I woke in darkness, a crick in my neck and a thirst that had me stumble around with my hands before I opened my eyes as several things presented themselves. The first was that my mattress was actually dirt, earthy, smelly and altogether incredibly uncomfortable. I could feel my neck aching, hurting from a rock that had somehow found itself in there. The second and funnily enough, attention grabbing bit from the third that should have been my first priority was the lack of clothing. I was naked as a bluejay as the saying went, save for some kind of leather blanket wrapped around me. Getting my hands free was a struggle, as the third problem was a lack of space.
Someone had trapped me in a space large enough for me, and slapped a lid over it. A stone one which had me panicking as I slapped my hands over it and found it nudging off to the side, easier than what would normally be for me.
..... Ok. Let's try this slowly.
Hands up. Palms to the stone ceiling, pray to god that I wasn't somewhere like buried alive or some shit, and push-! Aha! Slowly, inch by agonizing inch I began to move the thing away and to the side, fresh air greedily gulped as I found myself underground.
My eyes pierced the darkness like it was daylight. Sitting up, I could tell the body I was in had belonged to some manner of fucking monster, with a build and height that looked like it had been taking hints from Skynet and long fingernails that looked eerily like claws. A shaggy beard and oily, long hair made up the rest of my graveyard hobo look.
I read the books. I knew the lore. The only question was what sort of world was I in?
And if I was a vampire, was I going to see Blade, Geralt or Buffy walk through the door? But first things first, and I stumbled carefully out and winced as cold stone met bare feet. Rats squeaked in the dark, eyes shining as they fled from my presence and I let out a deep breath. Slowly, carefully as I began to make my way through the crypt.
My tongue kept moving over my fangs, intrigued as I made a mental note to feed off of something big enough that no one would miss, like a boar depending how rural my location was. Wouldn't be that far removed in a sense, from the last thing I remember eating-pork blood stew, an acquired taste for many and one of the things I enjoyed toying with my friends and.... And.....
I realized with a sudden jolt of fear that I couldn't remember the faces of my friends, much less their names. Family? A distant thing in turn. The broad strokes of my life, I could somewhat experience and feel-like remembering a movie of a documentary, of someone else. My name? I whispered it in the dark and felt myself relaxing slightly... My neighborhood, my favorite foods, some of my interests were all the same... Everything else felt dead. As dead as my own person, who crawled out of a crypt and decided to walk around. I was a monster now, if I existed? There was a possibility I wasn't the first one.
But where am I?
And what was I going to do, when I stepped out? I wanted pants, I wanted something to eat and I wanted to be-anywhere, but! Here! I scowled and then a moment later, my fingers did a little impatient gesture as I felt a surge of something flow through my fingers, hot and brief as if I had touched an electrical fence. It was a trick of muscle memory, something that was integral to me now as it was to walk, to keep my balance.
And then mist began to form around my feet, flowing outward as it rose and solidified into a door on the side of the wall. It looked rather macabre honestly, armored and with a knocker on the front that looked as if a cast-iron skull had been integrated into it all.
My mouth went dryer than before.
I knew that door. I knew that spell.
"Demiplane." I whispered as other things began to suddenly flood my head, as I slowly walked over and opened the door.
Inside, I saw the following. A sight that had me laugh in sheer, bewildered consternation.
A stone room, thirty by thirty feet was revealed to me. In the center was a bed, fashioned from a coffin and utterly gothic looking, save for a worn teddy bear that looked completely out of place like some joke. The rest of the room seemed to be a mix of storeroom and safehouse, as shelves of weapons and ammunition rested in baskets and upon special stands, the entire thing an eclectic collection with no same weapon twice. A bit further beyond was a desk with shelves of books and a case of items that would make no sense to anyone else looking at it; A gilded playing card with a death-head jokers emblem, a forked metal rod that seemed to vibrate, even in its case and finally, a bloodied ribbon I knew like the back of my hand.
There was a carriage resting, fanciful and looking like it took fashion lessons from a hearse, a dragon tooth mounted for all the world like some singing fish, several chests with gold and silver, but my eyes were focused on something beyond.
On a stand was a certain set of armor, dull black as coal with splashes of red. From the liner of the cape that came with it, to the runic protections woven into the half-plate armor, heavy boots and a wide brimmed black hat resting by it. A mirror had been set up, a chest of other clothing was seen and beyond? A circle of other runes, made with silver dust and other such things, the teleportation circle currently inactive as I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed in relief.
Well, the good news. I wasn't a vampire! Sort of?
The bad news, I knew exactly what I was now. But first.... I touched the mirror, frowned at my face. First, to clean up and shave.
.... And then pants and sleep. I'll deal with the rest later.
Stop me if you heard this one. A vampire doctor, a heroic spirit, a barbarian king and a kobold in a mecha all walk into Sigil.
A nerd, a genuine hero, a murderhobo and a chaos gremlin. All conscripted, all brought in to deal with a foe across planes, across dimensions who threatened everything and all things.
And in the end, we couldn't even do that. He was banished, not destroyed. We were split apart in turn and after, I remember there was an argument. A few things said in anger, a few things that can't be taken back and some other relationship struggles. It seemed fitting that what was the last adventure was the last one, at least for that group as a whole. But such is life and I thought that was that.... Life had other ideas it seemed, if I could only remember...
No. There was only darkness.
No sheet either, but for half-formed memories and well, my own knowledge of which was... Well, not bad actually. What I did know, could be summed as; thus, I was a witch who tried to heal people and determined the best way to deal with monsters, was to beat the shit out of them with something heavy. I had a bloodline featuring a vampire father that manifested in me, the deeper I delved into witchcraft and I remember learning how to fight, among the army I had plied my trade.
I was a decent alchemist and good doctor. I lied to hide my side habits of feeding on victims who were beyond medicinal skill and had the charisma to play the face alongside our gorgeous sorceress. I was sneaky and flexible in body, I was perceptive of many things, and had the knowledge to glance at a person and determine their nature or if they were lying. I could walk on ceilings and walls, so that was fun. More so, when I discovered I could fly, though less like Man-Bat and more like Superman, as I hovered and used my surroundings to test myself insofar as I could. Between all my experiments as I stayed there, I came to a conclusion.
I was a martial caster.
Instead of the backlines, I had adapted myself to fight for both-front and back. I could snipe from five-hundred and seventy feet with stakes I'd form of blood into hardened metal, or strike up close with the giant sword I remember our barbarian making jokes about. There was more, but as I shaved myself and cleaned up with prestidigitation, I resolved to ease into it slowly. Magic was dangerous enough at the best of times, I wanted to be sure I was fine. But I needed a target and I needed to get out of here and find out where 'here' actually was.
Let me tell you, a lot of fears just evaporate away when you realize you can just fly from your problems and soon enough I found myself with equipment half-recalled and others, snagged because they were useful.
There was an amulet, featuring a holy symbol of Ilmater, carved from obsidian. Holding it just felt right for my mind and when I hooked it to my belt, I almost felt staggered. I had gone from whatever poor constitution I had before, to a mightier one than I was used to and under my new arcane knowledge, I recognized it as an Amulet of Health. Definitely keeping this.
