Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the collective works of Van Helsing, Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire or anything that may come into the following Fan made piece of fiction. This is meant for enjoyment alone.
"By the words of my house know that I am Never Alone." speech.
'wow, I didn't think stupidity could come in such a small package as that Joffrey cunt.' thought/flashback monologuing.
"█▄▄██▄▄▄██▄▄█" Wolf howl/roar/etc.
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Previously:
Lucian paid no attention to the three surviving soldiers that regrouped close to him; the Knight in plate armor of reds and golds and two lighter armored and equipped men. Instead he kept his gaze fixed upon the fleeing criminals. Staring at them like a starving predator as if briefly contemplating hunting them all down.
In the end he shook his head to clear the blood-thirst away and dropped the sword in his hand to turn back to the carriage, his expression softening to one more welcoming and gentle.
"The threat is gone. Are you unharmed?"
There was a near silent whisper from within the carriage; fearful and desperate sounding as someone within, female from the pitch, urged against opening the door. But they were ultimately ignored as with a soft creak and with tentative caution, the door opened.
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1451 a.d (anno Domini)
Spring in Târgoviște, Wallachia was bright and sunny so far to Lucian's eyes. Thirteen years old the boy had begun his apprenticeship under his father Adrian to learn their families knowledge and collected techniques in smithing to one day take over as blacksmith for their region.
It was a prospect that was met by the teenager with both excitement and reluctance as while he was interested in seeing the legacy of his family continue, just as any other boy his age, he yearned for the excitement of adventure beyond the horizon.
There wasn't all that much special about his lot in life as far as he could tell. His father was Romanian born and according to his frequent lessons; from a long line of blacksmiths that could trace their line back to the original Roman Empire long before the birth of Christ. Whether that was true or not was still up for debate as Lucian had come to notice those boasts always came in the wake of a few too many cups of Mead. His mother was a foreigner to the lands of Wallachia; originally born in France to the West; Gabriella had grown in a small town to parents of no particular importance. From the stories his parents had both told him; his father had met her on his travels across Europe where the two had fallen in love and she ran eloped with the Wallachian in spite of her parents approval and returned to the east with him.
She was beautiful beyond words, no other woman in their neighborhood could compare to the wife of Adrian Smith. While Lucian had inherited the black hair and grey eyes of his father, Adrian's hair had been curly and a perpetual mess which made it fortunate that from his mother with her long, straight blond hair and clear blue eyes he had inherited its appearance if not the color.
As was expected on a day like today, Lucian had been up with the sun, throwing on his clothes and making his way outside to where the forge was; in order to prepare it for the day ahead. His father had explained to him that his duties included cleaning the forge out and replacing the wood and charcoals before lighting the fires to warm the forge up. It apparently developed discipline and helped grow accustomed to the routine of the job.
Lucian had trouble seeing it that way for the first few weeks. But several months in now and the thirteen year old saw the benefit as he was growing more and more used to being awake so early and had found himself capable of throwing off the fatigue of sleep quicker and quicker.
It had been raining the past few days as was the norm for this time of the year but thankfully the wood shed had been repaired a few months ago so as to keep its stores dry. It took the better part of two hours to clear out the ashes and debris from the fire pit, replace the wood and charcoal, light it and then clean out the dirt and water that had washed across the floor from the night before.
By the time the sun had truly risen to start the day and his parents had woken with his father coming out to inspect the forge while mother prepared a morning meal to break their fast, Lucian had stoked the fire to a good heat and checked for himself the condition of the tools for any signs of stress or wear and tear that would require either repair or replacement.
His father pointed out a few things that he could improve on with what Lucian had done to prepare the shop for the days work ahead; simple things like the position of the coals in the forge itself to maximise heat and a hammer that needed replacing due to a hairline fracture that he had missed. Overall though, Adrian had appeared impressed as he clapped a hand on his son's shoulder with a wide smile at the boys work.
After their morning meal the Smith family went about their day as was the norm. Gabriella tended to her duties at the house and her garden that she had spent years cultivating to her pride while Lucian assisted his father at the forge.
