Dorne Spear of the Sun-
-Prince's Solar-
Melania Martell was not an easy woman to feel threatened. In the least. She was considered one of the most powerful women in the seven kingdoms. She had had many people both from her lands and from other lands and even great lords come to see her.
Some treated her as if she thought she was under them which at the end of the day had made her laugh because she had only needed a few moments to make them understand the massive mistake that would clearly be to do such a thing.
It's not that it matters too much because in the end she knew how to kindly return the favour to people when they treated her badly in some way or were unpleasant with her at the level of human stupidity she could be stupid.
An example of this was Tywin Lannister. The man was powerful. Not only like the King's Hand that was an incredibly powerful position. No. Tywin had his power as a person because of his own presence and his way of manipulating and using people as well as his ruthless vein.
Getting into a fight with that man was the most idiotic thing some would consider doing. That's why when he treated him the way he did it as if he was above her he felt a little eager to return the favour what he did so that Tywin saw a lot of problems among his vassals. Although in the short term it was insignificant in the long run it was something different.
Tywin was possibly a powerful man. It was formidable. And it was incredibly dangerous. But his children weren't. The spies he had spoke of Cersei Lannister as a vain girl who thought above the others just because of her last name. I didn't think I had to do anything to earn respect, much less did I think I had to worry about anything.
She felt that the girl was a complete waste of time and although she clearly had a little brain, the arrogance in her as well as her airs and ways of being would take her down the worst of roads. So obviously she was not a threat from his point of view.
Jaime was another example. It was a boy who was a potential gentleman. But a gentleman was not a gentleman. A gentleman must have been ruthless. Cold. Calculator. And precise. Jaime Lannister was arrogant. I lacked what was the ability to think long-term. And he was incredibly daring.
A combination of the baddest. So it was not a threat to her and her long-term plans to see Tywin Lannister's blood suffer either, which was why she was not attacking him but each of his lords with the firm intention of making sure that all the lords turn against him at some certain time and make things difficult for the lands of the west.
Mr. Dayne next to him was obviously frightened by what was his annoyance. His reason for her being upset was without anything other than the fact that a gentleman's idiot had thought about doing this.
They had had no information about what the North was. They didn't have the remotest idea of all that the North could offer. It was only through spies that they discovered several points that were of remarkable importance not only for her but also for what was her house since it could mean a new source of food instead of having to buy from the idiots of the Dominion that was excellent news in her mind.
The North was no longer buying from the Tullys (which in his mind were just a house that reached the high for being profiteed and never bleeding) which meant that the North would no longer have the expenses of caravans or anything for what was trade with that particular kingdom.
It didn't help that the opinion he had of Tully and the Rivers was bad because of the way he looked and behaved. Frankly, if there was a kingdom that had driven the belief of women at home without doing anything, they were the people of the Rivers. No one from Dorne would think like that. The people of the Dominion and the West saw women as ways of putting agents in what were the houses in which they were married. And Baratheon were simple.
With that amount of money saved it was excellent news. But things were far from ending there. The North had achieved what had to be an extremely efficient business called olympus as well as they had obtained a contract with braavos for the creation of what was a drinking water and sewerage system much more than efficient.
Needless to say, those were miles of golden dragons for the Stark house. It wasn't nice to know that because she knew that if she wanted the same she would have to negotiate but it showed that the North was clearly much more sensible and effective in business than she had thought.
And the final blow was that apparently the North was earning gold from what were the businesses made of the sale of icons and other elements. Needless to say, the wine of the North was far superior to any of the south. The new Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, Sake and other drinks as well as spices, silk, cocoa and tea as well as coffee were earning gold from all Essos.
Once he began his sale to what was the south of Westeros, the North would quickly take control of the business of all the kingdoms. It wasn't the most pleasant thought. So as is natural she wanted to make a good negotiation with this man who had not yet looked at her badly in any way.
Lord Dayne was frightened by the shitstorm he had gotten himself into. To begin with, lacking information about the Stark house and just thinking that they were simple northerners, I didn't know if they could negotiate a beneficial agreement.
The problem that came with this is that apparently they didn't have a way to negotiate with them. Or at least that's what it seemed. Melania knew that they had products that could be sold to the Northerners. Citrus fruits, olives and other elements could be and would easily become a business door. But the problem is that the Starks had more to negotiate with and that put them at a complete disadvantage.
Melania promised herself to try to find out as many people as possible about the people who were here. Hariric Stark was God knows where but she wasn't so afraid of him. Hariric seemed to be more of an innovator than anything (little did she know what she was getting into) and therefore her faith was that she believed that Ashara was and would be able to manipulate him in some way.
Or at least be able to put it on the side of the Martell house. But the man in front of him was completely different. The man in front of him did not look at her as a man who thought he was above a woman in some way and who could crush her. But quite the opposite which meant that he was not one of those to be deceived by a pretty face and neither by what was the lack of a cock.
Rickard looked at the woman in front of him. The information network organised at this time by Shelia had expanded significantly. Not only were the skin changers much more efficient, but they knew who to look for, where to find it and most importantly what the point of interest was.
It was thanks to that that the Starks had a firm idea of what basically the entire government structure of each of the seven kingdoms was and how the structure of the kingdoms was affected according to each action. So far they hadn't messed with the south but he knew that his son intended to do it more than anything because nothing prevented him.
