Castle Black, The Wall
Jon glanced out of the lookout post when he heard steps coming to him, and saw Sam walking up to him, along with Serana: his friend now wore his own set of Dawnguard armor under his skins, although, unlike Jon, he had chosen the lighter variant.
"I read that the faces of most vampires become a little... twisted with time," Sam prompted.
"Most of them do become a little bat-like in appearance, if they do not feed regularly. But I guess I am an exception, since I am a pureblood vampire," Serana said, answering the unasked question and turning to meet Jon's gaze.
"I'm sorry if I somehow insulted you earlier, Serana. It was not my intention," Jon finally spoke.
"You didn't insult me, Jon. I'm just... not comfortable with discussing certain things," she replied. "But I thank you for your apology, nonetheless."
Jon nodded, and Sam held out a pouch and a letter to him.
"This just came for you, Jon. I think it's from Winterfell."
Jon was surprised by this, but he grabbed both items and quickly opened the letter.
Jon,
I don't know how to explain all that has happened recently, but I hope you understand that I believe you are the one who can carry out Meridia's wishes. She told me some disturbing things about what is happening north of the Wall, and I hope that giving you the object in the pouch will help you in your task.
Please, be careful.
Love, Bran.
Jon stared in confusion at Bran's letter, looking at his companions.
"It's my half-brother, Bran. I don't know how, but he seems to know there is something going on north of the Wall."
"How could he know anything?" Serana asked, narrowing her eyes. "What's in the pouch?"
Jon opened the pouch and reached in, pulling out a sphere that brightly shone in the low lights outside. Serana's eyes widened in surprise.
"Isn't that...?"
Her question was interrupted when all three of them were suddenly engulfed by light. All of them looked around, and found a woman, outlined in golden light, appearing before them.
Yes, you will be my champion, Jon Snow. Bran Stark has chosen well. You know of the threat beyond the wall, but you do not understand the true extent of the danger that comes.
"Wh-what's going on?" Sam asked in fear.
"Meridia! The Daedric Prince!" Serana whispered, shocked.
You are tainted, Daughter of Coldharbor. I should command that you be destroyed for what you are, vampire spawn! But you are aiding my new champion, so I will permit you to survive for as long as you do not cross me. Should you remain what you are, then you will suffer my wrath.
"Wait," Jon spoke up. "What do you mean 'champion'? Why do you dislike Serana? And what does Bran have to do with all of this?"
I asked Bran Stark to aid me in finding a champion, one that would face the true enemy to the north: Vampires and the servants of the White Walkers. You are that champion, Jon Snow. As for your vampire, she is an undead abomination, but I will tolerate her, for she can help you with my charge.
I charge you with this task. My temple lies north of the Wall, and is tainted by the stench of the undead. Cleanse my temple, Jon Snow, and I shall grant you my aid against your enemies and that of the Dawnguard. Your vampire can lead you to my temple, as she knows where it still stands.
The golden light faded from their eyes, and they were suddenly back in the Wall's outpost. Jon blinked while staring at Meridia's beacon in his hand, shocked at what had just happened.
"A real Daedric Prince," Sam breathed. "I never thought I would witness such a thing."
Jon lifted his gaze at Serana, who was breathing heavily while staring wide-eyed at the beacon.
"Serana... should I do what she asked?" he said. "Can I trust the word of a Daedric Prince?"
"Ignoring Meridia... would be a foolish thing to do, Jon. Having a Daedric Prince as an enemy is certainly worse than the White Walkers," she answered. "On the other hand, Meridia despises the undead like few other things, that's why she dislikes me so much. Not to mention, she offered her aid, which believe me would be very welcome. As for the temple, I can easily guide you there... but only you can decide to take this mission and become Meridia's champion."
He did not know what to say, and thought to speak to Isran about the situation, but his thoughts were interrupted when he spotted something emerge from the treeline.
"A rider approaches."
"Sound the horn, John," Sam said, and Jon blew once on the horn, signaling the arrival of a ranger. Serana, meanwhile, was looking down, and her eyes narrowed.
"There is no rider on that horse," she said. Jon and Sam stared at her in surprise, and soon they piled in the lift, reaching the courtyard as the horse was let in by an aide, Isran and Commander Mormont already waiting. Jon immediately recognized the animal.
"That's my Uncle Benjen's horse!" he said, walking up. Then, he looked at the two leaders, and made the question he was afraid to ask. "Where's my uncle?"
Neither Isran nor Mormont could not answer, but soon they moved.
"Sorine, Gunmar! Pick fifteen Dawnguard and meet me in the gates in half an hour! Pack enough supplies for two weeks!" Isran shouted, and the two Dawnguard rushed to follow the orders.
"I'll get some rangers to accompany you, Isran," Mormont said as he began to walk away. Jon stared after Isran for a moment, before hurrying after him.
"Isran, please, let me accompany you."
"No, Jon," Isran replied, shaking his head. "I need you to stay here."
"No! I must go! Benjen is my uncle-"
"Precisely why you must remain behind this time, Jon," Isran stated, turning to face Jon. "While I commend your willingness to go out there to help Benjen, I cannot be completely certain that your personal feelings will not interfere."
"I promise you, they won't," Jon answered in determination. "Please, Isran!"
"I believe you," Isran said after staring intently at Jon for a moment, "but you still must remain behind."
"But-"
"Did you not tell me that you wanted to be where you were needed most, Jon Snow?" Isran questioned, placing a hand on Jon's shoulder. "Your friend, the Black Prince, has done much to aid both the Watch and the Dawnguard, and both of us have received a larger number of recruits. And you have been doing a wonderful job, helping to train them when either us or Ser Alliser could not, and you have also helped to promote friendship and teamwork between the two groups."
Isran sighed as he looked up for a second, before moving his eyes back to Jon.
"I am going to take the best we have here to look for your uncle, which means I need someone I can trust to watch over things here while I am gone. That person is you, Jon, and now I need you to continue helping here, and preparing for the threats that come from beyond the Wall."
Jon stared at Isran, going over his words, and he glanced at the ground momentarily before looking back up.
"You can count on me, Isran."
"That's what I like to hear. We'll return soon, and hopefully we will have found your uncle."
Isran turned around and left for his quarters in Castle Black, leaving Jon standing where he was, silently praying for his uncle's safety.
King's Landing
"I should've spent more time with you and your siblings," Robert spoke to Joffrey, who was sitting next to him, while William stood slightly to the side. Cersei and Ser Barristan were also in the room, as well as Pycelle and Colette. "Should've shown you how to be a man. I was never meant to be a father."
