Dragon Champion of Aedra and Nirn

by Ronin2106

With the threat of World Eater and White Walkers on the horizon, Shor and Aedra put forth a plan to save all of existence, when they bless a newlyborn child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Born different from his royal siblings and regarded as freak and threat by them, will the young Dovah prevail, or fall into abyss? AU! OP!Jon Snow; Fantasy, magic and minor crossovers.

6. Chapter 6

Winterfell. Hours later.

Daemon moved through the ancient halls of the ancestral seat of House Stark, practically breathing in the unseen and elusive energies of the mighty castle. It was like breathing in fresh air, but not by your nose, but through your soul and heart, sensing it inside yourself and all around here, letting it sooth and comfort you, giving you a certain sense of tranquility and empowerment. Young Feldrake could clearly sense that this great castle was not built here just because Brandon the Builder liked the place, but probably because there is something far more special to it than most can see.

This was at least Daemon's theory and hope, since he now clearly understood that there was more to the Nirn than meets the eye, and during his travels through the North, he sensed multiple times this kind of energy and power. However, never did it resonate as strongly as in these halls, filling the air with its presence and almost seemingly trying to whisper things to Daemon, things that he tried to hear but wasn't able to yet. Regardless, it was clear that this place had something very powerful underneath or within it that gave it this distinct feel to Daemon, and his suspicion was that Winterfell was not just a home to one of avatars of Shor, of which he learned from the memories of Miriel, but that Kyne herself probably blessed it.

Turning away from his thoughts of Aedra and their connection to this place, Daemon, along with his Grandmother who walked near him, moved towards the great hall, where a small feast was taking place, in honor of the guests who have arrived in here. Daemon already knew that this was not a feast in his honor, nor did he wish for one, though his Grandmother has made attempts at cheering him up, which worked to an extent. She did see that Daemon was not all that interested in feasts and probably wanted to first get a bit more accustomed to the place, but this would be a good opportunity for him to get to know his family a bit better, since their first attempt wasn't very successful.

After greeting Daemon and Manderly brothers, the boy was introduced to his cousins and several members of the household, and while the introductions with the latter went without a hitch and well, the formers were not as welcoming. Daemon could clearly see that most of his cousins didn't want to spend any more time with him than they had to, and that only little Arya was glad to see him, but her constant barrage of questions, demands to know something and everything else were… disturbing to Daemon. It was clear to everyone that Daemon wasn't all that good at dealing with people of his age, and that his social skills weren't as good as those of others, and thankfully, Lyarra quickly took notice of it and decided to suspend with the greetings and led Daemon to his chambers.

While they walked to them, Lyarra carefully and gently spoke to Daemon, asking a few questions and answering his own when he asked them of her. The Stark Matriarch clearly took an instant liking of Daemon and already treated him as her own blood, something that Daemon wasn't expecting to see right away from Lyarra. He was fearful that his grandmother would be more like his birth mother, who had condemned him right after giving him life, but no, Lyarra was completely different, being much like Rhaella.

Lyarra made it clear to Daemon that he won't have to worry about him becoming a prisoner or unwanted, as in her eyes and in the eyes of many others, he was still of the Stark blood and that here in the North, he won't be victimized for something he had nothing to do with. She also added that he didn't need to be afraid of Lady Catelyn, and that no matter what bad things she may tell him, what was important is that he remains true to himself. Already Daemon liked Winterfell infinitely more than the Red Keep, and Lyarra was definitely one of the best positives.

When they arrived at his new chambers and stepped in, Daemon was positively shocked at how spacious and well furnished they were. He was expecting an improvement over what he lived in when he was in Red Keep, maybe something akin to where Daemon was staying while in White Harbor, which seemed like royal apartments to the boy. However, even those seemed to pale at the spacious chambers, that housed several separate rooms and had so much space, that at least five of Daemon's first chambers could fit in. In addition, it was so well lit and bright… Daemon at first though that this was a mistake and asked if Lyarra had led him here by mistake, but she did not. She said that it wasn't a mistake, and those were now his chambers, stating that he deserved nothing less, and that if anyone tried to tell him otherwise, then he didn't have to listen to them, or simply inform her.

After getting a tour of the great castle with Lyarra and a bath at the hot springs, Daemon and Lyarra were now on close to the great hall, when Lyarra glanced at Daemon, noticing his seeming nervousness.

"What is troubling you, Daemon?" Lyarra asked of him, directly, with concern in her eyes.

"Nothing, it's just… I've never been seated at the feasts before, in the great hall, with everyone present and all that." Daemon told Lyarra, who understood now what he meant. "Back in Red Keep, I only had meals with either Miriel, Anarion, Grandmother Rhaella or Queen Elia, or alone in my chambers. And when I arrived in the White Harbor, I only had meals with Lord Manderly, his sons and a few of his relatives, but it was still… awkward."

"You don't have to try and do anything special, Daemon. Just be yourself, nobody will judge you for it, at least nobody of import." Lyarra told Daemon. "But, if you do feel like it, you can always leave. I personally would prefer for you to first get a little used to Winterfell, instead of immediately putting you on the display for all to see."

"And… there are also my cousins. I saw how they looked at me." Daemon said in additions. "I know what rumors are out there about me, and I know that Lady Tully doesn't really like me."

"Lady Tully isn't very liked here by a great many people, myself included, and I am not interested in what some washerwomen's tales and propaganda by two obnoxious royals, who can't even think straight." Lyarra stated to Daemon with strength. "What I care about is you, Daemon, and as for Viserys and what you did to him… I heard from good people and his own mother, describing things he did to those that angered him, and he deserved to be burned and die. And as for your gift…" Lyarra stopped and looked around, seeing none who could hear them, and then she knelt closer to Daemon and spoke to him.

"I am not someone who is going to hurt my grandson just because Lady Kyne and other Old Gods have blessed you." Lyarra revealed to Daemon, shocking and surprising him, as she got up. "I know that you are a special soul, Daemon, and you don't have to worry, because there are those who will help you with becoming who you can be."

"How did you know?" Daemon asked of Lyarra.

