to observe that their blades have gone out. Only a few wails reach us.
"Watch out for yourselves," Sansa throws at us before flying down the stairs.
This sight proved more convincing than my words.
♐︎
This first onslaught bought the red priestess enough time to reach the gate. Arya explains to me that she had already met her when she was with the Brotherhood Without Banners, and that this woman had taken Gendry away. Arya only saw him again several years later, right here.
Enigmatic, I must admit. I do my best, however, not to appear impressed. If she is indeed affiliated with the Lord of Light, she will be able to give me answers about what I am. Or perhaps even tell me what to do.
We come face to face in the stairs. Melisandre is followed closely by Davos. For a reason he refuses to communicate to me, he wears his hatred for her like a second skin and never parts with it.
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Hear me Roar - English version
FanfictionA few days ago, Diana Stark was the future Governor of the North. She imagined herself marrying a vassal of her father or, in all honesty, staying single forever. But when Jon Arryn died, her fate changed. Now engaged to Prince Joffrey, she heads to...