The armor on the stand, while a bit sinister looking would likewise be taken. +1 Adamantine half-plate armor, if I had to translate it into mechanic terms. All I could say was that it was comfortable as hell, and tailored entirely to my tastes so after dressing up, I cracked my neck and began to skip in place as I checked on the weight and pull. Nothing I wouldn't be getting used to, and it had the advantage of being something I could put on entirely by myself without a squire, so that was nice. The boots were nice and comfortable as well, sending a pleasant burst of warmth through my body that I recognized as a Boots of the Winterland. If I was in some hotter climate, I could always switch them with other boots, so I kept it as is, my search continuing.
The interior of the hearse uncovered a bag of holding with supplies, including an alchemy jug and camp gear, all prepared and set for emergencies and for a while, I had a little fun sticking my arm in up to the shoulder, making a mockery of physics before I started hunting further.
And then I found it, resting in a closet. An utterly ridiculous looking sword, more a hunk of metal on an intricate looking handle of iron and bone. A sharp blade, with a heft and feel to it that when swung, looked as if it'd sever everything in its way and then some. It was a sword of violence barely restrained and I had combined it with a rod of the pact keeper-Iron and Spellcraft, into one weapon.
And with that, I felt ready to explore the world before me.
..... Wherever and whatever this place was of course.
By the time I stepped out of the Demiplane door, I felt ready to conquer the world. I was armed, dangerous and the hat on my head felt rather nice, the cape fluttering in my wake as I floated above the ground and munched on some jerky and cheese from my bag. More to the point, with rest and a full stomach? I could feel my senses expand, everything flung into the sharpest relief. Darkness was like daylight to my senses, for at least past a hundred feet. Within thirty, I could see the runes upon the catacombs, old magic long since drained and gone, as within ten feet my senses felt so sharp, I could hear everything from a rat to a loose stone and know they were there. If there was any doubt after the equipment hunt that this was the character I had made, that pretty much smashed it to pieces.
Darkvision 120 feet. Witch Sight 30 feet. Blind Fighting 10 feet.
Three circles of perception, that grew tighter the closer people came to me. And then the air grew fresher, I found myself flying forward a little faster, coming before stone doors that had me shoulder them open, crumbling from the inside out as I came out into the sunlight. In hindsight, it would have been better to be cautious but anything was better than those freaky crypts and well, this was an excellent test as well. I could confidentially say that sunlight, did not harm me whatsoever!
Save for my eyes, because ow, they were incredibly sensitive to light and I took out a black, transparent piece of cloth and tied it around my eyes. Immediate relief followed, giving me a view of the world without scorching my eyes as I turned in a slow circle and blinked once, a little confused. I had come out of what seemed to be a barrow hill, one of many if I was looking at the place correctly. Windswept, flat and not a single windbreaker in sight as far as the eye could see met my gaze as I decided I needed a bit more height. Up I flew into the air, until I was a thousand feet high; very much well below the clouds, vertigo threatening to undo me as I gritted my teeth and kept a look around. Cold winds buffeted me, repelled by my clothing and boots as I squinted through the cloth, trying to identify landmarks.
There was a civilization here at least. I saw a road, or at least what passed for a road here. Up north a ways, there was a lake and a forest and where both are, I had hoped to find some kind of settlement. By my calculations, if I took it easy I should still get there before dark. There was only a question of where I was, and when I was as I took in my surroundings.
The world was by and large untouched. Hardly any pollution or any kind of construction I could see. If it weren't for the barrows and the road, I would have thought myself utterly alone. The air was sharp and nippy, and this high up the snow was beginning to fall and I thanked Illmater once more, for the warm magical boots that kept me going as I was above the ground. Eventually however, I came to a hovering halt and slipped out a telescope from my belt, expanding it as I peered through and down at the following.
There was indeed, civilization. On the shores of the lake, I could see a castle of stone. Well-fortified, with high walls and towers as around the lake, various small villages had risen up. There were fields of wheat, harvested from the looks of it and if it weren't for the fact that I couldn't see any of the other usual races, I might had thought myself back on Faerun. Maybe this was Oerth? There were quite a lot of humans and for a moment I just scanned and scanned, looking around with a frown.
There were guards who patrolled about on horseback. Now and then, I saw someone in a fancy fur cape go riding around. It wasn't till I refocused on the castle itself, that I got another clue about this place-a banner, a brown background with what looked like three trees as its emblem. I couldn't recall anything historical, so I decided the best thing to do was to land and find out more.... Within reason. Fun as it would be to fly over and land before the castle, I had no idea how magic would be seen here. So down I flew, well away from the villages as I touched the ground and after a few moments, began my leisure hike down towards the place.
It really was a beautiful sight out here, reminding me heavily of the Canadian wilderness as I paused to skip rocks over the lake. I took a small break, drinking from my waterskin and having another small snack, just taking in the natural world as I heard a bird cry out, a raven croaking alongside a small flock of them. About ten minutes later, I saw a patrol coming up and decided to wait for them, completely at ease as I sat upon the shore. All three of them looked well equipped, armed with steel and armored in chainmail with fur cloaks. They were giving me wary looks as they descended from their horses and I decided to help a bit as I waved back to them.
"Hello there. You're the first people I've seen in a while. If you please, can you tell me where I am and whose lands I'm on?"
They were giving me wary looks still, but one of them finally spoke up as he spoke. "Ser, you are in House Tallhart lands. Ser Helman Tallhart is our liege and by his command, we would escort you to better hospitality than these shores. Night is coming and the winds across the lake are often freezing for those who have no experience. Where is your horse?"
I clapped my hands cheerfully as I responded. "Well then, I accept readily. And unfortunately, I have none. I walked most of the way."
There was a beat and the guardsman's eyes flicked down to my boots. My clean, unworn, non-muddy boots as he said simply; "Indeed? Well ser, that sounds like a story in and of itself. Speed is of essence; therefore you may take my horse, and I shall share with one of my fellow guards."
"Not it." Drawled one of the guards as the other cursed.
"Old gods take you, this is going to be an awkward ride." The spokesman who had been addressing me most of the time smirked and responded.
"Only if your cock rises. Now budge over."
I laughed, took the horse and with considerably less skill than my escorts, we rode our way down to meet the erstwhile Tallhart.... As all the while, I pondered....
Where did I hear that name before?
Ah well, if it's important it'll come to me later.
We ride into a rather nice village, insofar as I can tell. On the outside of the castle, it reminds me rather of a mother hen with her chicks as fishermen cast nets and bring in trout, cut hay and all manner of peasant things that looked utterly fascinating from an outside perspective. It was like being dropped in a renaissance fair, if everyone really, really committed to the bit. But my view was soon overtaken by the castle before me, an actual castle! My excitement was high, if confusing to my escorts as one of them spoke.
"Never saw a castle before?"
"Does White Castle count?" I asked absently, only to forget myself as a large, nicer dressed person than all the castle stepped out and peered at me. Clad in a bearskin cloak and fancy doublet, he cut a tall, Slavic looking figure with a full beard and rough lines around his face, as he looked me up and down. By his side, a woman in a nice dress with brown hair was holding a tray with slices of bread and a small container as what could only be Ser Helman spoke aloud respectfully.
