Alright, time for the next chapter, hope you all enjoy. In this chapter I'm going to start including things from other media, as well as infering as to some of Lilith's past. We'll get into it later, but those that know, know we've got some exciting stuff coming down the line.
Darkness Reborn
Chapter 29: Interlude
-Meereen-
A few short days had passed as Lilith awaited the return of her demonic emissary. In the meantime, she inhabited the great Pyramid of Meereen, spending her time performing twisted, and malicious rituals.
Using her dark powers, Lilith set about drawing in the darkness of this slaver city and fusing it into the very earth itself.
Her intent was to corrupt Meereen entirely, turning it into a bastion of darkness. In doing so, not only would it be a place where the sun rarely touched, but magic would grow in strength here as well. Another benefit would be the thinning of barriers that separated the physical world from the supernatural. After only a single day of this, Tauriel began to notice the effects. Where before her elf eyes could see the ebb of darkness that bathed the city, as well as the wisps of spirits, not yet departed from this world, now she was able to see the ghosts much more clearly, as well as hear their whispers.
Elves were naturally sensitive to the Supernatural, able to partially peer into the unseen world. They couldn't see into it completely, only that which dwelled at its surface. Like something floating atop a lake. In places where death was strong, elves could see the spirits of those that had died but had yet to move on. For example, if an elf wandered into a graveyard, they might spot a phantom or two, haunting its grounds.
However, things that dwelled deeper in the unseen were far more difficult to perceive. Only powerful elves, who practiced in magic and trained their eyes to peer into the otherworld, could see things that existed further within it. Such an elf may be able to perceive someone wearing the One Ring, where the average elf could not. Such individuals were rare, in truth, Sauron had speculated only four or five elves with the knowledge, skill, and ability to peer that deeply into the unseen. Chief amongst them being Galadriel, Elrond, and Glorfindel.
It was a rare gift, one that very few possessed. That which dwelled deep in the unseen world, was not meant to be viewed, not even by the elves.
The nature of these realms was uniquely complex. You had the physical realm, and it's opposite, the unseen. You had the Void, which was an immaterial realm born of imagination, dreams, and the leftover bits of creation, where all spirits resided. Then there was the beyond, a place deep within the Void where the spirits of the dead went when they died. The Beyond was, at its simplest, the afterlife for those that once lived. And finally, there was the bedrock of existence, Chaos. Chaos was a realm of pure imagination, from which the thoughts of everything that lived, shaped its existence. Everything that could dream, and believe, shaped Chaos in some form, and it was from Chaos, that the Void was given its form, as it bubbled up from that nightmarish realm of impossibilities. In many ways, the Void was like a dream, it didn't make much sense, but it certainly fit within the realm of sensibilities, at least for conscious beings. Chaos did not, it was the amalgamation of all conscious and subconscious thought, and belief.
It was a strange, nigh impossible concept to understand.
Chaos was undoubtedly the first realm. It came before everything else in existence. Yet, it was entirely shaped and formed by every thought, every desire, every whim of living beings from across the expanse of reality. It could be argued that Chaos was the result of these thoughts and ideas mixing together in such a hectic way. The problem then became, how could Chaos be the bedrock of all existence, if it was shaped by the thoughts of living entities?
Most spirits and demons in the Void, had no idea as to the answer. Their knowledge didn't stretch back that far. The oldest spirits would claim that there wasn't a physical realm or an unseen one, once upon a time, that all of it was part of the void, but then something happened, and a barrier was thrown up, splitting all three realms apart, placing the physical realm and the void on opposite sides of the unseen world.
Not even the angels, or the greatest of the demons, truly knew how it all began. They had their stories, their legends, but no one had any absolute proof.
Within the void, sat the High Heavens, and the Burning Hells. These two defining points of the Void, were less than a fragment of it's totality, yet both could be described as realms that were infinite in their size, and scale. Within the High Heavens dwelled the angels, spirits of pure light, nobility, honor, hope, wisdom, and valor. Their realm sat far and away, above the rest of the Void, if such a concept could be imagined, given the impossible landscape of the Void. The Burning Hells was where the darkest of evils resided. Demons of unspeakable power, and wrath. The Burning Hells sat at the lowest point of the Void, above Chaos itself, and those twisted realms often reflected it's influence.
The forces of light and dark were arrayed in two basic forms. On the side of light, you had spirits of light, and you had angels. Spirits of light lived within the Wildlands of the Void while the angels inhabited the High Heavens. On the opposite side was the demons, of which they came in two forms wild demons, and pure demons. Wild demons were dark spirits, corrupted or twisted by evil, that filled the expanse of the Wildlands, while Pure Demons were the inhabitants of the Burning Hells and were comprised of pure evil.
Much of this knowledge had come to Lilith in her youth. As a young, angry witch, in search of a means of fixing her sterility, she turned to many avenues of research, one of which was the aid of spirits and demons.
