Percy POV: 297 AC (2 Years Later)

A cool breeze blew across the clearing and into the command tent where Percy sat, looking over the latest reports on expanding the River Fever. The sudden temperature change broke the demigod out of his concentration, and he leaned back with a sigh.

They were drastically behind schedule, and he couldn't understand why. Well, he knew why but didn't understand how his luck was so terrible. From supply issues to manpower to weather, the whole project had been cursed from the get-go.

But, the problems only increased the closer they got to Moat Cailin, and now they had encountered another setback. All they had left to do was connect the canal they had built with the river and let the water flow; that was it.

Yet, it was like they were fighting and struggling with nature every step of the way. Had he been back on Earth, he would've expected the area to be under the influence of a nature spirit or minor deity of some sort.

However, he wasn't on Earth and hadn't encountered anything divine so far in his time in Westeros, which gave very little credence to the idea. Massaging his temples in some vain effort to ease the pain of his oncoming headache, the demigod let loose another sigh.

He had spent over a year and a half of his life on this project and overseeing its completion, with the only tangible thing to show for it at the moment being a functional and working drawbridge over an empty canal on the Kings' Road.

It didn't help that Eddard came down two months ago in anticipation of the project's completion. Focusing on the bright side, however, he supposed that the delays and the project itself have drastically helped him better control his powers.

He still wasn't back at his full strength, which was frustrating, but he could control gallons of water now without feeling any fatigue, and with enough focus, he could create a mild earthquake.

It was welcome progress, and it felt good to partially regain his once-normal and complete control over his father's element. However, that came with its own set of problems, like when to use his powers, whether he made them public, and whether he told his closest friends and allies.

Another cool and soothing breeze blew through his tent at that time, giving the demigod all the reason he needed to take a break. Shoving his chair back from the desk with stacks of paper scattered about it, he stood.

Smiling in relief once several satisfying pops and cracks resounded from his frame for sitting too long. Then, with a long stretch to get the blood flowing, he made his way out of the tent and towards the mess hall for a quick bite.

Lifting back the command tent flap, he saw Andros and Saffir standing guard, both of whom quickly fell into step beside him as they walked.

"Thank the old gods, you finally took a break. I was starving."

Percy and Saffir chuckled at Andros's exaggeration as they passed by one of the workers, who went by Rolan if Percy remembered correctly.

"Don't worry, Andros; I sent a raven ahead that warned them you were coming, so they should have a whole buffet ready just for you."

Andros's cheeks flushed a bright shade of scarlet, and Saffir's boisterous laughter echoed through the camp at Percy's directed jest towards the towering red giant. The trio entered the bustling hall, filled with the clatter of plates and chatter of workers on their break.

Grabbing a plate piled high with hearty food and a mug of rich wine, the demigod searched for an empty seat among the crowded tables. He finally found one near a group of workers from Winterfell, who welcomed him warmly and made room for him to sit. His guards sat at his side, their weapons and armor gleaming in the light.

Feeling guilty for not checking in with the smallfolk more often, Percy struck up a conversation with the men. They talked about everything from their thoughts on the lengthy project to their personal lives back home, and, to his surprise, he discovered that most of them were content with their work and didn't mind the extended time frame.

Which was a relief to hear, but he couldn't help but wonder if that would change as the days went on. While they were okay with the delays now because they believed in the work and how much it could help the North. The demigod didn't think their positivity would last another three months, which was the new project completion time frame based on the current conditions.

He chatted with the group a bit longer before excusing himself so he could check on Thalassa. Andros and Saffir stood to follow him, but Percy waved them off.

"I'll be alright, you two. I'm just going to go check on Thalassa, and you know how she gets when I bring anyone else around. I could give you some exercise drills if you really want something to do. It's been a while since we've seen any real action."

The duo quickly shook their heads before making themselves scarce, causing the demigod to chuckle as he made his way out of the mess hall and toward the forest that ringed their work site. Losing himself in his thoughts as he descended the familiar path.