William stared, his eyes watering at the sight. He could not believe this was happening: his father had returned from the hung, grievously injured by a boar... and now he was dying. He had desperately asked Colette to try and save him, but Colette had only shaken her head.
"I can use healing magic, my Prince, but I cannot perform miracles. Maybe, if Danica was here... maybe between both of us we would have been able. I'm sorry. All I can do now... is to ease his pain."
His father was dying, and nothing could be done to stop it. He knew the day would come at some point or other, but not now, and not like this. It should have happened years after this, with Father dying peacefully on his bed. Not like this.
The door opened, and Eddard stepped in with Renly, whom Robert glanced at before turning back to Joffrey.
"Go on now, and get Myrcella and Tommen. I want to speak with them as well." Joffrey nodded and stood to leave, but before William could follow, Robert spoke again. "Will, stay a moment."
Joffrey glanced at William with some anger and resentment before leaving the room in search for his siblings, while William sat next to his father.
"Ah, Will. You've been a great son, and always made this fool of a father proud. The only thing I could teach you... was how not to be a king. Heh, heh," Robert weakly chuckled, before letting out a few coughs that left a little spit on his face. William reached out with a small cloth and used it to wipe his father's face clean. "Thank you, Will. I've... heard people who follow your Divines... speak about this place, the one the soldiers say they go when they die. What is it?"
"Sovngarde, Father. The Halls of Sovngarde is the afterlife created by the missing god, Shor, or Lorkhan, who is also considered the tenth Divine, depending on which sect and beliefs you follow," William explained with a sad smile. "You would love it in there, Father. It is the place heroes and warriors dream of going to. There, they drink and feast in great splendor, as they celebrate the victories and the battles they fought in, and sometimes they even have bouts and matches against each other,"
"Sounds like my kind of place," Robert replied with another chuckle, before turning serious. "You are a wonderful lad, Will. You've always have been. I don't have much advice for you, but to keep being yourself. Keep on doing what you've always done, and do what you believe is right... and that wolf girl of yours... take care of her... don't lose her."
William nodded, and Robert turned to face everyone else.
"Now, everyone out... except for Ned. I need to talk to him."
"Robert, my sweet..." Cersei tried to interrupt, but Robert stopped her.
"OUT! All of you!"
It was only a brief moment of hesitation before everyone left the room, leaving Eddard alone with his long-time friend.
"You damned fool," Ned spoke.
"Maybe... maybe I should stop being one then. It's about time I start acting like a king, and do what I should've done a long time ago," Robert said before weakly gesturing with a finger. "Paper and ink, Ned. Write down what I say."
Preventing himself from speaking up, Eddard grabbed the items before turning to listen to Robert.
"I, Robert of House Baratheon, First of His... oh, you know how it goes, fill in the damned titles. I hereby name my son, William of House Baratheon, Lord of Cloud Ruler, also known as the Black Prince, as Crown Prince and Heir to the Iron Throne." Eddard stopped, surprised. He had been ready to argue with his friend to name William as his heir, and here was Robert doing it before he could even make an argument.
"Go on, Ned, write it down," Robert said with another weak chuckle. "Black Prince. I've always liked that title. One to be respected and feared. They will have to call Will something else when he becomes king, Black King doesn't have the same ring as Black Prince."
Eddard wrote everything down, looking at Robert.
"I also command that Eddard, of House Stark, titles, titles, to serve as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm upon my death, to rule in my stead until my son William comes of age."
Eddard finished writing down the order, exactly as Robert commanded, and then grabbed another piece of paper.
"I am making a copy, for your son to carry."
"Agreed. Give them both over," Robert ordered, and after checking the papers he signed and then sealed both with the King's Signet, which he held out to Eddard. "Give the Signet to Will, with the copy. It will guarantee the loyalty of the Legions. There... there's going to be war, Ned. I don't know why, or who, or when. But there will be war. Promise me, Ned... promise me that the North will stand by Will's side," Robert begged.
"I promise, my old friend," Eddard replied, his mind painfully beset by another person who had said something similar years before. "There's no doubt of that."
"Good. Will's a strong lad, but he needs all the help he can get. He'll rule well," Robert whispered. "And the girl... the Targaryen girl. You and Will were right. You two were the ones to tell me no when I needed to hear it, even if I didn't want to listen. Let her live. Stop it, if it's not too late."
"I will," Eddard answered.
"Thank you, Ned," Robert replied, before he coughed in pain. "Give me something for the pain... and let me die."
Eddard left the room, upon which moment young Myrcella and Tommen rushed in, obviously wanting to see their father one last time. He turned to Pycelle, who still remained behind.
"When the Prince and the Princess come out... give him milk of the poppy."
Pycelle nodded and left, probably to bring more of the milk, while he turned to Varys.
"Lord Varys, His Grace has had a change of heart concerning Daenerys Targaryen. Whatever arrangement you have made, unmake them."
"I'm afraid those birds have flown. The girl is likely dead already. However, I will see what I can do," Varys answered, before leaving as well.
She won't die, not if I have anything to say about it, William thought.
"I need to speak with you in private, Will."
"Then, lead on, Eddard," he replied, and the two found themselves an empty room. However, when they did, Eddard was not sure of how to begin his part, and tried to gather his thoughts.
"What is it, Lord Stark? What did you want to speak about?"
After a moment, he decided to be direct, and handed William one of the will's copies, along with the ring Robert had given him earlier.
"Your father... he asked me to give you this, William," Eddard said.
William blinked as he took both things, staring at them for a while in confusion.
"The King's Signet? Why would Father give me this unless..." His eyes slowly widened as he looked up from the ring at Eddard. "Father... has named me as... his heir?"
"Aye," Eddard answered. "It is his wish."
"I... need some time to think about this," William whispered, leaving the room. With his father dying, and him being named heir instead of his brother, William just needed to focus, and come to terms with all that was going on.
Vaes Dothrak
"Can't you help me make him understand?" Daenerys asked Jorah as they, along with Farengar, walked through the market. She had tried to speak with Drogo, in hopes of convincing him to lead his khalasar across the Narrow Sea to conquer the Seven Kingdoms, but he seemed to have no interest in the idea, at least not yet.
"The Dothraki do things in their own time, and for their own reasons, Khaleesi. Have patience. You will return home, I promise you," her knight answered.
"My brother was a fool, but he was... well, I guess still is the rightful heir," she said, and Jorah chuckled. "Have I said something funny, Ser?"
