31 Threads of fate

Jaime Lannister pov :

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As I walked down the corridors towards my so-called "nephew's" sleeping chambers, my mind was awash with thoughts of that bloody fight. Seven hells, the boy was a beast.

Joffrey fought Barristan tooth and nail, with a ferocity that would have made even the most seasoned warriors hesitate.

The old knight had to give up, and I could see the fear in his eyes. He didn't want to kill the boy, and for good reason.

But Joffrey?

He remained unbowed.

Unbroken.

The little guy wouldn't back down, no matter how many times he got knocked down or bloodied. It was as if he had a death wish, or maybe he just had more balls than brains.

Either way, it was a sight to behold.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of begrudging admiration for the boy.

He had the makings of a true warrior, and I had to wonder how much of that was in his blood and how much was just sheer stubbornness.

Gods, I'd love to see him in a real battle, see if he could back up that bravado with steel and blood.

But for now, I had a duty to wake him up. I just hoped he wouldn't be as much of a prick in the morning as he usually was.

I couldn't help but dwell on my defeat at the hands of the Stark.

Damn him, he was a skilled fighter, and I'll begrudgingly admit that.

I was bitter about it, sure, but I couldn't deny that the Stark had bested me fair and square...if with a training sword.

The tourney also hadn't been completed because Joffrey was in no shape to fight Eddard after the beatdown he endured yesterday.

As I approached Joffrey's chambers, my thoughts shifted back to the boy.

He'd been through a hell of a fight, and it was going to be a rough morning for him.

I wondered if he'd be in a foul mood, or if that damn stubbornness of his would shine through, as it usually did.

I pushed open the door to Joffrey's chambers, fully expecting to find him in a state of disarray after the brutal fight with Barristan.

But what greeted me was something entirely different.

There was Joffrey, casually doing stretches as if nothing had happened.

The boy was wrapped in bandages, his face bearing the marks of battle, yet he seemed utterly unperturbed by it all.

His uncaring demeanor was nothing short of infuriating.

"Joffrey, you fought like a damn madman yesterday, and now you're acting like you've just taken a leisurely stroll in the gardens"

I muttered under my breath, a mix of admiration and frustration bubbling within me.

The boy's resilience was something to behold, I had to admit, even if it bordered on stupidity.

I barely received a polite greeting from Joffrey, his sarcasm lacing every word. "Good morning to you too, uncle. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he quipped.

I couldn't muster the patience for his attitude this early in the morning.

"Get yourself to the great hall, Joffrey. Your father will make an announcement" I replied sternly and simply walked away, not bothering to explain where I was headed.

As I left his chamber, the unsettling feeling of my defeat still gnawed at me.

I needed some time alone, a chance to regain my composure and perhaps spar with someone to soothe my wounded pride.

As I made my way to the training grounds, I couldn't help but ponder the uncertain future that lay ahead, especially for my son, a product of forbidden love, deception, and dangerous ambitions.

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Eddard Stark pov :

By the old gods and the new, it's a heavy burden I've been saddled with.

The damned Hand of the King .

Duty and honor, they say. Aye, they're right about that, but it's a bitter pill to swallow.

Leaving my family behind, it tears at my heart. Sansa and Arya will come with me, but Robb, Bran, Rickon, and Jon... they'll remain here in Winterfell.

I worry for them, especially Jon.

The lad's true parents are a secret that could be his undoing.

As much as I hate to admit it, I fear for their safety.

In King's Landing, power games and deceit are the order of the day.

It's a viper's nest, and I'm taking my girls right into it. Catelyn will stay here to look after the boys and protect our home.

But it's the uncertainty that gnaws at me. I've always tried to do what's right, but King's Landing is a different beast.

Politics and backstabbing will test even the strongest of convictions.

I can only pray that I'll have the strength to protect my family and keep my honor intact in that wretched city.

Here I sit, in this grand hall, awaiting the king's decree.

The weight of Jon Arryn's death still lingers heavy in my thoughts.

The cryptic letter from Catelyn's sister, Lysa, accusing the Lannisters of foul play, raises a multitude of questions.

Why would the Lannisters seek to end Jon Arryn's life?

What secrets did he uncover that posed a threat to them?

Or perhaps it's a power play, a maneuver to further solidify their influence over the Iron Throne.

The Lannisters have always been a force to be reckoned with, their wealth and cunning known throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

But to go to such lengths as murder... it's a dangerous game they play.

And it places me in a perilous position, for now, I must tread carefully in King's Landing.

The thought of leaving my family behind here in Winterfell nags at me.

My duty to the realm calls, but my heart aches for the ones I love.

The challenges that await us in the capital are daunting, and I can only hope that my actions will be guided by honor and truth, even as the shadows of intrigue deepen around me.

My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the crown prince, Joffrey, who appeared rather comical wrapped in those bandages.

It was difficult to reconcile this sight with the image of the fierce warrior I had witnessed just yesterday.

The boy fought like a demon, unyielding even in the face of his own injuries.

I couldn't help but notice that his golden hair seemed a tad shorter, but it could have been a trick of the light.

Regardless, it was a shame that Joffrey's wounds prevented him from competing in the finals.