Today they were finishing work on a particularly special order. As one of the only smithies in Wallachia capable of forging high quality items and the only place where any could find the true talent and speciality of this shop; Damascus Steel.
It had been the purpose of Adrian's travels in his youth. He had crossed the breadth of the known world; seeking to learn smithing techniques and forging secrets from different cultures. He had not just returned to Wallachia with a wife after all; he had come back to his home with a collection of journals and materials that he had gathered over the years from the four corners of the Earth. Perhaps the most significant had been from his trip to the far east into India. He had learned under a smith there who had revealed to him the secrets and methodology behind the shaping and creation of Wootz Steel. This had lead Adrian to being trained in India to not only smelt and forge Wootz Steel, but to take it and craft it as its more widespread name in greater Europe; Damascus Steel.
It had been the elder Smith's love for his craft and desire to learn more over a thirst for wealth that had allowed him the opportunity to learn this crafting method in India and when he returned from France several years later, he had taken over from his own father; Lucian's Grandfather and elevated their family with the reputation for their capabilities.
It had even grown to the point where Adrian Smith had been brought into and held on a retainer by Knights of the Holy Order to craft weapons and armaments for the order.
The commission that they had been charged with making was for one of the Holy Order's up and coming Knight; descended from royalty within Romania and the soon to be ruler of Wallachia. It was this Knight that also acted as the Liaison between the Blacksmith and the Holy Order itself. He had been the one to first approach Adrian and hire his services as a test to see if his reputation and the quality of his craft was as good as hearsay would have it. When it proved to be as this Knight had reported back to his superiors as 'even greater than belief would have it', Adrian and his family were brought into the Order as their primary means of supply and armament. The Order kept them safe from the politics of Wallachia and from the neighboring Ottoman Empire as well as making sure that they were well supplied for what the Order required of the Smith.
It had been hard work for Adrian to keep up with the work on his own but when Lucian had grown old enough to step in and assist in his work the father and son were able to accept larger orders and work more efficiently.
"How is the Hilt coming boy?" Adrian called over to his son.
By now several hours had passed by since the early morning with Adrian tempering the blade of the weapon they were working on one final time and going over its shape carefully for any sign of weakness or imperfection. Lucian had been assigned to making sure the rest of the blade was ready for final assembly, which in the current time was the hilt itself.
"I've finished carving in its embellishments and smoothed out the edges." The teenager replied, crossing the stone floor to present his work to his father, a quiet and nervous pride in his face as he waited for his father's approval.
Adrian eyed the carved handle carefully, noting the sweeping lines of his son's work that depicted a thorny vine wrapping around the hilt to end in a blooming rose at the hilt's curved end. The elder Smith was further impressed with his son's work when he noted that Lucian had filled in the carving with a vein of silver that had been perfectly smoothed down so that it seamlessly blended in with the wood of the hilt itself.
"This is good work. Well done boy." The man nodded as he returned to his own work; putting the finishing touches to the blade before dipping it back into water to cool it down. "Bring everything to the bench and we'll start assembly."
Lucian jerked a thumb over his shoulder to the workbench where all the pieces for final assembly as well as the swords scabbard were waiting. "All ready father."
The Blacksmith smiled widely and slapped a heavy hand on his son's shoulder, laughing loudly. "Well done. We'll make a blacksmith out of you yet!"
Final work took no time at all. With the Damascus Steel blade finished and the hilt and guard ready, everything slid into place and were easily tightened and secured. Adrian sharpened the blade after it had been assembled himself, not wanting to risk Lucian slipping and carving his hands open.
By mid afternoon a gleaming Kilij was ready to go out into the world and slay its enemies.
"Ah I see I have made good time my friend! I see you have outdone yourself again, a true masterpiece if ever I saw one."
Lucian's eyes brightened at the voice as he spun around, grinning widely as he saw an armored man dismounting a horse to approach the shop, a kind smile gracing a noble visage.
