Her Eternal Excellency (Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon)

[Taalomon]

Targaryens done goofed!

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

Those who like the premise of a strong main character like Ei will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.

—
​

12 YA

Storm's End

"These Essosi are sure arrogant." Saiguu grumbled, reading the report over Ei's shoulder.

It detailed the discrimination several merchants had faced in Tyrosh in regard to their wares being deemed inferior because they were made in the Storm Kingdom.

"Indeed." Ei remembered the day they had sent envoys in great secrecy, trying to buy her protection.

—
​

Flashback

3 YA

Ei watched the envoys of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh speak over each other in an attempt to curry favor with her.

"Enough." A small amount of her power leaked, and the envoys stiffened up, falling silent.

So arrogant.

"The Tyroshi envoy will speak first." Ei declared, waiting to see if anyone was foolish enough to challenge her.

She had decided on Tyrosh for the sole fact that the envoy arrived earlier than the others.

The assured looks of the envoys fell, and the Tyroshi man approached first. His confident grin wavered, but regardless, he presented Tyrosh's case.

"Your Excellency, Tyrosh is face-to-face with the aggression of the Targaryen barbarians." The envoy's speech was mostly about insulting the dragonlords while praising Tyrosh and its mercantile ways, which could offer a lot of trade to the Storm Kingdom.

The Myrish and the Lyseni envoys spoke of much the same, as if they weren't allies against the Targaryens, each one seeking protection for their city.

They did not name it that way, of course, lest their pride be hurt, rather choosing to speak of the opportunities their cities could offer, which would be lost if the Targaryens conquered Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.

Expensive gifts were also brought forward, and after the Lyseni envoy finished his piece, Saiguu burst into laughter.

"Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, civilized? You are slavers, living in cities built by people that were only saved by their filthy blood magic from turning into animals wearing human skin because of their inbreeding, about to be conquered by the last remaining vestige of ancient Valyria."

"And here you are, trying to earn the protection of a god, yet arrogance drips from every word that spills out of your lips as if you have anything worth our time." Saiguu flashed an innocent smile, speaking as if the envoys were children, clear signs that she was mocking them.

"I could not have said it better myself." Ei raised her shoulders faintly.

Saiguu waved her hand, and a small disposition circle sent the envoys and their gifts back to the docks.

It was a little trick of hers, one that she used in her pranks, but with her greater power now, Saiguu could do a lot more than just switch the places of small objects.

—
​

The envoys had promptly left after that, insulted at the treatment they received, and Ei was petty enough to send small clouds to follow the ships, pouring rain straight down into the ships day and night.

Handing the latest reports from Essos back to Jocelyn, Ei turned her attention to the annual report of the academy.

Everything was going excellently. The classes had settled into a pace where both the teachers and the learners discovered new knowledge every day, and with the tidbits they taught whenever available, the academy would overtake Citadel in no time.

A sore point for the lords of the Reach, especially the Hightowers.

—
​

While the land grew richer with villages, towns, and cities, so did the number of people living in the kingdom. Smallfolk of the North, the Vale, and the Kingdom of the Rock were moving to the Storm Kingdom for a better life.

Especially due to the laws protecting the lives, homes, livestock, and everything the people owned, regardless of their birth, as well as promising fair wages to all workers. This meant that the nobles could not exploit the smallfolk as they wished.

The neighboring kingdoms faced the trouble of losing their farmers and laborers, forcing them to pass similar laws, which faced outrage from the nobles, something that the nobles of the Storm Kingdom could not afford to do.

The bounty of the seas, from new merchant ships to fishing fleets, was also bringing great coin to the Storm Kingdom. Trade wasn't the only face of it, as Her Excellency wished to build a royal navy to protect the seas and the vessels of the kingdom.

—
​

Essos

The lull in the conquest of the Targaryens saw the birth of two children to High Archon Aegon I. A daughter from Visenya, named Aleryse, and a son from Rhaenys, Vhamond, born three months apart.

Rhaenys had softened up with the birth of her son, while Visenya was hoping for a son as well. As was the custom, the children would be betrothed once grown, and for now, their dynasty was secure.

However, internal strife in the empire was not over. The dissidents, mostly nobles whose slaves had been freed and their brethren punished to death, had taken great care to stay hidden.

Different gathering places, masks, false names, tunnels beneath houses, and absolute secrecy were the measures they had taken for protection while discussing what to do about the Targaryens.

Wild plots were thrown around, from assassinating the Targaryens either with a blade in the shadows or poison to finding sorcerers to curse them with the foulest of magic.

But reason prevailed, and one young man laid down a well-thought-out plan. The Valyrian Empire was recovering, but slowly, and if the nobles were to put their wealth together, they could assume great power in the empire.

The Council of the Nine was founded that day, and the nobles were quick to act. The burned parts of the cities were bought for a pittance and built with their wealth to produce goods solely under their control.

Everything the empire needed for the conquest—clothes, weapons, and foodstuff—they produced and sold to the imperial house, strengthening their place in the empire.

The Targaryens were pleased that their empire was recovering and turned their attention to Volantis, unaware of the trouble brewing at home.

—
​

The attempts to fix the trade of the empire had worked to a certain point. The rest was a matter of time. The loans from the Iron Bank would take time to pay back, and the Storm Kingdom was growing in trade each day, cutting into their coffers.

Queen Argella's protection of Braavos was another matter, and the Targaryens decided to return the favor by creating ties with the Vale, the Westerlands, and the North to reduce the Storm Kingdom's trade.

It had mixed results.

The Vale was receptive, for the wealth of the new Valyrian Empire was too great to not trade, and the Vale of Arryn was becoming set apart from its neighbors. They would not take arms against Argella Durrandon, but it would be preferable to buy goods from the Valyrians rather than from the lands of a false god that had trampled upon the Faith of the Seven.

The North was accepting of the trade too, but not at the expense of paying more coin for the same goods. The Kingdom of the Rock was making good use of the canal and had the best relations with the Storm Kingdom, so the Targaryens did not have much to offer.

It was an attempt bound to fail.

—
​

The internal strife in the empire had been culled but not solved entirely. Consort Visenya, after informing her husband and sister of her plans, created the Umbasāeksagonī, the Shadow Watchers.

They were created to be the eyes and ears of the imperial family across the empire, keeping them abreast of important events while foiling plots against House Targaryen.

It was they who had first become aware of a gathering of wealthy nobles, but not the names involved, nor where the gathering took place. Visenya, worried about a possible thorn on the side of the empire, had sent her fledgling watchers to find these nobles.

Only for them to come up with empty hands. The leads went nowhere, and the previous informants had suddenly decided that they were wrong in their words.

Visenya did not believe it for one second and always had the Umbasāeksagonī keep one eye on the nobles.