I would have relished the opportunity to test his mettle in the arena, and it would have been a spectacle for the entire court to witness.

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King Robert Baratheon was a massive man, once a true warrior in every sense of the word.

His tall, broad-shouldered frame filled the makeshift throne he sat upon.

His dark beard was peppered with streaks of grey, and his raven-black hair was cropped short. His eyes, once filled with the vitality of youth, now held a weariness that spoke of the many battles and struggles he had faced to claim and hold the Iron Throne.

With a deep, rumbling voice, King Robert rose from his throne, cleared his throat, and began speaking. His words carried weight, a reminder of the authority he wielded as the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

"By the might of the Seven Kingdoms and the strength of my word, I, Robert of House Baratheon, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name Eddard of House Stark, Warden of the North and Hand of the King."

I watched as the King's words echoed through the Great Hall. It was official now; I was to replace the late Jon Arryn as Hand of the King. The burden was heavy, and I could feel the weight of responsibility settle upon my shoulders.

King Robert continued, "We leave for King's Landing on the morrow. The realm has need of us, Ned, and I need my old friend by my side."

It was true; the kingdom was in turmoil, and I knew there were challenges ahead. As I accepted my new position and the impending journey to the capital, I couldn't help but think about my family, my duty, and the mysteries that awaited in the south.

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Negary pov :

"We leave for King's Landing on the morrow"

I heard Fat King's voice echo throughout the great hall.

Really dude?

You called your injured son here just for him to clap while you bullied your friend by giving him more work to do?

'Shame on you , Fat King , shame on you.'

I thought as I made my way towards the Stark children's table.

Now that I knew my soul strengthening method was effective I needed to use it on bran to fulfill my end of the bargain I made with the Raven.

I didn't really care about the past-seeing ability of greensight, but a bit of prescience or future sight could prove invaluable in the right situations.

There was of course a possibility that I wouldn't be able to learn it , but you never know until you try.

My J01 Golem , still bearing the evidence of his earlier battle in the tourney, approached the Stark children's table in the great hall.

His eyes fell on Bran Stark first, and he offered a curt nod.

"Morning," he greeted, his tone polite enough. Then, a glint of mischief danced in his eyes. "Hey, Bran. How about a climbing contest later? See if you can beat me up the walls of Winterfell?"

,,Joffrey's,, proposal was filled with the competitive spirit that had been on full display in the tourney.

He glanced at the other Stark children, acknowledging their presence as well.

He even acknowledged Theon Greyjoy , because what was a bit of distaste compared to a potentially useful pawn?

Bran's eyes lit up with childish glee at Joffrey's invitation for a climbing contest. Without a second thought, he bolted from his seat, leaving his siblings behind as he hurriedly made his way out of the great hall.

Turning his attention to Arya, Joffrey's demeanor remained cordial. "Arya, if you want to train with Barristan again, feel free. He's always looking for a good sparring partner."

However, when Rob Stark voiced his concerns about Joffrey's well-being, the prince seemed dismissive, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes

"I'm not some porcelain doll, Robb," he retorted. "I can handle myself just fine."

"And besides....Tis but a scratch..." With that, he turned away from further questioning, leaving Robb with his unanswered concerns.

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A.N :

"STRENGTH GROWS IN THE MOMENTS WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN'T GO ON BUT YOU KEEP GOING ANYWAY."

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Stat sheet : Negary

Spirit base - 30 man soul

Spirit refinent - 500 man soul (maximum capacity)

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Traitless demon soul.

Provides a boost in soul manipulation.

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The attainment levels in various fields will be similar to Reverend Insanity and they go like this

-Novice , adept , expert , master

-Grandmaster

-Great Grandmaster

-Supreme Grandmaster

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Not all masters are equal .

Their respective attainment will be separated by the percentage they still have to go to the next realm .

A new master still has 100% to go to become a Grandmaster .

After training for 50 years , he might only have 90% to go.

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Soul abilities:

Soul manipulation - expert

Soul perception - adept

Soul drain - adept

Reverse soul drain - novice

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Magic :

1-Novice reality manipulation , proportional with intensity of desire (1-100%) and amount of soul energy spent.

When desire reaches 100 percent , it provides a 10x boost in effectiveness.

Example of 100% desire :

Levi wanting to punish a titan for killing his friends :

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R6v8Nvkyjnk&pp=ygUWTGV2eSBnb2luZyBiZXJzZXJrIGFvdA%3D%3D

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2-Take over magic : novice

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Curent body:

Undead human body

Does not require sustenance of any kind when the soul inhabits the body.

Unlimited stamina

Can keep moving and performing at 100% with fatal wounds that don't affect movement.

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-X30 regeneration factor - proportional with soul base (broken bones heal in days)

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-Strength - 70 kg bench press (up to 400kg with 100% hysterical strength )

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-Speed - 12 seconds/100 meters (down to 7 seconds with 100% hysterical strength)

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-Resilience - 1.5 higher durability than a normal human body.

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-Reflexes and processing speed - 3X a normal human

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Skills :

Swordsmanship - (close to) expert

Unarmed fighting - novice

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Knowledge -

Anatomy

Rituals of the Children of the Forest

Old Tongue of the First men

(Only the most relevant)

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