[Edric's POV]
As I broke the news to Arya, she spent the last moments at the Wall with Jon Snow. That wasn't surprising at all, of course. In her mind, this would likely be the last time she'd see her brother for years. They were in the yard, training... well, more accurately, Jon was playing with her and giving some tips along the way.
"That girl is more like us freefolk than a lady." Val joined me, watching them go at it.
"It's a small wonder you've taken such a liking to her... and the reverse is no less true, as well." I glanced at her, shaking my head slightly. "Though, you're not the best of idols to look up to."
"The opposite is true, my sweet King. Those southron ladies have tried to mould her into something she is not. Even you would agree, which is why you permit her to grow in this way."
"She is willfully stubborn." I smiled slightly. "It would not end well for me if I forced her to be someone she isn't. However, the life of a warrior is ill-suited for most girls."
"She is not most girls."
"... That is true."
I nodded, indulging the possibility of her gaining magic abilities like Brienne or Arthur. Honestly... I'd rather she didn't - it would only embolden her martial pursuits, which could lead to a terrible end.
"You know your people better than I ever could." I decided to change the topic. "What do you think are the chances of them rebelling the moment I ride out?"
"You scared the fight out of most of them already, and a great majority respect and even worship your strength. But... in the absence of that strength, they will slowly forget. Fortunately, you have placed a Lord Commander who has lived among them."
"That was the plan all along... anyone else would just isolate them and sow discord among their ranks, leading to an unsurprising mutiny." I looked at her, smiling slightly. "Though, I can never be too certain. That is why I intend to leave you here."
"...?" She raised an eyebrow.
"You are a clever and capable woman who would aid Jon Snow in matters he doesn't understand, inspire loyalty amongst your people and keep them from stirring any rebellions."
"And why should I?"
"You did bend the knee to me, didn't you?" I shrugged. "Besides, you should see that any sort of mutiny would end... badly. Either by my hand or the North's."
"Mhm..." Val didn't look too amused by my words.
"If you proved your usefulness, I'd be more inclined to keep you closer by my side."
"That implies very little from your end."
"Do you want me to say that I'd take you to my bed?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Considering the time you would be away, which could be years - even that wouldn't be enough."
"... Gods, you are a needy woman." I laughed, shaking my head. "What do you want from me, a castle?"
"You know what I want."
"You want to be my woman, is it?"
"I am your woman. Only you've yet to accept it."
"... Right. Is there a way I can take you back? Divorce?"
"No."
"I see." I stroked my chin, considering it. "If in a couple of year's time, there aren't any mutinies and the Wall remains stable, I'll accept you as mine. On one condition, however."
"And that is?"
"Arya accepts this arrangement. If she does, my promise to her is kept, and I have no reason to turn you away."
"... That is acceptable."
"Then we are in agreement, Val. I hope you succeed."
I turned away and decided to have one last walk on top of the Wall.
She seems confident... and more so, determined. Truthfully, as beautiful as she is, there was only one woman in my heart. The only one I truly desire. Yet, she was the one furthest from my reach in this world.
The bitter irony of it all...
I walked through the castle, men parting a way ahead to give me a clear path.
"What's gotten you into such a downcast mood on this fine evening?"
I turned, seeing none other than Jaime Lannister.
"More so thoughtful, something a man of impulse wouldn't understand."
"Well, you don't look too busy. Why don't you train me as you do your Kingsguard?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why the sudden request? You think you can awaken magical powers, too?"
"If lady Brienne can..." He shrugged. "I like my chances."
"And why should I indulge you?"
"I'll put in a good word to my brother." Jaime Lannister smiled slightly. "You do want more capable men at the Wall, don't you? We both win."
"I'm not sure if you've heard, but I'm not going to be around for all that long."
"A session or two is enough."
I suppose I could work on my healing...
"Follow."
I kept walking.
Later on, atop the Wall.
"Aaaargh..."
Jaime Lannister fell to the ground, weaker lightning electrocuting his entire body. He slowly crawled to his sword, grasping it once more. Once the lightning faded, I swept my hand, and a wave of hydro washed over him - healing some of the lesser wounds and granting him a surge of energy.
"I think it would be wise to stop here..."
"... Why?" Jaime frowned. "Nothing's changed."
"I wish it were so simple, too." I remarked. "I'd have quite the powerful force under my command if all it took was a few lightning shocks. A great part of it is reliant on you... why do you seek this power? What do you wish to achieve with it? It often comes from a need, not a desire."
"But... if the desire is strong enough, paired with outstanding ambition, it may happen as well."
I offered my hand.
"We're not finished..."
"You know, there's no use to any of it if you become a cripple the next day."
"..."
Begrudgingly, he took my hand.
"Though, this needn't be the end of it. What do you say to going on a little recruitment mission down south?"
"Recruitment mission?" Jaime raised an eyebrow.
"Well, that is the 'excuse' for it. Truth be told, I am going to be starting a new campaign. There, you will have a real opportunity..."
"And what of the Lord Commander?"
"Not to worry, I've given him quite the edge already. To be honest... it surprises me that you didn't jump at the opportunity to leave this place." I stroked my chin, acting surprised. "Have you begun to grow fond of it?"
