7 Chapter 7

In that moment, all concerns and worries were forgotten as every person in the gathering marveled at the extraordinary scene. Eddard stepped forward towards Bran, his gaze fixed on the ancient weirwood tree in their castle. The tree now bore golden leaves that emitted a gentle glow, and even the carved face seemed to be smiling.

The mysterious happenings left everyone puzzled, unable to comprehend the why behind it all. Suddenly, some men and women couldn't contain their overwhelming emotions. Kneeling with tears streaming down their faces, they began cheering, exclaiming, "My God has answered my prayer!" The collective realization swept through the gathering as people noticed not only the enchanting sight but also the transformative effects on themselves. They felt younger, and ailments that had plagued their bodies were miraculously cured.

The awe-inspiring atmosphere prompted everyone to kneel, as they believed they were in the presence of a divine power that had answered their prayers.

Even those who had doubted or turned away from their faith found themselves kneeling, overcome with regret for their disbelief. They prayed fervently for forgiveness, acknowledging their ignorance and seeking redemption. The same sentiments weighed heavily on those who had converted to the faith of the Seven; they felt ashamed for betraying their original beliefs and hoped for forgiveness as they knelt in prayer.

Suddenly, the sky burst into a mesmerizing display of colorful auras, eliciting cheers from the gathered crowd. It wasn't just the people who celebrated; birds and animals joined in, singing their own songs of reverence to the divine presence felt around them.

Among those from the South who had followed their lady to the North, including the Sept priests and followers of the Faith of the Seven, a deep longing arose. They wished fervently for their own god to manifest, to erase any lingering doubts about their faith. Struggling to maintain their resolve, they clung to their kneeling positions, but with each miraculous sight before them, their hearts wavered.

For some, the overwhelming display of miracles shattered their belief in the Seven, as they felt the presence of a real deity answering the prayers of true believers. Overcome with emotion and confusion, they cried out for forgiveness, unaware of the truth behind the inexplicable events unfolding in the Godswood. 

Catelyn, who had always found the culture of the Northmen strange, had grown accustomed to their ways. Despite her discomfort, she braved the unsettling Godswood to join her husband. Her desire had always been for Eddard, a spiritual man, to follow her faith. She perceived the North's religion as less organized and fairly simplistic compared to hers.

However, in the midst of the vibrant Godswood filled with prayers, cheers, and lush surroundings, Catelyn's perspective shifted. The once unsettling Godswood now emanated a sacred atmosphere, with the weirwood tree glowing in a gentle golden light. Feeling the blessing in the air, Catelyn's reservations melted away. Her gaze fixed on the weirwood tree, she went down on her knees, realizing that her faith should not be a barrier but a conduit for the blessings upon her family, her husband, and her people.

It was the same for her children. Sansa, who had once favored her mother's gods over her father's, had a deep appreciation for the intricate beauty of the Faith of the Seven. She loved the statues, the leaded glass pictures, the fragrance of burning incense, and the magical play of rainbows over altars adorned with precious stones. Her fondness for detail drew her towards the southern faith.

However, in the present moment, Sansa discovered a newfound beauty and reality in the Old Gods' faith. The Godswood, once less appealing to her, now held a certain power and charm. She was the first among the Stark children to kneel alongside her mother, and the others followed suit. 

Robb, who had always favored the way of the North like his father, acknowledged his mother's faith but leaned more towards the traditions of the North. Until now, he had never considered the existence of gods to be real more than a tradition, but the events unfolding in the Godswood made him reconsider. He felt glad to remain true to his legacy and traditions.

While Arya, who had always been a free spirit and didn't favor any particular beliefs, found herself drawn to the divine presence surrounding her. She felt something deep awakening within her, though she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Despite her uncertainty, she found herself enjoying the experience.

Bran and Rickon, who had once been scared to approach the Godswood, were now completely captivated by its beauty and the overwhelming presence they felt.

The phenomenon wasn't limited to Winterfell; it extended to every major and minor house with a Godswood in their castles. Traditionally, these spaces were seen more as gardens or places of retreat rather than spots for communing with the Old Gods. However, everything changed.

Lords, nobles, commoners, and even foreigners gathered around the Weirwood trees, experiencing the profound sharing of eternal life by Xerneas. On that day, many who followed other faiths began to believe in the Old Gods, their hearts touched by the transformative power of the divine presence.

While near the Dreadfort, people began to gather around a weirwood tree adorned with golden leaves, experiencing the sharing of eternal life. Among them was Ramsay, whose eyes gleamed with interest. "Our way is the Old way, and Our God is the Old Gods" he proclaimed. As he approached the weirwood tree, Ramsay sensed a surge of strength coursing through his body making him smile more.

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In Reach, at Highgarden, Margaery and her grandmother Olenna watched the weirwood tree with keen interest. Margaery couldn't quite grasp why the phenomenon was occurring, but she found herself captivated by the beauty of the sky adorned with auroras and the golden weirwood tree.

However, Olenna, observing Margaery's fascination, had a different perspective. She whispered slowly, "Gods are coming back."

Meanwhile, Mace Tyrell and his son remained transfixed, their gazes fixed on the sky. They were afraid to look away, fearing they might miss something crucial unfolding in the celestial display.

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In the Westerlands, at Casterly Rock, Tywin and his men stood gazing at the weirwood tree, a sight that seemed to defy the ordinary. Tywin, usually stoic and reserved, felt an unusual sensation of youthfulness washing over him. He sensed a connection to the weirwood tree, though he remained silent about it.

Tyrion, unable to resist, walked closer to the glowing weirwood tree. As his hand touched the bark, he found himself experiencing visions of his tumultuous past and glimpses into a potentially troubling future he might experience. A deep voice echoed, saying, "My champion, come to the North and remain silent."

Before Tyrion could comprehend the message, Tywin's men, following his orders, forcefully dragged him away from the weirwood tree. Tyrion, visibly sweating, shot a glance filled with fear and anger at Tywin, but he held back, realizing nothing had transpired between them. Tywin, seemingly indifferent to Tyrion's ordeal, continued to gaze at the weirwood tree, lost in his own contemplation.

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In Dorne, at Sunspear Castle, Doran and his family stood together, gazing up at the sky in wonderment. They were unable to comprehend the meaning behind the extraordinary phenomenon unfolding before them. Oberyn, embracing his mistress, remained fixated on the celestial display alongside Doran and his bastards.

Arianne, Doran's daughter, couldn't help but smile at the beauty of the sky. She found herself wishing that her future husband, the last of the Targaryens, could be as captivating as the sky was in that moment.