(One week later)
In the center of the camp clearing, the air was charged with anticipation as Lyanna and Daemon faced their formidable opponent, Brandon, who had volunteered for the training. He was known as one of the best aura users in the North, and the immense aura shrouding him testified to his prowess.
Both Lyanna and Daemon had taken Martyn's advice to heart, focusing on training their 'Enhance' ability to increase the amount of aura they could access. As they stood with their auras shrouding them, they felt the energy surging through their bodies, fueling their determination.
Lyanna's eyes met her brother's, a mix of excitement and nervousness flickering in her gaze. She knew that fighting someone as skilled as Brandon would be a true test of her abilities.
Daemon, too, felt a mix of nerves and excitement. He understood the importance of gaining experience against other aura users and looked forward to this challenging opportunity to prove himself.
Martyn's voice rang out, his tone serious. "Remember, this is a training bout. The goal is not to harm each other but to gain experience in battling other aura users."
Brandon nodded in understanding, his aura pulsating around him like a shield. "Don't hold back," he said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm not going easy on you."
With a nod of determination, Lyanna and Daemon readied themselves. They took a deep breath, focusing their auras, then they both flared their Aura's using 'Enhance' and charged at Brandon.
With a surge of frustration, Daemon and Lyanna charged at Brandon, their determination mirrored in their flaring auras. Brandon, however, maintained his calm and collected demeanor, his aura calmly flowing around him, not a hint of worry on his face.
Lyanna's anger at his smug smile propelled her forward with fierce energy. She lunged at him, aiming to punch away that self-assured look. But Brandon proved to be just as skilled in agility as he was in aura control. With a swift movement, he dodged her attack, effortlessly evading her punch.
In a moment of brilliant reaction, Brandon pivoted on his heel, aligning himself with Lyanna's trajectory as she sailed past him. She growled in frustration as her attempt missed the mark, her smug brother outmaneuvering her with ease.
Not one to be deterred, Daemon seized the opportunity and moved to strike while Brandon's focus was on Lyanna. Deciding to hit low, he aimed a punch at Brandon's midsection. However, with a quick and precise motion, Brandon managed to grab Daemon's fist, halting his attack.
A smug grin crept across Brandon's face as he effortlessly intercepted Daemon's punch. With seemingly minimal effort, he threw Daemon toward Lyanna, who, despite catching him, couldn't maintain her balance and fell to the ground.
Brandon's composure remained unshaken as he observed their struggle. "You two really need to work on your coordination," he quipped, his voice laced with amusement.
Lyanna, still on the ground, scowled up at him, her irritation evident. "Oh, shut it," she retorted, brushing off his comment.
Daemon got back on his feet, fueled by the challenge. "We'll get the hang of it," he said, his eyes locked on Brandon. "Just you wait."
Brandon chuckled, clearly enjoying the upper hand. "I'll be waiting," he replied with a taunting grin.
In the heat of the training bout, Daemon and Lyanna charged at Brandon with determination in their eyes, aiming to break through his defenses and finally land a hit.
Daemon threw a powerful punch at Brandon's midsection, his aura enhancing the impact. But Brandon's aura control was masterful. He shifted his body with fluid grace, dodging the attack effortlessly. As Daemon's fist sailed past him, Brandon taunted, "My apologies was that aimed for me!"
Undeterred, Lyanna followed up with a rapid series of punches, attempting to overwhelm Brandon with her speed. But he was like a shadow, slipping between her strikes with remarkable agility. He weaved in and out, taunting, "You're going to have to do better than that!"
As Daemon and Lyanna tried to coordinate their attacks, Brandon displayed an uncanny ability to anticipate their moves. Daemon went for a high kick, trying to catch Brandon off guard, while Lyanna aimed a low sweep. But Brandon seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He sidestepped Daemon's kick and effortlessly hopped over Lyanna's sweep, taunting, "Too slow and too predictable!"
