As the sun peeked through the window, I woke up early, feeling invigorated and ready to embark on my journey back home. While I sat down to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, I was greeted by Tyrion's arrival. He sat down at my table, looking distracted.
"Good morning," I greeted him. "I hope you slept well."
Tyrion nodded, a hint of doubt in his voice. "Yes, although I couldn't shake the feeling that yesterday was just a dream."
I couldn't help but chuckle at his skepticism. "Don't worry, Tyrion. I assure you that yesterday was as real as the sun rising this morning."
Despite my reassurance, Tyrion still appeared skeptical. "It still feels like a dream," he admitted.
I smiled slyly. "Well, if you're still in doubt, I could always punch you in the face."
Tyrion's expression shifted from disbelief to feigned offense. "No thank you, I'd rather not risk waking up or harming my perfect new face"
I laughed at his response before changing the subject. "So, are you and your men ready to set off?"
Tyrion nodded, his stomach growling in agreement. "Yes, but first I need to eat everything this place has to offer. I'm starving!"
I nodded in understanding before remembering to mention one of the side effects of my healing. "Oh yes, I forgot to tell you. Your body will require more sustenance until it has fully recovered. You may find yourself feeling quite hungry and needing to eat more than usual."
Tyrion looked surprised but relieved at the explanation. "Thank you for the heads up. We have plenty of provisions, so we'll make sure to stock up before we leave."
We left the Inn after breakfast, and as we were leaving, I saw Fenrir waiting for me at the edge of the town. The guards' and Tyron's reactions to seeing the massive wolf were amusing.
"No need to be afraid, this is my friend Fenrir," I explained.
"Quite interesting friends you keep, healer," Tyrion said warily.
After that, we were on our way.
As we journeyed onwards, Tyrion's inquisitive nature kicked in and he bombarded me with questions about my powers. I was more than happy to indulge him, revealing a few details about my abilities that should be common knowledge by now. In turn, I asked him about the history of Westeros, and was surprised at the wealth of knowledge he possessed. Even in a single day, I learned more from him than I had from Maester Luwin in months.
We delved into a long discussion about Valyrian magic, a topic I had been grappling with for quite some time. Though Tyrion himself knew nothing of their sorcery, he was well-versed in the significant events that had shaped their history. His insights helped me to better understand the mysterious and complex magic of the Valyrians.
We stopped to have dinner and were chatting about mundane topics when he suddenly threw me off guard with a question, "So, what did you do to my sister?"
I almost choked on the sip of water I had just taken. My mind raced with all sorts of possibilities about how he could have known, but I regained my composure and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well," he said matter-of-factly, "the letter she sent to Casterly Rock contained some pretty… strong words."
My anxiety levels spiked as I asked, "What did she say exactly?"
"Nothing you haven't heard in the capital I assume," he replied, his tone dry. "Something about you using your vile magic to terrorize the city and usurp the prince's throne."
I let out the breath I had been holding, realizing that Cersei must have sent the letter after I had terrorized the septons, but before our little encounter. Or she was smart enough not to speak about what had happened.
Relieved that I hadn't just started an early war, I explained, "The Septons were being their usual annoying selves, and I had to show them a little bit of force. But I might have underestimated the range of my actions."
He raised an eyebrow and remarked, "If your little show of force caused so much chaos, I wouldn't want to be around when someone really pisses you off."
I gave him a small smile and went back to eating my venison, hoping the topic would be forgotten soon enough.
We had made good progress, thanks to Tyrion being healed, which meant he didn't need to rest as often. At this pace, we should reach Winterfell tomorrow.
As the sun began to set on the following day, Winterfell came into view, and my heart swelled with joy at the sight of the familiar walls and towers.
We approached the entrance to the town and I couldn't help but feel happy as the people recognized me and greeted me warmly.
Slowly, we made our way to the keep, and it seemed word of my return had traveled fast enough that Ned, Robb, and Jon were waiting for us in the courtyard.
"El, welcome back," Ned greeted me with a smile.
"Glad to be back, Lord Stark," I replied, returning his smile.
"I hear that you've had quite the eventful time at King's Landing," he said with a hint of amusement.
"That's one word for it," I chuckled.
Ned then asked, "Come on in, we have a lot to discuss. Who are your companions?"
