GOT/ASOIAF: A Game Of Ice And Fire - Chapter 12
[YOU ARE NOW A KNIGHT!]
[DIVINE SENSE PERK UNLOCKED – COST: 2PP]
[The presence of strong evil registers on your senses like a noxious odor, and powerful good rings like heavenly music in your ears. You can open your awareness to detect such forces to sense their location within 20 meters of you that is not behind total cover. You know the type (celestial, fiend, or undead) of any being whose presence you sense, but not its identity (the vampire right in front of you, for instance). Within the same radius, you also detect the presence of any place or object that has been consecrated or desecrated.]
[LAY ON HANDS PERK UNLOCKED – COST 2PP]
[Your blessed touch can heal wounds. You have a pool of healing power that replenishes itself after a day. Alternatively, you can also spend it all to cure the target of one disease or neutralize one poison affecting it. This feature has no effect on undead and constructs.]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
…
+50% Illness Resistance
+25% Radiant Damage Resistance
Anointed before the Gods and with the witness of another Knight, The Oath is a powerful bond.
Though the exact words and strictures of the Oath vary, often set by the sovereign to which their oath is sworn, anointed Knights share some tenants in common.
[TENENT OF ALLEGIANCE AND GLORY]
Sworn to the ideals of civilization, be it the spirit of a nation, fealty to a sovereign, or service to the Gods.
Those who abide by this tenet dedicate themselves to serving society and, in particular, the just laws that hold society together.
They are the watchful guardians on the walls, standing against the chaotic tides of barbarism that threaten to tear down all that civilization has built, and are commonly known as guardians, exemplars, or sentinels.
Believing they and their companions are destined to achieve glory through deeds of heroism, they train diligently and encourage their companions so they’re all ready when destiny calls.
It isn’t enough to establish order, they must constantly seek to crush the forces of chaos.
Sometimes called tyrants or ironmongers, some of these holy Knights will go so far as to consort with the powers of the Seven Hells, valuing the rule of law over the balm of mercy.
This ancient tenet is as old as the race of men, and has been preserved for uncounted centuries.
Knights who abide by this tenet cast their lot with the side of the light in the cosmic struggle against darkness because they love the beautiful and life-giving things of the world, though not necessarily because they believe in principles of honor, courage, and justice.
Some bond themselves to the loftiest ideals of justice, virtue, and order.
Sometimes called cavaliers or holy warriors, these Knights meet the ideal of the knight in shining armor, acting with honor in pursuit of justice and the greater good.
They usually hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, and some, for better or worse, hold the rest of the world to the same standards.
This tenet binds them to protect mortal realms from the predators of extraplanar creatures, many of which can lay waste to mortal soldiers.
Thus, they hone their minds, spirits, and bodies to be the ultimate weapons against such threats.
They are ever vigilant in spotting the influence of extraplanar forces, often establishing a network of spies and informants to gather information on suspected cults.
To them, keeping a healthy suspicion and awareness about one’s surroundings is as natural as wearing armor in battle.
As to sea-faring Knights who seek the thrill of an endless horizon, driven to seek the adventure and mystery across and beneath every endless oceanic expanse, they who abide by this tenet stand against those who would deny the liberties afforded to like minded travelers, rooting out the tyrannical and corrupt that claim any shore.
Such guardians believe in the natural beauty of the sea, often making offerings and prayers to the Gods like the Smith that influence safe passage, while often feeling called to hunt those monstrosities that seek to terrorize and spoil the waters with wanton violence and ill intent.
[TENENT OF REDEMPTION AND REVENGE]
Some believe that any person can be redeemed and that the path of benevolence and justice is one that anyone can walk.
They face evil creatures in the hope of turning them to the light, and slay them only when such a deed will clearly save other lives.
While they are idealists, they are no fools.
They know that undead, demons, devils, and other supernatural threats can be inherently evil.
Against such foes, they bring the full wrath of their weapons and spells to bear, making a solemn commitment to punish those who have committed a grievous sin.
When evil forces slaughter helpless villagers, when an entire people turns against the will of the gods, when a thieves’ guild grows too violent and powerful, when a dragon rampages through the countryside, at times like these, Anointed Knights arise to set right that which has gone wrong.
Yet they still pray that, one day, even creatures of wickedness will invite their own redemption.
[OATHBREAKER]
A Knight who has broken their vows typically seeks absolution from a cleric who shares their faith or from another Knight.
The oathbreaker will then spend an all-night vigil in prayer as a sign of penitence, or undertake a fast or similar act of self-denial, an act of letting go of the self as with altruistic abstinence, the willingness to forgo personal pŀėȧsurės or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.
After a rite of confession and forgiveness, the Knight starts fresh.
Until then, they lose all their initial benefits as a Knight, safe for bought perks.
