Hello everyone! I think none of you expected a chapter so fast, eh?! Well, here it is! For all of you! Before I continue, I would like to point out, that I am relying more on the books, of A Song of Ice and Fire than the show. For example, the ages are different in the books.
Brandon was born in 261 or 262 I think.
Ned and Galadriel were born in 263.
Lyanna was born in 266 and Benjen in 267 OR 268.
So, now putting now that aside, the next update is going to be as follows!
Overlord: The Demon Empress!
Overlord: The-Demon-who-lived? (2 Chapters!)
Harriet Potter: The Demon Empress (2 Chapters!)
Harry Potter and the Demon Empress.
Boku No Overlord!
So, I'll see you all next week!
Also, like always.
If you wish to support me, please donate to my Pay Pal. It will help me a great deal! I will be able to update faster!
(paulydppal (at sing) hotmail . com)
Chapter 4
The North beyond the wall, or as some of the wildings and those who inhabit those lands outside of human knowledge, called it. The True North was a land forgotten by all, even gods. Yet, there was a sense of allure, of a mystery that Galadriel couldn't quite ignore. She was flying above the frozen forest, way outside the reach of any human, with Pandora's Actor at her side, and a certain creature who was hugging the Treasury Guardian with all her might.
"Please, do not let me fall!" Leaf whimpered as Pandora's Actor only patted the head of the strange creature.
"I will not do such a thing, young lady."
Pandora's Actor said, with a rather amused tone of voice that made Galadriel smile.
"So, here we are… the Haunted Forest. I have heard of it so many times before. But to see it is quite amazing."
Galadriel said, and for a brief moment. She felt things moving down below there. Spiders made of ice could be seen far away, hidden behind the trees, trying to not be bothered. Galadriel now wondered how many creatures do exist whose existence could be similar to the ones of Yggdrasil. She couldn't be sure, yet she wanted to know more.
"There are spiders, gigantic spiders of ice," Galadriel said, and Leaf only nodded.
"There are many other creatures, magic creatures. Most of the time, they'll hide. But, as long as you don't bother them. They'll not bother you."
"I see. Well, good to know."
Galadriel said as the group flew down, reaching the ground. There, she saw a white weirdwood, a very large weirdwood. Galadriel also saw many crows standing around the tree, watching her every move, and she couldn't help but wonder. How much she'll learn today. Still, she had to keep her guard up, and with a simple nod to Pandora's Actor. Both walked inside the small entrance to what it looks to be a cave.
"Follow me," Leaf said, feeling glad to be on the ground again.
Galadriel did as she was told and followed the Children of the Forest. And inside the cave, she noticed many things. Ruins of sorts, and saw the tree roots carving the stone with life. It took not long before Galadriel and Pandora's Actor reached the center of the cave and upon a large rock with many roots, a figure was looking at them. A person, or not quite a person, but a frail entity with a wooden face.
"You came faster than I expect," the Last greenseer spoke, with a low and gentle voice.
"With such an invitation, how could I make you wait?" Galadriel replied.
The wooden thing only took a deep breath, or something akin to taking a breath. Galadriel could see the face of that person, and the silver hair and one red eye made her question, who was that thing? But it seems as if the creature already knew her questions.
"I know what you're asking yourself."
"Do you?" Galadriel replied.
"Indeed… I was not like this, not always. But I was once a man, from the south. A long time ago. Before my body became one with the roots of this tree. I was once called Brynden."
"Brynden?" Galadriel muttered, as she was trying to remember where did she had heard that name before. Galadriel thought hard and kept on looking at the last greenseer. The silver hair, the one eye. Galadriel swears. That name was the echo of someone important in history.
He is from the south; he says. Brynden, that's his name. Or was. Where did I hear that name from? Galadriel wondered.
"You're a… Targaryen?" Galadriel asked, trying to put the things together. And a chuckled could be heard.
"Aye… I was. Lord Bloodraven was one of my many names."
Then it clicked for Galadriel.
"You're Brynden Rivers. One of the bastard sons of King Aegon IV Targaryen."
Galadriel said, with a surprised tone. Since she was quite the scholar about such things. The history of Westeros was interesting to read about. Fairly chaotic and quite intriguing. Yet, now, she was standing in front of a person who should be around, close to 100 years. That's quite the age for someone to live.
