Chapter 9
Wow this took a longer time than I thought, but I guess that is what happens when you free style a story lol. I mean really think I could have done two chapters of my first story in the time it took to do this one. Anyways the winner of the poll is Achilles, which was a surprise seeing as Artemis was leading by 10 votes at one point.
Now on with the Q&A
Holyscythe I can't answer many of your questions on here without giving shit away. If you really like to know feel free to PM me.
I can tell you that they will never be enemies but at some points they were be more cool than they are right now.
For those who are wondering I don't know if a Genghis Khan I feel like one should but at the same time I am going for a slow growing type of empire. So, I kind of have to balance and cross that bridge when I get there. Most likely in the form of a poll.
Blackholelord they don't so much leave as take to the backstage and watch the world from a distance only interfering when they want or feel like they should. The children and the grandchild will always be around in one way or the other. In fact spoiler I am thinking of doing a part two story in taking place in the Mass Effect universe after I am done with this one lol.
Kulha I am lazy and don't feel like trying that hard. I mean really just working from the point in time that I am is hard enough. I am not Noodlehammer who seems to have a talent for those types of changes. Fyi really recommended that persons stories.
This-Mickey-Seems-Iffy I am sorry but I love those guys. Fools, hell yes but they are kind of like that stupid cousin that just love for being stupid.
MM Browsing I am going to go in to more detail into Narbo oldest son down the line. As for how much influence Kingdom of Numenor has on the North is a good question. Don't know the answer lol
Ceaser very close. Missed a bit but very close.
Rigald02 he will be a fucking monster. The things he does will be awesome and even though he won't be a conqueror he will be known the world over like Attila. Just with out the death and destruction that Attila will bring to the world.
Keechinator to give you some clarity on were Minas Tirith you have to pull up a map of Essos. I suggest the one on /en/galerie/essos. Now find Vaes Dothrak and go to the Mother of Mountains. From there head east and right their edge of the mountains is Minas Tirith. Now to answer the question of how big their kingdom is. Everything in between mountains and the tips of the river south of the Womb of the World is in their complete control. Now it could be said they rule everything all the way up to the run city of Gornath but they don't have the man power or the infrastructure to rule it.
With that said on with the story. Oh no poll next chapter I have to think of one.
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- Minas Tirith capital city of the Kingdom of Numenor 28AMH or 59BC-
As he rode on the horse provided by the rulers of the Kingdom of Numenor, Bryen Stark took notice of everything he had seen so far. From the simple stone road that they were riding on to the great walls of Minas Tirith itself everything was quite impressive. Especially the 50-foot-tall white wall that he could only assume surrounded the city. With its white as snow color and intricate carvings of dragons, wolfs, horses, and demons it was more along the lines of a piece of artwork than a protective wall. And it didn't stop there for when he looked up and saw the fortified towers that ran along it they two were like pieces of artwork. What with their sharp angles and decorative patterns they were really like miniature castles and were even had two floors. However, for all it beauty he could see how difficult it would be to take the wall during a siege. There were a number of arrow slits that ran along the fortified towers that didn't take away from its beauty, but what really made it deadly were the trebuchets that lined the wall. Though there was something strange about the trebuchets.
"I see you are admiring our fortified towers King Stark." Narbo says to him.
Looking over at the Shogun of the Kingdom of Numenor, Bryen takes a moment to remember exactly what the man's title meant. According to his son who was currently riding with Lelouch in a carriage the Shogun was the second most powerful person in the kingdom. Other than not being able to make laws or declare war there was little this man could not do and was in charge of the day to day running of the kingdom. It was a tremendous responsibility that showed on the man's aged face and gray hair. Bryen knew how that responsibility felt a bit, but his rule had been peaceful. This man however was the first Shogun of a kingdom that was still taking shape. Which in his mind made Narbo a person that deserved great respect.
"Indeed, I was Shogun Narbo. The buildings are very pleasant to look at, yet I can tell they didn't sacrifice anything in the way of defense."
"You have a good eye King Stark and to share a little bit of knowledge with you no one tower is exactly alike in design." Narbo says to the man.
Nodding his head at this Bryen says, "That is so it would be harder for them to take right? "
"Indeed, it is." Narbo says to him.
"Can I wager that some of them don't even have a way up to the wall?" Bryen asks.
Giving an amused chuckle Narbo says, "I can't tell you that King Stark, but I can say it would be a fairly safe wager."
"And what about those trebuchets? I see they are not normal as well seeing as one of them is facing inside the wall and not out." Bryen says to him.
"Ah you noticed that did you. Well I guess it would be kind of hard to miss after all a weapon pointed in the wrong way is quite useless. But to answer your question King Stark they are not facing the wrong way as so much as rotated in the wrong direction." Narbo says to him.
"Rotated?" Bryen asks in confusion.
"Yes rotated. You see each trebuchet is sitting on a rotating platform that was designed to turn in which ever way they would need to so as to fire on an enemy. Right now, they just so happen to be facing inwards due to routine maintenance." Narbo says to him.
"Amazing. How is this accomplished?" A man in a robe with a chain link neckless around his neck asks in wonder.
Looking over at the man who had come with the Stark family Narbo tries to remember the man's name and why he was here. If he recalled right the man's name was Croll and was some kind of learned man from a place called the Citadel in Westeros. According to Yahan the Citadel was some kind of order that devoted itself to the pre-suit of knowledge or so they said. Whether or not that was true could be called questionable at best.
"I apologize Croll was your name current?" Narbo asks the man nicely.
"That is current Shogun Narbo. My name is Maester Croll." Maester Croll says kindly with a bow of his head.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Maester Croll but sadly I can not tell you how they were made. It is a Kingdoms Secret." Narbo says to him.
"A kingdom's secret. What is that?" Croll asks.
"A kingdom's secret is a piece of information or knowledge that is not allowed to be shared with outsiders or those who don't have permission to know about it from Tenno-sama or Kogo-sama." Narbo says to him.
"Ah I understand Shogun Narbo." Croll said to the man fully understanding what was being said. For someone of his intelligence it didn't need to be said what would happen to a person if they went around trying to poke their nose in stuff they shouldn't.
"May I know who designed the contraption at the least?" Croll asks Narbo.
"Of course, you may know. After all it is no secret that it was Tenno-sama who designed it along with many of the other buildings in the city." Narbo says proudly.
Bryen who was only half paying attention to the two men after Maester Croll started asking his questions finds himself drawn back to the conversation. "You mean Lelouch came up with such a thing by himself?"
Taking no offense to King Stark's lack of use of his Tenno-sama's official title Narbo answers. "Indeed, he did King Stark. Tenno-sama is perhaps the most intelligent man in the world with Kogo-sama being the most intelligent woman. Nearly everything you will see in the city they had a hand in building."
Both men are shocked and amazed by this knowledge, but at the same time Bryen was not nearly as surprised as Croll. He had talked with both Lelouch and Lady CC during their brief visit to Winterfell and already knew they were highly intelligent.
"Well than I have to say I am even more excited to see this city. I couldn't make out a thing on the back of Jörmungandr. How much longer till we reach the city?" Bryen asks.
"Once we pass the wall we will be within an hour's ride of the main city." Narbo says to him.