"Forgive me, Khaleesi, but your ancestor, Aegon, did not seize everything between Dorne and the Wall because of his right, because he had no right to them. He seized them because he could."
"I agree with Ser Jorah," Farengar spoke up. "Tens of thousands of years ago, all of these 'royal' bloodlines were nothing but hunters and gatherers, like everyone else, and only came to power because they seized it. In fact, many of them probably did not even exist at the time."
"Who do you think has the right to rule, then, Farengar?" Daenerys asked, annoyed.
"I follow the Divines, and believe in what they decree," he answered. Daenerys had a quizzing look in her face, so he decided to explain. "This concerns the subject you and I have discussed many times before, Lady Daenerys: the Dovahkiin."
"Did the Divines bestow the right to rule on those who are Dovahkiin, then?"
"I fear you misunderstand the situation, my Lady," Farengar clarified. "Akatosh, the First of the Divines, did not grant the powers of the Dovahkiin to certain individuals to mark their rightto rule. No, he did that, and then bestowed upon them the duty to rule. The position of ruler does not – or, at least, should not – exist to give a person any special privileges... but for them to use that position to improve the wellbeing of the people, and honor the Aedra."
Daenerys looked thoughtful at this: more and more, she was starting to understand the hard part behind being a ruler.
"Perhaps, perhaps not," Jorah remarked. "Who knows what goes on in the minds of gods? If you would excuse me, Khaleesi, I need to check if I have received letters. Please, enjoy the market."
As Jorah walked off, Farengar excused himself and went in a different direction, but soon he had made his way around to follow the Northman. Pretending to browse, he watched as Ser Jorah was accosted by a small boy who handed him a roll of parchment. Even from a distance, Farengar could tell that it seemed to be something official, perhaps from the Seven Kingdoms: he knew that the former Lord Mormont was spying on the Targaryens as he sought a pardon for selling poachers into slavery. He also saw Jorah open the parchment, read it and smile, before turning back.
Farengar made sure not to be seen, continuing to browse, and then returning through the market back toward Daenerys. Caius had already sent him a message, warning him of orders being placed to have Daenerys assassinated: he was to stop it, if possible. This was another reason he had parted from Daenerys: if she was going to be attacked, he was sure it would be something subtle, and the would-be killer would wait until she was alone.
When he found Daenerys, she was approaching a wine merchant, and Ser Jorah had arrived as well, watching from a distance. At least, Farengar was sure Jorah would not be the one behind the attempt on Daenerys' life.
"Princess," the merchant said, bowing.
"Rise, please," Daenerys said, amused. "I would like to taste that wine."
"This?" he said, before he tossed the wine on the ground. "Not worthy of a princess. I have a dry red from the Arbor. Nectar of the gods, I am told. Let me give you a cask, as a gift."
"You honor me," Daenerys said with a smile.
"The honor is mine, my princess."
"Is it, now?" Farengar spoke, deciding to intervene as he realized there was something strange about the man. Daenerys was confused at his sudden appearance, while the merchant seemed surprised. "You would just give away your best wine like that?"
"Why would I not wish to honor the princess? A small gesture from someone as lowly as me, perhaps, but it is for the princess," the merchant insisted.
Farengar raised an eyebrow, looking at Daenerys before turning back to the merchant.
"I may not be the best merchant, but I do know that you don't just give away your best wares for free. It is not good for business, at all. Instead, you are supposed to boast about your most expensive wine, so as to make additional coin."
"I am just trying to be generous to the princess-"
Suddenly, Ser Jorah appeared to Daenerys' other side, accompanied by Rakharo.
"Open that cask, Rakharo," Jorah said. "I suddenly have a thirst for good wine."
"The wine is for the Khaleesi, not for you," the merchant said, nervously.
"You seem tense," Farengar noted. "Why would that be? Maybe you should calm yourself down by having the first sip. Lady Daenerys is a generous lady, I am sure she will not be offended to grant you this chance to prove this is your best wine."
"I am not worthy of such a vintage-"
"Do not worry, please, drink it," Daenerys said, but her tone was not pleasant, and her eyes were narrowed: she had realized what Farengar and Jorah were hinting at, and was now angry.
The merchant blinked before taking a cup, full of the wine, and nodded at Daenerys. Suddenly, he threw it in her direction before shoving another cask at Rakharo as he ran away. However, Farengar was ready, and his hand came up, launching a fireball towards the would-be killer, hitting his leg. The assassin cried out in pain and fell, being soon pinned down by a group of Dothraki warriors.
"Let us go somewhere safe, Lady Daenerys," Farengar whispered. "It is not safe in the open, here."
Daenerys nodded, and Jorah and Rakharo began to lead Daenerys back to their tents, with Farengar following and ignoring the surprised and fearful looks some people were giving him.
This will not end well.
King's Landing
"Lord Stark," Renly said, catching up to Eddard. "A moment... alone, if you will."
Eddard nodded and gestured his guards away. After they left, Renly looked at him.
"He named you Protector of the Realm, right?"
"He did," Eddard answered. "And he named William as his successor on the throne."
"Cersei will not care, you know she will put Joffrey on the Throne as soon as she can. We need to take the steps necessary to secure William's position. We must strike now, before she does: if we wait until Robert dies... then it will be too late."
"Do you want me to dishonor Robert's last hours by shedding blood in these halls?"
"No. But we can handle this in a different way. If we create a strong power base to support William, Cersei will surely give up," Renly countered. "The North, the Stormlands and the Legions will support William, and the Riverlands will probably follow, because of your wife and the Legions. And the Reach can be added to that list as well... but it will require some sacrifice on the North's part."
"What kind of sacrifice?"
"Break off your daughter Arya's betrothal to William," Renly said, shocking Eddard. "I am sure you can find some legitimate reason to do so without upsetting your bannermen. If William becomes betrothed to Margaery Tyrell, the support of the Reach will be guaranteed. Just... think about it. Half of the Kingdom, plus the Legions would be an unmatched alliance. Cersei would have no choice but to accept it."
Eddard stared long and hard at Renly, as he contemplated the 'offer'. If he did what Renly suggested, he knew Arya would never forgive him, particularly after learning of her strong feelings for William, and he was sure that William reciprocated those feelings toward Arya. That made his decision easy.
"If you want to break William away from Arya, you will have to discuss this with him. I will not be the one to try to separate them."
Eddard walked away, leaving Renly behind him, and returned to his office, where he wrote a letter for Stannis, to inform him of the situation and call on his support, which was more needed than ever. As his messenger left, Baelish entered the room.
