So... I may not have considered all the consequences of going Dragon form. Capital D. Capital whole word. I had considered Lord Stark would come to know. That's easy to deal with. Who would believe him? Even if they did, they wouldn't realize the full scope of it.

I hadn't considered my form being so enormous there was little doubt about the number of people that saw. The answer-- too many. Hell, I could halfway be convinced someone saw it from the Wall.

I untransformed and I could hear the galloping of horses already. A lot of them. Lyanna and Brandon were in a stunned stupor and didn't look to be coming out of it soon. Elena rushed to me with a smile wider than I've ever seen from her. I had to hold a groan when she slammed into me for a hug.

"Ok. I don't know why this made you so happy, but we have people incoming." I bent my head to try to hear more. "A lot incoming."

If I was to take a guess, it sounded to be around two-hundred. I didn't want to count each individual sound of galloping to confirm. I would be impressed if I didn't know it was going to cause me inconvenience.

I separated from her, taking hold of her shoulders. She looked ready to gush and that's something I never would have considered Elena doing. Still, regardless of how much I wish to see it, there wasn't much time.

You see, while I knew there would be consequences, I had the idea it would be manageable. I'm feeling pretty dumb right now. Living without fear doesn't excuse being this brazen. Riding the high of a new conviction only had an army set my way. Valuable lesson learned.

I looked over my shoulder at our ruined cabin, pieces of wood and stone spread throughout. Thankfully, all the material was still there. I would be able to remake it before the army arrived, having about half an hour before they're in visual distance. I turned back to Elena.

"I'm going to remake the cabin." I took a look at the Starks'. "I need you to manage them."

She took a couple of deep breaths before nodding.

"I'm sorry. When you defeated the Moon Presence, I had expected you to exit a Great One. I suppose it is an expectation fulfilled... though slightly different."

I quirked a brow at her, before giving her a quick kiss.

"I suppose I can take that form more often... And Elena, I've explained Sticky Fingers many times by now." Her blush caused me to smile, calming rising anxiety. I wasn't sure if I wanted to touch that Sticky suggestion though. "Please calm the Starks', it looks like Brandon's about to pass out. Then take them to the cabin when I'm done."

Not that Lyanna looked much better. Curiosity killed the cat and all that.

She ran to go help them and I turned and launched an overpowered Reparo at the cabin. It started slow but once all the material floated off the ground, they rapidly converged into the middle. The cabin came together in a spin and whirl, wobbled slightly then settled. I'm certain the flare was made part of the spell. Dramatic bunch, the Wizards.

By the time that was done, I could smell the army. They were disorganized, probably from a quick assemble, but their rush was obvious. I can only imagine the panic Lord Stark is in. I suppose a lesson has been taught, not that it would help me.

Now that my own panic is gone, I knew what I had to do. They would fear me in human form, but as a DRAGON, there wouldn't be conflict. The threat wasn't to me, I only feared myself having to use violence. Large groups of men don't lend themselves well to logical minds.

I looked back to Elena, her silently talking to Lyanna in a soothing voice. Brandon did in fact pass out, I would guess from the repaired cabin. Lyanna looked better now, though not by much.

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Turning back around, I oriented myself toward the army, judging the distance. Making sure I had it right, wouldn't want to land on them, I bent my knees and--- jumped.

As I rapidly rose far, far into the sky, I let my transformation come. The same experience as before came but I took better note of it. Reveling in the power that flowed through my veins. Reveling in the air that hit my wings. I took a powerful flap of them and rainbow mist spread under me. I could feel it, move it. And as it touched the air and clouds, its influence made them something more. It was... exhilarating, intoxicating...

ROOoOoOOoOoOoOoOoOAaAaAaAR

Liberating.

My rapid descent broke me from my revelry and I found myself quickly trying to learn to fly. It didn't take long, coming instinctively, and I let myself glide to observe the army on the ground. There was a lot of pointing and shouts, and leaders trying to regain control. It was safe to say they noticed me. It would be a surprise if they didn't.

As I landed in front of them, debris, trees, and snow shot into the air. The ground quaked as they scurried away in screams and terror. Some were trambled, some pushed, and some lashed out at all those around. No thought for their fellow men in despair addled minds. A symphony of pain and fear was playing. I knew I had to stop it somehow.