"To live for such a long time. I do wonder, how do you accomplish such a thing?" Galadriel asked, with an intrigued tone.
"Immortality is a fickle thing, for I have long stopped desiring to live more. Now, I am rooted to this tree to continue my watch."
"Your observer here, Leaf. Told me that you're the eyes of the realm of men."
"Aye. It is the job of the Three-eyed crow to watch over mankind."
Galadriel said nothing, as she kept listening to the words of the greenseer. She didn't trust him, not at all. But, at the same time. Galadriel needed to see if whatever the strange man said could be potentially true. Even if it was just a little. She needed to know more about the world.
"The Night King and the White Walkers have noticed your presence. They feel you, and you have felt them too, don't you?"
Galadriel nodded, remembering the strange dream.
"The White Walkers are smart. They are not just creatures. They have their own language and culture if you will. When you came into the world. I felt a shift in magic."
"A shift of magic?" Galadriel asked.
"Aye. I don't know what are you, but the magic you have brought with you. It's nothing of this world and is like a parasite on a body. The world is trying to adjust to your presence. This world is sensitive to magic, like pouring salt into an open wound. Your arrival has opened many old wounds. But perhaps it is a good thing."
Bloodraven whispered as Galadriel wondered where it was going.
"How so?" Galadriel asked.
"You heard about my ancestor's dragons? About the magic of old Valyria?" Bloodraven asked, with a hint of joy, or perhaps melancholy.
Mm, were they truly dragons? Or wyverns? I wonder. Galadriel thought as she kept her mind on the task at hand.
"I have."
"The magic my ancestors used disappeared after the doom. Just like the magic of the world. Sorcery and blood magic made them strong but after centuries. It grew weak. I do not know if it was greed that lead to the downfall of Valyria. But what I know now is that something ate away, the magic of the world."
"Ate?"
"Yes, like dogs feasting on a dead animal. The more magic they ate, the weakened it becomes around the world. That's why the magic of the world slowly faded away. Eating the magic made them stronger."
"And who are they?" Galadriel asked.
"The Others aren't the only creatures who craved power. Magic has been in the world for thousands of years. Civilizations came and go, just like Valyria did, but their gods remain. Entities grew fat on their power and started to take away the life of their servants. Now they are hidden, waiting for the magic to return, so they could go back and feast upon this world life. The Night King is just one of them."
Galadriel now was thinking hard if those beings were out there. If that was the case, then, perhaps. They were Raid boss-level creatures. Maybe, she couldn't be sure. Galadriel was confident in her power, and she knows that with Pandora's Actor, they could take on a raid, boss, maybe. Yet, was it worth it? Risking herself like that? Facing an opponent, she has no idea of where it was, or how powerful that being was, which could lead to a disaster was a horrible idea. No, Galadriel was a paranoid person. She won't move on them until she knows for certain how strong they were. Or at least, if there were more of them. Since she didn't trust the half-man, half-tree either.
"Do you know where they are?" Galadriel asked.
"No. They are hiding away in the remnants of the old world. Using their own sorcery to hide. But they won't move for now. The Others scared them. The White Walkers had been feasted upon the magic of this world for thousands of years."
"So, if feeding in the magic of the world is what makes them powerful. They surely have quite the power now," Galadriel said.
"Yes. And that's why I think your arrival is a good thing. You have broken the balance. You're powerful… I can feel it in you. A power that I have never felt before. What are you?"
Galadriel looked at her rings and wondered if she should take them off or not. They were currently showing false information about her power. So, Galadriel could show what her actual power was. Yet while she was thinking of it, Galadriel felt a nudge in her mind. She didn't trust the being in front of her. Bloodraven, from what the history books said, was a spy, a manipulator, and a liar. Maybe he was lying all this time and trying to get her to fight those beings. Perhaps there weren't beings of sorts, and he was just luring her in. Maybe those White Walkers were incredibly powerful, and she was walking into a trap. Galadriel's distrustful mind was filled with those ideas.
"Something more. That's all I'll say."
That's why she decided to just play along and wait until she has more information about those things.
"You're not from this world, aren't you?" Bloodraven asked, and Galadriel only stared at him with distrust.