When word of it spread, it became commonplace among the people to believe that there was a shadowy group threatening the rulers of the empire behind the curtains.

The Council of the Nine did not wish to risk being revealed and created watchers of their own to keep the empire's dogs at bay while silencing any loose mouths.

They had even attempted to establish a foothold in Westeros, specifically the Storm Kingdom, but that ended horribly for them.

—
​

The Storm's End

Chiyo frowned.

A ship had recently arrived in the city, not to trade, but to buy. Warehouses, homes, and production areas—they were trying to buy it all in silence, but there was a reason she had been tasked with keeping an eye on the arrivals from Essos.

Usually, it was a boring job, but one Ei had felt was vital, and perhaps today was the day it paid off.

—
​

The people under her command were tasked to watch the buyers very closely, and after several days, their reports were concerning.

Distant members and attendants of several different noble families in Essos were acting as one entity in their attempt to buy land and property, and combined with the news from across the Narrow Sea, it appeared these shadowy figures in the Valyrian Empire were real.

Or at least, the nobles were attempting to establish a presence in the kingdom.

—
​

"My lady, the targets have realized they were being watched and are sailing away after abandoning everything." The captain of the First Divine Eye rushed in, reporting the situation with an urgent tone.

"Oh well, as long as they are gone." Chiyo turned her attention to the papers before her, but the captain's next words had her left eye twitching in fury.

"They also killed one of our own."

"Huh, you don't say?"

Chiyo left the warehouse for the docks, watching the ship sail away after shedding the blood of her subordinate, thinking they could escape.

She planted one foot back, her hand on her sword, eyes closed in concentration as Chiyo bent low.

The stone ground cracked, sending chips of rocks flying around, and she disappeared from sight with a great gust of wind. Fast enough that she could move without breaking the surface tension in each leap, Chiyo's electro vision glowed, and she pulled her sword.

The sky darkened for a second as the electro surged forward, extending her sword long enough to cut through the ship from the back of the hull to the front. The sailors below the deck were bisected, and the top half of the vessel slid off into the sea.

Chiyo finished it by using the floating hull to jump back to the dock, the shockwave sending the remaining half of the ship forcefully beneath the waves.

Her landing was more graceful than the jump, sparing the docks from further damage.

—
​

Ei considered Chiyo's words. She did not care about the rumors of a shadowy cabal in Essos trying to weaken the Targaryens as long as those rumors stayed across the Narrow Sea.

But now that her friend suspected that they were here, it changed her feelings.

"Have we caught any of them?"

"Three survivors from the ship. They were very forthcoming once Saiguu took over." Turning one of the men into a mouse and letting a cat chase him around had loosened their stiff tongues.

It was amusing too.

"Hang the two, send one of them to Essos with a message. If I hear even a whisper that they are trying something like this again, I will tear that continent apart until every single one of them is dead." She truly didn't wish to start another war, especially one between the continents.

Chiyo rolled her shoulders gently. "I don't have high hopes for these nobles, but as you wish." They might just be stupid enough to try this again, but she would be there.

—
​

Essos

Once the sole survivor had returned from the Storm Kingdom with the tidings that they were forced to reveal everything and the God-Queen's warning, the Council agreed to ban any further attempts to infiltrate the domain of Argella Durrandon.

The word that the Crimson Maiden had destroyed a ship from Pentos had the Shadow Watchers on alert, and they sought the only survivor.

He was found hanging from the ceiling of his home, with a letter claiming he could not handle the things he had seen in the Storm Kingdom, once again leaving the eyes and ears of the Targaryens without answers.

However, it was shadowed by the plans of conquering Volantis, the most populous as well as one of the richest of the Free Cities, and their hardest battle was yet to come.

The Black Wall that protected the heart of Volantis, two hundred feet high and so thick that annual chariot races were held at the top of it, was entirely made of fused dragonstone. Even if the outskirts fell, without the heart of the city, the Targaryens could not call themselves the conquerors of Volantis.

There was one way they could get through the wall, and it was to have the assistance of the Temple of the Lord of Light.

The priestess that had broken the curse on Balerion had assured them that the temple would be willing to assist, provided Targaryens declared all other religions as false and lies. That was a cost too high to pay, as it would definitely lead to revolts.

Which is why they began to seek a different path.

Envoys were sent, as customary, to treat with the triarchs in the hopes of bringing them into the fold peacefully. The terms this time were more generous, promising that Volantis would rule itself while swearing loyalty to the Targaryens and paying tribute. Any slaves they had now could be kept, but no further ones could be taken.

Volantis would be tied to the empire on foreign matters while ruling itself as it always had.

The triarchs considered the offer, with debates lasting for days, and answered with their own terms. Everything the Targaryens said would be accepted, but if they were to abandon slaves, there would have to be more concessions on trade, taxes, and tributes.

With five slaves for every free man in the city, Volantis was the key to the slave trade. The triarchs wanted lower taxes than all other cities, which could not be changed, and no fees or tolls for merchants, traders, and ships hailing from Volantis.

One final term was a pact of marriage. A female from the elephant faction would wed Vhamond and become the sole consort of the High Archon, and Princess Aleryse would be the bride of one of the old families of the tiger faction, a compromise to keep both factions happy.

Now, it was time for the Targaryens to consider the terms and make their decision on whether to parley further or declare war.

—
​

In the next chapter:
The parley between the Targaryens and the Triarchs went on for two years, with offers sent back and forth. When Volantis agreed to abandon slaves in return for lower taxes, exemption from tolls, and such, which would make the city barely a part of the empire.

The entire point of the discussions, in essence, was haggling over coin.

Volantis, more like the elephant faction Triarchs, wanted compensation for their largest source of coin being abandoned, but the Targaryens weren't willing to give the amount they desired.

Both parties weren't idle while treating. House Targaryen kept working on improving the state of their realm, mostly choosing to increase trade between the cities and with Westeros as a whole and rooting out dissidents, as well as preparing their hosts for Volantis.




Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.

 

[Taalomon]

*Targaryens continuing being mediocre and successfully failing.*

*Argella (Raiden) content to just vibe with success.*

 

[KHD6]

Thank you for another great chapter looking forward to seeing the next one

 

[Samael61]

*Targaryens continuing being mediocre and successfully failing.*

*Argella (Raiden) content to just vibe with success.*

Click to shrink...

Thank you for another great chapter looking forward to seeing the next one

Click to shrink...

Thank you both for your support.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

Those who like the premise of a strong main character like Ei will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.

—
​

14 YA

Essos

The parley between the Targaryens and the Triarchs went on for two years, with offers sent back and forth. When Volantis agreed to abandon slaves in return for lower taxes, exemption from tolls, and such, which would make the city barely a part of the empire.

