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.

9. Chapter 9

Present day. Winterfell. Lord Stark's personal study. Half an hour after the letter's arrival.

To say that Daemon was not surprised at the fact of his birth mother accusing him of killing Jaehaerys, would be an understatement, since after the attempt on his life he was suspecting that the Crown will try and pull something to kill him. What he did not expect was that this would happen so soon after the last attempt had failed and with the fact that by now most of Westeros was aware of what had happened. Daemon expected the King and the Queen to be dealing with the damage to their reputation, instead of planning another attempt at his life, but after he was allowed to see the letter, Daemon realized something- this wasn't a planned event and that this was a spontaneous action, taken by Lyanna Stark.

Daemon was not the only one who saw this, as Lyarra, Uther and Benjen quickly understood, that in her grief over the loss of her son, Lyanna pointed her fingers at the one person whom she could, in her mind, put the blame on. Unfortunately, for them and Daemon, Catelyn didn't see it that way and believed that this was a direct command from the Crown and was now actively urging her husband to do what was commanded. This was not something that everyone and Manderlys were alright with, with Wendel and Wylis openly stating that they will not stand for Daemon being executed just like that, without any evidence and concrete facts.

Catelyn argued that the only evidence they needed was the word of the Crown and that was what they had right here in that letter. Along with that, there was also the fact that Daemon was by now a known practitioner of sorcery, or at least that was what Catelyn claimed he was, as he had used unholy fire to kill Viserys, and she claimed that Daemon could do something worse to his own brother.

In Daemon's defense, while he was capable of using that fire and has done so under Magni's supervisions, that was about the only thing of magical nature that he could do. As for Jaehaerys' death, Daemon suspected that there was some kind of foul play involved. Such a sudden death of one of the Princes, right after a failed attempt on his life would have raised a lot of questions. Daemon was not naïve or stupid and he understood that the game of thrones was a game where every dirty trick and dishonorable action could be used to achieve one's goals, and Daemon suspected that in this case, the goal was to secure the succession of Aegon to the Iron Throne.

And the most likely people to be interested in that and the culling of Lyanna Stark's children would be the family of the first Queen, House Martell, and the Red Viper personally. The more Daemon thought about it all, the more it made sense in his mind, and he suspected that the King and the Queens didn't even realize that they were being played here. After listening to the grown-ups arguing about his own life, he decided to finally speak up and state what he thought about it all.

"Excuse me, but since this is my life you are arguing about, mind if I have a word?" Daemon spoke up loud enough to draw the attention to himself.

"Are you going to confess to us that you did it, sorcerer?" Catelyn practically hissed at him, venom and anger dripping from her.

"Catelyn, that is enough!" Eddard shouted at her, tired and irate from constant yells, before calming down and turning to Daemon. "Yes, Daemon. And no one is going to take your life, not until we figure out what is going on." Ned assured both him, and Catelyn, of his decision.

"Good, at least I'm not losing my head right at this moment." Daemon said humorously. "But in all seriousness, as much as I would like to claim the dubious honor of killing my own older brother, I do have to say that I have nothing to do with it. I am, just like all of you, surprised that this had happened."

"Of course you would deny it." Catelyn scoffed.

"And how exactly would I be able to kill Jaehaerys, when all this time I have been here, in Winterfell and the North?" Daemon asked the most obvious question. "And before anyone says that it is trough sorcery, I swear upon my life and before the Old Gods, that the only magical thing that I am capable of is breathing fire."

"I knew it! Ned, you've heard it yourself! He just confessed…" At that moment, Lyarra decided to interrupt her.

"He only claimed to be able to be able to breathe fire, you lackwit, not curse someone from thousands of mile away." Lyarra shut her up, before turning to Daemon with a surprised look. "Daemon, then those rumors about you are…"

"Like I said, I can only breathe fire, and then I don't really have a whole lot of control over it. And as for how do I know it… The Gods have blessed me." Daemon simply stated to them, drawing surprised looks.

"You can't expect us to believe you that the Seven have blessed you in such a way." Catelyn grimaced at the fact that he had apparently stated that the Seven have gifted him such things.

"I said the Gods, not the Seven. And the only Gods I acknowledge and believe in are the Old Gods, the only Gods worth worshipping." Daemon stated to Catelyn harshly. "They never judged me for my mere existence, nor did their followers look for any opportunity to find a justified reason to kill me. And it were they that came to my aid when I needed it the most." Daemon did not lie in this one, as the Aedra did send Anarion and Miriel, with Uther and Lyarra understanding what he meant by it.

"Daemon, if what you are saying is true… Can you demonstrate it?" Ned decided to ask of him, with Daemon shaking his head. "But why?"

"Because if I do, then I'll set everything and everyone here on fire, and I assure you, that fire burns very, very hot." Daemon stated the obvious, before he looked at the fireplace. "I can direct it though… Mind giving me some space?" Daemon asked of Benjen and Dacey, who nodded and let him to the fireplace.

"YOL!" And after speaking the Word, a stream of pure fire blast from Daemon's mouth and into the fireplace, setting the logs in it on fire and almost completely burning them to the charcoals.

Everyone in the room looked with purest shock and awe at what they had just witnessed, with most not being able to fully comprehend what they just saw. They didn't believe to the fullest that it was possible, that the magic was actually still existent in the world, but this… This changed many things.

"By the Old Gods…" Dacey uttered in complete shock, with others mirroring her reaction.

"L-look at the logs." Benjen pointed out at them. "They are… They are completely charred and black, breaking apart. No fire can burn wood so quickly to cinders…"

"Safe for the bloody Dragon fire." Wendel stated in complete disbelief, before turning to Daemon. "Lad, is that the fire that burned Viserys?"

"Yes, it is." Daemon simply told them.

"By the Seven, he is a monster. You saw what he just did! Ned, he must…" Catelyn was about to get hysterical, before Lyarra slapped her across the face.

"For crying out loud, shut your mouth!" Lyarra shouted at her. "So what if he can breathe fire? He is still a boy, blessed by the Old Gods not to mention. Besides that, our House has always been strong with magic, or did you think that all of those Old Nan's stories about wargs and skinchangers are fairy tales? Compared to being able to become a wolf or control one, breathing fire isn't all that impressive." Lyarra stated to her and everyone else.

"Maybe, Lady Stark, but still… Lad, is… is that the only magic you can do?" Wylis asked of him again.

"Yes, that's all. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am do not known any other magic. So no, I had nothing to do with Jaehaerys' death." Daemon stated to them all with conviction.

"Then… Then why show it to us, Daemon?" Ned asked of him, finally calming down after witnessing what he and other just saw.

"Because… because I am want you to trust me, and not see me as a monster." Daemon told them with a bit of a hesitation. "For all my life, I was seen and treated as an outcast and my own parents saw me as a monster. I spent my whole life in dark hole, without being able to leave it and not allowed to speak people that did not have permission from the King. I lived in a cage, alone and without any sort of love from my parents, while my siblings live a life I could not even dream of. They have everything that I wished for: freedom, friends, adoration and love, and most importantly, family. They were seen as the joy of the Realm, while I was either forgotten or despised. They had genuine love and care of their parents, while those same parents despise and hate me. My only reprieves from that dark reality were moments when I was allowed outside to train or study under Anarion and Miriel, or when Queen Elia or my grandmother would let me be with them for a short while. For that and their kindness towards me, I would do anything for them, but for what was done to me by the King and his second Queen… I will never forget or forgive them, and as for their precious golden children, I do have to admit, that I genuinely hate them." That last piece surprised and shocked them all.

"Daemon, do you understand what you are saying?" Benjen asked carefully.

"I know what I am saying, Uncle Benjen, and I know that it is wrong to hate one's family, but to me, they are not my family. Though I do understand that my hatred can be considered petty, but why in Gods' name should they have everything they want, while I was sent into a dark cell, kept there as a prisoner, until I was to be shipped of the fucking Wall?!" Daemon shouted, letting out his emotions in full, scaring some with his temper. "My life, my whole bloody life… I was nothing but a prisoner, alive only because of mercy and kindness of women who should despise me for my existence, yet cared for me more than the woman that bore me! So yes, I do very much hate my family and I wish that I could give them a taste of what it was like, living in that thrice damned cell! But… But, as much as I may wish them to suffer, I didn't have anything to do with Jaehaerys." The group processed what they had just heard from the boy, realizing just now that there was more to Daemon then they realized.

