Ned listened attentively to Damian's account of how Ace, his feathered companion, had played a crucial role in the recent war. The tale of using the Warging ability to scout and strategize against the Ironborn invaders fascinated him.
"It's a powerful gift you have," Ned acknowledged. "But such abilities are often met with suspicion, especially below the Wall. Keep it well hidden, Damian. People might not understand, and they fear what they don't understand. Have you told anyone else about this?"
"Some of my men know about it though I trust them not to tell anyone. I was unsure how others would react, especially given the superstitions around wargs, but thankfully, they accepted it as they happened to see some crazy things back in Essos," Damian confessed. "Still, other than them it's only you that I've told about my Warging."
Ned nodded thoughtfully. "This is a secret we'll keep for now. Such abilities can be misunderstood, and we wouldn't want unnecessary trouble."
"Thank you, Ned. I appreciate your understanding," Damian replied, relieved that his brother took the news well.
"How are the children back home? How is Mother?" Damian inquired.
"They're all well and eagerly await your return," Ned replied.
"Mother, Robb, and Jon were saddened when I conveyed that you wouldn't be returning anytime soon. Sansa, well, she is only three and has only glimpsed you two years ago when she was but a baby," Ned reflected before adding, "And Arya is barely a couple of moons old."
"I can't wait to see my niece," Damian expressed. "And what about my good sister? You didn't mention anything about her?"
Ned had hoped to sidestep that question, as he had grappled with the complexities of what had transpired between him and his wife before departing Winterfell.
"Is everything alright between you two?" Damian asked, sensing there might be an issue. 'Perhaps another disagreement about Jon,' he wondered.
"Firstly, she's expecting again," Ned disclosed.
"Really? That's fantastic news. Congratulations. Another little one to look forward to meeting next year. Although, I would advise you to take it easy, brother. Childbirth is no small feat for a woman; it takes a toll on their body," Damian quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Yet, he couldn't help but notice that Ned still bore a troubled expression.
"What else? Did something happen?" Damian probed further.
"We had a small disagreement, me and Cat."
"Because of Jon?"
"No, not because of him," Ned clarified, though he quickly added, "He was brought up and it made the argument uglier, but this time the main reason for the disagreement between us wasn't him."
"By your tone and face, I'm getting the feeling that the disagreement was because of me?" Damian couldn't help but suspect he might be the reason.
Seeing Ned's face turn to surprise confirmed Damian's suspicion.
"What did I do to make her angry now? I haven't been to Winterfell for two years. And the last time I made her bathe in mud or smeared her dress in horse muck was quite a while back," Damian said.
"So it was indeed you," Ned looked accusingly at his brother, who looked away guiltily, realizing he made a mistake.
"In my defence, she was being mean to Jon," Damian said.
Ned sighed and leaned back on his chair.
"So how did I wrong her this time?" Damian asked once again.
"She believes her next child is going to be a boy."
"So? Why does that have anything to do with me... oh," Damian said, but then something clicked in his head, "Is this about the thing I heard from Lord Manderly? About Moat Cailin?"
Ned was surprised, though he didn't speak, but his silence was the best answer.
"She wants Moat Cailin, which is rundown but still the most important strategic defence point for the whole North, for her future unborn son. And then she came to know you were considering making me the Lord of Moat Cailin. Am I right?" Damian said.
"You aren't entirely correct. I wasn't merely contemplating; I had already decided to name you the Lord of Moat Cailin many years ago. I aimed to witness that dilapidated fortress restored to its former glory. Unfortunately, I lacked the time and funds to accomplish that on my own. So, it had to be entrusted to someone who could oversee and revitalize the place. Initially, I intended to assign that responsibility to Benjen, but he opted to join the Black Watch. Consequently, I chose to bestow that position upon you once you reached maturity and demonstrated the capability for such a significant task."
"I solidified that decision after witnessing your merits in the war," Ned explained.
"Indeed, that place requires renovation and upkeep for the safety of the entire North," Damian concurred.
"Good, that settles it. I will officially name you the Lord of Moat Cailin tomorrow in front of everyone," Ned affirmed.
Damian accepted the Lordship of Moat Cailin happily as it came with many benefits, some of which were immediate and presented themselves in front of Damian in the form of a notification.
[Congratulations on being made a Titled Lord.]
[Congratulations, you have gained three rewards for becoming a Lord ]
[ Rewards - All stats (+1), One Free Magic Spell Voucher, Special Race Group-Summon Token]
[Some limitations on Items in the shop have been partially lifted off. In your free time, feel free to browse which Items you can buy with your current title. More, restrictions will be lifted once you officially take on the title and do a complete census of the human population on your territory.]
[ Name: Damian Silvius Stark ]
[ Status: Lord of Moat Cailin ]
[ Age: 14 ]
[ Money: 16342 Gold Coins ]
[ Store ]
[ Build ]
Str -> 13 + 1 -> 14
Dex -> 15 + 1 -> 16
End -> 13 + 1 -> 14
Will -> 8 + 1 -> 9
Int -> 13 + 1 -> 14
Constitution -> 11 + 1 -> 12
Special Stat:
Mana ->12 + 1 -> 13
Free Points -> 0
[Every Five years, on your name day, a free point would be given freely that you can add to any of the above stat.]
Bloodline -> First Men
Special Abilities:
Warg -> 2
Greenseer -> 0
Special Attribute Points -> 0
[Every Ten years you get one free Special Attribute point. To gain more points, practice in the given ability or find other ways.]
[ Special Possessions: Magic Spell-Book of Fertility, Treasure Map (Iron Island) ]
[ Skills: Advanced Jousting Skill ]
[ Magic Spells: Bless Strength, Know Weather, Accelerate Plant Growth, Oakskin ]
'Wow!' Damian
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