It was in her youth that she first made contact with an emissary of Hate. A pure demon, in service to one of the Prime Evils, one of the Seven Lords of the Burning Hells. It was this demon, that drew Lilith into the realms of the most twisted and reviled forms of magic. At first, he acted as her mentor, teaching her foul and twisted magics from beyond her world. Eventually though, her power grew too great, and the demon tried to possess her body, hoping to use her as a means of opening a gateway onto the Earth and launching a demonic invasion of the planet.
The attempt, of course, failed. But during the battle for her very soul, much of the demon's own corruption stained her own soul, coloring it just as black as the demon's own.
Such a harrowing experience as a battle for her very soul would have normally put off a person from delving any deeper than they already had, but by then, Lilith had little care for her own life, and only desired greater power. At some point, her quest for a way to heal herself became a lust for revenge.
Arrayed against all of Britain, Lilith knew she needed greater power in order to defeat her enemies, so she continued along her path, calling forth entities from the Void. Demons and spirits, creatures of knowledge and skill that she persuaded to aid her in one form or another.
With their aid, Lilith uncovered lost secrets of magic, gained access to powers, never before seen on the Earth. Within a decade, Lilith's knowledge of magic surpassed even the combined scope of the Hogwarts Founders themselves. Twisted rituals, profaned arts, vile sacrifices, all made in the name of furthering her power.
In all that time, Lilith never forgot the lessons of her past. She never allowed the entities she summoned to draw too close to her soul, never gave them that opening.
But, as with all things, nothing can prepare you for taking that one step too far. Even here, now, so many thousands of years later, Lilith could remember, clear as day her first meeting with the Lord of Hatred.
Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, one of the Seven lords of the Burning Hells. Lilith had pushed too far and had mistakenly called forth a shade of the Lord of Hatred, earning his attention.
The Demon lord looked upon her, and saw the blackness of her soul, and the foulness of her ambitions. In one glance he knew everything about her, her every hope, her every dream, her every want, and despair. In a moment, he knew more about her, than she knew about herself, and in her, Mephisto saw the world's end.
So he made her an offer. She would be granted his protection, as she continued her studies involving the demons of Hell, and he would even offer to return to her, what she had lost, the ability to create children. In return, when her war was won, when the dust settled and all that she hated and reviled was left broken and violated at her feet, when her life ended, her soul would go to him, and she would serve him, for all eternity.
Because of his wording of this particular offer, Lilith saw a great potential loophole for her to exploit, all she requested was a single addition to this offer.
Sensing her intention, the Lord of Hatred only chuckled, and proclaimed that if she managed to capture the soul of her dearest and most reviled twin, than it would remain hers, forever more.
That was all Lilith needed to hear, and once the deal was struck, Lilith immediately capitalized on it. As the demon had granted, she had his protection when it came to her learning and studies involving the demons of Hell, he was one such demon.
As if expecting this, the Demon happily answered her various questions, expanding her knowledge of magic, and the darkness of Hell. Of all the demons that she would call upon over her first life, it was that aspect of Mephisto that she spoke with the most.
He saw in her, a malice that would destroy everything in her path. There was nothing that she would not do to reach her goals. Every test he put forth, every challenge. Nothing was off limits for the Dark Lord.
True to his word, Mephisto restored her fertility, though, as with all deals made with a demon, there came a twist. Nothing born from Lilith, was free of demonic corruption.
Not that it bothered the Dark Lady, overly much. By the time she had received this cure, she had long since chosen vengeance. There was only one man she ever wanted to mother a child with, and at the point in time, she hated him with every ounce of her heart. The babies she bore were far from human. None of them were created through the act of coitus, all being made through magic. Some Lilith created outside of her body, using magic to sustain them, some she created within her own womb.
All of these children were monsters. Vile and twisted creatures, shaped like beasts. Demons in all but name.
It was these creatures that earned her the title, the Mother of Monsters.
Thinking back, Lilith couldn't help but wonder what ever came from that deal she had made with the Lord of Hell? She had died, and per their deal, her soul should have gone to Hell, to serve Mephisto. She knew that a great deal of time had passed between when she had died, and when she had been reborn as Melkor, but she had no memory of anything between those two events.
Was her soul still forfeit to the Lord of Hell, or had she gone to Hell after her death and simply could not remember it?
It was a curious thought, though Lilith wasn't so eager to open that door just yet. She knew she could summon Mephisto's shade once more, if she so desired, but in doing so, she would drudge up a past that, for the moment, seemed better left, forgotten.
That didn't mean she wasn't curious, but she wasn't so curious to drag a potential claimant to her soul, back into her life.
So, she kept from summoning pure demons from Hell, despite them being more vicious and often times, bred for war, and instead focused on Wild Demons and spirits who had no allegiances.
Reflecting on her past occupied her time while Lilith awaited to hear back from Sagath.
It was early in the morning on their fourth day in Meereen when Tauriel awoke to gasping and crying from Cersei.
The elven huntress quickly shot up to find Cersei in the midst of a nightmare. She quickly moved on top of her, pinning her down and covering her mouth, trying desperately to keep her from waking Lilith, who had thankfully slept on the opposite side of the bed.