The woman in front of him was worthy of respect. Jeor Mormont and some others looked at this woman with bad eyes. An intriguing one who is thinking and trying to reach planes that are more efficient for her kingdom. In any case, I could respect her for that. Honour is fine. Having a code was fine. But at the end of the day, what good is all that if those around you crush you as if nothing?
Completely idiotic from his point of view. It was not something right and much less fair if he had to say it. So yes. He agreed with a woman who would use every known weapon in her arsenal just to get her family, her people and her kingdom to prosper.
One thing he hated about what Wallys had tried to put in his children's heads is that one must govern with honour. That an honourable man was important. That measures could not be taken clearly that affected honour. He mocked the very idea of it. He felt that Wallys was a complete brainless idiot but at the same time he saw the trap for what he was.
Some would say it was an exaggeration to say but Rickard Stark was far from being an uneducated idiot. The new generations were sabotaged by the teachers and he didn't like that in the least. It was a more than bad sign.
But his thoughts returned to the present. When Mr. Dayne had accepted the marriage, he felt happy. He had used the espionage network to find out many possible wives for his children. In fact, he had found two possible candidates, both Ara and Benjen.
Both girls were from minor cameras with which he had thought to be a Velaryon and the one who had thought for Benjen to be a Mormont but as his son liked to say quality was worth more than quantity.
And at this point he wanted to say that he preferred that his brothers had clearly competent wives instead of women who would be worthless idiot shrews who were only worth as breeding cattle. I still had to study everything but I was sure it would turn out well.
Anyway, despite how good it was and how good things were when Lord Dayne refused to pay an adequate dowry for his daughter, he was furious. On the one hand it was a clear message that the man believed himself above him. Just that idea made him growl. He was a Stark.
While this idiot's relatives were growing their balls, his family was conquering the greatest kingdom of all time. In his mind that just in case was worth more than all the shit that the man could try to throw at him. But he decided to be kind and understanding and try to negotiate but at the same time find out more about Ulric Dayne to compromise things even more in his favour.
Ulric Dayne was a man who saw his daughter Ashara as a problem. Not only was he brilliant and intelligent but he had a gift for manipulating, deceiving and using incredible. Educated by Princess Melania Martel in a way that some would say was the most expected of a mother to a daughter, it was clear that Melania had a lot of faith in her surrogate daughter.
But this same faith that this woman had in the girl was unknown between father and daughter that the father feared that the enemies of the family used to usurp the position of Lord Dyane. It didn't help that he had recently found some silver mines that he had taken and feared that a fight would be too much for the houses.
Rickard felt a big headache. Frankly, the man's idiocy had to be a very serious problem. The man was not only suspicious of his own daughter which was inconceivable for the Starks since he at least knew that the family followed the dogma that unity is more important than division.
No. The bad thing is that instead of encouraging what was unity, the man had favoured his eldest son over his daughter and actually considered her guilty for not seducing one of the Martels and marrying her. Frankly, Rickard never thought he might be surprised by such stupidity in his life.
A look of pure respect appeared in Rickard's eyes when he looked at the powerful woman. A woman who was not only sensible but was clearly very cunning and intelligent. A part of the fear of fear for thinking about what would happen if Lyarra met this woman. He would get along phenomenally.
And he knew that she would appreciate her son very much (although despite that she would try to use it) due not only to his most sensible mentality but his opinion of people and of course his mind. At least this woman was not a blind and idiotic ruler like many other people. An example of this were the Tullys who idiotically believed that their vassals were loyal to them just because they were subordinated to oaths.
With a sigh he decided to move what was the trunk he brought. His son and he had debated the best way to win this and at the same time allow the reward that Ashara deserved. She was going to marry a Stark and deserved for it the recognition worthy of that action. In the trunk there were samples of the different spices and sedates that his son had managed to make appear in the North.
But in addition to that there were also some bags of tea. He could be Northern but fuck he respected a good tea that he could use to have a civilised conversation and his own son said that at least this way he didn't have to take all the time wine or anything. He was actually grateful to his son for that.
Frankly, his son was a true evolution for the North. That's why he also liked the idea of an Ashara Dayne marrying her son. The young woman had clearly demonstrated potential. And the potential had to be met.
When the two gentlemen saw him move the trunk he had brought, he knew he had his attention. The look that the princess gave her made it clear that she knew that the North was more than before. Once again due to its foreign agents since unlike the Dominion or the West Dorne did do a lot of business with the free cities which had ended up being good.
"I must say that this place is hotter than I thought. Thank goodness we northerners are adapting to living in different climates, if it's not like that I'm afraid it would be a roast duck''. Rickard looked at the woman in fun. It was true. Instead of wearing the typical leather, he wore a more relaxed cotton thing.
"Yes. However, I'm not used to the material. I have to say that it looks good and more relaxed. Honestly, if it weren't for the Stark house emblem carved on the clothes, I would still think it was silk. However, I must say that it is good, any comment on it?''. Melania had to admit that Rickard Stark looked... good. It showed that the northerners were more than I thought.
"My son has actually come to discover a way to create cotton fields in the North. The Karstarks have become the main producers not only of what the material is but also of its sale everywhere not only as an element of clothing but also for basically medicine since it is very useful along with other elements''. Rickard savoured what it was like to see the surprise in the woman. Cotton was not difficult to produce but it was required in warm climates.
