Note: My paraphrased quote on commitment, noted by a * is credited to Pat Riley and the quote on freedom to C. Joybell.

As they followed the fierce firebrand through the woods, Zipporah couldn't help but notice Jon's gaze on the woman. Clearly, he had never seen a truly free woman. A part of her was jealous of the woman before her. Whether it was fighting for the Resistance or House Stark, she never knew what a duty-free life felt like. She'd asked Han about it before her fateful flight and he had stated, *"There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out."* It seemed too simple for her liking. Then he added for even further contemplation, "*Whatever sets you to flight is freedom.* Commitment just hangs out in the background, kid."

Was she all in? At this point, she was, and if she was honest, she wouldn't have it any other way. Her mind flashed to Aidan and Robb. What were they doing? Was Aidan walking? talking? Would be remember her when this whole cluster muck was undone? Her eyes watered slightly, but she quickly composed herself as the force pushed her onward. The Wildlings awaited. No time for tears.

The Wildlings had taken their horses but left them their weapons. Odd, considering both her and Jon were fierce fighters. She didn't question it aloud or mentally. They entered the camp. Women were tending to their babes; kids were running amok, and men seemed to be conducting different tasks and trades. It reminded her of a village she'd visited on Batuu. She'd been looking for Skywalker but only found a busy place that had little care for outsiders or their quests.

"You brought back Crows! You know what Mance said!" A man hollered from the left side. His appearance and demeanor reminded her of someone you'd find on a junkyard planet. Kriff.

"Ay kno' what he said! They ain't no fuckin crows. Look ya dumby!" She fired back and aggressively gestured toward Zipporah who flashed a dark look at the man. He postured right back at her. Normally, her angry face made men back down, not the free folk. Just great.

The duo kept pace with the nameless woman until they reached a very large tent. Many free folk were gathered on either side, watching them closely. The redhead annoyedly asked, "Where's Giantsbane?"

"Am right here." A large man with a fiery beard and hair answered with arms crossed. He seemed huffy with her. Rolling her eyes, the woman stated, "I need ya to watch'em. They're here to talk about the Others."

Giantsbane turned and looked them over, "They look like crows."

"Yes, yes, we've been over this. We're angsty, and therefore, we dawn our favorite color, black." Zipporah offered with a large grin. She was tired of being spoken about when she existed before them. Aside from her technically being a Queen, she hated being ignored for appearance. The redheaded man stared her down, appraised her, and commented, "Aye, she ain't no crow. No normal woman either, I take it?"

Zipporah was stunned at his assessment, but she didn't give it away. Jon mentally noted, He's perceptive. Beware.

"What's normal?" Zipporah questioned with a simple shrug.

"Human." Giantsbane replied with a grin. Force, she was dumb. Her hair was done in a mohawk; her ears were on full display. At that exact moment, she was glad it was just her and Jon. Theon would have had a field day, and honestly, so would have Robb. She could hear their laughs echoing the recesses of her mind. Force, she missed them. A small buzz nestled at the back of her head. Was a force headache gracing her with its presence?

"Eh." She replied with another shrug. Giantsbane took a long look at Jon and finally addressed the other redhead, "I'll watch pretty boy and whatever the fuck she is. Hurry up." The free woman nodded, spun on her feet, and headed into the tent.

He kept staring at her. Was he trying to figure out her kind? Good luck with that. Even she didn't know. Admittedly, she didn't try very hard to figure out what race her mother was. Maybe it was dread or fear of the unknown? She wasn't sure. Zi always had referred to herself as a humanoid.

"So, you aren't human, but you hang with pretty ones?" He was clearly interested in the relationship, and she sensed no reason to lie. All of their interactions with the free folk rested on truth. They clearly didn't hold anything back and were upfront.

"He's my brother in law." She answered flatly.

Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.

No problem. It might quash his interest in us.

"I see. Where's you husband then, leave ya high and dry?" He laughed at what she supposed was a joke.

Quirking a brow, she sighed and replied lightly, "Oh no, someone had to stay home and do the chores." Those surrounding them laughed deeply at her joke. Poor Robb had no idea, and hopefully it would stay that way. You will tell him nothing.

