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CHAPTER 197

294 AC

POV THIRD PERSON

Aermir turned his attention to Rickon, who stood at a wary distance, eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. Aermir spoke softly, his words carrying a reassuring undertone.

"A moment, Rickon. It's alright now. I didn't hurt Shaggydog; he is just sleeping."

Rickon's voice trembled as he responded, a mixture of uncertainty and lingering fright in his words.

"Why did you come after me?"

Aermir took a measured step forward, his tone gentle.

"I didn't come after you, Rickon. I followed because I was curious about what you were doing down here. I thought maybe I could join in on the fun."

The child's gaze flickered to his direwolf, a glimmer of protectiveness in his eyes.

"Shaggydog doesn't like you. He thinks you're dangerous."

Aermir offered a small smile, understanding Rickon's perspective.

"I know he does, and that's my fault. I startled both of you, and Shaggydog was just trying to keep you safe. But I promise you, I didn't mean to cause any harm."

Rickon's guard began to lower as he listened to Aermir's words, curiosity mingling with his apprehension.

"Why do you always act friendly to me?"

Aermir crouched down to be at eye level with the young Stark, his expression thoughtful.

"Because I am friends with all of your big siblings, and I want to be friends with you too, Rickon. You're strong, just like your family, and you have a special connection with Shaggydog. It's something I admire."

The child's brows furrowed, his curiosity prevailing over his earlier fear. "Do you have a direwolf?"

Aermir's smile held a hint of nostalgia. "I didn't have a dire wolf, but I had a beautiful and brave wolf called Lyka. She sacrificed her life to save me."

Thinking about Lyka, Aermir’s eyes grew a bit misty. Rickon's gaze shifted to Shaggydog, his companion and protector. "Do you miss her?"

Aermir's gaze softened, his memories distant yet vivid. "Yes, I do. But sometimes, we have to let go of the things we love so they can find peace. It's the way of things."

...

Aermir and Rickon found a place to sit within the crypts, the cold stone surroundings adding an air of solemnity to their conversation. As they began to speak, Aermir's intention was clear—to bridge the gap between them and understand the source of the growing distance he had sensed in Rickon's demeanor.

The conversation flowed, and Aermir's observant nature couldn't help but notice that Rickon's wariness was far from subsiding. He chose his words carefully, hoping to encourage the young Stark to open up.

"Rickon, there's something I've been curious about. Can I ask you a question? Why do you fear me?"

In Rickon's eyes, a mixture of apprehension and contemplation flickered. The unspoken weight of his thoughts seemed to hover in the air, and Aermir could sense the internal struggle. Rickon's courage, however, began to outweigh his hesitation, and he finally voiced his feelings.

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"It's because... because you are not Aermir."

Aermir was taken aback, his brows furrowing in confusion. It was obvious Rickon was trying to act brave. "What do you mean, Rickon? I am Aermir. There's no one else I could be."

Rickon's response was a mixture of anger and frustration.

"No, you're not. You're lying. Aermir didn't have this light around him. You're the Druid. Why are you pretending to be Aermir? What have you done to him?"

A cloud of confusion settled over Aermir's features. Rickon's words left him baffled. How did Rickon know about him being the Druid Emrys? And what were these lights he was talking about? Aermir pressed for more clarity.

"Rickon, can you explain why you think I'm not Aermir? What are these lights you're talking about?"

Rickon's answer revealed a unique ability, a sight that was beyond ordinary.

"You have blue lights around you. We have similar lights, but ours are green and much smaller like firebugs. But your light is so big and strong like a huge fire. If you were Aermir, your lights would be green like ours. That's why I believe you're not really him. I've been telling everyone, but no one believes me."

A touch of sympathy washed over Aermir as he listened to Rickon's reasoning. It was then that he realized the truth—Rickon could see mana perceive the magical auras that surrounded individuals. Aermir marveled at this newfound knowledge. Rickon's eyes had opened to this ability after Aermir left Winterfell as himself, so he never saw Aermir with his awakened eyes. To Rickon, the presence of the Druid's aura was now associated with Aermir.

Aermir's mind raced to find a way to bridge this gap and reassure Rickon. He began to share memories that only the two of them would know, memories that validated his identity.

"Rickon, do you remember the time we explored the woods together? You told me about your dreams of becoming a great warrior, just like your father. And I shared tales of my own journeys with you. Those are memories only you and I would have. I am Aermir."

As Aermir recounted their shared experiences, he saw Rickon's apprehension gradually give way to curiosity. Yet, the child's fascination was palpable, a testament to his understanding of magic. Aermir decided to further solidify their connection and trust.

"Rickon, I'm about to share something with you—a secret that only you, your father, and I will know. Can you take an oath with me that you won't tell anyone else?"

Rickon's eyes gleamed with intrigue and anticipation. He extended his hand, his small fingers wrapping around Aermir's larger ones as they sealed the promise. "I promise."

Aermir initiated the oath magic. He felt the tendrils of mana intertwining, binding their words in a way that surpassed ordinary agreements. Rickon's fascination with the magical essence that enveloped them was evident. "Such pretty lights," he remarked.

Aermir's own fascination grew as he observed the visible connection of mana. He had never encountered anyone with such a unique perspective on magic.

"You can see the mana itself,"

Aermir's fascination deepened once again. With his extensive use of oath magic and his 5x skill, he discovered that he could cast it without the usual magical discharge or the need for intricate rituals. Granting him a greater degree of control. However, Rickon possessed an ability that surpassed even Aermir's own capabilities. He could perceive the invisible mana itself—an aspect of magic that had remained hidden from Aermir's eyes. Aermir could sense mana, too, but as an abstract concept. He wasn't really seeing it; it was more of a fleeting feeling or a sixth sense.

Curious to test Rickon's perception, Aermir invoked a fireball spell, allowing the mana to coalesce, but stopped it before it took shape before him. He brought this invisible bundle of mana close to Rickon, hoping to understand whether the child could sense the intent within the magical energy. Rickon's reaction was immediate—drawing back, he displayed a mix of fear and caution.

"Why are you bringing that bad light to me? It will hurt. Keep it away from me!"

Rickon exclaimed, his instincts warning him of potential danger. Aermir quickly dispelled the spell, realizing that his experiment had frightened the child.

"I apologize, Rickon. I was trying to understand whether you could perceive the nature of the magic. Your ability is truly remarkable."

As their conversation continued, Aermir's curiosity was piqued by Rickon's courage and insight. He marveled at the child's abilities and admired his spirit.

"You're really talented and brave, just like your father, aren't you?"

A touch of pride crept into Rickon's posture, a response that warmed Aermir's heart. He fought the urge to playfully ruffle Rickon's hair and pinch his chubby cheeks, recognizing the innocence and determination that radiated from him.

Aermir summoned Poe and Erebus, who materialized at his side. He directed Rickon's attention to them. "Rickon, do Poe and Erebus have different lights around them?"

The child nodded, his features thoughtful. "Yes. Poe has blue lights, like you. Erebus has green lights, like us."

So, blue lights signify beings with mana hearts who have the ability to cast magic. And the green lights represent beings with innate magical talent, like his siblings who possess warg abilities, or Erebus, who had the ability to strengthen his body with the use of mana. It was a valuable insight that deepened his understanding of magical auras.

With a growing sense of trust, Aermir embarked on an explanation that would reshape Rickon's perception. He clarified the truth about Druid Emrys and the role he played in creating the persona. With each word, he aimed to strengthen the bond between them, to assure Rickon that he was indeed Aermir—the friend, the protector, and the guide that Rickon would come to know.