"Who knows? Perhaps I am. Or maybe I am not. The only thing you should know is that if you are an enemy. You'll die."
Bloodraven, from his tree form, tilted his head, but a smirk could be seen.
"A foreign soul, in an unknown land. You're truly one of a kind. I can only wonder what destiny prepares for you."
Galadriel only scoffed, as Bloodraven continue talking.
"There are beings across the world, powerful in their own might. Incredibly so. Yet, it is the Long Night that will bring death to this world, and we must be ready for it."
Galadriel only nodded, not really looking convinced about the Long Night at all. In fact, a part of her wished to be there. It sounded like quite the event.
"Mm, let me ask you something," Galadriel asked, as she stared at the tree person with intense scrutiny.
"Go on."
"If eating magic strengthened them. What will happen if, for instance… I kill the Night King? I doubt these other gods would remain sitting."
Bloodraven then smiled at her. "Yeah, and this is where is the complicated part. Killing the Night King will leave a vacuum of power. Imagine, all that magic, that the White Walkers accumulated for thousands of years, since the last Long Night. Released upon the world. Those ancient gods, the forgotten ones, would have a feast and grow stronger."
Galadriel hummed. "So, that's the problem. I think the same could happen with the other so-called Forgotten ones, right? If I just went ahead and kill them. The magic they accumulate all these centuries will be realized in the world."
"And the Night King and the Others will eat it away."
"How convenient."
Galadriel muttered, with a bit of amusement.
So, doing, either way, could cause problems… this is quite… intriguing, truly. I feel like I am doing a quest of sorts! How exhilarating! Hunting down… killing beings called gods in this world. Yeah, I am going to have the time of my life.
Galadriel smirked while thinking about how to do it exactly.
"You looked, please. I can only wonder why?" Bloodraven asked, with a confused tone. Then Galadriel looked at him with a rather condescending look.
"Hunting these powerful beings… sounds fun."
"Fun…?" Bloodraven asked, now shocked by the reaction.
"Yes, fun. These beings must be quite old and powerful. Horrendous creatures, for all intents and purposes. So, hunting them down, one by one. Showing them how fragile and weak they really are… sounds fun."
Galadriel told Bloodraven with the biggest smirk on her face, while the Three-eyed Raven only stared, muddled.
"These are gods in all but name! Beings who have amassed a great deal of power across the world. How the future of the world… the possibility of it all ending, could be fun to you?" Bloodraven asked, with a tense tone of voice. Never in his life, Brynden thought someone could find such a thing could be fun. It was something he learned the hard way. After watching the many memories of the ancient world. He has seen what destruction those things could bring. Yet, there it was, that girl. That strange girl, with immense power, just having fun with the thought of hunting them down. As if they were nothing but toys for her to play with.
"Well… you asked me if I was from this world, and as you say. I am not, and where I came from. Hunting beings like this was quite the… usual experience."
Galadriel joked and finally saw a reaction of sorts from the tree-person.
"Usual experience…?" Bloodraven muttered.
Galadriel only smiled at him. "I have learned quite a lot… but you have given me a lot to think about. A lot to prepare. If I have more questions, I'll come to visit here. And also… just a warning of sorts. Keep your eyes out of my family."
Galadriel said, and Bloodraven only saw those eyes glaring at him with such hostility that, perhaps. Dying to the Night King wasn't such a bad idea.
Maybe… she is the Prince that was promised? Maybe the prophecies were wrong all along? Bloodraven thought. Nevertheless. She is the key to the revival of the Targaryen family magic. She has to. Bloodraven's goals were hidden away behind the mask of an ancient tree.
"I am your ally… I swear it."
Galadriel only stared at him for a moment before walking away.
"We'll see about that."
Bloodraven only remains alone in the cave with Leaf. As he ponders what took place just a few moments ago.
"She is not normal… not from here. She could be dangerous."
Bloodraven sighed as the roots of the tree cranked at his exhaustion.
"Maybe… maybe she is worse than the Night King himself and any other being. Yet, there is nothing else for us to do but wait and see. And pray that this world is ready for what is to come."
Those were the last words of Bloodraven, as he wonders if they have just traded one evil for another.
Outside, Galadriel and Pandora's Actor were flying towards Winterfell yet again. Taking their time to digest what they heard. And of course, both were skeptical for a small part.