[*SPECIFIC CONDITION DICTATES THAT NO ONE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT DURRANDON BARATHEON IS AN ANOINTED KNIGHT*]
=================================
TITLE : Durrandon Baratheon (Crown Prince/ *Knight of the Seven)
HP: 210/210
SP: 210/210
MP: 21/21*
MANA CONTROL: 100%
ALLEGIANCE: The Iron Throne/ The Faith of the Seven
PWR:
END:
MOB:
INT:
STAT POINTS: 0
DEF: 25* (Castle-Forged Brigandine: Piercing/Bludgeoning/ Slashing +50% Damage Resistance)
MAG:21*
CANTRIPS: Eldritch Blast/ Minor Illusion/ Mending/ Message/ Thaumaturgy/ Mage Hand
1st LV: Disguise Self
SKILLS: ~close list~
-Athletics (Lv.25)
-Throwing (Lv. 26)
-Swim (Lv.10)
-Lift (Lv.20)
-Rip (Lv. 22)
-Run (Lv. 28)
-Jump (Lv.25)
-Climb (Lv. 29)
-Crawl (Lv. 20)
-Bladed Weapon Mastery (Lv. 28)
-Blunt Weapon Mastery (Lv. 10)
-Ranged Weapon Mastery (Lv. 30)
-Long Reach Fighting Style (Lv. 10)
-Mid Reach Fighting Style (Lv. 19)
-Short Reach Fighting Style (Lv. 20)
-Brawling (Lv. 10)
-Power Strike (Lv. 25)
-Iron Dance Style (Lv. 27)
-Breathing Technique(Lv. 27)
-Meditation Technique (Lv. 25)
-Pain Tolerance (Lv. 26)
-Heat Damage Resistance (Lv. 12)
-Cold Damage Resistance (Lv. 16)
-Fall Damage Resistance (Lv. 17)
-Poison/Illness Damage Resistance (Lv. 10)
-Acid Damage Resistance (Lv. 5)
-Necrotic Damage Resistance (Lv. 10)
-Radiant Damage Resistance (Lv. 20)
-Quickness (Lv. 24)
-Aim (Lv. 30)
-Ambidextrous (Lv. 25)
-Rope Skill (Lv. 15)
-Dodge (Lv. 20)
-Flexibility (Lv. 15)
-Balance (Lv. 15)
-Acrobatics (Lv. 17)
-Gibberish (Lv. 21)
-Sing (Lv. 25)
-Act (Lv. 24)
-Etiquette (Lv. 27)
-Memory (Lv. 25)
-Mathematics (Lv. 29)
-Poisons/Venom Knowledge (Lv. 19)
-Medicine Knowledge (Lv. 25)
-Healing Technique (Lv. 35)
-Agriculture Knowledge (Lv. 20)
-Common Tongue (Lv. 28)
-Old Tongue (Lv. 20)
-High Valyrian Tongue (Lv. 20)
-Dothraki Language (Lv. 15)
-Ibbenese Language (Lv. 15)
-Old Ghiscari (Lv. 15)
-Summer Tongue (Lv. 18)
-Trade Talk/Bargain (Lv. 12)
-Library Research (Lv. 24)
-New Gods Lore (Lv. 20)
-Heraldry (Lv.21)
-Cartography (Lv. 24)
-Astrology (Lv. 20)
-Warfare Knowledge (Lv. 21)
-Convince (Lv. 25)
-Cook (Lv. 20)
-Teach (Lv. 28)
-Animal Handling (Lv. 26)
-Animal Train (Lv. 26)
-Decipher (Lv. 25)
-Leader (Lv. 15)
-Economy (Lv. 19)
-Alchemy (Lv. 25)
-Blacksmith (Lv. 15)
-Sexual Pleasure (Lv. 23)
-Seduce (Lv. 22)
-Intimidate (Lv. 26)
-Incite (Lv. 21)
-Streetwise Knowledge (Lv. 19)
-Taunt (Lv. 18)
-Hide (Lv. 25)
-Subtleness (Lv. 26)
-Blend In (Lv. 16)
-Awareness (Lv. 26)
-Observe (Lv. 30)
-Disguise (Lv. 35)
-Lie (Lv. 27)
-Sleight of Hand (Lv. 23)
-Sneak Attack (Lv. 29)
-Dirty Fight (Lv. 20)
-Water Dance Style (Lv. 25)
PERK POINTS: 1
PERKS: ~close list~
[Player’s Mind/ Mental Map/ Inventory/ Healer/ Linguist/ Observant/ Sleep is for the Dead/ Alert/ Sentinel/ Crossbow Expert/ Sharpshooter]
TIME PLAYED: 6 years
MONEY: 44,015 GOLD/ 900 SILVER/ 1,300 COPPER/ 1000 NC
($) MARKET
=================================
DURRANDON’S POV
One of the longest, but most joyful days in King’s Landing was over.
The sun had begun to set and an orange blanket covered the city; torches were starting to stand out and the moon was slowly emerging.
Although the day had passed, the night was young, and the ale was being passed around hundreds of cups at a time.
The common folk, old and young, all flooded into the taverns and out of the inns to celebrate the incredible outcome of the tourney so far.
Young boys called out their new heroes’ names as they ran around the crowded streets waving sticks of wood around, their parents watching with equal pride.
Almost every common folk in the city had the foreigners of Far Far Away on the edge of their lips, never taking a break from extolling their accomplishments of surpassing the rich and famous.
Somehow, the number of sons of Lords and Knights who entered the Archery and Melee Competitions was leaked to the public and now Bard and Warrior, now known as Ser Knight and Ser Ranger, had become living legends of the lowly peasants as they managed to outmatch over a hundred trained high-borns, and even became Knights themselves.
Songs and poems were already starting to emerge on the streets, extolling their glorious day, their name becoming increasingly well-known by the minute.
The city was in such a strong frenzy that I had to change illusions for another identity, so as not to be pulled into a crowd by arms fueled by frenzied excitement.
I may have caught the first few questions fired at me the first time a crowd approached, but the rest were drowned out by the hundreds of other voices yelling at the same time, soon it grew so hectic that I had to shove my way out of the crowd.
By the time I freed myself with the horde of people and casted another illusion on me, the crowd was still behind, seemingly oblivious to my escape.
I finally had time to digest what my anointing meant.
Having mere vows granting me perks and buffs was really a surprise.
And even if I broke them, I could actually redeem myself through an all-night vigil of prayers to restore my piety.
Which was really easy given my ‘Sleep is for the Dead’ perk.
Such a shameless cheat.
And that’s why I love it.
Which gave me another idea.
If deception and illusions didn’t make the whole process invalid, I wonder what else could I exploit in a similar fashion.
The only theory I could actually test before leaving the capital was… visiting the High Septon.
With this in mind, I immediately visited the Westerosi equivalent of a Pope.
Sure, this current High Septon, known as the fat one, was a grossly fat man who has been regarded by many lords and by the smallfolk as corrupt.
But if Robert Baratheon, the man that cheated on his wife, while showing a great deal of gluttony with alcohol, food and whores, could anoint me, then this sorry excuse for a cleric should do just fine.
“You want me to do what?” The fat man wearing expensive robes and a crystal crown, asked with a mocking smirk, not knowing that I was the Crown Prince.
Sure, I could command him to make me a Septon.