Regrouping, Daemon and Lyanna sought to outwit Brandon. Daemon faked a punch towards Brandon's head, hoping to distract him, while Lyanna went for a surprise attack from the side. But Brandon was a step ahead. He effortlessly blocked Daemon's feint and, with a quick twist, evaded Lyanna's surprise attack, taunting, "Not even close!"
Frustration mounted as Daemon and Lyanna struggled to land a solid hit. They tried to synchronize their moves, but Brandon's agility and aura control made it seem like they were fighting against a phantom.
With a grin, Brandon taunted, "I fear winter may come before one of you manages to hit me!"
Determined not to be discouraged, Daemon and Lyanna persisted. They knew that every encounter with Brandon was a valuable lesson. They adjusted their strategy, focusing on unpredictability and feints.
As they charged again, Lyanna attempted a sweeping kick while Daemon followed up with a straight punch. But Brandon read their intentions with ease. He sidestepped Lyanna's kick and, with a swift movement, deflected Daemon's punch, smirking.
Lyanna's frustration boiled over as she couldn't break through Brandon's defenses. "Enough with the games!" she shouted, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Take this fight seriously!"
Brandon raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Fine, if you insist," he replied casually.
With a sudden surge of power, he activated 'Enhance,' causing his aura to flare dramatically. The ground cracked beneath him as his aura expanded, its intensity like a roaring inferno.
Daemon and Lyanna's eyes widened in surprise at the sheer magnitude of Brandon's aura. They immediately shifted to a defensive stance, knowing they were facing an opponent who meant business.
With an explosive burst of speed, Brandon charged at them, his aura wide enough to fit two people shoulder to shoulder. It crackled with raw energy, and the force of his charge made the very ground tremble.
Reacting quickly, Daemon and Lyanna moved to evade his punch. They barely managed to dodge, but the impact of his fist hitting the ground sent shockwaves through the air, blowing them away.
They landed a few feet away, dust and debris swirling around them. They were now fully aware of the immense gap in skill between them and Brandon.
Brandon approached again, his aura still blazing around him. He taunted them with a smirk, "I thought we had a aura geniuses in our midst, they must've gotten lost somewhere in the forest"
With a smirk and nod of understanding, Lyanna embraced Daemon's plan, flaring her aura as she prepared for their coordinated assault. They ran at Brandon, determined to catch him off guard this time.
Lyanna launched herself forward, aiming another punch at his face, but Brandon effortlessly sidestepped the attack, allowing her to sail past him.
Meanwhile, Daemon executed a daring drop kick, aimed straight at Brandon. His eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected move, but he managed to evade the kick, avoiding the direct impact.
As Brandon anticipated their counterattack, he activated his advanced technique, 'Scout,' combining 'Shroud' and 'Enhance' to enhance his aura's sensory capabilities. His aura expanded, granting him an uncanny awareness of anything within its reach.
He sensed Daemon charging toward him again, ready to execute another move. But instead of a direct assault, he felt a sudden shift in Lyanna's aura. She had gathered her aura into her hands and caught Daemon, propelling him forward at blazing speed.
Brandon barely had time to react. He quickly fortified his aura's defenses, preparing for the impact. Daemon's fists slammed into his stomach with incredible force, causing him to sputter as he was pushed back several meters.
Breathing heavily, Brandon looked at Daemon with a mix of surprise and admiration. "Well, well, that was unexpected," he remarked, acknowledging their clever tactic. Though his smile got more menacing as his aura flared once more.
"Alright alright that's enough, spars over don't want Brandon here putting you out of commission" Martyn said as he stepped in stopping the spar.
Lyanna and Daemon breathed a sigh of relief as the allowed their aura to dissipate. While they had been able to increase the amount of time they could maintain their aura it wasn't by much. They both collapsed to the floor as the adrenaline wore off and their bodies started feeling tired. Though they both felt accomplished at being able to land a hit on Brandon after working together.
Now all they needed to do was to get a hit using their own power "Come on get up! Who said you could rest start pulling those carts again we are breaking camp" Martyn stated.
