[Edric's POV]
After gathering Valaegor's ashes into a jar, I turned to Arthur.
"What was he referring to?"
"Many things have happened in your absence," Arthur said, taking a deep breath. "It's been difficult…"
"What troubles you the most?"
"Since Sansa was the next living Stark in line, she took her place as Lady of Winterfell. Naturally, Edwyn and Lynara belonged there as the new heirs to that seat. My place, however… that is much more difficult to decide. To divide myself between one duty and another would mean failing both."
A family split in two... I was not fond of that thought.
"I am responsible for these circumstances," I remarked. "Your marriage and the circumstances of House Stark. For your white cloak, as well…"
"You didn't plan for it to turn out like this."
"It seems the cloak only burdens you."
"That… isn't true."
"Oh, but it is," I smiled, shaking my head. "Clinging onto it dearly doesn't change that. I've dictated your destiny for too long; it's time you took it into your own hands. What do you want in life?"
"It is rather childish, but... I would've preferred that it was all the same as before…"
"No matter how much we wish for it to be so, nothing in life ever stays the same. It's constantly moving forward, like a rushing tide. You can't move back… but you can steer yourself and choose the direction you take forward."
"The Kingsguard to me is like a second family. I have dedicated a third of my life to it… over eight years-"
"The truth is, you've outgrown the Kingsguard. It's stopping you from being who you should be." It was a tough conclusion to come to, but it seemed all too true. "You are a dragonrider, for one. Your wife's the Lady of Winterfell. You should be by her side, with your family. Ultimately, the Kingsguard isn't your entire identity."
"You are the greatest knight in the Realm. Think of all the things you could be doing instead of being occupied by your duties as a Kingsguard. Most importantly, it all goes back to your current situation... this split is not something I want to be the cause of."
"..."
Arthur simply looked at me. It was a more... serious form of puppy eyes, seemingly hoping that I'd find some solution that could fix everything.
I sighed.
"You are too indecisive and reliant on me."
I could knock Sansa off the seat and put Robb back on it, all the while their children keep their succession. It's far from ideal... my act of matchmaker has caused its fair share of issues, it seems. On the other hand, Athur leaving the Kingsguard could have numerous benefits. Arthur's presence would naturally demand stability in the region, he'd be able to solve any issue that required force and wouldn't need to split his family in two.
Raiden and I are more than capable of protecting my family, along with the rest of the Kingsguard.
In the end, regardless of what I say, the decision falls to me... Arthur won't budge without me throwing him in one direction or the other.
"I'll decide on this later."
I repressed the domain, sending us back to the real world. Right where I smashed R'hllor down.
"Daddy!"
A little cannon ball launched itself to me. I picked her up and held her at my side. So adorable… I felt my heart melt, dissipating the fury I felt earlier.
"I missed you so much."
She sniffled… was she crying?
"It's alright, Elizabeth. I'm not going anywhere for a long, long time."
Before I knew it, another embraced me. This one was considerably larger. Victoria said no words, but I understood her. I stroked her hair gently.
"It seems my thunderous entrance had woken everyone up," I glanced to the side, seeing both Daenerys and William.
"I knew my father was too stubborn to die," William chuckled, although I did sense relief.
"You just had to wake all of King's Landing on your return," Daenerys smiled.
"Had to let everyone know who's back."
...
Putting the kids to sleep was quite the task, considering just how excited they were to see me. Almost like seeing your Christmas presents early... but having to sleep through the night regardless. After that was settled, Raiden left me to Daenerys.
"You two should catch up first. I'd rather not disturb your reunion."
No tripping on toes, hm. Fair enough.
I took Daenerys to the Plane of Euthymia as someone was being nosy.
"It's been a few months too long..."
Daenerys fell into my arms. It seems that my absence was not easy on her. The burdens she carried... I felt them fade as a sense of ease settled. I brushed my fingers through the silver bangs that swept over her forehead. She looked up at me, her violet eyes glowing dreamily.
"Most definitely..."
I raised her chin and lowered my head. It was an awkward position considering our height difference... I almost had to kneel down and break my neck. After a short-lived kiss, she chuckled.
"Did you get even taller?"
"A bit... it is rather problematic, but I do have a few solutions."
I picked her up and held her against my chest. She wrapped her legs around me.
"This works..."
Daenerys smiled, her hands grasping my head as she pulled me in. Our lips met once more. A feral energy radiated from her, as if months of pent-up frustration rushed out all at once.
Surprisingly, she managed to push me down using her whole weight. The Plane of Euthymia seemed to acknowledge her will... and my own.
This kiss was not so short-lived and far from the end.