"Lady Kyne told me in a dream, about you, Dovahkiin, Kaan'Dov and other things, though not everything, but what I know is enough." Lyarra told Daemon, as they resumed their walk towards the Great Hall, which they soon reached, with the two proceeding towards the main table, before being stopped by Vayon Poole.

"My apologies, milady, but I have orders from Lady Stark, in regards to your grandson's place in here. I will walk you to it." Vayon tried to move towards Daemon, but was stopped by Lyarra.

"Poole, have you lost your wits, or did you forget who you are talking to?" Lyarra menacingly asked of him.

"Milady, it is an order from Lady Catelyn, confirmed by Lord Stark personally. Daemon can't be seated on the same table as the guests and the lord's family." Vayon told Lyarra, who was a few breaths away from cursing, before she spotted Uther and his own family, deciding on another approach.

"Well, since this is Lord Stark's wish, then so be it." Vayon finally let himself breathe easier, but not before Lyarra continued. "You can tell Lord Stark and his would-be-Lady Stark, that if my grandson isn't welcome at his own family's table, then so I see no point in sitting at the same table as they are. Come, Daemon, let's find us some actual good company to sit with."

"Lady Stark, this… This is inappropriate." Vayon tried to protest, but Lyarra simply waved him off, while Lord Stark observed and decided to stand up and speak up.

"Mother, where are you going?" Eddard called out to her.

"To someone who doesn't have a problem with my grandson." Lyarra simply told him with ice, as she and Daemon reached Uther and his own family. "Uther, Igraine, would you mind if we joined you for a meal?" The whole family stood up, along with a few seated servants.

"No, not at all, Lady Stark. Please, we would be honored to have you dine with us." Uther, like a true man of dignity, helped Lady Stark be seated. "Arturia, Morgana, why don't you help Daemon?"

"Of course, father. Here, you can sit with us." Arturia Manderly, a girl with golden colored hair and green eyes, led Daemon to his seat between her and Morgana, who looked much like her sister, safe for blue eyes and platinum white hair.

"Thanks." Daemon thanked the girl, with Arturia smiling to him, before he noticed something he did not pay attention to before.

The entire family… They were Kaan'Dov, all of them. The fact that he was now seated at the same table as Dovah almost made Daemon speak up, but he decided to keep himself quiet, at least for the time being. Daemon snapped out of his surprise and shock when his Grandmother spoke up.

"Daemon, this is Uther Manderly, my sworn shield and the person I mentioned while we walked to here." Uther smiled to Daemon, with the boy understanding what she meant, and he nodded back. "Once you've settled in and feel ready, you will begin your training under him. He may not be the man who ended Robert Baratheon and Arthur Dayne, but he is arguably the best warrior we have here up in the North."

"You can take your time, lad, but once we start, you better be ready, because I'm not one to go easy on anyone, even my own girls." Uther told Daemon with a smile.

"I wouldn't want it any other ways, and you also let your daughters train?" Daemon asked of the man, with Arturia nodding to him.

"Yeah, father has been training me and my sister since we were old enough to hold weapons. I'm best with swords, while Morgana is better with a spear." Arturia spoke up with a smile, with Morgana nodding to Daemon. "And what's your favorite weapon, Daemon?"

"I'm pretty good with both, from what I've been told." Daemon answered. "Though I kinda wish I could learn how to fight with an axe and a mace, after I arrived here."

"Axe seems far more of a tool than a good weapon. Spear and sword are more refined and elegant." Morgana spoke up, voicing her opinion. "And as for a mace, it's the same as using a club. Any dim witted fool can make use of one and find it practically anywhere."

"True, Morgana, but both of those also have their uses and advantages, when compared to the spear and sword." Uther spoke up with knowledge in his voice. "Axes are cheaper and easier to make and handle than swords, and they are better at breaking through mail, while maces and clubs are effective at knocking warriors out, and good against armored enemies. Don't worry, Daemon, I'll be sure to train you in those two as well, since both weapons are a bit more popular here, thanks to their utility and cheapness."

"Please don't get too excited, Uther. We wouldn't want to hamper his other studies by overbearing him with physical practices." Igraine, a beautiful woman with platinum white hair and blue eyes, spoke in a soft tone, with Uther nodding to her.

"Daemon, this is Igraine Manderly, a Hightower by birth, but don't let the name and looks fool you, because I found her to be every bit a true Northern woman as I find Uther to be a Northman. She is in charge of teaching my granddaughters sciences, etiquette and all other stuff that is useful to know." Lyarra introduced her to Daemon, with Daemon bowing his head a little before her. "From what Rhaella had written me, you were primarily educated by Miriel, Queen Elia's former handmaiden. And from what I've heard, you've got more education in you than my son over there did in the Vale, and that you like to learn new things."

"I wouldn't really know about Lord Stark, and as for learning new things, that I do enjoy, and… it was one of few things I could do without getting punished, back there." Daemon said with a bit of sadness, with all noticing it.

"We heard about how the Royal family has treated you, and… I don't even know what to say about it." Arturia said with sympathy, with Daemon appreciating the fact that she was not saying she was sorry about him.

"Best you don't think about it, since you are here now." Morgana commented, with Daemon turning to her. "By the way, you said that you like to learn things? Do you know the difference between the wolf's bane and aconite?"

"Aren't the same thing, only named differently?" Daemon asked of Morgana, who seemed impressed, with Igraine and Uther chuckling a little at the girl's surprise. "A very poisonous plant, with enough capacity to kill a person."

"True… And what about hawthorn?" Morgana decided to ask even further.

"Morgan, that's probably enough already. Let's just eat." Arturia decided to try to dissuade her sister from challenging Daemon, but the boy was not dissuaded.

"A common plant, useful when it comes to healing diseases and infection, as it's potion can empower the person's blood and combat illnesses." Daemon answered with a small smile, with Morgana growing more and more impressed. "I was locked up in the Red Keep for most of my life, but I did have books, and some of them were about herbology and various plants, with pictures of them."

"And you didn't find them to be boring?" Morgana asked of him, surprised still at the fact that he read such books.

"No, I didn't. I liked every book I read and could get my hands on, except for the Seven Pointed Star, because of… Well, let's just say I prefer the Old Gods to the Andal ones, since they don't have a problem with me." Daemon told them.

