Val stood near the campfire, her eyes scanning the newcomer as he approached. A former brother of the Night's Watch, now declaring allegiance to Mance Rayder. His rugged appearance suggested he'd endured the Wall's harshness for years.

She tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she took a step forward. "A deserter, are you?" she said, her voice low and teasing. "Or have you truly joined our king, as you claim?"

His gaze flickered, but she held his attention, eyes narrowing slightly. "Tell me the truth," she added, her tone shifting to something colder, more dangerous. "If you're lying... I’ll have to take more than just your word."

Her hand rested on the bone knife at her side, her smile never faltering, but her meaning clear.