[Edric's POV]
"By the power of friendship…"
I remarked, chuckling.
I had placed my faith in Arthur, and he did not fail me. Some things never change.
"Judging by your words, it seems your gamble paid off," Raiden replied.
"Indeed… I can proceed without worry."
It was almost like Anakin Skywalker walking into the council chambers to slay those younglings… only for them to annihilate him.
In the future, it seems that my power won't be needed. That's… good. I can rest easy in that.
As long as my and Arthur's lineage stand united, then the world will be theirs. But, if they don't… I'd rather not think of that. The Dance of Dragons would have its catastrophic successor.
To have such powerful children, and quite a number of them, is not without its potential problems. Then again, I could simply be fear-mongering. I should be pleased that the day is ours, nothing more.
…
Had Arthur arrived later, the Night King could have held my children hostage… or something even worse than that. I would've had no choice but to face him along with whatever traps he had prepared in Winterfell. This one single change shifted the tides of the entire war.
I had all the cards now, and so, my original plan could proceed.
The first place I arrived at was White Harbour.
The city had turned into a frozen wasteland, covered in snow, ice and the living dead. It had been pillaged and swiftly abandoned upon being overrun. What a waste…
So much of the North had been lost. I… without doubt, had failed them.
All I could do now was avenge them.
Riding Viserion, I turned the frozen city into a burning hell. Every last wight and Other turned to ash, along with the city. The flames still burned brightly in a raging inferno as we flew away.
…
I began 'liberating' the North's taken settlements, starting with Oldcastle, Ramsgate and the Dreadfort. Whether by fire or domination, I purged the Night King's influence. He seemed supremely passive ever since his champion fell… then again, what more could he do now?
Even the force he had gathered at Moat Cailin had retreated north, which I gladly intercepted before it could get remotely close to Winterfell. Seeing them all burn was pleasing. All that remained was the horde north of the Wall, and the Night King hiding in Winterfell. Together, they would've been quite a problem, but... the slow titan couldn't possibly close the distance.
The Night King had rushed for the killing blow, only to hasten his own defeat.
The price that was paid for victory was not small, however.
After cleaning up the North of any noteworthy force of undead, I joined the royal force, which had now advanced past Moat Cailin. Considering the conditions, it was a great force of over seventy thousand men. If not for the winter, it would have easily been double that... but this amount would do.
I landed Viserion perfectly, leaping off the saddle and helping Raiden off right after.
"How courteous of you," She remarked, both of us knowing full well she could have descended on her own effortlessly.
"I know," I smiled.
My presence drew every eye, as usual - only with a recent twist. My part-Other body. I had been able to discard the antlers temporarily, but the crown of ice... that was not something to dispose of. Nor the deathly pale skin, or the glaringly icy blue eye. Or the half of my hair that was white as snow.
"Your Eternal Grace," Harrold Arryn had an unsettled look in his eyes as he bent the knee. "If I may inquire..."
"I have taken the power of the Others for my own," I said without hesitation as I drew out Lightbringer. It glowed brighter than the sun when my magic flowed through it. "For our victory, I made the ultimate sacrifice... twice over. What you see now is the result of that."
"I see..." Harrold nodded, his unease turning to sorrow. "Yours is the noblest spirit of all, my Emperor."
"... What will be the consequence of that?" Daenerys hastefully ran over. "And the matter of the Night King's Champion..."
"Ser Arthur has taken care of that vermin. Our children are safe," I started with the good news. "As for myself, well... my death is inevitable in one form or another."
"That... can't be."
A wave of disbelief, sorrow and fear washed over the camp. Seeing all these people care for my well-being... was odd. I was used to being strong and caring for others far more than otherwise. Likewise, they must have been used to leaning on me. To some, I truly was an invincible pillar of might... eternal as my title claimed.
I couldn't imagine the looks my children would've had, or my uncles...
"You... fool," Daenerys shook her head. "Why sacrifice yourself..."
"I am your Emperor," I solidified, raising my sword. "When I ask you to charge against death, to give your lives for the Realm and its future, I will not hide and cower behind your courageous hearts. I will lead the charge forward and give my heart, my soul, my life first!"
"My warriors, I know many of you have families to return to. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons... I know precisely how you feel. I have given that up so that hundreds of thousands, millions even, have a far greater likelihood of relishing that joy," I smiled slightly, saving the greater speech for the actual battle. "Do not let my sacrifice be in vain."
...
After some formalities, I had some alone time with my wife in our camp. She, of course, was not all too pleased with my decisions... but she understood it. That didn't make her any less crestfallen.
She rested at my side, holding me as if she were afraid I'd suddenly disperse right before her eyes.
"It's okay," I reassured her. "I'm here now."
"How much time do you have left?"
"I... don't know," I sighed. "I'm certain I can drag myself till the very end of this winter by will alone. But, after that..."
"What of our children... Victoria, Elizabeth..."
"Once I have the Night King's head, we'll return to them for a short while," I promised. "I'd rather keep the truth from the light, at least for the time that I'm here. After that... I want to believe that there is a way that I can restore myself."
"There is a chance?" Suddenly, her blurred violet eyes regained their light.
