A/N: WHAT IS UP MUCKAAAACHUNGAAAAS!? IT'S TRAVEZTY! And sorry for the huge delay from the last posting! I had a huge case of writer's block, so I got stuck at a certain point in writing this chapter. To alleviate it, I had to switch gears and work on something else for a bit to get my creative juices working again. I also accidentally deleted Mircea, Vladi, and Radu while doing some cleaning up of older D&D Characters, so I need to take some time to rebuild them from the ground up. Again I apologize for the delay, as well as for this chapter being extremely short because of this.

I would also like to personally thank Trafford for getting in touch with me about this story. He actually gave me some inspiration and advice as to the pacing of this story. However, to summarize what he said, he basically told me that my writing style is pretty much clipped and high paced, in comparison to most. I will not deny how fast my writing seems but there is a reason for that. Truth be told, my style is actually highly dependent on preset stories. What I mean by this is that when I write fanfictions for Mangas, I use the Manga to decide the pacing of the story, for the most part. I do the same thing for animes, movies, and games, I basically use their original script and pacing, then modify my own script to keep pace with theirs. While it may look like plagiarism (and in some ways it may be that unintentionally), I have bad pacing when it comes to my writing, and so I use the original source as a template and write in my version of events at the points I like best.

When it comes to stories that I originally design or when I have no source material to set my pacing (like Dungeons & Dragons and Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire, for example) my style is somewhat fast and loose, as I'm literally building it brick by brick as I go, with the dice and/or my interpretation of the characters deciding how things work out. So if this story is a bit fast-paced for your liking, I humbly apologize but other than the wiki articles, and whatever I can glean from show clips, I'm pretty much making it up as I go.

In any case, I will try to update a bit more often, but I have a lot of projects I need to update as well, so idk when the next chapter is coming out after this one. However, here is the Order of the 4 Projects by which I will update them, should Inspiration not just randomly slap me in the face while I'm planning out a chapter.

First: Nocturne of Ice and Fire (This is the story you are reading, a Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire x Dungeons & Dragons Fanfiction.)

Second: Spirit of the Wolf Book 1: Wings of the Butterfly (This is a Legend of Zelda BotW/TotK AU Fanfiction, where Zelda allows information from her time to influence the future of the Founding Era, and the Butterfly Effect that happens because of it. If you're interested check it out)

Third: "Goblin Slayer: The Table" (A Goblin Slayer x Dungeons & Dragons fanfiction, basically takes a D&D based Anime/Manga and combines it with actual D&D, where the Gods are the Players and the Characters are Player Characters for the Gods that represent them)

I would also like to say that I am also going to be working on notes for other projects that I am going to be doing on the side for fun, but these three are going to be the ones I mainly want to focus on when it comes to steady uploads. However, here is a question I have for you guys, have any of you ever noticed how nobody has ever thought of having Ned Stark ever restore the First Keep and Broken Tower, then giving that entire district to Jon, making him a Minor Lord in the North situated within Winterfell instead of sending him to the wall? Let me just explain that this is an idea for a project I have been planning for a very long time now, and it has to do with the Old Keep and Broken Tower. If you guys know what I'm talking about, then you do, but for those who don't… The Old Keep and Broken Tower are the original Winterfell Keep and it's accompanying tower that stand in Winterfell, empty and left to rot. However, I had thought up of something interesting for this old place if it were fully restored with the cash and treasures taken from the Greyjoy Rebellion, then giving it to Jon. This was inspired by Shadiversity's video on his recreation/interpretation of Winterfell according to the Lore of the Books, along with his own additions as he is one of the top Medieval YouTubers and his love of castles. Anyway, using his version of the Old Keep and Broken Tower as a base, and fully restoring it, we can give Jon a keep of his own within Winterfell, and he would be close enough for Ned to protect him, yet far enough away that Catelyn won't be able to complain about seeing him every day. Also he transformed the "Drum Tower" that the Books Misidentify it as into a more historically accurate castle called a "Shell Keep", albeit one that is absolutely massive and around 2x-3x taller than ordinary Shell Keeps. To be blunt, the Shadiversity-style First Keep is about 6 Storeys Tall (If you don't count the Crypts and possible Basement), at least on the external appearance of the model alone, with the Broken Tower being 21 storeys tall, again based on external appearance of Shad's Model.