"Ser knight. Be welcome in my home." The woman approached as he spoke, offering the tray and I nodded, taking the bread and sprinkling a little of whatever the crystals were on it. Man, nothing beats fresh bread and as I chewed it and swallowed, I realized I had just eaten salt with it.
.... Weird taste, but not bad? It bespoke well that their first reaction to unknown, strange guests was to feed them and it seemed to relax them in turn as I bowed my head and spoke. "Your hospitality is most welcome, thank you. I apologize if to wander into your lands was a mistake on my part, if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask."
The reply seemed to please them, as Helman laughed quietly and we walked together inside, his voice a booming, jovial thing as the woman-his wife I realized, seemed content to be silent.
"It's quite fine! You're actually a half day behind your caravan, yesterday they passed on through and should be at Winterfell right about now. Although, I can see why. A knight without a horse? What happened, did yours die or something?"
"Something like that." I agreed easily, trying to remember why Winterfell sounded so familiar before I added. "Also I apologize again, but I have no idea what you're talking about. What is this caravan?" At this point, we'd come before the doors of a study of some kind. Work desk, lots of paperwork-some things were just universal I suppose. There was also a very nice fireplace, some solid chairs and a pitcher of what looked like wine he was pouring out for himself, his wife and me as he looked surprised.
"Really? I didn't take you for a sellsword. That armor is expensive, or I'm the Maiden. Same for that monster blade of yours."
I laughed, a little nervous as I spoke. "Well.... Broadly true? I'm actually a healer first, sellsword second. Among other things, but mostly I'm a traveler." I liked the sound of it the more I shared, as I warmed to the subject. "I've never been this far up north."
My word seemed to hit a chord with the man at least, Helman actually smiling briefly for some reason as he spoke curiously. "Well, you're not from the South either. Your accent is strange to me and your armor bears no heraldry. You say you're a sellsword, but I've never heard of one like you before. And I tend to keep track of most of them. Which battles have you seen?"
The question was innocent enough, though as I pondered for a moment, I realized any memories beyond the how-to for my skills felt... Well, blank. So I affected a sigh, sipped from my wine and spoke gruffly. ".... Quite a few. Too many where old men lived and the young died, like idiots chasing after glory." I had no idea how effective that bit of swill went, but to my surprise Helman gave me an emphatic look as he said simply.
"You a father?"
"Was." I replied, taking the lifeline and lie with enough manly gruffness that I hoped would prevent further questions as I added. "Just a traveler now."
Obviously there were holes with my story, but Helman if he had anything would watch me for a moment and let it go as he spoke. "For tonight, be my guest. We're having a small feast with the bounty of the wolfswood and it would honor my family if you joined us, Ser...." He paused and then suddenly laughed as he clapped a hand to his forehead. "Old gods take me, all this time talking and we forgot introductions! Ser Helman of House Talhart!"
I smiled carefully and clasped his wrist. "Ser Azreal, House Anghelscu I suppose."
And I left his study, feeling rather pleased my story was holding up well enough.
Watching his strange guest leave, Helman's smile vanished as he frowned slightly before turning to his wife. "Thoughts my love?" She threw him a similar, wry look as she spoke. "No accent from the south, aye. But if he's a sellsword, I'm a kraken. His armor was strange as well-like something out of Aegon's conquest."
"That was troubling me too." Admitted Helman as he poured out another cup of wine for them both as he added. "What sort of knight walks around without heraldry? Especially with a name like that. But his eyes weren't purple, nor any white hair so we can remove incognito Targaryan from the list."
His wife sipped slowly, thinking back before she spoke again. "....Helman. His sword handle."
Helman snorted. "Yes, it's a big one. More fitting for the Mountain That Rides really, but till he draws it, we won't know how skilled he is."
"Not that." She said, worried now as she added. "The handle... Some of it looked carved from human bone." A silence fell as the two considered, before Helman downed his drink and rose to his feet. "Keep our guest busy. I'm going to send a raven to Winterfell, to let our liege know more about our guest. See if he can't ask his majesty whether or not he knows of a House Anghelscu."
"And if he doesn't?" His wife asked, cautiously as Helman considered before finally sighing out. ".... He's still a guest. If he conducts himself as one, well and good. If not.... We'll have enough forces here to take down even an armored witch. I hope not."
At his wife's puzzled look, he chuckled ruefully. "I kind of like him."
But for his house and the North, they would deal with any dangers as they always had.
The quarters given me was a place of rural luxury is the best I could describe it. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean and warm and while there was no running water, there was a bowl and a pitcher and to the side, a privy for any sort of bowel problems one might have and well out of the way to avoid bad smells. All in all, I was a little impressed and a bit intrigued. This was definitely a low fantasy setting, if even that and nowhere was there a sign that they used magic or otherwise knew what magic was. Not like the Faerun of this characters home, nor even the era of the titular Conan the Barbarian... Or in this case, Sonja if outside was any indication. Still, I doubted I was going to see any chainmail bikini-wearing redheads, but I live in hope as the saying goes.
All I needed was information and perhaps a bit of trust. So I took off my armor, slowly and set it in place as I cleaned it with a prestidigitation, organized well and walked out, humming to myself and clad in pants, a long-sleeved shirt and my armored boots of the winterlands. In outward appearance, I took a fur cloak with me, as well as left my sword behind but I think I presented myself well enough as a nonthreatening figure, right?
Right! And with a cheerful little hum, I stepped out into the castle and went to try to charm a few servants. Luck was with me, as I spotted what looked like a maid sweeping about with a bunch of brushes and I waited a few moments before clearing my throat. She turned, froze and for a moment there was terror on her face and I absently glanced over my shoulder to see if there was any kind of person behind me, only to realize that she was scared of me.
.... Ah.
I took a step back and almost smiled but stopped in time as I remembered my fangs as I spoke as courteously and apologetic as possible. "Sorry about that miss, I only wanted to ask a few questions."
The tone and the voice seemed to help as she calmed down and did a little bob of her hips as she kept her head down, her voice demure. "Aye milord, I'll help as I can."
I nod. Alright, we're doing good. "Is there a library around here?"
The question was apparently a strange one as she dared to look at me, realized I was serious and she shook her head. "No milord. If you seek books however, the maester has a collection he might allow you to read. He usually stays in the left tower."
I nod again, and decide to ask straight out. "So what's a maester?"
She does that weird little, bunny-in-the-iron-sights kinda pose and speaks cautiously. "Surely milord is jesting...." She wants to be anywhere but here, that much is clear and I'm not really interested in scaring her further so I rummage in my pocket and flip her the first coin I find as I speak. "Hey, look. Sorry about the scare, I'm just curious. Well... See you."
I turn and as I leave, I realize the coin I flipped her is still on the ground and I try not to be offended as I sigh and turn the corner. Welp, interact with the servants is a failure.
Maybe this Maester guy might be more inclined to talk, if only to give me a map of the setting or something. That niggling feeling of missing something was growing bigger and I wanted to get rid of it. Now, to the left tower!
