I woke with the first light of the day, missing the convenience of a cell phone or alarm to ensure I was proactive in my new life.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I allowed my thoughts to focus on the daunting task ahead: deciding whether I should finally reveal my newfound powers to my parents and how to approach it.
The idea had kept me awake for much of the previous night. I was torn between the desire to share my abilities with my family, who had always supported me, and the fear of the unknown repercussions this revelation could bring.
Unlike Taylor's experiences in Worm, I didn't share her strained relationships with family or the inherent distrust of those in power, so her example wouldn't guide me through this situation.
"How can I convince them that my powers are a blessing, not a curse?" I wondered quietly as I got up and dressed for the day ahead.
Glancing at myself in the mirror, I nervously adjusted my hair. While my physical appearance did not matter compared to what I was about to divulge, the gesture provided a moment of calm before facing the conversation.
Descending the stairs to the dining hall, I anticipated finding my family gathered for breakfast. The giant oak table was partially set, with my parents and some servants preparing for the morning meal. My siblings had yet to arrive.
I paused at the threshold, watching my parents with affection. I knew everything would change once I revealed the truth about my powers.
Approaching the table, both Ned and Catelyn greeted me with warm smiles. Sitting down, I felt uneasy despite my efforts to conceal it. Catelyn noticed my concern and glanced at Ned, who sensed my discomfort.
After a few minutes of eating, Ned finally broke the silence.
"Robb, son, is everything alright?" Ned asked calmly. "You seem a bit distracted this morning."
Pausing for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision I was about to make, I knew I couldn't delay the conversation any longer.
"Father, Mother," I began carefully, "I want to talk to you about something. But I'd prefer to do it privately, in your solar, father."
Ned nodded, noting the seriousness in my expression. "I understand. Let's finish eating, and then we'll go to the study."
The meal passed silently as I struggled to focus on the dishes. Though my mind was elsewhere, I tried to savor each bite before revealing my secret.
Once everyone finished, Ned led me to his study, with Catelyn following with a concerned look.
Once we were all inside and the door closed behind us, Ned turned to me with a questioning look.
"Robb, what is it you want to discuss with us? And why did you not want to speak about it with others present?" Ned asked, keeping his voice low to encourage me to speak candidly.
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I began slowly.
"Father, mother... there's something I recently discovered," I started, my voice wavering slightly. "It's difficult to explain, but I feel you should know."
Catelyn approached me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"Robb, you can trust us. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Grateful for my parent's support, I took a deep breath before continuing.
When I woke up, I discovered I had a special ability," I revealed. I can control insects and... create them."
There was a moment of silence as Ned and Catelyn absorbed my words. Ned furrowed his brow slightly, trying to process the information.
"Insects..." Ned murmured, searching for words. "Are you a warg, my son? But I don't recall Old Nan's stories about wargs controlling insects, only animals, and not creating them. What exactly does this mean?"
I proceeded to explain how I had come to discover my powers and some of the things I had been able to do so far. Catelyn listened attentively.
"Robb, this is... hard to believe," Catelyn finally said, choosing her words carefully. "Are you sure about what you're saying? Is it safe?"
I nodded seriously. "Yes, mother. I'm sure. It's a power I can use to protect Winterfell, our family." Gesturing subtly, I demonstrated by controlling a few insects I had with me: flies, butterflies, and a couple of spiders.
Ned ran a hand through his beard, clearly deep in thought. "Robb, this is something that needs to be handled very carefully. I understand you have good intentions, but..."
I interrupted, trying to convey my conviction. "I know, father. I'm not certain of all the implications, but I believe I can use this to help. It could be an advantage for Winterfell, especially now with the challenges ahead."
Catelyn looked at me with a mix of pride and maternal concern. "Robb, we need to think carefully about how to handle this. It's not something we can take lightly."
Ned nodded slowly. "I agree with Cat. This is something we need to investigate further before making any decisions."
I nodded, understanding their concerns. Despite hoping for understanding and support, I knew my parent's doubts were justified and caution was necessary.
"I understand, Mother, Father," I said sincerely. "I just wanted to be honest and show you that I'm trying to do the right thing."