''Surprising. I can see this type of use widely used in the south. But there are few people who know how to take advantage of cotton. I also have to say that I didn't expect people to wear it as a piece of clothing. Hell, I've heard that only a few grow cotton in Essos since no one has seen a future for it''. Ulric Dayne was considerably surprised. What I was seeing was not something I had expected.
''It's just one of the resources of the North. However, we are not here to talk about the new clothes. Not even how well it suits me. Lord Ulric, I hope you understand that your refusal to pay a dote for your daughter has not been good for my family.'' Rickard looked at the Dayne. The man tried to look strong and clearly be at the top but Ulric Dayne despite how much he could seem was far from being a man half as intimidating as Rickard Stark was.
"I just thought and came to the conclusion that we could negotiate for a Dowry. After all, I think you can always start conversations better than just talking about delivering something without more'' Ulric hadn't really wanted to pay the Dowry. Believing that he could hit the northern pride with this action and at the same time get rid of his daughter, he thought he was making a wise decision. Everything went to hell when Rickard Stark sent him a letter that he would travel to Dorne to talk to him.
That was a very silly decision on your part Lord Dayne. This is not a matter of frivolity without reason. We are talking about your daughter. Of his pride and joy. How do you think he would look at all things if his own father says he is not going to pay for what his marriage is? In the eyes of every lord of the north it would look like she is basically not loved and some could have argued that she was sending something wrong to the North''. In fact, Shelia's spy network had already let her know that some people had tried to sell such an idea.
"I didn't want to put it that way. I just thought that it would not be necessary at all or that we could negotiate an agreement between us as the gentlemen that we are. After all, it is a discussion that is better to have face to face than to hope that it is resolved without further ado with letters.'' Ulric now cursed. I should have known that something could happen. Why do I listen to the idiot master? The masters had a kind of anger against the Starks.
"A gentleman like you is supposed to have known perfectly well that a minimum offer should have been made to be able to negotiate later. When he basically said he had no idea of his daughter's possible Dowry forgive me if I think he wasn't sending me the best of signs Lord Dayne''. Rickard could honestly say that he found it funny.
"And you must believe me Lord Stark. It was never my intention to do such evil. I just wanted to be well, the truth is that what happened is that I thought it would be better to dialogue and reach conclusions. A part of me fears that you don't take my oldest daughter into account. Ashara is not what you can describe a lady''. Ulric thought that would creep.
"Why don't we start with what you can tell me about your daughter and then I make the decision about whether it's what I want for what my son's wife and future head of the Stark house is? You must never take hasty measures. They are more likely to end up hitting the shit and spreading it everywhere than being a benefit''. Rickard sighed. The belief that the northerners were like everyone in the south bothered him. In the North, a strong, fighting and down-to-earth woman was more respected than one of the so-called southern ladies.
"I guess it's true. Well, to begin with, let me say that my daughter is very...independent. He doesn't like anything or anyone to tell him how to do things and how they should be done. In her mind and personal opinion if she doesn't want to do something, no one will tell her to do it''. He could almost imagine the angry look on Mr. Stark.
"Really? Are you seriously telling me that just for that you think I would find a person not suitable for my son? We are one of the first men. A woman who has the courage to say what she thinks. Not to keep quiet. To make your ideals clear to a husband is very necessary. Complacency creates weakness. Frankly, I think it's stupid to expect a woman who accepts everything at the slightest.'' That was annoying at best. Frankly, I was stupid for such an ideal.
"I guess I should have known about that. Also good, my daughter is a very independent woman. I doubt very much that she is one of those to accept without more when they tell her something and I was rightly afraid that she would not agree with her son. It must be understood that not many see the North well, my lord.'' Ulric could see the anger now in Mr. Stark's eyes.
"I am very aware of how they see us in the south. Little more than beasts. Those who stay in the moorland of the Nrte and who refuse to change. Those who prefer to worship trees than the so-called true gods. But believe me, I doubt very much that's what will happen to your daughter if what I've been to her is true''. Rickard had had to make a superhuman effort not to hit the idiot in the face just because of what he had said.
"I'm sorry Lord Stark I never wanted to make sense of that. I am very aware of the difference of many southern gentlemen who were first the houses of the first men who ruled the west and I did not want to offend. What I was trying to imply is that I well believed that my daughter could be more problems than she could be worth in what she was a wife and I wanted to negotiate a dowry that was decent but that would not lead me to bankruptcy. Uldric realised that for the moment he had to start accepting that he had to be more sincere.
"Good that you understand. But don't give your opinion about your daughter until you know what she can represent for the North. You never know what you are capable of until it happens and believe me it could surprise you a lot. Your daughter is possibly just hoping to be given a chance in life and that so far it has been denied. I know my son well enough to know that he will never take away his opportunities''. He could say it was normal but at the same time he didn't like how things were done.
"Thank you. Now it only remains to decide what the Dowry is. The Dayne house is not poor but we don't have to pay in large amounts so unless you know if there is any way to tell us how we can pay you will be very satisfied about it''. Uldric felt good that Mr. Stark had taken things well. He didn't want his daughter to miss this wedding.
