Driftmark
103 AC
As I re-entered my chambers following a brief conversation with my mother, I sat on my bed and pondered over my ability to manipulate water and how I should commence its manipulation. Focusing on all my abilities, I contemplated the best ways to utilize them. However, as I reviewed each ability, I couldn't help but wonder why a higher being had bestowed upon me these powers. It's not that I am ungrateful, but there must be a reason.
I've watched Percy Jackson and read about his abilities on a wiki page. While I enjoyed the movies and liked his character, I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan. The power bestowed upon me could be due to my heritage or simply a whim, but there must be a reason. Although this power is nerfed, it's still quite formidable in this world and timeline. If the giver seeks entertainment, they won't find it, as my foreknowledge of the timeline and this power would spoil it.
The more I thought about it, the more I envisioned every possible worst-case scenario. Eventually, I ceased to dwell on it, realizing that overthinking was futile. However, I knew I needed to harness all my abilities and continually push myself to remain in peak condition. I had this unshakeable feeling that something significant and perilous loomed on the horizon, far more daunting than the dance that awaited.
I began searching for water in my chambers. Bath water would have been suitable due to its larger quantity, but I found only a jug that holds about 1-2 liters. I can command the servants to refill the jug as needed, which is why there's no more than necessary. After clearing the table and placing the jug upon it, I allowed my instincts to guide me in manipulating the available water, for in wielding Percy's power, instinct was my sole guide.
I concentrated intensely for several minutes and afterwards, I felt as if my will had somehow connected with the water. I immediately tried to move a small amount out of the jug. To my surprise, it rose from the jug, albeit only as much as could fit in my fist, and it required more concentration than I had anticipated. After I started move the water that I had control over it in multiple shapes. However, after some time, I began to feel a sense of fatigue overwhelming me, a mental exhaustion that crept over my mind.
I rolled over in my bed and began to rest. I could only manipulate that amount of water for a few minutes. I realized I needed to practice this more than anything else. Ultimately, it would also fortify my will and mental strength. That's my motivation to keep at it, I suppose.
After a period of rest, I resumed my water manipulation exercises repeatedly until a servant interrupted to inform me that the maester's lessons were imminent. I mentioned my intention to bathe, and she departed, only to return later with additional servants. Submerged in the water, I noticed my fatigue diminishing, albeit slowly. This gradual recovery was a slight disappointment, as I had hoped for an instant rejuvenation to resume my practice immediately.
I believed that contact with water would rejuvenate me over time, allowing for more efficient practice by the sea and hastening my progress. However, it appears to have been in vain. After bathing and slightly recovering from the continuous drain on my mental energy, I began preparing for the upcoming lessons with the master.
*****
As I emerged from the maester's room, it was evident that joy and happiness radiated from me. The session had been tedious, and my dyslexia was of no help. The maester tasked me with reading and writing in the Common Tongue, a feat I couldn't achieve despite Laenor's prior proficiency in the language. After some time, he was perplexed, as Laenor had previously been learning well, yet now I could not even decipher the text written in the Common Tongue.
However, he didn't make it any easier; he began teaching me from scratch once more. It was incredibly frustrating to attempt learning a language that seemed unlearnable, no matter how hard I tried. It's not that I'm incapable of learning languages, but my mind struggles to grasp the Common Tongue, being naturally attuned to High Valyrian. I'm grateful to the entity that diminished Percy Jackson's powers, as it allowed me to make some progress, albeit at a snail's pace. Ultimately, I believe I might achieve a level in the Common Tongue where I can read but not write, although prolonged reading will induce migraines.
"What has happened to you, Laenor? You had learned to read and write before, so why can't you do it now? Are you alright? Should I ask Father to take you to King's Landing to consult the Grand Maester about this problem? I believe your issue stems from that incident when you nearly drowned at sea," said Laena, her voice laced with concern and urgency. And here it is now, how should I handle this situation?
I could reveal my abilities to them, and they wouldn't be overly concerned. However, I choose not to at this moment. I wish to master my control over water before disclosing my powers. I haven't even had the chance to fully understand the extent of my abilities; there might be more than I've realized so far. Thus, I needed to concoct an excuse to keep them from worrying. Before my cousins from Uncle Vemond arrived to demand more of my time, I began guiding Laena through the corridor towards our chambers.
"I'm not sure, but reading and writing in the Common Tongue is challenging for me now. Don't worry, though; I'm making progress, albeit slowly. It's nothing serious, and I don't have any other issues. I wanted to tell you something at the seashore, but you ran off. I made some friends during my dive. I'll introduce them to you tomorrow. They enjoy playing in the water, so they'll likely join you." I told her, hoping to distract her from my language practice. It seemed to work, as a look of happiness and excitement briefly crossed her face before disappearing.
"Do not change the subject, Laenor. I won't tell mother and father. But promise me, if you encounter any more situations like this, you'll at least tell me so we can resolve it together. And I would help you in my free time to read the Common Tongue." said Laena, a serious expression on her face. Perhaps I was mistaken about her; she's not entirely childish and carefree. I nodded, and we discussed the friends I had made. She repeatedly asked who they were, but I kept it a secret, saying it was a surprise. She pouted and scampered off towards mother's chambers to spend time with her.
*****
After enjoying a hearty supper with my family, I returned to my chambers, feeling content. I spent several hours practicing hydrokinesis, but eventually reached a point where I could not continue. I then bathed and went to bed, intending to enter the realm of Morpheus. Having practiced hydrokinesis all day, my ability to control water has improved significantly. I can now manipulate the entire amount of water in a jug with my mind for several minutes. My primary focus was to shape the water into any form I desired, as skillfully as possible. Indeed, with enough imagination and creativity, a single liter of water can be lethal.