I'll spare you all the boring mathematical details, but when everything is calculated together, the Broken Tower's total square footage, in it's prime and in full repair, was 37,044 Square Feet, whilst the First Keep (With the Crypts included) is 77,588 Square Feet, and, when added together, the two buildings equal 114,632 sq. ft.! Holy Shiitake Mushrooms! If my numbers are right, then Broke Tower and First Keep both actually constitute two rather massive Mansions, which, by the way, the minimum square footage of a mansion is a mere 8,000 Square Feet. For Reference, Mark Wahlberg's former Megamansion was 30,500 ., and the First Keep is more than double that. Additionally, the two combined are 368 short of being the same size as Oheka Castle, the former home of famous financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn, aka the IRL "Mr. Monopoly" himself!

That aside, it is a story concept that I haven't seen anyone take advantage of, and now that I've said it, I'm sure all of you are going to now, but trust me, I think I'm the only person who has come up with it. If I'm wrong and giving Jon the First Keep has been done in other Fanfictions, let me know in the reviews and I will retract this statement in the Author's Note of the next chapter, or the following chapter if it shows up after I post the next chapter! However, if you guys are now inspired by what I brought to the table, go ahead and create a story based on this. If I ever find myself in writer's block again with this story, I might end up working on this concept as well. Just remember I (hopefully) CAME UP WITH THIS CONCEPT!

Anyway I think that is enough out of me for now! Please be sure to Follow, Favorite, Review, and Share this story with anyone who likes GoT/ASoIaF and D&D Content! Again sorry for the delay, I'll try to upload more frequently, no promises though. Catch ya on the flipside! DRACARYS!

Chapter 3: Lament of Innocence

The Banners gather as they make their way towards the great castle of Harrenhall, many of the nobles are actually quite excited for the Tourney that is to soon begin, but what is more, everyone is completely astonished that Harrenhal, after so many centuries, has finally been restored to it's former glory, standing tall, strong, and defiant against the skies, it's 5 great towers once again reaching into the heavens like grasping fingers, it's walls fully restored, much to the surprise of many who have come to witness or participate in the tourney, witness Balaur soaring above them all, unleashing his breath in salute of the nobles and participants that arrive, roaring his welcome. The Royal Entourage of Prince Rhaegar, Queen Rhaella, Princess Rhaenys, and Prince Viserys are stunned to see such a great beast like that of Rhaegar's Vermithor being above them, and Vermithor, ever the respectful dragon, let's out a screeching roar towards Balaur, saluting him and paying his respects to the Drake as he passes overhead. Balaur, looking towards the sound of the screeching, instead of unleashing a roar, unleashes something akin to Whale Song, and the Drake lands near Prince Rhaegar, the Knights readying their swords, only for Queen Rhaella to raise her hand, then lowering it slowly, silently ordering them to sheathe their weapons.

Balaur, deciding to have a bit of fun with the knights as Rhaegar dismounts, charges at the Crown Prince, and roars menacingly in his face. Rhaegar, keeping his ground, watches as the Drake's display ends, before closing it's mouth in a snarl as it growls at Rhaegar, who takes off one of his gloves and slowly raises it to Balaur, his hand gently touching the scales of the larger dragonoid, and the Drake, apparently, calms down, and relaxes the tension in it's body, looking deep into Rhaegar's eyes. That is when somebody walks towards them, and Rhaegar turns to him, "Prince Draculya!" Rhaegar says, "No, wait… You're one of his brothers…?"