"Ahaha! I like you. What is your name unhuman?"

"Zipporah, but I go by Zi."

"Zi it is." He nodded and then offered, "Tormund." Turning his attention to Jon, "What about you, pretty boy?"

"Jon." He left out the house name as she did. The free folk knew of the House Stark. They were of the First Men, and also known to help Castle Black when asked. Plenty of free folk had died at the hands of Stark men. Jon didn't hold their bitterness against them. He would have been angry if he was in their boots.

"Zi and Jon. Southerners. How many free folk have ya killed?" He questioned eyeing Jon and clearly dismissing Zipporah for the time being.

"None. Only Lannisters...from even further south." Tormund hummed in reply as he pulled out a knife and began sharpening it. "What about you, gurl?"

"Same as him." She wanted to roll her eyes at his intimidation tactics. Also, what was taking the other redhead so long? Surely, the King Beyond the Wall was not that busy.

"I see. So you're southerners who only kill other southerners."

"So far." Zipporah murmured in annoyance. Dwelling in the darkness and dealing with this man was becoming very uncomfortable. She didn't want to lean too far into the darkness, but the more he pushed, the more the dark looked appetizing.

"That a threat, gurly?" He taunted with a smirk. Tormund took an offensive stance-causing her to feel threatened.

"Might be a promise if you keep asking questions like that." She spat at him with darkened eyes. The air pulsated with dark side of the force.

Thrown off by her change in demeanor, Tormund and crowd took a step back. Many whispered about "danger," "the others," "old gods," "threat."

"What's with her eyes?" A woman standing not too far from them asked with concern in her voice. She was a shorter brunette who seemed like she could also hold her own. Zi could inwardly admit that she appreciated this culture's allowance for women to be fierce.

"Part of her unhumanness. When she gets mad, it's not good." Jon explained with a bit of amusement. By now, he was used to her dark outbursts. The gods knew how much of firecracker they sent to stoic House Stark. He trusted them.

"What does not good mean?" The redheaded woman questioned as she stepped out of the tent. Not waiting for a reply, the woman announced, "Mance will see 'em."

A hushed murmur wound its way through the crowd. Zipporah kept her defense up and moved toward the other woman. Tormund had easily stepped out of her while whispering, "She's a hell of a woman. Her husband must be somethin."

Jon whispered back, "Ay, the Young Wolf." Tormund looked at him puzzled but then figured out what the pretty human was trying to communicate. Her husband was wolflike.

"A wolf is nothing."

"Did I say wolf? In our family, we mean dire wolves." As if on cue, Ghost howled in the difference. Tormund simply stared Jon down before Jon moved to join Zipporah at the entrance of the tent.

Zipporah inwardly chuckled at Jon. Quit giving the locale a hard time.

He asked.

The two entered the tent with a quick side step. Feeling the tent fall behind them, both exhaled. The temperature was much different in the tent, much warmer. "Come." The woman beckoned. They followed her to a larger room where a man dressed in furs sat. He had long raven colored hair, and his look on his face told Zipporah that he was tired.

"Ygritte tells me that southerners come wishing to talk about the Others?" He paused and muttered, "Thanks Ygritte." She immediately understood that he was dismissing her, and she readily took her leave.

Jon nodded and greeted, "Aye. Mance Rayder, King Beyond the Wall. We come from the south seeking a way to deal with the Others."

"They can't be dealt with Stark." Jon blinked a few times before ignoring the House reference and continuing, "We think if we can get to the Night King and end him, the rest will perish."

"Before we go any further. I want proper introductions. Who exactly am I dealing with?"

"I'm Jon Stark of House Stark and my companion is my sister in law, Queen Zipporah, Queen in the North, Mother of Wolves, and Goddess of the North."

"A queen? The North declared itself independent from King's Landing?"

"Aye. a Free North." Jon confirmed with a serious expression. Zipporah wasn't sure when she was supposed to speak or offer anything. She still wasn't used to this whole royalty gig.