"Well, me and Morgana don't really like that book either, and Mother and Father don't mind us praying to the Old Gods too." Arturia revealed.

"Okay, that's enough of the small talk for now, children. Let's eat." Lyarra decided to speak up, when the food was finally served to them.

The food that was served may not have been as fancy and plentiful as one that the denizens of the Red Keep were used to, it was still a well-cooked course with multiple meals and it was definitely more than what he usually ate back when he was in the Red Keep anyway. Daemon savored the taste of the meat and found it to be quite tasty, savoring and devouring every last peace that was offered to him, before downing it with water, which did sate his thirst. Other meals were also nice and Daemon hasn't turned down what he was given, having grown used to eating what he was offered, and what he was offered was good. The cooks in Winterfell were definitely far better than the ones in King's Landing, at least ones who cooked for him.

Once they were through with their meals, Daemon and the others engaged in small talk, conversing about the North, it's people, Winterfell and anything that they wanted, though avoiding the topics connected with the Red Keep, the royal family and other similar things. The Manderly family understood that Daemon had been through what most shouldn't go through, and that his time with Targaryens wasn't kind to him. It was clear to them that the lad was traumatized by what had transpired and he wasn't ready to talk about it in any form or capacity, so they avoided it. Arturia and Morgana in particular made every attempt to talk about things that would interest Daemon and make him comfortable with them.

And it was working, as Lyarra observed her grandson slowly, but surely open up to the girls and their parents, and she was happy that he was doing so, as it meant that he was starting to heal up inside. This was more than she could hope for when she had decided to get seated with them, at first hoping that the Kaan'Dov will be able to put Daemon at ease and let him settle in more easily. Instead she now had her grandson chatting with the two beautiful girls about things that the kids they age were known to talk about, with almost not a sign that he was put through hell by her thrice damned daughter and her delusional husband.

Lyarra always liked Arturia and Morgana, two bright and clever girls, with open mind and willingness to work hard and patiently to achieve good results in what they studied. More than once she wished that Sansa was more like them, but instead she was a girl living in her own head, surrounded by tall tales of gallant princes, knights, damsels and romances, a product of her mother's choice in upbringing. The girl wasn't learning anything of use in household managing or something that could be useful to her and her future family, instead learning how to sew stitches and write pretty words. Arturia and Morgana, the latter especially, were learning math, several languages, medicine and more, all that could be of use to them later on in life. Uther and Igraine both were adamant that their children learn how to defend themselves, and Lyarra didn't have anything against it, and she had tried to tell her son that all his children should learn how to defend themselves. Unfortunately for her and the North as a whole, Eddard Stark was far more open to the close-minded words of his hollow wife, while his mother's words were not heard.

They all sat at the table for some time, but then the things came to an abrupt end, when Vayon Poole decided to come and speak up to them all.

"Lady Stark, Daemon, Lord Stark wishes for you to seat at his table. He has sent me to escort you to him." Vayon spoke in an official tone, with Lyarra looking at him with a glare, before glancing at the table and nearly freezing her son with her eyes.

"Remind me, Poole, didn't Lord Stark want nothing to do with Daemon being seated at his table not an hour ago?" Lyarra asked of him with cold tone, with Vayon knowing that this was an obvious reaction from her. "In case his shortsightedness has worsened, do go and inform him, that we are quite well seated here."

"Milady, Lord Stark insists that you and Daemon join him at the table." Vayon repeated. "He and Lady Stark demand your presence…"

"Oh, so now they decide to demand our presence at that table." Lyarra glared at her son and his wife, before glancing at Daemon, who decided to simply nod to her, signaling that he was alright with going, if she was. "Uther, Igraine, I hope you do not take this as an offence if Daemon and I leave you?"

"No, of course not, Lady Stark." Uther assured them.

"It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow, okay!" Arturia told Daemon with a smile, with Morgana nodding to him quietly with her own small smile.

"Yeah, sure." Daemon simply told them, as he and Lyarra went to the main table, where they were already expected, with seats prepared for them and Wendel was the first one to address him.

"There you are, Daemon! Finally, some actually good company is here!" Wendel bellowed with laughter, oblivious to the glare from Catelyn, while Daemon and Lyarra were seated. "Now where were you lad? Me and my brother were looking for you, but couldn't really find you anywhere nearby."

"My grandmother and I were dining with Ser Uther and his family, right over there." Daemon pointed to where Uther and his family were seated, with Wendel being forced to get up and look where his cousin was seated.

"What?! Uther and Igraine are seated all the way in there, with servants and helping hand?" Wendel was surprised to see his cousin being seated so far away, as he turned to Lord Stark. "Ned, what's the meaning of this? Uther might not be my father's son, but he's a Manderly and if not for him, you'd still be languishing in the Vale! Why is he and his family are seating all the way in there?!" From the tone and redness on his face, it was clear that Wendel has already had one too many pints of ale.

"The other places are already taken by more appropriate persons, and rearranging the seats would be too much a hassle." Catelyn decided to answer for her husband, infuriating Wendel even more. "Rest assured, your cousin is seated at a quite appropriate place, both for him and his family."

"My cousin is the best damn fighter in all the North and a sworn shield to Lady Stark, and you dare to seat him where I wouldn't send my own dog?!" Wendel was clearly infuriated at all this. "Martin and Rodrik Cassels are seated right over there, while Uther and his family are all over there! How is that appropriate?!"

"Sers Martin and Rodrik hold important positions in castle and in this household, while your brother and his wife don't." Catelyn answered, with Wendel smashing his pint into the table and getting up.

"Well then I don't see any point in seating here, listening to you and that shriveled up Septa prattle about how my cousin and his family are bad! I'll follow Lady Stark's example and find me some actually good company!" And with that that, the man left the table and went straight towards Uther, with the latter rising up and embracing Wendel with laughter.

"I apologize for my brother's tone, Lord Stark, but though his words may be brought in by ale, they ring with truth." Wylis commented, as he looked at his liege lord. "When our father had offered you the services of Uther, you assured us that he and his family will be treated as befits their standing. Why is it that they are all the way out there?"