..... Which way do I go?
No, I didn't find the place. Instead, my feet led me out to a rookery, the smell of bird shit almost overpowering as ravens sat up everywhere, tended to by an old man in a friar-looking robe before he jumped at the sight of me and I held up my hands in peace. "Sorry there-I was looking for a maester, didn't mean to bother you."
He blinked and looked suddenly intrigued, slipping something off of the raven he was caring for into a pouch on his belt as he inclined his head, his voice suddenly gracious. "It is no bother. I was just about finished with my duties here. Maester Halim at your service, ser."
As he looked at me, I looked back frankly as my eyes flicked over his body, taking in more details than initially gleaned. A maester apparently, was a friar looking figure. Robes of middling, but good quality, no personal decorations as far as I could see. Save for one, a chain with four links of varying metals, which caught my eye and was noticed as Halim gestured to it.
"A mark my lord, of all maesters who graduate from the Citadel. Each is forged by our own hands, upon mastery of that particular subject and mine indicates ravenry, medicine, accounting, history and construction." Each link would be touched by him, indicating which was which as I looked on in interest before I spoke. "Well that's interesting and very impressive. So that would mean, I would be a two-link maester then if I was part of your order?"
"There are caveats my lord. Those who join the order take no wives, nor sire children. We are celibate and we are devoted wholly to the journey of self-discovery and knowledge." He intoned solemnly, before he looked curious. "What subjects are you master of, if I may ask?"
"Medicine for one." Was my return as I lean carefully against the wall and speak on. "I was a medic originally-nothing too fancy, but knowing how to set bones and sew up wounds came in handy. And I had a knack for it, so I continued on as time permitted. The second was magic." I paused briefly, but he had nothing but polite interest in his look. So maybe magic was a common thing here? Maybe it was like Oerth, with only a few wielding it, yet not unheard of for those with the power? At any rate, I continued as I snapped my fingers and produced a Minor Illusion of a diamond in hand which got a stronger reaction as he gave a start that he couldn't stop, before keen interest filled his eyes as I made it vanish and added. "I was part of a company that needed every advantage we could. Magic among them, though any proper practitioner would be disappointed in me. I turned their subtle arts into something more akin to a sledgehammer, which came in handy later I can tell you."
"I would most appreciate anything you can share with me. As a fellow scholar." Said Halim back, his expression almost hungry as he added. "Also, could you please do that again, slowly?"
I paused and after a beat, spoke. "I understand you have a collection of books as well? Why not tit for tat? I'll share with you mine if you share with me yours."
Halim's smile was an eager thing, his voice satisfied as he spoke. "My lord, I do believe this is the start of a wonderful friendship."
And who says I couldn't make friends? Take THAT, Alice!
The Lord and Lady Tallhart stared intently at the coin before them. To the side, Mildred stood quietly, head bowed as finally with a slow nod, Lady Talhart looked up as she spoke to her. "You did well in bringing this to us. You will be rewarded." The maid bowed and at another gesture, left the room as Helman let out a low whistle.
"A gold coin, flipped as a tip like he was some Lannister to a maid. Well, he's wealthy at least. We know that much."
"And silent as a grave and terrifying to behold, apparently." His wife said dryly as she eyed the coin, turning it over and over to regard it. No coinage of the seven kingdoms was this, as an emblem of a bald, bearded man was displayed on one side, the other much more sinister in its connotations as both stared at the dragon on it. Her husband frowned, rubbing his beard before he remarked slowly, getting his thoughts out where he could.
"Might have Maester Halim take a look at it. Might be, he could identify where it came from. This makes his stories of being a sellsword more tangible though. Might have been, someone stumbled upon a Targaryan stash of special coin and paid their people with it. Would explain his reticence as well to share where he fought." His wife nodded, acknowledging the point before she spoke.
"But to what purpose is he here? For the king? His household? Or our own liege?"
Helman could only shrug helplessly, before their door was hammered rapidly and then without ceremony, Maester Halim himself came barreling in, as giddy as a septon in a brothel as he looked to them both and immediately spoke.
"My lord and lady, you MUST befriend your visitor! It is of vital importance!"
"Perhaps my personal maester might explain why and how? Because Halmin...." He hesitated and then spoke flatly. "-You look like it's your nameday."
His maester had the realization to turn red, cleared his throat and yet, the eagerness could not be dispelled as he spoke. "He sought me out, seeking information and I left him with one of my books to read. He knows nothing about the Seven That Are One, of the Dragons Dance or anything pertaining to our histories and customs, I'm certain of it! More to it though, he claimed to be a practitioner of magic!" His next words all but felt like a swift blow to Helman's stomach as Halim grinned and added.
"And then showed me proof! Illusions that played through his hands, a simple one to clean dust and other sundry, one that set a dagger blade I gave him ablaze in wildfire!" Helman felt his stomach drop more and more, as each detail was given out before he choked out.
"You are certain these are no mummers tricks? We are keeping within our halls, as a guest a true sorcerous practitioner?"
Maester Halim nodded, somber now as he spoke. "Aye lord, by all the gods old and new, I swear. It is a discovery beyond anything, save in the most obscure of lore within the citadel and few are those who forge their Valaryian steel link who could confirm. But my lord, if he is lying? I would let him pull the wool over my eyes for the effort alone." Silence fell as the three in the solar considered the implications of this, before Helman let out a noise of consternation as he spoke.
"He has guest rights. From what we saw, he doesn't seem overly like a liar... Nor a man guided by baser instincts. Unthinking perhaps, but little more. He left our smallfolk maid alone and has been overly subservient in his manners." He pondered for a few moments, before he finally spoke.
"Lord Stark must hear of this." Despite the advantage he could gain, his loyalty was to the Starks and something like this was the sort of thing one would send to their liege lord. Halim however, cleared his throat as he spoke. "Actually, my lord, that won't be possible."
Halim reached to his pouch, bringing out what looked like a missive as he spoke. "Lord Stark has accepted the role of Hand of the King and is accompanying King Robert back to Kings Landing. The date is four days from today."
Besides the monumental announcement that was, Helman's wife was faster in calculation as she spoke. "The caravan is a large one. Slow, taking their time. At this point, they'll be across the river on the Kingsroad. A messenger perhaps, on horseback? Delivering the message by hand would be safer and more secure."
"And then what?" Helman asked with a faint growl. "I had hoped to dump the problem on Ned's lap and be done with it. But if he's going as Hand to the King, then he's already going to be in a shitload of trouble. Everyone knows what south is like."
There was quiet as they contemplated and then his wife suddenly stirred as she spoke. "Helman... What was it that he called himself again?" Helman was a little slower on the uptake, but when he got it, his eyes went wide and then thoughtful before he spoke gruffly. "Woman, best go talk to the chefs. We're going to wine and dine the bastard so thoroughly, he'll spread for us like a Dornish whore."
This place had no mirrors, so I presumed glass was something of a luxury for them. No matter. It would have been nice to look at myself and adjust for problems, but I should be fine enough. And so, I took a deep breath and moved through a mixture of muscle memory and character memory.