"See, resolve, the thoughts and beliefs of individuals have influence over the magic of the world. There is a possibility, for instance, that if enough people believed I were a god... this would, over time, become a truth, leading to my complete rebirth as one. Just a theory that I've had after seeing Ser Arthur's duel."
"Mayhaps it's a form of coping with my certain death-"
"No," Daenerys interrupted. "I believe it. Even if there's a small chance, I will see it through."
"..." I managed a smile. "Considering my work as the Chosen Son of the Seven, making the push for being the Seven Who Are One shouldn't be too difficult. Although, some doctrines and principles would need to change..."
"You would not be fond of your 'Maiden' or 'Mother' aspect?" Daenerys raised an eyebrow.
"Quite so," I laughed. "Do not turn me into a part woman."
"But those statues would look beautiful," Daenerys jested, lightening the previously dark mood.
"The Lover would suit me more, I think..."
"Mhm... speaking of, I was surprised to see your goddess. Is she as strong as you said?"
"Not quite, she seems to be restrained," I shook my head. "Still, she is likely second only to me."
"A great boon to our forces, then," Daenerys nodded. "I suppose you enjoyed your time with her as well."
"We had a wonderful night," I was honest.
"And that night led to Ser Arthur having to clean up after you, right?"
"I did not expect the Night King to be so desperate," I nodded. "But, yes, I would have likely been able to catch his Champion myself if I weren't distracted. Equally, more of my soul would've faded in that time... and there's no certainty I would've been able to finish this war as myself."
"She... kept you whole?" Daenerys blinked.
"For a little longer, it seems," I nodded. "While it was an impulsive decision to seek my heart's desires in that moment, it was likely the best I could've made."
"... Do you want to try it with me? This 'soul-retaining'..." Daenerys smiled slightly. "I should be as effective, no?"
"Well, I'm... not exactly the same as I was before. My body's quite cold-"
"I'll make it warm," She said softly.
Before I knew it, her lips pressed against mine. We exchanged passionate kisses, and the tongues started coming out soon enough. This may very well be the last time we would be so intimate, so... I could understand her desire to make the most of it.
We would spend the night in each other's embrace.
~
As the days passed, I gathered the majority of my forces around Winterfell. Ser Arthur would return, along with Brienne. I took all of the artificial warriors who had been in Storm's End with me. As food struggles became evident, I had no choice but to take from the Free Cities. With Viserion and my Plane of Euthymia, it was as simple as flying in and taking everything I wanted.
Of course, the people of these cities would remember my actions. Tens of thousands would perish... and to them, I would very well be the greatest evil of all. The Sealord of Braavos felt especially betrayed.
"When the Slaver's Coalition rallied against you, we supported your cause. And now, in our greatest time of need, you do this..."
"I don't seem to remember that," I said, raising an eyebrow. "My people need to eat, it's nothing personal,"
My tone carried an indifferent chill. I couldn't quite bring myself to care.
Was this the result of my fading soul?
"And so, mine must starve?" The Sealord questioned.
"Indeed," I nodded. "Do not forget who is fighting the battle to preserve this world from the end. Which people are on the frontlines, warding this evil from the rest of you, while you sit in your city waiting for something to change. It won't be long now, rest assured. Consider this your tribute to mankind's cause."
I walked past him, brushing aside the Sealord like a feather.
"Don't waste my time further."
After taking the lion's share from every Free City on the western side of Essos, we were well stocked. The Night's Watch gathered from the North while my royal host covered the outer reaches of Winterfell. It seemed that the Night King would take a defensive stance.
We spent some time discussing battle plans before settling on attacking the north, east and west gates, with three mighty forces. The Godswood was closest to those three gates, especially the eastern one, which I would lead the attack of. The other two forces will be spearheaded by Arthur and Raiden, along with most of the powerful warriors in my ranks.
"The greatest battle of your life being your very first is a little unfair," I remarked, seeing my squire Dickon.
"I've been trained well for this day," he replied, without much visible anxiousness. He might be more eager than fearful, as always...
"I hope to knight you thereafter," I smiled, nodding. "Don't disappoint me."
"I will not, Your Grace."
...
"Brienne," I called upon her, gathering all of the Kingsguard. "Kneel."
She did so without question. I drew out Lightbringer, its blade shining gold. Arthur smiled as he knew what would come. The Stormguard rallied around, most carrying looks of admiration.
"You have proven your valour countless times over,"
I knew my words were true, yet... my memory began to fail me. All the times we shared in my younger years began to shatter in my mind, one after the other, as I tried to recall them.
"Brienne of House Tarth, sister of the Kingsguard, my sworn sword, a true knight in all but name."
I placed Lightbringer on her right shoulder.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave."
I tried to recall my own knighthood, but... the image blurred. I briefly closed my eyes, my sword shaking slightly as I moved it to the left shoulder.
"In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just."
Then the right...
"In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent."
Then the left...
"In the name of the Maiden, I charge you to defend all women."
Being a woman herself, it did sound odd... but those were the words.
"In the name of the Smith, I charge you to endure any hardships that may come."
I knew that one was wrong from the typical, formal dubbing... as I was making it up. Still, I moved my blade to her right shoulder and continued.