"It was never my intention to insult you or your family, Wylis. And about this, my wife and steward handle the placement of people during such events." Eddard narrowed his eyes at Catelyn and Vayon, with the former not feeling one bit of shame at her decisions. "Catelyn, why are Uther and his family sit all the way there?"

"They sit there because they have had the gall to insult me and our House, Ned. Uther's brute of a daughter, Arturia, had used trickery to beat Robb in a fight, while her sister makes fun of Sansa during their lessons together, not to mention the fact that Igraine constantly prohibits the girls to study under Septa Mordane, despite my insistences." Catelyn stated with anger. "And what kind of a parent allows his own daughter to train and wear clothes of a boy, and that Morgana… The way she seems to think that she knows better than most is enough to warrant punishment."

"While some may find it strange, there's nothing wrong with children learning how to fight, even if they are girls. And as for Arturia, she's not one to cheat, she is simply that good at fighting, and it's young Robb's own fault that he lost to someone who is better than him." Wylis stated with a chuckle, with Catelyn looking scandalized at him, while Robb was getting red with anger. "In fact, back when she was in White Harbor, she would regularly give all our pages and wards a run for their money on the training yard. The only one I ever saw fight as well as her is actually Daemon, and by the Seven, it is as if the Warrior himself blessed the lad."

"You can't seriously claim this… This demon to be blessed by the Warrior, Lord Manderly." Septa Mordane stated with disdain, ignoring the cold glare from Lyarra Stark and of many other. "The Seven's blessings are lost upon him, and the only way he would ever win anything is by cheating and through sorcery."

"And yet those same Seven have spared me from the execution." Daemon reminded to the Septa, who glared at the child. "How do you explain that they've allowed my champion to win against the finest Knight in all of Realm?"

"Through cheating and vile sorcery, naturally." Mordane simply answered.

"Those that enter into the Trial by Combat are judged by the Seven, and no place shall find falsehood, villainy and sorcery upon its field, for observed and judged all those that fight upon it by the Seven." Daemon recited to all to hear a quote from the Seven Pointed Star, making Mordane red with shame and fury. "I may not worship the Seven, but I am quite familiar with their teachings, as they've practically been beaten into me by your fellow Septa." Mordane rose up, understanding what the boy was implying.

"You dare to recite the Seven Pointed Star and use it as an excuse for your vileness?! I'll have you…" Mordane was about to walk towards Daemon and slap him, but then all saw Uther, Wendel, Rodrik and Martyn Cassel come up to the table, with quite the looks on their faces.

"Milady, is everything alright?" Uther asked, his green eyes directed towards Mordane, not hiding his anger.

"Yes, although it seems Septa Mordane has had far too much wine. Have someone escort her to her room, so she may come back to her senses and remember who she is and where she is." Lyarra stated, and several guards obeyed the command, while the men returned to their seats. "Lord Manderly, do you allow members of the Faith to sit at your table and act like that?"

"No, Lady Stark, we do not, and had this happened in White Harbor, father would've had the Septa flogged for daring to raise her hand against a member of the family." Wylis stated to Lyarra. "We may follow the Seven, but we aren't as helpless as to need them to tell us how to eat our meals and how not to fart at the table, forgive me for the last comment."

"There's nothing to forgive, as I too hate it when someone tells me how I should drink my ale and not belch when I had too much of it." Lyarra and Wylis laughed at it, with Daemon chuckling.

"Daemon, Daemon!" Arya, having had enough of waiting, decided to attract his attention.

"Yes, Arya?" Daemon turned to the younger girl.

"How big is the King's Landing? Is it bigger than Winterfell? And is the Red Keep just as big as our castle?" She immediately shot questions at Daemon, making him shortly freeze up at the memories of it, before answering.

"I… I believe it is bigger than Winterfell." Daemon answered with a bit of an awkwardness in his voice.

"What do you mean "believe"? You lived there, you should know, right?" Arya said, unsatisfied with the answer.

"I did live there, but I don't really know if the Red Keep is bigger than Winterfell or not." Daemon answered, with Arya being ready to ask again, before Benjen spoke up.

"Arya, didn't I tell you that the Red Keep is a bit smaller than our castle, while the city itself is much bigger?" Benjen interjected, seeing how Daemon was starting to get uncomfortable from the questions.

"But why weren't you sure? You lived there, so you should know." Arya was not relenting from Daemon.

"I did, but I didn't get out much, and I do not want to talk about it." Daemon decided to simply end it.

"But why? Why can't we talk about it? It's the capital and home of your family, so why can't we talk about it?" Arya continued, with Daemon starting to lose it.

"Arya!" Lyarra's harsh tone was enough to quiet the little girl down. "If Daemon does not wish to talk about it, then we will respect his wish, and that includes you as well, child. Now sit down and enjoy the meal."

"Alright, grandmother." Arya calmed down, and Daemon was starting to calm as well.

"Daemon, what are Prince Aegon and Prince Jaehaerys like?" Sansa suddenly asked of Daemon, and he nearly chocked on his bread. "And what about the princesses? Are they truly as beautiful as the people say they are?"

"I don't know." Daemon slowly answered with the tone that made it clear that he did not want to talk about it.

"But how can you not know about it? They are your siblings, and surely you would…" Sansa tried to press on, but Daemon interrupted her, by rising up and growling out.

"They are NOT my siblings!" Daemon simply stated to her, as he decided to get out.

"Daemon where are you…" Eddard tried to call him, but was interrupted.

"I am going outside. The air here isn't all that friendly with me, it seems." Daemon stated, as he left the great hall.

"Such insolence, to leave in such an abrupt…" Catelyn was about to comment, but was interrupted by Lyarra.

"The only insolence I see is in my grandchildren, who can't seem to know when not to ask questions and keep themselves quiet." Lyarra glared at both of the girls, who looked down in shame. "I have explicitly told you not to discuss the royal family and King's Landing with Daemon, and what do you do?"

"What is wrong with children asking such innocent questions, Lady Stark?" Catelyn decided to chime in with a falsely innocent tone, with Lyarra having had enough of it, as she rose up.

"Mother, please sit down." Eddard tried to tell her, but failed, as the woman left the room without a second word to anyone.