And then instead of me, there was a dark robed and hooded figure, hunched and leaning forward as I cackled and spoke in a gravely voice. "Yesssss.... Give into your hatred, young Skywalker. Ignore all my plot holes in Exogal. Gooby-goober." I did it again and shifted, into a tall, stern looking figure in a leather biker coat and jeans, shades over my eyes as I struck a pose and changed my voice again.
"I'll be back.... In ten minutes." Ok, this was fun and I snickered as I reverted back. It was called 'Mask of Many Faces' and essentially, as far as I went, I could look like anyone and anything I wanted, so long as it was vaguely humanoid. I made myself look like a dragonborn with white scales and red eyes, then like a certain redhead in a chainmail bikini as I absently began to hop up and down and got a little hypnotized before I shifted again, testing my limits.
As it turned out, it did have limits. Humanoids only, though what constituted a humanoid seemed to vary far and in between. I could look like an incredibly realistic version of a Gorn from Star Trek, a Warforged from Eberron and a Thri-keen of Athas. But it drew the line at something like Spongebob and refused to manifest. But in the end, it was all just illusion.
Master of Myriad Forms had no such limitations.
Man, woman, cyborg, fur, scales-I shifted from one to the other, and had to take a small break after a few minutes, just from how intense it felt. I could only shape myself from the mass I had now though and couldn't remove it or add onto it-which meant no matter what, I remained the same height and weight as before. A very handy thing, but such wasn't all I could do. But those I'll save for a 'just-in-case.' Right now, I returned back to what I wanted to do originally and had Mask of Many Faces and Master of Myriad Forms combine, to remove my fangs and dress me in something a bit more formal. More black and red, hair tied back in a simple ponytail as I floated, revolved myself around and considered before adding a cape.
May as well lean into the Dracula aspect, though no one would ever get my jokes. The thought was utterly depressing and as I sighed out, there was a knock on my door.
"Come in." I said as I turned and the door opened to reveal a rather gorgeous looking maid. No makeup, save for a touch or two but the freckles were intensely distracting as I blinked once and she smiled knowingly. Thankfully, she didn't hold it over me as she stepped in and curtsied and holy shit, that was some nice cleavage.
She then looked expectant and I realized she had been talking as I cleared my throat and spoke. "Sorry about that. Could you please repeat that?"
I wondered if I made another blunder, because for a moment she gave me a strange look before she smiled again and spoke. "Nothing to forgive milord. I just said my name was Janith and I'm a handmaiden to her ladyship, here to escort you to the feast."
I nod, fully locked in at this point as I gesture to myself. "I wasn't sure what to wear. Would this be alright?" Now I know I committed some kind of weird taboo as she looked shocked, then back to me before she blinked in surprise again. "It should do nicely, the quality is.... Unlike anything I've seen. May I?'
"You'll be disappointed." I said as I offered up my cape and she reached out, gasping as her hand went through it.
"Just illusion." I said with a small chuckle. "Saves on wear and tear." She then got a sly look in her expression as she smiled and spoke. "So... Is milord just naked then, under there?"
If she thought I was going to be shocked again, she was in for a fight as I said back swiftly. "Isn't everyone naked under their clothing?"
"I dunno milord." She said head cocked as she smirked and added, her fingers teasing with her shirt. "Maybe I'll let you find out, after the feast."
Ok. Point to her. She laughed at the overly pretentious bow I gave and together, we headed down to the main hall.
Now I had no idea what a true feast was like, save for a few hazy clouds in my memories of warm arms and sore feet. But, Halmen apparently had brought out all the stops and I was impressed, such as it was.
There was plenty of trout to start, baked whole in a crust of herbs and salt, skin crisped and glistening with butter. Others are smoked, their flesh pink and fragrant, flaking at the touch of a knife. A creamy chowder followed to help chase off the Northern chill, thick with leeks and barley, steam rising in comforting clouds.
There were enormous haunches of venison roasted with some kind of berries, borne in by sweating servants. Bigger deer than I was used to, but the meat was dark and rich, the juices used for a gravy that was used liberally. There were pheasants glazed with honey and mustard, their skins lacquered gold; rabbits stewed slowly in onions and brown ale; and skewers of wild boar, charred at the edges and brushed with cider reduction. A pie of mushrooms and chestnuts, bound in flaky pastry, sat proudly amongst the bounty as servants kept going back and forth, pouring wine. There was even music, a few bardic looking folks in the corner as they sang songs with titles such as 'Bear and the Maiden Fair', festive and wild as people laughed and enjoyed. I admit, I wasn't much of a conversationalist, but I tried my best to pay my respects to my hosts and ignore the way Janith's hand was resting on my thigh, as she pouted for some reason or other when she realized I actually was wearing pants.
And then they brought in dessert.
A massive, great honey cake studded with dried berries and crushed walnuts, served with soft white cheese and baked apples dripping with the same. If this was how they would great their guests, I think I'd come again at some point. 10/10, best stop ever. Halmen turned to me at some point then and mentioned a proposition, but I don't remember much aside from 'talk to you in the morning.' So, I bid them goodnight, headed to my quarters and as I prepared for bed, realized that I could still feel someone in the room as I glanced over my shoulder and spoke, through the faint haze of a good dinner and a lot of wine.
"Oh, Miss Janith? You're in the wrong room."
She peered at me, smiled slowly and remarked clear and thoughtful. "No. I don't think I am."
And then her dress hit the floor and what happened next, is of no interest to anyone but myself.
Amara Talhart was a patient woman and as the night went on, waited as she sat in her chair by the fire. Lives would depend on the information that was to come, and she pondered and marveled what a change a few hours made.
Who would have thought, that in the span of a few hours there would be sorcerers, her liege lord leaving the North and all manner of oddities, all happening at once? Still, that was just how the Game was. She didn't like it, but all they could do was fight it the best way they could and tonight seemed quite successful, even though it depleted quite a few of their stores.
What her husband did with a sword, she could do with a smile and a feast. Her handmaiden and her charms were likewise arrows in her quiver to be used, when used all together? She doubted there was little he'd agree to and then there was a knock on the door. Janith stepped inside, a little awkwardly as she stepped closer and Amara gestured her to a chair, as Janith sat with a sigh of deep relief as she spoke.
"Milady, are you sure we can't keep him?"
Ignoring the jape, Amara leaned forward as she spoke. "How was he? Well disposed to us?"
"If he wasn't before that feast, he certainly will be." She said smugly before she added. "In all seriousness milady, he was.... Strange."
"As a sorcerer?" Amara asked, before adding. "Did he do anything in particular?" Janith shook her head as she spoke. "I was prepared for someone more arrogant. Someone more like the Lannisters, convinced that they shit gold. He was actually.... Sweet."
At her ladies questioning look, Janith continued. "He was caring. Polite. He didn't seem to care I was smallfolk, begging your pardon. He acted like he'd never touched a woman before either, with some of my little tricks I used to test him. Turned out, he's just shy. When it was clear what I wanted and how I wanted...." She shook her head slowly as she said wistfully. "Pity I can't keep him."
Amara nodded slowly at that, considering. ".... A lesson I've learned in the Game. To determine the worth of a person, see how they treat their inferiors, not their equals." Her gaze turned back to Janith as she spoke. "You did very well. Is there anything else you can tell me?"