"Indeed I am, Ser Mircea of House Draculya, my prince!" Mircea says, bowing respectfully. "I welcome you, and your entourage, to Harrenhal!" He then looks to Ser Jaime Lannister, who bows his head respectfully, and the knight bows his head back. "Balaur, begin your search…" The Drake nods and looks to Vermithor before taking off into the sky. "Forgive Balaur he-"

"THAT'S MY FATHER'S BANNERMAN YOU'RE KICKING!" A Woman's voice calls out, her voice sounding like the snarling howl of a wolf… No… A Direwolf! Everyone in the Royal Entourage turns in shock as they see a woman with hair as black as night and eyes like silver charging towards a group of boys attacking a Crannogman, wielding a tourney sword. The battle between her and these boys was swift, sudden, but violent as the woman beat these boys so badly and so quickly that they ran away in terror, calling her a monster as they ran away in fear.

"Who…?" Rhaegar asks, completely stunned as he looks at her.

"That, Rhaegar, is your future bride. At least if Lord Rickard Stark accepts your father's arrangement…" Rhaella says, "What do you think of her?"

"She is so… Amazing!" Rhaegar says, his eyes almost alight with life, the light of his inner fire being ignited for the first time in the months since Elia's Death.

"Does that mean I get a new Muna?" Rhaenys asks, looking at her father, both sad, yet excited.

"Rhaenys, my darling girl…" Rhaegar says to his daughter, "I know you miss your mother, and I do as well, but I know she wouldn't want me to mourn her forever. Her murderer is dead now, and while his kind still plague our world, I promise you, she will love you if her father accepts."

"Promise?" Rhaenys asks, acting adorable.

"I promise!" Rhaegar says, smiling at the girl, and they continue on, with Viserys intrigued at how a woman as dainty as her could actually defeat younger but larger and stronger boys so easily, and how could he obtain such power? Inside the castle, Vlad kneels to the Prince and Queen, before providing them with bread and salt, and giving them Guest Right. After this, Rhaegar decides, on a whim, to go meet with Lord Rickard Stark himself, to see what his decision is, and, thankfully, finds him with his children in their tent. "Lord Rickard Stark." The Starks and the Crannogman look to Prince Rhaegar in surprise, "May I enter?"

"My Prince, of course!" Lord Rickard says, welcoming Rhaegar in as Vermithor, being the smart little dragon he is, takes cover under Rhaegar's cloak, near his shoulders. "What brings you to us, my Prince?"

"There is something that I wished to speak to you about. Something I only learned from my father… Mere hours before the death of my wife…" Rhaegar says, looking sorrowful.

"My Prince, if it is still a sore subject…?" Lyanna says, offering him a drink.

"Thank you, and it is quite alright… I've had the time to mourn Elia, and Prince Draculya allowed me to obtain justice against the monster who killed her." Rhaegar says, "May she rest in peace knowing she has been avenged." Everyone nods somberly. "What I came to speak of was the Betrothal Offer my father made…" Rhaegar knows that the Northmen are a blunt and honest people, so being blunt and to the point is the best way to speak to them. "I was wondering if you had come to a decision." Lyanna looks to her father with shock, she had only just recently learned of her betrothal to Lord Robert Baratheon, which infuriated her to no end, especially after Brandon spilled the beans about the man already having a Bastard. Now she finds out about this!

"Father, why didn't you tell me!?" Lyanna snarls at her father

"You were upset about your betrothal to Lord Robert, so much so you didn't give me a chance to tell you about the King's Offer… I also thought it best to give each of them a chance to show you which of them is worthy." Lord Rickard says.

"Well your daughter certainly impressed me not too long ago!" Rhaegar explains, "The way she dealt with a trio of larger and more physically imposing boys was amazing! The way she handled her sword as well, while it is clearly the Northern Style, it was like I was witnessing the reincarnation of Queen Visenya!"

"Really?" Lyanna asks, stunned as she blushes at the praise, to which Rhaegar confirms with a nod.

"Truly! I'm beyond impressed!" That is when they hear a sound as they see something climb out of Rhaegar's Cloak. A beautiful Yellow-Bronze Dragon with emerald green eyes, wings, crests, and markings flowing through it's Body whilst it has small but glossy black horns, talons, and teeth.

