Exploring Options

A fire burned in a small dark place in the ravine, sitting right in front of this fire was a teenage-looking boy with glistening black hair with shades of red intertwined, his hair itself seemed to be on fire but a closer look would perish that thought. The teen had a gaunt face with blackened hollowed sockets that housed eyes the colour of yellow and red, the teen had heterochromatic eyes.

As the fire burned, it spewed embers from within, indicating that the dead snake was cooked and ready to be eaten. Dan slowly took out the burning stick and, without further thought, began to chew on the snake meat. Without seasoning, snake meat has a unique taste that combines elements of chicken and fish. It has a mild, slightly gamey flavour with a hint of earthiness. The meat is firm yet tender, resembling poultry in texture. It lacks the intense flavour commonly associated with red meats and has a more delicate profile.

Dan had eaten it previously in his formative years out of sheer desperation and unwillingness. He loathed it but chose to eat it nonetheless out of need rather than choice. He needed to recover his body fast in order to escape the ravine and make way to forge his own path.

'We need to get out of here soon and find out what is going on in the real world, I already know how the timeline goes we just need to find our place in it' Damian voiced himself as Dan continued to eat.

"What do you suggest we do after that?" Dan asked.

'Well I suggest you go to Kings Landing and become a page, it will allow us the opportunity to amass knowledge and even power if we play it right.'

"We already have sufficient knowledge to just about leave this filthy place and make our way to Essos, start a revolution, get an army, create our own State and begin the task Agni gave us."

'You're right I'm not denying that but remember I have little to no knowledge of what the timeline outside of Westeros was, and whatever I do know, does little to favour us in the long scheme of things. The smarter option is for us to lay here for a few decades in order to build some connections, and amass wealth and power after which we can then use to begin our preparations in Essos.' Damian explained with great concentration.

"Well you're not wrong there, alright we will do as you say, you are the genius after all."

'Only as much as you allow me to be Dan, it's your body I'm only a tenant in it, we may have fused our souls but mine is incomplete and I have little autonomy anyway. Whatever foreknowledge I have is for both of our benefits.' Damian said with a sense of dejection in his voice.

Dan listening to his friend acknowledged his condition, he knew it was hard for Damian to live like this but they had no other alternative to this problem even Agni said that for Damian to have a body it would require them to pay a price which they never would be able to. It was better for both of them to fuse together and become one, but even that would take some time to be completed, until then they were stuck as are.

"I know that our situation does not give you comfort but I assure you we will get better, spending the past 50 years in the void has done nothing but make our bond stronger," Dan assured Damian.

'You're right.' Damian accepted, 'First things first though we need to make your body recover and then train it to be in peak condition. The fire arts and blood arts along with the martial skills we learned are divine in nature and they will require a demigod physique for us to handle them.'

"I thought so as well I was thinking that it will take us about 8 months to travel to Kingslanding by the Kingsroad so we can accomplish this task as we go along."

'That works.'

"Great"

As they conversed Dan looked up at the night sky to find the entirety of it lit up in starlight. 'Reminds me of the Milky Way only it's much much grander and awe inspiring', Damian chimed in.

"I missed this, the void is just that, a void, having no substance around did make it mind-numbing."

'I concur'

'Countless stars, scattered like diamond dust, painted a breathtaking portrait against the dark backdrop. They formed constellations, ancient stories woven into the night, inviting contemplation and sparking the imagination. With each twinkle, the stars whispered tales of cosmic journeys, reminding me of the boundless mysteries that lie beyond our earthly realm.'

"Woah! Where did that come from?"

'Don't know just felt like the image needed more than just a few words I said before.'

"Sure. I think the blood art has done its work I feel my body has somewhat rejuvenated.", Dan stated as he stood up and began to lightly stretch his body. It still resembled frailness but seemed to have recovered enough for the movement to not become a hindrance anymore.

'Then I suggest you begin climbing out of this ravine immediately.'

"I think so as well."

Dan proceeded to look around and find the best spot to begin his climb. As he surveyed their predicament, the ravine's anatomy unfolded before his eyes. The narrow crevasse snaked its way through the rugged terrain, its floor strewn with scattered rocks and debris. Trickling water from a nearby stream formed a modest cascade, creating a delicate symphony that resonated within the canyon's depths.

Careful steps led him along the ravine's winding path, his hands grazing against rough surfaces in search of a potential escape route. He scrutinized every ledge, and every outcrop, evaluating its stability and strategic significance. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy above, illuminating certain sections with a soft, golden glow, while others remained cloaked in shadow.

Finally approaching the ledge he placed his foot on it ready to begin his journey upwards leaving the shell of his past self behind as he was reborn anew.

"Here goes nothing."

...

Kingslanding

Jaehaerys I, the wise and just ruler, sat upon the formidable Iron Throne, his regal figure draped in richly embroidered garments that reflected the prestige of his reign. His presence exuded an aura of quiet authority, and his piercing, discerning eyes followed the motions of the council chamber with keen intelligence.

As his councillors assembled before him, their voices filled the chamber, discussing matters of state, diplomacy, and governance. The grandeur of the throne room served as a backdrop to this pivotal moment, with the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow upon the proceedings.

Seated upon the Iron Throne, Jaehaerys I leaned slightly forward, an attentive posture that conveyed his dedication to understanding the complexities of the realm. His hands rested gently upon the armrests, exuding an air of composure and control, as if the weight of the Seven Kingdoms itself was but a feather upon his shoulders.

He leaned forward as he looked at his Hand and said, "How goes the tutoring of Prince Viserys, Septon Barth?"

Septon Barth, the Hand of the King under Jaehaerys I, was a man of unparalleled intellect and unyielding dedication. With a towering presence and a distinct air of wisdom, he commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him. Clad in the simple robes of his faith, Barth possessed a sharp mind that was a wellspring of knowledge, delving into topics as diverse as history, science, and theology. His long brown hair neatly kept adding greater depth to his profound blue eyes.

"Your Grace the young prince shows great interest in the fields of history and architecture, he is most interested in his ancestral home of Valyria.", remarks Septon Barth.

"Good nurture him well he might someday end up taking the throne if his uncle does not produce a male heir."

"Certainly, Your Grace."

"The council may proceed with the affairs of the day, I heard there have been some problems with regard to the shipping route near the stepstones. It would seem the pirates require a reminder of who rules the continent."

Unbeknownst to them all a seething firestorm was approaching Kingslanding.