"I'm glad we're fine. While it is true that you may think that there is nothing, you are wrong about it because there is or at least I think we could talk about it since as I understand that the dayne handle has a stone on his property. I know it may not seem much but that stone is in my son's opinion very valuable for his wife too''. When his son had been told that he thought his way of seeing it, there was no need for any payment but that he could use the Dowry to make a gun for his future wife.
"Do you mean the black heart? It's not that I have anything against it. That thing didn't serve to make more swords like Dawn was but it's a little insignificant when you stop to think about it in terms of a payment for a wedding, don't you think?''. To say that Mr. Dayne was surprised was an understatement. The black heart was a stone that came out of the small meteorite that was the size of a small ball (rather a tennis ball) it had not been possible to use to make more weapons and its quality was low compared to what is also used for the sword but it was better than nothing.
"If it may seem like something beyond small and insignificant, my son is of the opinion that can be valuable. I have been studying metallurgy in my spare time and I am really impressed with the achievements of the Dayne house. He knows that the remaining meteor is impossible to be used but he would still like to study it.'' Any other gentleman would have asked for a dowery in gold or silver. Rickard wouldn't do it. I felt that gold and silver were overvalued.
''I see. I can't say this against it. It is an element that we have no more use than the fact that it is a memory but what would happen if your child discovers some way to take advantage of it? I don't want to give him a resource that would be used without more by the Stark family and the contribution of the Dayne house would be forgotten''. If they had asked him for money, he would be more than happy. But the black heart was a memory of the Dayne house.
"Thinking about the best for your house already makes you a better man than many. Here is the final offer. In addition to the black heart, a thousand silver deer. Before you say that it is expensive, let me say that in exchange for that, if my son discovers any use for the black heart, he will not have authority in it at any time and it will always be the use of his wife.'' Rickard could see Lord Dayne's mind working at great speed.
"Good. It's accepted then. The black heart and a thousand silver deer. I just hope I'm not mistaken about Lord Stark. With this I conclude my part and zen the matter completely my lord''. With his final words said ulric left there. I was happy. With Ashara out of what Dorne was, he knew that no enemy could provoke a small civil war in the family.
Melania saw Mr. Dayne and sighed. His vassal had been so stupid. Only for the commercial resources she could say that he could have tried to get something more out of the North. Although obtaining a second meteorite tool or possibly whatever comes out of it was an option, she knew that with the monetary resources of the North Ulric Dayne would be forced to negotiate with Lord Stark in some way for this and unlike Rickard it was very possible that his son if he refuses to give up an artefact created by him.
"That was well played if I may say so. You touched Mr. Dayne as if nothing. Frankly, the man is very blind. Although of course if I knew about the resources of the Stark house I would be more convinced of it. Now that we are here I think birds that although he may be satisfied with what he has won I will not be so easily Lord Stark''. Melania didn't even want to say that she wouldn't be as easy to overcome as the idiot. But Mr. Stark only gave him a firm look.
"Lord Dayne was a man who wanted to see the matter settled as soon as possible. His master has convinced him that with the contacts that his daughter Ashara has as well as his great intelligence and cunning he can turn against his older brother which could be taken advantage of by the lords of other houses and weaken what is the Dayne house. I didn't have to play it. He only played himself''. It wasn't Rickard's fault that the man was predictable and easy to touch.
'And here I thought that the Starks were that noble and brave house that they would never take advantage of... I must say that that is the most interesting and the best I could read to happen. I have to say that it is good news for Dorne to know that there is a possibility of alliance with the Stark house in some way and that they are far from being idiots.'' Melania almost expected to see a look of anger appear on Mr. Stark's face. No nobleman likes to be called stupid after all.
"Nobility and what honour is are a little overrated. I will not deny that it seems pleasant and everything is fine but if something has made it clear to me in life is that always acting in a noble and altruistic way is more likely to end up hitting me in the worst possible way. Thank you, but no thanks. I don't intend to let myself be used and beaten and thrown aside.'' Rickard was not one of those to let himself be manipulated by and in any way by people's intentions.
"Good. Now I think we have to go to more serious matters. To begin with, although Uldric may think that this is fine and everything I am very aware that a wedding like this would unite two kingdoms. Especially considering the potential of the current north. I'm not so stupid as not to see the future effect of the north on the south''. Because she had taken a look.
"Basically what you want is to negotiate before the other kingdoms the acquisition of northern products for sale throughout Dorne to all other houses. It's not a bad thing. And I guess you also want what is clearly to forge an alliance between Dorne and the north. Very sensible and at the same time very daring''. With the impressive resources of the North not only silk and spices but alcoholic beverages, better metal, glass and new food could see a considerable amount of new business with the South.
"I want to make sure that Dorne gets ahead despite everything Lord Stark, is it so difficult to conceive that a woman like me just wants to make sure that her kingdom and family is in the high room? Because it's normal. Especially with all the benefits that there are in what is a business with you. Dorne must above all to look for the best opportunity and I'm just making sure of it''. Melania felt that dealing with Lord Stark was different from dealing with other nobles of the seven kingdoms.
"It's a thought that I can defend in reality. Well, let's start with the smart. The North knows that its products will be in high demand by everyone in the South. It does not mean that it is easy but the south will seek to obtain the resources of the North. What I am saying is that thanks to this marriage alliance the North is willing to negotiate what is a discount of 25% of what is the cost of the products of the North''. Although it was an acceptable discount, he knew that the woman would not feel the same way.