"Do you believe what he says, my lady?" Pandora's Actor asked.
"No, and yes. Believe always, half of what you hear and half of what you see. Maybe he is lying, and he is trying to bait us somewhere. Maybe he is saying the truth. But the Children of the Forest are real and alive. So, perhaps. He is saying the truth. Nevertheless, I want people with him, and if he proves to be our enemy. Kill him. Or… bring him to our base. I want to know more about him."
"It should be done."
"He says he is our ally… Let's see how much if that is real. Still, if what he says is true. Then we need to plan what to do with these Night King and the Forgotten Ones."
Galadriel said, and Pandora's Actor only nodded.
"Taking one would cause a problem. We don't know how strong they are right now. Maybe they aren't really powerful yet. It's not something I wish to leave it out for luck. Also, the magic of this world seems rather volatile. Killing all of them could cause quite a problem for the inhabitants of this world. Especially my family."
"Mm, indeed. Killing one will make the rest stronger. And if your family has some kind of magic in them, as you theorize. It would change them, right? So, that's quite problematic, yet also an immense advantage for us," Pandora's Actor said.
"Exactly. It's one of the reasons I don't want to kill the Night King. If he is the most powerful of these entities, then killing him will allow the rest to grow stronger, and since we don't know where are they. Then, it will be a matter of time before they become a threat. Of course, that's wishful thinking. We don't know anything about them. Maybe I am making a big deal of them, and they end up being a disappointment."
"But you aren't going to risk it, right?" Pandora's Actor said, and Galadriel chuckled.
"No, I will not. You know me. I'll take my time planning out things. Nevertheless… don't you think this is quite exciting?" Galadriel smiled with a demoniac smirk. And Pandora's Actor chuckled.
"It is, without a doubt."
"So, we have so many things to plan out. The prosperity of the North. The plots of the South, the search for Nazarick, and now, evil gods across the land who wished to conquer the world."
Galadriel whispered as she stopped to watch the beautiful sky.
"And here I thought this world was a boring one," Galadriel said with a smile.
"Well, we have time… and they have none. Let's take our time and hunt them down, shall we? Let's show this world… these gods, this realm… who am I," Galadriel said, and Pandora's Actor bowed deeply.
"It will be my pleasure."
Year 280 AC
The summer days have been quite long in the south. Incredibly so, Eddard Stark, the second son of the Stark family, felt almost older than he was. He was just about to be seventeen years old. Ned's names-day would soon arrive. And it was one of the reasons he was returning home after so many years. He needed to celebrate such a day with his family.
"They are going to be angry at me… especially her."
Ned cringed, knowing full well what awaits him at Winterfell. And it wasn't as if it was the only time he has gone to visit. But the last time was around 3 years ago. Yet, he was excited to see his family again.
"Almost there."
Ned said as he could see Winterfell castle getting closer.
"Dammit, Ned! Look at the size of those towers!"
The voice came from the rider next to Ned, a person who even he found himself surprised to be friends with. A man by the name of Robert Baratheon. The heir, well, Lord of Storm's End. Both of them met each other at the Vale and were under the care of Lord Jon Arryn. At first, Ned saw Robert as a preposterous heir, who has no shame or honor. And for a part, it was true. Yet, Robert was a complicated individual, Ned knew as much. After the death of his parents, a horrible accident that Robert saw with his own eyes at Shipbreaker Bay. Ned understood a bit more of him. Robert was loud and noisy, sure. But he truly keeps his friends close. He was a man who buries his sadness and anger in fighting and whoring. A man who was not close to his own family. And saw in Ned, the brother he never had.
Robert and Brandon were almost the same. Maybe that's why Ned got close to him.
"Incredible, right?" Ned replied with pride.
"And here I thought the Moat Callin was big, but this?! No wonder, they say Winterfell is the new Harrenhal," Robert said with a loud voice.
"But prettier, I hope," Ned said, with a smirk.
"Haha! Magnificent!" Robert replied. "Truly, I doubt any army can take this castle."
"They'll have to fight our soldiers to even get close. And northerners aren't afraid of no one," Ned boasted, and Robert smiled.
"Aye, that I believe."