But influence and money buys a man’s silence for a time, and since I didn’t want to get rid of the man yet, I had to be more deceitful.
“You heard me right.” I showed him a very heavy purse of Silver. “Make me a Septon and this will be yours. But…” I took my knife out and threatened him. “I will know if you aren’t being serious.”
The man’s expression shifted comically into the one of a coward. “I-I… it seems to be a fair exchange.”
“Good…” I replied coldly, still hidden inside my Magical Disguise.
…
[YOU HAVE BEEN ANOINTED AS A SEPTON OF THE SEVEN!]
“I-It’s done.” The High Septon declared, cold sweating in fear that I would actually kill him now.
[SKILL STAR EVOLVED!]
My wicked smirk almost made the man shit himself, fearing for his life.
“Here!” I tossed the purse of Silver to him, very satisfied with my newest title, vanishing from his view before the High Septon regained his wit and called the Gold Cloaks.
…
[NEW TITLE ACQUIRED!]
[YOU ARE NOW A SEPTON!]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
[BLOCKED PERK – REQUIRES HIGHER TITLE LEVELS]
…
+50% Illness Resistance
+25% Radiant Damage Resistance
+10% Necrotic Damage Resistance
Septons and Septas are intermediaries between the mortal world and the distant planes of the Gods. As varied as the Gods they serve, Septons and Septas strive to embody the handiwork of their deities. No ordinary priest, a Septon is imbued with divine power.
THE FATHER
Represents discipline, as well as devotion to the laws that govern a society, an institution, or a philosophy. One must meditate on logic and justice as they serve the Gods. Believing that well-crafted laws establish legitimate hierarchies, and those selected by law to lead must be obeyed; also that those who obey must do so to the best of their ability, and if those who lead fail to protect the law, they must be replaced. In this manner, law weaves a web of obligations that create order and security in a chaotic multiverse.
Concerned with the citizenry, commerce, traffic, and even architecture of modern civilization. The center of modern life is a sense and spirit of community, and the gravest enemies of the city are those who seek to harm the common weal of its citizens.
Promote the ideals of rebirth and renewal, truth, vigilance, and beauty, often using the symbol of the Seven pointed star. Become a tireless sentinel whose eyes pierce every shadow and see through every deception. Enlightened souls infused with radiance and the power of the Gods’ discerning vision, charged with chasing away lies and burning away darkness.
THE MOTHER
She focuses on the vibrant positive energy, one of the fundamental forces of the universe, that sustains all life. One must promote vitality and health through healing the sick and wounded, caring for those in need, and driving away the forces of death and undeath.
The balm of peace thrives at the heart of healthy communities, between friendly nations, and in the souls of the kindhearted. One must inspire people of all sorts to resolve conflict and to stand up against those forces that try to prevent peace from flourishing. Preside over the signing of treaties, and arbitrate in disputes. Blessings draw people together and help them shoulder one another’s burdens, and aid those who are driven to fight for the way of peace.
A sense of oneness shines at the heart of healthy communities, whether bound together by friendship, blood, faith, or some other uniting force. The Mother deepens such bonds and delight in their strength. Preside over marriages and other familial bonding customs, but also nurture the emotional bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Her divine blessings bolster and protect allies in battle through these deep bonds and turn aside malign influences.
Associated with particular springs and groves, the Mother revere nature as a whole, hunting the evil monstrosities that despoil the woodlands, blessing the harvest of the faithful, or withering the crops of those who angered the Gods.
THE WARRIOR
War has many manifestations. It can make heroes of ordinary people. It can be desperate and horrific, with acts of cruelty and cowardice eclipsing instances of excellence and courage. In either case, the deity of war watches over warriors and rewards them for their great deeds. Excel in battle, inspiring others to fight the good fight or offering acts of violence as prayers. Become a champion of honor and chivalry.
THE SMITH
Patron of artisans who work with metal, from a humble blacksmith who keeps a village in horseshoes and plow blades to the mighty legendary artisan whose diamond-tipped arrows of mithral have felled demon lords. He teaches that, with patience and hard work, even the most intractable metal can be transformed from a lump of ore to a beautifully wrought object. Search for objects lost to the forces of darkness, liberate mines overrun by orcs, and uncover rare and wondrous materials necessary to create potent magic items. Take great pride in your work, and be willing to craft and use heavy armor and powerful weapons to protect yourself. Promote the practical knowledge of craft and invention, including smith.
THE MAIDEN
Deity of beauty and artistry, who teach that art is a vehicle for the soul’s improvement. Beauty can both bend minds and inspire hearts. It is the force that compels others to lose control and give in to their impulses, but it can also awaken strength and determination to steel a forlorn heart. Bring joy and hope to the world. The beacon of light that reminds us that some things are worth fighting for. Seek to bring peace and amity among the world’s folk. Fight only when needed, and prefer to end fights with as little bloodshed as possible.
THE CRONE
Values learning and understanding above all. Some teach that knowledge is to be gathered and shared in libraries and universities, or promote the practical knowledge of craft and invention. Some hoard knowledge and keep its secrets to themselves. And some gain tremendous power by unlocking the secrets of the multiverse. Study esoteric lore, collect old tomes, delve into the secret places of the earth, and learn all you can.
The Crone blends divine devotion and psychic power. Teaches that the mind is the greatest tool and the mightiest weapon in creation. Learn to harness your own mental power, and use this gift to protect the faithful and smite enemies.
Magic is an energy that suffuses the multiverse and that fuels both destruction and creation. Know the secrets and potential of magic intimately, for magical knowledge is a great responsibility that comes with a special understanding of the nature of reality.
THE STRANGER
Concerned with the forces that cause death, as well as the negative energy that gives rise to undead creatures.
Watch over the line between life and death. Death and the afterlife are a foundational part of the multiverse’s workings. Teach their followers to respect the dead and pay them due homage. Seek to put restless spirits to rest, destroy the undead wherever they find them, and ease the suffering of dying creatures.