"Oh, how rude of me. This is Tyrion Lannister and his guards. I ran into them near the stony shore on my way back," I explained.
Ned paused and scrutinized Tyrion, who had been uncharacteristically silent until now. Finally, he connected the dots and said, "Ah, forgive me for not recognizing you, Lord Tyrion. I hope your journey to Winterfell was pleasant."
Tyrion, gracious as always, replied, "Not an issue, Lord Stark. I would have been more surprised if you recognized me in the first place. It's been an eventful journey, I would say. You have the healer here to thank for that."
The stable master arrived and took care of the horses, and Fenrir ran off to do his own thing.
I followed Ned into the keep, eager to continue our conversation and learn more about what had transpired in my absence.
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Ned walked back into the warmth of the castle with everyone following behind him. He had been expecting El for some days now, so he wasn't really surprised, but his arrival with Tyrion Lannister had caught him off guard.
The unexpected letter from Tywin Lannister had come as a surprise, but its purpose was clear. The old lion was known for his obsession with his legacy, and in his eyes, Tyrion Lannister was a stain on that legacy. Therefore, any chance to cleanse that mark was an opportunity he couldn't resist, and it seemed to have worked.
Despite Ned's suspicions that there was more to it, for now, all he could do was keep a watchful eye on Tyrion and his entourage. He knew he had to warn El about the Lannisters, although he suspected that El, having spent time in King's Landing, was already aware of their cunning ways. Nevertheless, it was his duty to alert him of the potential danger.
As they entered the meeting room, one of the maids brought them some bread and salt, as guest rights.
After everyone had partaken in the guest rites, Ned began. "Welcome to Winterfell, Lord Tyrion," he said. "I hope your journey was not too taxing."
Tyrion replied, "Thank you, Lord Stark. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. My father's raven must have informed you of my arrival, and my purpose for coming here."
Ned nodded. "Yes, your father mentioned that you were here to get healed by El. But it seems that you have already been cured."
Tyrion smiled. "Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the rumors of his extraordinary healing abilities were not just hearsay. However, he has advised me that it will take some time before I am fully healed. I hope that I may impose on your hospitality for a few more moons."
Ned shook his head. "It is no imposition at all. You are welcome to stay here until you have fully recovered."
Tyrion bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Stark. I shall make sure to repay your kindness by making myself useful in any way that I can."
Ned nodded. "That is all I can ask for, Lord Tyrion. You must be tired from your journey. One of our maids will show you and your men to the guest quarters. Rest well, and let us know if you require anything."
Ned watched as Tyrion and his guards left the room, and with a subtle look to Robb and Jon, he signaled for them to leave as well, leaving only him and El as the remaining occupants.
"You do realize he's here for more than just healing, right?" Ned said, his voice low and serious. "He's probably here to spy on you and the North under his father's orders."
El shrugged nonchalantly. "Obviously, but I'm sure he holds me in higher regard than his father. Plus, he's a nice guy and very knowledgeable about history."
Ned nodded, satisfied that El was aware of the potential danger. "Very well. Is there anything else that happened on your journey?"
El thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Nothing really happened on the way to King's Landing, and I'm sure the Hand has already told you everything that happened there. Other than meeting Tyrion on the way back, nothing really stands out."
Ned raised an eyebrow at El's innocent expression, but didn't press the matter any further. Instead, he moved on to the topic of the forest.
"Jon told me you wish to buy the northern forest," Ned said, getting straight to the point.
El nodded eagerly. "Yes, just the part enclosed by the mountains. I don't want people wandering in easily, and I know people use the outer parts to hunt and for lumber."
Ned retrieved the documents from his desk and handed them to El. "I have the documents ready. You just need to sign them after you pick a name for the forest."
El's face lit up with excitement as he leaned forward. "Ah, I know the perfect name," he said, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face.
Ned couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at El's enthusiasm. "And what would that be?" he asked warily.
"The Forest of the Dead," El declared, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ned's heart sank at the ominous name. "No," he said flatly.
"But why?" El whined, clearly disappointed.
Ned let out a long sigh. "Just pick something else, please," he pleaded.
El began to throw out more ideas, but each one seemed to be just as foreboding as the last. Finally, he suggested "The Enchanted Forest."
Ned hesitated, but then nodded in agreement. "That will do," he said with a sense of relief.