She shook her head. "Not really. He had a small bag I couldn't get into, his armor, his hat and his weapon. Not really anything I could see to denote a life on the road. Maybe as a sorcerer, he has his own ways?"
"Perhaps." Amara admitted, thinking more before she spoke. "Thank you. You've given me much to consider, but I have a new request for you."
And she told her.
Before she could finish, Janith said yes.
I woke up, alone in bed.
I blinked slowly, bleariness falling from my eyes as last nights escapades came back to me and I let out a slow sigh. Well then.
I felt a little used, but figured that it was for the best. Maybe peasantry and nobility weren't supposed to mingle, in which case I might have committed a faux pas. More to the point, I had to figure out what I wanted to do and I laid back and cast Minor Illusion, producing the map I had memorized from Maester Halim yesterday. Westeros in caricature produced itself before me, the name ringing a few distant bells, but nothing that pierced the fog that was a hangover.
Where to go? There was a vast wall of ice further North that sounded fun to visit, if only to see the scale. Apparently it had been built and a construction such as that would be amazing to see in person. Then there was Oldtown, a repository that maester Halim had mentioned he had gotten training in and finally, Kings Landing-the capital city of this realm as a whole. As any good Dungeons and Dragon player can tell you, the capital city was always a winner for excitement. Especially if magic was as rare as I was thinking it was, at least my brand of it. Not that it was anything impressive, everything I was and am had been for the sole purpose of being a monster in combat.
And I was. That much I knew, but the question was... What do I do with it?
And do I stick around, with Plane Shift amongst my Arcanum? To say nothing of the teleportation circle in my Demiplane.... At any rate, I had quite a lot on my plate and I still needed to talk to my hosts. So, I got out of bed, cleaned myself up and proceeded to dress up in my armor and get some breakfast. Maybe they had some leftovers from last night? I could only hope and striding out, I took my time and watched the rare sight of a medieval castle performing its morning duties.
Bread, chowder, that boar from last night and some fish all went into my soup, creating a rich, stew-like thing that warmed me as much as my boots did, followed with some dark beer that had me thinking that water purity might be something of a lost cause here. Servants were polite however, and eventually when I finished, one of them led me back to the study(solar, I corrected to myself) and knocked before I stepped inside.
Helman Talhart and his wife waited for me, a little alarmed to see me armed and armored as Helman spoke. "Morning lad. Not leaving us so soon, are you?"
"Ah, not yet. That actually does bring up an issue I wanted to talk about." I admit as I add. "You've been very gracious hosts, but I'm no freeloader. And I do have coin. Please, allow me to pay you for hosting me, as I can't imagine the feast was cheap."
As I reached into my pocket, Helman waved me off, giving me an odd but amused look as he spoke. "I like you. You think like a true son of the North. Tis true, we might have gone a bit overboard but trust me, I think it worth every copper. Tell me true." He leaned forward, gestured me to a seat as he asked. "You said you were a sellsword? What sort of rates?"
I smelt a plot hook, taking the seat as I remarked. "Depends. I pick and choose my jobs, generally and depending on the person, can refuse if I wish or not. Did you have one?"
I was on the money it seems as they exchanged glances before looking back to me as Helman spoke. "I do... Tell me, what do you know of Kings Landing?"
That sounded like a good omen actually, as I leaned back and scratched the side of my face gently as I remarked. "It's the capital city. Your king lives there. Also, something about dragons?" Helman nodded, speaking somberly. "Aye. At one point, it was the seat of power for the Targaryan family-dragon riders, the lot of them. When the dragons became extinct, they held onto power till the king went mad and his son, likewise. A war was fought and King Robert Baratheon now rules on the Iron Throne. A role that has been tradition, is that of 'Hand of the King'. A position of great importance."
I nodded, silently listening. So, a prime minister or something then, easy enough to follow. When it was clear I had no questions, Helman continued. "My liege lord, Eddard Stark is a veteran of that war and a friend to Robert Baratheon. He has been asked to become the new hand with the death of the last, and he has accepted. But Kings Landing is dangerous and the North cannot and will not see him go, unprotected and alone." He clasped his hands and looked at me as he spoke.
"I am willing to pay the following. A trained courser with full bridle and saddle, as well as ten gold dragons and five for every month after for as long as you stay by him and keep him safe. "
I pondered for a moment, considering before I asked. "Will I need to take your colors?"
Helman shook his head. "No, unless you swear yourself to my house. I'd take you in a heartbeat, but you seem the more carefree type. And it comes with dangers and duties of its own. As a sellsword, you'd have considerably more latitude to act and people will expect less of you as a result."
Ok, that wasn't so bad. My next question then. "How do I get my payment?" Lady Talhart spoke up then, looking at me as she spoke. "I have family in Kings Landing. Distant relations, but we have our connections. You need not worry about room and board, I'll send a letter to them and let them know the circumstances. Which ties into a gift of mine."
I looked puzzled and then she rapped the desk twice. Behind me, the door opened and I caught a familiar whiff of perfume and there she was, Janith smiling as she did a little curtsy as Lady Talhart continued.
"Its not exactly orthodox, but you'll need a servant. And a woman can send messages and move in places where a man is more liable to be questioned."
It sounded good, it really did. So I turned to them and considered before asking frankly. "Will there be danger?"
"Almost certainly." Said Helman grimly, as I nodded as if I had expected it. "Skullduggery?"
"They do enjoy their games in the south." He continued in reply.
I flashed a grin, and didn't bother to hide my fangs as I looked at them. "Lord and Lady Talhart, you got yourselves a deal."
We shook on it.
Looks like I had a destination after all.
..... If only I could remember why Eddard Stark sounded so, damned familiar.... Ah well.
If it's important, I'll find out later.
.... Now how do I tell these people I don't actually know how to ride a horse?
"Alright. So a half-penny is the lowest. But two half-pennies become a penny, two pennies become a half groat, four pennies is a groat and a star is eight pennies."
At the encouraging nod of my new traveling companion, I continued on as I warmed to the subject. "Seven stars than become a stag. And seven stags, a moon. With a gold dragon equal to thirty moons!"
Janith clapped politely and I did a little mock bow. While I could have just flown to where I needed to be, I had to be a bit more accommodating now that I had a travel companion and a horse. Not that I knew how to ride the latter and the times I had, my inexperience showed and so I opted to walk and guide the horse, letting Janith ride as we went along the Kings Road. In that time, I learned a bit more about this place and not all of it to my liking. Peasants were called 'smallfolk' and they were small in every way that mattered. A noble was as far above them in status to the point of blatant favoritism, that old adage about law applying differently hitting me in the grit where it annoyed me. Janith had been raised alongside Lady Talhart and had the advantage of gaining a little more than most people of her status from it-sums, the ability to read, that sort of thing. Common knowledge that most should know and while I was somehow able to read and talk to most, I was still ignorant on other things and used her to plug in the gaps.