"Just in time Milord." Adrian replied with a bow, glancing to his son with a silent urge for the boy to do the same.
Lucian himself mimicked the movement though the smile never left his face.
The Knight let out a laugh as he waved a dismissive hand, motioning for them to rise back up. "None of that my friend, social status may divide us but you still fight against the forces of evil just as I. Only in a different manner."
The Blacksmith nodded in agreement to the Noble's words yet both he and the noble himself knew that the next time the two would meet they would go over the same thing where he would bow and this Knight would remind him that it was not needed.
"Of course Milord." Adrian nodded as he sheathed the Kilij in his hand and passed it over to his bright eyed son.
His Son's reaction to the arrival of the Lord Knight was perhaps the only thing that the man wished different in the agreement that he had between himself and the Knights of the Holy Order. It showed a lifestyle to the thirteen year old that appeared so glamorous and exciting that it distracted the boy from the reality of his life and what was expected of him for the future.
"I take it this is your Son? I don't believe we have met."
Adrian walked over to his son and clasped a hand on the boy's shoulder. "My apologies. This is Lucian, he had only recently started to work with me here."
The Knight nodded in approval, smiling at the Blacksmith's son. "That is good. Remember to heed your father's lessons well. I remember when I was taken under the wing of my own father. The wisdom a father can impart on his son is irreplaceable."
Lucian nodded in understanding, glancing over to his own father who had a smile of his own filled with pride.
"We have finished the commission the Holy Order has placed Milord." Adrian spoke up, bringing the Knights attention back to him. "Fifty swords, thirty five polearms and two hundred daggers are ready for shipment at your approval."
The Lord's eyes widened as surprise took him. "Truly? I am impressed; I had not thought even you capable of completing such an order in so short a time."
Adrian puffed out his chest at the praise. "It would have taken longer without the assistance of Lucian here, but I believe that the Holy Order will be satisfied with the quality of our work."
The Knight nodded, not doubting for a moment the claim. "Very good. I shall have delivery arranged and a courier sent with your payment."
"As always Milord we are most grateful." Adrian replied with a bow. "But there is one last thing before you return to the Order."
The Knight raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"We heard that you are to assume authority over the Wallachian Chapter for the Holy Order." Adrian explained. "Is it true that your father Lord Valerious is stepping down?"
The man let out a subdued sigh before shaking his head. "My father has been summoned to the Vatican to speak with the Church, apparently there are concerns regarding the influence the Devil is having over the women of England and there may be the possibility that some of the Knight here will be dispatched there to investigate. With his absence I am to step up and lead in his stead."
Adrian nodded in understanding before holding out the Kilij to the Knight. "Well in light of your appointment on behalf of my family we would like to present you with a gift."
The Knight blinked in surprise, eyeing the sheathed weapon critically and noting its polished and decorated sheath and hilt that marked it as a weapon of impressive design. "This is for me?"
"Indeed. Forged with Damascus Steel and sharpened to a the breadth of a hair, this Kilij will serve you well in your duties to protect the Children of the Lord."
The man stepped up to the Blacksmith and took the weapon from his hands, tracing a gauntleted hand over its surface before grasping the hilt tightly. A swift draw and his eyes lit up, impressed as the light glittered off the wave patterned blade surface. The curved edge of the blade and its perfectly sharpened edge had the man believing without a doubt that no other steel blade would be able to stand against it.
"I am humbled by your gift my friend. I will wield this with pride. And if God is with me, then perhaps with this blade the world itself will know the name of Vladislaus Dragulia."
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262 A.C (After Conquest)
Lucian wrinkled his nose in distaste as he was directed passed the gate and into Kings Landing. Tugging on the reigns of the horses that were pulling the Wheel House, the rough looking man urged them forward; the lone remaining Lannister Knight leading the way.