The twilit transition from light into darkness often brings calm and even joy, as the day’s labors end and the hours of rest begin. The darkness can also bring terrors, but the deity of twilight guards against the horrors of the night. Bring comfort to those who seek rest and protect them by venturing into the encroaching darkness to ensure that the dark is a comfort, not a terror.
[HERETIC]
A Septon who has broken their vows typically seeks absolution from another Septon or from the High Septon himself.
The repentant forsaker of their Faith will then spend an all-night vigil in prayer as a sign of penitence, or undertake a fast or similar act of self-denial, an act of letting go of the self as with altruistic abstinence, the willingness to forgo personal pŀėȧsurės or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.
After a rite of confession and forgiveness, the Septon starts fresh.
Until then, they lose all their initial benefits as a Septon, safe for bought perks.
[*SPECIFIC CONDITION DICTATES THAT NO ONE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT DURRANDON BARATHEON IS AN ANOINTED SEPTON*]
=================================
Not bad.
Not bad indeed.
A shame I didn’t get any perk unlocked from the beginning.
But it’s not as if I had perk points to buy them anyway.
Though the resistance to all illnesses is still completely broken.
Sure, poisons were most often used as weapons.
But it certainly makes life much easier for me to not have to worry about getting sick.
At the top of my head I could recall: The Great spring sickness, winter fever, grey plague, grayscale, greywater fever (from the Neck), pox, red death from Basilisk Isles, redspots (basically chicken pox), shaking sickness (similar to epilepsy), shivers (parkinsonism), Bloody Flux (which is basically dysentery), buŧŧerfly graver from Naath, and countless diseases from Sothoryos.
Yeah, it definitely might be the reason I won’t be dying so easily, alongside my constantly growing Health Bar.
Plus being half resistant against Radiant Damage and a fifth resistant to Necrotic Damage are sure to come in handy.
Especially since I planned to visit every castle and raid their Magical Dungeons.
Perhaps that would even allow me to grind both resistances more safely.
So one day I could ignore attacks from both the Lord of Light and the Lord of Darkness together.
Food for thought, I gotta find a Weirwood tree and try my luck with it.
Perhaps I might gain another title.
I Knight was the classic Paladin, and Septon the classic Cleric… then this could make me a Druid.
Multiclassing for the win!
—————————————————————
So now, as the new celebrity of King’s Landing’s best Tavern and the People’s Champion, I huddled down behind several barrels of ale, trying to enjoy my last days in the capital for quite a while.
“Well, it sure was an interesting sight.”
I just chuckled at the voice, smiling at the familiar face seated in front of me, as the orange torchlight showcased her pretty smile and amused expression.
“I’m glad to hear it. How was the meeting with your Dornish relatives? Enjoyable enough I hope.” I turned from Alysse toward Rhaenys while scratching Shadow’s head.
“As much as it could have been. The Spider wants me to gain their support for his Blackfyre puppet.” Rhaenys crossed her arms behind her head and looked at me with a faint smile. “I was expecting you to come find us after the melee; you promised that we could go somewhere else.”
“I was planning to come see you, but after my father knighted me, I had to test a few things out first. Besides, I had to put my siblings to sleep early today.” I looked at her, noticing how muscular she was for a nine year old girl. “Then people started to swarm me on the street; I almost got stuck inside a huge crowd and I would’ve been stuck there for hours if I didn’t run away.”
“What did you expect?” Alysse giggled lightly as she covered her lips. “Your victories as common men made the common folk very happy and the fact that you defeated so many knights and high-borns only made you even more popular.”
“Well, I understand that, but I’m surprised at how crazy people began acting.”
“Then you wouldn’t believe some of the stories people have made up already.” Rhaenys smirked. “I heard some sell swords saying that you are in fact a long lost Warlock from beyond the Wall who brought with him the skill of the Wildings.”
I chuckled and nodded in amusement. “Yeah, I am proud of myself for making people more creative.” I looked around as the noise from within the tavern grew louder by the second. “But either way, I have called you here to just enjoy our last days together for quite a while.”
“Yeah, that would be much appreciated.” Replied Alysse with a gentle smile. “Do you want to discuss what you will be expecting of us until your return?”
“Come on Aly, this stuff can wait!” Rhaenys protested in a friendly manner. “I’ve heard you come here the nights we aren’t hunting and make your show. How about you show us why everyone speaks so highly of it?”
“I already know you are a great singer and storyteller, but actually capable of entertaining an entire room of ȧduŀts, that’s something I also want to see.” Allyse joined in. “For studying purposes, of course.”
“Sure.” I smiled, casting Disguise Self to look like my Bard personality. “Anything for you two.”
Although Chataya’s place had been filled with people wanting to see me, they were all at least from respectable positions, which thanks to proper manners led them to enjoy my show without bothering me too much.
Hidden in a place no one would bother them too, were both Alysse and Rhaenys, making themselves at home while eating and drinking my famous meals.
Thankfully the standards of music this folk got used to weren’t that high.
My favorite song by far was Rains of Castamere.
Looking around, I was surprised that I didn’t see my father partying already.
But I did notice the Dornish Princess from before.
I guess she did find me interesting enough to seek me out.
“Thank you everyone for being here, celebrating my last night in this wonderful city.” I began delivering the news, immediately earning a few sad faces from the crowd before me. “Don’t worry, it’s not like I won’t ever come back. It’s just that a Bard gotta do what a Bard gotta do. Roam around and showcase my art to as many people as I can!”
I heard some cheers and claps, but the room was overall sad that I will be leaving soon.
“Now let’s get started with a few more songs I’ve been wanting to share with you.”
I approached my piano with the swagger of a famous artist.
“When you were here before, I could not look thee in the eye.” I began the verse, slowly playing the piano keyboard and giving my best impression of Tom Ellis’ Lucifer. “You are like an angel, thy skin makes me cry.”
I accelerated the rhythm.
“You float like a feather, in a beautiful woooorld.”
“I wish I was special, you are sooo very special.”
“But I am… a creeeeep, I am a weiiirdo.”
“What in the seven hells am I doing heeeere? I do not belong here.”