"Is that… A Dragon?" Brandon Stark asks.

"House Stark, allow me to introduce to you Vermithor!" Rhaegar says, smiling as the little dragon gazes at them adorably.

"He's so beautiful." Lyanna says, astonished as she slowly reaches for the little dragon, who begins snarling as she reaches forward, Lyanna stopping at that sound.

"Easy now…!" Rhaegar says, "Vermithor is not very good with strangers. It will take him time to trust you." Lyanna nods but then smiles at the little dragon. "I suppose I should take my leave… Thank you for indulging in my selfishness for the moment!" He then looks to Lord Howland Reed. "As for you Lord Howland…" He then gently places his hand upon the Crannogman's shoulder, "Let's fix you up…" He then closes his eyes and breathes slowly, and begins speaking in High Valyrian. "Tessarion, Goddess of Love, please bless this man with your warmth and affection…" Much to the shock of those who look at this, Howland's cuts and bruises glow with a faint golden light, and, before their very eyes, they light closes towards the center and the wounds are gone. When it is done, Rhaegar backs up and begins breathing hard, almost losing his footing

"My Prince…!" Brandon says, catching the Royal. "What did you just do?"

"Something I found myself capable of doing once Vermithor was born… According to Prince Draculya, my magic had manifested itself, and, as a result of that, there are a few abilities that I am currently capable of, this being one of them…" Rhaegar explains, "He claims the spell I had cast is known as "Cure Wounds" in Wallachia. The only limitations are that I need to sacrifice a portion of my magic in order to heal a person's injuries, but I cannot regenerate lost limbs or organs. I also need to be touching the person in question, which means I need to get up close to perform it." Everyone looks at Rhaegar with shock as the Prince steadies himself as he looks to the Starks, excusing himself as he makes himself scarce.

Meanwhile…

Walking through the Tents, Prince Vladislaus Draculya goes to greet all of the Lords and get to know them all with a smile on his face. However, much to his shock, he sees the Golden Lions of House Lannister amongst them, which wasn't one of the Houses he remembered greeting at his gates, causing him to think they may have invited themselves into his home. His pupils turning to slits at the outrage, he begins to make his way towards the Tent to seek an audience with whoever represents House Lannister at this tourney, only to see somebody walking out of the tent in a huff. It is a beautiful woman with long golden hair that falls down to her locks in lucious curls, and with emerald green eyes that are filled with indignation and anger. As she walks out of the tent, she sees Vlad walking towards the tent, and she stops in her tracks. "You are?"

"Prince Vladislaus Draculya…" Vladislaus says, glaring at her, his stunned state over as he glares at her. "Care to tell me why House Lannister has decided to come to this tourney, uninvited I may add?"

"That is none of your business!" Cersei says, however, much to Cersei's appearance, in the blink of an eye, he is up in her face, baring his long sharp teeth at her.

"You and your house step into my territory uninvited, and, if I may include, seek to insult me and question my power here…" He then sniffs the air… "Wait…" He then looks past her into the tent, "You're by yourself, aren't you?" Cersei looks at him, becoming slightly pale. "Oh this is just delicious… If the King and Prince were to find out you were here… What would that result in?"

"What are you implying, monster?" Cersei asks.

"Simply put, aside from your brother, you're on your own, and while the King, for the lack of a better word, respects me, there is only so much that I myself can do if he were to catch you here… So how about a trade?" Vlad asks, licking his lips at her.

"You wish to take me in exchange for my safety?"

"WHAT!? Are you insane, there is no way I would sleep with a woman I hardly know!" Vlad says, glaring at her. "I haven't eaten all day, and I was going to trade a bite to eat in exchange for me keeping quiet about you being here to the King!"

"Oh? Is that it?"

"Well, truth be told, you intrigue me, you're not as weak willed as most other women I've met in this world, and, to be honest, my dragon's blood is attracted to strong women…" Vlad says, catching Cersei's attention, "Besides…" He looks at her neck and shoulders, "I believe the blood coursing through your veins would satisfy me until the feast tonight."