"And even now that I am out of that damned cell… I know that I am not like any other kid of my age, and I know how people are often looking at me because of how grown up and smart I am. I can see it in their eyes, the misunderstanding and fear, and even though these people don't do anything bad to me, I can still see how they want to keep their distance from me, especially those from the South. But here, though people did at first stay away from me, yet when I did show them that I am not an evil or bad person… They accepted me… Without regard of who, or what, I am." Daemon's voice cracked a little, as he wiped away a tear. "I know that they and others can see that I am different, that there is something not normal with me, but they don't give a damn about it now. And this, this acceptance and tolerance, these people and you here… I do not want to lose it."

"Daemon, I… I don't even know what to say…" Ned was shaken to the core after learning this.

"Don't say anything like you are sorry, Lord Stark." Daemon told him, finally calming down and getting his emotions under control. "Even if you could do something, it probably wouldn't have mattered, and in the end, I am now here. And despite all that had happened and some people not wanting me to be here… This is the happiest I have ever been in my life, and I do not want to lose my life here and you because of what Queen Lyanna is demanding you to do."

"Lad, I assure you, that nobody is accusing you. Well, nobody sensible is accusing you." Wendel assured Daemon, while also correcting himself. "By our House's honor, I swear that we'll stand by you, lad, and won't reveal what you told us."

"And neither shall I allow anything to happen to you, Daemon." Eddard spoke up with strength, with Lyarra glancing with pride at her son. "However, there is still the matter of what to do about Lyanna's command?"

"Hm… Ned, mind if I see the letter?" Benjen asked of him, with Ned handing the letter to his younger brother. "This doesn't look like a direct command from the King himself, only a demand from Lyanna. It doesn't even have a royal seal on it, which would've been expected from an order of the Crown."

"And? What does this change?" Dacey asked of her husband.

"It means that this letter can't be considered as a royal command, or an order from the King himself, therefore we aren't obligated to follow." Benjen stated to them with knowledge. "Lyanna may be a Queen, but she is only a second Queen and is only a consort to the reigning monarch. At the very least, we can buy some time buy requesting this command to be confirmed by the King himself in form of an order."

"All it will do is stall for time." Catelyn pointed out with irritation on her face. "We should just follow through with what is…"

"Catelyn, I said that is enough, I meant it!" Ned shouted at her with anger, shocking his wife. "I am not going to be a kinslayer and do what Lyanna wants of us. She is clearly grieving for her son and is placing the blame on Daemon, just because that is what she did all this time. I'll write a letter immediately to the King and then…" At that moment, a door into the study opened up and Maester Luwin practically ran inside.

"Pardon the intrusion, m-my Lord." Luwin took in air, sweat pouring down his face.

"What is the matter, Luwin? You look like you've just ran across half of the castle." Ned noted.

"I practically did, my Lord, because of this." He handed two more letters from King's Landing to Eddard. "Two letters, from the King himself, to you and young Daemon." Everyone looked with surprise at the man, with Eddard opening up and reading his, wanting to know what it meant, before letting out a sigh of relief.

"The King has found out about Lyanna's letter, and has ordered not to go through with what she demanded." Ned informed them all, much to the relief of most people. "According to the letter, the one responsible for the death of Prince Jaehaerys is actually Prince Oberyn Martell, who had poisoned the Prince before he had to leave the city for some time."

"Prince Oberyn Martell? But what motive would he have to do such a thing?" Catelyn was surprised to find out who it was.

"Assuring the succession of Prince Aegon, who is his nephew, and taking out the most direct rivals." Daemon spoke up, drawing the attention to him. "What? It is as obvious as it can be, isn't it? I do not know for sure, but I doubt that many had liked the fact that King Rhaegar took a second wife and had children with her, and House Martell would have seen this as a threat to themselves and their influence. While Aegon was the eldest and the Crown Prince, with Jaehaerys being right behind him down the succession line, it meant that there was a good chance of Jaehaerys ending up as the prime heir to the throne. After all, the King did take another wife, circumventing a number of laws. Who is to say he wouldn't prefer a son from his new wife to the one he had with the previous one?"

"Hm, Daemon does have a point. When I was in King's Landing, Rhaegar had introduced me to Oberyn Martell, and while the man was polite to a point, there was a clear animosity that he displayed towards Lyanna and me." Benjen noted. "Given his reputation and the history of his House, I can't say I'm too surprised that he was behind the death of Jaehaerys. Was he apprehended or did he manage to escape?"

"The letter says that he was actually found dead in a brothel, poisoned by the girl he was with." Eddard told them all. "It is unclear if Prince of Dorne or Queen Elia were actually involved in the assassination attempt."

"Queen Elia wouldn't hurt him or Visenya that I can say for certain." Daemon simply told them.

"Regardless, this means that Daemon is safe, and that is what is important." Lyarra simply told them all with a smile, before she saw the second letter. "Maester, did you say that the second letter is for Daemon?"

"Um, yes. It is explicitly said to be for him." Luwin stated, with Ned handing the second letter to Daemon, who opened it up and read it.

Daemon,

My son, though my words and actions of the past have created a rift between us, I was granted a revelation that revealed to me the folly of my deeds and actions. I now realize that what I have done to you was horrible and instead of ostracizing you, I should have rejoiced at having you. The gods revealed to me my mistakes, and I now shall put all the effort to make it up to you, Daemon.

Though your brother is gone and your mother put the blame on you, I know now that you had nothing to do with it, and that what Viserys tried to do with you was horrible. The deaths of my son and brother, though they sadden me, were necessary to show me the folly of my choices and malevolence of the closest to me. With my eyes finally open to me, I wish for you to take your place in your family, at my side, though the choice is yours, Daemon.

Please write to me as soon as you are able, so that we may once again be able to reconnect.

Your father,

King Rhaegar Targaryen.

Daemon wasn't sure that he read it right, and so he reread it several times, before coming to terms with the fact that this letter seemed to be genuine. To receive such a letter from the King, a letter itself from him… something didn't seem right.

"Lord Stark, could you confirm to me, if it is the King's handwriting?" Daemon asked of him, handing him the letter.

"Yes, it is his handwriting." Ned confirmed to Daemon, surprising him, before giving the letter back to him. "I am confident that it is his hand that wrote it."

"Daemon, what did he write in there?" Lyarra asked of him softly, with Daemon looking intently into the letter.

"Something that I once wanted to hear more than anything, but now…" After a bit of thought, Daemon simply crushed the letter and threw it into the fireplace, where the still smoldering remains of the logs incinerated it. "Now that's the last thing I want to hear from him. If you do not mind, Lord Stark, I'd like to go, if you have no further questions."

"I do have a few, but they can wait until you are ready." Ned assured him with a small smile, with Daemon about to leave the room, when Maester called out to him.

"I am sorry, but when will you be able to bring me your letter to His Grace?" Luwin asked of Daemon stopping him in his tracks.

"I'm not going to waste good ink and parchment on him. You can write that to him if you want to, Lord Stark." Daemon simply told them, before leaving the room.

"Maester, I will compile the reply when I find time. In the meantime, return to your duties, and give Daemon some time off your lessons. He needs some time for himself, to think things through." Eddard told him, with Luwin obeying the orders and leaving the study. "Now… After all that we have seen and witnessed Daemon do and say, I want you all to promise me, that nothing that you saw here will leave this room." And immediately he received the word of everyone, safe for Catelyn, that they'll keep quiet about Daemon.

"You can count on us, Ned. Our Father saw that instantly that the lad was different from all the others, but he didn't let it change his opinion about him, and we won't. If anything, that's actually something of a useful thing he has going for him." Wendel said with a bit of a smile. "Imagine now, we've got ourselves our own Dragon in human flesh! And unlike the Southern ones, he's actually capable of breathing fire!" Wendel laughed at the fact that the Targaryens actually lost someone like Daemon because of their stupidity.

"Aye, imagine that..." Wylis chuckled a little at that one. "Still, who would've thought that the lad would have such a gift? The Gods really are on the lad's side."

"It's not the Seven who support him." Catelyn reminded them all with bitter tongue.

"And I say that this is the good thing, because what have those Seven and their followers have done for us? Robbing people with false promises, chopping down ancient wood with faces of our Gods, and then branding everyone who isn't like them a demon and a heretic." Dacey responded with strong tone, drawing ire of Lady Catelyn, before she remembered something. "Oh wait, maybe he does have the Seven's support, since he did win the Trial by Combat, didn't he?" She reminded with a smirk, only making Catelyn madder.

"Either he has their approval or not, it is clear to me that the Old Gods are on his side, and House Stark has never gone against their will, and I sure hope we won't now." Lyarra stated, with Ned nodding to her. "Now, if we are all done here, I'll be leaving. Eddard." For the first time since Ned assumed the position of Lord of Winterfell, his mother bowed her head to him in respect, signifying that she was now accepting him in full to his role.