He hadn't been wrong when he said they hadn't seen any action in a while. The last bandit attack was a month ago, and the one before that was three. It was a welcome reprieve, but at the same time, he was afraid he, and by extension, his men, were getting rusty.

He would have to remedy that and start setting up some drills for himself and the guards during their downtime. Along with Andros and Saffir, he had another dozen soldiers and Claire with him at the work site.

Winterfell supplied the other three dozen soldiers they used for protection and all of the workers, for which he was incredibly grateful. In return, Winterfell would receive eighty-five percent of the revenue generated, while Seahaven would have fifteen percent.

It was an arrangement that Percy was pleased with, and he expected his share of the revenue would more than cover the time spent on the project. The downside, however, was that his men were missing out on Gelder's training regime.

The old man was a real slaver, but the men respected him for it because, at the end of the day, he'd be doing it with them. It made Percy more and more thankful that Gelder decided to follow him to Seahaven every day.

His Master at Arms had taken the workout plan, drills, and meal requirements the demigod had given him thanks to his modern knowledge and implemented it flawlessly with his own tweaks and changes the man had gotten from experience.

The son of Poseidon doubted he would be able to replicate the fantastic training regime Gelder had built, but he was hopeful he'd get close, considering his information was the foundation of it all. Still, he had to try, as his men were slowly but surely becoming some of the best swordsmen and fighters the North had ever seen.

Percy owed it to them to help keep them there, and he'd be damned if he failed them now. Resigning himself to the increased workload, the demigod let out a sigh that quickly morphed into a smile as he entered Thalassa's clearing and caught sight of his dragon.

Her scales shimmered in the sunlight, ranging from deep emerald green to bright turquoise, reflecting the colors of the sea. His once small dragon had now grown into a magnificent creature, towering over him at a height of a little over nine feet when she was sitting down.

Meanwhile, Her wings, now spanning nearly twenty feet, were folded tightly against her body. Yet, Percy could still see the dip and curve of each individual bone, giving her the perfect balance and grace in flight. Despite her supposed slower growth, according to the research he had done, Thalassa was still an impressive sight, and he hoped that he would soon be able to ride her across the skies.

He had forgotten how much fun it'd been soaring through the clouds atop Blackjack. The thought of his old Pegasus brought a smile to his face, and Percy hoped that he was getting all the doughnuts he wanted back on Earth.

A nudge from Thalassa's snout broke him out of his melancholy, and he rubbed it affectionately, looking into her eyes which glinted with intelligence and strength. The bond between them was strong, and he knew that Thalassa was just as eager as he was to fly together one day.

It was a connection he still couldn't fully comprehend and doubted he ever would. Despite this, he had his guesses.

Thanks to Aegon's note in the copy of 'Fang of the Dragon' that Eddard had given him, he believed it was due to giving Thalassa some of his essence in order for her to hatch. And when she accepted him after he gave everything he had and more, she returned the essence mixed with her own, connecting them for life.

At least, that was his theory. But what he did know for sure was that they were linked. He could feel her emotions as if they were his own - whether they be good or bad. When she was angry, he could feel the fire raging within him. And when she was happy, there was little that could bring him down.

He also had a gut feeling that the bond went both ways - that Thalassa could somehow sense his emotions too. It was frustrating not being able to confirm it since they couldn't communicate through words, but he trusted his gut, and it hadn't failed him yet.

In fact, in some strange way, he felt like he better understood her without words getting in the way.

There were no barriers between them, and while he involuntarily felt her emotions when they were at their strongest. If he searched within himself, he could tell what her feelings were at any given moment.

Like now, he knew she yearned to lead him towards something she found. Running his hand across her scales, he let her guide him through the woods and away from their clearing. Thalassa was still small enough that she could walk through the thick vegetation, but he knew that probably wouldn't last much longer.

As they walked, he took in the sounds of nature and the peacefulness of the forest. It was relaxing and something he rarely got to experience back in his old world, thanks to mortal pollution.