"Blood?" Cersei asks, looking at him with a confused look, but looks him dead in the eyes… She can't understand why, but she feels like there is something about him that she can trust. "Fine…" She walks back inside the tent, where her brother, Tyrion is sipping on some wine, only to notice Vlad come in after her. "Oh that's right, you're still here…"

"Sweet sister, you wound me, I was actually just about to leave…" He then notices Vlad looking at him in disbelief.

"A dwarf, here?" Vlad asks, shocked.

"My apologies, my lord, my brother…"

"Brother!?" Vlad asks, pointing to her, "But you're human! Is this man adopted or something? I mean no normal human household would adopt a dwarf!" Tyrion, at first, looks insulted, but then sees the man appears to be scratching his head like a madman as lightning sparks between his hair. "Not to mention if a Dwarven Clan discovers one of it's Members was kidnapped it would be an act of war, especially if the kidnappers framed a Noble house of doing such a thi-!" Though Tyrion finds this all amusing, he snaps Vlad out of it by throwing what is left of his wine into the face of the Dhampyre. "What was that for!?"

"Apologies, my prince, but you were panicking and it looks like you were about to summon a lightning storm…" Tyrion says, "Also, I was born into House Lannister, I don't know anything about the dwarves you know but I was born like this." Vlad then turns bright red as he realizes his head had gotten him into a spot of trouble. "However, what you said intrigues me. What is it about the Dwarves you know that has you so terrified?"

"Tyrion…" Cersei says, warning lyrics.

"No it's Alright, Lady Lannister, I think it would be best if I explained myself." Vlad says, to which he takes a piece of paper and draws out a fairly accurate dwarf from his own World, Mundos. "You see, where I come from, the Dwarves are not a mutation of humans, but their own race. Proud warriors, masterful artisans in any craft they set their mind to, and, above all, the heaviest drinkers in the world…" He draws out the long beard but also a highly muscular dwarf wielding a monstrously sized axe in his hand. "They come in a few varieties, but they are all known for being honor-bound, their long lifespans of up to 300 years, and long memories when it comes to grudges. I have known a few dwarves in my time but one whom I remember fondly was one who went by the pseudonym of Honeydew, a very cheerful and eccentric dwarf who was known for being able to dig through solid stone with his bare hands, and for his singing talent." Tyrion looks in shock as Vlad draws the dwarf, seeing how it looks like him, but with a bright and cheerful expression, whilst wielding a rather ornate axe.

"Is that me?" Tyrion asks, shocked.

"Yes, at least what you would look like if you were one of the dwarves I am used to." He smiles at the Half-Man. "Never give up, Tyrion Lannister, one day you'll get your due, and if you remain true to yourself, then I hope I'm there to see how large of a shadow a Half-Man casts over the world." He gives the picture to Tyrion with a smile, before turning to leave.

"Wait, my lord, aren't you going to have a drink?" Cersei asks, confused.

"No, I was planning on it but, after seeing him, and getting a reminder of my homeland, especially my friend Honeydew, I'm more than satisfied with today's events. I will see you both at the feast…" He then slowly walks off with a smile, leaving the two Lannisters stunned. However, that is when they hear him singing something as he walks off.

Brothers of the Mine, Rejoice…

Swing swing swing with me!

Raise your pick and raise your voice!

Sing sing sing with me!

Down and down into the deep,

Who knows what we'll find beneath…?

Diamonds, Rubies, Gold and More

Hidden in the Mountain Store!

Born underground, suckled from a teat of stone!

Raised in the dark, the safety of our mountain home!

Skin made of iron, steel in our bones!

To dig and dig makes us free,

Come, my brothers, sing with me!

I am a Dwarf, and I'm digging a hole!

Diggy Diggy Hole! Diggy Diggy hole!

I am a Dwarf and I'm Digging a hole!

Diggy Diggy hole, Digging a hole…!