The entire point of the discussions, in essence, was haggling over coin.

Volantis, more like the elephant faction Triarchs, wanted compensation for their largest source of coin being abandoned, but the Targaryens weren't willing to give the amount they desired.

Both parties weren't idle while treating. House Targaryen kept working on improving the state of their realm, mostly choosing to increase trade between the cities and with Westeros as a whole and rooting out dissidents, as well as preparing their hosts for Volantis.

To that end, more engineers were gathered in one place than anytime in the wars of the last couple of centuries.

Volantis wasn't waiting either. The tiger faction, old nobles and warriors bent on war and conquest, was gaining power due to the threat posed by the dragonlords as the city prepared for war.

There were even rumors that two tigers might ascend during the next triarch elections, something unheard of from the beginning of the Century of Blood.

The elephant faction was worried, since through trade and loans, they had more influence on the city, but with the free people afraid of war, the tigers were taking more place in their minds.

It made dealing with the Targaryens all the more difficult.

Seeing this as an opportunity to regain more power, the tiger faction was more belligerent in their parleys with the Valyrian Empire, refusing terms outright without offering anything in return, and used their "stance against the dragonlords and willingness to fight till victory" to gather more support.

The relations soured, and eventually, it was war.

—
​

The tiger faction sought sorcerers as Qohor had done before their loss and also used it to further push the elephant faction.

Sorcerers required great wealth to hire, which the elephant faction had but wasn't willing to use. Branding them cowards, penny pinchers, and many other names, tigers forced the elephants to contribute to the hiring of sorcerers by turning the people against them.

The elephants weren't idle, however; since the tigers were the reason there was to be a war against the Targaryens, they had to be fighting on the front, lest the shouts of cowardice be turned to them.

In addition, as the elephant faction consisted of merchants and money lenders, they dragged the tigers into debt by forcing them to buy supplies for war from them as well as loans.

The struggle between the factions was weakening their preparations against the Targaryens, but eventually, it was set aside, because if the new Valyrian Empire took Volantis, a bleak future awaited them.

A runaway from Yi-Ti, claiming to be an alchemist of great talent, was one of those who offered his talents for a hefty price.

Unsure at first, they let the strange man display his talents.

When the barrel he had brought, filled with a black powder, was lit and tore an entire room apart, they were very sure of retaining the man's alchemy.

The alchemist also offered an idea: to fill long and wide hollow pipes with the black powder and sharp metal pieces. Once the black powder was lit, it would fire the objects with great speed and cover a wide area, perhaps enough to harm the dragons or at least their riders.

The idea was great on parchment, but issues quickly arose while making the exploding pipes.

If the pipes were too thin, they would be torn apart, but if too thick, moving them was cumbersome. The pipes could only be used slowly because using them too often widened the mouth of the pipe, causing the shots to slow down and disperse too much.

Further use without cooling them down was proven to be a fatal error, as the black powder was lit too early, and the cast iron pipe was torn apart, killing several men.

Bronze, cast and wrought iron, as well as steel from the Iron Works of the Storm Kingdom, were tried.

Cast and wrought iron were cheap, but the pipes tended to explode and be damaged quickly, while bronze was reliable and handled the heat better but was expensive.

The steel was the best, but just that much more expensive even with how cheap it was compared to before, leaving the triarchs to choose bronze-cast bombards as the weapons were named.

Another issue was the sharp metal pieces launched. Often some were torn inside the bombard, piercing through the bronze, but it was solved by putting a wooden plank inside the pipe and changing the sharp pieces with orbs.

By the time the Targaryen host was at the walls with two dragons above the walls, Volantis only had five bombards and more than enough powder to fire them as long as possible.

Hidden in towers on top of the wall, they waited until Balerion and Vhagar were close enough before lighting the fuses.

With a thunderous choir, the bombards were fired, and in the blink of an eye, Vhagar was going down.

—
​

The Targaryen invasion of Volantis began with Selhorys, Valysar, and Volon Therys, cities in truth but considered towns by the Volantene. They too were walled, though none to match Volantis itself, and the towns fell quickly.

Too quickly.

Feeling something amiss, the Targaryens did not tarry in the cities, which did not have much to offer, as Volantis had already emptied their coffers for safekeeping. The real prize lay further down at the mouth of the River Rhoyne.

With accomplished sorcerers in great numbers to protect them against curses and such, Aegon Targaryen was more hopeful about the battle against Volantis.

Those hopes were dashed like a rotten apple to a wall when he saw Vhagar go down with his sister-wife.

—
​

Aegon watched in silence as the she-dragon fell, possibly to her doom, hitting the edge of the wall and causing Visenya to be launched violently forward, on top of the wall.

The fall distance was short, and Visenya rose dazed, bleeding from her nose, and twisted the wrong way, but alive.

The Volantine, seeing a chance to capture the wife of Aegon Targaryen, abandoned their posts, but Aegon was faster, having Balerion perch on top of the wall, unleashing his flames on the soldiers.

Aegon lifted Visenya to his shoulder, with her blood leaking inside his armor, and his wife let out a scream in agony as her arm was jostled. Gritting his teeth, Aegon climbed back on Balerion while carrying the wounded mother of his daughter and took off.

Landing on his camp outside the outer walls, Aegon screamed for healers. Orys rushed to help Aegon down, and they carried Visenya inside the tents.

—
​

"What happened?" Orys asked once Aegon had taken a few sips of wine to calm his heart.

Still shaken by what he had witnessed, it took Aegon several minutes to gather his thoughts and answer, "I… I don't know. They must have done some sort of sorcery, something I have never seen before. One second we almost set everyone on top of the walls on fire, the next, I heard a sound akin to a lightning strike near me, and Vhagar went down. I barely saved Visenya."

"Damn it. What now?" Their plan was to set everything inside the Black Walls on fire, breaking the enemy's spirit while keeping the rest of the city safe.

Now, they had most likely lost a dragon, and Visenya was fighting for her life.

"I'll go there and finish this myself." Aegon rose, face red with fury and the blood of his wife.

Orys ran after Aegon, stepping in his path, "Wait, stop."

"Out of my way," Aegon demanded.

"If they use the same magic on you, you may die, or worse, be taken as a prisoner. If you are lost to us, this war is over." And the empire, of course, because Rhaenys alone wouldn't be able to handle the weight of everything, not while vultures were circling over their heads.

Aegon shook Orys off, turning back. Nails digging into his palms, Aegon overthrew the desk, letting out a scream in frustration.

—
​

While Visenya was wounded, she would survive, except for one thing.

Her left arm was mangled, and the healers saw no choice but to cut it off. Aegon was silent upon hearing what the healers wanted to do and latched onto the throat of one, almost choking the man to death before he was separated.

No matter who he spoke to, they all said the same thing.

