(Third-person perspective)
Robb, sensing the urgency to de-escalate the situation, stepped forward and asserted. " Theon is usually level-headed and wouldn't act like this. He must be drunk. Aermir, you should also consider your crucial role in the rapid fall of Pyke; he wants you accountable."
Aermir's reply was casual yet firm, as he took a large gulp of ale. "I don't care about his reasons. Looks like you don't know that squid has been gossiping about Jon and me. He's been talking badly about us."
Sansa and Arya sensed their opportunity and stood beside Aermir, joining the conversation. Sansa chimed in, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"To be honest, Robb, you should know what Theon did while you were away. He not only looked down on Jon, but he also encouraged others to mistreat him and actively stirred up trouble."
Arya never minced words, adding with a hint of annoyance.
"Speaking of Theon, he's not innocent either. He spreads rumors and tries to tarnish Aermir's reputation at every opportunity. Don't think this is new to you. We tell you about his deeds all the time, but you never believe us."
Robb's expression shifted from initial surprise to realization, a hint of regret creeping into his voice, "I can't believe I was so blind to his actions. I was so naive."
Aermir chimed in with a grin. "Alright, Robb, don't blame yourself. People like having their own personal sycophants, don't they? You're no exception."
He handed Robb a fresh glass of ale, his tone becoming lighter. "But let's not dwell on this. Cheers to true friendship."
Robb took the glass, a strange smile playing on his lips, "A toast to true friendship." The two clinked glasses, and the bells rang throughout the hall.
As the party continued, the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed. Laughter and banter filled the air as they shared stories, jokes, and fond memories. The earlier misunderstandings and tension seemed to dissipate in the continuous flow of ale.
Dacey Mormont approached their table, signaling a change in the evening's atmosphere, and invited Aermir to dance. At that moment, Aermir felt as if an evil entity lurked behind him. He could swear the Night's King was behind him. The tension was reminiscent of a battlefield, but this time he faced not the chaos of war, but a completely different conflict. The tension between Sansa and Dacey was palpable; Sansa's gaze seemed capable of striking Dacey with lightning. Their eyes clashed silently.
The two sides were locked in a stalemate, Robb and Jon seemingly holding their breath, awaiting the outcome of the conflict. A verbal exchange broke the silence, mirroring the intensity of their stares. Their words were sharp as daggers, each claiming to dance with Aermir.
Aermir found himself in a precarious situation. He didn't want to humiliate anyone by accepting one of their invitations. He turned to Arya, silently pleading for help. Arya, always an opportunist, saw an opportunity for mischief but didn't rush to help Aermir. Instead, she seized the moment to make a deal, a sly smile playing on her lips. Aermir's sigh was barely audible; he knew Arya's intentions perfectly well. He whispered.
"She won't let you ride her, Arya."
Arya's eyes lit up mischievously.
"Oh, but that's the reward I wanted."
-Sith, I'm in danger.-
Sith suddenly became enraged. He had unknowingly provoked her. Sith thought Aermir's life was truly threatened and prepared to leap into the window of the Great Hall. Aermir quickly clarified his words, assuring Sith that he was not in any immediate danger.
-This is a metaphor, not a real story!-
--What do you mean, master?-
-I need you to compromise, Arya wants...-
"No, no! She's not a calf anymore, I won't allow it. I'm not a horse, why is she so obsessed with riding me?"
Aermir tried to comfort her.
-You're a magnificent creature. Who wouldn't want to ride you?-
Under Aermir's coaxing, Sith's resistance seemed to weaken. Aermir could imagine Sith proudly raising his head, striking a pose as he spoke.
-Yes, I am great, it would be a great honor to ride me. Wait, no, not this time, Master-
-Let's play with her for a while-
No riding for ten minutes.
-Half an hour-
-OK.-
While talking to Sith, he was also talking to the girls. Aermir chatted with the girls and negotiated with Arya, and the tense atmosphere at the table gradually eased. He whispered to her.
"You can't ride a horse, but you can play with her for half an hour."
Arya gave it another push.
"One hour."
Aermir insisted. "Half an hour, no discussion."
"Deal, I can accept it." Arya agreed, her victorious smile evident.
With a victorious smile, Arya turned to Sansa and Dacey and made her demands.
He agreed to dance with me.
The ball then began, but after it ended, Aermir used the excuse that he was drunk and tired to divert attention and extricate himself from the predicament. He successfully avoided the other party's offense without openly refusing her invitation, thus preserving the dignity of the young woman involved.
As he left the dance floor, a new thought began to linger in Aermir's mind. In the vortex of celebration, he realized he had never been intimate with a woman. In his past life, he had lost his virginity in high school. But in this life, he had been constantly troubled by survival, lordly responsibilities, and the need to establish his own power. This fleeting awareness left a strange intertwining of contemplation and longing in his heart. He was a twenty-year-old virgin.