In the aftermath of the bandit attack two weeks ago that he had stumbled across, the Werewolf had been introduced to the Lady he had saved; Joanna Lannister. He had been surprised to find out that not only had he saved such a beautiful looking woman with golden hair that reminded him of his mother in a way, but one who was wed to a man that was a king in his own right. So grateful had she been that Joanna had not been offended or put off by his savage appearance one bit like her handmaiden had been. The smell of death had not stopped this noblewoman one bit from stepping down from the Wheel House to properly greet and thank him for coming to the rescue of herself and her children.
With how severely her escort had been devastated by the attack Joanna had enlisted his aid in continuing to Kings Landing. She had explained to him that for what he had done to save not only her own life but the lives of her newborn children, he deserved a reward. A reward that she herself was unable to properly give but her Lord-Husband could and would provide happily.
Joanna had given him a chance to clean himself up as much as he could before they set off again and with the Wheel House coachman a casualty of the attack Lucian himself took over the responsibility. His Trunk was placed on the roof with the rest of the Lady of the West's luggage.
It had made for an impressive sight when the Lannister escort reached the Lion Gate to Kings Landing. The Gold Cloaks guarding it actually reached for their weapons when they saw the large bare chested form of Lucian seated atop the Wheel House, his long matted hair and beard adding to the ferocity of his visage.
The few remaining Lannister guards that had survived the attack lead by a single Knight had been able to convince the Gold Cloaks to let them through without needing to inform Lady Joanna and forcing her to get involved.
Lucian had been informed that their ultimate destination within Kings Landing was the Red Keep; the large castle that was situated above the city itself which meant that the profound smell of shit would be somewhat lessened. While Lucian was thankful for that eventuality; he was still doubtful that it would mean much to him considering he had been smelling this cesspit a day before the walls had even been sighted.
The journey through the streets of Kings Landing went without difficulty. There were wide eyed peasants gaping at the gleaming Wheel House as it passed by and a few foolish vagrants that had considered making a move to 'relieve' the procession of its valuables. These were put to a swift end when without fail Lucian found their eyes with a stare of his own that saw each and every one of them fleeing in terror.
It was perhaps a twenty to thirty minute ride after entering King's Landing to reach the Red Keep. The constant and almost overwhelming smell of shit had grated Lucian's nerves to the point that by the time they ascended the hill to the keep proper, the man was growling at any that dared cross his path and slow him down. His baleful stare and frustrated posture was enough to force even a few Gold Cloaks to retreat a few steps as he passed them by.
When he did bring the Wheel House to a stop before the great doors to the Red Keep, the Wallachian swiftly hopped off the front of the carriage and stalked over to the door, glaring at the castle servant that was approaching; forcing the man to retreat in fear for his life. With a deep, calming breath Lucian forced his discomfort and irritation with the foul smelling city down and relaxed his shoulders as he pulled the Wheel House door open.
Joanna smiled from within as she saw him waiting, causing the once-knight to return the gesture as he held out a hand to aid her out. Reaching out the Lady of the West took the offered hand as she stepped out from the Wheel house. With a word of thanks to the bare chested man she turned back to the Wheel House and took Cersei into her arms from her waiting Handmaiden; nestling her close to her chest and smiling down at the wide eyed infant who was peering around at her new surroundings. Unknown to her as she checked over her daughter, Joanna's Handmaiden ignored the offer for assistance from Lucian as she stepped out from the Wheel House; holding a sleeping Jaime carefully. She also didn't notice the distrustful glare the girl sent the man as she walked away from him and over to her side.
With a slight shake of his head in muted amusement, Lucian ignored the hostility of the Handmaiden and closed the door to the carriage, walking away from it and allowing the castle servant he had frightened away the chance to return and take it away to where the horses could be tended to and the Wheel House itself cleaned.
Turning to a Lannister guard that had appeared, having come from the keep no doubt under the orders of her Husband upon learning of her arrival to King's Landing, Joanna addressed the man as she indicated to a silent Lucian.
"This man saved the lives of myself and my children. Have him cleaned and dressed for an audience with my Lord-Husband."
The guardsman bowed in obedience to his Lady before turning to the large form that was Lucian. Given that the guard stood at only five and a half feet tall he had to crane his neck to meet the gaze of the nearly seven foot tall giant of a man and when he did find those steel grey eyes peering back at him the man could not help but swallow nervously.