"It's an acceptable discount but tell me Lord Stark Why should I accept a discount like that? A quarter of what is the northern product seems fine to me but we are talking about an important alliance. My daughter Elia is about to marry Prince Rhaegar which means that by marrying your son to Ashara you would not only be winning Dorne's alliance but also the crown''. Although it seemed like a good offer, she knew better.
''Whole that's true, I prefer you not to count the chicken's eggs before you can take them. Although your daughter will marry the crown prince and all that does not mean that my house is taking something out. And don't try to sell the point that your daughter will be able to do something. The Targaryens are those who do what they want and rarely listen to their wives.'' The mention of it brought what was the treatment of the current queen no more no less at the hands of her husband and as this same husband towards things.
"A little exaggerated but my daughter is not stupid. She would be a more than decent force in the court that could be important. Don't play dumb. You must already know that at the moment it separates on the potential of the north, many of the different groups of nobles will somehow try to get their hands on it. You need what is basically the support and help of someone in the crown''. Because human greed was what would motivate everyone.
"There is no offence, Mrs. Melania. But waiting for what you promise to be fulfilled seems ridiculous to me. You can believe you have a chance. Hell, you can believe you have a chance but the only reality is that there are those who really have power in the court. Your daughter according to the laws... will have no power''. It was something that he knew pissed Hariric and also one of the reasons why he was looking for a thousand ways to annul his sister's marriage.
"I guess it's true. But as I hope you see, I hope you don't think I could simply accept what a discount like that is for the alliance. I know you can offer a bigger discount Lord Stark but at the same time you don't think I'm worth it. I can see it in your eyes''. Normally she would have felt offended if someone looked at her like that. Hell she would have been angry with a person like the Starks thought so low of her. But at the same time she couldn't say she could deny it.
"When the lords of the entire south rise up demanding that the north deliver their secrets, lady Melania should not worry that the northerners will deliver something. There is no basis for it and believe me when I say this if someone dares to annoy the Starks in this way all in an attempt to put a hand in our secrets everyone will pay the price of those actions of that you can have the certainty''. Hell his son had already established what would be the different groups that would move against them.
"I hope then that things are good... I agree with a 25% discount on the purchase of materials and other consumer items. However, forgive me if I feel that Dorne is coming out a little more than without earning as much as it should be possible''. I hated it but Mr. Stark was right. He knew that she had no way to relax what would be the actions of the other members of the south.
"It's not that bad. You are forgetting that you will have to charge for the ships that will arrive in Dorne. As the only port in all of Dorne where our ships docked, it is quite obvious if I may say that Dorne will not lose money. Hell, you are clearly forgetting that the North also intends to negotiate with Yi Ti and the cities of the slave bay. Although I don't like the money you take from them, it's money they can't use in slaves.'' More than half of its current population came from what was old slaves that they had bought and acquired and then released.
"That doesn't really sound bad to me if I have to say it Lord Stark. Obviously he has thought about it well. However, there is something else. How much would it cost me to apply for what is basically for what the clean water duct system is and what is basically the sewer system of what Braavos is?''. When I hear about it for the first time, it's actually interested.
"That system? We would have to study it but we'll see anyway. It is hariric who designed such and such a style. It's because of his actions, no more, no less, that Braavos has that. Anyway, I'll leave it in your hands. Now if you allow me I would like to have a conversation with my son about this conversation''. It was true. But if they were willing to pay, he was sure that Hariric would design it for the city.
"I will then sit down with young Hariric to be able to know more or less the expense. However, he estimates that the expense will be reduced if the Martel house offers the workers and materials for what the construction will be, isn't it? She hoped it would be like that. Because if it wasn't then it didn't matter how much she wanted him or how well she sold the idea her lords wouldn't be happy with a massive spending of anything.
"First talk to my son. He's the one who knows about these things. I doubt very much that there is a single person who can match in every way what his job is anyway. On top of that, I think you should know that he won't charge you like other gentlemen would. According to charging an eye of the face for no reason is completely idiotic and does you few favours''. His son actually was of the opinion that there were more ways to get money out of people, such as the workers who kept the system clean. Or as an example those who did the maintenance. Or the workers of what was the collection of salt from the so-called purifiers.
"It looks like then that I'll have things right. Now I was wondering how long they would stay in Dorne. I want to say that with the conversations over and everything I don't see a reason to stay without more. I don't want them to leave but I doubt that the North will do well without his lord and his heir''. Maybe if they stayed longer I could work with these people.
"Hariric and I will go to what is King´s Landing. It's time. I sincerely believe that my son will do much better work as a gentleman despite his age. I think it's basically better and at the same time it will make my abandoned stop questioning the shit they're throwing everywhere. Frankly, sometimes they can be annoying.'' Especially the Boltons.
Melania ascended. She could see it. While it is true that the young man could be the engine behind the changes, the truth is that the gentlemen did not have to see it in a good way in reality. Hell, he could think it was an attempt to seize power in his own way.
At least it showed that they were once again intelligent about it. It seemed that the alliance they had made was much more fruitful than she ever thought it would be. Anyway, he decided that the best thing was to observe so he decided that when his adopted daughter went to the north she would also go not only to see the North but for new and complete things. He wanted to see what the young man had built and if possible he would like to see the same future for what his house was.