Tauriel knew that Lilith wasn't one for being awoken from sleep. While Sauron could playfully tease the Dark Lady, and draw her ire, Tauriel knew that without him here, she and Cersei were the only two available as a focus to their master's anger.
Cersei's eyes snapped open in a panic, as Tauriel covered her mouth. She was on top of the former queen, trying desperately to keep her quiet.
As Cersei's eyes focused on the form hovering over her, Tauriel brought a hand up to her lips, urging her to be quiet.
Cersei blinked several times, and slowly nodded, allowing Tauriel to remove her hand from her mouth.
Both women stared at each other for several long moments before feeling dreadful eyes on them.
Both turned their heads to spot Lilith sitting up, glaring over at the two of them, annoyance visible on her usually playful and alluring face.
Both women stared back at her, fear visibly dancing in their eyes.
After a few seconds, both women felt their stomachs drop as a cruel smile played across Lilith's face.
"Oh my horny little slaves, don't stop on my account. It must be utter agony to put up with such lust while the master is occupied. This time I will allow you both a moment to relieve those urges. Go ahead, I don't mind." Lilith said to them, her gaze lustful and edged by playful amusement.
Both women allowed their gazes to return to one another. A silent moment passed before Tauriel lowered herself onto Cersei bringing her lips to meet with the former Queen's.
Cersei quickly followed along, returning the kiss.
Lilith sat back and watched as her two playthings began to grope at one another. While she found amusement in tormenting them both were extremely lucky that she had been awake for over an hour now and was just lying in bed thinking when Cersei began to have her nightmare.
As things began to heat up between her slaves Lilith allowed her mind to drift elsewhere. Sageth should be returning today, hopefully with an array of hungering demons at his back eager to sell their allegiance for the chance to feast on the dead slaver city.
If she could get two hundred demons to agree to her terms that would allow her to create a powerful fighting force. She could either use the demons' magical powers to assist her own magical forces, aiding them in rituals and certain powerful spells. Or she could place them within the corpses left over in Meereen. The corpses of soldiers and those with magical potential would make for powerful servants.
A demon possessing the body of a fallen magical being would allow for the creation of an Arcane Horror. These entities could perform powerful magics to terrifying effect, and often possessed the powers of a necromancer. However, if you placed a demon into the corpse of a fallen soldier, you'd get a Revenant. Revenants were powerful melee fighters, possessing only a few types of magic, usually only telekinesis, allowing them to push or pull their enemies while they attacked. The thing about Revenants was that they were so strong, they could easily wield massive weapons one-handed, while also being fast enough in some cases to appear like they were attacking multiple times, in a single blow.
Both of these creatures had the capacity to be incredibly powerful assets on the battlefield. Revenants could single-handedly take out entire platoons of enemy soldiers, while a single Arcane Horror could use its magic to blistering effect against the enemy.
Lilith didn't expect to get many Arcane Horrors out of this deal. There were very few practitioners of magic here in Meereen, and identifying them, based on their corpses would be difficult. Most of the fighting force would be comprised of Revenants, which was fine by her. She was also curious to hear what any of these demons may have on offer as tribute, or as special skills. Most demons would probably just accept her offer in exchange for the colossal meal and the chance to interact with the physical world. Some though, the cleverer demons, such as the manifestations of Desire, Lust, and Pride, may try to bargain for higher rank in the Dark Lord's forces.
The possibilities of what they could bring to the table were near endless. All it took was one special offer, a unique power, an ounce of forgotten knowledge, to change everything.
Lilith sent one final glance over at her slaves who were in the cusps of fingering each other to orgasm before rising from bed and allowing her gown to manifest around her.
"Try not to spend all day in bed, otherwise you'll miss the show." Lilith threw over her shoulder, knowing full well that neither had heard her, now lost in their own lust.
Lilith headed down through the great pyramid, ignoring the halls filled with orcs, and men, busily scouring the pyramid for trinkets and loot, pillaging to their hearts content. Most valuables had been stolen by now, at least obvious things like jewelry, and gold, but other things, such as clothes, tapestries, artwork and the like, were still available.
In some chambers, Orcs or Valyrian men were had settled in as temporary homes, while work in Meereen continued. Most of these individuals either relaxed or partook in other prizes they had earned for their part in the attack. Lilith spared nary a glance into a chamber where a wild orgy took place. Men and orcs partook in the pleasures of the flesh, the recipients of their carnal desires being the women that had been taken during the fall of Meereen.
Most of those captured women were well worn by now, several days into their captivity. Too few of her servants had the restraint necessary to hold onto their prizes for overly long. So eager to fulfill their desires, that they were swift to soil and ruin their prizes, leaving broken, things that could hardly be called living behind. Oh well, at least they'd have the memories to drive them on to future successes.
It wasn't long before Lilith arrived in a great chamber where the shadowy form of Dathrag stood, staring out over Meereen.
"Is work nearing completion?" Lilith inquired, drawing the gaze of the mighty Balrog, who turned and knelt in response.