"My Lord Protector," Baelish said, his grin as mocking as ever.
"The King has named William as his heir. Not only that, but William is also Robert's only trueborn son," Eddard told him. "The throne will pass to him."
"So it would seem," Baelish remarked, standing where he was. "But, why inform me of this? As you are aware of, the Prince and I have never been on the best of terms."
"That may be true, but you promised my wife you would help me," Eddard answered. "William only has ten Blades, and about forty Legionaries in the city. Even with my household guards, that may not be enough to deal with the Lannister men in the city... I need the Gold Cloaks."
"While it is true that I made that promise to Cat, try and look at it from my point of view," Baelish replied. "As soon as William sits on the Throne, I will lose my spot on the Small Council. Why would I want to help him, unless... I received something suitable in return?"
"What do you want, then?" Eddard asked, hating himself slightly for this. Baelish smirked as he poured himself a glass of wine.
"If I am to give up my spot in the Council, it's only natural that I receive something that could ease the pain of losing an elevated position. A different elevated position, perhaps? I am only a minor noble, after all, so how about something like... Harrenhal?"
"Harrenhal?" Eddard said, confused.
"A burned ruin, yes, but if I am named lord of Harrenhal, I could just rebuild it, and it would gain higher status, as well. Supposing, of course, that I was named lord of Harrenhal," Baelish replied, sipping on his wine.
"You would become a High Lord, then."
"Of course... that is, if it were to happen." Baelish grinned as he sat down across from Eddard. "When the Queen proclaims one King, and the Hand proclaims another, whose peace do the Gold Cloaks protect? Who do they follow? The man who pays them, of course."
Vaes Dothrak
"King Robert still wants me dead," Daenerys said as she, Ser Jorah and Farengar stood in the Khal's tent. The merchant that had tried to poison Daenerys was now strung against one of the posts that kept the tent standing.
"This poison was the first attack, but it will not be the last," Jorah answered.
"There is no real proof that King Robert ordered this, Lady Daenerys," Farengar stated.
"Who else could have ordered it?"
"Your brother, perhaps? There are many who would want you dead, my lady. One cannot just jump into conclusions."
"Robert is the one most likely to have done it," Jorah countered. "Daenerys' son bears Targaryen blood, and will have forty thousand riders behind him. He will never stop hunting her."
"Then, I urge you to try to make peace, my Lady," Farengar said, shocking Daenerys.
"You want me to make peace with the Usurper after this? After threatening my life, and that of my child?"
"I did not mean Robert, my Lady. I meant the Black Prince."
Daenerys rose an eyebrow, but before she could reply, or question him further, Khal Drogo made his way into the tent, followed by his Bloodriders.
Drogo stared with a mix of worry and relief at Daenerys for a moment, before he turned his head to glare at the assassin, grabbing a torch and throwing it into the fire pit before he approached his wife.
"Moon of my life," Drogo said as he cupped Daenerys' face. "Are you hurt?"
Daenerys shook her head with a small smile, before Drogo affectionately kissed her forehead. The Khal then turned to Jorah and Farengar.
"Jorah the Andal, I head of what you did. Choose any horse you wish, it is yours. Secret Fire, I know of your kind, and among the Dothraki they are treated with suspicion, but you have done me great service, and I, too, shall gift you the horse of your choice." He then turned again toward Daenerys and gently placed his hand on her growing belly. "And, to my son, the Stallion That Will Mount The World, I also pledge a gift. I will give him the iron chair that his mother's father sat upon. I will give him Seven Kingdoms. I, Drogo, will do this."
Daenerys felt herself smiling, and the Bloodriders started to cheer while the Khal continued.
"I will take my Khalasar to where the world ends, and ride wooden horses across the black salt water, as no Khal has done before! I will kill the men in the iron suits and tear down their stone houses! I will rape their women, take their children as slaves, and BRING THEIR BROKEN GODS BACK TO VAES DOTHRAK! This, I vow... I, Drogo, son of Bharbo!"
Everyone in the tent cheered at the declaration... everyone, save for one person: Farengar, who was glad that his hood was up, for it hid the dark look in his eyes.
King's Landing
William sat alone on a stone bench, staring at the King's Signet in his hand.
King? I am to be... King? Even after all I have done... can I do this? Can I be a king?
"Will?"
William looked up to see Arya standing before him, a sad look upon her face: he had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he had not even heard her approaching him.
"I... I heard of what happened," she said, hesitantly, as she sat next to him. "I'm not good at this sort of thing, but I am sorry. I'm sorry this happened."
"I'm glad you are here, Arya," William replied as he placed an arm around her waist and leaned against her. "My father... has named me his heir."
"His heir?" she said, shocked. "Then... you are going to be the king?"
"Yes... but I'm not sure if I should."
"What do you mean?"
"Years ago, before I was sent to Winterfell, I was playing in one of the gardens with a wooden sword, pretending to be my father, fighting a glorious battle and winning the rebellion and becoming king like he did. That was when Joffrey came to the garden and heard me. He shoved me down, said he would be king, and not me, that I would be nothing." Arya grimaced, while William just continued. "I tried to say I was just pretending and that I knew I would not be king, but Joffrey kept shoving me... I lost my temper and punched him in the face. Our parents found us wrestling and broke us apart. I only had a few scrapes, Joffrey was bleeding from the nose. Then, I shouted at him that he could be the king if he wanted, because I would become something greater than a king. We barely got along before, but after that... after that we have been pretty much unable to stay around each other without fighting."
Arya chose to put her hand over his, interlacing their fingers together.
"Will, I don't care what anyone may say. It doesn't matter who would be a better king or not, as long as you simply choose to be a good king. I believe in you, because you have done so many things, and now you will be able to do more. I know you will be better than Joffrey, and I will stand by your side, no matter what you do." She then kissed his cheek with a nervous smile.
William blinked in surprise and slowly placed a hand over the spot she had kissed. Looking into her eyes, he leaned his forehead against hers and smiled.
"Thank you, Arya."
"Someone has to set you straight when you are being silly, my future king."
"You know that this means you will be the queen, right?"
He could not keep himself from chuckling at the look on Arya's face when she realized that.
All the good mood vanished when a servant suddenly ran up to the two of them.
"Prince William! The king... your father..."
William felt his heart clench at those words, and he just looked at the messenger, willing him to say otherwise, before Arya squeezed his hand.
"Will... go."