-Sunspear: Training place-
Hariric could tell that in his life he had felt power. In his life he had felt more than an incredibly powerful being. It was once in the presence of a demon. Demons were beings that basically came from what was the dark dimension. It didn't matter what he looked like but he had seen this demon and he hadn't even felt half paralysed of what he was at that very moment that was saying something. The thing in front of him could not be classified as a simple being of this dimension or at least of what was the mortal plane that was to say something.
Beings were divided according to the power they had. The less powerful he felt about it. Not because it was not possible to perceive or anything like that. No. It was for the simple fact that when a powerful being entered the mortal plane he had to limit his power to prevent them from causing great damage. When the so-called gods who were actually entities of higher planes descended to what was the mortal plane they had to considerably limit their power to prevent their powerful aspects from causing great chaos and damage. That's why if you felt it, you still had to think that what was in front of me was even more powerful than what you saw.
So when the thing arrived and he did not feel any power and yet he was inclined by his power there was only one alternative and it was one thing but not pleasant: too powerful. Too strong. However, his concern was not him. He was used to this since there were many things he encountered while he was alive. It was Ashara Dayne who, like him, was there feeling or at least perceiving the power. Knowing that if this continued like this it would be very bad for her quickly called her power to rise like a protective dome.
A fact well known is that when such a being interacted with a living being and it did not adapt to the chances were higher that said person either went crazy or ended up dead. Since he didn't want that to happen (on the one hand she was innocent, on the other hand it would be a real bitch to explain what had happened and at the end point was the matter that she needed answers) he made sure to create a nine-layer dome to protect her.
When he saw her calm down, he clearly sounded at her. But there was something more strange in his eyes. As if she knew something. Before she had time to do anything, she approached and did it with passion.
Hariric had not expected this in the least. I couldn't tell he was feeling bad. Hell, I thought that was the most appropriate. But when he looked into her eyes, he felt a call in his mind. They both met with the eyes and wondered.
He couldn't understand what he was seeing but it turns out that before him... was his wife Nymphadora Black. I couldn't understand it. Her physical appearance was very close except because she was brunette instead of the white complexion she had so it was understandable that he would not have been able to relate her completely if he had to say it and well that and that she was always altering his appearance.
Nymphadora or Ashara as she was called now approached her husband. She hugged him tightly at that moment. A few minutes ago I had barely recognised him. I didn't even have a record of what he was.
But as soon as their eyes had met she knew who it was. He was his Harry. The man who had loved her more than anything in the world. I was very happy to be able to see him again. It felt as if she had to say frankly that life was finally shining.
There was no mistake. Her husband had once again shown that he had the usual brain and began to revolutionise and raise above all what the North was. I couldn't blame him. He was not one of those to let anyone else trample on him and there was many chances that that would happen from all things for what the people of this kingdom were if they did not walk with an eye. In the end, the best Defence was a good attack as her husband liked to say sometimes. And I couldn't say I blamed him for his decision.
She sighed before hugging him. I felt him tense up before hugging her tightly. I still remembered those last moments. Pure fury without adulterating in her husband. The weakness that the experiment. She knew a lot. She knew that her husband was unhappy with what happened to him and that he blamed himself in many ways for what happened to him. He was happy to at least be here now and she hugged him back ignoring the powerful presence that was nearby. It's not that he cared. She had more things to deal with like a husband who was emotionally affected because of what her past was. It was the most normal thing if she had to say it of course.
"I have missed you so much, my beloved husband. I must say that you look pretty good. Even more fit than before and before you didn't look bad at all if I'm allowed to say so''. Ashara laughed amused. She was always amused to be in the presence of her husband. If she had to be frank, she felt that it was good to be able to be this good with him.
"And I have missed you very much, my brilliant flower of war. You were always there to brighten my life. Since you left me, things got very complicated. I thank whatever happened that now you are here with me once again''. Hariric smiling at his wife with what was pure joy. But the pain in the eyes was still there, nothing would take it away.
"You should already know that you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened that day. Not only is it completely idiotic and meaningless but also a waste of time. What happened there was no way to prevent it. It doesn't matter what you say, my husband. In the end, the whole thing is that we couldn't help it. At least you brightened my day when you brought the pain to what was what was chased''. She was a Black so as it is natural she saw with good eyes everything that actually meant to fuck her enemies.
"I would have killed and preferred in a thousand different ways to have had a life with you a life in which I could love you and have you close rather than having half of the things I had. I don't care that I had the world at my feet, what mattered to me, darling, is that you weren't in that world.'' That was the great pain that Hariric had at that moment. That he had not had it in the least. That she was missing in his life.
"You have always had me in your life. It didn't matter where I was. It didn't matter how far I was because I had you and you had me. You are the only man who has validated my life. I'm the only woman who has been in your hard heart. So believe me when I tell you that although I was far from you I was at all times in your life. It's just that we couldn't be closer.'' Ashara laughed amused. I found this funny. But now she had an opportunity with her husband that was more than she actually had before.
"Well, now that we are together, you can believe me that it will take a complete army to separate you from me. I lost you once. I will never let you go again''. Hariric said this seriously. Once he had been separated. He had taken half of his heart about it. And people thought they could get away with it. There wouldn't be a second time.
