Winter Winds

Reunited

Ella reached the Wall a few hours later. The guard at the gates, a man by the name of Pyp, recognized Ella from her time at the Wall with Jon and instantly let her in.

"Do you know where Jon is?" She asked the lad to her left.

"He's at the top of the Wall on watch duty for the night," Pyp stated. "Jon said you were with the wildlings. What happened to ya?"

"I can't explain that now. Could you summon everyone? It's urgent," Ella sighed, catching her breath. "It's about the wildlings."

The boy nodded his head and disappeared up the wooden stairs. A few minutes later, Jon and the members of the Watch ran down the stair case. Jon went straight for his sister and pulled her into a hug. 

"I thought I'd never see you again, El," Jon whispered as he pulled away from his sister, looking deep into her grim eyes.

"I'm still here," she smiled slightly.

A small whimper caused Ella to turn her head. Her blue eyes landed on the pitch black fur of Asena, her best friend in the entire world. Ella's eyes flooded with tears as she fell to the ground with her arms outstretched to her wolf. Ella did know know how much time had truly passed since she last saw her friend, but her heart swam with happiness as Asena leapt into her arms and licked her face.

"I missed you girl," Ella smiled. She stood from the ground and looked to Jon, instantly remembering the wildlings. "Jon, you need to know something."

"What is it?" Her brother inquired. "Pyp said you knew something about Tormund and the others."

"They attacked Mole's Town. They're getting closer, Jon." Ella breathed. "Tormund is with a group of Thenns. I think they're going to attack from the South once Mance gives the orders. And the rest of the wildlings will invade from the other side of the Wall."

Jon threw back his head in frustration, sighing as he rubbed his temples. "We have to fight them. We need to be ready for when they attack."

"You don't have the men, Jon," Ella sighed. "It'll be a bloodbath. Remember, they think you have a thousand men here."

"Aye, I know that," Jon huffed. "But we have to be prepared. They could attack at any moment, Ella. We won't be able to defend the Wall with the men we have, but I'll die trying to fight anyone who attacks us."

"And what of Ygritte?" Ella asked. "What are you going to do with her? I know you still love her, Jon. You can't kill her."

Jon exhaled, pondering his sister's question. "I won't be able to fight her, truth be told."

"Just avoid her if at all possible," Ella gave her brother a small smile. "You know she could hunt you down with just a bow and arrow."

Jon nodded his head, then looked over his sister's tattered and filthy clothes. Asena sat at her heels as Jon smiled at the pair.

"Come, Ella. You need a bath. Your belongings are still in your old room. Your dresses, too. Get cleaned up and get some sleep. We'll discuss this later." Jon urged his sister. 

The young Snow girl agreed as her brother kissed her forehead. Jon guided her up the wooden stairs and to her old chambers, with Asena right by her side. Her things remained untouched, and her clothes were right where she left them. 

Once Jon lit the fire and drew Ella a bath, the girl scrubbed off the months of dirt and grime built up  on her skin and hair. Ella's muscles soothed as the troubles of her past fell from her skin. 

The girl soon stepped out of the bath when her fingers were shriveled and the water lost its heat. She slipped into a long blue gown and brushed her curly brown hair. She then slipped underneath the warm covers of her old bed and laid her head against the old, tattered pillow. Asena curled into a small clump at the foot of the bed, ensuring her friend was safe. 

For the first time in forever, Ella felt well protected and safe from the cruel world. She was with her brother and her wolf. Nothing cold harm her now. The young girl closed her eyes and smiled, allowing sleep to overtake her tired mind and aching body.