“I care not if it hurts, I want to have control.”
“I want a perfect body.”
“I want a perfect soul.”
“I want you to notice…when I am gone.”
“You are so very special… I wish I was special. But I am a creeeeep, I am a weiiirdo.”
“What in hell am I doing here? I do not belong here.”
“She runneth out the door, she runneth out.”
“She run, run, run, run, run…”
“Whatever makes thee happy, whatever thou want’st.”
“You are so very special, I wish I was special.”
“But I am a creeeep, I am a weiiirdo.”
“What in the seven hells am I doing here?”
“I do not belong here.”
“I do not belong here.”
They all clapped before I moved to a happier tone. “This one is for the ladies trying to get over a past love.”
Cue the music.
“At first I was afraid, I was petrified!”
“Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. Then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong.”
“And I grew strong. And I learned how to get along.”
“And now you′re back! From Far Far Away!”
“I just walked in to find you here with that sad look across your face.”
“Should have changed that stupid lock! Should have made you leave your key! If I’d known for just one second you′d be back to bother me.”
“Go on now, go! Walk out the door! Just turn around now! Because you’re not welcome anymore!”
“Weren′t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye. Did you think I′d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die?”
“Oh no, not I, I will survive! Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I′ll stay alive. I’ve got all my life to live! And I′ve got all my love to give!”
“And I’ll survive!”
“I will survive, hey, hey!”
I showed some moves, dancing around with the grace of a Water Dancer before continuing.
“Because you’re not welcome anymore! Weren’t you the one who tried to break me with goodbye?”
“Think I′d crumble? Did you think I′d lay down and die?”
“Oh no, not I! I will survive!”
“Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive! I′ve got all my life to live! And I’ve got all my love to give!”
“And I′ll survive!”
“I will survive!”
“Hey, hey!”
As the song ended, Alysse and Rhaenys shared a bittersweet smile at the lyrics of this past song, so I went for one more hopeful one.
“Did you lose what won’t return? Did you love but never learn? The fire’s out but still it burns,
and no one cares, there’s no one there.”
“Did you find it hard to breathe? Did you cry so much that you could bȧrėly see? You’re in the darkness all alone, and no one cares, there’s no one there.”
I then turned to stare at Rhaenys, mimicking my usual hand gesture to cast Eldritch Blast. “But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?”
“Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone! ‘Cause someone’s out there, sending out flares!”
“Did you break but never mend? Did it hurt so much you thought it was the end? Lose your heart but don’t know when, and no one cares, there’s no one there.”
“But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?”
“Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone. ‘Cause someone’s out there, sending out flares! Someone’s out there, sending out flares!”
I slow down a little. “Did you lose what won’t return?”
“Did you love but never learn?”
And then pick up the rhythm. “But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes?
Did you, did you?”
“Did you see the sparks filled with hope?
You are not alone. ‘Cause someone’s out there, sending out flares!
“But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?”
“Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone. ‘Cause someone’s out there, sending out flares.”
Among the clapping crowd, I noticed Rhaenys clapping harder with teary eyes.
Now was Alysse’s time, picking up my lute I continued.
“Where have all the worthy men gone? And where are all the fair Gods?”
“Where’s the gallant Prince to take the bridle rein?”
“Isn’t there a White Knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and I turn, and I dream of what I need.”
“I need a hero!”
“I shall hold out for a hero ’till the end of the night!
I pray he be hale, winged of heel and newly returned from the fight!”
“I need a hero!”
“I shall hold out for a hero ’till the morning light!”
“He must be ȧssured, and true to his word. With a wit that will thrill and excite!”
“Thrill and excite!”
Had some of Chataya’s girls, who knew the proper choir, help me out with filling the brief moment with their choral before I continued to sing.
“Erelong, after the hour of the bat, within my reverie, somewhere just beyond the veil, someone reached out for me.”
“Racing on a courser and clad with gleaming mail. I shall answer none but he who bringeth me the grail.”
“Oooh! I need a hero! I shall hold out for a hero ’till the end of the night!”
“Could I but afford my very own sword, I would not require his might.”
“I need a hero!”
“I shall hold out for a hero ’till the morning light!”
“By the Gods was he blessed, be true to his quest. A man whom Maesters and Bards will write!”
“Up where the dragons glide near heaven above. Out on a storm-tossed odyssey. Verily doth a saintly champion ride toward me!”
“Through the wind, and the chill and the rain…the plague and the flood…I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood.”
Another pause for Chataya’s girls.
“I need a hero!”
“I shall hold out for a hero ’till the end of the night!
I pray he be hale, winged of heel and newly returned from the fight!”
“I need a hero!”
“I shall hold out for a hero ’till the morning light!”
“A Knight, not a pawn! A true Paragon! With armor and eyes shining bright! I need a hero!”
As I bowed in conclusion to my song, I was showered again with cheers and compliments to another one of my shamelessly plagiarized songs.
From where I stood, I could see that last song had managed to appeal to both men and women.
Proof of that was how both Rhaenys and Alysse seemed to be in a rare agreement with one another as they smiled to one another.
Even Shadow didn’t seem bored.
Signaling for Arianne to wait for me, I moved on to enjoy the company of my Party Members before leaving Rhaenys to take Alysse back to the Red Keep safely.
—————————————————————
“Is that… is that… magic?” Arianne asked, completely shocked as I dismissed my illusion, appearing before her as the distant and cold Prince who hadn’t even looked at her during the tourney. “And you… you are the Crown Prince!”
“It seems to be the case.” I chuckled, making small cases of both my magic and identity. “Apologies for the initial deceit, my Princess. It’s not something I would like to make public.”
“B-but why have you decided to tell me?” She questioned, still perplexed that I wasn’t the Bard she had come to visit.
“You would be a fool to reveal that secret to anyone else.” He shrugged. “And risk people questioning your sanity. Especially with you being the eldest child of your father’s children.”
Arianne nodded at my logic.
“Besides, I’m very close to the mysterious vigilante people nicknamed as the Stranger. If you so much as whisper about me… ” I approached her and touched her skin, subtly casting Thaumaturgy to leave a magical symbol on her skin.
