(Third-person perspective)
Aermir made a decision that would drastically alter the course of his plans.
Rickon, the youngest member of the House Stark, displayed a quality that captivated him. He decided to adopt the boy, taking him under his wing as his guardian. However, a formidable obstacle loomed in his path—Lady Catelyn Stark.
He knew, without a doubt, that Lady Stark would vehemently oppose him becoming Rickon's guardian. Her loyalty to the family and her protectiveness were unquestionable, but the problem was that she viewed Aermir as an enemy. Of course, he bore some responsibility in this matter, but this woman would not abandon her stance on the Seven. Every time they met, it was as if she was inviting trouble. Aermir walked through the bustling halls of Winterfell, pondering this dilemma.
He had made his choice. First, he would approach Lady Stark with respect and diplomatic language, the proper attitude for a lower-ranking lord seeking her favor. But if she remained unchanged, he would ignore her and simply take the child away as Druid.
Aermir was no longer the man who had to swallow his pride and submit to authority. He had evolved, his power had grown, and he had become the most influential figure in the North. Although no one except Lord Stark knew this fact, Aermir reveled in the advantage hidden in the shadows, observing while others underestimated him.
As he walked into the empty courtyard of Winterfell, Aermir saw Lady Stark in the distance, chatting amiably with several servants in the Citadel. Her elegant demeanor and commanding presence were impeccable; she was a force to be reckoned with when her family was in danger.
Seeing her like this, his resolve wavered. Should he harden his heart when her son was in grave danger? This decision weighed heavily on his mind, and now, seeing her again, he hesitated. Had he always been too harsh on her? Should he play the submissive subject, seeking Lady Stark's approval and risking her disapproval? Or should he uphold his newly discovered authority and prepare to confront her if necessary?
Aermir strode confidently toward Lady Stark, his face radiating confidence and determination. As he approached, she turned to greet him, her eyes a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"Lady Stark," Aermir began, her voice steady and respectful. "I have something very important to discuss with you."
Her gaze was fixed on him, and he could sense the subtle tension in the air. "What is it, Lord Drasil?" she asked, her tone wary.
Aermir took a deep breath and continued, "I have decided to become Rickon Stark's guardian, to provide him with guidance and protection."
Lady Stark's expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief. "You?" She seemed taken aback by his bold suggestion.
Aermir met her gaze without flinching, his eyes unwavering. "Indeed, madam. I believe this is in Rickon's best interest. I'm growing increasingly fond of the child, and I'm willing to provide him with the care and guidance he deserves. Out of respect for you, I came to you first."
For a moment, silence fell between them, as if the air itself held its breath, awaiting Lady Stark's response. She seemed conflicted, her maternal instincts clashing with her suspicions of Aermir's intentions.
Then, to Aermir's surprise, her expression softened, albeit only slightly. " Rickon is important to me, Lord Drasil," she admitted. "He is the Stark of Winterfell, and his safety and well-being are of paramount importance."
Aermir nodded in understanding. "I assure you, Lady Stark, I mean it sincerely. I want to ensure Rickon has the best future."
Their conversation remained unresolved, a precarious negotiation between two strong-willed men. Aermir offered his suggestions with respect, but he was also prepared for Lady Stark to challenge his authority.
Lady Stark looked at him thoughtfully before finally speaking. "Very well, Lord Drasil. If you are sincere and Rickon agrees, I will consider your proposal. But my husband's opinion is paramount."
Lady Stark knew that Aermir was more favored by her husband than she was, and that Ned would allow him to foster Rickon if he asked. Therefore, for the sake of her child, it was best to maintain a mild relationship.
"Thank you, Lady Stark," Aermir replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "I will speak with Lord Stark, and then with Rickon, to make sure he understands the significance of this decision."
Aermir nodded his thanks and left Lady Stark.
The question of the mysterious " Order God "—the being who brought him into this world and endowed him with unique powers—still haunted him. He had received some vague instructions from the " Order God," mentioning sacred places where they could communicate. The problem was, he didn't know where these places might be. The Order God had given him some cryptic clues, and Aermir had spent countless hours pondering their meaning, but to no avail.
From a strategic perspective, understanding the Order God's purpose is crucial. Aermir came into this world with a mission, and he can no longer be kept in the dark. The Order God has endowed him with extraordinary abilities, and Aermir intends to make good use of them.
One thing is clear: Aermir needs to uncover the sacred locations mentioned by the Order God. Perhaps they hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of his mission and the world he now inhabits. But the challenge remains—how can he find these elusive places without any concrete information?
Aermir knew he couldn't do it alone. He needed allies, people with unique talents and skills to help him complete his mission. Ideally, he should have as many talented people as possible at his service. He had already built many relationships and trained many warriors and genius knights under his command, but having more people was always a good thing.
With unwavering resolve, Aermir embarks on a mission to find those who can help him uncover the sacred locations spoken of by the Order God. He will assemble a highly talented team, each member possessing unique strengths, to assist him in this task.
As he considered his next move, Aermir couldn't help but wonder if the answer he was seeking was closer than he had imagined. The crypts of Winterfell were the source of the magic he sensed, and they also held their own secrets. Perhaps there was some connection between the crypts and the sacred grounds of the Order God —the sacred grounds of House Stark and the North. He knew that the collapsed sections contained a wellspring of magic. With this new objective, Aermir decided to delve deeper into the mysteries of Winterfell's crypts.
Aermir stood in the dimly lit crypt beneath Winterfell, his senses heightened by the magical aura emanating from the depths of the earth. The crypt had always been imbued with a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere, but now, as he ventured deeper, it seemed to surge with an otherworldly energy.
He knew he needed to investigate further to uncover the source of this magical power that was calling him. Taking a deep breath, he drew upon his connection to the earth element, a bond he had cultivated and strengthened through his diligent work on the Channel Project.
"Tegon Modocalcinum," he said in a deep, steady, and powerful voice.
With his incantation, a humanoid figure as tall as him materialized from earth and rock beside him. It was a medium-sized earth elemental, a creature born from the ground beneath their feet. Aermir could feel the surge of power as his connection with the earth elemental grew stronger, its presence amplifying his own abilities.