Ned placed a reassuring hand on my hair. "We appreciate that, son. Now, go rest. Tomorrow, we'll think about how to proceed together."
In the end, though the future remained uncertain, I knew I had taken the first step toward acceptance and understanding from my family.
---
The next day
After the conversation with my parents in Ned's study, I felt relieved to have shared my secret with them. Knowing I had my family's support meant a lot to me.
Deciding it was time to demonstrate more of what I could do, I mentally prepared myself that afternoon, gathering a select group of insects I had created.
I needed to showcase not only the existence of my abilities but also their potential strategic uses for Winterfell.
I went down to Winterfell's central courtyard, where I found my father, Ned, busy overseeing some guard training. Catelyn was nearby, conversing with servants as she watched the rest of the Stark children playing in the yard.
Ned looked up as I approached, noting the seriousness in my eyes.
"Robb," Ned greeted. "Is everything alright?"
Deciding to reveal more about my abilities, despite feeling nervous, I knew it was the right time after our discussion in Ned's study.
"Father, mother," I began, looking at them seriously. "I want to show you something, but I'd prefer to do it somewhere no one can see us."
Ned and Catelyn exchanged glances, silently acknowledging my request. They followed me through Winterfell, away from the central courtyard and the curious eyes of servants and guards.
I led them to a small clearing in the wolfswood, where we occasionally went for private conversations.
"What do you want to show us, Robb?" Ned asked, watching me closely.
Closing my eyes for a moment, I focused on my power. Slowly, small groups of insects appeared around me: butterflies, bees, beetles, ants, and various northern insects.
Ned and Catelyn watched as the insects obeyed my subtle gestures, forming patterns and performing specific tasks under my control.
"This is... incredible," Catelyn murmured, impressed.
Ned nodded slowly. "Robb, how many can you control like this?"
Feeling more confident as I demonstrated what I could do, I explained, "All of them, father. I can control all the insects within my range. Not only that, but I can also command them to perform various tasks. From gathering information to patrolling our borders, these insects could be our eyes and ears where humans can't easily reach."
The Starks continued to watch as the insects executed coordinated movements and collected small samples of biomass scattered on the ground.
"Robb, this has incredible potential," Ned admitted, impressed by the strategic implications of my abilities. "But it's also a tremendous responsibility. What else can you do with this power?"
Carefully considering my words, I replied, "I've been thinking about that. Besides surveillance, I could use insects to gather resources, spy on our enemies, and even, if absolutely necessary, as a form of defense."
"Assassination, really, Robb? I thought I taught you better than that. That is dishonorable. We're not the Lannisters," said Ned, shaking his head when he heard his heir giving that example.
"I will do everything I can to protect our family, Father. We are Starks, not Arryns," I said, unwilling to change my stance.
"I understand your concern for our family's safety, but we cannot resort to assassination. It goes against everything we stand for. There are other honorable ways to ensure our protection."
"You speak of honor, father, but what good is honor if our family is in danger? What if the Greyjoys decide they want Sansa as a salt wife? Or if the wildlings want Arya? I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. If that means removing a threat quietly, I will not hesitate," I said, shaking my head to emphasize his point.
Ned threw his hands in the air and raised a cautionary hand. "Robb, we must tread carefully. We must uphold our principles, even in the face of danger." He took a deep breath to calm himself, dropping the subject immediately since he didn't want to think about that situation.
"I understand, father," I responded, acknowledging his concern. "But I also need to protect our family and Winterfell. If that means unconventional methods, I'll do what's necessary."
Catelyn approached me and embraced me tenderly. "Robb is right, my love."
"Robb, we've always taught you to be responsible," Catelyn said gently. "But this... this is something completely new for us."
Nodding, I felt the weight of the responsibility I had taken on by sharing my secret with them. "I know, mother. But I want to use this to protect Winterfell and our family."
"We're here to support you, Robb," Ned assured me. "But always remember to consider the consequences of your actions."
The afternoon continued with me demonstrating more abilities as we discussed potential uses and limitations. For Ned and Catelyn, accepting this new reality was a significant adjustment, but it was also an opportunity to strengthen Winterfell's defense against the challenges ahead.