It had worked.
Watching Ygritte's meek, docile demeanor, Lynn felt a flicker of interest in Skinchanging beyond its practical uses for the first time.
The Three-Eyed Raven had not lied to him.
Perhaps this was the right way to use it.
"All right, you can get up now."
Lynn withdrew his mental power.
Ygritte shuddered, as though she had just awakened from a beautiful dream.
She looked at the bow and arrows on the ground, then at Lynn. A blush rose uncontrollably to her cheeks, but her gaze grew even more complicated.
That feeling just now...
It was gentler than last time, more lingering.
His will had been like the warmest spring water, enveloping a heart long frozen stiff by ice and snow.
It had drawn her under, made her willingly lower every defense.
"Is... is this magic?"
Even Ygritte's voice trembled.
She picked up her bow, but no longer dared meet Lynn's eyes.
"Snap out of it."
Lynn tapped her on the head in exasperation.
Lynn looked at the Three-Eyed Raven and Leaf and spoke calmly.
"I'll keep my promise, but not now."
"First, I need to see Mance Rayder."
"He has something I want."
The Three-Eyed Raven gave Lynn a searching look with his single eye, but raised no objection.
"Go. You'll need his help."
"Good luck."
When they left the cave sheltered by the Old Gods and returned to the endless white wilderness, everyone felt as though a lifetime had passed.
The three Rangers trailing behind the party now looked at Lynn in an entirely different way.
Their eyes were filled with awe and fear.
Jon Snow was weighed down by worries. Several times, he glanced at Lynn, wanting to speak but holding back.
He desperately wanted to ask whether that so-called "vessel" was his brother