Lyanna and Daemon groaned, recently they'd been forced to pull some of the supply carts in place of actual horses, they had to maintain just enough aura to where they were strong enough to do it while not using too much as they run out of it too quickly. It was a difficult exercise and one they very much disliked.
———————————————————-
Daemon sat in his tent meditating, he had been doing this every chance he had gotten, he noticed a visible change in his aura it had grown lighter, something he hadn't seen before. Most Aura users he had seen had a pale white aura his seemed to be a bit brighter than it was before. He didn't know what effect this would have on his aura but the way his ancestor emphasised it's importance it must do something.
"AHHHH This is so boring!" He heard Lyanna say as she attempted to meditate beside him. She got out of her seated person and lay down on his cot.
"I don't know how you can sit there so still for hours on end, I'd much rather be pulling the cart than meditating" she stated, though Daemon ignored her as he was still meditating.
Lyanna pouted and lifted her dainty foot and poked him in the face with it, he ignored it but then she did it again making his eyebrow twitch. The next time she did it he caught her foot and pulled her next to him tickling her sides.
She burst out laughing as she tried to get free "Let me go you beast!!!!" She shouted while laughing.
Daemon intensified it making her struggle even more "Forgive me! Forgive me!" She cried out.
Daemon laughed and stopped harassing her, during the struggle he had ended up on top of her. He found himself looking at her very closely, he'd spent nearly every waking moment with her since they met, but he never noticed how beautiful she was, it was usually hidden underneath this unladylike exterior that he found he really liked.
Lyanna had never been interested in boys very much, they'd always looked down on her the only exception being her brothers. Meeting Daemon, she'd met someone she loved spending time with. She'd be in his tent from the moment she woke until the moment she lay her head down to rest. Though most of the time they'd fall asleep outside after training roughly, usually on top of each other.
But this was the first time she'd really looked at Daemon, he was probably the most handsome person she'd ever seen, he is what she'd imagine a Targaryen prince to look like. She found her heart beating fast as he looked so intensely at her.
Daemon felt similarly, the small blush she had made his heart beat fast. He got up and off of her before he did something stupid, regardless of how close they were he was thought of as a bastard and she was a daughter of a great house.
Trying to change the awkward atmosphere Daemon spoke "What are you doing to do once we arrive at Riverrun"
Lyanna taking a breath and composing herself sat up "I heard that there's going to be a tournament in a few months"
Daemon raised an eyebrow "What for? Is the Starks coming to Riverrun that much of a celebration" he asks with curiosity.
Lyanna shakes her head "The Queen is doing a tour of the south to show off the new Prince, he's the second child to survive till birth so it's a rather big ordeal"
"What are the tournaments like?" Daemon asks with some excitement in his voice.
Lyanna smirks "Well... I've never actually attended one before but I hear they have a melee tournament where one on one fights happen until a winner is chosen. And then there is the joust which is the most dangerous"
Daemon had heard of a joust, it involves sticks and horses, he wondered why that would be considered dangerous.
"From what my brother told me, in the joust you can only use aura on your lance and one part of your body, if you can't guess where the lance is going to hit you then whatever part of your body the lance hits will be without aura protection" Lyanna explains.
Daemons eyes widen, he'd seen the effect that aura could have on someone "Isn't that deadly?" He asked.
Lyanna shakes her head "Most of the time it isn't, you're not allowed to use a lethal amount of aura but at times the gap is so large that deaths can't be avoided" she says with a shrug.
Daemon hadn't ridden a horse before so he wasn't very interested in the joust, but the melee tournament sounded like it could be fun.
Lyanna looks at him as she tucks her knees under her arms "Do you think you'll join the melee? I'd like to but I wouldn't be able to get away with it. Father has been keeping a close eye on me recently"
Daemon contemplates, it would be good to test his skills and earn some coin "I think I will... will the whole melee have aura users?" He asks
Lyanna shakes her head "No, non users can enter as well they just never win"
Daemon frowns "Why do they enter if they know they'd never be able to triumph against an aura user"
"A large majority of the population don't know what aura is, they just believe knights to be incredibly skilled as they can't see aura. Well Martyn did say that small folk can see aura that magicians have conjured" Lyanna explains.