Both continue and saw the many farms in the distance. Even after so many years. The North was still evolving. Every time Ned comes back North. He sees more new buildings; more new things being built.
Galadriel surely likes to keep on working in the North. Everyone, now in the south, sees it as one of the most prosperous and riches kingdoms. Now, not even the Lannisters can't compete with them.
Ned thought as he looked at the beauty before him. Winterfell walls were repaired and so were the many other buildings. The Broken Tower has not broken anymore. And while the name remains. It was no longer the tallest tower in the castle. Since now, four watchtowers in total were spread across the keep. The courtyard was made bigger and cleaner. So, more people could live inside the castle. They rebuilt the First Keep from the ground up. Ned was there when workers were on it. Now, it was a place of remembrance and peace.
"You're going to enjoy the greenhouses and hot springs," Ned said, remembering old times.
"You bet. I wish to take a long shower after a day on the road," Robert said, with a boisterous laugh.
Ned looked at the grand entrance of Winterfell and took a deep breath.
"I am home."
The seat of power, of the Stark family, was now truly a wonder of the North. Bigger than Harrenhal. More elegant than the Red Keep, and older than Dragonstone. And Winter town, now called Winter City, just added more to the beauty of such a view. Yet, Ned wasn't paying attention to that, but what lays ahead. From the moment he entered the courtyard. Ned felt someone glaring at him from above. Yet, he wasn't scared. Instead, he smirked.
"Here we are," Ned said, as he got off his horse. Robert did the same, as the Lord of Storm's End only looked around like a kid on his first names-day.
"Oi, Ned… where is your sister?" Robert asked, and Ned sighed.
"She should be around," Ned only said, hiding the irritation. The moment, Ned told Robert about his twin sister. Robert seemed in love with his sister. Even though he has never met her before. It was annoying. Yet, it wasn't something he was concerned about. Ned knew his sister well. And he knows that she won't be interested in a man with Robert at all. Well, in fact. He was savoring the moment. His twin sister would knock some sense into Robert. That would be fun.
"But I warn you, Robert. You're my friend. But disrespecting my sisters is something I will never tolerate," Ned said, seriously, with the famous Stark cold rage and Robert looked at him with a rather serious face. Since, for Robert, watching Ned with such an expression was rare.
"I won't, I swear it."
Ned stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Good… now, let's see…"
Ned's words were cut down short by an arrow hitting the ground, just centimeters away from his boot. Robert jumped a bit backward and almost pulled his sword out. Yet, the laugh of Ned calmed him down. As Robert wondered, what kind of Northerner welcome was this.
"Lyanna," Ned said. As soon she appeared, Robert's jaw almost hit the ground as suddenly from one of the towers in the courtyard. Lyanna Stark jumped down, falling from one level to another. Until she reached the ground, landing in front of Ned.
"Well, what do we have here, a lost pup?"
"Lost pup? You remember I am older than you?" Ned said with an amusement tone.
"Mmph? I doubt it."
"You should kneel before your older brother," Ned said with a joking, arrogant tone, and Lyanna scoffed.
"Not in a million years."
Lyanna said, but after a few seconds, both Ned and Lyanna then laughed it off. And embrace each other tightly.
"Oh, my sweet Ned, I missed you so much," Lyanna muttered, with a tender voice. As Ned hugged Lyanna with the same tenderness.
"I missed you too," Ned said. "Look at you… you've grown on so much. A lady already."
Lyanna only punched Ned's shoulder with a smile. "Don't call me a lady."
Lyanna truly has become a woman. Only fourteen years old, yet Lyanna was not a child anymore. It was clear that the potions given by Galadriel had made wonders on Lyanna. She was still smaller than the rest. But there was no doubt that Lyanna was a female of wild attractiveness. Her brownish hair was in a ponytail, shining brightly when the sun hit it, making it look as if it was reddish. Her gray eyes showed her Stark blood. And her round face was perfectly shaped. Big lips, cute cheekbones, and long eyelashes.
"You're beautiful," Robert muttered, without realizing he said it out loud.
Lyanna narrowed her eyes as she looked at the lord from the south. As she walked close to him, inspecting him. Robert looked at the girl, and couldn't look away from the body of Lyanna Stark. She was wearing a tight leather outfit. Clearly, she was training not too long ago. And the figure she was showing was too licentious to deny.