Either the arm would go, or Visenya's life would be in danger.

—
​

Aegon knew Visenya would be furious for what he had allowed, but better alive and furious than dead.

Now, he and the commanders of his host were discussing whether to retreat or press on.

The choice was clear, and against the words of caution his commanders gave, Aegon ordered an attack, starting by destroying the outer walls and pushing into the city.

The host moved over the broken and soot-covered ruins of the wall, seeking the enemy, but found none. Believing that the enemy had taken shelter closer to the Black Wall and moved as one for safety.

It was a mistake.

The ground burst up with the sound of thunder, smoke, and flames, shredding thousands of men to mincemeat and wounding thousands more, tearing off arms and legs, and leaving stone parts embedded in the bodies of the living.

It was a nightmare of blood and viscera, with the smell of burnt meat.

A significant chunk of the twenty-five thousand men were gone in an instant, either dead or severely wounded.

—
​

First, they had lost a dragon, barely able to kill a dozen men, and second, seven thousand men were out of the battle without even seeing a single enemy.

Whatever magic the Volantine had, it was too strong, but Aegon was too furious to retreat. He was about to order a third attack, sending mules and other animals to trigger the traps first, but the spirits of his men were broken.

For three days, Orys Baratheon pleaded with Aegon to retreat from Volantis while securing their gains so far and preparing for the next battle, and at the end of the three days, he agreed, only when Visenya was burning with fever.

The First Battle of Volantis resulted in the defeat of the Targaryens, but not completely, for they still held Volon Therys, Valysar, and Selhorys.

Volantis, however, weren't willing to let go of their towns so easily and sent an envoy to the Targaryens, someone disposable, offering to return Vhagar's remains in return for the complete Targaryen withdrawal from their lands.

Visenya, having fought off her fever, pleaded with her husband for the bones of her dragon, though rumors persisted that some strong words had been spoken between husband and wife.

Regardless, once the Targaryens left the towns, it became clear that Volantis had done what the other cities could not: killed a dragon and severely wounded one of High Archon Aegon's wives.

—
​

Westeros

The Storm Kingdom

Storm's End

14 YA

Today was a terrible day, and even the weather showed it.

Argilac Durrandon, the previous Storm King, father to Argella Durrandon, the Storm Queen, the God of Thunder and Eternity, the Conqueror of the Riverlands, Dorne, Blackwater Bay, and the Reach, and the Slayer of the Drowned God, was dead.

The morning of the day had found the previous king dead on his bed from old age.

Sixty-one years old, Argilac had been indulging in wine, food, and such ever since peace reigned across the kingdom. At first, his usual spars with his sons had kept him in one piece, but as he got older, the spars became less frequent while merriment increased.

The Silent Sisters had taken the body to prepare for the funeral, while Argall, Argos, and Selena were crying in their own way. Argall was trying to keep it in, acting as he believed a prince should, while Argos had locked himself in a room.

Selena was crying her heart out.

As for Ei, she too felt great sadness for Argilac's passing, but she knew he wouldn't want people to cry after him.

Rather, she was sure that wherever his soul was, her mortal father would demand that they laugh, remember his battles, victories, losses, good and bad days, and drink in his honor.

However, it was important to let everyone handle it their way.

"It is alright to cry, for crying is to be alive." Ei laid her hand on Argall's shoulder, and the young man looked at her, eyes glistening, but too stubborn to cry.

"Then why don't you?"

"Because our father would want us to smile, and while I am sad, I will honor his memory as a warrior, a father, a husband, a king, and most importantly, as family."

Argall nodded, finally letting his tears fall while Ei gathered him in her arms.

—
​

The funeral was for two weeks later while Argilac's body was kept from decaying through magic. There were many who wished to attend, mostly his peers, and those that wished to pay their respect to the man that had kept the Storm Kingdom from falling apart before Argella Durrandon revived it.

They were there as family, standing at the front, while her friends were at the back with the guests.

The Septon began a long-winded speech, though she was too lost in her memories to listen.

—
​

Eventually, Argilac was laid to rest, and it was time for the feast.

True to her word, Ei honored Argilac's memory by telling stories of his victory against Garse, his decisions in trusting her, and more.

His peers spoke of the battle in Essos, of Argilac's valor and strength, his honor and generosity.

Slowly but surely, the mood became less somber.

—
​

After the feast, she was told of the latest events in Essos.

The Targaryens had taken a great blow from Volantis, which had killed one of their beasts and severely wounded Visenya Targaryen, as well as killing or wounding around seven thousand men through loud and flashy sorcery.

"You know, I think it is more likely that these triarchs found a way to make explosives." Which was a problem, at least for the Targaryens.

Sasayuri did not like any of them, but the Targaryens were better by leagues.

Ei rolled her shoulders. "Maybe, or maybe it is sorcery. Either way, have ships stationed near the Stepstones. The victory might make Volantis bold, and I don't wish to see slavers near my lands."

Sasayuri took out a paper and a pen, something Ei had to create after quills and brushes had become too cumbersome, and wrote down the orders to prepare the royal navy to patrol the Stepstones for any signs of pirates, slavers, and other outlaws.

Essos was heating up with trouble, but for now, she would drink in Argilac's memory.

—
​

In the next chapter:

"Enough," Aegon slammed his hands on the desk, and Rhaenys took a step back, not expecting her husband to scream out of nowhere, while Visenya stood her ground, "No more of your Shadow Watchers. You will not command them anymore."



Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.

 

[Samael61]

Good morning, good evening and good night.

Commander Shepard : The Greatest to Ever Live is over as I have written the last chapter on my Patreon / patreon.com/Samael61

As such, I want to write a new story.

The options are the same as last time.

Anakin Skywalker : The Sorcerer Supreme - Star Wars X MCU

Mortal Considerations : Hela X OMC Human - MCU

Izuku Midoriya : The Champion - BNHA x League of Legends

You can check the Pilot Chapters for each one on AO3 or in my Patreon page for free to help your decision.

During the last vote, Anakin Skywalker : The Sorcerer Supreme was number two after Loki : The God of Magic. I considered writing it, but since then, we have grown much as a community, so I wish to give everyone the chance to decide.

The poll will be up for three days.

 

[Wild Transient]

Mortal Considerations : Hela X OMC Human - MCU

 

[geronimo2410]

Anakin Skywalker : The Sorcerer Supreme - Star Wars X MCU

 

[Samael61]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/76255891/chapters/199569101 here is my AO3 link for the pilot chapters incase of trouble with Patreon, as it often happens.

 

[Fang_21]

Anakin Skywalker : The Sorcerer Supreme - Star Wars X MCU

 

[Ninecleavers]

Anakin Skywalker : The Sorcerer Supreme - Star Wars X MCU

 

[Samael61]

Greetings, one and all.