"Be still, mortals!" My voice bellowed, guttural, bassy, and rough. It was the most inhuman I've ever heard and almost made me cringe. It reminded me of the beasts in Yharnam, inducing madness and despair. To be honest, I think I would prefer them.

Still, it did its job. The silence that followed was suffocating, and I can smell all sorts of urine and shit. Blades that were drawn dropped, each one counting down to visions of death in the silence. It wouldn't be false, a couple already keeling over, unheard and unseen. Nothing could draw the eyes of prey from predator. It says something when you could kill with presence alone.

"Lord Stark, I wish to speak to you."

There was another scramble as they searched for a perceived sacrifice, desperation in all their movement. They didn't need to because Lord Stark came out himself, though five men did flank him. I chose to believe it was to guard him, instead of... They left as soon as Lord Stark was close.

He stepped in front of me with his face a mask. A look of a man walking to his execution.

"My children... What has been made of them?"

I lowered my head, doing little to fix the height difference. Lord Stark didn't even take a single step back. Grim determination emanating from all his being. I decided I liked him then.

"They are alive and well."

The good news didn't change his look, though he seemed to believe me. He only nodded in acceptance.

"How do I address you?"

I regarded him for a second, actually thinking it over. Oh, the Dragon influenced me before, but after transforming and actually becoming the DRAGON? I struggled with the demand to be called God, it would bring more trouble than I already have. But... there was really no escape from being involved now.

I rose my head high, letting my chest puff. The rainbow mist swirled around me, accentuating thick muscle and dangerous too many eyes. My shadow spread under me to cover the whole of the army.

"I am the Eldritch Dragon of Dreams, Lyle." I let myself deflate, as my transformation came undone. Shadows shrinking back in. "You can just call me Lyle, Lord Stark."

I finally got a reaction as I watched him visibly gape. I let out a short laugh to his wide and confused face. It didn't last long, the guilt returning.

"I sincerely apologize." I did a slight bow, not knowing another way to show sincerity. "This... was not my wish."

I looked to the army behind him, calm finally being restored. Oh, there was plenty of caution but the despair had left.

"Those men that died, I will pay however much to their families. If that doesn't succeed, I can't allow revenge but if they wish to attack I will allow it once without fear of me retaliating." He kept staring at me, with unseeing eyes.

"Lord Stark?"

"Huh? Yes, I will... give them your regards. And, let you know how many have passed?"

I could tell he still wasn't all there, but I ignored it to call the little ones. Lord Stark stayed quiet as they took out gold upon gold. The DRAGON grumbled, but my morals held true.

These deaths didn't crush me as they would have so long ago, but I wouldn't let families suffer for my poor choices. There's a responsibility to power that I'm finally starting to see. I don't think I could lock up the DRAGON as I do to the Dream, but I've seen the dangers now. I can't say a mistake won't be made again, only that I'll be more careful.

"This should be enough, I believe."

It was a huge pile of gold, enough to raise in standing, but I had confidence Lord Stark would be honorable and see it where it needs to go. I knew I should be the one to gift it and offer apologies. I also knew I didn't have the right. I'm no stranger to hatred, I could bear more. Lord Stark took a deep breath, composing himself from his disarray.

"...Lyle, why are you here? In these lands?"

"Rest." Was my simple reply. It was true enough.

He hesitantly nodded, doubting but not brave enough to question.

"Lord Stark, I will send your children back, though you can follow me if you wish."

"No, I will trust you. Both times we've met, you've tried to be honorable. I can only judge you by your actions. Though, do you know the amount of gold here? This amount... is a temptation that requires vigilance."

I wryly smiled at him.

"I would say about five million." I say, calling the little ones once again. "I probably should have given it in this, but this is a... Bag of Holding. It can hold all of the gold, the inside being expanded. I've set it to be tied to blood, making it only usable to who it's bound. Make sure it's properly bound."

He accepted it with a nod, not doubting the explanation at all. A magical dragon makes everything believable apparently.

"...I suppose there is work to be done..."

"I suppose there is." I turned and started walking away. "I will not look for conflict, Lord Stark. Just keep people away from my cabin. I doubt you'll have trouble convincing that." I called over my shoulder.