"With your leave, Ned, we too would like to depart for our quarters. My brother and I have a long way until we reach the White Harbor, even by the river." Wylis told him with respect.

"Yes you may all go. All except Catelyn." The people bid him well, before leaving him with his lady wife. "Catelyn, I understand that you do not want Daemon to be here."

"You are right, and you shouldn't let him stay here either, Ned! Look at what he has already done, and what he has admitted to! Not only is he a sorcerer, but he is also undermining my son, your heir, with his actions!" Catelyn stated to him, with Ned letting out a frustrated sigh. "Ned, if you truly care and love me and our children, you will send him away. Let him go with the Manderly brothers, since they are so fond of him. Once he is gone, everything will be back to the ways they used to be."

"And you believe that everything was alright before, Cat?" Ned asked of her, confusing her. "Maybe for you they were normal, and I did believe it once, but now… Now I am quite certain that things aren't as good as they should be."

"Ned what are you talking about?" Catelyn asked of him.

"I am talking about the people losing faith in my House and their Lord. I am talking about our son, who acts like an entitled prat and does nothing to prove that he deserves where he is. I am talking about Lord of the North, who are questioning if I, a man raised by Jon Arryn and who has allowed the Faith into the North, am the right man to lead them through the winter." Ned told Catelyn. "Those are the problem that I've failed to take notice of, problems that I've ignored in favor of trying to be who I am not. And Daemon isn't one of those problems. He is, however, partly responsible for making me see where I was wrong."

"You can't seriously mean that." Catelyn did not believe what she heard her husband say.

"I do mean it, and now… Now I will be Lord of Winterfell that our people need, and I've already issued a decree expelling the wandering Septons and their escorts out of the North." Ned stated to Catelyn, shocking her. "I've allowed them to preach what they believed in, but I never expected them to forcefully start converting people into their Faith, while using my name to hide behind. I will not stand for this, and if they aren't going to abide by the law, then they have no place in the North."

"You did what?! Ned, how could you…" Catelyn wasn't able to finish what she wanted to say.

"I am not going to expel all the Septons out completely, but if those that remain do continue their aggressive practices, then I will see them gone as well, Catelyn. And that's not the only thing I am going to do." Ned stated to her with a firm tone. "Today, Robb has demonstrated how he acts and his lack of control, and that he needs to learn what it means to be Lord of the North. From this forward, I will personally educate him, and in the next year, I will sent him to be fostered with one of the Lord of the North."

"What?! Ned, this is an outrage! You can't send your heir to be fostered with one of those brutish thugs!" Catelyn screamed at him.

"Those "brutish thugs" are my House's vassals and they have served my House with loyalty for thousands of years, much longer and more leally than every vassal of your family, Catelyn, and I am not going to stand for you further insulting them!" Ned raised his voice at his wife, scaring her a little. "Do not think that I have forgotten how you've treated my vassals while they were guests here. This will not stand, Catelyn, nor will your attitude towards Daemon. You may not like them, but as my wife and Lady of Winterfell, I do expect you to be respectful towards them."

"And what if I won't comply with your demands, my Lord?" Catelyn asked in a venomous tone.

"Then I will find a Lady who will respect her duties and demands of her stations." Ned stated to her in a cold and hard tone, making Catelyn go pale.

"You… You wouldn't dare! I am your wife, mother of your children, Eddard Stark! We were married under the Light of the Seven, and only the High Septon would…"

"When the battle at the Trident was over and I surrendered to then Prince Rhaegar, he told me that if I wished for it, he would talk to High Septon and see our marriage annulled." Eddard revealed it to Catelyn, much to her shock. "Before I left the King's Landing for the North, after I've brought my sister to his side, he told me that if I ever desire so, he will make sure to annul our marriage. And while your brother is Lord of Riverrun and is married to Lord Tywin's daughter, but I doubt that either his vassals or his father-in-law will want to wage war against the North. Do I make myself clear, Catelyn?"

"Yes, you do, my lord." Catelyn replied with a cold tone. "I shall abide by your command. If that is all…"

"You may go." Ned simply told her, knowing that after this, his married life with Catelyn will never be the same.

"You did the right thing today, Ned." Ned did not even notice how his mother had entered his study again, having been driven into his thoughts. "I know that it didn't come easy for you and that after today, you and Catelyn won't be as close as before, but a Lord has to make hard choices for the betterment of the people."

"I now understand that there is much that I need to do, and though I know what I must do… I cannot help but wonder if I really am up for that task, mother. I am no Brandon or father, and I never was supposed to be Lord of Winterfell. Bloody hell, I was supposed to be a simple vassal Lord to them, not be the one to rule over the North!" Ned said with frustration, before calming down. "Brandon wouldn't have let the North down like I did."

"It is only for the Gods now to know if he would or wouldn't, Ned, but what I do know is that as much as you may idolize them, it won't change the fact that they weren't perfect, my son. Your father looked far too much to the South and not enough to the North, caring only for the ghostly ambitions and unreachable goals, while your brother may have been a Northerner with the wild blood. He was reckless and quick to action, yet slow to thought and contemplation, which has cost him his life." Lyarra said with sadness, as she moved close to her son. "The North requires not ambition or foolhardiness to lead it's people, but a calm and collected mind. A wolf that howls and bares his teeth only when it is needed, and who is listened to without hesitation, someone who looks after the pack, not after himself."

"You are right, mother." Ned said, understanding what she meant. "I… I am sorry that I have let you down so much in the past. I know that I have not been the son you wished me to be, and that my actions didn't paint in the best of lights for you."

"Mothers rarely see their sons become whom they wish them to be, it is something that they have to learn to live with. Though your past actions weren't to my pleasing, I never stopped believing in you, Ned." Lyarra told him. "I know that I wasn't the easiest mother to you either, and that there were things I wish I had done differently, but I want you to know, Ned, that you are my son, and I will always love and support you."

"Thank you, Mom." Ned smiled to her, feeling much better already, knowing that he was on the right track to fixing both the North and his pack.

---

Three days later. Wolfswood forest.

Feet hit the mud beneath, as Daemon descends from his horse, having reached his destination and now taking in his surroundings. An ancient and massive forest was composed of mighty and just as ancient trees, populated by all sort of wild life that was beyond Daemon's sight at the moment, not that he minded. Daemon knew that the Wolfswood was quite populated by the beasts, as hunters from Winterfell regularly brought either skins or entire animals to sell at the market or to Magni, who always looking for good quality skin to make into leather, and there were quite a lot of hunters in Winter Town and its surrounding villages. From what daemon heard, there was never a shortage of game in the Wolfswood and many young and promising men often ventured here in hopes of proving themselves, or impressing some girl.

Daemon was here not for those things, instead he took the reins of his horse and led it deeper into the forest, looking for a place that was forgotten and unheard of in thousands of years, most likely. The shrine of Aedra Kyne, where he was supposed to meet Sylvanas. There was still time for Daemon to consider the offer that Sylvanas has made, but he was done with contemplation and decided to take her offer of training, and so when Magni did tell him yesterday that he sensed her presence again nearby, that was when Daemon decided to go. It wasn't an easy thing to ask of his grandmother and Uther, to allow him to ride here, alone and without the approval of Lord Stark. Under normal circumstances, Daemon would never be allowed here, but after his revelations three days ago, others looked upon him differently.

Daemon never expected to be so open about his thoughts and feelings on that day, but that letter and the sudden discussion of his fate… it triggered something inside of him, and he could not simply keep it contained in him anymore. Revealing his ability to breathe fire was a massive risk and he could have easily not revealed it, but instead he did, knowing that there were a lot of rumors circulating about him being a sorcerer and that he was not a normal child, give his abnormal height, cleverness and abilities. While people of the North seemed fine with Daemon, he could still see some traces of fear and confusion, which led them to distancing them to a certain degree. Even Starks were also keeping their distance with him, and when that letter came, Daemon decided to take a risk and reveal to those that he trusted and who showed him kindness who he was.

The gamble seemed to pay off, as Daemon began to notice how the distance between him and older Starks has been reduced, while Lord Stark himself took an avid interest in Daemon and his activities, without barging in without thought. He would simply pay attention, ask at times a few questions, and give him praise and so on so forth, with the rest doing the same and more. Benjen and Dacey spent quite a bit of time each with him on the training yard and outside of it, bonding and talking with one another. Daemon's relations with the Manderly sisters did not really change, but he did notice that he was a bit calmer and more focused than he was before, probably due to the fact that he had let out what he was holding inside of him.