What I had managed to glean, which fit into my reading back at the castle was that the entire world was in some sort of strange, medieval status. Knighthood was the highest most could aspire to, with nobility in the form of the houses staying atop of things, and lesser houses answering to them and so forth. This worked well enough, until you realized the sheer mess it made of governance where one uppity house might call upon their allies to dig in their heels and refuse to work for the common good, which in turn would pit yet another house, etc upon them. Instead of a proper way to deal with it, the locals turned politics into a deadly pastime, referring to it as 'The game of Thrones' or simply 'The Game.' Skullduggery, assassination, even breaking oaths was expected as alliances were formed and discarded, sometimes in the span of hours. And it was into this mess, that apparently this Eddard Stark was going into as the newest slab of fresh meat. Poor bugger.
It sounded like a headache to me, though I supposed different strokes for different folks. Still, I didn't need to worry too much. I just needed to keep him alive, how hard could it be?
"So, what about goods and services? How much does a loaf of bread usually cost here?"
"One copper penny." Janith said immediately, adjusting side-saddle in a way that'd be distracting if I wasn't trying to get a feel for things as I asked again. "And a pound of salt?"
"Three silver stags." She replied again fast, before adding. "A good auroch is an investment and typically costs thirteen silver stags. A cow, nine silver stags. Typically however, most goods and services from the taverns and inns we'll find will usually be copper prices."
Something to remember at least, as I nod and look forward down the road. It was a lonely, isolated place as we headed down south. Grassland as far as the eye could see, with markers of stacked stones to mark the miles. As for the road itself, it was just dirt. Dirt trodden by gods know how many travelers, without even proper paving and I wondered about that before Janith gently nudged me, something she had to learn when we first traveled together. I didn't stand on ceremony nor did I expect her to do the same, which I think surprised her more. Treating her nicely when I was in her master and mistresses home was one thing, continuing to do so when it was just us, more so.
Especially when I made it clear the first night, that while nice as it was to sleep with her, it wasn't required nor expected.
Around that time, I vaguely remember getting pounced. No, nothing happened, but I think after a few days of it, she realized I was serious and became a lot more open with me to the point we were having talks like this. Simple things, the sort of everyday talk that made it clear I really didn't see her as a lower anything. But she really didn't ask about it, and I let her keep her thoughts to herself though now after nudging me, she seemed curious enough to ask a question of her own.
"Ser-Azreal." She corrected when I gave her a look, her pout an amusing thing when she sighed and continued. "What sort of lands do you hail from, to make men like you?"
This was actually something I had been expecting for a while now, and I nodded as I tried to meander through the shared fog of memories that melded between me and who I was now, before I spoke. "Well, I'm from Waterdeep. My parents were second generation Vistani and worked to the bone to get me into the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians. Imagine if you will, something akin to the Citadel, but instead of diversifying into different subjects, they focused entirely on the subject of medicine and all connected therein." I sighed, lost in memories as I added. "There was no better place to learn the trade and in Waterdeep if you wanted to be a doctor, you had to register with them. There was only one problem."
My smile was wry as I spoke. "It was fifty gold.... Dragons I suppose, to use your local vernacular to join up. Then an annual due of five gold dragons, until I became a doctor in which case it grew to ten gold dragons to remain part of it. I was the son of innkeepers, that sort of money was beyond us unless we got a loan from the bank. Your mouth is kind of open there."
She shook it off, Janith surprised still as she finally said what was on her mind. "You're smallfolk? Like me?"
I chuckled, eyes off in the distance as I spoke fondly. "To be a smallfolk in Waterdeep, was to be equal to a noble in Westeros. The only limit in the City of Splendors, was whatever you imposed upon yourself. But yes. I took a loan from the bank with the help of my parents, then joined the City Guard as a humble trustie-the lowest of the low. I studied and took the tests when I could, worked for the rest and paid a portion of my pay to the bank, the guild and used the army for my room and board. But while my medical skills improved, I knew I needed an edge. So I...."
My voice trailed off. There was a brief sensation of fear, bloodlust and a ritual I had been suppressing for a while. After a while, Janith nudged me, curious as she asked. "What happened next?"
I let out a slow breath and clapped my hands. "Well, I rose through the ranks. Ended up called to a branch known as the Gray Hands, an eclectic group of adventurer types who answered directly to the Lords of Waterdeep and commanded by the Blackstaff. It was there I met my friends, as well as others who'd become some of the people I'd trust most." I pause and muse aloud, considering quietly.
".... I hope they're alright." Shaking it off, I turned to her as I spoke. "Anyway, tell me about your seasons? Its one long summer and one long winter?"
And that was how we got along, for a month we walked, sharing anecdotes and getting to know one another. I like to think we became fast friends, especially as she knew I was 'smallfolk' like her. I found out for instance that was an eldest sister of five, that she had been a playmate of Lady Amara Talhart at a young age and when she had gotten married, she followed her as a handmaiden. I also discovered she cheated at cards like a pro, could gut a rabbit and skin it in record time and was terrified of ghost stories. More so when I told her frankly that they were actually real.
She got the last laugh though, where before I had kept some sort of boundary, she now insisted on crawling into my bedroll in case of 'grumpkins and snarks', local spirits apparently of dark origins in which she'd depend on my protection. Honestly, I didn't fight it too hard and it felt nice to sleep with her wrapped around me, even if we didn't do anything though she seemed expectant.
At any rate, two weeks passed and we came upon our first glimpse of civilization.
Crossroad Inn.
"Why do you look so giddy?" Janith asked me, giving me a strange look which, fair. Since I had known there was an actual, medieval tavern coming up, I had all but been bouncing with excitement. To her, I spun on the road and grinned as I gestured out and spoke.
"Janith, it's a tavern. All the best stories begin and end in a tavern!"
"If you say so." She said, still a little puzzled but willing to go along with my antics as I refrained from skipping. Anyway, it was more than just a tavern too. From where we were standing, there was a small village connected to it, along with one of their chapels they called septs. A chance to add onto the supplies for food, to look over the methods of worship and so forth sounded like an interesting way to pass the time as I glanced to her and spoke. "Hey, you mind getting our rooms set up? Theres something I want to check out before we have dinner and turn in."
Her smile was more exasperated than anything, as she spoke. "Most nobility wouldn't trust smallfolk to take the coin you give, thinking they'd run off with it."
I raised an eyebrow. "What, are you going to?"
"I just may. Mayhap I'll take the lot, go to the Summer Isles and be doted on by handsome, burly men forever whilst eating fruit." She declared with a wistful sigh.
To which I nodded, patted her knee and clicked my tongue. "You go girl, follow your dreams. Just be sure to get our rooms secured first at least."
She laughed and I felt I scored a victory, as she shook her head and spoke fondly. "Very well, ser. Don't dally overlong, the Summer Isles may beckon before you do."
I just chuckled and we split up, as I headed for the village and Janith for the Crossroad Inn.
The village itself looked peaceful enough, though everyone avoided my gaze. That seemed to be the norm at least, from what I heard about the differences in class status here and I couldn't blame them for that. The marketplace itself was a bit more welcoming and I mostly just spent the time, wandering and exploring with an eye for produce that I'd have to come back for. We were running low on garlic and onions, the building blocks of any good camp dinner. Eventually however, my feet brought me to the Sept and I gave it a glance, before letting out a slow exhale. Now... To put it to the test.
