Unexpected Visitor!

The flickering torches cast dancing shadows on the stone walls of Rodrik Greyjoy's chamber as Damian entered. The room, though not lavish, held a history with its walls. It was here that a Greyjoy heir had once rested, now a temporary abode for the Stark. The bedding had been changed, the scent of saltwater lingering in the air, a reminder of the proximity to the restless sea.

As Damian settled in, the anticipation of solitude and a respite from the day's tumult began to wash over him. He eyed the bed, finding its comfort a welcomed prospect after the long day of killing Ironmen. However, his mind lingered on another reward awaiting him – the Intermediate Shield skill, granted by the System for his newfound knighthood.

Seated at the edge of the bed, Damian closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of the room. In that serene moment, the knowledge flowed into his mind like a gentle stream. The Intermediate Shield skill unfolded before him, revealing its intricacies. He could sense the techniques, envision the moves, and understand the scenarios where this skill would become his shield and sword.

With a silent gratitude to the System, Damian savored the acquisition of this new skill. The possibilities it presented were vast. He could now navigate the dance of blades with greater finesse, using the shield to parry strikes and create openings for his counterattacks. The image of multiple opponents closing in on him played in his mind, and he saw how the shield could become an extension of his will – a bastion against impending threats.

His thoughts delved into scenarios where the Intermediate Shield skill could be a game-changer. In the chaotic frenzy of a battlefield, Damian envisioned himself standing strong, shield raised, deflecting arrows and absorbing the impact of an opponent's blow. The strategic advantage of a well-timed block, followed by a swift counter, played out like a tactical masterpiece.

As the mental images solidified, Damian felt a newfound confidence coursing through him. The shield was not just a piece of equipment; it was an extension of his prowess, a testament to his growth as a knight. He now possessed the means to protect himself and others. He couldn't help but ponder the untapped potential that lay beyond. If the Intermediate skill could elevate his defensive capabilities to such a degree, what marvels could the Advanced Shield skill unveil?

Having absorbed the intricacies of the Intermediate Shield skill, Damian shifted his focus to the physical realm. A quick bath refreshed his body, washing away the grime of battle. Clad in his robes, he awaited Selena's arrival, contemplating the possibilities of the coming night. The soft glow of the chamber's torches added a warm hue to the room, creating an ambiance that matched Damian's newfound sense of assurance.

With his back turned to the door, Damian was startled by its creaking open and someone entering. Prepared to greet his nightly source of comfort and loyal summon with a smile, Damian's eyes widened, and his mouth fell agape in both shock and surprise.

It was Dacey who stood at the door, holding a candle in her hand, instead of Selena, as Damian had anticipated. What left his mouth agape was her attire—a flimsy robe wrapped tightly around her body. 

As Damian stood there, still caught off guard by Dacey's unexpected entrance, he regained his composure quickly. "Lady Dacey, I thought you were Lady Selena," he admitted.

Dacey chuckled, the sound carrying a mischievous undertone. "Well, Ser Damian, you're not the only one who's made that mistake tonight."

The flickering torches cast dancing shadows across the room, emphasizing the warmth that seemed to envelop them. Damian gestured towards a chair. "Would you like to sit, Lady Dacey?"

"Thank you, Ser Damian," she replied, taking a seat. "I hope I'm not interrupting any important knightly duties."

Damian joined her, a wry smile on his face. "Nothing that can't wait, my lady."

Dacey raised an eyebrow playfully. "So, you were expecting someone else in your chamber tonight?"

Damian chuckled, realizing the double entendre. "Indeed, Lady Dacey, I was expecting a different kind of company."

"Well, you got me instead," she said with a teasing grin. "Hope I'm not too disappointing."

Damian's laughter echoed in the room. "Far from it, my lady. Unexpected surprises can be quite pleasant."

Dacey settled into the chair, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, how does it feel to be made the Lord of the Iron Islands and be knighted by the King on the same day?" She brushed a strand of her hair back, looking genuinely curious.

Damian, grabbing a murky glass, moved towards Dacey. He poured a generous amount of wine from the jar already in the room. "It's a lot to take in, Lady Dacey," he admitted, handing her the glass. "Becoming a lord and a knight on the same day wasn't exactly what I had planned when I woke up this morning. Still, it's not decided, I have to fight Lord Drumm tomorrow and perhaps the others too."

"Dacey took the glass with a gracious smile. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"

"Indeed," Damian replied, raising his own glass before taking a sip. The wine was robust, a fitting companion for the night's unexpected turn. "I never imagined myself ruling the Iron Islands, but here we are."

"Should I change your name to lying wolf, 'cause I cannot believe King Robert had not discussed this with you before. You didn't seem surprised at all when the announcement was made. 

Damian chuckled at Dacey's comment, appreciating her astuteness. "Call me what you will, Lady Dacey, and to tell you the truth, the King and I indeed did discuss the Iron Islands situation beforehand."

Dacey arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "Oh? And what prompted such a discussion, Swift Wolf?"

Damian leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. "My brother, Lord Eddard Stark, and I and everyone in Westeros knows what kind of danger the Iron Island and their old ways pose to the west shore. King Robert sought my views on how to address the issue. I proposed a plan for a new ruler, one who could bring change to the old ways and subjugate the Ironborn for good."

Dacey's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "And the King decided that ruler should be you?"

Damian nodded. "Yes. It wasn't solely my decision, but I accepted the responsibility. We saw an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to break away from the old ways and forge a new path for the Iron Islands and the North."

Dacey took another sip of her wine, contemplating Damian's words. "So, you're here to bring change and unity, then?"

"That's the plan," Damian affirmed. "But I can't do it alone. I need help, I need people. People like you, Lady Dacey."

Dacey grasped Damian's meaning, and truth be told, she found herself quite intrigued about building her legacy here in the Iron Islands after hearing Robert's announcement of making Damian the Lord of Iron Island. She knew Damian would need a group of loyal individuals by his side to counter the Iron Lords, who wouldn't just sit and accept an outsider as their lord, especially one who doesn't follow their ways.

Observing the battle today and in the past few days, Dacey concluded that the swift wolf was the best choice for her to follow. She had other expectations if he hadn't been made a Paramount lord of the Iron Islands. Damian needed substantial support and credibility to rule the Iron Islands. Regrettably, Bear Island with its meagre resources couldn't provide that backing, which left her feeling disheartened in the hall.

But that doesn't mean she can't have the man who attracted her with his might and demeanour. This was the reason she approached Selena and knocked on Damian's door in the middle of the night. 

Dacey raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You're quite the smooth talker, Swift Wolf. But what's in it for me?"

Damian, regrettably, failed to pick up on the hint. Instead, he locked eyes with her, speaking with sincerity, "A chance to be part of something new, to shape the future of the Iron Islands. I intend to offer positions of influence and leadership to those who align with this vision. You, Jory, Raymond, and others from the North could play pivotal roles in making this vision a reality."

"That goes without saying. I would expect my loyalty and hard work to be rewarded, but that's not the only thing I want, Damian," Dacey said as she swiftly drained her wine in one go and rose to her feet.

She gazed into his eyes, skillfully undoing her robes. With a fluid motion, she let it fall to the floor, revealing her naked beauty to Damian in all its glory.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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