Chapter 27

Theon Stark took on the role of a matchmaker, skillfully arranging meetings between his sister and best friend. The chemistry between them was evident, with sparks flying during each encounter.

The dense forest came alive with whispers from ancient trees and dappled sunlight that pierced through the thick canopy above.

Eliza Stark rode gracefully on her spirited steed, her grey eyes scanning the surroundings with wonder and curiosity.

Vlad Tepes, a charismatic yet enigmatic figure with dark hair and a piercing gaze, kept pace beside her on his imposing black stallion.

In companionable silence, Eliza and Vlad rode on, the rhythmic sounds of their horses' hooves against the forest floor echoing through the woods. Eventually, the peaceful ambience prompted Eliza to strike up a conversation.

Looking around, Eliza said, "This Wolfwood Forest holds a special place in my heart. I find myself drawn to its beauty and quiet atmosphere."

As sunlight hit Eliza's face, Vlad couldn't help but find her even more beautiful. He smiled faintly and replied, "Indeed, it is very beautiful."

Noticing Vlad's gaze, Eliza blushed a little and quickly changed the topic, "Tell me, Vlad, what do you do for leisure when you're not defending your realm?"

Leaning back, Vlad looked amused and said, "Ah, leisure. A rare luxury for one like me. Yet, in quieter moments, I find solace in brushing up my sword skills, and perhaps practicing archery."

Eliza's eyes lit up with intrigue, and she smiled, asking, "So, can you teach me your sword style? I find it very interesting."

Vlad smiled back and replied, "I guess I can teach you."

Eliza was happy and said, "Then it is settled. We will start tomorrow."

Vlad chuckled and simply nodded, agreeing with her.

As they continued their ride, the forest grew denser, but neither Eliza nor Vlad seemed bothered by the eerie atmosphere. They continued talking about their hobbies and past experiences.

During their journey through the mysterious forest, Eliza and Vlad discovered an unexpected kinship—two enigmatic souls united by their love for the unknown and their respective journeys in life.

Upon returning, Vlad assumed his true form and began investigating the events unfolding in Valyria and Essos. He discovered that Aerion had cleverly utilized dragons to fend off the raiders and acquired their wealth, which he used to establish trade with neighboring cities. Eru couldn't help but smile as he observed Horus providing Aerion with various trade techniques.

Yet, despite these positive developments, Eru couldn't shake the feeling that the Valyrians would eventually succumb to their darker tendencies, and the doom of Valyria remained an inevitable fate.

During his observations, Eru noticed that the dragons in Valyria were even larger than Belarion the Dread, a remarkable and awe-inspiring sight.

During that time, another significant issue arose between the House of Hightower and the King of Reach.

The problem stemmed from an alliance between maesters from the Citadel and self-proclaimed septons from the Starry Sept. With House Hightower's backing, they spread rumors and false stories discrediting the Ancient Gods. However, their plan unraveled when

Two of their own supporters or sworn houses ( House Bulwer of Blackcrown and  House Costayne of the Three Towers )

The first one felt this tactics was disgusting, while the later feared divine punishment, so both of reported it to King Garam Gardner of the Reach.

This scandal became a lasting stain on the Faith of the Seven, the Citadel Maesters, and House Hightower. The aftermath was far-reaching: a ban on Faith of the Seven representatives in Reach, Dorne, and the North without permission, punishable by execution.

King Garam, mindful of the House Hightower's historical ties, refrained from completely dispossessing them of their lands. Instead, he opted to sever their territories from the Kingdom of Reach.

During that period, the House of Hightower found itself with only a handful of remaining sworn houses: House Beesbury of Honeyholt, House Cuy of Sunhouse, and House Mullendore of Uplands.

This was not all House Hightower, once in charge of Oldtown, the second wealthiest city in Westeros after King's Landing, suffered greatly. Oldtown which thrived as a trading hub, boasting the realm's second most important port. Ships from around the world, including the Nine Free Cities and the Summer Isles, docked there, fostering global connections.Now lost a lot of trading opportunities due to many traders from Essos not wanting to annoy the Major powers in Westeros like Dorne, Reach and North each held major trading hubs.

Yet, House Hightower's prosperity took a hit due to their attack on the Ancient Gods' faith and the other trader the reluctance be associated with House of Hightower and angering powerful Kingoms like the North, Reach, and Dorne.

Despite the setback, House Hightower persisted, supported by their ties to the Starry Sept and the Citadel. However, their wealth and prestige dwindled significantly.