"Such a long ride. Why didn't we just land within the walls of the city if it's still so far away?" Bryen asks.
Narbo laughs a bit and says, "Because King Stark as you both well know Jörmungandr has a small problem with landing. And ever sense he took out part of the wall during one of his lesser landings he is no longer allowed to fly within the city walls till his landings get better."
Both men say nothing at that having experienced firsthand how bad Jormungandr is at landing. In fact, they were in no rush to get back on the dragon for the time being.
"Perhaps you would like to join Tenno-sama in his carriage King Stark? After all, like you said it's still a long ride to the city." Narbo offers.
"That is alright Shogun Narbo. With my son in there I am sure I wouldn't get a chance to speak to him anyways. Plus, I always liked to ride and will enjoy seeing everything from horse back." Bryen says to him and continues to ride forward.
-Inside one of the carriages -
It was wonderful to see her daughter so active and playful with the Stark children CC thought to herself as she looked into the carriage that was right next to hers. While she had no feelings towards the Stark children one way or the other, they were quickly finding themselves in her good graces with how they were acting towards her child. As the princess of a up and coming kingdom that was getting more powerful everyday Hela would have little in the way of true friends. It was just a simple fact that she would have to get used to. CC knew that all to well, but till Hela was old enough to really understand that she would do all she could to make sure she could have at least a few of them and visit them as often as possible.
"I have to say Queen Stark it truly warms my heart to see Hela make such quick friends with your grandchildren." CC says to the woman as she watches the children play in the other carriage just to the side of them.
"As it does mind Lady CC, but please just call me Elna. If our husbands can drop any pretexts of titles than I am sure we can as well." Elna says to CC with a smile of her own.
"Very well Elna. So, tell me how was the trip? Did you find it as exciting as your grandchildren did?" CC asks with a small smile on her face. Knowing her son as she did, she was sure Jormungandr cause at least some trouble during the trip.
"I found it very enjoyable. Except for how Jörmungandr kept giving into my grandchildren's whims. Really he spoiled them for during the whole trip." Elna says with some distaste.
CC laughs a bit at this and says, "Yes well Jormungandr unlike his younger brother Smaug has always had a soft spot for children. In fact, when he was much smaller, he would let the children of the city climb up on him and give them rides around the city for their enjoyment."
"No offense CC but I can't understand how any parent would allow their children to ride a dragon who can hardly land right. If it weren't for the harnesses on him, I wouldn't have allowed my own grandchildren on him." Elna says to her.
"No offense taken Elna. I know full well how horrible my oldest son is at landing. It is the reason why when my husband and I travel we always have Smaug take us to were we wish to go." CC says to her in a amused tone.
Remembering the frightening black dragon that had shown up with them at Winterfell Elna says, "Yes he did seem to have an easier time landing than his older brother."
"Smaug has always been better at flying than Jormungandr. A fact that he never lets Jormungandr forget." CC says with a smile at remembering all the times Smaug would shove that in his brothers face and Jormungandr would retaliate by sitting on top of Smaug.
Coming from a large family that included 5 brothers Elna could easily guess what CC was thinking about and says, "It is somewhat relieving to see that even among dragons' brothers will always be brothers."
CC laughs a bit at this, "Yes I suppose that is comforting when you think about how intelligent they are compared to their lesser kin."
After a moment of silence Elna asks, "Tell me CC if Smaug is such a better flyer why didn't you send him to pick us up instead of Jormungandr?"
Taking a moment to think about how she should answer that CC asks, "Do you remember what Smaug called you and your family when he first landed at Winterfell?
"Ah, I understand." Elna says as she remembers what Smaug had called them.
Giving a sigh CC says, "His attitude really does worry me."
"Why is that?" Elna asks.
"Well as you have no doubt noticed Jormungandr and Smaug are quite a bit different from the stories you have heard about dragons." CC says to her.
"Yes, I have noticed that. I have never heard about a dragon being able to talk none the less think as those two clearly do." Elna says to her.
"That is because there has never been a dragon who had the same amount of intelligence as they have. They are able to think, feel and learn just like me and you and with that ability comes all the problems that go with it." CC says to her.
"Meaning?" Elna asks.
"Meaning that they have their own opinions on things. For example, Jormungandr doesn't mind giving people rides so long as they show him and his family the proper respect. Smaug on the other hand doesn't like people outside his own family. To him anyone that is not family is a lesser being and lucky to be allowed to breathe. If we had sent him to pick you up there was a very good chanse he would have just dropped, you and your family into the sea and say it was an accident." CC says to her.
Taking a heavy breath at hearing this Elna says, "Than it was a good thing you didn't send him to pick us up."
"Yes, it is. Really as a mother I often worry about his attitude but at least he's too simple minded to go around causing trouble." CC says with the same look that all mothers get when they worry about their children.
"Simple minded?" Elna asks.
"Oh yes, he and Jormungandr are the very definition of simple mindedness. Because they don't need to eat and are so big and powerful, they really don't have any wants in life. Smaug only cares about hoarding gold, silver and precious gems. The underground vaults of the city have plenty of that so he is content to stay down there guarding it. As for Jormungandr he like to travel, talk and sleep and not always in that order." CC says to her.
"Wow that is simple minded." Elna says laughing a little bit. If only all males were like that than perhaps there wouldn't be so much fighting, she thinks to herself. Then she says, "You said they don't eat. Is that right?
"That is right. They don't need to eat seeing as they are both sustained by the magic that made them." CC says but sees the confusion on the women's face and adds. "You see they are connected to the magic that makes up my husband and I. So long as we live, they will never have to eat a living thing. Not that they can't mind you but they don't need to."
Shifting a bit in her seat Elna says, "So you two really are gods. I had heard your people believed that you two were, but I didn't."
"And you shouldn't." CC says back to her.
Now even more confused than before Elna says, "I don't understand. Are you saying that you both aren't gods?"
"Well in away compared to you and everyone else in this world we are, but than what does the word god mean exactly. When you look at it closely it really has no meaning at all. It is just a poor attempt by people to try and explain away something that could never truly be understood. Even my husband and I who have both glimpsed of that which lies beyond couldn't hope to understand it. Hell, we could both live to infinity, then take that to the depths of forever and never really understand it. Me, you, your old gods and any other being that has existed or will exist is just one part of something far grander." CC says to her.
After hearing what CC has said to her Elna can't help but feel lost. She had grown up believing in the old gods and knew they were everywhere. They were in the rocks the streams, the birds and the beasts. They were nameless, faceless but good and true. But yet from what CC has just told her they were only a small part of something greater. The mere thought of which filled her with mine numbing terror.
Feeling her hand being taken in to another Elna looks up and sees CC who says, "Do not worry Elna. Your old gods understand more than most that they are part of something greater than they could hope to understand and accept it. Their only concern is protecting their children which is you and everyone else in the North. So that when your time does come you will go join your ancestors on the other side in peace."
Placing her other hand on top of CC's Elna says, "Thank you my friend."