He wished Grover could see and experience the untouched beauty around him now. The Son of Poseidon was confident his friend would love that aspect of living here. He wasn't sure how far they walked by the time his dragon finally led him to the small clearing she wanted to show him, but he wouldn't be surprised if it was over two miles based on the dull ache in his feet.

One thing he definitely missed about Earth was comfortable tennis shoes. His current boots were some of the best quality, and yet his feet were aching from the relatively short walk.

After finding what looked to be a sturdy rock to sit on within the clearing, he started unlacing his boots to massage his feet while talking out loud to Thalassa as she lay down in the sun beside him.

"So, what did you want to show me, girl? I thought it was going to be another one of your kills, but I don't see anything.... Ah, there we go!"

Percy's exclamation of excitement startled his dragon slightly, but she just snorted, watching as he discarded both of his boots to the side. However, the demigod quickly stood barefooted on the soft ground when he felt the familiar imposing presence of the divine.

Getting into a defensive stance, Percy summoned his armor and sword, putting himself in front of Thalassa as a being emerged through a thicket of trees on the other side of the clearing. His toes gripped the soft dirt underneath him while he narrowed his eyes at the goddess that appeared.

She was objectively beautiful, as all pure divine creatures were. She had a pale almond-shaped face with dark brown eyes and auburn hair that cascaded down her back. Her ears were pointed, and she wore a dark green dress with silver leaves intricately inlaid throughout it.

Reaching out with his senses, he was shocked at how weak her presence felt. While he definitely recognized her as a goddess, she felt like a step below a minor deity. Meeting her gaze with one of his own, he waited for her to make the first move.

"Greetings, Perseus Jackson. I mean no harm; I am simply here to talk."

"Yeah, not the first time I've heard that one."

The deity chuckled.

"Ah, just as I suspected. Would it help if I swear it to you?"

There was a mirth in her eyes that Percy didn't quite understand, but he nodded nonetheless.

"Alright then, I, Dariss. Goddess and protector of these woods, swear I am here to talk."

Percy slowly lowered his sword as she spoke until it rested at his side. He had no intention of leaving himself defenseless but was willing to at least hear the deity out.

"Alright, what is it you wanted to talk about, Dariss?"

"Many a thing. Did you know you are the first of your kind in this world? None of us had ever thought to interact with those disgusting humans. Had we known that it would create beings of your caliber, however, I might say many of us would've."

Percy rolled his eyes. In typical divine fashion, they all hated humans and only tolerated them to make demigods that they could use to do their bidding. He already despised the gods of this world, and he had just met the one.

However, this was the first time he had met something godly in this world, and he wasn't going to let the opportunity pass him by. Cooling his anger and channeling his inner Praetor, he waited for her to continue.

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"But, I digress. I came to ask you to stop destroying my forest, one divine to another."

He actually raised his eyebrow in surprise at that, so this deity thought he was worthy of respect. Well, either that or she just didn't know if she could beat him in a fight, which was fair. The longer he stayed in her presence, the weaker her divinity felt.

Then again, even the mortals in this world had been excellent swordsmen based on some of his previous encounters. For all he knew, this minor deity might be able to outclass him. Deciding to play it safe, he went with the peaceful option for now.

"I'm sorry for the destruction we've already caused, but I can't stop the project, Mi' lady."

The goddess's eyes narrowed, and suddenly, her presence became suffocating. Realization dawned on Percy that Dariss had been masking her true power this entire time. Thalassa let loose a threatening growl towards the goddess, and the demigod quickly continued before they came to blows.

"It's almost complete, and to stop now would accomplish nothing. With so much work already being done, someone would pick back up this project, I am sure of it."

The goddess's presence lessened slightly, and Percy continued on as his confidence built.

"And, I'm positive you would rather deal with me rather than some mortal. So, let's figure out a deal here. I want to finish this project quicker, and you want to keep as much of your forest preserved as possible, right?"

The goddesses hummed in agreement as her face turned contemplative, the pressure in the clearing returning to normal.