I've called my ability Hydrokinesis, because it allows me to manipulate water through the power of my mind. Since I cannot create water, the name seems quite fitting. Reflecting on my progress, even with practicing Hydrokinesis throughout the day, advancement has been modest. Considering this, it appears it will be a considerable time before I can become a formidable force within the world's navies alone.
I went to bed early in anticipation of the eagerly awaited events of tomorrow morning.
*****
As I hastily devour as much food as I can, Laena does the same, brimming with excitement about meeting the friends I promised she would meet today. After finishing in just a few minutes, I glance at my father, who is eating his breakfast, while my mother eyes Laena and me with palpable suspicion. I quickly divert my gaze from her and turn to Laena, who is giving my father a look that clearly says, "Hurry up."
"Enough. Out with it, you two. What's got you so excited? You've never been this thrilled about swimming lessons before. Not that I'm complaining," said Mother, her stern gaze making it clear she expected a straight answer. Laena kept silent, knowing any word from her would only worsen the situation, and she'd face my scolding if she revealed our reason for excitement. Father gave Mother a sharp look, as her words had indirectly labeled swimming as a dull activity.
"There's nothing secretive, Mother. Laena and I have made some fish friends at sea, and we're excited to meet them again. And you know how Laena loves to play around," I said, telling a half-truth while maintaining eye contact. If I had looked away while speaking, she would have known I was lying. After hearing my explanation, Father continued eating.
"Laena's reason is out. But why the excitement, Laenor? You always grumble about playing with Laena in the sea. What is it?" asked Mother.
"I can't explain it, but since this morning, I've had this feeling that I would discover treasure in the sea today," I said, my eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation. My parents glanced at me, their expressions shifting from shock to amusement, and then they burst into laughter, delighted by my childlike innocence. They don't understand, so their laughter at my expense seemed reasonable. Yet, I couldn't suppress a surge of annoyance. Sensing my mood, they quickly stifled their chuckles and regained their composure.
"I'm sure you will find it, son. I believe in you," said the father, regaining his composure. Mother simply kissed the crown of my head. I was eager to see their expressions when I received what I had asked the dolphins and whale sharks to bring.
After telling her goodbye. Me, Laena and father started to go toward seashore.
*****
"Where are they, Laenor? When are they coming here?" Laena asked, glancing around frantically in search of the friends she was supposed to meet today. She had been waiting since I told her I would call them over once father was preoccupied. Meanwhile, she busied herself by paddling in the water and playfully splashing some on her face.
"Hey Laena, what happened to the seashell I gave you yesterday? What came out of it?" I inquired, noting she hadn't mentioned it even once after taking it.
"I handed them to father, and he promised to give me the results after swimming today. What do you think will emerge from it? I didn't express my gratitude properly yesterday. Thank you, Laenor. You are the best brother," Laena said as she embraced me. I reciprocated the hug. My trust in her deepened when she refrained from screaming today as I dived, and she kept silent about my language difficulties to our parents. The maester wouldn't inform them either, not without confirming my inability to read and write. Since my parents would seek an explanation from him, which he wouldn't have, that's why he insisted so much on my studies yesterday.
"What are your thoughts on the Dragon Egg, Laena? I understand your desire to tame Vhagar, but what if you hatch your egg or form a bond with another dragon?" I inquired, needing to understand her stance. Sadness flickered in her eyes at the mention of the Dragon Egg. She was born during the time Jaehaerys claimed our mother's right to the throne. Prince Baelon presented my mother with an egg to atone for the slights his father and he had shown towards her. It was her sole opportunity to claim a dragon, yet it ended in disappointment as the egg failed to hatch.
"I'm not sure, but I want to show everyone in the realm that I possess Dragon blood as well. What better way than taming the conquerors Dragon for myself? That's why I aimed to tame Vhagar. However, if my egg hatched, I would attempt to bond with it too," she said, her voice filled with hope at the mention of the Dragon egg. This aligns well with my plan.
After discussing dragons with her and imagining ourselves as dragon lords of old, soaring through the skies on our own dragons, time passed. Servants from the keep approached with reports for my father. I exchanged a knowing look with Laena, who nodded back. Then, with a single dive, I zoomed towards the location where I had encountered dolphins and whale sharks the day before.
Upon my arrival, I discovered dolphins frolicking amongst themselves. Nearby, whale sharks were sleep-swimming, with one showing faint burn marks. As I approached the dolphins, they began to circle me, inviting me into their play. This time, I didn't resist and started swimming at their pace, joining in their games. After a while, I ceased playing and inquired about the task.
They were initially reluctant, but after I mentioned that my sister was waiting, they complied. The pod of dolphins began to guide me towards the whale shark, which bore burn marks. As the dolphins used their voices to rouse it, the whale shark opened its eyes, revealing the pain within. I placed my hands on it and employed my ability, Vital Kinesis. After a while, I opened my eyes to find the whale shark's pain had significantly diminished, and the anguish in its eyes had lessened considerably.
It seems to work better on aquatic life than any other. It healed faster than I did. With eyes filled with gratitude, it looked at me and opened its mouth to let me retrieve what I had asked for from my ancient, lost homeland of Old Valyria. I took out two round objects of different colors from its mouth. One was deep black and the other, a rich purple. I let my hands roam over them, feeling the scales beneath my fingers.
Indeed, I dispatched them to Old Valyria, not into the Smoking Sea, but to the region where ships navigate safely to procure two dragon eggs for me. Why just two? Because that is all I require at present. I wish not to prolong their quest in search of additional eggs, given the myriad mysteries the sea around Valyria may conceal. In time, I may venture there myself to explore. Thus, I instructed them to retrieve merely two eggs, and they have accomplished this splendidly.
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