-With Hela and the Stark children-
Inside the carriage that was riding right next to CC and Elna's the children of the Stark family were looking at everything with excitement in their eyes. They had never before seen such green pastures or such lovely fields of flowers before in their lives. Now the North had its own type of beauty with its rolling hills and snow-covered trees, but it had nothing like this. It was all so new to them and that was including the heat. In the North it could be cold even during the summer but here it was a nice warm spring day and the children were enjoying it. But there was something bothering them once they entered the city. The people of the city who they saw just going about their day from a distance a moment ago had all at once lined the sides of the road bowing their heads once they got closer.
"Princess Hela why are all these people bowing their heads to us?" Prince Josian asks her.
Looking over at him with an upset look Hela says, "They are not bowing to us. They are bowing to my momma and papa."
"Wow they must really respect your mother and father a lot." Prince Josian's younger brother Prince Melvan says to her.
"I guess." Is all Hela says back to him.
"What is wrong Hela? You seem upset." Maliya asks her.
Looking over at her friend Hela says, "It is nothing Maliya. I just don't like it when they do that. Whenever momma and papa are around, they do that and stop talking with me. It doesn't matter if I was talking with them a moment before or playing with them. They all stop what they are doing and bow their heads. It's annoying."
Hearing a laugh coming from inside the carriage all the children look over at Yahan who was tasked with watching them and hear her say, "Now, now princess don't say that. They are only showing the respect that your parents deserve. After all, without them many of these people would be dead, enslaved or have never been born at all."
"I know that Yahan. It's just hard to make new friends when they act like this." Hela says to her.
Really that was just an excuse to hide the real reason from her friends on why she didn't like it when the people did this. The real reason was because it was at times like this that Hela couldn't turn off her powers. Normally she could just ignore looking into someone's life force do to them moving around so much. But when the people lined up like this it was like a bright green torch was lit up and she couldn't help but see their life force. Which was not all together bad except it gave her a horrible headache. Yahan knew this and also knew all she had to do to make her princess feel better was let down the shades. But she wasn't going to do that seeing as it was clear that Hela was trying to tough it out so as to not ruin her friend's good time. Plus they were not that far from the Shogunate Castle.
As they came closer to the walls that separated the Shogunate Castle from the rest of the city the children look out the carriage windows with awed looks on their faces. They were able to see the castle from a distance before but now up close it looked so big and very beautiful. With its white curved walls and high pointed roofs, it had a sense of elegance mixed with power that even a child could feel. And once they are inside the walls the children's awed looks turn in to ones of delight as they see all types of trees and plants lining the streets. Their buoyant colors make them feel a sense of joy like they have step out of a pain and boring world in to one of eternal spring.
Of course, they are still children and have a natural curiosity that is peaked when they see guards dressed in black and white armor guarding a number of doors and pathways. Their mischievous little minds quickly turn to how they could get passed those guards and get inside these new secret places. And all at once they turn to Hela who's eyes say just wait and soon we will go exploring.
-Back with Bryen and Narbo-
The children were not the only ones to be impressed with what they saw, however. For at the same time that they were sticking their head at out the window King Bryen was also looking up at the castle in admiration. Like everything else he had seen so far it was a work of art but at the same time a fortress that wouldn't be easily taken. It must have been at least 200 feet tall with 7 floors or more. All in white it had such sharp angles they looked like they could cut someone into pieces and had decorative statues on the slanted roofs. But beneath its beautiful exterior he could make out arrowslits, ballista platforms and no doubt murder holes that were hidden from his site. Then there were these plain high white walls that were hidden behind the colorful flowers and trees they had been traveling in. They twisted and turn in all sorts of ways that he felt hopelessly lost in the first 10 minutes of traveling in them. He had been trying to remember the way they had been taking so far but with no luck and knew that was by design.
"Are you alright King Stark? You seem a bit confused." Narbo asks him in worry.
Looking over at the man he had been talking with during this whole trip Bryen says, "I am alright Shogun Narbo. I am just feeling a little lost is all."
"Ah I understand, I often feel that way myself when walking within these walls. For 20 years I have lived in this castle and have seen it slowly expand and for the life of me couldn't hope to remember how to get out of here." He says in good humor.
"I am guessing that was done on purpose, right?" Bryen asks.
"That is was Lord Stark." Narbo says to him.
Nodding his head at this Bryen says, "It would definitely make it hard to take the castle in case of a siege. "
"Not only that King Stark but to also help prevent assassination." Narbo says to him.
"Do you have a lot of trouble with such things." Bryen asks a bit worried about his families safety.
"Not as much as you would think considering the state of the lands. Every city and person on the continent are fighting to take the place of the Valyrian Freehold but do to the Dothraki we are more isolated then most. Most of the cities of the Kingdom of Sarnor have been destroyed by the Dothraki with only the cities of Saath, Mardosh and Hornoth still standing. Everything else east of that is nothing but runes." Narbo says in a soulful voice.
"I had heard passing tales of what the Dothraki had done before the conquest of Vaes Dothrak but I didn't thank it was so bad." Bryen says to Narbo.
"It horribly bad King Stark. I could still remember the day they came and sacked the city of Sallosh. I lost everything that day." Narbo says in a voice that is so sad that Bryen can feel the weight of the horrible memories Narbo must feel at all times.
"I apologize for having brought up such bad memories Shogun Narbo." Bryen says to the man.
Shaking his head Narbo says, "Think nothing of it King Stark. I have had years to come to terms with what had happen and have accepted it."
Simply nodding his head Bryen says no more. For a time, they ride in silence till Narbo sees the man looking back over at the carriage that holds his grandchildren over and over with worry on his face.
"Be at ease King Stark. Like I have said our kingdom is very isolated from the other warring parties out there and are at peace with the few neighbors we have." Narbo says trying to calm the man down a bit.
"Yes, but you forgive me for worrying. These walls make me feel anxious seeing as I now know they were built more to stop assassins than to stop invaders." Bryen says to the man.
"Well if it makes you feel any better the Queen of Shadows is with them right now. If there was going to be an attack on them, she would have known about it long before it happened." Narbo says.
"That is something I have been meaning to ask about Shogun Narbo. Several of the men and women I have met so far had the title king or queen, yet they rule no land. Why are they given that title?" Bryen asks him.
"Well while it is true that they don't rule any land you have to think about what the word king means. To be king or queen is to be a ruler over something and that doesn't always have to be land. Take the Queen of Shadows Yahan for example. She is the ruler of all shadows and can look into them and travel throughout them at will. No other than her can do this which if you thank about it makes her a queen."
Nodding his head in understanding Bryen says, "I see, I thank I understand what you mean Shogun Narbo. And it is because of her power that you feel I should no worry about my grandchildren."
"Indeed, King Stark. You see Yahan is not only the Queen of Shadows but also the commander of the Onmitukido." Narbo says to him.
"Onmitsukido?" Bryen asks in confused and broken words.
"They are the spies and assassins of the kingdom." Narbo answers.
"Which makes her one of the most powerful and dangerous persons in the kingdom." Bryen says with new understanding on who is guarding his grandchild.
He had heard a bit about the woman from his son Rydan and how she seemed close to the princess when she arrived to pick her up and take her home. He didn't fully believe his son when he told him about how the woman seemed to be able to travel through the shadows but having it confirm makes him feel both at ease and worried at the same time. Spies were never to be trusted as far as he was concerned, but with how Lelouch and CC seemed to spoil their child he couldn't see them letting anyone but there most devoted followers guard her.