But where there the positives, Daemon also found the negatives, and those negatives mainly revolved around his relations with the Stark children, as they've increased their distance with Daemon, most probably at the behest of their mother. If before Arya and even Sansa would seek out his attention, now it was completely gone and both they and their brothers preferred to keep themselves as far away from Daemon as they could. Lord Stark and others took notice of it and the former thought about talking with them about changing their attitude, but Daemon managed to dissuade him from doing so. The kids will have to decide for themselves if they want to be close to Daemon or not and he didn't want their father or mother to influence their decision.

Though Daemon suspected that Lady Catelyn will make sure that her children kept their distance from Daemon for as long as she could tell them. Still, she did at least improve her attitude towards him, going from openly frowning and occasionally insulting him to simply ignoring and tolerating his presence without saying a bad word. That in itself was already a good enough thing for Daemon, although he sensed that the woman has found another way of letting out her anger at the boy.

And that outlet were the local Septs and Septons of the Faith, who suddenly became quite vocal and active in stating that Daemon was a spawn of the Seven Hells and that no normal child would ever be so tall, strong or smart. While those were simply words, Daemon and others suspected that they would not just stop at those, and that as long as Lady Stark shows her support to them, they would continue to grow bolder. Although Daemon was assured by his grandmother, that should these fools continue on with their wild preaching, they would find themselves thrown out at the orders of Lord Stark, who has already expressed his disapproval of their preaches. As for the populace at large, the people here were always firm believers in the Old Gods and so either ignored the servants of the southern Faith, or actively gave them a piece of their mind, which was quite a disapproving one.

Shaking off his thoughts, Daemon reached a small trail in the forest, one that was either used by the animals or hunters, before stopping and listening it, noticing that there was something… odd. It was like some kind of whisper, a breeze of wind passing through the trees and leafs, but Daemon could have sworn he didn't hear such things in reality. Moving a little deeper into the forest, he heard this strange sound increasing in volume, becoming more and more detailed, turning from a whisper and a song, one that was guiding him. Derailing from the trail, it took Daemon about half an hour to reach a hidden grove, marked by the perfect circle made out of nine weirwood trees, surrounding an open area with a small creak in it and the largest heart tree that Daemon had ever seen. Unlike the one in Winterfell, this one contained a face that did not seem to be carved, but rather grown on it, and it was a face of a woman.

The tree was the source of that strange sound that Daemon seemed to hear, and once he had tied his horse to one of the weirwood trees outside the circle, he stepped closer to it and reach out with his hand. When his hand touched the wooden face, Daemon's eyes close up, yet at the same time, he seemed able to see everything that was happening in the forest! Animals, trees, people who were hunting- it was as if he had a thousands of eyes! However, this was sudden influx of sensations, visions, sounds, smells and everything else nearly drew him mad, and as if the weirwood tree itself sensed it, a powerful blast of wind hit Daemon, separating him from the heart tree. Once he was on the ground, he felt like his head was going to break apart, while blood was trailing down from his nose, and it would take a few minutes before Daemon was finally able to compose himself and for the pain to finally leave his body and allow him to rise up.

"They say that the curiosity had killed a cat, but it had killed far more mortal men and women than cats." It did not take long for Daemon to recognize the voice of Sylvanas, and then see her ghostly form appear right in front of him. "I thought you were supposed be smarter than your foolish siblings. Be thankful that you have only ended up with a splitting migraine and a little pain after that reckless. People of many races suffered much more gruesome fates, after their attempts to use my mother's eyes."

"What exactly was that? It was like… It was as if I was everywhere in the Wolfswood and beyond." Daemon said, looking at the tree and still hearing the song in his head. "And then there is this strange song… What is it?"

"What you experienced is what the ancient people of this and other lands have practiced thousands of years before you. It has many names, with the people of this land calling it the Greensight, though they only know a small portion of its true potential. You have just connected with Kyne's entire realm in here, and were granted access to that entire she her servants are allowed to see, though only the present. Although I did not expect you to possess such an ability… Hm, perhaps it is one of the gifts of my mother to you, or is it because of Shor's blood in you?" Sylvanas mused aloud, with Daemon too wondering about it. "The more you learn the more questions you create, both for yourself and others… In any event, it would appear that this contact with my mother's shrine has opened your mind and soul to an ancient legacy of your bloodlines, ones which were given to them by Shor…"

"Ancient legacies of my… You mean the bloodlines of Targaryens and Starks?" Daemon asked of her, with Sylvanas nodding to him, before turning back to the tree. "This tree… It is different from the others, and not just in appearance. It almost feels like it is not of this world, with energy of the Nirn circling everywhere around it."

"Indeed it is different from all of the other weirwood trees, for this particular tree, and all the rest like them came not from Nirn, but from Sovngarde itself, as one of the gifts of Shor to his wife, who seeded hundreds of forests with them all across Nirn." Sylvanas told Daemon. "These trees are the eyes and ears of my mother and Shor in Nirn, among many other methods, while also remaining hidden through magic. The only reason you even reached it was because you are able to hear Kyne's Call, otherwise you would've wondered the forest and never reached it. Feel honored, for only her chosen ones have the ability to hear it."

"Yeah…" Daemon simply said, processing everything he heard and learned, before turning to Sylvanas. "You said that if I had the answer to you offer, then I should look for this place and find you, correct?"

"Yes, I did. Took your time coming up with an appropriate response?" Sylvanas asked rhetorically. "Not that I mind the waiting, since I too had a business to attend to, while you were contemplating my offer."

"So I've heard." Daemon said to her. "Not that I mind your appearance, but since we are in a hidden grove, would you do me a favor and reveal yourself in your real form?" Daemon asked of her.

"What, have you grown bored with my current look? Most mortals don't complain when they see whatever form I am using." Sylvanas noted with amusement in her voice.

"Most don't know what I know, and to be quite frank with you, it is a bit distracting, being able to see right through you." Daemon admitted, with Sylvanas chuckling.

"Very well, I think I will comply with your request. After all, I do prefer my interlocutors solely focused on me when we are conversing." And in the next second, her ghostly form disappeared, and in it's stead appeared the form she used when confronting Rhaegar. "Now, does this appearance grants you enough focus, or should I use something a little more vivid?" At that moment, her paleness disappeared completely, with her skin turning fair and hair blonde as sun's rays, while her eyes became glowing blue.

"Both will do just fine for me." Daemon told her.

"Then I shall settle on the latter, since it is my preferred look when I am not forced to deal with fools and straightening out those that dare interfering with me and my kin, like I did with your father." Sylvanas knew that this would immediately get Daemon's attention. "And I am not referring to your Dovah parent, but one who seeded the womb that gave birth to you."

"Am I to understand that you are responsible for his sudden change in attitude towards me?" Daemon immediately asked of Sylvanas. "And you wouldn't have had anything to do with Jaehaerys' death, would you?"

"And what if I did, in the former's case? As for the latter case, I believe we both know which serpent's venom cause your brother's death. By the way, not a bad of getting rid of him, using the assassins he sent after you, although I am curious as to why you didn't use them to kill either Rhaegar, or more importantly Aegon?" Sylvanas asked of him in an interested manner. "Oberyn, despite his own schemes and machinations he was pulling with his brother and whore, was still just an instrument, used by Rhaegar, in favor of securing Aegon's future. And I can tell, that you wanted revenge, not just for the assassination attempt, oh no. That was just the fresh tip of the iceberg of all the abuse and pain they've caused you. So why didn't you take your revenge, when you had the perfect opportunity?"

"You mean to tell, that I should've given the Faceless man either Rhaegar or Aegon's name?" Daemon asked, with Sylvanas not answering that one, knowing she did not have to. "In Aegon's case, I can say that the only reason I wouldn't want to kill him is because of Elia, since it would hurt her."

"Yet killing her brother isn't going to be hurtful to her? We both know that you are not completely truthful, and even if you did care so much about Elia, you wouldn't have put a hit on Oberyn, her younger brother. Even if she did grow irritated and angry with him, he was still her sibling, and the one she grew up with, and now she is mourning his death. Death that you've caused." Sylvanas pointed it out to Daemon. "You didn't care about Elia in that moment, did you?"

"No, I did not take her into account when I made that decision." Daemon admitted to her. "I named him because I wanted him gone, and that is all. And I do not feel guilty about it one bit, even if I've possibly have ruined my relations with Elia." He admitted grimly.

"So you wished the Viper gone, but at the same time you didn't want to kill both Rhaegar and Aegon, even though they are the reasons for your miserable life?" Sylvanas asked, prodding deeper into Daemon, before he finally answered to her.

"No, I didn't want them to die, because it would be too damn easy for either of them, and not enough." Daemon stated with anger to her. "That House, that family, has made my life into living hell, and all I knew is that dark hole in which they put me… Death may be what they deserve, but it is not what I want or care about. What I want is more… I want is vengeance for what they have done to me."

