Revelations and Future goals

Abroad the Tidepool Galley, Age 297 AC:

The group handled their own regime of duties and training as each knew what to do. Not a single day wasted and it was learned by the three sisters as they got used to it. Obara and Toros spent more and more time together leading to many rumors, all good humor. William was always trying to escape Nymeria much to his brother's delight as he found it hilarious. Nymeria was always around th as ugh finding William sometimes because of Garold giving her hints.

Reana and Tyene spent increasingly more time with Alexios whether while training or watching him practice his magic. To them it was fascinating seeing him discover new and new limits to his powers. Tyene and Reana became closer with the trip as Tyene looked up to her. Reana and Alexios kept up their romantic and intimate activities often which only led to them being called the lustful duo.

As the days went by and the nights blessed them, Alexios held another meeting with his growing group. Robb was the first to bring something to the table. "Once we make it to the North, I have to return to Winterfell with my men. Father has requested my presence as soon as possible."

Alexios eyed everyone for their response and it would seem many people thought it was best since he was the heir to Winterfell. "If everything is going as planned, I'll have to start organizing all the new projects and start talking with the other nobles near Snake Mount all the way to the shore line." Lili followed with clear reasoning already aware of her duty. Garold took a drink and sighed afterwards. "I'll start training my group designated to me in the ways of archery while William trains them in short blades and close combat. We should see results in the following month or so after we start."

Toros placed a few scrolls down and unraveled them. "I'll gather the craftsmen under me to begin the preparations of arms and armor for the troops. Nothing but the best for all our men, it'll require a hefty sum but with the others it'll be done in time. Reana laid down some maps in the remaining space of the table and looked at Alexios. "After the roads are done, I can begin the construction of the fortifications and improvements upon the older foundations set."

The three sisters were amazed by the coordination and fluid movement of momentum. "I'm proud of all of you for your hard work and commitment. Obara, you'll be working alongside I, Tyene, and Toros when he has time to train the infantry. Nymeria, I want you to assist Lili and Reana when you have time, your eyesight and quick mind can help with input. I hope you three wont let me down, don't betray my expectations or you'll only stump your own growth."

With that the group got up and saluted Alexios except Robb, Obara, and Nymeria as the two sisters were dazed and Robb is his liege lord. Robb stayed with Alexios as everyone left to carry on their tasks on the ship and their own workings. "It almost feels as if you're a rank similar to me or even higher… Makes me wonder just what will happen in the coming years my friend."

Alexios chuckled and sighed before taking a drink to clear his thirst. "My friend, you'll never have to worry about my allegiance unless you plot against myself, my family, or my friends knowingly. I might hold power but my growth in power only correlates to your own growth. Wedding or not, we are sworn brothers since that day and the future days to come. If I truly wanted more, I'd take it only if I had a way to not take your own standing down, you have my word Lord Stark."

Robb thought for a few moments and his mind went back to the scrolls and maps. "You plan to take more land in the North just to have access to the sea, why?" "I would say more of a collaboration, I pay out the noble in charge of the land with a generous tax to the ruling house. If the noble house is doing a fine job and has no ill intentions then I leave them in power to handle the minor dealings while I oversee them. If they do not fit my criteria for competence then I simply remove them fully whether they accept the money or not, makes no difference either way."

Alexios took another drink and pointed onto the map and traced his finger along the coastline. "The north has little to no real navel power and it's laughable with the grey Joy's so close. It's no wonder we have reports of raids happening and it'll be an issue if we go to war. With this expanse of area, I could fortify pretty easily within a year or two if I hire outside labor. More jobs, more trade, more military power… I'm surprised the North didn't think of it sooner with or without the gold to support it."

Robb was scratching his head then rubbing his chin as he sat closer to Alexios looking where he pointed. "You do know once I'm in power, you will be appointed to my council no matter what? I can't imagine running the whole North without someone as smart as you. Though I do have to say, what you propose will not just require a hefty sum, at least billions of gold will have to go into this along your other schemes and projects together." Alexios laughed loudly enough for everyone outside the cabin in the ship they were in to look there way.

"Ahh, my friend the young wolf, what makes you think I don't have the gold or connections. Did you really think I was doing nothing while on this little adventure with you and the others? My father has already started the foundations, possibly more and that is the difficult part. Now all I have to do is to get the stone to roll downhill and gain momentum. Within two years… no one year, no one will think, the North as savages or simple folk, they will think of us as a kingdom of no equal."

Robb looked at Alexios and back to the map then back again. He was contemplating everything he just digested into his mind. "If this really works, our fleet will be even stronger than the Greyjoy's fleet, our trade more plentiful than the free cities and will help us gain more gold than the Lannisters. " "Oh it will be so much more than that, I plan to have roads made to every territory, more guards patrol the roads to lessen bandit and wildling activity. Also with this, we won't have to rely on the Reach for food for the next five more years…" Alexios grabbed a box and placed it on the table lifting its lid to reveal a warmth alongside a dull light.

Robb looked at what appeared to be a crystal of some kind with an orange glow. It emitted heat, heat enough to make the entire cabin as warm as the sands of Dorne. "What is this Alexios? If it's what I think it is, and it can do what i think you're planning on using it for, then the North won't be the North anymore."

Alexios grinned and grabbed the crystal that once out of the box emitted even more heat. "This is of my own creation, I call it a fire crystal, the simple purpose for now is to help us with our farming issue. The North suffers from lack of crops due to the snow always halting any attempts. This will melt the snow and make a warm atmosphere around the area of it. A few of these in the right place can help push our farming attempts to the brink of success and be used for a few more convenient purposes."

Robb was dumbfounded at the revelation that appeared before his eyes. "Alexios you giant genius! With this, we can now avoid relying on the other realms for food. I can already see these crystal's being used in homes and castles to save our use on lumber providing even more advantages. The lumber can be used towards other fields and with the light source, it could be used as beacons that can be used by traders and other travelers. " Alexios poured more into his mug before pouring some into a mug for Robb.

Just as Robb finished speaking, he took the mug and clanked it against Alexios's, just for the two to take a large gulp. Robb and Alexios began drinking through the evening leading to the night. As the sun shone lightning the room brighter, Alexios awoke to yells coming from outside. He opened the door and went outside to see Toros ordering the crew to get to work and make haste to their destination. Alexios smirked and stretched just to get to work himself at wheel taking over for the person before to take a rest.