"Knowing that my grandchildren are with such a capable woman is of great comfort Shogun Narbo and I thank you for putting my mind at some rest." King Stark says to the man.
"Your welcome King Stark." Is all Narbo says than silence takes a hold of them one more. Till they reach the entrance of the castle.
Once there Bryen gets off his horse and looks up at the towering castle. It had look magnificent from far away but up close it looked even grander. The childish part of them that he thought was long sense gone along with his childhood comes back to him and he has to stop himself from running inside the castle to see more. Instead he goes to help his wife out of the carriage and takes her hand. Then he leads her over to were the children are looking up at the castle in awe.
"Shall we go inside Bryen?" Lelouch asks when he walks up to the man.
"Yes, I would like that." Bryen says and quickly follows Lelouch, CC and Hela with his family.
Upon entering the castle Bryen and his wife both find themselves even more impressed by the interior of the castle. The outside of the castle which was made of mostly smooth white stone gave way to an interior that was made of polished wood that gleam so brightly that even the children felt like they should not step on it. That was still some servant ran up to them with several pares of comfortable looking slippers.
"I have to ask that you please remove your footwear and put on these slippers before entering the castle. It is a custom that we have kept from our homeland that is older than my husband and I." CC says to them with a smile.
None of the Stark refuse to do as asked seeing as it was not a big deal to them and because the slippers, they were being given each had an embroider direwolf on them. It was wonderful needle work, and someone great skill had clearly taken the time to make these just for them. To refuse would have been incredibly rude and even the boy's who felt like slippers were only for girls couldn't find it in them to be that. It was a good thing to because Bryen wouldn't have tolerated behavior like that.
When they're are done putting on their new slippers a few more servant step forward with a tray of bread and salt and they hear Lelouch say, "While our belief in guest rights is somewhat different from your own we do practice and honor them with the upmost respect. To us the word for guest rights is xenia which means guest-friendship. So long as you are within the borders of our kingdom, we give our word that no harm shell come to you."
The older Starks who were still feeling somewhat worried about their safety here in this foreign land now felt themselves completely relaxed at the knowledge that these people believed in guest rights too. So happily, they took the bread and salt from the tray and ate it knowing they were indeed safe from harm. Now with complete confidence they walk through the castle with their hosts in the lead and admire all they see. Despite its tremendous size the Starks quickly find themselves feel a sense of homeliness inside the castle. The interior is in actuality very simple and humble. With its plain white walls and polished wooden floors most of the castle felt like a home. But there was one thing that was remarkable about the inside of the castle and that was the rooms that had their walls, ceilings, and doors painted. There were not that many of them from what they could tell but the rooms that were painted were so beautiful to look at. With images of flowers, animals and in some cases landscapes each section that was painted was clearly a masterpiece of artwork.
Stopping at a particular sliding door with blue flowers painted on it Elna asks, "Who did this one? It is so much more skilled than the rest."
"That one was done by a pupil of mind name Wenella Irryris." CC says to her.
"You teach people how to do this milady?" Bryen asks as he looks at the same painting as his wife.
"Indeed, I do Bryen. I have a passion for art but am not nearly as skilled as I would like to be in it. So, I teach others who are far more talented than I in techniques that were developed and our homeland. Most of the paintings you see here were done by my pupils." CC says with a smile.
"I would love to meet this Wenella. She is clearly a talent above the others." Elna says as she keeps looking at the painting.
"I am sorry to say Elna that you won't be able to. The poor girl passed away from childbirth just last year." CC says with a sad smile.
"I am sorry too. To lose such a talent is devastating." Elna says. She too had a passion for art and though she only knew about embroidery and tapestry she loved to talk about it.
"Yes, what an artist the world lost in her." CC says and walks on.
About 50 years before the birth of her first child CC had grown quite bored with life and had taken up art as a hobby to help pass the time. But that hobby had quickly turned in to a passion for her and for the remainder of their time in their old world she had devoted much of her time in learning all she could about it. Now she would never be as great in art as say Da Vinci, Rembrandt, or Raphael but she had learned about every type of art there was. From Japanese Byōbu, to Classicism, and all the way up to Performance art she knew it all and planned to teach it to the people of this world.
After looking at the painting for just a moment longer Elna walks away as well but also thinks the same thing. The world really did lose a lot with the death of that woman.
As they keep walking CC says back to her. "If you like I am holding a class tomorrow for my pupils in the morning. If you like you are more than welcomed to join us."
"I would love to join you CC. Thank you." Elna says with a new smile on her face.
After about 20 to 25 more minutes of looking and walking they finally reach the 3rd floor of the castle which is meant for important guests. Being shown to their rooms they find each room is fit for a king with large beds and silk sheets. After they make themselves comfortable CC and Lelouch tell them when dinner will be ready and then take their leave.
With their hosts now gone Bryen sends his wife to go tend to the children and make sure they are comfortable as well as make sure they are ready for dinner tonight. They were already told when they first arrived that a feast would be held in their honor, so they had to dress their best for it. And as she goes and does that, he calls his son into his room so as to talk.
"So, what do you thank so far son." Bryen asks.
"Amazing, truly amazing father. Just thinking that this kingdom was only founded around 28 years ago and already they are so rich and powerful says a lot about the people and their rulers." Dravor says to his father.
"And Lelouch? What do you make of the man after you got to talk with him alone?" Bryen asks.
"Frighteningly intelligent and cold as ice. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was one of the heroes from the Age of Heroes. I mean father it is very easy to believe that he is as old as people calme he is. There is such wisdom in his eyes that is perfectly combined with the old age one would see in an old man." Darvor says to his father in wonderment.
"And his wife? What do you make of her?" Bryen asks.
"I haven't gotten the chance to talk with her yet but from what Lelouch has told me she is even older than himself and, in some ways, more powerful." Darvor answers him.
"Did he say how old she was?" Bryen asks.
"Around 1000 years give or take a couple of hundred years. He doesn't know but than he said he doesn't even really remember his own age." Darovr says.
"And do you believe that they are really that old?" Bryen asks as he thinks about what it would be like to live so long. Needless to say it was a frightening thought. To potentially live forever without being able to join his ancestors in death was too terrifying to think about for long.
"Like I said father there is both wisdom and age in Lelouch's eyes. You can hide many things with a fake smile and a charming voice, but you can't hide what is in your eyes. If he is not as old as he claims to be than he is at least older than you and I put together." Darvor says to his father.
"Hmmm I got the same feeling myself when I looked into his eyes back at Winterfell. I just needed to be sure I was not seeing things. Do you believe we can trust him and his wife?" Bryen asks.
"If he isn't, he is at least more trustworthy than House Hoare father." Darvor says to his father.
Just nodding his head at this Bryen can't help but agree with that. Despite the peace treaty he had with them he never took his eyes off his in laws. Plus, he had a feeling that Lelouch and CC were mostly uninterested in the thought of conquest and fame. The only thing he saw in their eyes when he talked with them was cold indifference, but whenever they talked about Hela their eyes would light up. He was sure that so long as he kept the friendship between his children and Princess Hela alive, he would never have to worry about them attacking the North.
"Then we shell show trust in them and behave ourselves accordingly. I have a feeling that if things go well the North will experience a time of prosperity the likes of which we have not seen in an age." Bryen says with a smile.