"You know what it takes to unite 90 clans, half of them want to massacre the other half?" He asked with angst in his tone.

"No, your majesty." Jon answered.

"What about you, Queen Stark?"

"I've only ever worked in an alliance with others. I know not of your struggle of leading, but my husband and I are prepared to offer your people land."

"They followed me because they respected me, because they believed in me. The moment I kneel for a Southern King, that's all gone."

"The King in the North descends from the First Men, notable Bran the Builder. We can trace our roots. Our ancestors ruled these lands." Jon reasoned with fervor. He wanted his plan to work.

"The free folk don't know this version of history." Mance replied with a simple shake of his head. It was clear that this position was quite burdensome for him.

"Why don't we make you your own house? They can still be your people. No public kneeling, but there would need to be an understanding." Zi babbled. "Of course, rape, murder, thieving, and cannibalism are clearly off the table, but your people could be free and safe."

"They don't want to answer to anyone but me. They trust me. Trust is everything to these people."

"That's not how the rest of the world operates, but I can respect that." Zipporah supplied with a sigh and rotating of shoulders. She was stressed and that headache was slowly building.

"I know it doesn't. Unless you can show them that you are worthy, they will not follow. Plus, you're from House Stark. That won't do you lot any favors."

Zipporah began to think about the possibilities. She could demonstrate her force abilities. Show them that the "gods" sent her to save them but that sentiment felt disingenuine this time around. You need to show Mance and the rest of them.

Really? You want me to awe them into submission. Seems a bit dishonest.

You exude raw power which is what the free folk flock to.

Fine. If this backfires, this is on you.

"Your grace, as I'm sure you have figured out by my appearance, I am not human. I'm a blessed being. Would it be possible to demonstrate my gifts? Help them see that the old gods are trying to send them a message?" She muttered hurriedly.

"Gifts?" He questioned with genuine intrigue.

Yes, your grace. I have been blessed with many.

The older man jolted at her mental message. His auburn eyes widened, but he remained silent. It can be a bit jarring at first.

The King Beyond the Wall couldn't believe the being in front of him was capable of such things. Living in the free North, he'd encountered much magic, but nothing like this. 'The old gods sent her?' He inwardly questioned. That's what House Stark believes. She answered with amusement in her mental message.

'Is that true?' He pressed.

If I'm honest, I do not know. All I know is that I fight for what is right.

Mance Rayder believed her. She may not know her purpose, but it was a big one. Nodding to the duo, "The tribe leaders must see for themselves, that might be the only way to save these people."

"I'm happy to demonstrate more than mind messaging." She confirmed while sharing a hopeful look with Jon.

"Wait here." Mance nearly commanded as he left them to send word for the local leaders.

"What are you going to show them?" Jon asked in a hushed voice.

"No idea. Whatever the force guides me to. It's worked so far."

Within minutes, leaders gathered including Tormund Giantsbane and Ygritte. Were they leaders or those who held stock in the community?

"Leaders, I have gathered you here to hear out these southerners. They come with a proposal of freedom and land."

"What's their conditions? There's always conditions."

Jon straightened up and stated authoritatively, "The free folk would be given land and freedom. No raping, stealing, murdering, or eating others. As for who answers to who, your current king would be your governor of sorts, meaning you'd answer to him. He'd answer to my brother who's the recognized king."

"Fuck the southerners." One man spat. The others murmured their agreement. Rolling her eyes, Zipporah closed her eyes and allowed the force to follow through her. The room crackled with energy. Feeling the force dance on her finger tops, she opened her eyes to look over at Jon who seemed to be waiting on her. Looking around the room and making eye contact with each leader, she moved her hand causing the room, save Jon to tense. She held her hand in the air, palm up. Believing that Jon was weightless, she lifted him into the air causing the leaders to shift back slightly. Jon looked at her in disbelief; this is what she had come up with? Shut up.

Gently lowering him back to the ground, she turned her focus on the leaders and did the same, rendering gasps and even some cries. Tormund looked excited. "What else can you do, gurl?" He prodded as he twisted. Raising an eyebrow, she held him completely still and calmly replied, "I am no gurl. I gave you my name. Now, I'll give you my title, Queen in the North, Mother of Wolves, Goddess of the North."