After wandering the halls and corridors for a while, Daemon finally found his way out of the building and into the courtyard, opening the door and breathing in cold fresh air of the North, while the evening sky was filled to the brim with the stars. Just the sight of the stars and moons illuminating the skies and the ground was enough to finally calm him down and let go of the memories of the Red Keep and his former parents. He was not going to deny the fact that he wasn't okay, and that he wasn't like all the other children his age, both physically and mentally. Daemon quickly learned that he was taller, stronger and faster than other children were when he was finally out of the Red Keep, and that he was smarter than even some of the adults. The answer to that was in his Dragon blood and soul, as well as the blessings of the Aedra, but other children in White Harbor and other castles he had visited did not know about it and thought him to be a freak of some sorts when he revealed how old he was.

It was clear to Daemon that because of who he was, there was not going to be any chance of him being like all the others, and that the scars of Targaryen hospitality were still burning with pain. The moment Arya started asking those questions, it reminded him of where he lived most of his life, locked up in a cell like a prisoner for crimes he never committed, blindly wishing for his parents to love and let him out of there. It was not all that long when Daemon was just that, a foolish and blind child who would sell his life just for the love of his parents, but now… Now he was Daemon Feldrake, and this dragon was not going to go back to those times, never!

Daemon looked up at the skies and took in the sight of stars, all those far off gateways to Aetherius, observing them and calming down from his thoughts about the past. He was expecting to be reminded of what had happened to him, but not so suddenly and out the gate, by both Septa and his cousins. He could forgive the former since they probably did not know what he went through in the Red Keep, but Septa seemed to take joy in smiting Daemon verbally, yet when he struck back, it clearly hurt her pride.

And the look of Lady Catelyn that she gave him throughout all this time… The current Lady of Winterfell clearly didn't take a liking to him, and the feeling was mutual, as he clearly sensed her to be a prideful, close-minded and rather obnoxious. Add to the fact that she clearly disrespected his grandmother and even went as far as to order him to be placed in servant's quarters at first, and Daemon was certain that he wasn't going to become friends with her any time soon. And as for his cousins… He will have to give them some time, along with Lord Stark.

After some time of this small mediation, Daemon sensed that someone was approaching him from behind, with his senses telling him that it was Dovah. Turning around, he saw Uther coming towards him, and once he was close enough, he spoke up.

"Not the warmest welcoming feast." Uther commented to Daemon, who agreed with him. "Don't blame Arya and Sansa for their incessant questions. They are still children and don't know what you have been through, and though Lady Stark has told them not to ask you, Lady Catelyn thought it a good idea to let them do so."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." Daemon told Uther, sensing that now was as good a time as any to speak about what he wanted. "Do you know that I…"

"A Dovahkiin, with blood of both Shor and Akatosh? Yes, I know, lad." Uther answered to him, with a smile. "I will admit that I thought you and people like you to be a myth or a thing of the past, but now… Now I see that it's true."

"Aren't you a Kaan'Dov?" Daemon asked of Uther, surprised at his response. "I mean, aren't all Kaan'Dov thousands of years old?"

"Many of our kind are, but Igraine, our kids and I? We are not even a hundred years old, if you put our years together. I am a third generation Kaan'Dov, while Igraine is the second generation, and both of us had one of our parents as a human." Uther informed Daemon. "My Dovah parent was my mother, as is the case with Igraine, though her mother is among those Dovah who first pledged themselves to Kyne and Shor. In any union between a Kaan'Dov and a mortal, the children will always be Kaan'Dov, but most Kaan'Dov prefer to find their partners among themselves or those with much longer lifespan."

"Because they can simply outlive normal mortal races?" Daemon guessed, and Uther nodded to him. "So you are a Manderly. I was a bit surprised to hear you being from the noble house, unlike with Anarion who pretended to be a bastard from Volantis." Uther chuckled at the mention of Anarion.

"Yeah, that man has been practically in every corner of this world, with a thousand identities to use. He was actually the one who taught me what it means to be a Kaan'Dov, training and shaping me into who I am. He spoke quite highly of you as well, asking me to look after you until he returns." Daemon was surprised when he heard Uther say it. "Yes, he did, and we did speak person to person. We have a special way to move in the Nirn from one place to another, be it another continent across the oceans, or next country. Before you arrived here, he and Miriel paid us a visit in secret and told us all we need to know about you and explicitly ordering us to protect you. So you don't to worry about anything, Daemon, Igraine and I will protect you as if you were one of our children."

"Thank you, I feel better already." Daemon told Uther, who smiled to him. "Can you tell me something?"

"Of course, ask anything you want." Uther assured him.

"Do you know where Anarion and Miriel had went?" Daemon asked of Uther, wanting to know more than anything where did Lady Kyne send them off.

"I wish I could tell you for certain where they are and what their mission is, Daemon, but neither I nor Igraine know. All I know is that this mission is connected with Valyria, and something to do with it." Uther told Daemon, who looked troubled. "If they are in Valyria, then the only way they can get back is to get out of there first, because ruins of Valyria is one of those place where Kaan'Dov can't simply travel to like we usually do."

"What could they possibly want in those ruins? What could be so important to Kyne in there?" Daemon asked of Uther.

"I wish I had an answer to that, Daemon, but I don't know." Uther simply told him, before remembering something. "But someone else might know more about it."

"Who?" Daemon asked of him.

"Some years ago another Kaan'Dov with his daughter, has moved to Winterfell, gaining employment as a castle's smith. You didn't see him, nor did I at first notice who he was, but the man is the same age Anarion, and if anyone could know what he is up to in Valyria, it would be him." Uther told Daemon. "We will pay him a visit when we have a chance, I promise."

"Thank you." Daemon told Uther, before turning to gaze a little more at the stars.

"You like the stars, don't you?" Uther could clearly see it, as he also gazed at them.

"When I lived in the Red Keep, I didn't have an opportunity to see the stars and moons, and when I did get out and saw them… I think it was at that point that I realized that I will never be put in a cell again by anyone." Daemon told Uther, who could understand him. "The whole time I was travelling here didn't feel like a boring stroll, but like an adventure, with so much to see… Forests, rivers, ocean, hills and plains- and that's just the North."