"In the name of the Crone, I charge you to guide those lost in their way."
Then the left...
"In the name of the Stranger, I charge you to uphold these knightly principles from this moment until your last. Do you swear, Brienne of Tarth?"
"I swear. Until my last day."
She nodded.
"Then, rise..."
And, back to where it all began, the right shoulder...
"Ser Brienne Tarth, knight of the Kingsguard and the Realm..."
She rose as I sheathed my sword within myself. I smiled, patting her shoulder. A thunderous wave of cheers resounded.
"Been a long time coming, eh?"
"I... never expected this day to ever come," She admitted. "After all, the Faith..."
"I am the Faith, my guardian angel," I laughed lightly. "I decide what's right and what's wrong in this world."
"... Of course," Brienne nodded, turning away for a moment.
"All of you, drink and celebrate! I command it," I smiled, drawing out hundreds of bottles. "Just don't overdo it, we have a battle on the morrow."
"For Ser Brienne!"
...
I retreated from the camp, seeking my own peace in a massive camp that was anything but quiet. My head was buzzing, and my heart... there was nothing there. I could hardly feel anything anymore. Once the realisation of my rapidly fading self hit, I couldn't return to ignorance about it.
I laid down, lying my back against a snow-covered tree. It was soft.
Viserion looked at me, as sad as any terrifyingly powerful dragon could be. In my eyes, he looked like a crybaby son.
"Don't look at me like that," I shook my head. "You're too big for that. Fully grown dragon... you'll protect your mother and siblings for me, won't you?"
He blinked. I could feel his agreement.
"That's good," I smiled, patting his head. "That's all I ask of you, Viserion."
I could see Rhaegal approaching in the distance, ridden by Ser Arthur. He descended near me.
"What's wrong, Edric?" He questioned.
"Ask me something relatively important that I should remember, and you will see..."
"What is my sword's name?"
"I don't remember. Nightend?"
"Nightfall," Arthur stroked his chin. "What is my firstborn's name?"
"..." I sighed. "Yeah, it's pretty bad."
"You suggested the name, too," Arthur looked worried. "This... is a consequence of tempering Lightbringer with your heart and soul?"
"It would seem so," I nodded. "Memories are what form a person's character, after all. Without them... I would not be Edric Stormfyre... losing my soul naturally leads to losing that. At this rate, the Edric you know will not last more than a couple of days."
"I..." Arthur choked on his own words, sitting down beside me. "I don't know what to say. Mayhaps there's too much that is unsaid... you've done so much for me, and yet..."
"You've done plenty enough for me," I shook my head. "My greatest knight. My true brother. Sometimes I wish... the simpler times lasted a little longer, eh. You, me, Brienne, Renly, Cortnay..."
"Alysanne," Arthur added.
"My daughter?" I tilted my head. "Or... is it a name I've forgotten?"
"... A love that never truly blossomed."
"Hm... it sounds tragic," I nodded. "Regardless, even if I forget all else, fighting... will be the last thing to go. This body of mine has seen over a hundred battles and many more training sessions. I'll be fine for one more."
"..." Arthur looked at me, tears swelling in his eyes. I wished I could cry as well. "Any last wishes you'd have of me?"
"Make sure those supremely powerful brats of mine don't fight and kill each other," I managed a smile.
"I would do that regardless."
"I know, but... this is my greatest wish. I don't want it all to end in ruin; I want them all to be happy. To lead the lives that I couldn't."
"I will dedicate my life to that cause," Arthur held my hand, nodding.
"So dramatic," I managed a laugh. "Dedicate my life... hahaha."
"..." Arthur chuckled. "I thought you could hardly feel anything now."
"You still manage to make me laugh, brother," I shook my head. "Would you call Raiden for me?"
"Of course."
...
I explained my circumstances, which ended with me lying on her lap.
"So, the end is drawing near," She took a deep breath. "But, there's a chance that you could become immortal afterwards."
"... Something like that."
"Wouldn't it be amusing if we exchanged places and you were the almost useless ghost floating around while I worked towards your resurrection?" Raiden smiled.
"That... would be quite the twist," I nodded. "There's a possibility that Aerion would relish such irony."
"You've proven yourself worthy of his favour as a hero, no? If that is what he favours, your end shouldn't be... like this."
"Only time will tell the truth of that."
"I do have some news, although it may be more crushing than good..."
"Eh...?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I believe that I am with child."
My mouth opened slightly. I still had it in me? I wasn't sterile?
Mayhaps I was just supremely infertile or unlucky before... or there was something special about Raiden's body that allowed my seed to prosper.
"That's good, just... I'll be a complete deadbeat. Still, you will have your anchor to this world. You won't be alone."
"Your anchors are my anchors," Raiden stroked my hair. "I would not disregard your other children simply because they are not mine. I made a promise to you..."
"Right... I did forget," I sighed. "Give our child a legendary name for me, if they are ever born. I trust you to know what I'd want most."
"Durran, Elenei?"
"... Indeed, names worthy of heroes."
After some time together, I steeled myself.
One last battle for this mortal body...
I will show the Night King the true meaning of my name.