"A-ah, follow me if you would Ser."
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Lucian was directed to a guest room within the keep where he was left to wait for a moment while the guardsman left to collect the servants that would see to his cleaning and preparation to meet with the Lord of the Westerlands.
In short order Lucian was bathed and groomed by the castle servants. His beard was shaved off and hair washed but left at its current length. Due to his size a tailor was brought in to adjust some clothing for him to where but after a couple of hours since his arrival to the Red Keep, the man was clean with his long black hair left loose for the most part with a pony tail tying up the top half. He had been given a pair of black leather pants and soft leather boots with a dark red long sleeved silk shirt over which was worn a plain black leather vest.
Properly dressed and cleaned, Lucian examined his appearance in a mirror, taking in the form that was presented to his eyes and experienced a brief moment of disbelief as he looked at the well presented man that looked back at him. It was almost hard to believe that not so long ago a wild beast would have been staring back at him. So far from the man he had once been before his friend Vlad had become a monster. So far from the monster that he himself had become because he had refused to abandon his friend to the darkness.
The last time he had looked at his reflection in those times before he had fallen under his curse his eyes had not looked so old.
"Begging your pardon Milord. But your presence has been requested."
The man turned away from his reflection and looked over to the young maid that had been part of the group to tend to his care; noting the heavy blush that filled her cheeks as she looked at the floor rather than at him.
"Of course."
With a gesture to lead the way directed at the blushing maid, Lucian followed her out of the guest room and to the Throne room of the Red Keep.
As far as first impressions went as the man stepped into, it was well and truly successful in instilling a sense of awe into the former Knight. Marble flooring polished to a shine that allowed him to see his own reflection as he walked across it, grand pillars lining the sides of the grand room with great black banners marked with the sigil of a three headed dragon and massive dragon skulls hanging from the walls like hunting trophies that had Lucian honestly amazed at the thought of being in a place where the legendary beasts were not some tale of fantasy.
Two Guards in white and silver armor with matching white cloaks flanked a fearsome throne unlike anything Lucian had ever seen before. Comprised completely from melted down and deformed swords beyond counting, it was both a trophy and symbol of power that Lucian believed even Dracula himself would have loved.
Seated atop that symbol of conquest was a man that looked every bit a king. Clothed in rich silks and furs encrusted with jewels and gold and silver, a crown of red gold with gemstone eyed dragon heads at each point sat atop a head of pale silver hair. Strong violet eyes peered down with an authority and knowledge of control that had Lucian believing that this truly was a man who ruled.
Standing at the steps that lead to this throne of blades Lucian spotted Joanna standing next to a stern looking young man with medium length golden hair that came down just shy of his chin and pale green eyes. Dressed in a rich leather jacket bearing an iron pin of a fist with matching pants and boots, Lucian could only assume this was the Lord-Husband of Joanna as the man looked down to the woman as she gently bumped him with her hip to call his attention to the quietly babbling baby held in her arms.
Lucian spotted Joanna's Handmaiden positioned a few feet behind with Jaime nestled in her arms.
The Maid that had escorted him to the room had since departed, her presence not required nor welcome in the Throne room, leaving Lucian to approach alone. When he was perhaps ten feet from the steps of the Throne itself Lucian pressed his hand against his chest as he dipped into a bow toward the shrewd eyed king.
"Majesty."
"Ah, Joanna's Savior. Welcome." The King spoke, leaning forward atop his throne with a faint smile on his face. "I am Aerys Targaryen, Second of my name; King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Tell me your name and know that you are welcome here in my home."
"I am Lucian Your Grace." The Werewolf straightened from his bow. "Never have I seen the like of this castle, I am grateful beyond measure for your welcome."
Aerys eyes glittered with amusement at the reply as he stood up from the Iron Throne and walked down the steps. The gathered occupants of the room dropped into a quick bow and curtsy as the King came down from his throne forcing Lucian to mirror the action; not wanting to offend this monarch that ruled not one, but seven kingdoms.