Gods Ned, how could I not lust after your sister with such a body?! Robert thought, in dismay. Yet, for some reason, Lyanna seems to know what Robert was thinking.
"Pig."
Lyanna only said, as Robert only stared at her, confused by those words.
"What?" Robert muttered.
As Lyanna scoffed at him. "I have heard about you, Lord Baratheon. All you think about doing is fucking and fighting. You have a bastard daughter, already in the Vale, don't you? Well, let me tell you something important, and don't forget it. Don't even think about it." Lyanna hissed, and she wasn't talking about herself. But her beloved older sister.
My dear sister is very dumb and naive when it comes to what other peoples want from her. Especially men! I must protect her at all cost! I must protect my sister's maidenhood! Lyanna thought in dismay, as far away, in her office, Galadriel sneezed, not knowing what was the reason for such a thing.
"Think about what?" Robert replied, a bit offended.
"You will keep your hands out of my sister, understood? Or I'll castrate you."
Lyanna threatened, and Robert. was now rather angry at those words. Although, he was also incredibly attracted by the ferocity of Ned's younger sister.
"I haven't done anything," Robert said, keeping his famous Baratheon's fury down.
"Yet."
Lyanna told him, and then she smiled. "You'll find out that Northerner women aren't really impressed by southerners' men. We are used to real men here. Not perfume, shiny knights with ludicrous hair."
Robert then smirked at the challenge. "Maybe I could surprise you, my lady."
Lyanna's jaw tightened at the word lady. Then, annoyed spit on the ground, near Robert's boot. And glared at him.
"I am no lady."
"Alright, alright, Lyanna, where is father?" Ned asked, trying to interrupt the tension between both of them. Lyanna only huffed at Robert as she then stared at his brother.
"Father and Mother are currently suffering from our sister schemes. A few lords from Braavos came a fortnight ago. They are playing host. And our sister is busy dealing with the iron Bank delegates. She is in full work mode. So, good luck trying to get her attention."
Lyanna said, giggling, and Ned knew why. Since once Galadriel was in her full work mode. Nothing would get her attention. She would have a sort of tunnel vision and paid little attention to what was going around focusing on one thing until the job before her was done.
"And Brandon and Benjen?" Ned asked.
"Training with lord Muller… you should come and see," Lyanna smiled.
"Silverfrost is there, with Lya, and the rest."
Ned smiled and grew large at the name of his direwolf. "Aye, I loved that."
"Will Lord Baratheon come, too? Or he is too tired from the road?" Lyanna asked, with a mocking tone.
"I am not tired… my lady," Robert replied, with a smirk of his own, and Lyanna scoffed.
The group walked to one of the many courtyards of Winterfell. The place where the Stark soldiers train, and while they were doing just that. Robert couldn't look away from Lyanna's swigging hips. Of course, Lyanna knew it and again she looked back and hissed at him.
"Maggot."
Lyanna muttered angrily as Robert raised his hand, trying to avoid making the girl angry. More than the girl already was. Yet, Robert's thoughts were cut down short by a sudden beast emerging from the training grounds. It was as big as a horse and had sharp fangs. Robert couldn't help himself but retreat and pulled his sword out. As he saw how the monster tackled Ned, his best friend, to the ground.
"Ned!" Robert yelled, ready to die fighting the enormous creature in order to save Ned.
"Haha!"
Ned's laughs, however, showed the reality of the situation. As the giant Direwolf was on top of him, licking him with joy.
"What…?" Robert replied, dumbfounded.
"Who's a good boy?" Ned said, as he was tickling enough wolf, who replied with a howl.
"I missed you, Silverfrost."
Ned said, as he finally stood up, and while Ned was a tall man. The sheer size of an adult Direwolf was just enough to dwarf him. Robert only stood there, unmoving. As he then saw yet another of those creatures approaching Lyanna, a reddish one.
"Scare, milord?" Lyanna said, mocking him, as she gently patted Lya.
"Seven hells," Robert muttered.
"I told you about them," Ned said with a smile.
"Bloody hell, Ned! I thought they were just normal wolves! These things are bigger than a horse!" Robert exclaimed, surprised by how some of them were looking at them.
