After the Fall

Jon could not say when he truly awoke. His memory was foggy, dulled by a pain that radiated through his body, and a fog that settled over his mind. It felt as though he had been in this state for an eternity, and yet at the same time as if no time had passed since his last memory of falling from the wall. It was only through a final force of will that he tried to force his eyes open, only to be met with pure blackness.

"Relax Jon, you're safe, you mustn't move, or you could slow your recovery." Maester Aemon's voice flowed through Jon's mind. He felt the Maester turn away from him and call out, "Boy, go get the Lord Commander." The only response was the sound of feet on the wooden floors, and a closing door

"I cannot see Maester. I am blinded. Please, I cannot see." Jon felt his heart racing as his stomach rose into his throat.

The Maester laughed. "Jon, I've covered your eyes with a cloth as a precaution. Your sight is fine." Jon felt the Maester's hands near his ear, before a constriction he hadn't noticed was relieved from his skull. It was only a moment before he slammed his eyes closed again, feeling pain from the light streaming in. As he sat there with his eyes shut, he felt the Maester stiffen

"Jon, I must ask you, what do you know about your mother."

Jon felt dizzy from the question. "What cause does that matter? I must speak to the Lord Commander about the wall. Please."

Aemon's frail voice came out oddly clear. "Please Jon, he comes, but I must know. So much has happened, much that cannot be explained. But at least one thing I might know, if only you speak."

Jon frowned. "I know nothing, Maester. Lord Stark never mentioned her, did not wish to upset Lady Stark."

Aemon paused, then spoke softly. "Jon, you remind me of someone I knew years before. I believe he would have liked to have met you. There may be more to you than you could possibly imagine." His voice had trailed off to near silence by the end, only audible due to the oppressive silence of the room. Before he could speak again however, footsteps sounded from outside, and the door opened.

"Snow, report." Lord Commander Jeor Mormont spoke.

Jon forced his eyes upon his commander, and began. "Lord Commander, I was atop the wall when a flash came over the sky from beyond the wall. I felt heat though from a hearth just before me, and heard Timmon and Garith screaming. I could not see, but managed to make my way to the lift. I tried to call to my brothers, but neither replied, so I descended to inform you. At last I recall the Earth shook, and I fell to the ground, before waking here."

Lord Mormont looked down on Jon where he lay. "So you've given me nothing I didn't know. I had hoped for more." The disappointment sprung from his lips. "Still, I can hardly fault your actions. No doubt had you remained on the wall, you would have fallen like your brothers." Jon paled at the confirmation of their deaths.

"But tell me, how were you protected from the burning?"

"Burning my lord?"

"Yes, you mentioned the heat, and yet your skin is undamaged. Your brothers were blackened on their skin, and even your clothes had melted to your chest."

"I know not my lord. Perhaps I was shielded by a wall of some sort." Even as he said it Jon knew it to be false. His perch had been if anything more exposed than that of his brothers.

"I suppose it matters not. Be ready though, Jon. A few of the men spoke of dark magic, and your survival other that of your brothers has them suspicious. I have spoken on the matter, but I fear there are more than a few men here who will find it a tempting idea to have someone to blame for the god's doings."

"Lord Commander, I believe Jon needs his rest. He has already suffered enough." Aemon spoke up.

"Of course Maester, I leave him in your capable hands. Snow, we need every man we can to repair the damage we've had. I trust you will be well soon." With that, the Lord Commander turned and walked briskly from the room.