Epilogue

Jon Snow was falling. He felt the wind caress his face. It felt so soft and smooth, like the touch of a mother. Where am I? When Jon opened his eyes, he could only see white around him. It almost hurt his eyes, causing him to flinch from the bright light. Strangely, his body felt light as a feather. He didn't feel any pain. Jon groped at the wound that had killed him in Middle Earth, realizing that the gaping and bleeding hole was gone. He tried to move, but failed as stiffness impaled his body. Jon was still after a moment of struggle. It seemed that he was covered in a blanket of snow. He could feel ice in his dark hair, and opened his grey eyes. A land of ice and snow met his eyes as snow continued to fall. I'm back, Jon thought suddenly. I'm…in Westeros now. He remembered of how Galadriel had uttered the prophecy, almost akin to a song. Now it seemed that the song was done. The prophecy had been completed. Jon closed his eyes and remembered the last words Aragorn had told him. "You make me proud to know you as a brother. You have bravery and strength I have only seen few possess.You are a dragon and wolf, burning red with flame and cold with steel in your heart." He remembered how he had discovered the true meaning of leadership and of family. I know who I am now. "Callo en Dae Heleg, Hero of Ice's Shadow," Jon whispered."I have not met a man like you, Jon son of Rheagar. You are honest, honorable, and brave, something elves do not see in the world of men." He remembered the friends that he had made in a world away, and of how they had wept at his death. I shall never forget them. Jon opened his eyes again, noticing that a dark shape was coming towards him. He didn't realize what it was until he heard it call to him.

"Snow, Snow!" The crow that had followed him until the end was pecking at his face. Jon couldn't help but smile at the annoying crow. Gandalf's words echoed in his mind. Jon struggled to stand. Jon groped for something, anything, and found snow in his hands. Suddenly, Ghost's eyes appeared before him. Red eyes met grey, and Jon found himself slipping. I'm glad he's safe, Jon thought as he continued falling to reach the snow. He was too weak. Suddenly, he fingered Ghost's coat and held on. He was able to stand up now. Mormont's crow was in the sky, shouting his name. I'm not finished. Jon managed to take a step. He took another, and found himself shakily walking to his men. To his brothers, the men of the Night's Watch. I am the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. I was raised by a man who treated me like his own and made me who I am. I have another father as well, the one who died for what he believed in, and his courage, resilience, and loyalty run in my veins. My fathers strength grows within me each moment. I have the blood of the dragon and the blood of the First Men. I am a man of the Night's Watch. I will always be.

Jon Snow looked up at the cold night sky and thought of those he had left behind. I will never forget you, my friends.

Bran Stark opened his eyes. He saw the trees above him, and the sun shining brightly. The birds were in the sky. The boy had never felt so peaceful before. A brief memory was all that remained of his death in Middle Earth. He remembered of how broken he had been when he had first appeared into that world. Jon had helped him to find his way. It was thanks to him that Bran was able to accept himself as he was. Thanks to Pippin, Bran was able to see beyond his mistakes and realize there was still hope. Even though his legs were dead as the snow was, Bran felt different somehow. He didn't feel useless. He felt…whole. Bran looked down and saw the shallow graves of Jojen and Meera, but somehow the sadness and grief didn't freeze him. A strength was growing inside him, although the boy didn't know it yet. I am Brandon Stark, House of Stark, a green seer, a skinchanger, and a telepath. I might be a cripple. I might have lost my friends, but I have not lost my strength. Bran looked and saw Jojen's grave from afar, and pondered sadly. He tried to tell me that I had strength that I didn't know I possessed. Now I know, but it's too late. Legolas' words whispered in his ears. "It is the times we had together that exist in our hearts, not the time that could have been." The boy nodded, as if the elf was still beside him and not a world away. Jon's words echoed in his mind too.

"Do you know what you must do?"

Yes, Bran thought, I do know what I must do. I am ready for whatever comes my way.

Bran Stark looked up at the cold night sky and thought of those he had left behind. He thought of Pippin, who he had formed a fast friendship with, Legolas, who was always there to listen, and thought of King Théoden, who had loved Bran simply as he was. The boy even thought of Frodo, who had more courage than anyone would possess. I will never forget you, my friends. Bran thought of the song that Pippin had sung to him. That was the same song he had whispered to Frodo. Even now, the beautiful words echoed in his mind. Finally, Bran started to sing.

"Home is behind

The world ahead

And there are many paths to tread..."

Both men were ready for whatever came.