"Soon to be. Two more days, and the final clutches of prisoners will be stowed aboard our ships, ready to sail back to Arcem Ossa. Has your servant returned from his recruiting spree?" The Balrog inquired in response.
"Sometime today I reckon. Have the prisoners I asked for been gathered?" Lilith questioned.
"Yes. Five hundred, elderly, sickly, women who are of no use to us." Dathrag answered.
"Good. Then all we need now is to await Sageth's call. I'm eager to see what he's gathered for us." Lilith smirked in response as the Balrog rose back to it's feet.
The day proceeded slowly from there as Lilith waited around to hear from her servant. Eventually Tauriel and Cersei slinked back to her, after finishing each other off and realizing that Lilith had left them alone, the two probably spent all morning unable to make eye contact, before one of them decided to report to their master's side.
Lilith merely offered the two a chuckle of amusement when they appeared and gave them a knowing smirk which kept their heads down for most of the day. Eventually though, the time came, and Lilith felt a tug on her senses.
Something was trying to reach out to her from beyond the barriers between this world and the Void. With a smirk, Lilith gathered Dathrag and headed down to the chamber when all of their sacrifices had been gathered.
A collection of several hundred old crones, most of them too old to be of any use, for any real purpose were clustered together. Lilith did not hesitate, she swifty summoned one over to her, and executed her with a wave of her hand, earning fright and shock from the crowd.
Using the dead woman's lifeforce, Lilith tore a hole into the Void, allowing Sageth to emerge from it. Once more, the demon's essence drew forth. Most of the people in the room could not perceive the entity, merely feel it's presence.
"My Lady, I have returned with joyous news." The demon intoned.
"Don't keep me in suspense, let's hear what you've found." Lilith responded.
"Three-hundred-and-ninety-four have agreed to swear their allegiance. Your conquests here in this world have not gone unnoticed, and there are many who are eager to participate." Sageth said to her, earning a blink of surprise from Lilith. That was nearly twice as many as she was hoping for.
"Wonderous, truly wonderous. I cannot wait to meet them." Lilith responded, as she raised her hand.
Cersei and Tauriel could do nothing but watch as, with a wave of her hand, the hundreds of old women in the room, burst into fleshy piles of gore.
It happened so fast, just a loud pop, where not even a scream could escape, before it happened. Several at a time, they burst, like bubbles. Panic and terror spread through the ranks of those gathered for sacrifice, yet they could do nothing as the Dark Lady destroyed them with her magic. Seconds passed as the final sacrifice was made. With each death, a feint wisp of blue energy was left hanging in the air, like a ghost of the person it had once been.
By the end of the assault, a flood of blood and viscera filled the room. Blood, and gore, and bones, lay out in a nightmarish scene, that caused both of Lilith's slaves to begin to violently retch. Lilith paid them little mind as the gathered together the life force of all those she had just killed, using that life force to punch a hole clean through the veil of separation between the physical, and non-physical worlds.
The whole process took only a matter of minutes, and when the portal was finally opened, it appeared as a gruesome, terrifying spectacle. From within the sea of gore, blood began to boil. In the center of the murder scene, a hole began to form, guts and entrails falling downward as a five-meter-wide hole opened in the ground. The edges of the hole bent inward, the ground bending in such a way that it almost looked like the floor had been made of soft clay and someone had simply pressed down into it. This hole led into darkness, an utter blackness, that to any observer, would appear to move.
With the power of Lilith's ritual, this hole would stay open for several hours. Long enough for her to gain the allegiance of her new servants. Once she had their oaths of servitude, she would have the vessels, that had been prepared en masse, brought forth and one by one, the demons would be sealed into the corpses of dead soldiers, or the few magical bodies that could be found.
Dread, and nightmarish power filled the room as something began to stir from within the hole. With such a breach, magic was allowed to flood out from the void, filling the air with a potent static that almost caused the skin to tingle. Quickly, movement stirred within the portal, and from it, began to emerge the forms of demons. Hellish monsters of various shapes and forms. They crawled up out of the pit, filling the room, the magic that spilled through the portal, allowed them to be seen with the naked eye so that even Cersei could make them out as creatures that defied all sensibilities manifested before them.
Lilith smiled cruelly at the assortment of creatures. Immediately, she could make out the shapes of various types of demons, their alignments with certain emotions, their level of power. In her mind, she quickly began noting the demons of special interest that were older, more powerful, or simply unique to the rest. These demons would be the ones that would prove the more interesting allies.
Once they had all gathered, she would command their oaths of allegiance, and from there, the real fun would begin. She was absolutely ecstatic to see what new and interesting weapons could be forged from this new army, and she was looking forward to telling Sauron all about it.
"Greetings, one and all, I, am Lilith..." The Lord of Darkness began, her smirk never leaving her.
-King's Landing-
The song of swords clashing, filled the air of the training ground. It was late in the evening as Aegon and Arthur practiced, honing their swordsmanship to a razor's edge. Aegon had speed and strength, and a good deal of skill for a human, but even so, Arthur Dayne wasn't considered a legend for nothing. Training with him these last few days, Aegon was left to conclude that Arthur truly was one of the best human swordsmen that he'd ever seen. On par with some of the greatest. With each day, Aegon also witnessed the changes in Ser Arthur, made to improve his already incredible fighting ability.