As I subtly canceled my spell, the magical symbol disappeared, leaving no traces behind.
“I will know.” I bluffed, exploiting her lack of understanding of my magic.
{LIE SUCCESSFUL!}
“Incredible.” The Dornish princess muttered inspecting her skin, not angry that I had just threatened her.
“So, have you come to know more about me?” I spoke, drawing her attention again.
“I-i… yes!” Arianne corrected her thoughts before speaking properly. “Wait, so there is no place known as Far Far Away?! And you were also that Warrior?! If so, you must be the youngest Knight to ever be anointed.”
“One question at a time please.” I smiled charmingly as we began walking through the streets. “No, I’m not from Far far Away and yes, I was the one who fought the melee challenge. As for the title of Knight…”
…
I followed the Dornish Princess through the streets, the two bowing our heads down as we walked by many groups of people.
Thankfully the only source of lights were from torches placed meters away from each other, so the people walking through the streets couldn’t see us very well.
Arianne made a turn around the corner and stepped into a back-alley.
The light was instantly gone and the moon became our beacon.
I was surprised that a Princess like Arianne would be willing to trek through such a dirty alley, half expecting her to cry out or squeal when a large rat ran past our legs.
But Arianne just kept walking while mumbling something to herself, as if trying to remember how many streets we had passed and where we were at the moment.
I smiled, Arianne was very interesting and cute.
“Hold up!” The princess whispered rather loudly as she stopped abruptly just as we were about to walk out of the alleyway. “There’s someone there.”
Some footsteps accompanied with drunken nonsense could be heard as a group of soldiers stumbled past the entrance of the alleyway and continued down further down the road.
“Never mind, it was just a bunch of drunkyards.” Arianne turned back to me and finally noticed our proximity.
How cliche, I know.
A small amount of red appeared on her face, which was less than two inches away from mine, and she could feel parts of my body pressing onto hers.
It appeared she had stopped rather abruptly and I was left very close to her when we tried to keep silent, and she was staring straight into my eyes.
My Observation skill never failed to inform me when someone was mesmerized by my heterochromatic eyes.
“I don’t think they saw us…” I whispered softly, hiding a smirk, as Arianne’s lips moved dangerously close to mine.
“That’s good.” Replied the young Dornish Princess with a surprising amount of confidence, her eyes looking into mine with great amusement. “We wouldn’t want anyone to catch us.”
“We should get going.” She pulled me along again, but this time she was holding onto my hand and not my arm. “We’re not far from the inn I’m staying at.”
The two of us continued our way down multiple alleyways and only several main roads.
The sound of people drinking and celebrating was starting to fade and the buildings of the past were becoming more and more grand and glorious.
Soon we reached the back of a tall edifice of at least ten stories, and Arianne had stopped right below it.
“This is the inn.” I concluded while looking up at the many lights inside the many rooms’ windows. Arianne smiled and winked at him.
“Yep, and we’re at the top floor.” With an excited smirk, the Princess grabbed onto one of the dirty stones on the building and started to climb up. “Come on, follow behind me.”
I chuckled as I looked up at the girl in amazement. “We’re climbing up?”
“Of course.” Replied Arianne as she looked back down at me. “How do you think I got out?”
With another chuckle I followed after the girl.
Climbing in the dark wasn’t weird for me, it just reminded me a little of my nights with Rhaenys.
Sometimes I would climb up the city’s gates to catch a nice view of the night sky, enough for me to survey the sky, but sometimes I would just see more of Chataya’s tɨts than actual stars.
Climbing in the richest part of King’s Landing was a little tricky; the stones were much more polished and well placed compared to the buildings on Flea Bottom.
Looking up, I saw that Arianne was actually climbing very fast for a Princess; she was almost halfway to the top already.
One thing I was sure of: Rhaenys was still better.
But to Arianne’s credit, she was swift and confident when she would switch from stone to stone, and her footing was very steady considering how she was wearing her jeweled sandals.
Her silk dress and diamonds shimmered in the moonlight as she climbed, and even so she looked like she was having fun.
I sped up, using my strength to pull myself up faster.
My legs kicked off the stones I placed my weight on and launched myself into a long jump, grabbing on to the tallest stone I could reach.
Before long, I was right beside Arianne with a smile on my face, challenging her to go faster.
As if understanding my silent message, Arianne smirked and sped up herself, no longer caring for her dress as it got covered in mud and dirt.
As if the possibility of falling to her death didn’t matter, she giggled and laughed as we made it to the very top of the building, and I shot her a wink after I touched the window first.
“Come on Princess; we don’t have the entire night.”
Arianne climbed into the open window after me as I was immediately greeted with a stronger fragrance of her scent.
‘It is obviously her room.’ I had thought of it when I looked around the candlelit room with a large bed with red satin sheets.
Arianne stood in front of me with a smile as she ran a finger over my cheek.
She loved how I bit her lips as she touched me and how my eyes seemed to glimmer in the small candle light.
“Your face is surpassingly clean, considering everything.” Whispered Arianne as she stepped closer to me. “And you don’t smell of sweat.”
“People call me fancy.” I mused. “But I guess proper hygiene can only get me so far; do you have a small bath I can use?”
Wordlessly, Arianne turned and walked towards a small room connected to the main area, her eyes locked with mine the whole time.
I smiled and followed along, my eyes tracing her luscious hair as she brushed her hands through it and let it rest over her right shoulder, revealing her slender neck.
A heavier scent of perfume struck me when I stepped into the smaller connecting room and a small pool of a bath was located in the middle of the room.
The water was bȧrėly steaming, but it was clearly hot, as if someone had just placed fresh water in it, and there were many flower petals floating on the surface, like a rainbow given form.
So she had planned this all along.
Arianne walked behind me and snaked her arms around my waist, her fingers playing with the strap of my pants.
She rested her chin on my shoulder as I untied my strap, all done in silence, leaving my pants hung loosely around my hɨps.
Her warm breath tickled my ear as she worked her way around me, and after what seemed like an eternity, my pants fell to the ground.