"Vengeance… Don't you mean revenge?" Sylvanas asked of him with a small smile.

"No, I mean vengeance, not just simple revenge. I want them to be punished for what they have done, to recognize their fault and beg for mercy and forgiveness. I want them stripped of all their regality and external nobility, left bare and exposed to everyone for shallow, rotten and superstitious degenerates they are." Daemon stated with conviction to Sylvanas. "What's the point of killing them, if it means that they get away with what they've done with being justly punished?"

"Ah, so that's what you want… And you want them to know exactly who has unraveled and ruined them, don't you? Even if it means hurting your grandmother and Elia Martell, both of whom are tied to them?" Sylvanas asked of Daemon, seeing that he was not even flinching at the idea.

"I would like to avoid hurting them, yes, but getting what I want does mean that someone will have to get hurt because of it. And besides, vengeance isn't my sole purpose in life, nor is it the most immediate concern to me." Daemon admitted to Sylvanas, who raised her brow at him. "My whole life I wanted to see what was beyond my dark room, past those walls of the Red Keep. My journey here was a dream come to life, and I enjoyed it immensely, and I wish to continue it, when I can, without being chained to my past. Vengeance can come in several forms, and I am not in a hurry to get it."

"Ah, so that is what you really want, don't you? Freedom." Sylvanas voiced it aloud. "Freedom to make your own path in life, without anyone ordering you or chaining you to themselves. That is what you really want, isn't it? Even if it means not getting your vengeance?"

"A small price to pay when compared to endless other possibilities that exist out there." Daemon stated without hesitation, making Sylvanas chuckle. "From what I heard about you, that is something you would at least understand." At that moment, her chuckle turned into a full-blown laughter.

"So you have had a chat with Magni about me, haven't you?" Sylvanas asked of him rhetorically, after calming down a little. "Indeed, being free and unchained is something I understand, and endorse fully, but in my case, revenge is also what I desire nearly as much as being free."

"I never implied to understand or compare our situation. Only directly said what I meant." Daemon told Sylvanas. "You offered me quite a lot, yet so far I get only questions and need to answer them. Are you trying to figure me out?"

"Naturally, since what would be the point of training you, if the teacher doesn't know his student." Sylvanas all but confirmed her intention to Daemon. "Now, why don't you satisfy my curiosity and answer one final question: what are you going to do now that your father has turned from hating to loving you?"

"I do not care if he has changed his attitude or not, because at this point, the only thing I want from my previous family is either vengeance, or being left alone. Whatever he may believe me to be, the Promised Prince or not, doesn't make any difference to me." Daemon stated to Sylvanas. "Even if I am chosen by the Aedra, that doesn't mean that I don't have a choice in the matter. And my choice is not becoming what that man would want me to be. Let him play his games with his eldest as he has done for all this time."

"Mm, I like it. You do mean to stick to your ideal, don't you?" Sylvanas smiled to him. "Now, since you are here to give me your answer, what is it that you have to say to me?" She asked of him.

"I think my answer is already known to you, Sylvanas. Otherwise, why would waste my time getting so far into the woods, just to tell you no?" Daemon asked her with a smirk.

It was at this point that Sylvanas knew, that this was going to be one student she shall thoroughly enjoy training in all that she had to offer him.

---

Three weeks later. Catacombs underneath Winterfell.

Ned and Daemon moved through the extensive and vast network of caverns, hidden hallways and passages that made up the hidden labyrinth underneath the ancient castle of House Stark. These passages have not been in use for many centuries and were largely forgotten by the Starks ages ago, but lately… Lately they have become used once again for purposes that Daemon planned to reveal to Lord Stark. Convincing him to come down here wasn't easy, and it was even harder to make him come here without anyone's knowledge and without him telling anybody, but Daemon did manage to just that, thanks to the fact that Ned Stark was willing to put his faith in Daemon.

Young Feldrake had to admit that he has changed his opinion on current Lord Stark, and it was towards a more positive side, since the man has taken it upon himself to protect and care for him. After weeks of incessant and outright outrageous verbal attacks upon Daemon and all those that cared for him by the Faith, which now included the majority of House Stark and their head, Lord Stark has had enough. He gave them an ultimatum: either they get out of Winterfell and the North on their own, or he will send the Septons to The Wall on the charges of affronting House Stark in the open, harassment of its members and outright assaults on Daemon.

While there weren't many cases when servants of the Faith were sent to the Wall, laws didn't exactly prohibit a Lord to rend his judgement on servants of the Faith, in certain cases. Lady Stark and the Faith complained and demanded that their demands be met in regards to Daemon, but when the Quiet Wolf ordered his household guard to assemble in full gear in front of the Sept, the servants of the Faith surrendered left Winterfell and headed South, along with the almost every other member of Faith. The Sept itself was then taken apart and it's stones and wood, as well as all the goods that were stored inside, put to good use for the people of Winterfell and Winter Town.

As much as Daemon and others were glad to see this change in Lord Stark and his attitude, as well as him taking his duties as both Lord Paramount of the North and father, Daemon suspected that there would be consequences for what he had done. Some of those consequences have already arrived in form of a letter from Lord Edmure Tully, and although Daemon was not privy to its content, he suspected that it was filled with either insults or threats, if not both at the same time. Another letter, this time from Hand of the King, Jon Connington, had arrived a short while ago, and this time Daemon at least knew the contents. The Hand of the King has expressed that he was angry with his recent decisions of Lord Stark in regards towards the Faith, and that if he wishes to remain in the Crown's graces, he would do well to allow the Faith to return to the North and support them. Fortunately, Eddard Stark did not take the word of the sword-swallowing bugger seriously and continued on with his new course of actions and policies.

Now Daemon was about to do something that was going to assist Lord Stark in his endeavors, as they closed in on the location.

"Daemon, how much longer are you going to lead me? Are we still within Winterfell's bounds?" Ned asked of him, as they passed another passageway.

"We should be, or so I hope. I myself have only found my way here three days ago, and… We are here." Daemon stated to him, as they arrived in a large open room, lit with torches, filled with crates and chests, with Uther waiting for them, as he sat on the stone bench.

"Lord Stark, apologies for all this secrecy, but… Let's just say that the situation has called for it." Uther told him as he rose up, with Lord Stark stepping inside the room, looking at the crates. "I'll assume that Daemon hasn't told you exactly why we needed you here, has he?"

"No, though I did ask him a couple of times. All he said that this was something important and that I will need to see it. But all I see are a bunch of crates and chests, rather a lot of them." Eddard stated, as he moved his torch to those crates, noticing a seal on them. "This white and black seal… I've never seen it or any like it. Where did these crates come from?"

"They came from Braavos, and the seal on them belongs to the House of Black and White, the place that produces the Faceless Men, same ones who have been hired once to kill me." Daemon stated to Ned, surprising him, until Daemon moved to one of the crates and opened it up.

Inside, Ned saw probably the last thing he expected to see, which were golden coins, carrying on them the symbols of House Targaryen and Westeros. And the entire crate was filled with them to the brim, and Ned suspected that the rest were also the same. Recovering from his initial surprise, Ned touched one of the coins, grabbing it and looking closely at it.

"It's a golden dragon… Daemon, why would those killers bring gold to you, and how much of it is in those crates?" Ned asked of him.

"Because this is their way of apologizing to me, for trying to kill me, and a way to make up for it. This money was used as a payment for my life, and according to the messenger who brought us here, there is over 200 thousand golden dragons." Ned widened his eyes when he heard the number. "This money is the price someone paid to get me killed. And I doubt I have to explain to you who it was."

"The King... Are all these crates…" Ned said in shock.

"Aye, they are all filled to the brim with gold." Uther confirmed it to him, as he stepped closer to them both. "I thought it would be less than that… Math was never my strongest suit, but even I know that this is a whole lot of money. More than was used to arrange the Tourney at Harrenhall, probably."

"Anarion told me once that to arrange that Tourney, the Prince gave Lord Whent over 150 thousand golden dragons, so yes, it is a fair bit more than it was used for that tourney." Daemon admitted to them. "I am sorry for not telling you about it earlier, Lord Stark. I honestly didn't even think they would bring it all the way here."

"I… Well, I wish I could say that I understand, but honestly, I am still in a bit of shock over all of this. When did those killers even tell you that they were apologizing to you?" He asked of him.

"Over a month ago, I believe it was, right when I first went to Magni's smithy. When we were returning, one of them approached us and he told us that they were apologizing for their attack on me. According to him, their God wasn't pleased with them for doing what they did." Daemon stated to Ned, confusing him.

"Those assassins are also priests of something?" Ned asked aloud, not knowing what else to say.