After a moment, William kissed Arya's forehead again and ran towards his father's room, while Arya left to meet with Syrio Forel, even though she knew she would be unable to concentrate... and she silently prayed to the Divines.
William finally reached the room where his father was, and jerked the door open, coming face to face with Joffrey.
"We share each other's pain, brother. Our beloved father is dead."
William just stared at Joffrey for a second before moving past him, towards the bed. Cersei, the only other person in the room, stood to the side as William reached the bed. Looking down at his father, William could almost swear that he was just sleeping, and that, at any moment, he would jump back on his feet, laughing and smiling. But he never would. He just placed a hand on his father's head as tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
Divines, please, watch over my father's spirit, he prayed as he leaned down and kissed his father's forehead in a final farewell.
Cersei then glanced at Joffrey and nodded to him. Joffrey hesitated before he spoke.
"Brother, there are those who would conspire against the crown. Our family must stand together, united, in this time of pain," Joffrey said. William, who knew his brother quite well, slowly raised his eyes as a dark feeling ran up his spine, and turned to face Joffrey, who was holding out a hand as he continued to speak. "We have had our differences in the past, but together we can rid the realm of all threats. Take my hand, and stand by me. All I'm asking for is your loyalty."
William stared at the offered hand, and then at his mother, who gave him a smile and a nod, encouraging him to do as Joffrey asked. But then, he faced Joffrey again and looked into his eyes. The eyes were the windows to the soul... and there, William saw what Joffrey truly intended, that what he was offering was naught but lies and pain. Without a word, he walked around Joffrey and left the room.
Cersei blinked in shock.
"William, wait!" she said as she hurried after her second son, leaving Joffrey alone as he clenched his hand in anger.
"I offered you your life... and you rejected it. If that's your choice, so be it," he muttered, darkness in his eyes. He stepped out of the room and glanced down the hall to see a Gold Cloak there. Joffrey nodded at him, and the man ran off.
"William! Please! Don't do this!"
William stopped in the hallway as his mother caught up to him.
"Your brother is trying to end the problems between you two! Why won't you accept his offer?" she asked.
"I saw the truth in his eyes, mother. That's the last thing he wants. I will do as Father asked me, and what I believe is right."
"Even if it turns into war? You could stop it if you just accept Joffrey as your king-"
William turned around, and the fury in his eyes was enough to stop her from continuing to talk.
"DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH FATHER'S SO CALLED ACCIDENT?"
Cersei flinched, her eyes wide as William's glare turned fiery and icy at the same time.
"You did. I can see the truth in your eyes, Mother. I knew you hated Father... but enough to have him killed? And I know perfectly well what Joffrey wants: he wants me humiliated and broken. I will never give him that."
William turned away, and Cersei tried one last, desperate attempt to stop him from making what she thought was a mistake.
"William, please... I beg you, don't make me go through the sight of my children waging war... don't make me witness my children kill each other... I beg of you... don't make me go through that."
"Joffrey will not die by my hand, Mother. That's all I can promise you," William replied, before leaving his mother in the hall. As he continued on, Delphine appeared and fell in next to him.
"What are your orders?"
"Go get Arya now! Get her and her family out of the Red Keep immediately! I'll head to the Legion's barracks and rally them with the rest of the Blades," William ordered, rushing outside the Red Keep. Delphine nodded and turned down a different hallway, only to stop herself as five Lannister men stepped in front of her. Glancing behind herself, she saw another five redcloaks. All the men were baring their blades.
"Grandmaster Delphine, by order of the Queen Regent, you are under arrest. Surrender your sword peacefully, or we will resort to violence," one of the men, obviously the leader, ordered.
Delphine drew her katana free from its sheath, but instead of handing it over, she wielded it. All while rolling her eyes.
"I see Cersei's ability to insult has improved. She only sent ten of you after me."
Meanwhile, William passed the keep's gates and crossed the streets to the manor that served as makeshift quarters for the forty Legionaries and all of William's Blades in the city. Soon afterwards, the Gold Cloak Joffrey had nodded to exited the castle and ran down to one corner of the street, from where he nodded to a Gold Cloak captain, who turned and whistled.
Soon, around two hundred City Guards began filing into the street, heading straight towards the manor.
Mummer's Ford
"IT'S AN AMBUSH!" Aela yelled as she ran into the camp. Thanks to this warning, Beric's men and the one hundred Legionary cavalrymen were able to mount their horses to fight, while Aela grabbed an arrow, lit it and fired it into the sky.
War cries soon began to sound out as five hundred Lannister men, a mixture of swordsmen, spearmen and cavalry, charged into the camp, ready to fight the men and women sent to stop their rampaging through the Riverlands.
The Legionaries were the first and quickest to react, rapidly countercharging and surprising the enemy, which made the Lannister troops stop their charge and brace for the Legionaries' attack. However, at the last second, the Legionaries just swerved and threw their spears into the enemy ranks, immediately falling back toward the camp: they only meant to give Beric Dondarrion and his men enough time to prepare for the fight.
It was almost for naught as a horn sounded and another group of cavalry charged the camp directly, a group led by Gregor Clegane, which took Beric by surprise, although Clegane's raiders were also taken by surprise as the Legionary cavalry made its return, clashing into them, with the Lannister infantry joining the fight moments later. A furious melee soon ensued, as the Legionaries and Beric's men struggled to break out.
Although outnumbered, the defenders gave as good as they got, and even more. The Legions were proving their superiority in one-on-one combat against most of their enemies. Aela either fired arrow after arrow, felling Clegane's men, or wiped out any that got too close with her short sword. Farkas used his prodigious strength to grab a screaming man and throw him straight into a bundle of Lannister men, knocking many of them out. Vilkas tore through his enemies with his greatsword, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him.
However, things seemed to turn out for worse when Gregor Clegane impaled Beric Dondarrion in his lance, and then he slowly turned toward Vilkas. Clegane immediately tossed his broken lance down and drew his own greatsword from his back, urging his horse to charge at the standing Harbinger.
Vilkas, somewhat surprisingly, remained calm and patient as the enormous man and horse charged at him, only to move at the last moment to cut the horse's legs. For a man of his size, the mountain was able to recover quite quickly and stood up before blocking Vilkas' attack. The two were soon trading blows and parries while the battle raged around them.
Vilkas suddenly ducked under a blow and slashed Gregor's side, but unfortunately the blade failed to penetrate the thick armor Gregor wore, and the Mountain took advantage of the opening by slamming his fist into Vilkas' chest, causing him to fall down. Clegane then tried to cut Vilkas down while he was on the ground, but the Harbinger easily rolled out of the way and jabbed his greatsword forward: this time, the blade managed to stab through Gregor's armor into his gut.