“How old are you, Durrandon?” Asked the Princess as I heard silk strands being rubbed against one another. “You don’t expect me to believe you are just five.”
“My sixth name day has just passed us, my Princess.” I replied, feeling her silk clothes brushing against my bȧrė back. “People always say I look older than I am; maybe because I think more mȧturėly, I don’t know, but I’m glad people think I look manly.”
“You are very Tall and Handsome, my Prince.” Arianne sounded very genuine and honest, her voice conveying deep emotions. “Truly dashing.”
“If you forgive me for asking, how old are you, my Lady?”
Arianne leaned up and whispered into my ear. “My thirteen name day just passed a fortnight ago.” She leaned closer to me, brushing against my back, but instead of smooth silk, I felt two soft mounds pressing against two distinct hard points.
“Your beauty already is so mesmerizing, my Princess.”
“Thank you… Ser Durrandon.”
After using my supposedly new title, Arianne gave me a small push, gesturing me to the water.
I stepped into the water, feeling the warmth enveloping my feet and shins.
Heard Arianne step in after me, her arms still around my waist and her fingers still tracing my ċhėst.
I knelt down to one knee before sitting down fully into the bath, the hot water brushed through my skin and sent chills down my spine, but none more so than Arianne’s body brushing against mine.
“You know I am actually impressed to know you shot the bow and then fought.” Whispered the Princess, breaking the silence. “The moment the gates opened and the men flooded in…I saw blood spraying everywhere and people crying out in pain.” Durrandon remained silent and listened. “I saw swords go through men, axes cut men in half and I had no idea where you were.”
“Those people were too slow to hurt me.” I cleansed my arms as I felt Arianne wash my back with a cloth. “Most of them were fools to enter the melee.”
Arianne gave a small laugh as she continued to wash my back. “I know that now, but for all I knew you were being trampled by two hundred men and was too hurt to cry out in pain.” I closed my eyes and chuckled. “But then I saw you; I saw you stab the first man who charged at you with a giant battle-axe and kill the second man who was stupid enough to attack you right after you killed the first.” Arianne’s voice was turning huskier by the second. “You were so manly and powerful; I couldn’t believe that you were able to jump so high and punch so far that the tall man blacked out in an instant.”
“It wasn’t too hard; it was a toothpick holding onto two small toothpicks.”
The princess giggled and shifted her body, her legs each to one of my sides as her arms snaked to my front. “You are too modest; do you realize that you actually became two of the most famous men in King’s Landing today?” Arianne started to rub my thɨġhs with her cloth as she spoke. “No man had won more than one event before and you speak of it as if it’s nothing special.”
I traced my fingers along Arianne’s arms and smiled. “It’s not as difficult as you would expect.”
“Where did you learn to shoot and fight like that?”
“I’ve received the best tutors there were, and they helped me master the basics.” I placed my hand on top of Arianne’s as she washed my body. “Currently, by my fifth name day, I am fighting against men taller than twice my size while they tried to kill me, and by my eighth I will be leading man and fighting wars; my plans for the future include a lot harder tasks to accomplish than these tourneys.”
“You must be the most ambitious man to ever be born.” Suggested the Dornish princess as she started on my other leg. “Did you already get a lucky night with a whore?”
I chuckled and shook my head. “I won’t pay for sėx, fuċkɨnġ a woman who wants to be fuċkėd its one of pŀėȧsurės of life.” Brushing some water to my shoulder and face as I smiled. “Besides, my mother insisted on keeping the whores away from the Red Keep, making it more difficult for my father to sleep with one; she would always tell me to not follow my father’s footsteps and stay away from whores; she thinks of them as dirty women.”
“Well she’s not wrong.” Arianne’s breath now felt cold on my wet skin. “Just think about how many men those women have been with.” The Dornish princess was done with my second leg and moved on to my ċhėst. “And you’re the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, so you have to choose a woman who is suitable for your stature.”
I smiled and nodded. “Well that’s enough about me; tell me about you.”
“There’s not much to tell, really.” Arianne ran her hands over my muscular abdomen as she spoke. “I am the daughter of Prince Doran of Dorne and I grew up in a castle; I’ve always had my cousins with me so we are all like sisters, and we would always imagine what the outside world would be like.” Said the Dornish princess, sounding very excited. “As a princess, I never got to leave the castle as much as I’d like, and this is the first time I’ve been outside of Dorne.”
“So where’d you learn how to climb so well?” I asked with an amused smile.
Arianne giggled and rested her forehead on my back. “I would always sneak out of my room after dark by climbing out my window, and after so many years of doing that, climbing up this inn is easy.” The Dornish princess sighed as she brushed her lips against my shoulder. “There would always be soldiers training in the courtyard at night, and I would sit on one of the taller roofs to watch them train; for some reason I’ve always admired strong men.”
Just as Arianne was finished with my torso, I turned around.
The water splashed as my eyes locked with the Dornish princess’ own, not looking anywhere else.
I sat down again, sitting in between the princess’ legs and leaned close to her.
Still having a smile on my face, I noticed that the princess looked surprised and even mildly shocked.
She looked into my eyes at first, but clearly several stolen glances were almost too obvious as she tried to not look down.
She stared back into my eyes, but appeared to be a little annoyed.
“Look at me.” The princess demanded.
“I am looking at you.”
Arianne shoved me back, making the water splash against my back. “Look at me, not into my eyes…me.” With the distance between us, I could no longer just look in her eyes, everything else was in sight.
Her slightly tanned skin was perfect, completely smooth and creamy; her hair was a little damp and clung onto her skin, which only made her look more desirable.
Her womanly parts were already blooming, clearly beyond that of a normal girl of her age.
Dark and large nɨppŀės greeted my eyes and her brėȧsts were perfectly shaped.
Then, of course, was her most sacred part, which was in full view as her legs were still spread apart, with another patch of beautiful black hair as a crown.
I smiled, my heart beating steadily just as it normally did. “You are perfect.”
Arianne rose from the bath, water still dripping from her body as she stepped closer to me.
