Chapter 11 Truths

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Chapter Eleven: Truths Among Leaves

The godswood was quiet again as Lord Stark's footsteps faded into the distance. The heart tree loomed over Jon Snow, its ancient face carved into white bark watching with eternal solemnity. Red leaves rustled in the breeze, whispering secrets only the old gods could hear.

Jon sat cross-legged beneath the branches, his weirwood bow resting at his side. His conversation with Ned lingered in his mind, heavy with unanswered questions. His father—or rather, his uncle—had listened to Jon's strange revelations about Winterfell without scorn, but Jon knew that not everything he had said was true.

The old gods whispered, yes—but it wasn't only them.

A flicker of movement caught Jon's eye. He looked up sharply.

There, perched gracefully on one of the thick branches of the heart tree, was Leaf. Her golden-green skin shimmered faintly in the dappled light, her eyes sharp and ancient.

Jon's breath caught, but something felt different.

"You're not really here, are you?" he asked.

Leaf's lips curled into a faint smile. "No, little wolf. My body remains far beyond the Wall, deep in the cave beneath the roots of another heart tree. But through this one, I can reach you."

Jon frowned. "Why didn't you tell my uncle the truth? Why do I have to lie and say it's the old gods helping me?"

Leaf tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "The world of men is complicated," she said softly. "Men can be wise and foolish at the same time. Even when you speak the truth, you must sometimes twist it to make it acceptable—or it leads to ruin."

Jon's brow furrowed. "That sounds wrong."

"Perhaps," Leaf admitted. "But it is the way of your kind. One day, when you are older, you will understand."

Jon looked down, picking at a blade of grass. The weight of secrets pressed on him, heavier than he liked.

"Have you practiced as I asked?" Leaf's voice was gentle but firm, shifting the conversation.

Jon nodded. "Yes. I've been doing what you said—trying to feel the magic inside me and protect my mind."

"Good," Leaf said approvingly. "You are making steady progress. Before you can truly embrace your gift, you must first know yourself. A mind unguarded is a door open to darkness."

Jon thought back to the strange visions he'd had after touching the heart tree, the way the Three-Eyed Crow had tried to invade his mind. He hadn't fully understood what had happened, but he knew he had won somehow.

"What is it like?" Jon asked hesitantly. "Skinchanging, I mean."

Leaf's golden eyes gleamed. "It is freedom," she said softly. "To feel the wind beneath the wings of a raven, to run through the snow on the paws of a wolf, to swim in the icy depths as a fish—it is to become one with the world."

Jon's heart quickened at the thought. "Can I really do it?"

"You are a skinchanger, Jon Snow," Leaf said with certainty. "The blood of the First Men runs strong in your veins. But it is not only blood that gives you this gift—your spirit is fierce, and your heart open to the wild."

Jon swallowed, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling inside him.

"I'll keep practicing," he promised.

"Good," Leaf said. "But remember—your mind is precious. Guard it well, for there are those who would seek to take it from you."

Jon nodded solemnly. He didn't fully understand the dangers Leaf spoke of, but he trusted her.

Leaf's form flickered slightly, her connection to the heart tree wavering.

"I must go," she said softly. "But I will return. You are not alone, Jon Snow."

Jon watched as her form faded into shimmering light, blending with the red leaves of the heart tree until there was nothing left but the rustle of branches.

He sat there for a long time, the weight of her words settling over him. The godswood felt different now, vibrant and alive in ways he hadn't fully appreciated before.

Jon closed his eyes, breathing in the earthy scent of the soil and leaves. He focused inward, searching for that flicker of magic Leaf had told him about.

It was there—a faint hum beneath his skin, wild and untamed.

I will learn, Jon vowed silently. I will be ready.

The heart tree watched over him, its ancient presence unwavering as Jon embraced the path that lay before him.