Cersei can't help but chortle at the ridiculousness of that song, and Tyrion, though feeling he should be insulted, looks at the picture given to him, and smirks as he sees somebody who believes he can be more than a dwarf. Vlad, once he is out of sight, humming the rest of the song to himself, finding his day was actually quite pleasing. However, as he walks through the sea of tents, he begins to see the Banners of the North men, a smirk traveling across his face. Slowly making his way towards the Tent, he begins to think about what he will say to the Kings of Winter.

Lord Rickard, feeling a chill, looks to the threshold of the Tent to see Lord Draculya walking over to them. "Lord Draculya… What an unexpected surprise!" Lord Rickard says.

"It is an honor to finally meet the noble house who provided safe haven to my brothers when we were separated…" Vlad says. "I wish to thank you for doing so, and being open-minded about the condition my brothers and I face everyday."

"It is no trouble, Lord Draculya. They had aided us when a Vampyre had made their way into our lands and defeated it with relative ease. So it is I who must thank you." He then notices a faint glow in the Dhampyre's eyes. "Have you fed today, my Lord?"

"No, I had to skip luncheon in order to be able to greet and welcome all the Lords who were coming." Vlad says, to which Rickard smiles as he brings over a witnessing and pours a ruby liquid into a metal chalice. He then presents it to Vlad, the scent wets Vlad's appetite as the Dhampyre takes the chalice, thanking the man before drinking. The rush of the taste of blood causes him to release a purring sound, along with a moan as a rush of pleasure as he drinks the contents of the glass. Once finished, his eyes are glowing red, his teeth on display as he calms himself. "Delicious, what animal is this from?"

"Shadowcat, my lord… One of the fiercest predators in Westeros, with claws capable of slicing a man clean in half." Lord Stark explains.

"Interesting…" Vlad says, "I had heard that there was once a House in Westeros that took the Shadowcat as their Sigil, a House that trained spies and assassins, rather than soldiers, and were capable of bonding with Shadowcats."

"House Maedyna of Dorne… A Valyrian House like the Targaryens, Velaryons, and Celtigars… Truly a tragedy… They trained the finest assassins in Westeros, and were utterly loyal to the crown… If it hadn't been for Aegon the Unworthy buying out the traitors in their midst, the Catspaws, then they would still be alive today." Rickard explains, "While I don't approve of assassins, the Loyalty and Honor of House Maedyna was unquestionable." Vlad looks down, a bit disappointed he couldn't meet this House for himself, but you can't help what you can't help. "in any case… I am hopeful for this tourneys events… We Northmen don't often compete in Tourneys, but I am sure there will be something interesting that will happen."

"I am sure there will be… My guards are keeping a close eye on the holes we have in our defenses to make sure no Vampyres interrupt the festivities." Vlad says, smiling at Rickard, who grins back. "Though I may suggest you keep an eye on Lord Robert Baratheon… Something about him has me on edge… I can't figure out what it is at the moment though…"

"Lord Robert is an honorable Lord of the Stormlands, and my son, Ned's, best friend. Why would you say that?" Rickard asks.

"Not even Prince Rhaegar knows this, but Wallachia had four branches of it's royal family, my House and it's Cadet Branch of Movilesti, and it's rival, House Danesti and it's Branch of Craiovesti… Our houses were both descendants of House Basarab, the rulers of Wallachia before us. We were rivals ever since our founding, but the difference between us is that House Danesti and House Craiovesti sided with invading armies that joined forces with Orcus, Demon Lord of Undeath, whilst House Draculesti and House Movilesti sided with our own native forces, the Holy Empire, and the Raven Queen…" Vlad explains, "Something about Robert Baratheon reminds me of the members of House Danesti and Craiovesti…" Lord Rickard looks at Vlad, seeing no lies in his eyes and voice, only genuine fear. He then nods to Vlad, taking the Lord of Harrenhal's warning into account. "I would also give this to Lady Lyanna…" He then takes off his own crucifix and gives it to Lord Rickard, "A rather recent dissection of a vampyre had allowed us to see why the Crucifix was so effective against them…"

"I see… I may need to ask about this later, but I will take your word for it." Vlad smiles at Lord Rickard as he says this. As this is going on, Ned smiles as he sees Lord Robert Baratheon walk out from his tent.