I took one step inside and paused, only to relax when I didn't feel any different. So holy ground or what passed for it here, wouldn't be a problem for myself. Good, good. I then began taking in my surroundings as I examined the following.
The walls are rough-hewn stone, limewashed long ago but now weathered into a soft mottling of grey and cream. Moisture clings faintly in the mortar lines, and the air is cool and flowing The floor is laid with uneven flagstones, their centers polished by generations of boots; farmers' mud, shepherds' dust, children's scuffed heels of all ages.
A narrow aisle runs between two rows of simple wooden benches, sturdy and slightly crooked, the grain of the wood still visible beneath a thin coat of varnish. A few are etched with initials or scratched with small seven-pointed stars by idle hands. one of which I gently brush with a thumb as I smile absently, seeing initials beneath it. Some things were universal it appears.
At the far end stands the altar, which catches my attention next; A block of pale stone, draped in clean but often-mended cloth. Upon it rest seven tall candles of beeswax, each set before a painted wooden icon of one of the Seven. The paint is faded, faces softened by smoke and time.
And then I hear someone else step inside, my gaze turning to what could only be the local cleric... No, the term is Septon here as he shuffles in. His expression is despondent, his walk slow. His face, aged and worn away from weather and duties alike as he blearily looks my way and immediately bows his head as he speaks.
"Ser knight. My apologies, I would have greeted you had I been earlier. But the duties of the faith take me to strange and sorrowful roads."
I waved it off, as I remarked. "It's fine. I won't begrudge you doing what you need. Is there anything I can do to help?"
The offer surprised him, but he shook his head and remarked. "It is appreciated and shows your character. Unfortunately, this is a matter in the hands of the Seven now. A child's death, one that never gets easier."
"Sickness?" I ask, turning to him as I added, puzzled. "When I was walking through the village, it didn't seem so bad."
He hesitated, and then his shoulders slumped as he shook his head. "No. It would have been better if it had. No, the problem came through the royal caravan."
He moved to the candles, lighting them as he spoke. "The boy was playing with one of the noble girls. A caring, thoughtful young woman. Just something between children, dreaming of becoming knights, yes? And then comes in the crown heir, who in place of sticks brought in steel and proceeded to cut him. The girl defended him, her dire wolf likewise. And in the end, royal justice meant the death of the boy as he had raised a hand to royalty."
I don't know what expression I was making, but I had gone very, very still now as I thought and I spoke. "Is this.... Typical of the ruling family?"
He heaved out a sigh, stepping back from his work as he spoke. "It is... Merely what the people endure. The prior royals burned dissidents and those they believed were traitors. The pyres feasted all too-well, glutted on the flesh and fat of the people. The pyres are gone now and in its place, we have isolated incidents such as this. Some would call it a price of peace."
"Any peace that slaughters children isn't worth the title." I say flatly, before I ask. "How long did the caravan stay?"
He sighed again, thought and spoke. ".... They left about a week ago." I did a swift, mental calculation and nodded once. So they'd be in the capital by then. I reached into my pocket and slipped whatever loose change I had into the collection box as I bowed my head. "Thank you, septon."
He blinked at the donation given and gratefully bowed his head to me in turn. "The Seven's light go with you, child."
I left the Sept with more questions than answers, not all of them to my liking. I had been told about the 'game of thrones' but hadn't really contextualized it and what it meant. And what I had assumed to be a reign more akin to King Richard seemed more along the lines of the Borgia family instead, though I wouldn't know till later just how deeply accurate such a statement was. All I knew was that I was deep in thought, a little angry and needed a drink.
And then I stepped into the inn and heard it before I saw it.
"-Fucking wench, doesn't know what's good for her."
My gaze took everything in a single look. I saw Janith struggling on a table, a gauntlet-clad hand around her throat. I saw two other armored knights, laughing and pawing on a table between them the bag of money I had given her. I saw the black eye on her face.
Everything that condemned each and every one of them to death in that moment as I made a gesture. The knight with his hand around Janith's throat froze and a look of horror crossed his face as his hand moved to draw a dagger as he let her go. His friends were laughing, indulging as it looked like he was going to have more fun with his back turned.
Right up to the point he stared to stab himself in the throat. Again and again, crying out in pain and terror as a deep silence fell, as one of the knights cursed and stood up rapidly as he snarled and drew his sword towards Janith.
"Witch, what did you do to him?!"
Four iron spikes then impaled themselves, formed out of the blood of his comrade into his throat as he choked and slumped back with a crash to the floor.
"And then there was one." I said idly as eyes turned to me. The last knight present stared, eyes bulging at the corpses of his fellows as he shuddered and snarled, looking up to me. "Do you know what you just did?! These are bannermen of-!"
He went silent... His eyes bulged out as he began to choke, my hand already making a gesture for telekinesis now as I said simply. "I see three brigands robbing a woman. I see three brigands attempting to force themselves on a woman." I turn and he follows, floating in the air as his hands scrabble to his throat, his feet kicking out as outside the inn, I look out to the horizon.
And as he tries to come up with another excuse, another denial? I fling him.
Like a catapult unleashing its ammo, he flies through the air, armored and screaming. His fall is going to be painful if he survives it.
If he survives.
I turn, go back inside and the smallfolk look utterly terrified as I move in and start doing to the other bodies what I just did to the last man. Out they fly, I return and with prestidigitation clean up the blood as I physically set the tables and chairs back. This I think, more than anything confuses them as I turn to the woman behind the counter who flinches as I set down.... Two gold dragons as I speak.
"I apologize for the mess, goodwoman. I can't tolerate the sight of filth. This won't reflect badly on you and yours I hope?"
I think I broke something in her as she looks up and down to me, down to the money before she laughs in the slightly insane manner of someone who leaped onto a ponies back and discovered too late that it was a tiger.
"With the bodies far away? So long as no one opens their mouth, we'll be fine."
I nod, turn to Janith and then sit her down as I start examining her, her expression odd as she finally speaks. ".... Those were bannermen of house Plumm."
"Stupid name." I say absently as cold water and a rag is given, letting me treat her more carefully. She keeps staring at me, unsure before she speaks again.
"They're a lesser house in the Westerlands. Under the Lannisters."
"And I'm sure it helped them when they needed it most." I say casually before she grabs my wrist and leans in as she whispers. "You just began a feud between you and the Lannisters if this ever gets out! The royal family Lannister? Richest house in the Seven Kingdoms? Does any of this ring a bell?!"
I stared. A few moments later, I speak in a harsher, darker tone than she's used with me. "They hurt you. I would have done the same for any other person, but they hurt you. I might had left them crippled, but alive. But the moment I saw that black eye, their fates were sealed."
I went back to patching her up as I added. "Don't worry about it. If it comes to it, I'll just turn into a dragon and ravage the Westerlands."
Janith looks alarmed as I pat her shoulder and get up. "You can't do that.... Can you?"
I smirk, heading over to the bar. Janith gets up, chasing me as she cries out. "Azreal? Azreal!"