"Always the loving and kind man I met. I hope you know that it does not mean in any way that I will tolerate in the least that you keep me in any way as a kind of prisoner or anything like that. I am and will always be an independent woman so I hope you understand that my beloved husband''. The mere idea of him saying that it would not be like that would raise a threat.
'' I would never dream of telling you what to do and how to live in reality. Hell, it will be a day closer to hell before it's the senseless idiot who leaves you locked in a tower in any way. I know you would plan ways to kill me before I could put a single hand on me to do such a thing.'' Hariric laughed amused. The mere idea made him funny. He could imagine his wife killing him or worse torturing him in his own way.
"At least you have two fingers in front more than the vast majority of idiots who live in this era. Just because they seem to have two fucking balls and a cock they seem to think they have only one thing to say about it. What a complete waste of time in the world to think like that''. Of the memories of his new life he had encountered one or two annoying occasions in the form of some gentlemen who seemed to think that because they were gentlemen they must have felt inclined in some way for them.
"Well, the opinion that the little trash doesn't matter too much. You should already know that people believe that power is all that matters anyway. It's not that I care too much what small fish create. I am happy to know that you are happy and that now we will have a new opportunity in life''. That was all that mattered to Hariric.
"You know as well as I do that the so-called little trash won't hesitate in the least to fuck with our lives. That the so-called little trash won't have the slightest impediment to screwing up our lives. We gave them a chance in our previous world. You saw the consequences of it.'' It wasn't just his death. They made life almost impossible in all legal ways for the Black family.
''I'm more than aware. I have a good list of all those who will be a threat, however I also know that except for two, the rest are smart enough not to attack me knowing that there will possibly be much worse consequences than they could imagine. At least that's the good news''. It was the good news anyway. Except for Tully and Arryn, both Lannister and Tyrell would not seek to kill him. No, that's wrong. They would look for him dead once they had a son who was in their minds easy to press.
''The Lannisters should be on your top list of shit. Don't give me that look Harry. We both know that they will not let you become a threat to the great so-called legacy without more. Tywin Lannister is many things but he will never tolerate in any way a person who is a real threat to him as the undisputed lord of Westeros''. He had found himself many times arguing with Melania about who Tywin was. Melania described Tywin as a man forced by the need for survival but who instead of staying stable became too ambitious.
"I wasn't thinking that far. Ero if we go to that sense olena Tyrell is another considerable threat since whether you like it or not that woman will not take it well that they have taken away the power from the Tyrell family. And we'll take it away. With the new alcoholic products, the north will become a force that will basically eliminate Albor without any doubt.'' Hariric had no problem with it. Hell, he felt it was fair. The Tyrells were not his favourite family.
"Good, but you had two people in mind before. Let me guess Tully and Arryn. Don't bother trying to look like you don't understand how I know what happened, do you forget who I'm a pupil? The thing about the Tullys because until you basically stopped buying food from them they had you for the eggs. They don't like you like that, well, there you have it. And I understand that Arryn is raising your own second brother as a pupil for the shit he takes out''. You didn't have to be a genius to get the data in question.
"You're as brilliant as ever. I guess this will convince the people of the north even more that you are my wife and not a woman from the south. If they have problems, well, I can always negotiate with them in the old-fashioned way of the Stark family. Harirc growled at the thought. He had heard from numerous people complaints that he did not want his master to marry someone from the south. I actually found him stupid. I was looking for a wife who was a worthy companion.
"I don't care what people say about me. You should know better than anyone what I think of the opinions. But I guess you can say that I'm happy with your decisions. Anyway, I think I would like to be able to talk about it once we deal with the matter we have in hand.'' She glanced at the creature that was formed of what was a cape and pure darkness.
"Good. We'll set the matter. Now let's face the music. Whatever is about to happen we will face it together and at least I hope we don't end up being hit by any special shit on this whole point''. Hariric of course knew that the possibilities of badly stalled terminals were wide but something told him with complete certainty that this being whatever it is was not here to put an end to them.
''Yes. Although at least we don't have to worry about what it's basically like to have to take care of ourselves over time. It seems or at least that's what I think I can say that the being has frozen time in some way. I call that a considerable surprise but I say it's a good thing well received''. Time was not one of the most remarkable aspects of magic.
''I guess. We are going to face the music we have now. Then we deal with what it is to talk and finally we have the matter to settle what it is basically to deal with everyone who wants to give an idiotic opinion about how to live our lives.'' With a final sigh, Hariric decided that it was time to start having the long-awaited chat with the being in front of them.
Hariric advanced with his beloved in his arm while the being of darkness was in front of him. For a moment there was nothing until it was shining. Instead of being the being in the tunic, he changed to a human dressed in a black suit with a dark green shirt and a black and silver tie. The man had black hair and emerald green eyes.
Needless to say, the two were surprised when what they saw was basically a full version of Hadrian Corvus Black. The man made a gesture and three comfortable armchairs…
Yes, well, I have a question. Why the hell do you look like my husband? And although it's okay, I'll believe that you're death and all that shit, I'd like to know why you chose my husband from all the possibilities.'' Ashara looked hard at the being. If he was taking it because it was a joke, he would be angry in many ways. But if the guy was just trying to choose a friendly image he could understand it even if it was a little.