True to his fame as an implacable man, Clegane ignored the injury and continued to attack, but Vilkas was able to follow the attack into jumping up and bringing his sword down onto Gregor`s left shoulder, drawing blood as the Mountain staggered away from his rival.
It was then that another horn sounded out, and the other hundred Legionaries appeared over a small hill in the distance, led by Galmar Stone-Fist, one of Legate Ulfric's most trusted officers, and who had spotted Aela's flaming arrow and immediately responded in kind. Their sudden charge into the surprised and disorganized Lannister lines was enough to create the gap the Legionaries and Beric Dondarrion's men needed to escape, and Aela managed to get a horse while leading a second one to Vilkas.
"Get on! We have to retreat!" she shouted, and their group managed to retreat away from the fight, causing several more casualties to the Lannisters before finally getting away, frustrating the Lannister bannerman's attempt to destroy them.
"HARBINGER!" Clegane screamed in fury, as the Companion and the Legions left for Cloud Ruler. "COME BACK AND FACE ME!"
The Battle for Mummer's Ford may have ended in a Lannister victory... but the war had just only begun.
King's Landing
Eddard led his men to where Baelish, Varys and Janos Slynt awaited for him. He had just been informed of Robert's death, and he had also been called to the throne room: the moment Eddard had dreaded for the last few days had arrived, and now he needed to do what was required to place William on the throne, as his father's will stated.
"All is accomplished, Lord Stark. The City Watch is yours," Baelish said.
"Good. Where are William and Lord Renly?" Eddard asked.
"I fear Lord Renly left the city but a few hours ago, being last seen galloping south in quite much haste, accompanied by Ser Loras and some of his retainers," Varys answered. "As for the Prince, he has gone to the Legion barracks outside the castle."
"Perhaps it'll be best if William weren't here to witness this arrest," Baelish noted. "It is bound to become dirty business, after all."
Eddard did not speak, just nodded, knowing that, no matter what William thought of his brother and mother, it would not be beautiful. As the group entered the room, a herald announced Joffrey as the King and Cersei as Queen Regent, while Joffrey sat on the Iron Throne, his mother sitting next to him.
"I command the Council to make all necessary arrangements for my coronation. I wish to be crowned within the fortnight," Joffrey demanded.
Instead of acknowledging the boy or his mother, Eddard turned his gaze towards the Kingsguard.
"Ser Barristan, I believe no man here can question your honor. I would request you to read this scroll."
Ser Barristan walked forth and accepted the scroll that Eddard gave him.
"King Robert's seal, unbroken," he announced before opening it. "By this document, Robert of House Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the First Men and the Rhoynar, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, names William Baratheon as Crown Prince and Heir to the Iron Throne. He also commands that Eddard of House Stark, Hand of the King, Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North and Warden of the North, is to become Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm until such a time the William Baratheon comes of age."
"I am the eldest! I am the rightful heir! Not William!" Joffrey growled in anger.
"May I see that letter, Ser Barristan?" Cersei asked. As he held it, she grabbed it, allowing herself a small smirk in amusement. "Is this all the shield you bring with yourself, Lord Stark? A document that you most likely forged when you were alone with my husband?"
Suddenly, she ripped Robert's will in pieces, stunning most everyone in the room.
"Those are the King's words, Your Grace!" Ser Barristan stated, appalled. "Nothing indicates that it is a forgery, and Lord Stark has always been noted for his honesty!"
"We have a new king now: Joffrey is the eldest, and the King. We cannot trust Lord Stark's word that this letter is legitimate in any way," Cersei replied, dismissively. "My advice to you, Lord Stark, is to bend the knee to my son Joffrey."
"Your son Joffrey no longer has a claim to the Iron Throne. William is the rightful heir," Eddard declared.
"LIAR!" Joffrey raged as Cersei snorted.
"You condemn yourself with your own mouth, Lord Stark. Ser Barristan, seize this traitor."
Ser Barristan was torn over what to do, whether to follow the orders of his King, or those of his Queen.
"Ser Barristan is a good, loyal man. Do him no harm," Eddard ordered his men.
"Kill all of these traitors! I command it!" Joffrey screeched. The Hound drew his sword as the Lannister men prepared to fight.
"Commander Slynt! Take the Queen and Prince Joffrey into custody, until William arrives to decide. I want no bloodshed here. Your Grace," he said, looking at Cersei, "order your men to lay down their arms, no one needs to die."
Cersei just glared at Eddard before glancing at Slynt, who turned and yelled out an order to the Gold Cloaks. Suddenly, all of them attacked Eddard's men, taking them completely by surprise. Ser Barristan grimaced at the sight of such betrayal, and stayed out of the fight. As Eddard grabbed his sword to defend his men, he felt a blade at his throat.
"William and I did tell you not to trust me," Baelish whispered, obviously amused by the turn of events. "And you were naïve and foolish to believe I would ever allow that little shit of a Prince to sit on the Iron Throne."
Moments later, Eddard was forced to his knees, his hands chained behind his back, his stare mournful as he gazed upon his men, whom he had unwittingly led to their deaths.
"You should have bent the knee, Lord Stark. Like I said, you made a mistake," Cersei said with a cruel grin.
"You are mistaken," Eddard replied with a glare at the woman that had caused so much pain. "William has a copy of Robert's will, as well as the King's Signet ring. He knows his father's will, and will carry it through."
Cersei's smirk faded into shock: even after the events at Robert's deathbed, she had still held hope William would accept his brother as King. Joffrey, however, just let out a cruel chuckle.
"You are the one who is wrong, traitor. I have given orders to the City Watch concerning my 'brother'. I imagine he will be joining us any moment now."
While Eddard stared at the boy in confusion, Cersei wondered and dreaded just what her eldest had done.
Unknown Location
"You said that we would eventually have an army. Instead, we have this... Oblivion Gate?" Viserys questioned, quite skeptical, as Mankar Camoran and he stood on a balcony that overlooked the training area where several members of the Mythic Dawn were practicing their Daedric powers.
"Do not underestimate the power of our Lord Dagon," Mankar answered with some amusement. "These Gates will allow our Lord's armies to invade and claim this world for Lord Dagon. And you will rule Westeros in his name... once we have gathered enough power, of course."
"Why can't we strike now? How many Oblivion Gates can you open?"
