Chapter 37

Version 2.0

Amidst the chaotic clash between the Children of the Forest and the Others, the disparity between the two began to shine out. The Children fought valiantly, utilizing their knowledge of nature's magic, but the Others swept them apart with snow and ice.

Climbing down from the mountain, ice spiders joined the fray. Towering above the combatants, they picked and chose their targets and wrenched them from the battle. In tandem with their arrival, a few White Walkers, moved forward, though always looking towards the Others and cowardly following their every order.

The Others, however, displayed their full prowess. Their actions were deliberate, strategic, and marked by the commands of their minions. Though still not perfect, a Child of the Forest managed to breach the defences, charging through the ranks before thrusting an obsidian dagger into the abdomen of the Other. However, the blade did not claim the Other's life as expected. Instead, the Other retaliated swiftly, wielding its crystal sword with deadly precision. The child, touched by its cold blade, transformed into an icy statue before shattering into a myriad of glass-like fragments as the sword travelled through it.

However, his death was not in vain, for he was not alone. With a final act of defiance from the Children of the Forest, another, hiding behind the bold actions of its battle brother, went for the final kill. Jumping as high as its body allowed, it plunged its dagger straight into the heart of the Other, shattering it into pieces.

A minor setback for the Others, as with little remorse, a White Walker slashed through the shattering remains of the Other, killing the Child of the Forest.

"They are disgustingly beautiful," Brandon says.

"Mmm, intelligent in some ways, strong control over winter magic. No remorse or wavering," Edric explains.

"And stronger than White Walkers too," Jocelyn points out. "Aim for one hit kills; everything else they can shrug off."

"Those wights are the worst though. Look, humans, wolves, bears, and even Children of the Forest. All under control," Jon says.

"How the hell are we going to fight that?" Lyanna whimpers as Jon puts his arm around her.

As they contemplate the grim reality, a sudden interruption disrupts their conversation. Panting and the distinct crunching of hurried footsteps draw their attention. The group turns to look down from the hill they stand upon, and their eyes meet a lone Child of the Forest desperately running away from the battlefield. With tears streaming down their face as they clutch something in their small hands.

Upon closer inspection, they notice the Child of the Forest is holding a wooden locket, worn out but finely crafted to immaculate detail with symbols etched into every part. It was perfectly smooth with no part out of place and still, the etching did not fade.

The Child of the Forest appears youthful, with delicate skin and a subtle hue almost calming in colour. Large, expressive eyes, filled with tears always looked forward never turning to look at the battle. Cascading hair, resembling the colours of autumn leaves, frames their face whilst dressed in earth-toned garments adorned with leaves and twigs.

He continues to run, moving further and further away from the battle. His tears start to freeze on his face and as they fall, he fails to see the party before stumbling into them. Crashing to the ground, he is quick to brandish his knife while squeezing his locket.

"If I'm going to die, then I'll take some of you with me," he says, finally opening his eyes before being stunned that he is not surrounded by the Others and their minions. "Alive humans, how?"

"Take it easy, kid," Jon says, picking up the kid, getting him to his feet, and brushing the snow off him.

"We are here looking for the Others." Brandon explains.

His words seem to make the kid's eyes water more before he speaks. "They bring nothing but death. We didn't stand a chance, everyone was dead. Fir, meadow, orchids. Mom and Dad," he says, looking close to bringing new tears again, finally he looks towards the battle, he watches the last of the children of the forest being cut down.

"How did you get out, then?" Jocelyn asks.

"My mom and dad were the ones to charge at the Others, even managed to kill one," he says, bringing a desolate smile. "They said it should be a big enough distraction for me to escape."

Jocelyn moves and hugs him, rubbing the back of his head.

"Don't feel bad for yourself; your parents wanted you to live because they love you too much to see you die there," Lyanna says.

"I know. Now I need to complete their final request. 'Find the other groves, tell them of what is happening. You have always wanted to see the world; here's your chance.'" He falls silent before speaking. "I just didn't want it to be this way, that only I saw the rest of the world. Now they will only be with me in my locket," he says, starting to cry into Jocelyn's shoulder.

"How are we going to fight that, Bran?" Edric asks, nodding towards the battle as well as the crying forest child.

They stand in silence before Brandon turns towards the child of the forest. "We fight with everyone," as he gazes upon the battlefield. "Just like how they bring all their creatures to bear against us, we will do the same. We rally every fighter, from all corners of the north, if they can wield a weapon, then they can fight. We unite humans and forest children together and either live or die doing so."

Brandon turns towards the child of the forest. "Hey Kid, what's your name."

"Hawthorn." He sputters out.

"Hawthorn, come with us south and help us unite the north to fight against the Others."

He takes a look at his locket before squeezing it. "Let's do it." he declared whilst showing his first real smile.