''Mmm and here I thought your first question would be What the hell are we doing here? Or better yet, why do I only remember right now who I really am? However, you choose the question of the reason why I chose the face of the man you married. Don't worry, it's not to seduce you. I am a firm man who respects all that about marriage in which two souls are united even in death''. The being laughed funny. Truth be told, he could have chosen many aspects but this one brought back good memories.
"We have those questions and many more. For example, you have forgotten the question How have I maintained the effects of the rituals I suffered as a child on my person? When you die, you lose your rituals and everything. In addition to that I think there are more questions but as my wife has asked you I would like to know what the reason is and everything. Thank you for saying that you don't want to seduce her''. At least the guy wasn't plotting to cheat and use his wife.
"Well, let's start. It's the least I can do. Well, first stop. Why do I look like your husband? Well, let's start with the theory of the multiverse. The multiverse implies a lot of universes that imply that they derive from a so-called main universe. So as it is natural if there is a main universe you come to the basic conclusion that I am your self from that main universe, isn't it nice?''. The theory was good and everything.
"Are you saying you're Harry? Well, I can see it. The appearance and all that means in a nutshell that you are the main Harry but then what is my husband? What am I? Are we just insignificant copies of what your universe was basically? Because if that's the case, I tell you to fuck off and leave us alone for once. Ashara was not afraid of this being if it was true that it was Harry.
''Sip. I'm the original One so to speak. No. There are no copies. Every life is a different universe, do you get it? In any case, each new universe originates from different and unique possibilities that affect people in it. For example, in my universe I stayed with my aunt who was the bitch of bitches. I lived a life of manipulations and hell. Everything to become the great herald. The fourth rider. All that shit. I'm the guy who was lucky enough to become the first master of death and with that the S-class shit that attracted everyone in my line of existence was mounted.'' The truth is that his story was shit. Why didn't he sleep with his eyes open when they told him that magic could do anything?
"We are the fruit of other alternatives that could have had an effect on the original universe. Well, that's better that they tell you that you're a copy, but why do you say that that you're supposedly the one who screwed up for the whole assembly line? I haven't seen any effect of being the master of death. It's just a title, nothing more''. Hariric could almost feel the headache when he saw the other Harry almost looking like he was about to have an attack.
"Well, let's start with a fact. Each of the relics was intended to test a person. The layer proves what one's instincts of conservation are. You can always use it and see it as a tool or leave it aside. The stone tests the resistance to the loss of one. And the wand tests the resistance to one's power. To say it, basically I resisted the three and then I was the idiot in charge who denied the power that the three damn things grant you just for what were the manipulations of an old shitty focha''. The memory of that day still haunted him.
"Let me see if I have it in one. You won the power of the three because you resisted them. It resists living hidden all your life. You resisted calling your loved ones. You resisted fucking with everyone who fucked you. And when the time came for that union of power, you simply said to fuck off, isn't it?''. Ashara almost made a grimace. A Gryffindour. The first version of her husband had been a fucking lion. He wasn't surprised that he fucked her so big.
''Bingo. So I died... and I met the great boss. The aunt who makes everyone shit their pants with her presence. And the aunt was furious. It turns out that the master term of death is for those who have managed to resist the temptations of death and then accept it. I rejected it because of a sense that no one should be powerful and death is obviously not happy so I destroyed the image I had of my fucking life''. That was the worst moment of his existence.
"I feel that your life was shit but that doesn't explain in the slightest because according to you that ended up fucking all versions of yourself for what was basically the future". Hariric felt sorry. I really felt her... but if he had been so fucking idiotic to be gullible and confident when he didn't know anyone, he didn't know anything about anyone and what's more important he had zero idea of the world then frankly only he and nothing but him was to blame for it.
Oh, don't be sorry. I screwed up. Lose. And well, I have to be. Anyway, it was shit because you see, there was only supposed to be a master of death, do you get it? Throughout the multiverse and all that was only one death and only one master of death. As punishment, you could say that I am the head of administration of DEATH INC. In short, every time one of my me who reaches the rank of master of death instead of succeeding the previous one gets to work for me. I've been around for a long time. And it's complete shit''. And it was. It was the shitty job.
"So every time a Harry reaches the degree of master of death he was supposed to succeed the previous one. But since you screwed up, they punished you as an administrator and then every time one reaches the degree, the guy has to work in the organisation. I think I can say it's shit. And well, my husband is one of those who exceed everyone's expectations''. It wasn't a lie. Her husband had a fucking gift for destroying everyone's existence.
"Aha girl. That's how it is. Every time a Harry of Potter descendants reached the degree of being able to use the relics if he accepted them he became what he was in a few words one more employee of my august body. If the guy didn't get them together, it's okay. If the guy got them together but he was an idiot like me, well, let's say it was bad. But only one in ten is an idiot in that sense and always for the same fucking reason''. It was shit. Why didn't those versions realise that for evil to flourish, the good guys just have to stay still and be good guys?
"Well, the explanation is detailed. I guess now I'm going to the important thing. Why am I here? It's not that I'm wrong with the idea of a reincarnation but let's say I'm curious''. Hariric obviously wanted to know but what he didn't expect was the smile of his other version.
"But what a more obvious question. You're here for one thing only: to save the world.''