"In their own way they are, Lord Stark." Uther told him, drawing attention to himself. "When I was in Braavos, back when I was still a sellsword, I learned a few things about those assassins. To them, a contract on someone's life is not simple work, but a service to their own God, the Many-Faced God as they call him. For them, killing someone isn't just a job, but serving to their God, and they always carry out their duties. The only reason why they would stop is if they were told to do so, but not by the client, but by someone above it."

"You mean that their God… You really do carry quite a favor of the Gods, don't you Daemon?" Ned asked of him, understanding now what he meant. "Alright, I believe you. But why did you bring me here?"

"I brought you here because I wanted you to have this money." That statement surprised and shocked Ned, as he turned back to Daemon. "The way I am now, and with the life I have at the moment, I don't really have a need of all this gold, but you do."

"What do you mean by it, Daemon? My House may not be as rich as the Lannisters or Tyrells, but we are not exactly poor." Ned reminded him.

"No, and I never meant to imply it. I meant that this gold, all of this money that was used to paint a target on me, you could put to far better use. Unless of course you plan on returning it to the Crown." Daemon said the last part in sarcasm, with Ned not responding to it, before turning to it.

"This… That is a lot of gold, Daemon. More than most Houses in the North make in years, and you want me to have it?" Ned asked of him again.

"Yes, and use this money to do good for your House, for the North." Daemon told him. "I've heard from grandmother that you have plans to improve the situation here in the North, to rebuild Moat Cailin and expand the farming and other things. But to do all that, you would need money, which is right here and I am giving it to you."

"With this much gold, we would indeed be able to rebuild and reinforce Moat Cailin, and do a lot more… But can you tell me why are you really doing this, Daemon?" Ned asked of him.

"I am doing it because you and grandmother gave me something that is far more valuable to me than all this gold- you gave me a home. And this is my way of repaying you for it, though to really pay you back, I would need far more than just this." Daemon motioned at the crates, with Ned understanding what he meant. "You gave me a home where I don't feel like a prisoner, and where I am not treated as a freak and an outcast, even if some do try to do it. And that… That is worth far more to me than this."

"I see…" Ned let out a sigh, finally coming to a decision. "I suspect that you won't take no for an answer, will you?" Ned asked of him, with Daemon shaking his head.

"No, not really. I'd just give it to grandmother." Daemon and Ned chuckled at that one. "I understand that you have your honor and dignity, Lord Stark, and I respect it, but this is my gift to you and the North, for giving me much more than this."

"I understand, and I will accept this gold, but on two conditions." Ned told him, with Daemon turning to him. "The first one, is that I want you to always trust me. If you have something you want to share, or something that is troubling you, you can always come to me and tell me about it. I may not be your father, but I am your uncle and I will look after you for as long as I live."

"I will, Lord Stark." Daemon promised him. "And what's the second condition?"

"The second one is that I will accept only part of this money. I will take three fourths of all this and put them to good use, as you wish of me, but the rest will remain yours." Eddard told him, surprising Daemon. "I know that you are special, Daemon, and although I am glad to have you here with us, I know and understand that there will come a time when you will need to make your own life. I can see that while Winterfell may be your home for now, but eventually you will want to move on. And when you do, whether you wish to leave for Essos or become a lord of your own castle here in the North, that gold will be waiting for you. Does this sound agreeable to you, Daemon?"

"It… It does, Lord Stark." Daemon accepted the deal, as they turned back to the gold. "Now we have to figure out where and how to move it all. We could just leave it here, though I suppose finding a way here is a challenge in of itself."

"I will think of something. Still, how in the Old Gods names did they manage to haul it all the way here, without anyone noticing anything?" Ned asked aloud, seriously considering improving the defenses and security of his lands and castle.

"I doubt that they would share that secret with us, Lord Stark." Daemon simply said, with Ned agreeing with him.

---

8 months later. Winterfell. Great hall.

The great hall of Winterfell was filled to the brim with guests and servants, with food and drinks a plenty and music playing loud, as the people enjoyed the occasion. Daemon too was enjoying the moment, as he sat with the Manderlys girls and their parents, while the Starks were entertaining the main guests, which were quite enjoying the attention and hospitality of House Stark. For everyone who lived in Winterfell, and in the North, it was quite a surprise to see people of Lys, and even more surprising and shocking was the fact that one of the key members of House Rogare, Alessandro Rogare, coming to Winterfell with his entire entourage on a personal ship, to pay Lord Stark a visit.

To say that the second son of Lys' First Magister brought with him, what seemed to most people, half of Lys would be an understatement. The man and his entourage came to Winterfell with grace and pride that not even a King could afford, but Alessandro Rogare did, and he brought along with his presence a great many gifts. Silks from Yi Ti, exotic furs, dresses, fabrics from Volantis and further, gems and more, the man seemed not aware of words like modesty and parsimony, showing House Stark and it's members in gifts. Even Daemon and the Manderly girls were able to get more than their fair share of gifts, even though they normally would not have, but there was just so much of them that Lord Stark decided to give some of them to members of his household and their families.

Now Lord Stark and his family were entertaining Alessandro and his closest followers, including several of his mistresses and his wife, who proved to be quite gracious guests, enjoying and praising the hospitality of House Stark many times already. And although there didn't seem any need for Daemon to suspect anything of bad nature from this, the visit of one of the most prosperous traders and bankers in Lys all the way here to the North, and his gifts to all… Feldrake, just like many others, had suspected that the man wished to broker a long-term trading agreement with the North. It was somewhat odd and surprising for Daemon, seeing this man trying so hard to get on the good side of Ned Stark, hoping to make trading alliances with him, seeing as the North was not exactly the richest of the Kingdoms.

There was definitely something unknown to Daemon and Lord Stark going on, with this sudden interest of Lys in the North, while seemingly ignoring far more valuable potential partners, like Westerlands or Reach. When Daemon thought about it all, it seemed obvious to him, that in majority of possible trade agreements made with Lys, it would be the North who would reap the most benefits, not Lys. Traders from the North would gain a new market to sell their goods and buy products from nearly all over the world, which would strengthen the economy of the North and make it stronger over time. Then again the North was already gaining more and more power, thanks to Eddard Stark's hard work and the gold he received and used.

Maybe Daemon was reading too much into it, but after all this time training and learning under Sylvanas that he was no longer capable of simply closing his eyes to the obvious and hidden. The Aedra didn't lie when she said that she had quite a lot to teach Daemon, it was not just magic and secrets of Nirn, but also survival, tracking, hunting, manipulation of people around him, and many other things. Sylvanas is a demanding and harsh teacher, expecting only the best from Daemon and not allowing him even a moment of reprieve when studying, sparring or training with her, and Daemon learned quickly to meet her expectations, and at times exceed them. Though unorthodox in many ways and areas, there was undeniable value in all that she taught, and even now it showed in full, how Daemon has changed in both personality and appearance.

Losing what remains he had of his naiveté and embracing the reality of the world completely, Daemon seemed to have matured and strengthened over these past months, already looking much like he was over 10 years old, not 7. Tall and strong for that age, he now started look a bit more distinctive from his Valyrian father, taking more of Stark's details, but in a more refined and dignified way. His hair was still long, reaching past his neck and shoulders, and although Daemon was asked a couple of times by some people to have it cut, he did not want it and although he could, there was a reason for. The truth of the matters was that he had lost a bet to Arturia and Morgana, when they challenged him and Rhae to a training fight, and as a penalty, he now had to let his hair grow as long as Morgana's, which were quite long already for a girl of her stature. Not that Daemon minded, as he actually took a liking to making his long hair into braids on one side, while leaving the rest flowing freely, with the girls more than happy to assist him in making him look prettier than Sansa, as some people around Winterfell would say, much to Sansa's apparent chagrin.

While Daemon's relations with the Stark children didn't improve as much as Ned Stark and Lyarra had hoped, at least he wasn't ignored by them anymore, and they openly interacted with him in a friendly form. It also helped that Robb has started to grow out of his less savory qualities, showing that there was some Northern stuff inside of him after all. But where he didn't get close to the Starks, Daemon more than made in growing closer to his friends in form of Arturia, Morgana and Rhaenys, with all four now being as thick as thieves. Before coming to Winterfell, Daemon never thought he would have such good and precious friends, but now… Now he seemed unable to live without them.

Suddenly, a warning instinct flared up in his mind, which he had developed after his countless hours of training under Sylvanas, and in the next second, Daemon's left had managed catch a walnut right before it hit Morgana in the head. Turning his eyes towards the next table, Daemon instantly discovered the perpetrator in form of Arya, who was now looking like she would much rather be anywhere else but here. Fortunately for her, with music, feasting and everything else, only Daemon and Manderly family caught on to what she had done. Bringing the nut down onto his table, Morgana shot a powerful glare to the girl, nearly making her squirm in the place.

