[Choose one from the three Reward options for making a Major change in the fate of Iron Isle and Westeros]
1. Free Stats - 5
2. 3 Random Druidic Magic Spells - Know Weather, Accelerate Plant Growth, Oakskin
3. 3 Bloodline Gene Mutation Potion - Model Race Giant
Damian scrutinized the three rewards repeatedly, attempting to measure their true worth and discern the optimal choice, mindful of the impact on the future. The option of Free Stats held promise, promising an enhancement to his physical abilities, rendering battles more manageable and augmenting his chances of survival. The second reward offered a trio of random but notably impressive Druidic spells.
However, the most captivating among them was the last reward: the Bloodline Gene Mutation Potion. This elixir purportedly transformed a person's bloodline or DNA, morphing them from a regular human into that of a Giant. The gradual growth would lead them to the stature of a Giant, yet Damian remained uncertain about the limits—whether they would be on par with the Giants native to this world or surpass them in size and strength. Nevertheless, anyone consuming this potion would undergo a permanent change in their race. The potion's description even hinted at its efficacy on animals, albeit limited to non-magical ones.
Caught in a dilemma, Damian wavered between the allure of the Druidic spells and the transformative potential of the Giant Potion.
As the meeting with the already intoxicated King Robert drew to a close, Damian made the decision to opt for the spells over the Giant Potion and the offer of free stats. The versatility of the spells appealed to him, offering a range of applications that could prove invaluable in various situations. Considering the present circumstances and the foreseeable future, the spells seemed to hold more immediate utility compared to the long-term effects of the Giant Potion.
Eddard finally deemed it enough and summoned the Kingsguard, Ser Mandon Moore, stationed outside the cabin's door. The knight then directed the servants to assist the King to his bed for some much-needed rest.
"Come, Damian, follow me. I've got a lot to talk to you," Ned said as they stepped onto the deck.
"About what?" Damian inquired, somewhat fatigued from Robert's incessant boasting about his battles during the rebellion.
"About everything, from your departure to Braavos to everything you have done after that," Ned said, giving him a long look that promised some scolding. Damian visibly gulped, fearing the reprimand that might come his way. He hopped onto another ship where he got scolded for quite a lot of things, particularly about going away without even saying anything to his family back in Winterfell—especially their mother, Lyarra Stark, who was still alive and looking forward to meeting her youngest son after not seeing him for two years.
Thankfully, Ned didn't bother scolding him for taking so many bold risks during the Greyjoy Rebellion. Instead, he advised him to be cautious in the future. After some inquiries about Damian's men, his brother finally asked the last question about his oversized and intelligent avian pet, the sky-blue falcon named Ace.
"Tell me the truth, Damian. How did you come to acquire the bird, and why was it able to accurately deliver letters to the intended receivers over such large distances?" Ned asked his younger brother.
Damian wasn't surprised to be asked this question, as many had inquired about his pet before. However, seeing Ned's look caused him to swallow his usual reply to such a question.
It seemed that Ned had suspicions about him being a warg. Having listened to Northern legends and myths from Old Nan back in Winterfell, Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell should have some knowledge of them even if he didn't believe them to be real, as he had never met one in his life.
Damian didn't answer outright, debating whether it would be right to disclose his abilities to his brother. The Northern people were cautious of wargs, especially the nobles, as they could potentially spy on them through animals' eyes.
Ned expected Damian to offer an excuse about the bird being a tamed pet from Bravos, as he did in the letter. However, Damian's silence intensified Ned's suspicions, making him contemplate the possibility that those legends could be more than mere tales. Giants, Children of the Forest, and even the ominous Others crossed his mind, the last one sending a chill down his spine.
After some time, Damian finally opened his mouth and said, "Ace is my companion, brother. I really bought her when I was coming back from Braavos. As for her ability to trace the receiver accurately is because of me... I have got the gift."
"What gift?" Ned asked.
"I'm a warg, brother," Damian revealed. Ned looked shocked hearing that answer, even if he was expecting it.
"It's better if I just show you so you can believe what I'm saying is true." Just then, under the candlelight illuminating the ship's cabin, Ned gasped as he saw his younger brother's eyes turn white.
"By the old Gods!" Ned exclaimed when he saw Ace land on the window sill of the cabin, the bird's eyes had turned white.
"I have the ability to control, direct, and see through the eyes of my bonded animal companion. With enough practice, I may even control more animals besides Ace," Ned heard Damian explaining while still remaining in control of the bird.
When Damian's eyes returned to normal, the bird also started acting normally again. It landed on the table, letting Damian rub her feathers cordially.
Ned took a moment to absorb what he had just witnessed. Damian's revelation was extraordinary, and it resonated with the old Northern legends about wargs. Despite his initial shock, Ned's expression softened.
"So, you're a warg. A rare gift indeed," Ned commented, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his voice. "How did you discover this ability?"
Damian, while still petting Ace, began recounting the events in Bravos that led to the discovery of his warging abilities.
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