Daemon nods his head in understanding "I'm going to compete, and I'm going to win" he states with conviction
Lyanna smiles at her friend but can't help but feel down about not being able to compete as well.
Daemon sees this "Make sure to keep your training up too, cause whether you're in the tournament or not I'll definitely test my skill against you"
Lyanna looks up at him her frown turning into a wide smile "Good! Though you better be prepared to lose" she says as she punches his shoulder.
———————————————————
Riverrun, a majestic castle nestled at the convergence of three rivers, was an impressive sight to behold. Its imposing walls stood tall, encircling the entire structure. The castle was built from grey stone, with towers rising from its corners, and the Tully sigil of a leaping trout adorned its banners, fluttering in the breeze.
As the Stark party approached the drawbridge, they couldn't help but notice the construction project in the fields nearby. The space outside the castle was abuzz with activity, as workers erected temporary structures for the upcoming melee and jousting events. The grand tournament was an essential part of the festivities, and Riverrun spared no effort to ensure a memorable celebration.
Inside the castle courtyard, Lord Hoster Tully welcomed the Starks with warm hospitality. The courtyard was paved with stones, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and flowering plants, giving the space a sense of serenity despite the bustling preparations for the tournament.
Lyanna, Brandon, and their father exchanged pleasantries with Lord Hoster Tully and his family. The air was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as the two noble families came together to celebrate the occasion. The courtyard's ambiance echoed with laughter, chatter.
As a bastard, Daemon discreetly stayed with the servants, taking in the sights and sounds from a distance. His keen eyes observed every detail, absorbing the atmosphere of the festive gathering while keeping a low profile.
Lord Hoster Tully greeted Lord Stark with a warm smile, "Welcome, my old friend! It's good to see you and your family here at Riverrun."
Lord Stark replied with a courteous nod, "Thank you, Hoster. The journey was long, but we are grateful for your hospitality."
Hoster continued, "Her Grace Queen Rhaella arrived late last night, exhausted from the journey. But fear not, she will join us for dinner tonight."
Lord Stark understood the queen's need for rest and replied, "Of course, we'll be honored to have her presence at dinner."
Lord Stark then followed in the Lord of Riverrun as they made their way to his Solar and discuss certain things. The rest of the family was left behind and the Stark children were expected to join the Tully children in a tour.
As Lyanna reluctantly followed the Tully children on the tour of Riverrun, she couldn't hide her irritation. Edmuire, being the same age as her, took this opportunity to flirt shamelessly, much to her annoyance.
"So, Lady Lyanna," Edmure started with a playful grin, "I must say, your beauty rivals the fair maidens of the Riverlands."
Lyanna let out a barely audible grunt in response, not in the mood for his flattery. She found it difficult to tolerate his constant attempts to win her attention.
Edmure continued undeterred, "Tell me, Lady Lyanna, have you ever ridden a horse? I'd be honored to teach you if you haven't."
Lyanna shot him a brief glance, her expression unamused. "Yes," she replied curtly.
Undeterred by her disinterest, Edmure pressed on, "Ah, you're as skilled in riding as you are in dancing and everything else, I presume."
Another grunt from Lyanna was all he received as they continued their tour.
Meanwhile, Catelyn and Brandon chattered away, seemingly engrossed in the conversation. Catelyn was too infatuated with Brandon to notice Lyanna's annoyance, while Lysa remained quiet and reserved.
But Lyanna's mood lifted slightly when she spotted Daemon in the distance, helping the servants with the Starks' belongings. She smiled to herself, knowing she could count on him to be dependable and understanding.
Edmure noticed her smile and followed her gaze to where Daemon was working. A flicker of envy crossed his features, but he quickly masked it with a forced smile.
"Do you know that boy?," Edmure asked, trying to mask his irritation.
Lyanna shot him a sharp look. "He's a friend," she retorted, emphasizing the word 'friend.'