Nodding his head Darvor can't help but agree and then takes his leave to get ready for dinner.
-Later on, that night-
Like everything else so far, the Stark's quickly found dinner to be a magnificent affair. Foods from all over the kingdom and beyond were present at tonight and each of them had easily found something to their liking. On top of that the conversations he was having tonight were light and fun. More often than not he found himself telling stories of his kin and the past kings of winter much to the joy of Lelouch and CC's vassals. And he was not alone in his enjoyment for just across the room he saw his wife talking with the wives of the kingdom's top vassals. They were laughing and in good cheer which made him very happy. As for the children they were busy playing a game with Hela and the children of said vassals. He was actually surprised they were behaving themselves right now and even Maliya was not causing any trouble, but he had a feeling that would change soon enough.
Then there was the music. Such fine, joyful and relaxing sounds came from instruments he had never seen before. There were no words to most of the songs he heard so far this night, but than none were needed for he could feel the emotions of each song easily enough. These people were so strange and their customs so foreign to him, but that was not a bad thing. In fact, there was one custom he was really enjoying and that was on how drinks were poured. The wine or saké as it was called here was served in small beautifully decorated cups and bottles that looked like they cost a hell of a lot of coin. He was somewhat afraid of dropping one when he picked one up at first, especially seeing as the one he had picked up had the likeness of a wolf on it. They were splendid little things but what he liked the most was during a feast no man or woman poured his own drink. And he does not mean a servant pours it for you, no the guests pour the drinks for each other.
In his mind it was a wonderful custom that showed trust and respect for each other and also help with the conversations. If a man or woman saw a person with an empty cup than it was their duty to offer to refill it and talk with that person. Like just moments ago he had found himself with an empty cup and now he was pouring drinks with a man name Sroqnaq. He didn't know Sroqnaq up till now for he wasn't there with Lelouch and CC when he had first arrived but now he felt like he knew the man all his life. The man was the 4th seated officer in the royal guard, had a wife, three sons, a daughter and came from humble beginnings. In fact the man was a slave when he had escaped in to the Kingdom of Numenor and joined the army right away. From there he worked hard and trained harder till he was asked to join the royal guard and was now only three spots down from being the commander of the royal guard.
It was a wonderful tail and one Bryen planned to tell the people of the North when he got back there. But by far the best part of the night so far was when the traditional first drink was poured. Now this was a big thing seeing as the first drink was meant to be for the most important person at the feast and no one was allowed to drink till that person took the first one. And wouldn't you know it that in honor of him and his family visiting he was given the first drink. He truly felt honored during that brief moment.
Not all was good or to his liking, however. There was one thing he didn't like and that even now during this feast the great game was clear to see. It was more subtle here than back in home but it was still easy to spot if you knew what to look for. The prime example at the beginning of the feast he was told all person had to do to stop drinking was to flip their cup upside down to signal to everyone that they were done. But to refuse a drink from someone was extremely insulting and was more or less telling everyone that you thought of that person as an enemy. He had seen that happen more than once between the people here tonight.
Suddenly the music stops and Bryen hears Sroqnaq say, "King Stark look. My Kogo-sama and Princess Hela are taking to the stage. This is wonderful. I have been to a number of feasts over the last two years and have only heard them play three times."
Doing as he is bid Bryen does look up and seem them walk up to the stage were the other musicians are standing. When they get on top the stage, they each pick up an instrument. The little princess picks up what looks like a flute of some kind and CC a string instrument with a bow. Once they are set they start to play a beautiful song that captures the ears of everyone in the room including his own.
(Night of Beijing by Jia Peng Gang)
If music had colors than this song would be so bright it would push back the night. Bryen thinks to himself as he forgets about all the worries he had felt over the years. He just lets himself get lost as he watches on. Was there some kind of spell woven into the music he would later wonder and if there was did it really matter. All he knew was that he was enchanted right now and hoped in his heart that this night would go on forever.
-Next Day-
The following morning as she made her way to the home of Lelouch and CC, Queen Elna Stark thought about what had happen last night. The music that she had heard that night was so wonderful that no words could come to mind on how it made her feel. In a way it made her feel as if all the songs and music of the North was little more than the primitive banging of rocks. When compared to the magical music she heard that night it could be little else, but then she realized that what it really was, was just the feeling of hearing something new and different. The music last night was superior to most of the music in her homeland but in other ways not so much. Still she hoped to one day bring the music of this land to the North so as to share the feelings she had last night with all the people there. But for now, she had a art class to get to and the rest could wait.
CC had been kind enough to invite her to the class and she didn't wish to be late. So, when she woke up the first thing, she had done was kick her husband awake. Something she had not done in years and then had gone and got the children up. Still the ever-devoted mother or grandmother in this case she didn't want to leave till she was sure they would be alright without her. After they were up however she quickly left them behind and hoped in a carriage and made her way toward the home of the rulers of the kingdom. She found it odd that the royal family of the kingdom didn't live in what was clearly the only castle in the city but when she arrived at the little two-story home of the royal family she understood quickly why they didn't live in the castle. It was so quaint and so homely at the same time that Elna could easily seeing someone raising a family here. And besides it was not like it was unguarded. She could easily make out more than 20 guards who were standing around the outside of the house watching for anyone who would dare to come to close.
Making her way up a simple pathway Elna sees the sliding doors of the house open up and CC steps out. "Elna good morning, I was wondering when you would arrive."
"Sorry to keep you waiting CC. I had to see to the children before I left." She says with a smile.
"I completely understand. It is hard enough to get Hela up in the morning and she is only one child. You on the other hand have to deal with your grandchildren and I can only guess what a nightmare that is. I do hope the servants we assigned to your family were of some help at least." CC says to her.
"Oh, they were very helpful, but the children were just so excited to go exploring with Princess Hela that they just wouldn't settle down." Elna says in good humor.
CC laughs a bit at this and says, "Well they are children in a far off and mystic land. If we were their age, we would no doubt be just as excited."
"Ture, very ture." Elan says and follows CC into the house.
"But enough about the children. You came here today to see one of my classes and your just in time my pupils were running late today and just arrived a few minutes ago." CC says as she led Elan into a side room were about 10 young men and women were sitting around on chairs with art supplies in hand and a canvas in front of them.
"Good morning class." CC says as she walks into the room.
"Good morning Kogo-sama." They all say at once.
"Today I have a special guest with me, and I expect each of you to treat her with the up most respect. So with that said say hello to Queen Elan Stark from the Kingdom in the North." CC tells them.
"Hello Elan-sama." They all say as one once more.
Knowing that being called sama in this kingdom is the highest form of respect Elan doesn't take offense to the lack of her title being said. It was still strange to not have her title said but at the same time it helped her relax a bit when among these people.
"Good morning everyone it is a pleasure to meet you all." She says in a kind and friendly voice.
With the introductions done CC turns to her class and says, "Now class last time we had gathered together we had learned how to draw the different parts of the human body such as hands, feet, hair and so on. So today we will be working on how to draw the whole human form."
Turning to Elan CC says to her, "If at any point you feel uncomfortable please feel free to excuse yourself."
"Why would I excuse myself?" Elan asks.