The next story has been decided. With sixty percent of the votes, Anakin Skywalker: The Sorcerer Supreme will be our next work. The first two chapters will be posted this Saturday in honor of it. We will continue with regular updates after that.

See you all this Saturday; stay tuned for any updates.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

Readers who enjoy the premise of a strong main character like Ei will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.

Note: The first two chapters of Anakin Skywalker : Sorcerer Supreme are out. Don't forget to check my profile after I post everything else.

—
​

16 YA

Essos

House Targaryen was reeling from the swift defeat handed to them by Volantis, forced to turn their attention to keeping the Empire from fracturing.

The cities they had conquered so far were restless, as Vhagar's death and Visenya's lost arm proved that the skies were no longer safe and that neither Targaryen nor dragon was invincible.

The Shadow Watchers were spreading all over the empire, rooting out dissidents. This time, Visenya Targaryen was more ruthless, and her way of ensuring the empire's safety had changed greatly.

Rather, she was obsessed with protecting her family, and no cost was too great for it.

Even mere whispers of treason, whether true or false, were enough for people to vanish. Nobles, merchants, and common-born could all disappear in the darkness of the night, never to be heard from again.

An air of fear and oppression settled over the empire, and the subjects of the High Archon became terrified to even utter his name, worried that a misunderstanding might lead to their disappearance as well.

It actually helped forge a bond between ancient rivals to protect one another against the Shadow Watchers, but not everyone shared the same belief.

There were those who used the unquestioning nature of the Shadow Watchers for their own good.

Rival merchants, enemies, priests, and even common people who were targets of envious looks were reported to the Umbasāeksagonī, becoming an instrument used to discretely kill or imprison innocents because people whose only crime was to be disliked by their fellow men.

When you are more hated than feared, it will blow back on you.

Too many family members gathered together over their shared grief, and it set the sparks for violent mobs, starting with Myr and spreading to Lys and Tyrosh.

People were chanting curses against Visenya Targaryen, wishing for her death and worse.

Homes, taverns, and trade places of the known snitches were set aflame, and those that were caught had been lynched by the mobs, their broken corpses hanged all across the city.

Watchers were dragged through the streets, and when the guards attempted to save them, it only inflamed the crowds.

No one would be safe until their thirst for revenge was sated.

By the time word had reached the High Archon of the events, he found three of his cities in a state of open rebellion.

—
​

"Enough," Aegon slammed his hands on the desk, and Rhaenys took a step back, not expecting her husband to scream out of nowhere, while Visenya stood her ground, "No more of your Shadow Watchers. You will not command them anymore."

"I created the Shadow Watchers from nothing. You will not take it from me." Visenya's cold visage did not waver even when Aegon loomed over her.

Aegon, however, only raised his voice further, "Your Watchers are taking people based on nothing more than word of mouth, and three cities are aflame with crowds screaming for your death."

"Then they are traitors," she said.

"They are people whose families were killed because you were searching for knives in the shadows, but I have yet to hear you discover any plots against us. All you have so far are corpses and people rotting in dungeons," Aegon finished, drawing deep breaths as the red slowly faded from his face.

"You will no longer lead the Watchers," he declared. "Consider yourself fortunate I don't put them all to the sword."

"To appease the people?" Visenya asked.

"What other choice do I have? Burn down three cities to put an end to these uprisings?" Aegon slouched on his chair, looking at the ceiling.

He poured himself a goblet of wine and took a sip. "We might as well pack our belongings and return to Dragonstone."

Qohor was a shadow of its former glory, and if Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh followed, only Pentos, Norvos, and Lorath would remain to keep the empire alive.

"You are bitter over Vhagar and your arm, I understand."

Her face cracked, and she averted her eyes. "You understand nothing."

"But," Aegon pointed his finger at his wife's face, "you will not take it out on the people and risk destroying this empire before it is even built."

"Are my words clear to you, wife?" He emphasized the final word.

"It is, husband."

Visenya left Aegon and Rhaenys alone.

"Sometimes, I think we should have just stayed on Dragonstone." Aegon shook his head and filled his cup again.

"Yet, we cannot change the past." Rhaenys touched the scar that ran down from her brow to her chin.

"Guards." Aegon called, and one of the men outside the door came in and knelt.

"Summon Lord Orys immediately."

The guard left, and Orys came in before he could finish the wine.

"My lord High Archon." His champion began to kneel, but Aegon waved him to the chair.

"I want you to bring your most trustworthy man." Aegon said. "Have him take over the Shadow Watchers."

"As you command."

"Release the prisoners taken by the Watchers. Return the bodies of the dead, if they can be found." Aegon ordered.

"Most are burned, I believe." Orys had been keeping an eye on Visenya's Watchers ever since they had attempted to take the men under his command.

"Have some of the Watchers put to the sword or sent to the gallows, and blame them for the missing people."

There would be concessions—displays of justice—before he would consider dragonfire to quell the rebels.

If only he hadn't dismissed Visenya's Watchers as mere informants, none of this would have happened.

—
​

The new commander of the Shadow Watchers started his work by sending orders for all prisoners to be released at once.

Hundreds had been freed, starved, and beaten, but alive. A husband and father collapsed in the arms of his wife and children, never to wake again.

A newlywed wife found her husband, reduced to bone and skin, but alive.

Thousands were dead, bodies burned to ashes and scattered to the wind. While the uprisings had slowed down, they were not over.

Members of the Shadow Watchers, known for their cruelty, were brought before the people. Criers screamed day and night about how these depraved criminals had gone against orders.

Witnesses were brought forward, their fellow Watchers, testifying to their crimes as instructed by their commanders.

Some had begged for mercy, crying that they had been merely obeying orders; others claimed they were threatened.

When all was said and done, crowds had stoned these men to death.

It had worked to cool the running tempers, and once Balerion's shadow loomed over the cities, the mobs had dispersed.

The Watchers had disappeared from sight for the good of everyone. However, they were still around, less conspicuous, but still watching.

Months later, the people were still on edge and very dissatisfied with the High Archon.

The streets were quiet. The people refused to be out unless needed, and when they were, words were spent sparsely. Blacksmiths, bakeries, apothecaries, and tailors all worked only enough to feed their bellies, with nothing to show for taxes.

It would take a long time for life to return to normal.

—
​

Aegon wanted to know what kind of spell the Volantine used to kill Vhagar. He spared no expense—gold or favors. Rewards were promised to those who brought forth the truth about the sorcerer behind the dragon-slaying magic.

Triarchs were extremely careful to keep any prying eyes away from the bombards. Only the most trustworthy of guards were posted to protect the bombards. Ins and outs to Volantis were strictly watched.

Entrance to the heart of Volantis had become all but impossible, requiring special letters.