"You make a good point, demigod. Perhaps there is a way to come to a compromise. One of my kin is amassing their power and preparing for something deep into the North. He seeks domination of this continent, and I feel the wall Brandon built some thousand years ago will not be enough to stop him."

"I do not want to wind up like my sisters in Valeryia when Gaelithox decided to reclaim his land. If you swear to act against Him, I will interfere with your project no longer."

Percy raised his eyebrows slightly, not expecting such an easy resolution. Yet, he hesitated to accept the seemingly too-good-to-be-true deal.

"I am inclined to accept your deal, Milady. But why don't you act against him? I am but a demigod; surely your power would be greater against this foe than mine."

The goddess smiled at the compliment, and Percy gave himself a mental pat on the back. If there was one thing he knew for certain about the divine, it was that they loved to hear others praise them.

"You are right, of course. However, by the time he reached my domain, his power would far exceed mine. No, he must be stopped before he reaches Winterfell. If he manages to take the seat in the North, then I am afraid only Gaelithox could stop him."

Percy nodded his head at this new information, gaining more questions than answers but hoping the goddess would be willing to enlighten him on a few before she got bored.

"I see, and who is amassing this power in the Far North?"

The goddess looked at him like a fool as she hissed at him.

"Stupid demigod, are you not aware that names have power? To say his name would only draw his ire and quicken his awakening. To learn of your foe, you will need to find information on the Long Night."

Percy took a breath to calm himself. It wouldn't do him any good to point out the irony in her statement, considering her usage of Gaelithox.

"I am sorry, Milady. I thought it was safe here in your domain, considering the name you mentioned earlier."

The goddess narrowed her eyes but didn't seem to detect the subtle jab he sent her way, causing him to give himself another mental part on the back.

"I forgive your incompetence. I can mention Gaelithox by name simply because he is in a deep slumber, content, and still recovering from his conquering of Valeryia. You, however, should not because of you and your dragons' connection to Caraxes. The two are bitter enemies after Gaelithox murdered his twin."

The demigod nodded, marking Caraxes as a potential ally if Gaelithox ever came after him or Thalassa. Which, considering his history, was a real possibility. Deciding to push his luck a little more, he dug for more information from the goddess.

"You are generous, Milady; thank you for the warning."

The goddess smiled, clearly pleased with the praise.

"You are welcome, demigod. Now, do we have a deal?"

"We do, but before I swear to it. Can you tell me why it is so important that this deity be stopped before they make it to Winterfell?"

The goddess looked annoyed, and Percy made a mental note not to ask any more questions as she hurriedly answered him.

"The crypts contain a secret, buried and long forgotten in the eyes of man. But, He knows."

Percy rolled his eyes at the elusive answer.

"And, I suppose you can't tell me what this secret is?"

Dariss's presence once again became suffocating as Percy chuckled.

"Alrighty, then. I, Percy Jackson. Swear to act against the deity amassing power in the Far North should he attempt to take control of the continent."

The goddess accepted his oath with a nod.

"Very well, you will find no more interference from me as you complete your expansion of the River Fever. Goodbye, Perseus. I wish you luck in dealing with Him."

With those parting words, the goddess disappeared into the trees surrounding the clearing, and Percy let out a sigh of relief. Turning his attention to Thalassa, a playfulness in his voice as he spoke.

"Next time, girl, a warning would be nice. I like to be at least somewhat prepared to meet pure divinity."

Thalassa snorted at him, her eyes full of mirth as she basically said, 'Stop being a baby.' To which Percy laughed as he rubbed her snout.

"Fair enough."

He sat down on the ground, and his dragon rested her snout across his lap, taking a second to enjoy the nature around him before he had to turn back and get back to work. Closing his eyes, he basked in the sun's warmth, absentmindedly petting Thalassa's neck as she purred in contentment.

He wasn't sure how long he sat there, but he eventually found the strength to stand up, putting on his socks and boots once more.

"Alright, girl. It's time we head back."

Thalassa let out a whine of disappointment, and Percy chuckled.

"I know me too. But, I gotta get back to work."