Tormund struggled but could not move. Pushing the force around his form, she kept him still. Deciding to make a point, she returned everyone but Tormund to the ground. Ygritte grinned at her, "Ya can shut 'im up."

"Oh yes and much more. This is simply a demonstration. We're indoors."

ROBB

The wind howled its displeasure to Winterfell and the her surroundings. As soon as Jon and Zipporah had left, a light winter had arrived. His father had been adamant that this was no true winter. Robb had nothing but his past years to compare, and it did not seem entirely different-other than it was early. He had received the weak message from Zipporah a few days ago. He wondered what she was doing now. Was she meeting with the Wildlings? Would they agree to their terms? The immature part of him wanted their numbers added to his, but his other half did not wish to see them under the Night King's spell-destined for eternal darkness.

He mulled over the current politics of Westeros. He had not heard from House Lannister after he had sent them limping back. But rumors had spread that Stannis and Renly were making plays for King's Landing. Surely, the Lannisters could not afford anymore enemies. Smiling at the thought of the brat being angry and frustrated, he returned to writing his letter to Highgarden.

It was time.

The Queen of Thorns needed to know that House Targaryen didn't only exist across the Narrow Sea. He chuckled as he thought about Jon's expression to potentially having to marry Margaery Tyrell. From what he had heard, she was beautiful and clever. A dangerous combination. Not to mention, her brother, the Knight of Flowers, was a highly skilled fighter. The Tyrells would either make the play for the throne by offering Margaery to the twat or they'd join House Stark.

Robb had to know; otherwise, he'd make a play for another across the Narrow Sea.

ZIPPORAH

"There's more!?" Ygritte questioned as Zipporah finally released Tormund who huffed indignantly at her.

"Yeah, but it's better to see it happen naturally. I'm not an entertainer." Zipporah replied with a toothy grin.

"Fair enough." Mance Rayder conceded. "Enough for today. Sleep on it. Tormund, assign the lookouts. Darkness is approaching."

"What's wrong with the night?" Zi asked as she climbed to her feet.

"The Others never come when the sun is up." Mance tensely explained. The implications were clear. The white walkers were nocturnal. Lovely. She'd have to use the sabers as they provided light and finality that regular steel did not.

"I'll help take watch." She offered as she passed her swords to Jon who accepted them with a quizzical look. Lightsabers are better suited here.

"Surely, you need rest?" Mance prodded.

"Thank you, your grace, but I don't need much sleep to operate. I can see and hear much better than most."

"I see. Thank you. Tormund could use the help." Mance confirmed with a slight nod. Tormund gaffed but quickly recovered.

Smirking Tormund threw over his shoulder, "Let's go goddess. We have the perfect place for ya." Sighing, she followed him out of the tent and through the village to the northern rim where she noticed several men and women staring out into the forest. Weapons readied. Her large eyes scanned for movement, and she easily it found it. Death gray skin, ice blue eyes, long white hair? Hadn't Bran described the Night King as possessing no hair and some spikes on his crown? Pondering, she shifted to get a better look. She could see some dead following him. It wasn't a large party, but it was enough to be concerned.

"A white walker is off in the distance, has about 10 followers." She announced as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Aye, he comes every night and tries to pick off those who wander to take a piss or shit." Tormund confirmed in angry tone. Clearly, he wanted to take care of it. He reminded her of Poe- brash, itching to fight but loyal to his cause and friends. She had a feeling that Tormund was a better hand to hand fighter.

Raising an eyebrow and slightly smiling, she smugly questioned, "Would you like to do something about that?"

"Can't kill the ice bastard." He muttered bitterly. Ah, so there were past encounters. It was even more personal than she realized.

"I'll give it a go. You take care of his followers?" She offered with a smirk.

"I'm in." Ygritte's voice sounded from behind, positioning herself beside Tormund to get a good look at the forest before them.

"You sure that's a good idea?" Jon challenged as stepped to stand on Zipporah's other side, and he, too, looked into the forest, trying to see what Zi saw.