My clothes vanished in a blink, and we were as one again. A sudden yet immeasurable feeling of triumph and joy overwhelmed me. I didn't sacrifice her, and I was whole... the world, in that moment, couldn't be more perfect.
I didn't want it to end.
...
We went at it for quite some time, given the Plane of Euthymia endlessly supplying Daenerys with stamina. She eventually was truly satisfied... even though it took a remarkably long time. We ended up leaning against the tree that was rooted at the core of the world.
"I might be rusty," I laughed. "I don't remember it taking that long."
"I had to make up for lost time," She planted her head against my shoulder. "How and when did you come alive again?"
"A certain someone gave me a break, for once," I smiled. "After making the Long Night endlessly more difficult, of course. I was made whole, right as Valaegor was possessed... and got to observe everything happening for a split second. It was pretty much scripted."
"By the god who stands above all?" Daenerys questioned.
"Indeed."
I hadn't entirely revealed Aerion's identity to her... but that was for the best, I think. His influence on the world is likely gone forever if he keeps his word. Is that a good thing? My younger self would agree. However, it cannot be disputed that the constant challenges forced me to grow into who I am now.
In a way, the world would be more... dead without him.
"As for what happened earlier, R'hllor decided to possess Valaegor and burn everything to cinders out of fear."
"Fear of what?" Daenerys raised an eyebrow. "The changes in the Faith?"
"Not quite. One of the people he mentioned was Raiden... and the other, apparently, was Victoria."
"... I see," Daenerys looked at me. "Do you believe that the latter fear holds any weight?"
"Do you have your doubts?"
"... You are the one who can see into the future best of anyone," Daenerys shook her head. "It would be a lie to say that she doesn't possess certain... characteristics."
"Don't we all?" I smiled, shrugging. "Madness and greatness share many similarities, in the end. Victoria possesses great power and equally great spirit... which often leads to drastic action on her part. To be great means to stand out from the pack and accomplish something very few are capable of, which cannot be done without drastic action."
"Truthfully, she'd be hard-pressed to be half as terrible as me. Besides, if a little bit of madness concerned me, I wouldn't have married you..."
"..." She managed a smile, taking it well. "Depending on how you see it, her recent actions could fall on either side."
"Oh, do tell. I have a lot to catch up on."
After being informed of recent events, I couldn't blame R'hllor too much for shaking in his boots.
"A couple thousand people swept up in just a few hours? And... specifically chosen based on past sins? That's a lot of judging to do in so short a time," I stroked my chin.
A lot of peaking into people's minds, too... which can have its consequences to one's sanity. If it's anything like Greenseer magic, at least.
"What are the chances that she was lying to me?"
"I'd have a little more faith in our girl," I shook my head. "Morals were a strong talking point considering her affinity for blood magic. If it's all true, then she just got rid of the garbage in King's Landing. Good intent paired with horrible execution... we can work on that."
"That was what I thought... but she is not as receptive to my guidance as she is yours."
"She gave you some trouble?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Not quite... but the truth remains that managing her is much simpler for you."
"Might need some disciplining..." I remarked. "Regardless, the best course of action would be to take her under my wing. I don't think anyone else would suffice."
"Nothing would make her happier."
"Hm... now that I don't have any Night Kings looming over me, I feel so much freer. I can focus on so many other things and give other matters the proper attention they deserve, unlike before."
"Speaking of, you should go and see your Raiden. I think I've hogged you for long enough."
"How do you find her?" I rose to my feet and began dressing myself.
"Supportive, respectful. Loyal to your cause. Quite capable... especially in matters requiring might. She is quite fond of your children as well."
"How things change..." I noted.
The Raiden of old wouldn't be so receptive, undoubtedly.
"Of course, there is an undeniable envy regarding the time we spent together while she was not present."
"To die so swiftly after our reunion, was not exactly my wish... it must've been difficult on her."
"She took it well," Daenerys replied. "Turned it into motivation to see your rebirth come into fruition. In truth, R'hllor was right to be fearful... her wrath knows no bounds when it comes to you. I scarcely doubt she would stop at anything."
"If he succeeded in burning you and my children to ashes... if not I, she would have devastated R'hllor and all who worship him."
The alternate timeline where Aerion brought me back a few minutes later would not have been pretty... I'm not sure if I could ever recover from a blow like that. Fortunately, it's not something I have to worry about.
"She does seem like an extension of your will more often than not..." Daenerys remarked. "The judgment that you'd pass on is often the one she carries out."
"Well, she knows my soul better than anyone... It's not too surprising."
After spending some more time with Daenerys, it was time to reunite with Raiden properly.