(Third-person perspective)
Aermir turned his gaze to Rickon, who stood warily at a distance, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. Aermir spoke softly, his words carrying a reassuring tone.
"Wait a minute, Rickon. It's all right now. I didn't hurt the Shaggydog, he was just sleeping."
Rickon's voice trembled slightly as he answered, his words tinged with uncertainty and lingering fear.
"Why are you pursuing me?"
Aermir took a step forward, his tone gentle.
"I didn't come here to chase you, Rickon. I followed you because I was curious about what you were doing down there. I thought maybe I could join in the fun."
The child's gaze shifted to his Direwolf, a hint of protectiveness flashing in his eyes.
" The Shaggydog doesn't like you. He thinks you're dangerous."
Aermir smiled slightly, understanding Rickon's point of view.
"I know it was my fault. I startled you both; the Shaggydog was just trying to protect you. But I assure you, I didn't mean to cause any harm."
After hearing Aermir's words, Rickon's vigilance began to lower, a mixture of curiosity and unease settling in.
"Why are you always so friendly to me?"
Aermir crouched down to meet the young Stark's gaze, his expression thoughtful.
"Because I'm friends with all your older brothers and sisters, I want to be your friend too, Rickon. You're very strong, just like your family, and you have a special bond with your Shaggydog. I admire that."
The child frowned, curiosity overcoming his initial fear. "Do you have a Direwolf?"
Aermir's smile held a hint of nostalgia. "I don't have Direwolf, but I had a beautiful and brave wolf Lika. She sacrificed her life to save me."
Aermir's eyes became somewhat unfocused at the thought of Lika. Rickon's gaze shifted to his Shaggydog, his companion and protector. "Do you miss her?"
Aermir's gaze softened, his memory both distant and clear. "Yes, I think. But sometimes, we must let go of what we love so that it can rest. That's just how it is."
Aermir and Rickon found a place to sit in the tomb, the cold stone setting adding a solemn atmosphere to their conversation. As they began to talk, Aermir's intention was clear—to bridge the gap between them and understand the source of the distance he sensed from Rickon's demeanor.
The conversation proceeded smoothly, but Aermir's keen observation revealed that Rickon's wariness was far from over. He carefully chose his words, hoping to encourage the young Stark to open up. " Rickon, there's something I've always been curious about. Can I ask you a question? Why are you afraid of me?"
A hint of worry and contemplation flashed in Rickon's eyes. An indescribable heaviness seemed to hover in the air, and Aermir could sense his inner struggle. However, Rickon's courage began to overcome his hesitation, and he finally spoke his feelings.
"This is because... because you are not Aermir."
Aermir was taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. It was obvious Rickon was feigning bravery. "What do you mean, Rickon? I am Aermir. I can't be anyone else."
Rickon's reply was laced with anger and frustration.
"No, you're not. You're lying. There's no such light with Aermir. You're the Druid. Why are you impersonating Aermir? What did you do to him?"
A look of confusion clouded Aermir's face. Rickon's words puzzled him completely. How did Rickon know he was the Emre the Druid? And what were these lights he mentioned? Aermir pressed for more details.
" Rickon, can you explain why you think I'm not Aermir? What are these lights you're talking about?"
Rickon's answer reveals a unique ability, an extraordinary vision.
"You have blue light around you. We have similar light, but ours is green and much smaller, like a firefly. But your light is big and strong, like a huge fire. If you were Aermir, your light would be green like ours. So I believe you are not him. I've been telling everyone this, but nobody believes me."
Listening to Rickon's reasoning, Aermir felt a surge of sympathy. Just then, he realized the truth— Rickon could see magic, sense the magical aura surrounding individuals. Aermir was astonished by this newfound knowledge. Rickon's eyes had only opened after Aermir left Winterfell in his own name, therefore he had never seen Aermir with his awakened eyes. To Rickon, the Druid aura was now linked to Aermir.
Aermir's mind raced, searching for a way to bridge the gap and reassure Rickon. He began sharing memories known only to the two of them, memories that Verification his identity.
" Rickon, do you remember that time we explored the forest together? You told me you dreamed of becoming a great warrior, like your father. I shared my journey with you too. Those are memories only you and I share. I'm Aermir."
As Aermir recounts their shared experiences, he sees Rickon's anxiety gradually give way to curiosity. However, the boy's fascination is undeniable, proving his understanding of magic. Aermir decides to further solidify the bond and trust between them.
" Rickon, I have something to share with you—a secret only you, your father, and I know. Can you swear to me you won't tell anyone else?"
Rickon's eyes gleamed with curiosity and anticipation. He reached out, his little finger entwining with Aermir's large hand, and the two formed a pact. "I promise."
Aermir activated the Oath Magic. He felt the tendrils of magic intertwine, binding their words in a way that transcended ordinary agreements. Rickon's fascination with the magical essence enveloping them was evident. "Beautiful light," he said.
Aermir observed the visible magical connection and became increasingly fascinated. He had never met anyone with such unique insights into magic.
"You can see the magic itself."
Aermir's obsession deepened once more. With his extensive use of Oath Magic and his fivefold increase in skill, he found himself able to cast spells without the usual magical discharges or complex rituals. This gave him a greater degree of control. However, Rickon possessed even greater abilities than Aermir. He could sense the invisible magic itself—an aspect of magic that Aermir couldn't perceive. Aermir could also sense magic, but it was merely an abstract concept. He didn't truly see it; it was more like a fleeting feeling or a sixth sense.
To test Rickon's perception, Aermir curiously summoned a Fireball Spell, gathering magic energy, but stopped it before it could fully form. He brought the invisible magic close to Rickon, hoping to see if the boy could sense the intent within the magical energy. Rickon's reaction was immediate—he stepped back, displaying a mixture of fear and caution.
"Why did you bring me that evil light? It'll hurt. Stay away from me!"
Rickon cried out, his instincts warning him of potential danger. Aermir quickly dispelled the spell, realizing his experiment had terrified the child.
"I apologize, Rickon. I just wanted to know if you could sense the nature of magic. Your abilities are indeed extraordinary."
As their conversation continued, Aermir's curiosity was piqued by Rickon's courage and insight. He marveled at the boy's abilities and admired his spirit.
"You're really talented and brave, just like your father, aren't you?"
A hint of pride subtly emanated from Rickon's demeanor, which warmed Aermir's heart. He resisted the urge to playfully ruffle Rickon's hair and pinch his chubby cheeks, for he recognized the innocence and determination emanating from Rickon.
Aermir summoned Po and Erebus, who appeared beside him. He drew Rickon's attention to them. "Are there different lights around Rickon, Po, and Erebus?"
The child nodded, his features thoughtful. "Yes, Wave has blue light, just like you. Erebus has green light, just like us."
Therefore, blue light represents beings with Magic Heart, capable of wielding magic. Green light, on the other hand, represents beings with innate magical talent, such as his siblings who possess Warg abilities, or Erebus's ability to enhance his body using magic. This is a valuable insight that deepens his understanding of magical auras.
As trust grows, Aermir begins to reshape Rickon's perception of him. He clarifies the truth about the Emre the Druid and the role he played in creating the character. Every word he speaks is designed to strengthen their connection, assuring Rickon that he is indeed Aermir —the friend, protector, and guide Rickon is about to meet.