Arthur noticed it as well. He was faster, stronger too. His reflexes were seemingly keener, and it took almost no time at all for him to shake all of the dust off from nearly twenty years of slumber.
Arthur got plenty of practice these last few days as Aegon liked to exercise in the morning, and practice a bit of bladework, which Arthur was more than happy to assist with. On top of that there were those who wished to test themselves against the legendary knight.
Arthur and Ashara Dayne's return was met with surprise, disbelief and amazement. Having Lord Annatar amongst them once more, also stirred up quite a bit of intrigue and curiosity. Many a hopeful young knight wanted to witness, or even challenge the Sword of the Morning in a duel, to see just how good he really was.
Arthur accepted several of the offers, if he thought the challenger possessed some measure of skill. If he was going to protect the King, he needed to be at his best, and that meant testing himself against the best. His greatest challenge, at least in his fellow man, came in the form of Ser Garlan Tyrell. Garlan truly was a great warrior, and after their duel which lasted nearly twenty minutes, Arthur wasn't surprised to hear that Garlan often trained against two or three opponents at once. Nearly a dozen duels in the last few days, but the King's future brother-in-law, proved to be one of the best. The younger brother Loras was also quite skilled, though more in line with what Arthur expected from a young Lord of a great house, trained from a young age to be a knight.
During these last several days, Arthur analyzed his surroundings and learned more about the things that had happened during his absence, along with learning and coming to understand his new King. Aegon himself was a bit of an enigma to Arthur. He was calm, and clever, thoughtful, and brooding, vicious, and noble. Aegon had this power about him, the ability to shape how he appeared to others. With a smile, everything would see to brighten around the king, and he would draw in those around him. People would feel safe to approach him, even encouraged to do so. Aegon was a fine conversationalist, and an incredible orator, mesmerizing his followers with words, and guiding their attention with an almost practiced ease. He was a natural ruler, and that carried over to all of his underlings. With the orcs, and other monsters in his army, he was a cruel, and powerful ruler. He did not shy away from bloodshed, and just as easily as the world seemed to grow brighter when the King smiled, it darkened when he glared. Aegon had a glare that could peel flesh, from bone.
It was difficult to truly pin down the kind of man Aegon Targaryen was, but in retrospect, that made it that much harder for his enemies to plot against him. If no one knew how to decipher your actions and movements, then they couldn't counter you. Aegon was like this as he ruled, and in how he fought. Each day, Arthur worked to help the King refined his twin sword fighting style. Unlike a normal swordsman, Aegon had magically enhanced strength and speed. With only one hand, he could swing a sword hard enough to cut clean through a man. Using his inborn abilities, allowed him to fight in a manner that was more consistent with showmanship, rather than efficiency. Arthur knew how to fight with two swords, and was well practiced in doing so, though he preferred to fight with just his old companion, Dawn. Two sword fighting was more for spectacle than anything else, at least for normal swordsmen. It did have a use in duels and the like, as an intimidation tactic, a means of confusing and disorienting your opponent, and for the simple spectacle of the craft, but it took away from a great many things, such as the users' strength, and coordination. Keeping track of two swords at once, was far more difficult than just one.
Aegon though, didn't have those same problems. Having enhanced strength and speed, allowed him to counter those deficiencies, and utilize such a style to his advantage. Fighting with two swords made it twice as difficult to anticipate his movements, and it made it difficult to block incoming attacks.
It was in training with him that Arthur began to suspect that fighting with two swords, was more than just a martial method of combat, it was more like a mindset for the King. A way he dealt with others. striking at them from multiple angles. It was how his mind worked, as Arthur was beginning to understand, and it made him a very dangerous opponent for the players in the Great game.
Arthur blocked an incoming strike from the King, and offered a smirk, drawing a curious look from Aegon.
"Something funny?" Aegon inquired.
"Not so, just getting a read on your habits. Your right-hand dominant, and it shows in your swordplay, you often lead your attacks with your right hand first. Your attacks are efficient and well planned, but it's obvious you're not as skilled with your left hand. The blade isn't settled so nicely." Arthur noted, causing Aegon to smirk as well.
"A keen eye, Ser Arthur. I expect nothing less from a man of your reputation. How do you suggest I remedy such a shortcoming?" Aegon asked as he eased off his assault and allowed his posture to relax.
"Mayhaps by training to fight left-handed, you'll be able to break both of these habits. Training to use your left hand as your leading arm, will allow you to alternate in your offensives, adding further variability to your assaults." Arthur suggested. Aegon seemed to mull over his suggestion for a moment before giving a nod of approval.
"I think you might be right. Perhaps we can work on that, when next we meet. The sun has already gone down, and I would be remise in my duties if I did not spend some time with either of my intendeds today." Aegon offered, calling an end to their training for the night.