"You will see." CC says than turns to a couple of sliding doors. "You all may come in now." CC says towards a couple of sliding doors.
When the doors open Elan sees 4 people walk into the room completely naked. The first two were both men. One an old man who had seen too many years and the other a handsome young man who didn't even look old enough to shave yet. And right behind them were two women. Again, an old woman who had seen better years and next to her a young and beautiful girl. Upon seeing them Elan blushes up a storm but at the same time takes note that none of the students react like she would expect them to. The young men in the room who she would think would be leering at the young women were just simply blushing but no giving her longing eyes. Nor were the women overly looking at the young man.
"Alright class your task for the day is to sketch each of our models as realistically as you can. Then we will go over each sketch and point out the mistakes each one of you have made. You may begin." CC says to them.
For the next couple of hours despite feeling somewhat uncomfortable Elan witnesses the students work with the same discipline and skill that she saw in all craftsman. Of course, like craftsman some were more skilled than the others, but it was the discipline they all showed that helped her get over being uncomfortable around the naked models. It was not proper for one such as herself to be in the same room with these naked models but at the same time she was now so caught up in watching the students work that she forgot about that little fact.
For a time, she wondered around the room looking at each students' sketches till she found herself watching one particular student. This student was a young woman of what she guessed was only 14 name-days old and showed such detail in her drawings that it was like the sketches were alive. Such was the young girl's talent that Elan found herself standing behind the girl for the rest of the class. She would never know it, but the girl she was watching this day would one day be known as one of the greatest artists to have ever lived.
-Gardens of the Shogunate Castle-
Elsewhere around noon in one of the many gardens of the Shogunate Castle, Princess Hela and her friends had stop there exploring of the castle to have lunch. It had been a wonderful day so far going around and showing all her new friends the castle that was more or less her playground. As the princess of the kingdom there were very few places she couldn't go and had taken them to every place she knew of and found some new places as well. After their little picnic she planned to take them to see the vaults of the kingdom were her brother Smaug was and then go see the master blacksmiths of the kingdom because the boys wanted to go see them.
It was as they ate that she spotted Prince Darvor walking up to them. "Good afternoon Prince Darvor."
"Good afternoon Princess Hela. Are you children having fun today?" He asks.
"We are indeed uncle." His niece Maliya says to him.
"Father, father guess what? Hela said she would take us to go see the blacksmiths after we got done eating." His only son Prince Connin said to him.
"That is wonderful son and very kind of you princess." Darvor says to her with a smile knowing his son and nephews would enjoy seeing the weapons being made.
"And then she said she was going to take us to go see the jewelry makers father." His daughter Bellin says with a big smile of her own.
Smiling even more at his daughter he knew she would love that. It was no secret his little girl was jealous of her cousin Maliya for winning that tiara from Princess Hela. She had of course wanted one for herself but sad to say the one his niece won was far superior to any that could be made in the North.
"That is wonderful sweetheart but remember we didn't bring a lot of money on this trip so I may not be able to get you something." He says to his child.
With a frown on her face Bellin looks a bit sad at that till Hela says, "You don't have to worry about that Prince Darvor. It is a custom from my momma and papa's homeland to give gifts of farewell to all guests before they leave. So, I am sure Bellin can ask for a piece of jewelry for her gift before you all leave."
"Princess that isn't necessary. You have all been so kind to us already and I don't wish to feel like we are taking advantage of your family." Prince Darvor says to her.
"But it is necessary Prince Darvor. It is a custom from my momma and papa's homeland and to not give you and your family gifts before you leave would be a big no, no." She says as she eats a piece of cake.
Just than a man wearing a black and white uniform with white mountain stripes on it comes running up to the Princess and bows his head. "Princess Hela I apologize for interrupting your lunch time with your guests, but we have a situation that needs your attention."
Still eating her piece of cake Hela asks, "And what is it that you need Commander Tallas that the Shinsengumi can't handle themselves?"
Hearing who this man was and what organization he was from makes Darvor rase an eyebrow. He had read up on the Shinsengumi during his ride to this kingdom and knew they were some kind of law enforcement group who answered directly to the Minister of Law. While the royal guard was responsible for the protection of the royal family and top vassals of the kingdom the Shinsengumi were responsible for keeping order in the city and if need be defending it in case of attack. From what he had found out it was a relatively new organization that was just put together some 5 years ago. Despite that however they were quickly growing in numbers and due to their mandate, they were quickly becoming very respected and disliked at the same time. The reason being was according to the law they had the right to enforce the law on both smallfolk and the slowing growing noble class in equal measure. However, they couldn't enforce the laws on individuals from different organizations such as the Army, or the Royal Guard and they also had no say over the Daimyos, the Shogun or the Royal Family. So, if the commander of the Shinsengumi was here requesting help from the princess it must have meant that something had happen between two different organizations.
"There has been a call for a duel between a member of the Royal Guard and a member of the Army princess." Commander Tallas says to her.
Nodding his head at this Darvor now understands the problem. The Royal Guard and the Army were under two different command structures. This meant that the local magistrate couldn't judge if the duel could take place, but neither could the local commanders of the different organizations. This meant they needed to find someone of a high enough rank to make the judgment. Which Hela as a member of the royal family could if no one else was available.
"Then go and find one of the ministers to deal with it or one of the kings or queens of power." Hela commands not wanting to deal with this seeing as she was having a good time right now.
"All of the ministers are with Tenno-sama right now princess as is all the kings and queens of power along with the Shogun." Tallas says to her.
"Then go and find my papa and let him know what is happening." Hela commands once again.
"I can't do that princess. Tenno-sama has taken King Stark to see the construction that is taking place on the mountain side. It would take at least an hour to find them and another to make our way back. It's the same with Kogo-sama and both parties are starting to gather supporters. It could turn in to an all-out fight if we don't deal with this soon." Tallas says to her.
Puffing up her cheeks like all children do when they are unhappy Hela says, "Fine, but go and find a magistrate to help me with this."
Like her father was when he was a child Hela was extremely intelligent for her age and picked up on things very quickly. At the age of four she had already learned how to read and then at the age of 5 she knew how to read in two different languages not including her mamma and papa's native tongue. So even at just 8 name-days old she knew most of the laws her momma and papa had passed, but just lacked in the understanding of them. That was why she told Tallas to go find a magistrate. Her momma and papa always told her that if she didn't understand something it was not shameful to find someone who could help her.
Turning to her guest Hela bows her head a bit and says, "I am sorry everyone, but I have to go deal with this now. We can play some more when I get back." She said in a unhappy tone. It was clear she didn't wish to leave.
Smiling kindly at the little princess, Prince Darvor says, "It is aright Princess Hela. My children, nieces and nephews understand that duty comes before play time and we will wait for you here."
"Uncle can't we go with Princess Hela and watch." Prince Josian asks his uncle.
Looking down at his nephew Darvor thinks on the question. It would be fascinating to see how a duel took place instead of just reading about it, but at the same time he didn't know if it was appropriate to ask if they could go. Not to mention that if the duel was one to the death his mother and father may not take kindly to him taking them to go see it. He could just take the boys seeing as each had already witnessed their first execution, but again there was a problem with that. This kingdom clearly saw men and women as equals and if he took the boys and not the girls than it could reflect badly on his family and the North in general.