Seeing my eyes wander around her body, she smiled and sat onto my ŀȧp, letting my hard and hot appendage brush against her inner thɨġh.
I was a very handsome boy, just like she had noticed before, and she planned to claim her prize.
It seems ‘craddle robber’ wasn’t a term well known around here.
With a confident and reassuring smile, Arianne pressed her lips onto mine and wrapped her arms around my neck.
Her eyes were closed and her soft lips massaged mine, and slowly she parted her lips to greet my tongue.
‘She tastes like strawberries.’ Was my thought as I pulled the Dornish princess closer to me by her waist.
Her tongue was slippery and warm and her lips were moist and soft.
Her brėȧsts pressed fully against my ċhėst and her hair fell like a curtain around our embrace.
“You are an adventurous girl.” I muttered between breaths.
Arianne smiled against the kiss and added more pressure with renewed vigor. “When I see what I want…” She whispered huskily into the kiss. “…I take it!”
Chuckling and holding her tighter, I reply. “Well, for the rest of the night until Dawn, I’m all yours.”
The Dornish princess smiled and lightly bit into my lower lip. “I know.”
—————————————————————
The morning broke rather unceremoniously onto King’s Landing.
Bright warmth covered the city and soothed the cold air.
The light seeped through the closed curtains of a certain high-class inn and landed on red satin sheets and the closed eyes of a young Dornish princess.
Her dark hair, after being cleansed thoroughly, looked so beautiful.
She had her arms wrapped around another person on the bed and her face was nuzzled into his muscular ċhėst.
Her eyes twitched at the sunlight as soon as it opened.
It took a while for her to realize where she was, but it was quite obvious after seeing the muscular torso in front of her.
“How did you sleep?” Asked Durrandon with a clear voice, as if he had been awake for the entire night, perhaps concerned with her family tradition with poisons.
Arianne smiled and kissed him on the lips. “Wonderfully!”
The young Dornish princess couldn’t remember when exactly she fell asleep the previous night, but she remembered that she had a smile on her face when she did.
The previous day had been her most exciting and invigorating day, but if she had to choose one accomplishment to be most proud about, it would probably be exchanging her vɨrġɨnɨtƴ with the Crown Prince.
Or so she thought.
Taking Arianne’s maidenhead had been something unanticipated and wondrous, he already knew of the pŀėȧsurės of being with a woman, and Chataya had taught him how to return the pŀėȧsurė ten fold.
Arianne raised her head and faced Durrandon, a bright smile gracing her face. “I slept very well; your muscular ċhėst makes a very nice pillow.”
Durrandon smirked and leaned closer to kiss her soft lips, suċkɨnġ on her lower lips as she pulled away.
“Now if the pain would go away everything would be perfect.”
Durrandon’s smile faded a little as he ċȧrėssed Arianne’s thɨġh. “I had no idea it would hurt you so much.”
“I didn’t either.” Replied the princess with a giggle. “If I did you wouldn’t have been on top.”
The Crown Prince chuckled and leaned in to kiss his lover, feeling very comfortable around her already.
Similar to Chataya, she was warm and cuddly, and he felt oddly at peace with them, as if the dangers of the world were all across the Narrow Sea, far away from him, never to bother him.
He liked everything about Arianne; there were the obvious things: her scent, her taste, her beauty, her luscious body, and sensuality, but there were also her fun-loving nature, her sense of adventure and her silent admiration of him.
Durrandon ran his hand tenderly from her neck to her cheek, cupping her jawline as he enjoyed the taste of her lips, her sweet and luscious lips.
Slowly Arianne pushed Durrandon onto his back and climbed on top of him, her lips now attacking his.
The blanket slipped off her body and her bȧrė back was exposed to the cold morning air, but she still felt hot and bothered.
Her nether regions were still pulsating with subtle stabs of pain, but it was a good sort of pain, a womanly sort of pain.
It made the Dornish princess feel complete, as if she had miraculously transformed into a real woman overnight, and the man below her had everything to do with it.
“Do you know what you have to do?” Whispered Arianne as she nibbled on Durrandon’s neck.
The young man mȯȧnėd and reached down to ċȧrėss the princess’ soft behind. “Yes, I remember what you liked last night.”
Arianne giggled, but Durrandon suddenly stopped, pulling her away to sit up on his ŀȧp. “Sadly my time is up.”
He hid a laughter at the sight of Arianne’s disappointed while simultaneously confused expression.
“It’s already dawn, we both must be somewhere else.”
The Dornish princess clearly looked unhappy and was failing to discover a counterpoint. “Alright, fine!”
Durrandon smirked and pulled her back onto him to kiss her chastely on her lips. “Don’t worry, I’ll never forget you.” He walked away from the bed and walked to the chair that had a small pile of clothing on it.
Durrandon heard Arianne step into the bath as he casted Mage Hand and slipped into his new clothes.
The linen undėrġȧrmėnts were comfortable against his skin, but it did feel like having two layers of clothing on after he stepped into his black cotton pants.
Then there was a blue silk high-collared shirt that clung loosely to his skin, but he also had a long sleeveless black leather coat that wrapped the clothes tighter around his body.
He wrapped a black leather belt around his waist and stepped into a pair of black leather boots that went to his shins.
Overall it felt comfortable to wear something himself, instead of simply equipping it through his INVENTORY.
“Will we meet-”
Arianne stopped mid-question when the door to her room suddenly opened.
Fortunately for her, Durrandon had disappeared completely from sight.
But it was not Prince Doran who had just entered, it was her cousins, the Sand Snakes.
The girls were laughing and bickering as they walked in, greeting Arianne without noticing her disappointed glance at the window.
Though she had the decency to blush and bite her lips at the thought of meeting him again, Arianne began humming one of his songs.
—————————————————————
(08/10/2021)
*Hope this chapter is of your liking.
Anything you wish to ask, feel free to do so.
Check out my auxiliary chapter if you still haven’t.
Thanks as always for your attention and please be safe.
Any problems with my writing, just point them out and I will correct them as soon as possible.