"Robert!" Ned says, smiling at his friend.

"Ned!" Robert says, rushing to his foster brother as the two friends hug each other, laughing. "Ned it is so good to see you!"

"It is good to see you too, Robert!" Ned says.

"Tell me! How did Lyanna take the news? Was she happy?" Robert asks.

"Unfortunately, no… She didn't…" Ned says.

"What? What happened?" Robert asks.

"She was already suspicious about you when she had read all my letters describing you. Though Brandon let it slip you already have a bastard…" Eddard says.

"What!? SEVEN HELLS!" Robert says, "Your brother has just brought our family's unity into jeopardy!"

"Well I would like to say you did this to yourself though." Ned says, "My sister has the Wolfsblood in her, meaning she highly values loyalty and fidelity… The fact you already have a bastard, whilst whoring and drinking all the time have garnered you a reputation that everyone knows about."

"Damn it… Well you might be glad to know that I've given up on wine… I found a new ruby that satisfies my taste…" Robert says, giving Ned a toothy grin, which the Silent Wolf looks in horror as he sees Robert's teeth have grown longer and sharper.

"Robert… You didn't…!" Ned says, backing away.

"Ned? What's wrong?" Robert asks, genuinely confused.

"SOUND THE ALARMS!" A Guard shouts as alarm bells go off, "VAMPYRE!"

"Don't let him escape!" Another guard shouts, as they surround Robert Baratheon, spears aimed at him.

"What the!? You dare draw your weapons at me!? Lord of the Stormlands!?" Robert shouts, his eyes glowing as he becomes enraged. He picks up his Warhammer and gets ready for a fight.

"Surrender now, fiend, and we shall give you a swift and easy death!" one of the guards shouts.

"PUT YOUR WEAPONS DOWN!" A voice shouts in another language as Vladislaus and Lord Rickard walk over. "Who called the alert!"

"I did, milord!" a guard says, saluting.

"..." He looks at the guard but then breathes a sigh of relief. "You were quick to react, that is good, but you sounded a false alarm."

"Are you the lord of this keep!? I want this man's head!" Robert Baratheon says.

"You may be a Vassal Lord but you do not command me!" Vlad says, his eyes glowing with anger as he bares his fangs. When he does this, much to Ned's surprise, Robert backs away a step, looking deathly pale, to this Vlad pulls out a mirror, "Look in your mouth…" Robert does so and sees his teeth are longer.

"What the!? What happened to my teeth!?" Robert asks.

"You didn't know about this?" Ned asks.

"Of course not, Ned!"

"Lord Stark, I heard that Robert was a heavy drinker, did he say something unusual?" Vlad asks.

"He said he stopped drinking, having found something new to replace it…" Ned says, to which Vlad nods.

"Lord Baratheon, this may come as a shock to you, but you may have been attacked by a Vampyre without realizing it." Vlad says.

"What?" Robert asks.

"Tell me, in the last two to three days, has anyone bitten you?" Vlad asks.

"Well…" Robert thinks, but then his eyes widen. "That whore…!"

"I told you that whoring would get you in trouble…" Ned says, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"H-how do I get rid of it!?" Robert ask, shocked.

"Unfortunately, this far in, the transformation is permanent. Fortunately, though, you seem to not be turning into a Vampyre, but a Dhampyre, so it's likely that your body managed to fight off the Initial infection without much issue, so the curse wasn't able to fully take root." Vlad says, "You're lucky, I had to have divine intervention to avoid turning into a Vampyre myself."

"Heh…" Lord Robert Baratheon says, "Well I suppose this is the gods' way of punishing me." He smirks, "I never have been a religious man but, I suppose that I should at least be a bit grateful I didn't become one of those Vampyres you're so keen on hunting."