"When word reached me that the lovely Lady Joanna had been attacked, I was filled with dread and rage at the very thought." Aerys spoke as he approached the taller man. "That I find her safe fills me with relief. I am told that I have you to thank for this miracle."
Lucian glanced from the king and over to a smiling Joanna who nodded at his look before returning his gaze to the eager king. "I was fortunate enough to be in the area at the time Your Grace. Were it not for the courage and skill of the guards that gave their lives for their Lady I fear I would have failed to lend any sort of aid."
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Joanna's smile widen and the man next to her straighten up in a sense of pride, a twitch of his mouth hinting at an approving smirk of his own.
"I also heard, that you tore a man in two with nothing but your bare hands?"
Lucian smirked at this, allowing the king to see his own amusement at the act of violence. A smart thing as it caused a wide grin to form on the monarch's own face. "I am afraid that is not true Majesty. While I did defend the fair Lady without weapon, I could only break the back of one of the bandits against the ground."
Aerys nodded, seemingly approving of the brutal fashion of fighting. "That is good. While many would speak ill of such brutality, I would applaud your acts as it ensured the rescue of such a jewel."
Lucian bowed his head to the king, showing his gratitude for such regard. "Of course. I am glad that I was able to see that she was able to reunite with her Husband safely."
The positive air diminished in the King at the reminder that Joanna Lannister was a married woman, something that Lucian noticed. It was why he had mentioned it after all. He had been able to smell the barely suppressed lust the king was feeling at the mere mention of Joanna and so felt it, appropriate to point out that she was not for him to lust after.
"Of course." Aerys finally spoke, his voice taking a slightly harsher tone as he stepped back from Lucian and returned to his throne, easing down on it to lean back and rest his chin on a hand. "My Hand owes you a great debt for your actions. Is this not true Tywin?"
The young man nodded, his eyes not leaving Lucian as he examined the giant of a man carefully, as if trying to find motive in any of the words spoken thus far. "Indeed it is Your Grace. A Lannister always pays his debts and this is one debt I feel is owed thrice."
"Oh? Thrice you say?"
Tywin looked over to his king and nodded sternly. "My Lady-Wife came to King's Landing to present to me my children. My daughter Cersei Lannister and an heir in my son Jaime Lannister. This man did not simply save the life of my beloved wife. But that of my children. A debt is owed to him for each Lannister saved by his hands."
Aerys visage darkened for a moment so brief that none but Lucian noticed it before it was buried underneath the countenance of a magnanimous ruler. "The Lannisters are one of the few houses across my lands that understand the worth and value of a debt. If it is as you say, then I will expect this man to be rewarded as such."
With a bow in understanding at the unspoken order; 'reward him richly', Tywin returned his gaze to the dark haired man and fell silent once more.
"You never told me from which house you hail from Lucian." Aerys stated as he ignored Tywin to address the Savior of Joanna. "I know the faces of every Lord that bends the knee to me and so do not recognise your bearing. Am I correct in the belief that you are either lowborn or not of these lands?"
"That is correct Your Grace." Lucian nodded. "My homeland rests far beyond these shores. One that I can never return to I fear."
"I see. Then perhaps I will, in the future see more of the name you make for yourself Lucian." The King mused. "Yes, I think I will see far more of you in the years ahead."
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A/N
Alrighty then. So we split this chapter up into two parts obviously. A bit of a flashback to Lucian's origin and his first introduction to someone very important to his future and then back to the present time in Westeros for the rest.
We tried to introduce some background knowledge in regards to Lucian's family connections to blacksmithing as well as some details regarding his father's ability to work Damascus Steel. Chances are people who know more will have something to say about any inaccuracies; to that we will simply point out that we know nothing beyond what we could google.
Lucian's involvement will ultimately change a lot in regards to upcoming canon. So do not expect or whine about what we change. Actions taken ultimately result in consequences one way or the other.
Next weeks schedule has us doing a chapter for Zero Chakra Plan.
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