Elephant and tiger factions began to sell them for large sums, and only to the trustworthy lot.

But not all was good in the city. The tiger faction had grown in fame following the victory against the Targaryens. The elephants, outraged at being left out, reminded the people how victory would not be possible without their wealth to fund the war.

The rivalry between the factions was growing into something more.

Something dangerous.

Yet, they were aware that infighting would mean handing the city to the Targaryens, and tensions simmered, like a black powder keg lit on fire.

The effectiveness of the bombards against the dragons was evident, and the triarchs wanted more, not only on top of the Black Walls but also on the outer walls. The elephants had gone as far as to consider taking loans from the Iron Bank.

However, that would be seen as a loss of their place as the wealthiest of the Free Cities and was promptly refused.

Trade was plunging as the imperial ships were stopping Volantine vessels from crossing into the Stepstones. The Targaryens were careful not to intrude on the God-Queen's waters so they could not petition her for a solution.

Not that she would do anything, as her hatred for slavery was well known.

With the west closed to them, triarchs sent their ships to the east instead, to Yunkai, Meereen, Port Yhos, New Ghis, and Qarth.

A break came when the word of the uprisings in the empire reached the city. The Targaryens were busy putting fires out, only for new ones to arise.

Consort Visenya, in her bid to protect the empire, had weakened its fragile unity, and Volantis could breathe more easily because of it.

The elephant triarchs hatched a plan, both to regain their standing and weaken the Targaryens.

Khal Drozh, leading the largest Khalasar known, numbering close to a hundred thousand, was approached by their envoys. Tribute in the form of the most eye-catching bed slaves, the strongest warhorses, breeding mares, clothes, iron, and steel was brought to the Khal.

All for the sake of an audience.

—
​

Qohor

When the host of freed men that became the unofficial border protectors of the Valyrian Empire saw a Dothraki Khalasar darkening the horizon, they prepared for battle.

When they realized the enemy outnumbered them five to one, the freed men considered escaping. Their commanders decided otherwise, forcing the men to turn back and fight.

Through dozens of battles against Khalasars of different sizes, their numbers had been greatly reduced, even in the face of victory. New recruits arrived in lesser numbers with each group, and they numbered slightly more than twenty thousand total.

The Khalasar was the largest they had seen so far, around a hundred thousand in total.

The border guards fought with great valor, taking a Dothraki rider for each dead of their own, but when the full might of the horse lords slammed into their ranks, there wasn't much to do.

It was a total slaughter.

Qohor, a shadow of its former glory, was left defenseless.

—
​

Word had reached Aegon about a deserter from Volantis. The man, a merchant that had lost his wealth and trade due to an envious noble from the tiger faction, wanted the rewards offered by the empire.

Going north to Qohor in an effort to circumvent his pursuers, the former merchant would arrive in weeks, and Aegon personally wanted to be there.

Instead, he found the people preparing to abandon the city.

Taking Balerion to the skies, he found the cause.

A Dothraki Khalasar, the largest to ever grace Qohor in recent memory, one that had not learned the lessons its kind had.

The dragon cast a great shadow over the horse lords, who had responded with thousands of arrows, none of which could pierce his dragon's scales.

The Dothraki, on the other hand, were very flammable.

Balerion circled over the Khalasar, breathing down a column of fire so immense in size and heat, burning the enemy.

Those that faced flames head-on were charred to ashes in an instant. The surrounding riders, along with their horses, had the misfortune of living longer as their skin blistered and melted.

One hundred thousand riders were dead, with merely a handful making it back to the camp.

The guards left behind to keep the slaves in line barely understood the warnings of their fellow riders before sharing the same fate with the rest.

Aegon Targaryen landed on the remains of the camp, with only slaves and the wealth of the Khal left behind.

—
​

Qohor was safe, and Aegon was greeted with a hero's return.

The people cheered his name, offering him the blessings of their gods, calling him Aegon the Protector.

Ironic.

The slaves freed from the Dothraki had been taken to the city, bringing with them the wealth and food of the now extinct Khalasar.

Aegon, as the victor, had taken everything but the foodstuff, ordering it to be dispersed to the people equally.

It solidified his generosity.

While the people celebrated, Aegon thought.

The merchant was dead.

And with it, his hopes of learning what sorcery Volantis was using.

More importantly, the city needed a protector and a strict hand to raise it from the ashes.

Visenya, who had been confined to the palace, was wallowing in her room. This could be an opportunity to keep her out of sight but also working.

His sister-wife had not agreed at first. Vhagar was dead, and the most mature dragon in Dragonstone was years away from being able to carry a person.

If she went to Qohor, Visenya would only have Dark Sister.

The greater problem was she would not leave Aleryse behind, and Aegon was not willing to let his daughter be taken out of Pentos either. A compromise was reached. Aleryse would be brought to Qohor as soon as Visenya rebuilt the walls and created a host of guards.

She had agreed then, knowing that spending any more time in her room would drive her mad.

Visenya would not go empty-handed either. Aegon had assigned her personal guards, the best Orys could bring before them, coin and goods to use in Qohor, and the promise to send more men once they could be spared.

The people of Qohor were hesitant, however.

There were those in the city that had escaped from the Watchers since their presence in Qohor was non-existent. One had spoken of how his father was taken and never seen again, while another mentioned her son, crippled by the Watchers.

Before she even arrived in Qohor, Visenya was not seen in a good light.

However, Aegon the Protector was the one who had sent her to rebuild the city, and they would trust him.

Her arrival was a silent affair, no grand processions, no celebrations, and not the cheering crowds. Visenya merely passed through the gates and settled in her new home for the foreseeable future.

It did not share the splendor of the palace. Just like most of the city, the manor was not in good condition, but it was the best they had.

Not like she was the type to complain.

As instructed by her husband, she started with the walls. The Dothraki did not have any siege engines, and even the simplest of walls would do.

Visenya had a long task before her.

---

Notes: I know this chapter is all about Essos, but the next one will be about Westeros, and more importantly, Ei.

—
​

In the next chapter:

"Kage," she called her shadow.

The puppet raised her head from over the documents to listen. "See to our mysterious guests."

Ei had already given her the location through their connection.

"Guests?" Saiguu asked while Kage left through the window.

"Yes, I am unfamiliar with what they are." Which was the reason she even noticed them.

It was similar to seeing two grains of rice stand out in a bowl of lentils.



Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.

 

[ATP]

thanks for chapters.Volantis here could develp technology to counter dragons, but it not help against goddess.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

Readers who enjoy the premise of a strong main character like Ei will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for : AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.

—
​

Storm Kingdom

Storm's End

16 YA

Ei, listening to petitions in the throne room, felt something creep at the edge of her senses.

Something inhuman.