'Okay, this is odd, he is either putting on an act, or his genuine shock at his change in situation is making it hard for him to believe it is happening. I'll have to have someone keep an eye on him.' Vlad thinks, not liking this, "In any case, I am sure you'll need to feed, the new ruby that you will be drinking is better for your health anyway." Robert nods but then smiles as he begins to laugh.

"Seven Hells, talk about a wake-up call!" Robert says, laughing, setting Vlad even more on edge. "Quick question though… Will I still be able to… Do the deed?"

"That hasn't stopped full vampyres before, so I don't see why not, just know that, as a Dhampyre, you're perfectly capable of having more than one spouse, but they need to agree to the match and form bonds between each other." Vlad explains, "Not that I have an experience in that."

"I'll keep that in mind." Lord Robert says. "Ned, this has been a strange day to be sure…"

"True, still, you need to heed the Gods, both Old and New, about this wake-up call… They are trying to set you on a better path…" Ned says.

"I see… Oh I heard that the King has been trying to get my dragonspawn of a cousin married to your sister."

"He has made the offer…" Rickard says, "His offer actually came in at around the same times Ned's suggestion for a marriage between you and Lyanna came in…"

"And my cousin, what did he have to say about it?" Robert asks, starting to sound aggressive.

"He was a bit excited, but also humble, about the idea of marrying Lyanna, but wouldn't force her into it if she didn't wish it." Lord Rickard explains, "And given your reputation, I do believe the Prince is the better option." The Storm Lord snarls but keeps his temper, "However, if you wish to meet Lyanna, I can allow it, but don't try anything, otherwise… Well Ned has likely informed you how we deal with those who harm those we hold dear in the North."

"He has…" Robert says, looking at Ned. "While I will be disappointed, and maybe angry that Lyanna rejects me, if Rhaegar was able to give her the choice in the matter, I'll do the same and respect her decision… However, that doesn't mean I won't show mercy to Rhaegar in the Tourney because of it."

"I wouldn't dream of it…" Rhaegar's voice is heard, "Cousin… Besides… I'm actually looking forward to putting you on your rear end."

"You looking for a fight?" Robert asks aggressively, but has a smile on his face.

"Maybe… I haven't fought you in years now, so I think we can settle our score in the tourney's joust! Put an end to our long standing draw once and for all!" Rhaegar says, smiling at his cousin.

"Then how about a wager then…"

"We won't involve Lyanna in it!" Rhaegar says.

"Oh no no no! I actually have something different in mind." Robert says, "If you beat me in the Jousting Tourney, then I'll concede to you being the better man for Lyanna, but if I win…" Robert smirks as he flashes his fangs, "I get a taste of that dragon's blood flowing through your veins!"

"As long as you don't kill me or cheat, then I think I'll accept that wager!" Rhaegar says.

"I wouldn't dream of cheating! There is no point in winning if I have to pull some dirty trick to do it!" Robert says, smiling, "If I have to cheat to beat you, then it only makes me look bad!" He then cuts open his palm with a smile and holds out his hand in a claw-like flexing of his fingers. "What do you say? Do we have a deal?" Rhaegar looks at his cousin as Vermithor shows himself and begins snarling, only for Rhaegar to silence his dragon with a look of reassurance, Rhaegar drawing a very ancient looking Valyrian Steel Dagger with a ruby set into the hilt, made of gold and dragonbone. The gemstone glows brightly as Rhaegar lifts up his hand as he cuts it

"Alright, Robert… Ziry iksos nykeā kivio!" The two of them shake as their hands glow brightly, Robert chuckling maliciously as the light erupts into the sky as a pillar of blood-red light. Once the light dies down, their hands are covered in ancient Valyrian runes, ones that Rhaegar feels a sense of dread looking upon. However, the two look at each other, and as they do, Vlad looks upon them as his eyes see the image of a great red dragon snarling at a great stag Hart Stag with 50 points standing as it challenges the dragon before him, the two glaring at each other as flames and lightning appear around them. Vlad can immediately tell that this is going to be ugly… In the most beautiful sense of the word…