"The Starks return to Winterfell soon?" Arthur inquired as both men made their out of the training yard.
"Two days from now, they'll set sail for White Harbor. The Riverlords have already begun marching home, as have the Knights of the Vale. With most of the orcs at Harrenhal, King's Landing seems almost quiet now, compared to how it was a month ago." Aegon noted with a shake of the head.
"So, shall it be Lady Sansa, or Lady Margaery tonight?" Arthur asked.
"I think I'll see in Lady Margaery is available for a late dinner. Best I think to build a further bond there, our marriage won't be long after I return from the North." Aegon answered, Arthur nodding in acceptance.
It wasn't long before Aegon found himself sitting across from the lovely Margaery Tyrell. She had accepted his invitation to dinner, no doubt eager to continue bonding with her future husband. The two spoke at length about themselves, sharing childhood stories and personal interests outside of what had been expressed in previous meetings.
Aegon found that he enjoyed his time with Margaery. She was soft, and gentle, yet possessed a keen sense of intrigue, and a very clever mind. Margaery had a way about her, always moving towards what she desired, yet never appearing to lose sight of who she was. She was kind, and caring, she was not a vicious person, nor did she have a desire to allow needless harm. She would make a good queen, Aegon knew. Just so long as she worked towards his ultimate goals, what she chose to gain from the journey was entirely up to her.
Their conversation became a bit more flirtatious as the night progressed. It did not take, much in the way of insight to see that Margaery found him attractive, and he most certainly found her attractive. He wondered, if only halfheartedly, how experienced she was, or if their coupling would be much like how it was with Sansa, and he and Lilith would have to teach her. He couldn't quite tell the answer, not yet at least. Margaery gave off an air of purity, but he could see through the veneer. It wouldn't be overly long before he found out.
"What do you envision for the future, your grace? I know you have plans in regard to future conquests, but what about the realm you intend to build? I'm curious to hear what your goals are." Margaery asked.
"An interesting question, Lady Margaery. I could probably talk at length about such a subject, but ultimately, at its simplest, the answer is that I intend to build a world of order. I want to put an end to all the chaos and confusion. I envision a world of progress and advancement, where the lives of the average man could one day be unthreatened by poverty, or famine. Where men and women are judged solely on the merits of their ideas and their contributions. A world where greatness isn't measured by who your parents were, or who you're descended from, but what you've done in your life, what you've built for yourself. I wish for a world of peace and prosperity, where crime is punished with a fair hand, and a firm heart. Such a vision for the future becomes more refined as it becomes more of a reality. As I said, I could talk at length about this so I'll just stick with the short answer." Aegon replied, earning a curious look from Margaery which morphed into a smile.
"A noble cause, I think. You are a good man, your grace, many people can see it. I'm sure if anyone could accomplish such a feat, and build such a world, you could." Margaery said to him.
"You're too kind, but I know it will not be easy to make such a dream come true. It's why I'm happy to have such valued friends and allies, such as yourself to work with. Your family has done much to aid the realm, and I shall never forget it. You yourself, have done much for the people of this city. I am certain that when the day comes that they call you Queen, they will do so with joyous hearts, and deep-seated admiration." Aegon replied to her, causing Margaery's smile to brighten.
"You flatter me, your grace. I've seen just how well loved you, and Queen Lilith are to the people of King's Landing. You do me a great honor to place me amongst you." Margaery countered.
"You honor yourself, Lady Margaery. Your kindness, and love for the smallfolk is matched only by your beauty and grace." Aegon expressed kindly.
Margaery averted her gaze at that, enjoying his attention and the compliment as well.
The two continued their conversation from there, ending an hour or so later, where before allowing Margaery to depart, Aegon left her with a kiss, the first shared between the two.
When they separated, Margaery offered him a playful smile, that seemed almost enticing, but then she allowed it to fade and instead blushed and thanked him for the wonderful evening.
Aegon thanked her as well, expressing his hope that they'd get to enjoy each other's company again very soon. Margaery expressed the same, before departing.
It was early the following morning when Ser Arthur decided that the time had come to speak with Barristan and Daenerys.
"It's been a long time, old friend." Arthur greeted as he stood between the two cells of Barristan and Daenerys. His words drew the attention of both, and Barristan felt his jaw drop when he recognized who it was.
"Arthur? Ho-How is this possible?" Barristan questioned in disbelief.
"Lord Annatar. He rescued me from near death. Me and my sister." Arthur replied, causing Barristan to blink several times, taking in a breath as he did.
"Lady Ashara is alive as well?" Barristan asked.
"Yes." Arthur answered.
"I don't understand, who is this Ser Barristan?" Daenerys inquired.
"Ser Arthur Dayne. Sword of the Morning. Formerly of your father's Kingsguard." Barristan answered, still awestruck by the sight of his own comrade, who didn't appear to have aged a day, since their last meeting, something that couldn't be said for Ser Barrstan.
"You've gotten old, my friend." Arthur noted, causing a smile to spread across Barristan's face.
"That's true. You though, you look no different than the last time I saw you." Barristan expressed.
