A Story once Told

Author note: I have come to understand that some might not be liking how the story is going or wondering why such creatures are appearing that don't originally exist in GOT. I can say that everything happens for a reason. Any creatures, people, abilities, ect that happen to appear might not exist in GOT but please do try to remember that this is a Fan-fic and even the type of magic that Alexios and some of his companions use doesn't exist in GOT originally either. I won't be taking out any of the original creations but sometimes I will be bringing my own twist to it.

I hope this little short story clears up some misunderstandings and helps with your world building inside your imagination. Enjoy!

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Snake Mount Age 297 AC:

'In the True North, far beyond the reaches of man and civilization are the homes of many creatures that hide from the growing humans. Such creatures from long ago included a fast variety of creatures, monsters, and horrors beyond one's understanding. Giants, Doppelgangers, Elves, Dwarves, Ghouls, and so many more once roamed the land taking their own claims or wreaking havoc on others. Such creatures were slowly pushed back by the ever growing humans as the greed of humans was great and their numbers even greater while the other races and monsters were few and divided still squabbling amongst themselves. Before they realized their mistake, they had already gone to the far north now called the True North.

The land vastly unexplored but the horrors inside even scarier than the humans they fled from. They hid and survived as they always have done now. Many call them fairy tales for kids but a few who truly remember know the truth. The truth that such creatures really do exist but their stories lost over time and their history destroyed by the victor. For many years that follow, The winter wakes and so does the very horrors they hid from now for who some have even come to serve and strike back against their old enemies.'

Alexios sighed and placed down the book next to the many others had almost all of them said the same thing just of various descriptions. He was slightly worried because if it was true, the white walkers weren't the only thing to fear past the wall now. His mind was exhausted and strained from the weeks of constant reading and research into the subject. His body stiff as he sat leaning back into the chair before he closed his eyes thinking of taking just a five minute nap.

Age 298 AC:

Progress, progress, and even more progress, that was all Alexios was getting. Constant improvement in every field from what his reports stated. He eyed the reports next to Lili and Mira who had recently started to help him in his affairs to quicken the pace and lessen the workload. He was proud of what he had built with his companions and knew that these last few months were well worth it. The last letter gave him conflicting emotions though.

He was requested by lord Stark to come to Winterfell to greet King Robert Baratheon when he arrived and to display the North's prowess as the king is bringing some men to test the North's "grit" as he called it.

He packed everything in the morning that he would need and went to check on the companions who would accompany him. As he walked towards the stables where the others were preparing, he saw three figures waiting for him all of which were doing a last check. Reana came up to him and kissed him on the cheek before smiling, their actions held far more weight than any word they could produce as they gazed upon each other and looked into one another's eyes. Toros coughed lightly and chuckled while Lucius was fastening his spear to the strap on the side of his horse. Alexios and Toros clasped each other forearm and grinned. "Are you ready to set off yet?"

Alexios asked grinning while testing each other's strength and endurance of their grips while Toros grinned back slightly sweating. " I was born ready my lord, nothing would stop me from… Aghhh!" He couldn't voice the last words through his gritted teeth before retracting his bruised arm cradling it with pained eyes directed at Alexios. All he received was laughter from the other three there for his foolishness for even trying to match Alexios's strength.

The four set off with no guards as each one of them was trained well and equally well equipped as Alexios and Toros were starting to reach their maximum heights. Alexios wore master crafted valyrian steel armor just as the others did too. Whenever they needed adjustments made now, they just had Toros do it as it was good practice for him and every time he would improve upon the earlier design. Alexios gave Blood Fang to Lucius as he wielded a spear and Alexios already had his weapon much to the aww and joy of Lucius.

The roads were uneventful since most bandits relocated who weren't caught in the "purge" initially so they made great time not worrying about any. Winterfell stood tall but didn't have its grand noteworthiness anymore as the four just thought it was subpar compared to what they were used to now. They were further disappointed to see little to no improvement other than fire crystal's being used here and there. Alexios wondered if Eddard wasn't as capable as he initially thought and maybe it was the man's honorable nature that had just given him a favorable impression.

Alexios and his companions gave their horses to a stable boy and walked the rest of the way. Upon entering the hall room, they were greeted by the sight of Eddard standing tall next to his wife Catelyn who looked cautiously at Alexios no doubt from all the things he's done since he took over rulership in house Dragen. Their five children and Eddard's bastard all of which eyed the new group with a mixture of expressions. A surprising view was that of the infamous "imp" Tyrion Lannister much to Alexios's curiosity. Tyrion simply glanced his way sipping some wine Alexios presumed at least based on the rumors he's heard.

"My lord, I have come as requested, though I do question why the king wants to see his men get beat so badly?" At the last of his words ended, Alexios smirked seeing Tyrion cough on his wine. Tyrion couldn't help but laugh at the brash behavior of these northerners. Tyrion looked at Alexios and as Eddard had allowed them to rise he gulped seeing the giant stand. 'Oh fuck, he's even taller than the rumors say…'

The greeting was short and formal mostly till the end when Eddard invited them to dine with them to which Alexios politely declined as he had a few matters to attend to with his group. After leaving Tyrion left hurriedly after them. Alexios turned after a fair distance away and waited for the Lannister to catch up. "Ahh… thank you… you were.. In quite the rush, didn't even give me a chance to introduce myself before leaving." Tyrion was breathing hard as he had to run after them once they got the head start and only started to talk normally when calming down.

Alexios looked down and wasn't sure how to assess this man as all he knew mostly was his love for wine and women. "What do you require of me Tyrion, I have important matters to attend to." Right to the point and quickly directed, Tyrion was slightly anxious hearing the words spoken. "Well you see, I honestly just wished to get to know you. I feel we could be good friends in the end."

Alexios stared at the man in front of him almost glaring before bursting into a fit of laughter much to Tyrion's and his companion's confusion. "People call you a dwarf and people call me a giant. We would make quite the entrance anywhere we go, that's for sure. Honestly though, I see no similarity between us Tyrion, do you dare try and change my mind risking my annoyance or take that as a challenge and try to peak my interest. Just so you can ask for that favor you so desperately want to ask."

Tyrion was baffled, he chuckled slightly and pointed to the tavern. Once Alexios and Toros saw it, Toros was nodding vigorously while Alexios sighed. He told Reana and Lucius to go and talk with their contact and that Reanna was allowed to take the decision into her own action. Once done he went with the imp and Toros making anyone in the tavern to look at the three as if it was a comedy act. A table was chosen, Ale was served and Tyrion was looked down at the ale before taking a gulp before looking at Alexios sternly.