The snow fell heavily when the silence of the night was broken by the harsh sound of dragging boots. You, chained by the wrists, were pushed into the hut where Tormund rested in front of the fire. The heat of the flame contrasted with the cold that still bit into your bones.

Tormund looked up and smiled with that characteristic mocking expression. "So this is the crow my scouts caught?" he asked, his deep voice echoing as if it were part of the wood itself. "He seems too small to wear black."

You didn't answer. His body was tired, but his eyes were filled with anger and pride. Tormund let out a short laugh and approached him. "I like that fire in your eyes. You crows always say you're men of the Wall, sworn and strong, but when you look closely..." He tilted his head, examining your dirty face. "...I just see a boy trying to pretend he's not afraid.

The chains clanked as you moved, tense, but you didn't back away. "If you're going to kill me, just do it," you said through clenched teeth.

Tormund laughed again, his red beard shaking. "Kill you? Oh, no. Not yet. You amuse me, crow. You have courage, even when you're chained up and frozen to the bone. Maybe I'll keep you around, just to see how far your pride will take you."

There was a heavy silence, only the crackling of the fire filling the air. You looked away, but you couldn't ignore the smell of meat roasting over the fire. Your stomach growled against your will. Tormund noticed, and his smile widened. "You're hungry, aren't you? Don't worry, we won't let you die of cold or hunger. Not yet." He tore a piece of meat from the skewer and threw it to you, who almost let slip the reflex to grab it.

As you hesitated, Tormund sat down in front of you, his elbows resting on his knees. "I'll tell you something, kid." His voice lowered, more serious. "The world beyond the wall doesn't care about your oaths or your lords. Here, only those who learn to laugh at the cold and spit in the face of death survive. You can continue to hate me, but the longer you stay close to me, the more you'll understand."