He didn't answer, changing the topic.
"What would this mean, if I accept?"
"You'd still be a brother of the Night's Watch, merely serving a different duty. Once completed, it's likely that you will return to the Wall. Mayhaps as a more powerful knight, one capable of warding it from the Others."
"... I'll go."
"Dangling the prospect like a carrot to a hungry piggy." I chuckled. "How could you resist?"
"Very amusing, Your Grace." Jaime smiled slightly. "You're walking after your father's steps."
"Making fun of Lannisters must be in my blood, heh. Don't take it to heart."
"The 'Kingslayer' has no heart to speak of, so you needn't worry."
I looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
"... Of course."
~
"Thank you for everything that you've done, Your Grace. We were fortunate to have you for as long as we did."
"I would've wished to stay a bit longer. The Wall isn't quite so bad when you get used to it."
"You have Seven Kingdoms to rule over… it's understandable." Jon nodded.
"Not to worry, I know you'll thrive without me." I patted his shoulder. "I'll be sending provisions to the Night's Watch, among other things. Your only worry would be if the kneelers break their word. In which case… they should pray your brother reaches them before I do."
"All of your work would be undone, however. That cannot happen."
There was a look of determination in his eyes.
I smiled, nodding.
"It might be an overwhelming task for anyone, especially so young, but do not forget that you come from a line of Kings - the Kings of Winter who once reigned over these very same lands. Bastard or not, the blood is there."
"Ruling is in your blood, no different than I. So... this band of wildlings shouldn't be too much trouble, eh?"
"An understatement, Your Grace. The freefolk are not known for their mild temper."
"Neither are the Northmen." I shrugged. "Regardless... I wish you the best of fortune in your duty, brother."
"I wish the same for you and..."
I watched as Arya embraced Jon, chuckling.
"The next time I'll see you, you'll be a queen." Jon said, ruffling her hair. "Funny how you never wanted to be a lady... and soon enough, you'll be the lady of all the ladies in the Realm."
"We often get the things we don't want, it seems." I added, looking at them both. "And with it, our perspective changes."
"I still remember your face during that fateful morning..." Arya chuckled, turning to me. "There has never been anyone quite so furious with being legitimised."
"... That was a tumultuous day," I recalled, though my memory of it was not as clear as everything surrounding it. "Robert was forcing our hands, thinking that he knew what was best."
"It seems that your father did know," Jon remarked.
"In hindsight, you might be right." I nodded. Though, assuming that would be generous. He was simply recreating his dream through me. "Life tends to be rather unpredictable, ever-changing... which leaves the options to adapt and overcome, or fall behind and perish. Whether we wish it or not, time keeps on going, bringing change at every step."
These words were not only for Arya and Jon...
For a moment, I stood in Storm's End - clear skies, blooming flowers, warm rays of sunlight shining down on my body. Every successful hunt, every spar won, every increase in skill... every small victory felt like a glorious one. My friends were there, by my side - and, despite the burden of 'destiny', I was quite carefree and cheery.
Was it truly so great, or am I imagining it as such?
"Are you alright?" Arya questioned, and everything returned to normal.
"... Let's get going."
After I said my farewells, the ride south felt longer than the one riding north did.
~
The Plane of Euthymia
I recalled Raiden saying something about other existences in the Plane of Euthymia when I first gained it, only to never mention it again. I had been too focused on everything else going on to pay it any heed, but now... I was curious. Perhaps I was missing something.
"Where are the other 'existences' you mentioned a long while back?"
"I sensed their presence further out... but there is a strange river between that blocks the passage from all sides. Crossing it proved impossible even for me."
"... Really?" I stroked my chin. "How so?"
"The river emits a strong force that pulls anything around it into its waters. It seems like drowning in it is... intended. What lays beyond is entirely unknown to me."
"So that's why you didn't mention it to me."
"I suspect that whatever lays at the bottom of that river will not be harmless. Knowing your silver benefactor's ways, it is likely some form of challenge or trial... which is why I assumed it would be best to ignore it until later."
"Well, I've grown substantially since this world was bestowed upon me. If anything, I might be overprepared."
"Are we speaking of the same God?"
"Heh..." I chuckled. "You're right; he does everything in his power to make things more difficult for me. But, at the same time, when I succeed - he rewards my efforts."
"Hm." Raiden looked slightly surprised. "Once you said you'd kill him."
"I never said he wasn't a cunt who mocked me every chance he got." I laughed. "Alas, I'm beginning to understand his methods. Without him, I would've never met you. I would never have been born into this world. I'd be the same man I was then, drifting wherever the tide took me. He gives and takes, in balance..."
"The Night King is my price to pay for all the good I've gained."
"... That is one way to see it." Raiden nodded.
A while back, I had blamed him for all the bad things that happened in my life - while ignoring the good. Kinda typical in a mortal-god relationship...
"That river is undoubtedly a challenge, and I have no intention of avoiding it."
Raiden looked at me, smiling slightly.
"If you so insist, Edric. We will meet it together."