"I can open a Gate on my own, and my children Ruma and Raven can summon one if they work in unison. We, of the Altmer race, have magic as our birthright," Mankar explained, before glancing down at his acolytes. "Sadly, that is the extent of what we can do: the rest of our Order hails from Westeros and Essos, and they suffer from the loss of magic through the ages, just as those infidels who follow the Aedra have. It will take many years before any of them can be even close to aid in summoning a Gate. Our Lord Dagon has granted them the power to summon armor and weapons over themselves, and a few are even strong enough to summon a familiar to aid them, if need be... but they have little power beyond that."
Mankar then looked at Viserys.
"Two Oblivion Gates cannot conquer the Seven Kingdoms, and summoning one is not a process that can be done repeatedly. If we strike too soon, we will reveal ourselves to the world, and it is foolish to launch our plans if we are not ready."
"Is there not a way to increase your ability to summon more Gates? I've waited many years, and I am losing patience," Viserys growled.
"Actually, there is," Mankar replied, making Viserys jerk. "Some of our agents have discovered the location of a magical object of immeasurable power, and would be of great use for us: an Elder Scroll. Unfortunately, it is sealed underneath Cloud Ruler Temple."
Viserys' eyes blazed in repressed fury.
"That means... the Black Prince. He has one of these Elder Scrolls, and yet he does not use it?"
"Quite stupid of him, isn't it?" Mankar remarked with a smirk. "But we cannot make any attempt to take it just yet, either, not with over ten thousand Legionaries and who knows how many Blades guarding that fortress. We must wait until the opportunity presents itself."
"Damn... I wish I could know when this would happen," Viserys grumbled.
"Hmmm... maybe it is possible. That reminds me we have a, let's say, 'guest', whom I am sure you would like to meet," Mankar said, motioning Viserys to follow him. "Normally, we would kill someone who was as misguided as she was, but she possesses useful abilities that have been granted to her, and so far she has resisted all of our attempts to question her. Perhaps she might reveal something of interest to you."
As they walked along the corridors, Viserys had a question pop in his head.
"You said you were an Altmer, right?"
"Right. The best translation into the Common language is 'High Elf."
"How come there aren't more of you? I had never even heard of your kind until I met you," Viserys asked, curious.
"You will find an occasional elf hiding in Westeros, although they tend to take to isolation. Some of the beast races may be encountered in the eastern parts of Essos. As for my people, we come from an island far southwest of Westeros. We just... exist away from your kind. Ah, here we are," Mankar said, stopping in front of a locked door and opening it. The two entered inside, and when the lights came, Viserys blinked in shock.
A woman was kneeling in the middle of the room, her head lowered, her arms chained above her to the ceiling. She wore ripped rags, and had bruises and some dried blood on what he could see of her face and her body, obviously from beatings and torture. However, what stuck out to Viserys the most was that her skin was ashy colored, and when she raised her head to glare at the two of them, he saw her eyes were red.
"Aranea Ienith," Mankar said with satisfaction. "We captured her not too long ago. She is a Dunmer, or Dark Elf, who foolishly follows that weak Daedric Prince, Azura. In spite of this poor choice, we keep her alive because her lady Azura sometimes grants her visions of the future, and we hope to use this ability to our advantage. But she has been quite defiant, so far. How are we doing today, my dear?"
"Fuck you, to the deepest, hellish part of Oblivion where you belong," Aranea spat in anger.
"Charming, isn't she?" Mankar said with a smile.
"She sees visions of the future," Viserys whispered in wonder, and then he leaned in, closer to Aranea. "I am the rightful heir of the Seven Kingdoms, and I demand you to tell me what I want to know!"
Aranea let out a chuckle of amusement and mockery.
"Only my Lady Azura chooses what I see, Viserys Targaryen. I cannot call upon this power at will. And, even if I could, I still would not tell you anything."
"You dare defy THE DRAGON?" Viserys shouted at the Dunmer.
What a fool, Aranea thought. He thinks his little show of anger will frighten me into helping him.
A fool he may be, but you will tell him what I wish for him to hear.
Aranea was shocked.
M-my Lady Azura?
Yes, my dear Aranea. I am here. I wish for you tell this foolish Targaryen what I shall show you.
But... why? Why tell him anything?
Do not worry, and trust your lady, my dear Aranea.
As you wish, my Lady.
Viserys blinked in confusion as the woman suddenly seemed to freeze, staring at the ground. But before he could turn to ask Mankar what was happening, Aranea's head suddenly jerked up and stared at him, a mocking smile in her lips, a strange light glowing from her red eyes.
"You wish to know your future, Viserys Targaryen? Hear now, then, the words of Azura, the words of prophecy, of the Black Stag and the Three-Headed Dragon.
As seen by the Black Stag, the Dragon's Three Heads will all clash with him.
The first, Dagon's Blade, will make him bleed with the Razor.
The second, Fire of the Sun, will challenge him.
The third, Hidden One, will try to melt the Snow.
Forever bound, their destinies will be.
So speaks Azura, Prince of Dusk and Dawn."
Her prophecy finished, Aranea sagged again in her chains and drooped her head. Meanwhile, Viserys slowly grinned.
"A prophecy! A true prophecy! It mentioned the Razor! I must be the first dragon's head, since I carry the Razor! And I will kill the Black Prince with it!"
Mankar rubbed his chin in contemplation.
"It is possible, Prince Viserys, but it would not be wise to jump too quickly into conclusions. Prophecies can be vague, and often come true in ways you would not predict. Not to mention, there are other parts of the prophecy."
"They are of no importance," Viserys disagreed. "I heard all I needed to hear, and I know I will do what I want."
Viserys turned and left the cell while still grinning, and Mankar stared at Aranea for a moment, still contemplating the prophecy, before leaving the cell as well and closing the door, thus leaving Aranea alone.
Do not worry, my dear Aranea. Someday, you shall be free of this place. Just be patient, and wait. Now, rest, my dear. Rest and recover your strength.
Yes, my Lady.
Aranea then let the darkness of sleep take her.
Chapter End
Military Strength (Edited)
(Some of the figures I'm basing this off of are given by George R.R. Martin himself for the Game of Thrones Roleplaying Game. I may change the numbers in the future as they do differ between the books and the TV Show.)
The Legions: Six active legions at 5850 men each. Total strength = 35100 men (Secret fleet being built in the north near Torrhen's Square. Currently about 20 ships)
-this does not include the seven, eighth, and ninth legions which are still in training.