It was not strong enough to be considered a danger, merely different, and carried magic. The signature was similar to what she felt from the weirwood trees, and it was approaching Storm's End.

"Kage," she called her shadow.

The puppet raised her head from over the documents to listen. "See to our mysterious guests."

Ei had already given her the location through their connection.

"Guests?" Saiguu asked while Kage left through the window.

"Yes, I am unfamiliar with what they are." Which was the reason she even noticed them.

It was similar to seeing two grains of rice stand out in a bowl of lentils.

"Could be giants, or the Children of the Forest. I have met a tribe of the former, and there is no reason the latter should not exist." Sasayuri said.

Though why they would be here was a mystery.

—
​

Kage saw the guests her creator mentioned. Two child-sized people were just coming out of the forest on the northern side of the Blackwater Rush.

She dove to the ground before them, stopping before hitting dirt. The sudden deceleration displaced the air around, sending the green, leafy cloaks of the unknowns flying off.

They were not humans.

Short, nut-brown-skinned, long, sharp-eared female entities that were the size of a child.

Both bowed, showing respect, but she could not recognize the words when the blond-haired one spoke. Concentrating on the link to Ei, Kage felt the presence of her creator reach out, watching through her eyes.

"I greet the Almighty God of Thunder, the slayer of the Drowned One." The one with freckles came forward, kneeling, and the other merely followed the lead.

"You must be the Children of the Forest. What brings you to my lands?" "Ei," she said through her lips as Kage took a backseat in her own body.

"We seek a sanctuary for the rest of our kind," the Child of the Forest spoke.

"From what?" she asked.

The answer was obvious.

"The Others and their wights."

"Oh, them?" Ei asked. Kage did not hear her creator mention them before, but she knew the Others through the tales.

"Indeed. We could feel it; their cold, lifeless winds cannot reach your lands," she said.

It had been so long since they could walk without feeling the cold winds that carried the magic of the Others.

The small figure's words made her creator stop for a few seconds before she felt her lips move again.

"We should speak face-to-face," Ei said, leaving the control back to Kage.

She scooped the small figures under her arms and took off.

—
​

The petitions for the day were over. With the courts taking a significant chunk of the petitions each day, Ei mostly listened to the most important ones.

It was a way for her to stay connected to the people.

Now, she was free to hear the Children of the Forest in the serenity of the garden. Saiguu had chosen to attend, wanting to see a life form other than humans.

Kage finally appeared over the castle, her journey back taking longer in consideration ofher passengers.

She lowered them to the ground, but they did not get up. Ei thought it might be because the Children of the Forest had never flown before in their lives.

Turns out, they were just admiring the earth.

The garden was handcrafted by Saiguu, with flora from Teyvat and this world mixed together in a little slice of heaven for the five of them.

It was brimming with life due to the power of Naberius, even if it was a small part of her might.

"Don't rush; take your time." Saiguu quipped. She enjoyed having someone else appreciate her work.

The Children composed themselves and bowed. Their eyes lingered on Saiguu, even when addressing Ei.

"My apologies. I am She-who-sings-the-hymn-of-the-trees-in-the-morning-breeze," the Child of the Forest said.

"However, if that is too long, you might call me Leaf," she offered.

Her name was not one of words but a melody, one that the humans could not comprehend.

It would be more convenient to call her Leaf if their desire for a sanctuary werewere to be granted.

"I am Raiden Ei," she gave her first name, "or Argella Durrandon, the Electro Archon andthe Almighty God of Thunder and Eternity."

"You can just call me Lady Saiguu." Saiguu wiggled her fingers.

"So, Leaf, you said to Kage that you were seeking sanctuary? Why come here and not go to the North?" They worshipped the old gods in the North.

The Children of the Forest would find life easier there.

Leaf shook her head. "We do not trust the men. The old gods speak of your benevolence and tolerance for different beliefs."

"That is true. As long as the laws are not broken, which god you worship is none of my concern," she." She nodded.

Except for the abomination named the Drowned God.

The seven nations of Teyvat had an Archon for each nation, and none forced the people to worship them. It was done because of the peace and prosperity the gods had brought to the land.

Each nation had subjects of other Archons living on their territory without any issues.

Except for Tsaritsa's subjects.

The worshippers of the Seven Who Are One went on with their lives, having not faced any backlash for the mistakes of the High Septon.

If the Children wished to live on her lands, there was no reason to refuse.

"However, if you are living beyond the Wall, how will you all travel here?" Saiguu asked. Two Children of the Forest walking all the way from beyond the Wall to the Storm Kingdom was possible.

The entirety of their kind walking the same route without discovery wasn't.

"We were hoping for your generosity,"." She Leaf said. Otherwise, it would be another long and arduous journey.

"Let's take them." Saiguu leaned over, whispering to Ei.

"Why?"

"They are connected to nature, and I am connected to life as a whole." Saiguu said, "I might just figure out more about my powers by observing them."

Ei saw no reason to deny Saiguu her wish.

"Very well. How many of you are there?" Ei asked. Ships could be sent beyond the Wall, escorted by the Thunder Dragon. Leaf could then bring the rest of her kind to the vessels and sail back.

"Fifty," she said.

Both deities felt a pang of pain to know that an entire race was reduced to a handful of members.

"Anything you wish to take with you?" Ei had an idea, and if the Children did not have much in the way of luggage, they could be brought to the kingdom in days.

"Some saplings and tools." Leaf explained.

Her kind lived off nature and could create a home anywhere, as long as they had the saplings.

"You will be guests for a couple of days. I shall prepare something to swiftly move you all at once," she declared.

This would be a less costly affair than imagined.

"May we stay in the garden? The nature here is unlike any we have seen," Leaf requested. She was relieved that their long and dangerous journey was worth it in the end.

Saiguu grinned. "Of course you two can."

—
​

Transporting the Children of the Forest was a simple matter.

Sending ships for fifty of them was a waste of resources, and it would be slow. The Thunder Dragon could easily carry that many child-sized individuals, along with their tools and saplings.

With some modifications.

Increasing the puppet's length and adding an enclosed cabin with passenger seats, the dragon would make an excellent transport vehicle.

She had enough processed wood for the job to start right away.

—
​

"You made the dragon into a carrier? Nice," generosity,""Nice,"Chiyo bobbed her head. "We can make the inside larger and just take rides in the sky while having tea."

A tea party in the sky? Ei thought, "Not the reason I made those modifications, but it is a good idea."

"Who is going then?" Sasayuri asked. She was the only one familiar with the lands beyond the Wall and"Nice,"Wall and would go if instructed.

Saiguu pushed Kage inside the cabin. "Me and Kage, you girls just wait."

—
​

The Lands Beyond the Wall

Saiguu whistled.