"Lord Annatar's magic. Something about keeping me asleep while he healed my injuries. It kept me from aging all these years. I only just reawakened." Arthur explained to him.
"So, this was Sauron's doing?" Daenerys asked.
"No. The King had no knowledge of my survival up until a few days ago, princess Daenerys. This was all Lord Annatar's doing." Arthur replied, turning his gaze to her.
"They're one and the same, Arthur. Annatar is Sauron, it's some sort of ruse." Barristan warned.
"The same? I don't see how that's possible." Arthur replied, confused.
"Sauron is a shapeshifter. He can change his form to look like anyone he wants to. Our ally, the Blue Wizard, he told us all about Sauron, about Annatar. The Lord of Gifts, it's a ruse to fool people." Daenerys explained.
"Well, the king is a shapeshifter, that much I know for certain. I also know that the King, and Lord Annatar are two different people." Arthur responded.
"No, they're not, Arthur. I know it may be hard to believe..." Barristan began but Arthur shook his head.
"I know what you've been told, and I know what you think is true, but I can assure you, Selmy, they are two different people. I have stood in the same room as both men and discussed things with both. I've seen them talk to one another, interact with each other." Arthur countered causing Barristan to blink several times in confusion before glancing at Daenerys who was equally as confused.
"The Blue Wizard lied to you, or perhaps he was just wrong. Either way, I can assure you both, that the two men are different people." Arthur said to them.
Daenerys took in a breath at that, unable to respond. She had no argument for that. Shapeshifting could only help Sauron change form, it's not like there was two of him.
While Daenerys struggled to rationalize this information, Barristan spoke, "What are you doing here, Arthur?"
"I've come to try and talk some sense into you. To try and convince you to set aside whatever vendetta this Blue Wizard has gotten you involved with. I don't wish for my old friend to have to die for the cause of some sorcerer from distant lands. Nor do I wish to see Queen Rhaella's last gift to the world rotting in a dungeon. I know that you believe Aegon to be evil, and I understand that you have justification for it now, due to what happened at Meeren, I know that you think opposing him is what's right, but all you're doing is hurting yourselves." Arthur answered.
"You don't know the whole story Arthur..." Barristan began.
"A few servants of the Dread Lord of Valyria came to Meereen to deliver a warning to the Breaker of Chains to keep her eyes away from Valyria. After delivering their threat these agents made to leave and were confronted by the Blue Wizard, a fight broke out, they all died. Aside from it happening in your city, you had no part to play in those events. Yet for some reason you decided to join forces with the Blue Wizard. Jump forward several months and you contact King Aegon, he goes to your city with full knowledge that you are under the advisement of a powerful sorcerer, and an enemy of his Wife. An army is sent to Meereen to put an end to the growing threat of a Targaryen with three dragons of her own, but before this army can attack, the King risked his own life to speak with you first. He placed himself in mortal danger for the chance to meet you, and speak to you, despite knowing that the Blue Wizard had no doubt filled your mind with all manner of lies and falsehoods. By the King's admission your meeting went well, and he intended to call off the attack because he believed you could be reasoned with. Instead, you attacked the King, and put him at the mercy of the Blue Wizard, leaving him to cast whatever spells he wished to on the King. The King broke free, summoned his army to attack, your city was sacked and destroyed, and you were captured." Arthur recited the events of what had happened, as they had been explained to him by Aegon.
Daenerys blinked several times at that, while Barristan let out a tired sigh.
"Alright, I guess you do know what's going on." Barristan conceded.
"The spell placed on Jaime Lannister was placed by Sauron. It wasn't Romestamo. Sauron is the one controlling his mind." Daenerys said.
"I see." Arthur replied, taking in that news.
"'I see'? Is that all you have to say?" Barristan questioned.
"What else would you like me to say, Selmy?" Arthur asked, gazing at his old comrade.
"Anything! Sauron has got Ser Jaime under mind control and has everyone believing that it was someone else..." Barristan began.
"A wise course of action I believe." Arthur interjected, causing Barristan to go quiet.
"You approve?" Barristan asked in disbelief.
"Of controlling another's mind? Of course not. Do I approve of the King hiding his ability to do so? Yes, I think that's the smarter option. I doubt people will react well to the knowledge that their king can place them under mind control if he wishes, so pinning the blame on an easy scapegoat, and hiding the truth is indeed, the smart option." Arthur explained to them, causing Barristan to take in a breath and lower his gaze.
"The King has many powers and abilities. I've seen him do many things in the short time I've been here, and I have no doubt he will learn more magic from the Queen and display even stranger forms of magic as time goes on. With that being said, so long as he wields his magic like a tool, and uses it intelligently, who am I to judge his methods. They obviously worked, and they saved him from your Blue Wizard." Arthur continued.
"What is it you want, Arthur?" Barristan asked again.