Edmure's attempts at flirting were clearly falling flat, but he refused to give up. He decided to change the subject, hoping to impress Lyanna with his knowledge. "Did you know, Lady Lyanna, that the upcoming melee is the perfect chance for me to showcase my skills? I'm sure I'll impress everyone, including you."
Lyanna simply raised an eyebrow and gave him a one-word response, "Doubtful."
As the tour continued, Lyanna couldn't wait to be done with Edmure's company. She was eager to spend time with Daemon, whose presence always brought her comfort.
Unbeknownst to Lyanna, Edmure seethed with silent rage, feeling the sting of rejection. He was determined to prove himself during the upcoming melee and win Lyanna's admiration,
even if she seemed uninterested.
———————————————————
Daemon meanwhile was helping pull the carts behind the stable, it was a difficult job for the servants without access to the horses so Daemon volunteered, he had his aura unlocked it was the kind thing to do. He wondered if he'd be allowed to use the training yard though he did doubt he would as he was just a bastard who had joined the Stark party, he'd probably have to find a place in the forest"
He then went to head back to the Stark servants to discover it they needed anymore help, they'd been kind to him on the journey to Riverrun it was only right he return the favour. Though he was stopped when he tried to leave around the corner that he had just came around.
As Edmure Tully and his friend Marq Piper confronted Daemon, their demeanors were less than friendly. Edmure wasted no time in taunting him about his bastard heritage, attempting to assert his superiority.
"I heard you're just a bastard," Edmure sneered, "Not fit to be in the presence of a Tully, let alone my future betrothed, Lyanna." He said flaring his aura, while large it wasn't as big as Brandon's, Edmure was an average aura user however he had been learning since he was 8 name days so he had an edge on Daemon.
Daemon's expression hardened, but he remained composed. He had grown accustomed to such taunts over the years, but they still stung. "Lyanna is not your possession," he replied firmly, his aura flaring in defense.
Marq Piper, standing beside Edmure, snickered. "Look at him, trying to act all tough," he mocked. "You're just a glorified servant, nothing more."
Daemon's jaw clenched, but he refused to be intimidated. He took a step forward, his own aura flaring up further. "I may be a bastard, but I won't let anyone disrespect my friends or treat them like possessions," he retorted, his voice steady.
Edmure smirked, his aura pulsing with confidence. "You're outmatched, bastard," he taunted, "My training with the Aura far surpasses yours."
As the tension escalated, Marq Piper took a step back, not wanting to get caught in the middle of the confrontation.
Edmure took a deep breath, attempting to regain control of the situation. "Stay away from Lyanna," he warned once more, "She will be my betrothed, and you'll have no place in her life."
Daemon's determination only grew. "Lyanna is her own person," he stated firmly, "She'll make her own choices."
As tensions flared between Edmure Tully and Daemon, it became clear that words were not enough to settle their dispute. Without warning, Edmure's patience snapped, and he launched a full-force punch towards Daemon, catching him off guard. The blow connected with devastating force, sending Daemon flying backward, crashing into one of the carts.
The impact left Daemon stunned and momentarily breathless. As he tried to shake off the effects of the punch, he felt the sharp pain coursing through his body. Edmure stood over him, a cruel smirk on his face.
"That's what you get for daring to defy me," Edmure sneered, his aura pulsing with triumph.
As Daemon's aura flared, Edmure couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that washed over him. He knew he was physically stronger than Daemon, but there was something in the young man's determined gaze that gave him pause.
Before Edmure could act further, a man appeared around the corner, observing the scene with a keen eye. Recognizing the man immediately, Edmure straightened his posture and showed him great respect, bowing before speaking.
The man, with silver hair and a regal presence, was none other than Ser Barristan Selmy, a legendary knight known for his skills and wisdom. He had served as a member of the Kingsguard and was renowned for his loyalty and valor.
Barristan's gaze moved from Edmure to Daemon, his expression calm and perceptive. "What is going on here?" he asked in his low, commanding voice.
