Chapter 1 - A Quacking Departure

My life as Dan had been filled with excitement and laughter, and my death was no exception. On that fateful day, as I was driving home after a particularly amusing lecture, I noticed a truck swerving on the road. Little did I know that this seemingly innocuous moment would change the course of my existence forever.

As the truck careened towards me, I couldn't help but think, "Is this really how it ends? In the most comically absurd way possible?"

With a jolt of adrenaline, I braced for impact, but fate had other plans. The truck hit a pothole, causing the cargo of inflatable rubber ducks it was carrying to tumble out and flood the road. Before I knew it, I was submerged in a sea of rubber ducks, my car engulfed in an ocean of quacks.

In my final moments, all I could hear was the cacophony of rubber ducks quacking, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. "Well, at least my death will be a memorable one," I thought with a wry smile.

As my vision blurred and my consciousness waned, I was enveloped in a surreal haze. Suddenly, I found myself standing before the enigmatic figure of ROB, who was trying to suppress a chuckle of his own.

"Congratulations, Dan," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "You've certainly made quite an impression with your departure from the mortal realm."

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Is this some kind of cosmic joke?" I asked.

ROB shook his head, still trying to contain his amusement. "No, my dear soul. It's simply the way the Universe works. And now, I have a proposition for you."

He went on to explain the concept of reincarnation and the opportunity for me to start anew in the world of Planetos. As he spoke, the image of a fantastical realm filled with majestic cities, epic battles, and magical wonders danced before my eyes.

"You can choose your name, your origin, and even your character," ROB said, offering me a metaphorical blank canvas to create my new life.

My heart soared with excitement and curiosity. "In that case," I said with a grin, "I want to be born as Valerius - a half-Braavosi and half-Valyrian. And I want to be born in the grand city of Braavos, where tales of magic and mystery abound."

ROB nodded approvingly. "Valerius it is, then. Now, close your eyes and feel the surge of energy as your soul fuses with the world of Planetos."

With a burst of energy, my consciousness melded with that of the unborn Valerius, and I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of sensations and emotions. It was a strange yet exhilarating feeling, as if I was floating through a cosmic kaleidoscope.

As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of a cozy nursery, and a nursemaid cooing over me. My parents, Kanno and Alysara Veleri, stood nearby, their faces filled with love and joy.

In that moment, I knew that my new life as Valerius had begun, and I was eager to embrace the adventures that lay ahead. But as I settled into the comfort of my new surroundings, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was different.

As the years passed, I found myself growing up once more, navigating the complexities of Braavos and forging new friendships. I reveled in the enchanting tales of the city's history and marveled at the diverse culture that surrounded me.

But amidst the laughter and mirth, there was an unexplainable sense of familiarity, as if echoes of my past life were whispering in my ears. I could hear the quacks of the rubber ducks and the amused laughter of ROB, reminding me that I had been given a second chance at life.

In the end, my death may have been humorous, but it was also a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of existence. And as I embarked on my new journey as Valerius, I vowed to make the most of this unexpected gift of life, to embrace every moment with joy and laughter, and to never forget the quacks that led me to this fantastical world of Planetos.

Amidst all this, a strange phenomenon occurred throughout Planetos when Valerius was born. The skies over Braavos shimmered with hues of ethereal colors, as if the heavens themselves were celebrating the arrival of the new soul. A magical aura enveloped the city, spreading ripples of awe and wonder among its inhabitants.

In the humble Veleri estate, the wet nurse who held the newborn Valerius in her arms was awestruck by the event. She couldn't believe her eyes as the room seemed to radiate with an otherworldly glow. A warmth she had never felt before embraced her, filling her heart with an inexplicable sense of joy and serenity.

"He must be touched by the gods," she whispered to herself in hushed reverence. "A child of destiny, destined for greatness."

The phenomenon left a lasting impact on everyone who witnessed it, and rumours spread like wildfire throughout Braavos. Tales of the miraculous birth of Valerius Veleri, the child born amidst the celestial dance of colors, echoed through the canals and streets.

While the world marveled at the mysterious event, I, Valerius, remained unaware of the spectacle surrounding my birth. As I grew, the memories of my past life began to fade, replaced by the vibrant experiences of my new existence.

My days were filled with laughter, lessons, and the wonder of discovery. I embraced the teachings of my parents and soaked in the rich culture of Braavos. Little did I know that the echoes of my past and the whims of destiny would lead me on a path that would alter the course of Planetos itself.

As I grew older, the words of the wet nurse echoed in my mind - a child of destiny. Unbeknownst to me, the Universe had grand plans in store, and I was merely a piece in the cosmic tapestry that would unfold in the days to come. And so, with each passing moment, I stepped closer to my fate, unaware of the greatness that lay ahead and the role I would play in shaping the world around me.

A/N:

Valerius Veleri:

Origin: Half-Braavosi, Half-Valyrian (Maternal heritage)

Physical Abilities:

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Build: Athletic and well-muscled

Hair: Silver-blond, characteristic of Valyrians

Eyes: Deep purple, a trait inherited from his Valyrian ancestry

Complexion: Fair skin with a subtle Valyrian glow