Would the Night King be notified of your sabers? Is he nearby, watching?

Good question. Let me scan for any more beings nearby. Sending the force out into the surrounding territory, she searched beyond the current white walker and found nothing for the next two miles. Remembering Bran describing a raven, she looked and listened to the heavens above them, nothing but the slight breeze. None. No one or thing is nearby to witness the sabers. Unless the white walkers are all connected? I can read that white walker; he's got plans for tonight. The undead only have whatever thought he does. They're under orders.

"We're good, Jon. I'm confident that we can do this."

"The four of us then." Tormund agreed as he readied himself by pulling out his sword.

"Fire" a voice whispered in the slight breeze. Freezing, Zipporah tried to sense Bran but could not. She was sure it had been him.

"Dip your swords and arrows in oil so they can be lit on fire, but wait til we're close. I don't want this guy retreating."

"How do ya kno?" Ygritte asked as she watched the men follow her directions.

"It's a gut feeling." Zipporah replied with confidence. Ygritte moved to join the men in their preparation.

Staring out into the forest, Zi noted that the group had moved closer. Glaring at the being, she began to stalk into the darkness. The three humans watched her disappear. "I have a feelin she does that a lot, no?" Tormund questioned as the three decided to follow. Moving in almost unison, the three began to move.

"Every time." Jon confirmed with a small sigh. His stomach dropped. This would be his first encounter with the undead. From what he could tell, he was in good fighting company, both redheads appeared competent. Jon's eyes could barely make out Zi's figure ahead. She blended in so well, and he noted that she was not leaving footprints. Ygritte caught his stare at the ground, and she, too, looked surprised. Nonetheless, the pair remained silent.

Zipporah sucked in a deep breath, calmed her nerves, and pulled the force in. It flowed through her being and gave her encouragement in her task. The white walker finally noticed her approaching. He turned his piercing blue eyes on her; she returned a look of her own. It sensed her challenge and gave a slight motion of his sickly hand to acknowledge her.

He moved toward her rather quickly, which was surprising. His outer appearance was very misleading. A small amount of doubt weeded its way in. In another fast movement, his sword was drawn, and it moved to slash her shoulder. She easily dodged it, rolled away, and then moved back toward him while her hands reached for her sabers. The familiar feeling banished her self-questioning. The force gave her plenty of strength.

Before he could do another attack, she ignited both sabers. The white light illuminated the two, and before the iced man could figure out what the woman before him possessed, she flipped over his head while slashing her sabers at his neck, disconnecting the man's head from his body. She had felt no resistance in the movement. She silently prayed that her saber would be able to kill it.

Seconds later, the walker disintegrated into a million shards of dark ice. Smirking at the ease of success, she turned to see her brother and new friends dealing with the undead. She noted that Ygritte was fighting three at once. Unfair odds. Silently, Zipporah joined her and dispatched one with a simple slash across the chest. Ygritte nodded her thanks and handled the other two with quick, precise movements. The small battle was done in minutes.

Holding her sabers toward their feet, she looked upon her fighting companions. None of them were injured, which was not surprising given their fighting abilities. Jon had never seen the lightsabers before, Robb had tried to described them. His dear cousin was so far off; they were truly amazing. The redheads simply stared at her. Moments passed; Zipporah waited for them to gain their balance-physically, mentally, and any other way they needed. This reveal was major and difficult to process. It was completely out of their wheelhouse.

"Ya killed that night othe' like it was nothin." Ygritte stated, finding her voice. Glancing at Tormund, they both thought the same thing: fuck whatever anyone else wanted; this woman was going to be their leader.

"Honestly, I had the element of surprise. He was just as surprised as you. We were lucky that my saber worked on him. I imagine that the rest will be much harder to deal with."

Jon nodded at her and teased, "So modest."

"No really." She insisted with a small smile.

"Quit bein humble. You're our leader now." Tormund announced.

Zipporah froze. Say what now?

Boom!

(Before ya'll tell me she killed him too easily, can I point out that Samwell had no idea what was going on and was able to kill one? Just sayin')