Daemon, still recovering from the punch, managed to compose himself. "Edmure and I had a disagreement," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Barristan's sharp eyes seemed to assess the situation, and he offered a nod of understanding. "Disagreements happen, though mayhaps the back of the stables isn't the place to voice them my Lord," he said firmly, to Edmure.
Edmure, feeling the weight of Barristan's presence, chose to remain silent, not wanting to defy the esteemed knight any further. He quickly nodded his head before shooting Daemon a glare and leaving.
Barristan watches him leave before turning back to Daemon "Don't think too badly of the lad, most young children have power when they're younger and it gets to their heads a bit" he explains.
Daemon shrugs "It doesn't matter what I think, I know that" he simply states.
Barristans eyes are drawn to his arm in the sling "Did he do that?" He points at the sling, to which Daemon shakes his head.
"I got into a fight with a bandit who was Aura user at the trident, he was going to beat me with his aura ability so I had to sacrifice my arm to get a chance to beat him" Daemon explains.
Barristan looked impressed, while he knew the gap in training between nobility and criminals was large it was still difficult to defeat someone who had years of experience "Are you the baseborn son of the Stark family?" He asked since he was an aura user.
Daemon shook his head "I'm a bastard but I've lived in a small cabin outside Maidenpool until about 2 months ago" he stated.
Barristan scrunches his brow in confusion "So who trained you to use your aura?"
"At first no one, I trained it myself for the first month but last month Martyn Cassel has been training me" Daemon replies.
Barristan feels his mouth go slightly ajar and his heart beat fast, he had only had his aura unlocked for a month and he was able to beat someone with sufficient enough mastery that they created an Aura ability. Talent like that comes around once every generation.
Barristan quickly composes himself before he invites Daemon to come have lunch with him "Are you planning on joining the melee tournament lad?" He asks as they walk in step.
Daemon looks to him an nods "I am, though I'll have to train hard if I expect to even stand a chance"
Barristan laughs "If only most had that attitude"
Daemon looks at him confused "Do nobles and knights not train all the time?" He asks.
Barristan shakes his head "Most develop their aura abilities and think themselves invincible, a lot of potential gets wasted that way"
Daemon looks shocked "How could they not want to push themselves" he asks
"Not everyone has the will to train themselves ragged, though some do" he explains.
They walk through the courtyard and into the castle, the great hall seems to be bustling with lots of different people as lunch was not a grand affair but something people would come and go to. Barristan took a seat at the servants table with Daemon sitting opposite him.
The servants looked at Barristan in awe, he was one of the top five strongest warriors in Westeros, so they quickly scrambled to get him and his companion some food.
Daemon looked around and saw the Starks and Tully family on the upper dais, though it looked like the queen wouldn't be joining them. Barristan engaged in conversation with Daemon about relatively mundane things, mostly about his life and how his aura came to be unlocked. He seemed impressed when he learned it was unlocked forcefully and that he was still able to control it after.
Barristan had finally come to a decision "Lad, how would you feel about training under me until the tournament?"
Daemon found himself shocked, he'd been contemplating what to do since his deal with Lord Stark was over, Martyn would no longer have time to train him as he had his duties. But he had to ask Barristan something important.
"I would, however I can't do it alone, Lyanna Stark as been with me every step of my formal training so if it's a choice between doing it alone or without her I'll take the later" Daemon politely states.
The amount of loyalty he has to his friend is admirable and it makes Barristan smile "There are no issues if she joins, though I suspect you should ask her if she can do it, her father may have other ideas for how she is to spend her time"
Daemon didn't consider that before but nods her head in understanding "I thank you for the offer regardless"
Truthfully Barristan had other reasons for offering his training, if Daemon had as much potential as he thought he did and he manages to win the tournament then he would be a perfect candidate for a Kingsguard.
(AN: So we have our second teacher, Ser Barristan Selma himself, the OG. With natural talent and a teacher like that who knows how far Daemon will go. Who knows how many women he will bang?)
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