"Aye, it's just the North, and the North isn't the whole world yet." Uther told Daemon, who agreed with him. "You should see Essos and its endless plains of grass, hills and many other places. Though I personally liked Skyrim, which is much like the North, but also so different at the same time."

"Is it somewhere else in the Nirn?" Daemon asked of Uther, who nodded to him.

"Yes, it is on the continent known as Tamriel, very far away from Westeros and Essos." Uther revealed to him, with Daemon recalling hearing of Tamriel from Miriel. "You've left quite an impression upon my girls. It has been a long time since I've seen Morgana so impressed by someone."

"She and Arturia are quite nice too. Do they know of who I am?" Daemon asked of Uther, who nodded to him.

"We've told them about who you are, but you don't need to worry about it. They are quite smart and mature and won't tell a soul, and they liked you because of who you are, not because we told them about you being Dovahkiin." Uther assured Daemon, who nodded to him, before they heard the door open up behind him.

"There you are, Daemon. I've been looking all over this castle for you." Lyarra stepped outside, speaking up, before noticing Uther standing there as well. "Uther, how did you manage to find Daemon while I've been looking high and low for him?"

"Kaan'Dov all have a certain sense of those that are similar to them. We can sense those who have a soul of the Dovah in them, be their Dragon, Kaan'Dov, Beindiiv, or Dovahkiin, milady." Uther assured Lyarra, before noticing that Daemon was not all that surprised. "I've already introduced myself properly to Daemon and assured him that he will be protected by me."

"Good." Lyarra told him, before she turned to Daemon. "Daemon, I wanted to wait some time, to give you an opportunity to rest up and settle in, but this might be as good a time as any. From now on, Uther will serve as your de-fact sworn shield and will mentor you in the martial arts. Though he may not be as skilled and great a warrior as the Stagslayer, he is still the very best the North has to offer."

"I've already figured it out, and I am looking forward to starting training with you." Daemon told Uther.

"Likewise, lad, likewise." Uther confirmed.

"If you are tired, Daemon, you can leave for your room. I will make sure you don't get disturbed until you have rested." Lyarra offered.

"No, I think I'll go back to the great hall, but not to sit with Lord Stark. I much rather talk more with Arturia and Morgana." Uther chuckled at that one, while Lyarra smiled to him and nodded, as they walked back inside.

It didn't take them long to reach the Great Hall, with the dinner still going on. Lyarra decided to let Daemon out of her sight and left him in the care of Uther and his family, while she herself went to her own table. By the time Daemon had gotten to the Manderly family, he saw that Wylis and Benjen Stark, sitting together with their own drinks, have now joined Wendel, who immediately spoke up when he saw Daemon and Uther approach them.

"Daemon, Uther, there ya are!" Wendel boomed with laughter, before almost falling off the chair. "Oh boy, seems like I've had a wee bit too much for me to handle…"

"Aye, cousin, it would seem so, if not even your iron stomach can't handle the ale." Uther and other grown-ups laughed, with Wendel laughing the loudest. "Why don't you drink some water instead, let your heard clear up a bit?"

"Nah, I know another way of getting my head cleared up. Therefore, if ya all will excuse me, I think I will go and see the local establishments. Igraine, ladies…" And with that, Wendel gotten up and went outside of the great hall, with several guards with Manderly crest following behind.

"What does he mean by local establishments?" Daemon asked, confused as to what he meant, with the grown ups not expecting such a question.

"It means a brothel." Morgana answered, with Wylis and Benjen looking with shock at her. "What? I'm not Sansa, I know what it is."

"Um, that doesn't say much to me." Daemon said, as he was still left a bit confused. "Is that some sort of an inn?"

"Yes, though with a bit wider choice in… services…" Wylis said with awkwardness in his voice.

"It's where men go to pay women to sleep with them." Arturia clarified, with Daemon now understanding what she meant.

"Oh… That must be the building in the Wintertown with lots of women in strange outfits that we passed by while riding in here." Daemon said as he recalled it.

"What do you two teach these two?" Benjen asked of Uther, who simply shrugged off, with Benjen letting out a defeated sigh. "Daemon, about Sansa and Arya…"

"No need to apologize. I understand that they weren't told much about me, but if you are going to ask me to apologize, then I won't." Daemon told Benjen, who could understand him. "And as for that Septa and Lady Catelyn… I've had my fill of the Faith, so don't expect me to respect those who call me an abomination and a demon."

"I never would dare, lad, and I can assure you, that no one will force you to follow the Faith. Catelyn is brash and obnoxious to the point of stupidity, true, but not even she has the gall to order others to follow the Seven, especially since practically everyone here follows the Old Gods." Benjen assured Daemon. "Ned wouldn't allow her to force anyone to convert into her false religion."

"Wouldn't he? We all have heard rumors about what your brother was doing in the Vale and in the Eyrie, Benjen. Jon Arryn was a staunch follower of the Seven, like all the rest of the Arryns before him, and why would he accept to foster a son of the Starks, a follower of the Old Gods, unless he planned to use him?" Wylis asked of Benjen.

"Wylis, I've heard those rumors as well, and I know what many of the Lords and Houses think, but I assure you, Ned has been converted." Benjen assured him. "I will admit that he is a bit… lax when it comes to disciplining his wife and children…"

"More like spineless, Benjen." Wylis commented. "My father and I haven't forgotten how she spoke about us like we were her servants, and remember what she told Rickard Karstark when he offered to foster Robb? She told him that a low lord like him has not the status to ask for such a thing! A low lord, Rickard Karstark?! We should be thanking the Old Gods that he hasn't decided to make an alliance with Boltons after that remark."

"Ned has had a few words with her after that incident, and she has promised him to be more mindful of her words." Benjen assured Wylis. "Though I will admit that I too have my doubts about how long she will be mindful of her tongue. I did hear that her mother wasn't the wisest, nor the calmest, of the ladies."

"Pft, all those that come from Harrenhall are not right in the head." Wylis commented, while Daemon chatted with the sisters, until they saw someone they did not expect to come here.

"Oh, there you, Daemon." Robb Stark spoke up, with Daemon and others looking at the boy. "And here I thought you ran off to your room to cry, like a coward you are."