-in secret, William recently purchased the material needed to build a new, secret royal fleet. This is a test for a new ship design that William and Theon created called a Trireme War Galley. Only twenty ships have been made so far.
The North: Estimated to be about 40,000 men in strength. Small fleet of warships numbering about 40.
-The vast lands of the North mean that it takes time to gather all the troops together. This is why Robb was only able to summon around 18,000 when he marched south as he was in a rush to aid the Riverlands and save his father.
-Thanks to the suggestion of William, Eddard has ordered a small fleet to be built to protect the North's new fishing fleet. The fishing fleet numbers around one hundred vessel while there is about forty warships to protect them.
The Iron Islands: strength is about 20-25,000 men. 400 Longships, 100 warships
-The Ironborn have almost no cavalry to speak of. Most troops are raiders and skirmishers.
-Most of the fleet are Longships which are meant for raiding and not sea battles.
The Westerlands: 60-80,000 men. 50-70 warships. (I updated the strength of the Lannisters and gave them some additional troops. It should be closer to the TV show. They have about 60,000 in the Riverlands with more in the Westerlands themselves.)
-The Lannister troops are arguably the best train and equipped besides the legions thanks to the wealth of the Lannisters.
-There are an additional 50 ships in King's Landing that support Joffrey
The Stormlands: roughly 30,000 men. No sea power. (Stannis has about 160 ships that were a part of the Royal Navy. This is technically not part of the Stormlands)
-Very little cavalry but their infantry troops are indicated to be well trained.
-Although there are a number of ships on its coast, they are under threat of being smashed apart from storms. This is probably why the Stormlands don't seem to have an actual fleet.
The Reach: about 100,000 men and over 200 warships (I remember reading somewhere at one point that the reach could call on 200,000 men at their max limits. Could someone confirm this for me?)
-The Reach prefers to have a cavalry to foot soldier ratio of 2-to-1, indicating that they are a cavalry based army.
-The reach can potentially raise their navy to a much larger number than 200.
The Vale of Arryn: about 45,000 men with no sea power.
-The Vale does have a small defensive fleet but their sea power is still considered negligible and is probably of no concern to the other kingdoms.
Dorne: claimed to have about 50,000 men and no sea power. (This has been reveal to be a lie by Dorne, their real strength is unknown but fans guest it to be around 20-25,000 men)
-most of Dorne's military is made up of spearmen or horse archers
-Dorne has very few ships due to having no good anchorage on its coast.
Q&A's
Greyjedi449t: Sansa is just a very naïve girl. She thinks that Cersei is trying to get her to marry Joffrey and has no idea that she's just being manipulated and has no idea of what happened between Cersei and Arya earlier in the story.
TetrisLame: William may have had no reason to suspect anything of Baelish at that time or did not think Baelish would inform Tywin of anything…or I could just admit I overlooked that part. (Rubs back of head) LOL! Sorry!
marco794: Magic does not make someone all powerful. At least, not in this story. The Mythic Dawn can only summon two gates. There will only be a handful of people who will use magic in this story and I won't let them get freakishly powerful.
pettersoderberg01: I was tempted to have Ulfric use a shout but he couldn't without causing a major scandal or something along those lines. Also, I highly doubt he needed to. ;)
Mashot Tito: More will be given about Ulfric later. Will and Arya kiss each other's cheeks but won't have full lip contact for quite a while I'm afraid. (They are fifteen and almost thirteen respectively.) But I think you will like what I have planned when it comes.
akasha brunestud: I myself have not played ES III Morrowind I'm afraid. I did add one thing which was the Blades Spymaster Caius. I only found out about him because of the Elder Scrolls Wiki. I'm sorry but I probably won't be adding anything else from Morrowind. Sorry.
ShinobiTwin05: I burst out laughing at your comment 'Go oblivious Dragonborn who's a Stag Go!' I glad people are liking him.
I'm still thinking about reposting the Arya/William/Dany poll. Like I said, I might do it at the end of season 1.
The Dragon Priest, huh? I have thought about them but they might be too powerful to add. (Their one of my personal most enemies in the game. Throwing a bunch of lethal spells at you and flying away if you get too close. THEIR SO ANNOYING!) I will consider it but I make no promises at this time.
movienut96: Sorry, but I still won't say anything about Theon just yet. But I think you will like what I plan on doing with him.
I've given Galmar a small part in this chapter. He probably won't have a big role but I am considering making him eventually become a Legate for one of the Legions.
Age of Oppression has already been requested and I will put it in. I'm just waiting for the right moment. There won't be too much change to the lyrics because then it might as well be a different song. Thanks for your suggestion!
Ikki34: Yes, I dared! LOL. But they do have some limits. Still won't confirm Alduin yet.
More Daedra are planned to appear in the story. I can't say for sure about Nocturnal yet but I do have an idea for Sanguine.
Tashio: Yes, Aegon will be appearing. I even gave a hint concerning him in this chapter.
William's actual appearance, Huh? Hmm. I imagine that the closest to what he would look like would be to combine the appearances of Gendry and Jaime. (Because Robert and Cersei are William's parents)
But…if enough readers want me to attempt it, I could maybe try to use a character creator from one of my games to try and make William. (I'm thinking maybe Dragon Age 2's character creator since it is pretty clean and clear) Of course, the problem with this is that William might appear to be too old. If you guy what me to try then I will, if not, then I leave William's appearance to your own imaginations.
Guest: Interesting suggestion about Joffrey. I will consider this but I'm not sure Mephala would like him. Maybe Boethia but I'm not sure yet. We'll see.
Lt. Cmdr. Radner: Yah, I made a mistake. I know that most of the grammar problems are from the upload process. I won't do it again.
I appreciate the offered support of the Greymarch emissaries (even though I'm not sure what they are since I haven't gotten that far in Oblivion. I suspect there from the DLC LOL!) But the help is currently not needed as I am creating my own Realm. Just like the Daedric Princes each have their own realm, I will have one too! I shall call it, The Ranting Realm!
…yah not best name but I think it will suit me. It shall include a bunch if different regions of things I love. Still taking a while to build since I'm learning of my powers as an author.
Speaking of which, Angel! How's the new security system coming along?
Angel: Coming online now, Executing Phase Shift. Oh, by the way, my, quote, 'dad' is yelling something at you over the Echo device. Something about returning me to him or he'll place a bounty on you.
I just build the Borderlands Region in my realm and Handsome Jack is already causing problems? No worries, I got the Vault Hunters on speed dial so I'll just…wait…Angel, where's Claptrap