"Thank you." Morgana thanked Daemon with a smile.

"That's some reflexes you've got there, lad! What were you up to since me and my brother had left ya up here?" Wendel Manderly asked, amazed at how Daemon had managed to catch that walnut.

"What have I not been up to in here?" Daemon asked in a joking manner, with Wendel laughing a little, before taking a sip from his cup. "And as for these reflexes, I do need them to keep up with the fighters here, and as you can see, this is quite a fierce competition I have here."

"Aye, I do not envy you, lad. Competing with all three of these ladies must be exhausting." Wendel chuckled. "And you girls aren't having it easy, are you? This lad sure as hell doesn't know the meaning of giving up."

"There's plenty of perks to man like that." Rhae said, taking a chug from her ale. "Most of the boys in the training yard like to whine like those little girls when they get their dolls taken from them, when they lose to us. Daemon just gets up, wipes his face and just says: "Come on, let's do it again!" Daemon shook his head in embracement as Wendel laughed with his booming voice, with Uther chuckling as well.

"He certainly does not lack for enthusiasm, or sheer stubbornness. Probably a bit of both." Arturia said with a smile.

"And that's what makes him all the more special to us." Morgana added in her own comment. "That, and the fact that he allows us to do his hair for him."

"Yeah, about that hair of yours lad. You now look almost as fetching as my niece." Wendel laughed again, with Daemon chuckling again.

"Why thank you, Ser Manderly. I did hear that my hair looks quite beautiful, especially when I add a bit of accessories to it." Daemon said in joking manner, with the entire table either laughing or chuckling. "But you have to admit, I still have some ways to go. Just look at the guest of honors." Daemon pointed at Alessandro, whose long silver blond hair was made in an interesting style, with jeweled hair clips in them.

"Aye, but that's nothing compared to what women of Lys prefer to do with their hair." Uther said, when he pointed at the four ladies that were with him. "Leave to the Lyseni to arrive with not just his wife, but also his mistresses in tow. At least he only brought three of them…"

"You think he might have more waiting for him back in home?" Wendel asked of him.

"Knowing House Rogare and their newfound wealth, I wouldn't be surprised if he had at least five more mistresses." Uther commented, taking a sip of his ale. "The Lyseni, both men and women, don't really have any frugality, when it comes to carnal pleasures and desires. In that regard, they probably could give the Dornish a run for their money."

"Sounds like you've got firsthand experience in that department, cousin." Wendel commented with a chuckle.

"Well, when in Lys, things do tend to happen." Uther simply said.

"And sometimes those things can continue on until they become something quite wonderful." Igraine said with a knowing smile, with Wendel looking a bit confused, before realizing what she meant. "Still, it is quite surprising to see this House make such a comeback after their fall from power. My own family never anticipated such a thing to occur, actually."

"I doubt few people did anticipate the Rogare family returning, and yet here is one of their members, sitting and dining with Lord Stark." Daemon commented. "Hard to imagine that I actually share blood with them, to be quite honest." That got the attention of some from the table.

"You are family with House Rogare, Daemon? You never mentioned that." Rhae noted to him with surprise.

"Not as close as one would imagine, but still it is a fact. Viserys II was married to Larra Rogare, when he was Lys during the Dance of the Dragons, and had Aegon IV and Aemon the Dragonknight with her. So yes, you could say that they are my kin, but they are so far removed that I imagine I would be closer to Blackfyres, if they were still around." Daemon noted, with Rhae deciding to let this one slide. "Still, I can't help but find it curious that the Rogare went here of all places, and not to, say, King's Landing or Oldtown."

"From what I've heard from my family, the Rogare are actually actively trading with them already, much to envy and chagrin of Tywin Lannister." Igraine noted. "Although I too find it odd to see them here. I never imagined the Lyseni taking such an interest in the North. Perhaps The White Lady has decided to send them here."

"The White Lady? And who is that?" Wendel asked, curious about it.

"Ah, just a local legend in Lys, cousin. Like grumkins and mermaids." Uther simply said.

"I wouldn't put it quite like that." Daemon said, getting the attention to himself. "The White Lady of Lys is a legendary figure, surround with as much mystery as she is revered in the city and by its people and rulers. According to legends, The White Lady first appeared just before the Century of Blood and Doom of Valyria, having predicted the end of Valyrian Freehold and reign of Dragonlords, and had instructed the people of Lys on how to kill the dragons and the Dragonlords that remained in the city after the Doom. Since then, it's said that there was not a single Magister, trading family or Merchant Prince who achieved success without the blessing of The White Lady. Even to this day she is stated to rule the people and the city, with her reach extending from Westeros to Asshai itself, if not beyond it."

"Where did you hear all of this?" Arturia asked of him.

"From Miriel. Back when I was in the Red Keep, she would often tell me stories and legends of Lys, describing each and every of them in great detail. This one was one of the first I remember her telling me about, and one she asked me to recite when I mastered Lysene language." Daemon said, taking a sip of honeyed milk.

"I thought you could only talk the High Valyrian, not Lysene." Morgana noted to him.

"I actually learned Lysene first, then Volantene, Braavosi and then the High Valyrian. Learning it after those two was really easy, they are pretty similar to each other." Daemon explained. "Not much to do when you are living in a dark cell, and the more time I learned or did something, the less time I had to think about where I lived, and why I was there."

"If you know their language, then can you tell us what they are talking about, lad?" Wendel asked, when he pointed to several of the Lyseni traders that were seated close to them, with Daemon listening in.

"They are talking about what game they hope to catch on a hunt in the next few days in Wolfswood. The one with peacock feathers on his coat hopes to catch a bear and present its pelt to his favorite courtesan back in Lys." Daemon translated to Wendel, who looked surprised.

"Ha, gonna have to ask Ned if he is willing to let you travel to White Harbor with us. My father would surely be glad to have you there, plus you could help us figure out what all those traders and travelers are talking about, when we invite them in." Wendel said, as he took a swing of his drink, before noticing that Benjen Stark joined them. "Oh ho, look who has grown weary of the company of Lysene ladies…" Wendel joked, with Benjen punching him in the shoulder lightly.

"Laugh all you want, Wendel, but I assure you, that you wouldn't last half an hour there with all of them." Benjen commented, as he grabbed a cup of mead and drank it. "Ah, now that's much better. I don't have anything against their wine and that drink they also brought… What's it called? Hits like a horse after you drink it, and looks like it's made of green lemons…"

"Absinthe?" Uther asked, with Benjen nodding to him. "That stuff is gonna mess you up if you aren't careful with it, Benjen. Hopefully you didn't drink too much of it."

"Dacey stopped me after my first cup. Bitter stuff, but warms you up faster than a dip in a hot tub." Benjen commented. "Thank the Gods that Big Jon Umber isn't here. He'd want the whole barrel of that stuff for himself and another one for his sons."

"I imagine he would." Wendel agreed. "So, congratulations are in order, I hear? With Moat Cailin well on its way being rebuilt and your lady wife soon due to deliver you a child, I would say that life is looking good for you, Benjen. Soon to be Lord of Moat Cailin and a proud father at last."

"Moat Cailin is still far from being completed, and Dacey isn't due until two months from now." Benjen commented, as he took a sip of water. "And as for the Moat Cailin, while it's repairs are coming along faster than expected, it'll be at least two more years until it's ready to receive me and my wife as its Lord and Lady. Still, I was honestly surprised when Ned decided to go and have it rebuilt all of a sudden."

"It was long overdue, if you ask me. Those Ironborn scum really did turn it into ruins when that Last Reaver of their raided it almost a hundred years ago. Good thing that Ned is getting it repaired, since it's keep both them and those sistermen away from our lands." Wendel commented, before noticing that Daemon was suddenly focused on the two Lyseni men near them. "Daemon, lad, what's got your attention?"

"Oh, sorry, I was just listening to what they were saying." Daemon apologized.

"Anything interesting?" Rhae asked of him. "You looked like they were talking about something pretty important back there. Care to share with us?"

"Well, now that you mentioned the Ironborns, they were actually talking about them at length. Apparently they've been raiding the trading routes in the Stepstones, close to Lys, Dorne and Tyrosh, and they've been really intent on boarding and capturing vessels, especially if they came from Volantis or Slaver's Bay. They've also been raiding trading posts and small towns along the shores of Disputed Lands, some reavers even daring to hunt in the vicinity of Tyrosh." Daemon retold what he just heard. "They've also spoke about how their fleet had managed to scatter and scare off most of them away from Lys, but they are still pretty prolific on the routes to the East and West."