"Robb, what are you talking about?" Benjen was appalled to hear his nephew speak like that, while Daemon tensed up, before rising up.

"I am only saying what everyone is talking about, and that's how you are such a big coward, that you can't even talk about the Red Keep without wetting your pants." Robb taunted Daemon, who seemed unfazed, while the whole hall started to pay attention to what was going on. "What, that's the truth! And not only you are a coward, but you are also a freak!"

"Robb, that's enough of you!" Benjen has had enough of this, and would've acted, if he didn't see Daemon rise and walk to Robb with a really unsettling face. "Daemon, he's clearly not good in the head."

"What you have something to tell me, prince?" Robb practically spat that out of his mouth, with Daemon leaning in, before confirming his suspicion. "Are you also a dog?" At that one he laughed, before almost falling.

"No, nor am I a coward. And I am most certainly not a drunk." Daemon stated with coldness, with Benjen and other looking with shock at Robb. "Manderly mead, one of Lord Manderly's favorites, if I were to take a guess. It has a distinct sweet and spicy smell to it, hard to miss."

"By the Old Gods, Robb, have you drunk a whole bloody cup of it?!" Benjen sprung up to his feet, with Ned and his wife moving close to them.

"So what if I did? I'm the future Lord of Winterfell, and I can do whatever I…" And at that point, the alcohol has finally taken affect with Robb and he doubled down and threw up what was inside of him, with Daemon just managing to get away from him.

"Ew, gross!" Morgana commented, with others agreeing with her.

"Robb, my poor boy! Maester Lewyn, quickly, he is poisoned!" Catelyn immediately started to scream, as she grabbed her now unconscious son, who smelled of vomit and mead at the same time.

"He'll be alright, if he stays off from that mead from now on. That's some strong stuff, and not for a child to drink." Uther assured her, before turning to Daemon. "How did you figure out that he was drunk, Daemon?"

"Noticed it in the way he moved, seemed pretty unfocused." Daemon told Uther, who agreed with him, while the boy watched at what had been happening around him, before making a decision. "I think I'll be turning in tonight. I have had just about enough of fun to last me a while. When do you usually start training?"

"Right after the dawn. Do you think you can make it?" Arturia asked of him, with Daemon nodding to her.

"Yeah, see you on the morning. Good night." He wished them and went outside, while everyone else was preoccupied with Robb Stark.

Slipping out of the great hall this time was easier than before, given the fact that all the people present were far too preoccupied with what had occurred. Daemon had no doubt that Robb will recover from his intoxication, but such a stupid show will not go unnoticed and without consequences for House Stark and his parents. Heir to the North and future Lord Paramount of Winterfell had drank too much mead and then went on ahead to make accusations of Daemon, before throwing up in front of all… This was practically a recipe for bad reputation and destruction of good thoughts towards Robb, since he had just demonstrated himself as not a Northerner, but a drunk Southerner, who is served everything on the silver platter. Not to mention that the way he acted and spoke indicated that his education was sorely lacking in terms of discipline and proper etiquette, something that will have to be rectified if he is to become a good lord in the future.

Daemon has done his homework when it came to noble Houses and the relations between liege lords and their vassals, and from his discussions and talks with Manderly family, he understood that House Stark was not what it used to be. From the words of Lord Manderly, Rickard Stark was a few steps above his son and had earned the respect of his people, but he seemed far too focused on involving the North in the affairs of the South. His alliance with the Riverlands was one such example, seemingly to make good relations with them and to ensure the good supply of grain from them.

Only it never came to be so, and the Tully didn't honor any supposed agreements, nor were there any indications of a good alliance between the North and Riverlands. From Daemon's perspective, it looked like Riverlands were benefitting from the agreement far more than the North, as according to Lord Wyman, the alliance between Tully and Stark kept at bay the overly ambitious River Lords from usurping the position of House Tully.

House Tully had suffered greatly during and after the Rebellion, and it was the Riverlands that saw some of the bloodiest of fighting in the war. The majority of the Riverlands had no stake in that war to begin with and were actually more inclined to join the Crown, but the ambitions Hoster Tully dragged his vassals into a war that cost them their sons, daughters and thousands of subjects, not to mention burned fields, towns and villages. If the Rebellion was a success, House Tully would have been able to retain their position without much effort, but now…

Now it was House Tully who faced problems on all fronts and only because of their alliance with the North and the Lannisters, they maintained their control over the Riverlands, though it was tenuous at best. Houses Frey, Mallister, Bracken, Blackwood and Darry- they were all angry at the Tully and were looking for any opportunity to take the power from them.

When Daemon told Lord Wyman that the North would be foolish to get involved in the affairs of the South right now, Wyman praised the boy and said that this was exactly what most of the North thought. They had neither time nor interest in getting involved in the affairs of the South, and were more concerned with stockpiling their warehouses with enough food, fending off Ironborns and Wildlings, and tending their own land. From what Daemon understood, the North was vast and there were plenty of resources to make it the richest land in the Westeros, if managed properly, but the problem lay in the population, which was one of the smallest in the Westeros.

A possible solution to this would have been trying to encourage poorer people from the South to move up North, promote migration with offers of land, protection and so forth, yet it was not done at all. Daemon knew that the Northerners were a stubborn and traditional people, but they were not stupid and were far more practical than the Southerners were. If they understood the needs for the migration, then they would probably at least consider it, as it would enrich them and help in surviving the harsh winters.

While Daemon was thinking about all these things, he didn't even notice at first when he reached his room and opened the door, stepping inside. Only when he got inside, he finally regained his focus, and he noticed that he wasn't alone, as there was some strange figure standing in there, dressed in all black, with a hood covering his face. Once the door closed behind Daemon, the man dropped the hood… revealing much to Daemon's shock and surprise the burned up face of Viserys Targaryen.

"The boy was to see this person, before the man kills him." Before Daemon could react, "Viserys" moved straight towards him, with a dagger in hand, before thrusting it into his heart.

