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CHAPTER 198

294 AC

POV THIRD PERSON

Aermir had made a decision that would significantly alter the course of his plans. Rickon, the youngest Stark, had displayed a trait that intrigued him. He had decided to foster the boy, to take him under his wing as his ward. However, there was one formidable obstacle in his path—Lady Catelyn Stark.

He knew, without a doubt, that Lady Stark would vehemently oppose the idea of him becoming Rickon's guardian. Her loyalty to her family and her protective nature were unquestionable, but the problem was she saw Aermir as an enemy. Of course, he had some part in this matter, but the woman wouldn’t relent on her stand on the Seven. Every time they met, it was like she was asking to be humiliated. Aermir mulled over this predicament as he walked through the bustling halls of Winterfell.

He had made his choice. First, he was going to approach Lady Stark with respect and diplomacy, as was expected of a subordinate lord seeking her favor, but if she acts as she always does, he is going to just ignore her and just take the child as the Druid. Aermir was no longer the same man who had once had to hold his tongue and bowed to authority. He had evolved, grown in power, and become the most influential figure in the North. Although no one else was privy to this fact other than Lord Stark, Aermir reveled in the advantage of remaining hidden in the shadows, watching and observing while others underestimated him.

As he reached the open courtyard of Winterfell, Aermir saw Lady Stark in the distance, engrossed in conversation with some of the castle's servants. Her graceful demeanor and commanding presence were unmistakable; she was a force to be reckoned with when her family was at stake.

Seeing her like this, his determination wavered should he be ruthless when her son was at the stake. The decision weighed heavily on his mind, now seeing her he become hesitant again, was he always too heavy handed with her? Should he play the role of the obedient vassal, seeking Lady Stark's approval and risking her disapproval? Or should he assert his newfound authority and be prepared to confront her if necessary?

Aermir approached Lady Stark with a determined stride, his face a mask of confidence and resolve. As he neared her, she turned to acknowledge him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

"Lady Stark," Aermir began, his voice steady and respectful. "I wish to speak with you regarding a matter of great importance."

Her gaze bore into him, and he could sense the subtle tension in the air. "What matter, Lord Drasil?" she inquired, her tone guarded.

Taking a deep breath, Aermir continued, "I have decided to offer young Rickon Stark my guidance and protection as his guardian."

Lady Stark's expression shifted from curiosity to incredulity. "You? His guardian?" She seemed taken aback by the audacity of his proposal.

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Aermir met her gaze without flinching, his eyes unwavering. "Indeed, my lady. I believe it is in Rickon's best interest. I have grown fond of the boy, and I am willing to provide him with the care and guidance he deserves. Out of my respect for you, I have come to you first."

For a moment, there was silence between them as if the very air held its breath, awaiting Lady Stark's response. She appeared torn, her maternal instincts clashing with her skepticism of Aermir's intentions.

Then, to Aermir's surprise, her demeanor softened, if only slightly. "Rickon is dear to me, Lord Drasil," she admitted. "He is a Stark of Winterfell, and his safety and well-being are paramount."

Aermir nodded in understanding. "I assure you, Lady Stark, my intentions are genuine. I wish to ensure that Rickon has the best possible future."

Their conversation hung in the balance, a precarious negotiation between two strong-willed individuals. Aermir had presented his proposal with respect, but he was prepared for the possibility that Lady Stark might challenge his authority.

Lady Stark regarded him with a contemplative expression before finally speaking. "Very well, Lord Drasil. If you are sincere in your intentions and Rickon agrees to this arrangement, I will consider your proposal. But my lord husband's opinion is the most important one."

Lady Stark knew Aermir has her husband's ear more than herself, and if he asked, Ned would allow him to foster Rickon. So, she decided rather than pulling his eerie. For the sake of her child, it was best to have a temperate relationship.

"Thank you, Lady Stark," Aermir replied, a note of gratitude in his voice. "I will speak with Lord Stark and then talk with Rickon and ensure that he understands the implications of this decision."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Aermir left Lady Stark.

...

The matter of the enigmatic "ROB," the being that had brought him to this world and bestowed upon him his unique powers, still loomed over him. He had received vague instructions from the ROB, mentioning sacred locations where they could communicate. The problem was that he had no knowledge of where these locations might be. The ROB had given him cryptic clues, and Aermir had spent countless hours pondering their meaning, but to no avail.

In the grand scheme of things, understanding the ROB's purpose was essential. Aermir had come to this world with a mission, and he couldn't afford to be in the dark about it any longer. The ROB had granted him extraordinary abilities, and Aermir intended to put them to good use.

One thing was clear: Aermir needed to uncover the sacred locations mentioned by the ROB. Perhaps they held the key to unraveling the mysteries of his mission and the world he now inhabited. But the challenge remained—how could he locate these elusive places without any concrete information?

Aermir knew he couldn't do it alone. He needed allies, individuals with unique talents and skills, to aid him in his quest. It was best to have as many talented individuals at his service as possible. He had already forged many connections and was fostering many wargs and talented knights under his command, but having more men was always good.

With determination in his heart, Aermir made it his mission to seek out those who could aid him in his quest to uncover the sacred locations the Rob spoke off. He would assemble a team of talented individuals, each with their own unique strengths, to assist him in this endeavor.

As he contemplated his next steps, Aermir couldn't help but wonder if the answers he sought were closer than he realized. The crypts of Winterfell, the source of the magical presence he had sensed, held secrets of their own. Perhaps there was a connection between the crypts and the ROB's sacred locations. It was a sacred place for the Starks and the North. He knew there was a source of magic inside the collapsed parts. With a newfound purpose, Aermir decided to delve deeper into the mysteries of Winterfell's crypts.

Aermir stood in the dimly lit crypts beneath Winterfell, his senses heightened by the magical presence he could feel emanating from the depths below. The crypts had always held an air of solemnity, but now, as he went deeper, they seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy.

He knew that he needed to investigate further to uncover the source of this magical power that called out to him. With a deep breath, he channeled his connection to the earth element, a bond he had cultivated and strengthened through his diligent efforts in the channel project.

"Tegon Modocalcinum," he intoned, his voice steady and commanding.

In response to his incantation, a humanoid figure as tall as himself took shape made out of dirt and rocks right beside him. It was a medium earth elemental, a creature born of the very ground beneath their feet. Aermir could feel the surge of power as his connection to the earth element grew stronger, as the elemental's presence amplified his own abilities.