After thinking about it a bit more he says, "Well I guess it would be alright so long as Princess Hela says we can come."
Looking over at their friend the Stark children all seem excited at going with her with makes Hela say, "Well there is no rule that says you can't go with me. So, I guess it would be alright."
With that said they start to make their way out of the castle flanked by over 50 members of the royal guard. It takes them about 20 minutes to leave the castle grounds and another 10 to reach the dueling grounds were the fight will take place. The area was a simple elevated piece of land that was no bigger than the training yard back at Winterfell with a two-story building on one side of it. It was not even elevated that high, maybe only 2 feet above ground. On one side of the area was a seating area that was clearly meant for someone to pass judgement on and then witness the duel take place. That was were Hela was walking towards.
Once inside the box sitting area she went and sat down in a chair and looked out over the people who were waiting for her. All at once they bow their heads to her in respect and wait for her to tell them to rise. Which does not happen till the magistrate she asked for shows up. As soon as he does however Hela says, "You may all raise your heads."
When they do, she says, "The two people who have called this duel step forward."
At her command her two men step forward with their heads raise high and anger in their eyes. One is dressed in the colors of the royal guard men and the other in the red and black colors of the kingdom's army. They are both fairly built in a way that shows they spent years training for combat. The only noticeable difference is that one is taller than the other and one has tan skin compared to the others black skin. If Darvor's guess was right than the black man was a summer islander and the other man was a Tall Men. Both of them looked fairly young and most likely had the hotheadedness that came with youth.
"Your names and title?" Hela asks.
"Maquontal Xaaso royal guards men rank 5, my princess." The summer islander says.
"Aeren no last name 100-man commander Royal Army, princess." The tall man says.
With their names now known Hela points her tiny finger at Maquontal and says, "You first. Explain why this duel has been called."
Bowing his head in respect to her Maquontal says, "Princess it is really very simple. I won a bet against this man in a game of dice, but after I had won this pigfucker refused to pay me what was owed."
"Watch your language man. You stand before the princess of this kingdom and though I have no power over you I will not hesitate to have you dragged before Tenno-sama or Kogo-sama for your foul language." The magistrate says in anger at the man for using such foul language in front of Hela.
"My apologies princess," The summer islander says than bows his head in shame.
"You are forgiven." Hela says to him and then points to the other man and says, "Is what he has told me true."
"It is true princess I did make a bet with this man and lose said bet. But he cheated and played with loaded dice." The man says.
"That is a lie. I won the bet fairly." The summer islander yells at the man and then the two start to argue.
Soon enough Hela is rubbing her head due to the headache these two were giving her. In her mind this was such a stupid reason to have a dual and had to wonder if it was even a legitimate one. Darvor wondered the same thing as he too rubbed his head. Really this was such an idiotic reason to be hear and he was quickly losing the desire to witness a dual.
Turning to the magistrate Hela asks, "Magistrate will you please shut them up."
"Of course, princess." The man says in a kind voice than turns to the two me and says, "Both on order of your princess you will both shut up now."
And just like that they both stop arguing and Hela says to the magistrate, "Thank you. Now will you please tell me were the law falls on this issue."
Taking a moment to think it over the magistrate says, "It depends on where the bet was made princess. If it was made in a legal gambling house and approved by a gambling officer inside the red-line district than Commander Aeren has to pay up. If it wasn't however than the bet was made illegally, and he doesn't have to pay up. Though they will both have to pay the fine and serve a week inside prison cell."
Nodding her head at this Hela asks, "Was this bet made in a legal gambling house and approved by a gambling officer?"
"It was princess." Maquontal answers.
Nodding her head Hela says, "Than have him or her step forward."
At her order a fat balding man steps forward and bows his head to her.
"Are you the official of the gambling house where this bet took place?" Hela asks.
"Yes, princess I am." The man says to her.
"And did you approve of this bet between these two men?" Hela asks.
"I did princess." The man says.
"And did you witness any cheating taking place during said bet?" She asks.
"I did not princess." The man answers.
"Then the bet must be honored." Hela says.
"But princess I have a wistnesss…"
"Quite!" Hela yells at Aeren. She was already in a foul mood due to having her day interrupted for this, and now this man was trying to disobey her momma and papa's laws. Which just put her in a worst mood and him in a very ill light.
"I don't care if he cheated or if he didn't. I don't even care if you have witnesses. You made a bet and lost in a legal gambling house. As far as I see it you will pay the man what he is owed is that understood?" Hela asks him.
With an angry look on his face the man says, "Yes princess."
"Good, now moving on. Who was it that requested this duel?" Hela asks.
"It was I princess." Maquontal says.
"And do you still feel like a dual is needed now that you know you will be getting what is owed to you?" Hela asks.
"Yes princess. This man has called me a cheat and a liar. Such a stain on my honor I cannot allow." Maquontal says in a angry voice.
Looking over at the magistrate Hela once more asks, "Whats the law say about this?"
"Well my princess the law says he has the right to challenge Aeren to a dual due to the insult on his honor. So long as Aeren agrees to it a dual can take place so long as you agree to let it happen. However, the insult on his honor is a small one and there for a duel to the death is out of the question." The magistrate says to her.
Looking over at the still angry looking Tall Man Hela says, "Do you wish to accept his challenge?"
"Yes, princess I would." The man says clearly looking for pay back after losing the first part of their argument.
"Very well than. Aeren do you accept this challenge?" She asks.
"I do princess." Aeren answers.
"Then I will approve of it. However, this duel will not be to the death. Instead it will be a fight with fists and nothing more. The first to fall will be the loser and no matter who wins you will pay Maquontal, Aeren." Hela says to both of them.
"Yes princess." They both say at once.
"Oh, and one last thing. This ends here. You both can hate each other and wish to kill each other if you like but if y'all are found fighting over something like this again you will both be arrested and brought before my momma and papa. Am I understood?" She asks in anger.
Feeling a shiver run down both they're backs the men nod their heads at the princess. They have both been alive long enough to know that Tenno-sama and Kogo-sama's idea of justice was quick and cruel. If they disobeyed their princess and dragged on with their feud than they would most likely be killed without a second thought and their families would lose everything. So, they would settle this here and now.
With her orders given everyone but the two men leave the dueling ring and take up places around it to watch the fight take place. As they do that, both men remove their shirts and throw them to the ground and square off in front of each other.
"Why are they removing their shirts Princess Hela?" Darvor asks.
"It is one of the rules of dueling. In order to help discourage dueling my papa passed a rule that all duels had to be done without any type of armor. Be it a fight with fist or swords no armor is allowed. To help prove that they are not wearing any, both combatants need to remove their tops and fight bare chested." She says to him.
"What about if they are women?" Darvor asks.
"Same rule but they may wear bandages over their chests." She says to him.
While scandalized at the thought of women dueling at all he did take some small comfort in the knowledge that they wouldn't be completely naked. Plus, he had to admit that the no armor rule was a great way to keep people from challenging each other to duels, especially those to the death. While he was no warrior like his older brother, he understood that by giving a man a suit of armor you increased his resolve to fight to the death. Take that away however and even the strongest of warriors would pause to think about whether it was a good idea to fight in a duel. After all, if your still alive you could regain your honor, but a dead man can't.