But nothing had happened, as the dragged didn't even break the cloth, surprising the assassin who wore Viserys' face, but that quickly brought Daemon out of his stupor, and using all of his strength, he pushed the blade away, before punching the assassin in his stomach. The strike was surprisingly powerful enough to make him double down and lose focus, allowing Daemon to dart towards Drakeire and grab it. Before the assassin could fully regain his composure, Daemon had imbedded his blade up to his hilt in his side, causing him to straighten out, before Daemon twisted the blade inside him, and drove it to the left, opening up the belly of the assassin.

The insides and blood of the would-be killer spilled out and it wasn't long before he finally fell down never to rise up, with his blood smearing the carpets and floor, while Daemon stood over him, his hands bloody and his blade red from blood. He just realized what had happened to him and what he had done, feeling not a tremble in his body, not an ounce of hesitation or fear in his body. He felt only determination, cold calculus and directed fury at the man who tried to take his life, allowing his instinct to let his body move on its own. That and his scale mail saved his life just now, and once the adrenalin in his blood stopped flowing, his mind processed all that had transpired, and it immediately became clear who wanted him dead.

"Rhaegar Targaryen…" Daemon growled out of his mouth, before he heard a dark chuckle from the shadows, immediately making him turn and grip his sword tighter.

"Well, well, looks like you aren't as toothless as I first thought, and definitely not as soft and weak as your other siblings." A dark shadowy form stepped out from the darkness, resembling a woman, only made of out of shadows and darkness, with two red orbs for eyes looking intently at Daemon. "Impressive, especially for one from the line of Targaryens. Not everyone can kill a Faceless Man, and not every child has the guts to do it, or survive him, but we both know you are not a simple child, aren't you?"

"Who are you?" Daemon demanded to know, bringing his blade closer to himself. "Are you also after me?" Daemon heard another laughter from the spirit.

"Am I after your life? No, but I am ordered to keep it in your body, so you may consider me another one of your protectors, like your Kaan'Dov handlers." The spirit told Daemon, as she walked around the room, moving to the body of the dead assassin. "One of the most expensive assassins in the Nirn, reduced to a dead heap of flesh and blood, at the hands of his supposed victim."

"If you were sent to protect me, then you've done a wonderful job so far." Daemon sarcastically told the spirit, who looked back at him. "Had it not been for the gift of my true parents, it would be me laying on that floor."

"Yes, and I counted on the armor to block the strike. You may not sense it yet, but your armor reeks of Dovah's power, having been forged by one, just like you exude the energies of Dovah and Aedra, including one who happens to be my mother." Daemon's eyes widened a little, realizing about whom she was talking about. "Yes, Kyne has sent me to look after you, and this… Consider this a small test, to find out if you would be worthy of my attention and interest. Consider yourself to have passed this test."

"And what this gives me?" Daemon asked of the supposed Aedra with a certain dose of a doubt.

"An opportunity to learn how to survive, boy. Do you think that this will be the only attempt on your life? I can assure you, child, that your mere existence is more than enough of a reason for many to wish you dead, and most of those who want you gone will be far better than your failure of a progenitor." Aedra stated to Daemon. "Did you notice how you acted once you snapped out? Quickly, efficiently, with ruthlessness and without remorse- exactly what I wanted to see and you showed it. Do you want to rely solely on your protectors, or do you want to be able to not only survive, but also learn how to bite back, little Dovah?" Daemon could see what she meant, but he needed to know more.

"How about you tell me something a bit more concrete? Because so far all I am hearing are just vague and ghostly propositions, inspiring even less trust than your current form." Daemon told her.

"A direct approach? Here is a first advice, child: never expect your enemies to come at you head-on, and be prepared for them to strike when you least expect." The spirit told him, before deciding to indulge him. "I offer you knowledge of how to manipulate and influence events, in ways to put your enemies on the back foot. I can train you in arts of arcane and magical, which none of the mortals know. You learn how to fight your battles with a sword? I will teach you to win them with everything you can get your hands. You like to explore the wilds and lands? I will teach you how to look at them and see tracks of your prey and how to reach them. Does that sound straightforward enough for you?"

"It does." Daemon told her. "What do you want in return?"

"Good, you are smarter than you let on and don't simply accept gifts without asking, at least you are starting. My conditions are simple: complete loyalty and dedication to my lessons and me in person." The Aedra stated to Daemon. "You have until the next moon to give me your answer. Come to the shrine of Kyne in Wolfswood forest, alone. You will sense it when you reach the edge of the forest. Come only if you have the answer to give me. Until then, make sure not to die." And after that, the Aedra dissipated and disappeared like it never was there in the first place, leaving Daemon with much to ponder about.

Moreover, he will have much to explain later on to the Starks and others, but one thing was clear to him: the Targaryens are not going to leave him alone, and this has just proven it. Young Feldrake wasn't going to just sit idly and let assassins come at him like this, and though he may be too young to do anything about it right now, learning how to see the next attack coming towards him will be beneficial. Though this Aedra, daughter of Kyne, inspired little trust, he recalled the words of Anarion about her, and if there was one person he could fully trust, it would be his father.

And so another priority in Daemon's list appeared, right next to visiting the smith Kaan'Dov...

---

Man, I am toast and beat… This summer has been the hottest in the recent years, and it has been playing havoc with my head, with headaches and heat ravaging me. Blame that and my tiredness on the slow pace and not the biggest chapters, still I do believe that this one is packed up with enough stuff to make it enjoyable.

As you can see, Daemon has issues, and his time in the Red Keep… It hasn't done him any favors, as it has alienated and distanced him from all others in many terms, and it will show more in the futures. He is haunted a bit by what had happened, but it won't hold him down from becoming what he can be. And as for the Starks… Well, let's just say that they will have time to become better people, at least some of them, and as for Robb, I know that he is a people's favorite and he was one my favorites among Starks, but this Robb isn't like the canon one and he has a far way to go before he becomes one. His mother has influenced him in a bad way, and it is showing in his actions, and I can tell you, that from now on, it will be an uphill battle for him to become better.

Now, here is a little bit of question for you: on whom did I base the Aedra we just saw? Here is a little hint: this is a character based from another video game, and one was a hero, anti-hero, and now is straight up villain. I eagerly await your suggestions and answers, as well as you comments, suggestions and questions, which I will try to answer to the best of my abilities.

Next time: Kaan'Dov smith; Finding a match; Where mortals do not thread…

See ya!