"To save your lives, Barristan. To save the princess. Soon, Prince Oberyn will find Princess Rhaenys, and bring her home. It is my hope that the last of the Targaryens can be wholly reunited once more. I know that would have been Rhaegar's wish. I know that Queen Rhaella would want her children and grandchildren to live together in peace. I think even Aerys, stripped of his madness, would want for his family to be at peace with one another. You suffered a great loss, Princess Daenerys, and I am sorry for the loss of your people. Were that I could turn back time and stand by the King's side with him at Meereen, maybe I could have prevented things from spiraling out of control. Sadly though, the hands of time cannot be turned back. We must live in the now. King Aegon wishes for you to be free of this prison. He wishes for you to stand at his side, with the rest your family. I don't know if my words have done anything to convince you, maybe this was all for nothing. If that is the case, then when the time comes, Barristan, and you demand the chance to fight for your Queen, know that I will answer that challenge, and grant you an honorable death." Arthur expressed with sadness.
Barristan was quiet for several long moments before offering a nod.
"If it comes to that, then I'll gladly face you, one last time." Barristan responded, smiling weakly.
After a few moments of silence, Arthur offered a polite bow to Daenerys before heading towards the door, he was stopped when he heard his name called by Daenerys.
"Princess?" Arthur inquired, turning back to face her.
"You knew my brother well?" Daenerys asked.
"I did, he was my best friend." Arthur responded.
"The King... Aegon... is he... anything like him?" Daenerys inquired; her amethyst gaze focused on him.
"Aegon, seems to me a combination of his father, his mother, and the man who raised him. He seems noble, and honorable, a strong sense of duty, and a great love of family. He is a passionate man, just like his father was, yet possesses that natural stoicism of a Stark. He has done alot of good here in King's Landing, taking many a trip down into the city to use his magic to heal the injuries of the small folk. He has a kind heart, though I don't think I was ever more certain that he was his father's son, than when I heard him singing in the gardens." Arthur expressed.
When he mentioned singing, something passed into Daenerys eyes, a certain sadness, almost like regret. She shared a look with Barristan who took in a deep breath as he took in Arthur's words.
"Will you tell him... tell him... I am considering his offer." Daenerys asked.
"Of course, princess." Arthur offered another bow, before returning to his departure.
Daenerys and Barristan were left to ponder on what they had learned, and Daenerys was left to decide on her fate. Some holes had begun to appear in her beliefs, and she didn't like having them. She needed to think on this and come up with a decision on how this was going to end. Either she held to her beliefs and her life was basically over, or she took a risk on Romestamo being wrong, or a liar, in which case, she may just get back a family she never got the chance to have. A nephew, a niece, a grand uncle she never knew of. Daenerys had to think on this, long and hard.
Outside of the cell, Aegon stood listening. Arthur stepped out and the two proceeded out of the dungeon.
"I think that's a good sign." Aegon expressed.
"I truly hope so." Arthur agreed.
"We'll give them a day or two to think on what you've said. Maybe I'll ask Maester Aemon to speak with her next, before I do. I don't want this to turn to further misery, but I also can't let her rot in that dungeon forever. For now, we'll let them think." Aegon stated.
The two were making their way into the Throne Room when they were halted by the appearance of Lilith, standing in their path.
Aegon's face lit up at the sight of her, and he quickly approached his wife, and pulled her into an embrace.
"Welcome back. How was your trip?" Aegon asked.
"Wonderful. Come, you and I need to have a long talk. I've learned something incredible, and I have something to show you." Lilith said to him, earning a curious look from Aegon, before he nodded, and the two headed for their room. Tauriel and Cersei were absent, having been relieved, no doubt because Lilith wanted this conversation to be a private one.
Sauron didn't know at the time what had gotten Lilith so excited, but he knew it had to be something incredible to truly put a pep in her step, so he followed along, eager to hear her news, as he did though, something was beginning to occur. Something monumental was beginning to happen in Arda.
-Mordor-
The sun was beginning to set over the lands of Mordor. The Black Hand stood, staring out over the terrain, in the distance, stood the Black Gate.
"A storm is coming." The Hammer spoke, lifting his gaze to the sky.
"The darkness and the rain will cover our advance. Prepare the orcs to march. We attack at nightfall. Tonight, we begin the reconquest of Mordor. Tonight, the Black Gate falls. Tonight, these lands will once more know, the wrath of Sauron." The Black Hand commanded, his gaze alight with anticipation.
Ahead of him, lay his prize. His chosen sacrifices that would bind Celebrimbor to the lands of the living once more. Soon the Elf-Lord would be theirs, and once returned to the service of Sauron, there would be nothing left that could oppose the power of the One Ring.
-To Be Continued-
A shorter chapter this time around, just want to get some setup going. Got a few more things to handle in Westeros, but we'll be pretty thoroughly moving into the Shadow series stuff after that. I'll be mainly focusing on the Shadow of War, as that's the one i've played the most of, and have the most knowledge of, but i will include plenty from the Shadow of Mordor, and we'll get to enjoy Aegon and Lilith interacting with Talion and Celebrimbor. Fun stuff, oh and happy to get started on the new year, hope it's more productive than the last one. Gonna work on it, Ja Ne.