"Begin!" Hela yells out.
At her words both men start to make their way towards each other and when they get into range, they start throwing heavy punches towards each other. With each punch the men move around trying to avoid each other's blows while at the same time trying to get in hits of their own. Punches to the face, chest and stomach hit with sickening sounds and all the while the people around them including the Stark children cheer on. But Darvor does not and nor does Hela for they know this duel is a very serious matter. It may be in entertaining matter to watch but this was also about a man's honor. Whoever lost would be shamed today and that was a fate no real man wanted.
Soon enough the fight looked like was about to come to an end with Maquontal being the winner. Aeren who had been doing well at the beginning of the fight was clearly losing. One of his eyes was closed shut and his mouth was bleeding badly. And yet to his credit he had not fallen down yet despite the beating he was taking. But now he was hunched over from a particularly bad hit to the ribs and Maquontal moved in to finish him off. However, at the last second Aeren slips the punch that would have sent him crashing to the ground and delivers a devastating uppercut to Maquontal's chin with all his weight behind it. The punch is so hard that Darvor would swear by the old gods that Maquontal was lifted off the ground before he fell on to his back. When he sees his opponent fall to the ground Aeren lifts his hands in victory and his supporters cheer loudly.
Standing up Hela lifts her own hands up to signal for everyone to be quiet and when the noise dies down she says, "The victor of this dual has been decided. Now pay him what you owe him go with the knowledge that you honor is intact."
"Yes princess." Aeren says as he walks over and takes a pouch of coins from one of his supporters and walks back over to the down man and drops it on his chest. Then he walks off with his head held high.
When the Starks and Hela take their leave one of the children asks, "Do you believe they will really leave their grievances behind them Hela?"
Hearing this question Hela says, "They have no choice. A duel has taken place and a victor decided. If they dare to continue their little spat than they will face my momma and papa's justice."
"Would that be seppuku princess?" Darvor asks.
"No, seppuku is only for those who commit bad crimes but is given a chance to repent and keep their honor. To seek vengeance on someone who has won a dual however is so bad a crime that it is an automatic death sentence. You die in shame and your family is strip of all they have and given to the victim's family in repentance." Hela tells him.
A hard sentence indeed Darvor thinks to himself. Maquontal may have indeed lost the duel and taken a hit to his honor but he was still alive. So, he had a chance to earn back what little honor he lost and would be a fool to look for vengeance over this lost.
-Construction site-
Amazing, simply amazing is what Bryen Stark thought to himself as he looked up at the city that was slowly being built into the mountain. It would be decades before it was done but with each basket of stone and swing of the chisel and hammer it slowly took shape. He could just see it in his mind's eye, a whole city built of white stone and marble up towards the sky. By the old gods it would be a site to see and he had to wonder would he be alive to see it in all its glory. He hoped so for as he looked at a drawing of what it would look like when it was done, he knew it would be a cherished memory.
As he walked down the roads were the construction was taking place with Lelouch and his vassals he also heard something amazing. Everywhere he looked he could hear the workers singing songs in good cheer. The men and women who were working on this city were clearly not doing it just for the money but where also doing it because they wanted to. He could see a type of pride and sense of accomplishment in their eyes each time a building was finished, or a simple heavy stone was moved. He could tell this wasn't just work to them but a challenge that they were going to overcome. What amazing people they all were.
"This is amazing Lelouch. I have never seen workers in such good cheer or take to their work with such vigor. It is like they are an army fighting some great battle that they needed to win." Bryen says to the man next to him.
"In a way they are Bryen. Look at them closely and tell me what you see." Lelouch says to him.
Doing as Lelouch says Bryen does as he is told and looks closer. "Many of them are older men and women."
"That they are. Many of these people are the original workers who had started working on this project some 9 or 10 years ago. Hundreds of them have died do to work accidents or overwork, and yet they carry on. I never expected my people to be so courageous." Lelouch says with a proud tone.
"Worthy of note they are." Bryen says as he nods his head in respect.
"Indeed they are. That is why I had this made." Lelouch says as he leads Bryen towards a slab of marble.
Looking at the slab of marble Bryen immediately sees hundreds of names carved into it along with the words on top that read, "In dedication to the men in women who lost their lives making a dream possible."
"A magnificent gestural you are making Lelouch." Bryen says in approval. To often the smallfolk were forgotten for what they did, but this was a way to remember those who lost their lives doing a dangerous task.
"Thank you Bryen." Lelouch says to him with a smile.
After looking at the building site a bit more they start to make their way back to the castle and after a moment of silence Lelouch says, "Bryen I must say again how glad I am that you have opened up your kingdom and your home to my child. The knowledge that she may visit her new friends whenever she likes has made her incredibly happy."
"Think little of it Lelouch. It would be our honor to have her visit at any time." Bryen says with a smile.
"You are truly a good man than Bryen, but still I feel like my we are taking advantage of your kindness. Or at the very least my child is, and I feel I need to correct that." Lelouch says to him.
"There is no need to do that Lelouch." Bryen says to him.
"True but it would make me feel better, so I have a proposition for you. My people have just started making glass, and we have an agreement with Ibben that allows us access to some of their ships. I will trade you a single ship of glass or two in exchange for my child's continued right to visit the North." Lelouch says to him.
Surprised by this more than generous offer Bryen says, "That is quite the offer Lelouch, but I feel like it would be to much. If I accepted such an offer, I feel all I would have accomplish is changing the position on who may or may not be taking advantage of who."
Glass was an extremely expensive good to buy and was the main reason there were only a few glass gardens in the North. Hell, what Lelouch was offering equaled a king's ransom and all for just allowing Hela the right to visit. Something she could easily do anyways if she were riding on the back of Jörmungandr. His pride would not allow him to take such an offer but than he couldn't pass it up as well.
"Do you wish to offer a counter proposal than." Lelouch asks.
"Yes, I do. I propose in exchange for the shipments of glass I allow any and all of your children the right to visit the North as they like." Bryen says.
Lelouch had to keep himself from laughing at the offer for it was little more than a token gesture to save face but he holds it back and says, "Very well Bryen I accept your counter proposal happily."
"Wonderful." Bryen says as he keeps walking back to the castle.
As he walked, he thought about the future and though he knew didn't make them allies by any means it was still a good deal. For so long Lelouch and CC had children the North would get glass at basically free cost and if things worked out than perhaps, they would end up allies at some time in the future. Allies he felt they would need at some point down the road. For winter was coming and with it dragons of a different breed.
-Flash forward King Melvan the King in the North POV-
My grandfather never did get to see the completion of the city on the mountain. It was in many ways his greatest regret. He often talked about wanting to go back and see it with my older brother Josian and I. But sadly, the shaking sickness took him, my brother and father just a few short years after our first visit there. I of course went back to see it with my own eyes in honor of them a few short years after the death of Attila. And I could tell you in both joy and sadness it was magnificent. When I went, I was even allowed to plant a Weirwood tree at the very top of the mountain city in their honor. Princess Hela even help me plant it and I am not ashamed to say I wept openly when we did.
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And done. Thank you for reading remember to leave a review if you have any question or just what to give useful suggestions. And thank you everyone who sent me lists of clan names to use. You guys are get.