"Really? And here I thought they were rather small. Maybe a bit fat," Ned joked and Silverfrost and Lya barked aggressively, letting him know they weren't fat.
"Don't call Lya fat!" Lyanna said as Lya whined.
"Sorry, sorry," Ned said with a grin.
"Well, what do we have here? Ned, is that you?"
Ned then stared at the person walking toward him and smiled.
"Brandon!"
Both of them hugged each other. "Look at you! You've grown yet again. Now, I don't need to look down on you," Brandon joked.
"And you've spent a lot of time eating and drinking away, don't you?" Ned said as Brandon scoffed.
"Not you too. Let me tell you, these are pure muscles!"
Robert saw how the oldest Stark was truly a monster of a man. Ned was tall, around 1.88, but not as tall as Robert, who was around 1.95 perhaps. Yet, Brandon seems to be taller than both of them. Maybe around 2.05 with broad shoulders and thick arms. He had a dirty beard around his face. A bit subtle. Yet, it fits on Brandon's face. Now Robert understood what Lyanna was talking about.
Northerner men were built differently. Or perhaps only the Starks.
"Ned!"
Benjen appeared out of nowhere, hugging Ned tightly.
"Benjen!"
Robert now was baffled at the sight of the Stark men. Even the youngest of them was a tall and incredible fit. Benjen, who was of thirteen-years-old, was already a man in the making.
What do they feed them? Robert wondered.
"Look at you, already a man. How is your sword arm?" Ned asked, gently.
"Great, I can't wait to show you!" Benjen said with pride. As Ned chuckled.
"I can't wait."
Then Ned looked at his siblings. "Ah, I forgot. Brandon, Benjen, this is Robert Baratheon. Lord of Storm's End."
Brandon stared at him and approached him. "A pleasure to meet your lord Baratheon."
Robert took the handshake, and the lord of Storm's End noticed the forceful grip Brandon was giving him. Testing his strength and, of course. Robert couldn't look weak. No, he replied with the same strength, and for a few seconds, both men stared at each other. Measuring each other with only that handshake.
Brandon and Robert were similar in many aspects that Ned and Lyanna could see. Both of them were people who had high tempers and were easy to upset. They also were men who, rather, enjoyed the fighting and whoring. Something that has brought problems to Brandon. And soon, Robert. Yet, both of them were incredible fiercely loyal to the ones they considered family. They linked their sense of honor to the love of their friends and families. There was nothing they wouldn't do for them. Nothing.
They rather die before betraying their friends. And perhaps that's their weakness. They were people who act before they think. And that could be problematic in the future.
"Firm grip… I heard from Ned that you used the War hammer. That's true?" Brandon asked as Robert grinned.
"Aye. That's true."
"I'll like to see it. Would you like to spar with me?" Brandon asked, with a defiant tone, and Robert's energy seemed to pour in, as he smirked.
"Of course… there's nothing I wouldn't like more."
Ned, Lyanna, and Benjen looked at each other and smirked. "Bets?" Benjen asked.
"Bets."
Lyanna and Ned replied with a grin of their own.
However, while they were all going to the training ground, from one stable, Pandora's Actor, who was in her human form, stared at the boys and sighed.
"I should let her know her sibling is here."
Currently, the one and only, lady of Winterfell in all but name was smiling brightly at the side of the Iron Bank representatives. They were in her office, and they seemed rather intimidated, since Ainz, the giant albino Direwolf, was near his lady, with a watchful eye, making sure to let them know that if they tried something. He'll take care of them.
"So, about reducing the taxes of Braavosi ships across the channel?"
Galadriel spoke with a grin on her face while looking at the negotiators, who then smiled at her, albeit in a condensing way.
"The attacks of merchandise ship across the Narrow Sea and Summer Sea has increased in the last years, making it rather dangerous for Braavos trade to go on. The Channel has proved to be a godsend, making it easier for the trade of the Westerlands, the Reach, Riverlands, and even Dornish ship to travel to Essos."
"Indeed. Those slavers, and pirates in the Stepstones, with the ones in the Summer Sea, have grown rather bold."
Galadriel replied with an innocent tone. Yet, she still had a huge smirk on her face. Since those pirates were, actually, Galadriel's demons, creating chaos on the seas. They were attacking ports and ships all over there, forcing the ships to travel all the way North to cross the Channel. It was such an amazing scheme of hers and the North was enjoying the profit.