He could feel his dragon's displeasure but got up anyway and started leading him back towards the clearing she had claimed for herself.

XX

It didn't take him long to find the Warden of the North once he made it back to camp. If there was one thing Percy had learned about his friend, it was that he enjoyed the soothing sounds of nature just as much as him.

There might not have been a Weirwood tree close to camp, but that didn't mean there wasn't a secluded spot close by surrounded by the wilds. This was why he wasn't surprised to see Eddard sitting on a fallen log, deep in thought, once he arrived.

The demigod cleared his throat, and Eddard looked up.

"Ah, Perseus. How are you? I hope there haven't been any more setbacks?"

Percy gestured his hand in a so-so manner.

"Unfortunately, yes. However, I don't think we will encounter any more after this latest one; hopefully, it will clear up quickly. And I am as good as can be expected. How are you, my friend? I did not intend for you to stay here for this long."

Eddard laughed as he stood, motioning Percy to walk with him as they made their way back towards camp.

"Ah, think nothing of it. It has been a long time since I have left Winterfell, and this trip has done me some good. Not only have I learned more about the problems my people are facing, but it has also given Robb a chance to lead in my stead."

Percy nodded, understanding where Ned was coming from. This was like a productive vacation for him.

"How is Robb, and the rest of your family for that matter?"

Eddard looked to the sky, his voice turning wistful.

"They are doing well. Robb is becoming an exemplary leader, and I sleep easier knowing that if something were to happen to me, he could handle the burden. Sansa has opened a place where the needy can eat for free after her homeless shelter failed."

"Bran has picked up archery and is steadily improving. Soon, I am sure he will be the best archer in the North. Arya has taken to her lessons well, and I am thinking of getting her own sword made if she continues to excel in her lessons on being a Lady."

"Rickon has been steadily growing and just started learning the alphabet with Maester Luwin, despite Catelyn wishing he stayed a babe forever. Jon has also stopped talking about joining the Night's Watch as much, which is a relief."

Percy nodded. Glad to hear how the Stark family was doing.

When he heard of Sansa's inability to get enough sponsors to host the tournament several months ago, he immediately wrote her a letter, encouraging her not to give up despite the setback, and was glad to hear she hadn't.

He knew from experience how discouraging failure could be but hoped she would be able to feel how great success was once she found it. He was also glad that his conversation with Jon before he left for this project seemed to lower his desire to join the Night's Watch.

After passing through a particularly dense thicket of shrubbery that marked the outskirts of their base camp, Percy gave Eddard his own two cents on the Warden's idea of gifting a sword to Arya.

"I am glad to hear your family is doing well, Ned. I think you should give Arya her own sword. If you don't, I am sure someone else will, with how much she has fallen in love with it."

Eddard chuckled at that, and Percy joined him as they walked past the Mess Tent.

"I think you are right about that, Perseus... Now that you mention it, I believe I remember seeing Jon at the Blacksmith right before I left for here. I'll have to check when I return to ensure a blade for her isn't already in the works."

Percy nodded in agreement, knowing how close Jon and Arya were. He firmly believed that the man was having a sword made for his little sister.

"I don't doubt it. You know how close Jon and Arya are."

"Aye, I do. If he is indeed having one made, I'll let him give it to her when he is ready."

Percy nodded, waving to a group of workers that passed by the two Lords before asking Ned the question he had been avoiding since he arrived at the project's base of operations.

"Any update on the Iron Islands? When I brought it up in Winterfell during Martyn's feast, you said that Robert still hadn't done anything about Balon's blatant attack?"

Eddard's face turned hard, motioning Percy to follow him into his personal tent. Then, once the Lord of Winterfell made sure there were no wandering ears, he let loose.

"There's an update, alright, and that's that there is nothing to be done. The fucking Lannisters threatened war if Robert denounced Balon as a ruler of the Iron Islands. Slimy bastards probably helped to orchestrate the whole thing."