"You sure you've heard that right, lad?" Wendel asked of him in full seriousness. "Could they have meant the usual pirate scum, the ones who are prowling from the Stepstones?"

"No, I've heard it quite clearly, and you can't mistake it when Lyseni speak about the Ironborns instead of simple pirates." Daemon assured him. "What's also interesting is that according to these traders, the Ironborns have also taken to capturing pirate vessels, intact or as undamaged as they could get them."

"And how do Lyseni call the Ironborns, exactly?" Rhae asked of Daemon.

"They don't actually have a word for them in their language. They actually call them "the Ironcunts" if translating directly." Daemon said, with Rhae chuckling a little.

"The Ironborn raiding so far south and east… That can't mean anything good." Uther said grimly, with Benjen and Wendel agreeing with him. "They won't be able to sail for much longer in those waters, once the Free Cities decide to deal with them for good. But something tells me that they aren't planning on sticking to raiding traders and coastal villages for long."

"Aye, they've always had lofty ambitions. Ambitions that have always involved the North and pillaging it." Wendel said, before turning towards Ned. "Ben, can you arrange a meeting for us with Ned tomorrow on the morrow?"

"I doubt he would oppose it, unless Alessandro decides to get right down to business first thing in the morning." Benjen said, before turning to Daemon. "Are you absolutely sure that it was what you've heard them say, Daemon?"

"Lysene is like a second language to me, Benjen, so yes, I am as certain as I can be on that." Daemon stated to him, with Benjen nodding to him. "If you need me, I'll tell Lord Stark about it too."

"He'll want to hear it, lad. If those salty bastards are raiding and capturing more and more ships for themselves, then that could mean that they are arming up for something big." Wendel told him with a grim expression, before a pint of ale was placed before him. "But, we can worry about it tomorrow, when we are sober and miserable. Tonight, let's celebrate while we can!" And after that, the celebrations continued on without a care in the world.

After a few more hours, Daemon felt like he needed to get outside to get some fresh air and to piss, so he politely excused himself and headed outside. After he was done and had washed his hands and face in a nearby water barrel, he headed back to the castle, when he suddenly sensed that he was being surrounded, and by people with not so good intentions. Though Daemon didn't have his sword, he did have his scale mail on him, which was refitted by Magni after Daemon grew more, and as for his sword, Daemon wished he had it, but he could still count on a number of tricks up his sleeves, thanks to Sylvanas.

"Hey you!" Daemon was called out, and he turned to see about seven not so pleasantly looking men glaring at him, with various weapons in hand. "Are you the one they call Feldrake?"

"I am, and you, judging by your not so amicable tone and variety of arms, aren't here to ask me which is to the brothel." Daemon said with cold sarcasm.

"No we ain't, you demon spawn." One of the men spit out with a snarl. "You've sinned against the seven, boy, and the Seven have deemed that it is time you were punished in accordance with your transgressions against them."

"And how, exactly, did the Seven communicate their will to you? Via ravens or through pigeons?" Daemon asked of them with a calm tone. "Before you decide to enact the will of the Seven, or at least someone who has decided to pay you for my head, you may not have heard, but I did kill my uncle Viserys, by spewing fire upon him."

"Yeah, we heard, and that's just one thing you are going to pay for, you bastard." Another man said, with Daemon finally realizing what their dialect was. "The Seven have deemed you a heretic and a demon, and they've chosen us to make you pay."

"Or rather your Lord, Edmure Tully, decided that it would please his sister, if I was removed from the face of the world." Seeing the shock on their faces, Daemon understood that he struck golden. "Let's drop the charades and be honest with each other. I imagine that you've arrived with the peasants from the Riverlands some time ago, travelled to White Harbor, and then awaited for a good opportunity to travel to Winterfell in a way that wouldn't draw attention to you. And so you arrived as part of Lord Wendel's entourage, while he was accompanying the Lyseni here." Daemon put all he had learned under Sylvanas to good use, as he seemed to be right in all aspects.

"How the fuck did he know it?" One of them asked, with fear present in his voice. "H-he's a sorcerer!"

"It doesn't fucking matter! Lord Edmure paid us to get him killed, and that's what we are gonna do!" Their leader stated to his men.

"Before you do that, I would like to confirm something about myself to you. Confess, so to speak." Daemon told them, seeing as they were starting to doubt doing what they came to do. "I did set my uncle on fire, and he died days later, in bed, covered in puss from his burns, with his death being full of agony, screams and pure pain. I can demonstrate how I did it, if you would like."

"H-he can't be serious…" The Riverman said with fright in his voice.

"Enough! We are Knights of the Riverlands and of Riverrun, anointed by the Septons and in the Light of the Seven. We are their truest servants, and we have nothing to fear from this abomination." Their leader decided to try and rally them.

"Oh, and then there is also the fact that when the King decided to execute me, I demanded a Trial by Combat, and my Champion had won it, by cutting off the head of the deadliest Knight in all of Seven Kingdoms, Ser Arthur Dayne, Sword of the Morning." Daemon decided to remind them, stalling them. "So if we go by your line of thinking, the Seven are actually on my side, since they've allowed me to live. And I doubt that whatever your Lord had paid you was enough to risk your lives."

"You may be right, but you only won back them because you had the Stagslayer on your side, but now… Now he is nowhere near, is he? You are all alone out here, whelp, and we'll skewer you like a rotten pig!" The leader stated, and prepared to move towards Daemon…

…When suddenly a swift slash was heard and the head of the Rivermen commander's head came off his body, with the rest hitting the ground soon after. Daemon glimpsed at the one who had done, and saw a person, dressed in a cloak with hood covering his eyes, holding in his hand a very familiar looking sword, with the Rivermen immediately turning their attention towards the one who killed their commander. Wasting no time, the rescuer's sword immediately went into the gut of another would-be assassin, skewering him and severing his spine, before slashing his way out of him and cutting in half another one.

Before one of the Riverman's bodies hit the ground, he grabbed the axe he held as a weapon and launched it at the farthest enemy, hitting him and splitting his head with it. After that, he moved towards the two remaining men-at-arms of Edmure Tully, who were already preparing to flee, before he suddenly appeared right in front of them and then ended both of them with a single slice on their necks.

The whole fight took less than a minute and yet by the time when it was over, Daemon knew exactly who it was, who had saved him. He knew only one man who could fight and move like this, and that man removed his hood and turned to face Daemon.

"I can't seem to leave you for one year without someone trying to kill you, can I, Daemon?" Anarion said in a half-hearted manner, as he smiled to him, with Daemon smiling back, with tears in his eyes. "I'm so sorry it took us so long to return, my son, but we…" Anarion didn't get to finish, since Daemon simply ran into him, hugging him closely, with Anarion returning the hug.

"You came back… You are here." Daemon said quietly, tears coming from his eyes. "I missed you… I missed you so much…"

"We would never abandon you, Daemon. Never." Anarion told him softly.

"And we missed you, Daemon. Madly." The soft voice of Miriel reached Daemon, and he looked towards her, as she stepped close to her husband. "My boy, oh how much you've grown…" Miriel smiled with tears in her eyes, as she went to hug him, and Daemon embraced her too.

"Father… Mother… You are here…" Daemon said softly, as he was finally reunited with his true family.

Phew, been a while since I've made this much progress in a span of one day, but I hope you like it. Now, as you can see Daemon has decided to share with a few people he trusted (and one he didn't) about what he was capable of, and revealed what was inside of him. I know that some will not agree with his decision, and criticize, and I too felt like it was out of place at first, but then I decided to use it as a way for him to grow up a little, to open up to those around him.

Yes, Daemon is aware he is different from others and that he is growing up not like any other child, and he does look older than he should be, and that is because of Dragon blood and soul, and blood of Shor in him. In short, he is maturing faster so that he will be able to fight Alduin without his physical age slowing him down in any way, but that doesn't mean that he will wither and die quickly. He is a de-facto demigod, and that contact with Kyne's shrine had also awakened a few things in him.

As for Ned Stark, let's just say that he has opened up his eyes and decided that it was time for him to do what he needed to do from the start. He will be different from the canon Ned, yes, but the core principals will stay the same. And as for the money, this was always going to be my plan about them, put them to good use for the North, since Daemon doesn't really have much of a need of them at this point.

Now, here is a little bit of task for you: what banner should Daemon have? Describe it in detail and leave it in the comment section, I would love to hear what you have to say. Oh, and while it was a timeskip, I do promise that there will be bigger ones following next chapter.

As always, comment, review, suggest romance options or future events, ask questions, I do like feedback from my readers, as it helps this story.

Next time: Tense meetings; Exposed fish; Ancient secret of Valyrian Emperor.