There was a stark contrast between the inside of the cabin and the outside. Fierce, biting winds, with a void in them, trying to smother life.

Must be the Others.

Leaf took them to the entrance of the caves, but the fox goddess shook her head. "I am not crawling in there."

"Should I widen the entrance for you?" Kage asked. It would take a couple of swings to cut through the stone and dirt.

"Let's just wait for these two to bring the rest of them out," Saiguu said. There was no need for it.

With nothing better to do, she merely set to watch the snow-covered forest.

"I should have brought tea," she grumbled. They didn't even put any snacks in the cabin since the journey had taken mere hours.

Ei's craftsmanship had improved by leaps and bounds in the thousands of years.

"There are humans in the forest," she warned the goddess.

The dragon wasn't invisible, and they could be coming to investigate.

"Must be wildlings. Ignore them." Saiguu dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. The wildlings lived as they wanted, unbound by an overlord. She had nothing to say to them.

"The humans are coming closer."

"Do you want to go and scare them?"

Kage looked up.

There was nothing but clouds blocking the sunlight. She turned her head to the left, and three purple bolts struck in the distance. She had no interest in killing anyone, so she merely warned the mortals.

"Should we find those giants too?" Saiguu wondered to herself. They could save another race most likely facing extinction in this frozen land, surrounded by hostile humans and creatures that could turn them into undead monsters.

Also, the more the merrier.

"I don't think they will fit in the dragon's passenger cabin," Kage drawled. Her creator would find a solution, as she always did, though if the giants were not willing, it was pointless.

Saiguu rubbed her chin, and her right ear twitched. "They could walk. It's only dangerous until the Riverlands border. Even then, the North isn't an enemy. As long as we send an escort, there should not be any problems."

"Do you want to stay in this cold any longer?" she asked. In truth, it wasn't the cold itself that bothered the kitsune goddess.

"Nope," Saiguu said, popping the "p" in a cheerful tone. She only wanted to see the North but wouldn't stay here for any reason.

"Then it is decided."

—
​

The Children of the Forest filtered out of the small entrance in a line. Carrying obsidian tools and saplings, they bowed to Saiguu one by one.

She patted some on the head and pinched the cheeks of the others. Soon enough, the cabin was boarded, and the dragon took off with the order.

The rest of the Children were silent, looking out the windows with wide eyes.

"Don't worry kids, it's safe," Saiguu assured them.

Her words meant to bring ease were for nothing as those on the left side scrambled back in fright.

A lance of ice just slammed into the window of the cabin. It did not damage, but Saiguu's ears twitched.

"Kage, dear, if you would, find the one responsible for that." Her eye twitched, and her tail flicked wildly.

For all her cunning and deceptive nature, Saiguu was terrifying when someone stepped on her toe.

The puppet rose from her seat and opened the door, letting cool air rush inside. She jumped, leaving Saiguu to close the door back.

—
​

Kage let herself freefall, seeking the one that had thrown the lance. Her eyes were not affected by the weather nor by the fog, and she saw it.

One of the creatures known as the Others.

She changed her trajectory. Targeting the White Walker, she fell right in front of it, and the shockwave ragdolled it to a tree.

In a glitter of particles, the Engulfing Lightning appeared in her hands. The Other said something, its language foreign to her, but she understood enough from the raised hands.

The cries were ignored.

Kage stabbed the polearm at its chest. The divine-forgedthe "p"-forged blade met no resistance, and the lightning that soon followed caused the creature to spasm wildly.

Its thrashing was over quickly.

She swung the polearm, discarding the corpse to the side. Kage considered taking it to Storm's End for study or as a trophy, but it wasn't a worthy enemy.

—
​

"It was one of the Others. I killed it," Kage reported while closing the door.

Saiguu leaned on her chair. "Wonder what made it attack in the first place. We wouldn't have even bothered otherwise."

She should get a futon to nap here. Or a couch.

Better yet, she should convince Ei to build a new vehicle just for flights of leisure.

"They can convert the dead. Had this been a dragon of flesh and bone, it might have succeeded," Leaf said. The Other had most likely confused the divine creation for an ordinary dragon.

"Guess you're right." She didn't really care why, only that it was dead. "Doesn't matter anyway. I have yet to see anything in this world Ei can't mop the floor with." The Others, and whatever had created them, would stay in these lands if they knew what's good for them.

The gods of Teyvat outclassed the ones in this world.

The less said about the Archons, the better.

—
​

Storm's End

There were questions on whether the Children of the Forest would be allowed to live in the kingdom.

Ei had said yes.

Her subjects made their grievances known, but nothing of substance had come before her. Their fears were rooted in history that was older than her. The Children of the Forest were just an old enemy driven out by ancestors whose names weren't even remembered, who were now coming to live with them.

She had pointed that out.

The most pious of the Seven Who Are One had fallen silent after that.

Even Argall had wondered why she had agreed to let them move to the kingdom.

"They are not an enemy and could prove to be good citizens. Why shouldn't I?" She had said. Her brother had left then, eyes down, rubbing his jaw.

Of all the people in the kingdom, he tried most to understand.

She left the throne room, returning to the garden with Chiyo and Sasayuri. They had prepared snacks and wine, knowing how Saiguu would be grumbling.

The dragon floated down, curling around the garden, and Saiguu came out first.

Grumbling.

She reached for the snacks, while Kage guided the Children of the Forest out.

—
​

In the next chapter:
"How do you feel, kiddo? Ready for the big day?" Saiguu asked the little brother of her best friend. He had grown to be a fine young man, taller than most men, with the signature Durrandon looks of electric blue eyes, black hair, and a muscled frame. Shaven and given a special haircut for this day, Argall would be breaking more hearts than usual.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Alright, time to go. Go get them, kid."

"Do you really have to call me kid?"

"I am thousands of years old, so yes."




Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.

 

[Taalomon]

Who needs fleshy flying lizard, wooden sail boats, Zepplins or blimps when you can have a MECHA DRAGON!!!

 

[ATP]

if i remember correctly,there was big forest in Essoss in which children of the forest probably also survived.
Giants - they would like to bring Mammoths,and that would be problem.

 

[Samael61]

Hello one and all.

Due to a combination of writer's block, flu and me getting distracted, I wasn't able to write properly this week. Unfortunately, that means no updates this week. I am truly sorry about this and hope to see you all next week.

Until then.

 

[Orchamus]

The flu ugh, hope you feel better

 

[Vagabond]

Hello one and all.

Due to a combination of writer's block, flu and me getting distracted, I wasn't able to write properly this week. Unfortunately, that means no updates this week. I am truly sorry about this and hope to see you all next week.

Until then.

Click to shrink...

Take care of yourself first.

From OUR selfish point of view, you being in a better state of mind means more content in the long term. XD