"That's one of the reasons why we are here. Our ships need to travel. And currently, the Iron Bank investment has taken a hit, since the taxes on our ships have grown quite… exponentially."
Galadriel nodded at those words. "Yes, it has, since has you see. There are a lot of ships trying to cross. And we have a compromise with the Iron Throne, to prioritize Westerosi ships."
"We know about it. That's why we are here personally. What we want is for our ships. The Iron Bank ships to cross faster than the other ones, with fewer taxes, of course."
The Iron Bank representative said with a smile, and Galadriel almost laughed in their faces. Those people in the Iron Bank truly believed they were the last piece of chocolate in the world. Yet, it was something Galadriel expected. She has waited for this moment.
"I don't think we can do that, honorable gentleman. I think, you know, the problems it will cause for us."
Galadriel said, with her typical innocent face, making the Iron Bank agents to smiled arrogantly at her.
"We understand. That's why we want to… establish business with the Stark family, personally. We'll pay an elegant amount to your family directly for you to allow our ships to cross faster than the rest, with minimal taxes."
Ah, bribery. These fools think bribery will get them anywhere. Galadriel thought with a smirk.
"That sounds like bribery, my lord," Galadriel pointed out as they only chuckled.
"Donations, my fair lady."
Galadriel's golden eyes shine brightly as she hides her intentions away. She just needs to push a bit further. Galadriel almost had what she wanted.
"I can't accept that, my lord. We are Stark, and this is the North. Such action will not be possible here."
Galadriel said, with a soft voice, and she noticed the anger behind their eyes.
"Yet… I think we could arrange something differently," Galadriel quickly says, and now they look at her with intrigue.
"Tell me, my lord. Have you thought about opening a branch of the Iron Bank here in White Harbor?" Galadriel said, and rejoice in the reaction they gave her.
"A branch…?" One of them replied.
"Yes… if you open a branch of the Iron Bank here. Then, we could arrange the crossing of your ships, breaking no law from the crown. Think about it, the North is now the richest kingdom in Westeros. We have a channel that connects both the Shivering Sea and the Sunset Sea. Building a bank here will allow you not to only create new clients with Northerner lords, but also to expand your investment with more than just ships."
Galadriel said, smiling as the Iron Bank agents whispered among each other.
"Your lords in Braavos could invest here, in the North, while our lords could invest in Braavos. Just imagine the amount of gold flowing in? A connection between Winterfell and Braavos will allow us to grow together, like never before."
Galadriel's words were like honey and using her allure, it was enough for them to smile, thinking that it was a bargain worth taking.
Fools… all of you are fools. Put your bank here, so I could devour you. Soon, the Iron Bank will belong to me. Galadriel thought with a sadistic nature.
"It's a sound idea, but we'll have to discuss with further with the bank."
"Of course! Don't worry, my lord. There is no rush!" Galadriel said, smiling at them, like an angel.
Galadriel saw them leaving the castle from her window, with a sneer on her face.
"Idiots, all of them. Don't think I didn't know you all were lusting after me. Yet, they'll pay, slowly."
Galadriel then sighed, remembering there were yet a lot of things she had to do. But she was in good time for some of her other projects. Especially in some of her most important tasks. Still, she seems to have forgotten.
"Ah… what it was…?" Galadriel muttered as Ainz licked her hand. Then, she felt a message coming in and wondered what could it be.
"{Pandoras? What is it?}" Galadriel asked.
"{My lady… I believe you have forgotten that your twin brother has arrived at Winterfell.}"
"{Ah…}"
"{I knew it! You've been working too hard for the last few days. How could you forget such a thing?}"
"{Shit! I forgot! Sorry! Sorry! Where is he?!}" Galadriel asked, a bit panicked.
"{Training grounds. You should hurry up; Brandon seems to want to beat to a pulp Ned's friend. Lord Robert Baratheon.}" Pandora's Actor said with amusement.
"{Ugh, Brandon! Okay, don't let Brandon kill him! I am on my way!}"
Galadriel said while running to the courtyard. And well, soon, the start of a new step in her life would start. Since the next years would change the Seven Kingdoms and the world forever.