"If Catelyn hadn't talked me out of it, I would've raised my banners myself to do what's right, something our spineless kin-"

Percy clapped his friend on the shoulder, stopping him before he could say something treasonous as he voiced his support.

"I am sorry to hear that, Eddard, but as much as I thirst for justice. I agree with Catelyn. I think it is best to focus on the North."

The demigod smiled as Eddard took a deep breath, letting go of his anger while Percy brought up the question on his mind.

"What reason do the Lannisters have to support Balon? Do they forget that Queen Cersei was once a Lannister?"

Eddard's voice was full of loathing as he spoke, something Percy couldn't blame him for considering the crown's lack of action.

"I do not know, but knowing the unhonorable bastard that Tywin is. I imagine he did it so Lannister merchant ships would be protected as they traveled through the Iron Islands."

Percy nodded, seeing the logic in Ned's words.

"In that case, fuck Tywin Lannister. Let's make the North the juggernaut she can be. Then, the Lannisters and all the other houses will know not to fuck with us."

Eddard let out a booming laugh that Percy mirrored, with the Warden grabbing two glasses and filling them with some sort of wine before handing one to the demigod. The Lord of Winterfell lifted his glass, and Percy followed as Ned spoke.

"To fucking the Lannisters."

Percy chuckled as he lifted his cup to join in on the toast. The rich, velvety wine coated his tongue with flavors of blackberry and oak as he took a swig. It quickly became one of his favorites, warm and comforting on the chilly evening.

He and Eddard each found a seat before the Warden of the North switched topics, breaking Percy from his reverie.

"Tell me, Perseus, how is Claire? Do you plan on wedding her anytime soon?" Eddard's tone was friendly but also filled with curiosity.

A blush crept up Percy's cheeks at the mention of his lover. "She is thriving," he replied, "Her determination and ambition continue to astound me every day. And yes, I do plan on marrying her. But not until our tasks here are complete and Seahaven's construction is finished."

Eddard nodded in understanding, and the two men sat in comfortable silence for a moment. However, before Percy could ask the Warden of the North about the Long Night that the goddess had mentioned, an event he had a feeling was connected to the prophecy Eddard had told him on the night he hatched Thalassa.

A messenger burst into the tent, panting for breath from running.

The Lord of Winterfell was on his feet immediately, and Percy quickly joined him as the teen caught his breath before speaking.

"Lord Stark, I have an urgent missive from Winterfell, sir. Your son Rickon has fallen ill, and Maester Luwin says you should return immediately."

Percy could feel Ned's anguish at the news and helped steady the man as he stumbled, his legs nearly giving out from underneath him. Percy waved the messenger way as he helped Eddard back into the chair, watching as the man finished the rest of his wine in one swig.

They sat in silence for a moment while Percy gave the Warden of the North time to process the news that his son was deathly ill. The son of Poseidon wasn't a doctor, but he knew a messenger wouldn't have been sent if Rickon had just a common cold.

"I knew my good fortune would run out sooner or later... I was a fool to think I would not lose a child to illness."

Eddard's voice was defeated, and Percy couldn't blame his friend.

"I am sorry, Ned, but do not give up hope yet. Rickon is your son. If any child could pull through, it would be Catelyn and yours."

At his words, a ghost of a smile appeared on the Lord of Winterfell's face, and Percy clapped him on the back.

"Now, quit acting like your son is out of the fight. Let's get your essentials, some of the guards you came down with, and get you on the road to help your son when he needs you the most!"

Eddard took a shuddering breath at his words, and Percy helped him up from his seat.

"Now, I am going to go get Andros and Saffir to round up a couple of your men so you can leave before the sun sets. Do you have anyone in particular you want to come with you?"

The Warden of the North shook his head, and Percy turned to leave. Only to be stopped by Ned's words.

"Thank you, Perseus, truly. I knew I made the right decision to trust my gut about you when we first met."

The son of Poseidon smiled.

"You're welcome, my friend. I am happy to help, but time's wasting, so let's get going."

Eddard nodded, and Percy exited the tent on the hunt for his two most trusted guards.