Chapter 37

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During the Era of Scholarly Divergence, in this remarkable epoch, two distinct groups of erudite individuals graced the realms of Westeros and beyond. The first, hailing from the venerable Citadel of Oldtown, held sway over the domains of the Vale, Riverlands, Stormlands, and Westerlands. These were the Maesters, the custodians of knowledge, esteemed and influential in their respective regions.

In contrast, the other faction was known as Scholars, who had earned renown in the far reaches of Dorne, the fertile lands of the Reach, and the rugged expanses of the North. These scholars, each presiding over their own Tower of Knowledge within these diverse kingdoms such as the Tower of North, Tower of Reach, and Tower of Dorne, formed a formidable cadre of intellectuals.

Both groups shared a voracious appetite for knowledge, embarking on journeys that traversed the known world in pursuit of answers to the myriad questions that stirred their curious minds. Their quests often led them to the enigmatic Freehold of Valyria, where the mysteries of the arcane beckoned them with tantalizing allure.

Yet, a profound schism separated these two esteemed assemblies of erudites. The Maesters, devout adherents of the Faith of the Seven, held an unwavering conviction against all things mystical and magical. Their steadfast faith dictated their skepticism, and they viewed any association with magic or magical bloodlines with deep suspicion.

On the other hand, the scholars who resided in the realms of North, Reach and Dorne were marked by a more open-minded ethos. They welcomed diversity of thought, embracing even female scholars into their ranks, a practice that set them apart from the Maesters. Their pursuit of knowledge knew fewer bounds, their minds unburdened by the rigid dogmas that constrained their counterparts.

In an age where the pursuit of knowledge was as diverse as the lands it spanned, these two groups, the Maesters and the scholars, stood as contrasting pillars of enlightenment.

Excerpt from "Divergence of Knowledge" by Grand Scholar Arken from Dorne Tower of Knowledge.

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While in bc 7,005 in the realm where the Houses Stark and Tepes converged, a union brought forth a two remarkable children.Two unique and intriguing souls, Lucian and Rachel Tepes.

Lucian Tepes, a slender youth of a mere 14 moons, bore the undeniable mark of his heritage. His untamed dark brown hair cascaded past his shoulders, an unruly testament to his spirited nature. Clad in a simple brown tunic, his attire was a stark contrast to his piercing grey eyes that peered out from his handsome visage. With a face that held both youthfulness and maturity, he embodied the essence of his lineage. As the brisk autumn wind swept through, it rustled his unruly locks like whispered secrets, adding an air of untamed mystery to his presence.

Rachel Tepes, known as Raven, was a striking figure whose very appearance seemed to weave an enigmatic tale. Her dark black hair, adorned with subtle blue highlights, framed her face in a bold bob cut that hinted at her assertive spirit. She chose her attire to reflect her character, often donning a cascade of dark clothing. A hooded cloak of the deepest hue concealed her form, allowing only glimpses of her pale skin to emerge from its shadowy folds. Her eyes, intense and inscrutable, held a mystery that begged to be unraveled, casting a captivating aura that seemed to draw others into her realm of secrets.

While both Lucian and Raven were products of their parents' love, their abilities reflected the uniqueness of their lineages. Lucian's connection to his father, Vlad, resonated in his mastery of Void walking, an art that transcended physical boundaries. With each step, he navigated the boundaries of the known and the unknown, a living bridge between realms.

In contrast, Raven wielded magic that danced on the edge of twilight. She possessed the power to mold shadows and darkness, bending them to her will with a touch of sorcery. It was a power that mirrored the depths of her own soul, casting her as both a beacon of intrigue and an enigma shrouded in her own twilight.

In a courtyard bathed in the golden hues of twilight, the clash of steel against steel reverberated through the air as Lucian Tepes faced off against his father, Vlad. Their katana blades sang a deadly duet, each strike punctuated by the resounding clash that echoed their fierce determination.

While Rachel or Raven Tepes along with her mother Eliza watched the fight form the side.

Set to the backdrop of echoing clashes and the cadence of their determined hearts.The rhythmic dance of combat unfolded with a mix of raw power and practiced finesse. Vlad's movements were a symphony of precision and experience, his blade an extension of his very being as it weaved through the air with calculated grace. With every strike, he demonstrated the legacy of House Tepes, a lineage steeped in combat prowess.

Yet, young Lucian was no novice. His ten-year-old frame belied the latent strength within him, fueled by the fiery spirit inherited from both his parents. His katana arced through the air with a determined fervor, his resolve shining through in the flare of his eyes. Though his strikes lacked the finesse of his father's, they held an unyielding determination that couldn't be ignored.

The clash of their swords created a mesmerizing symphony of metal, the high-pitched ring of steel against steel mingling with the low rumble of their exertion. Each strike sent sparks flying, illuminating the fierce expressions etched onto their faces. Lucian's movements were a mix of youthful energy and the teachings of his father, while Vlad's maneuvers carried the weight of years of battle-hardened expertise.

As the battle raged on, the courtyard seemed to hold its breath, the air charged with tension. Each parry, each strike, was a testament to the bond between father and son, a legacy of strength passed down through generations. Despite Vlad that Vald still had the upper hand.

Lucian, his breath ragged, managed to mutter through his fatigue, "I give up... you are too strong, old man."

Vlad's laughter rumbled in response, as he replied, "Don't worry, in time you will get better."

With a sigh, Lucian sprawled onto the ground, seeking respite from the intense sparring session. Beside him, Raven, her patience evident in her poise, finally broke her silence, her voice carrying a mixture of earnestness and request, "Father, I need more guidance with my magic."

Vlad's nod was a signal of his attentiveness as he inquired, "Are you still struggling with controlling both your shadows and your soulself?"

Raven affirmed his assumption, her gaze steady as she admitted, "Yes, she can be quite... annoying." Her soulself, an ethereal manifestation of her darker aspects, took on a sinister yet transparent form, a haunting reflection of her inner struggles that manifested as a separate, taunting entity in moments of despair.

However, the solace and support from her parents served as a source of strength for Raven. They provided her comfort and guidance, helping her navigate the challenges presented by her soulself.

Vlad's understanding was evident as he offered reassurance, his words delivered with an air of wisdom, "Don't worry, even though she may appear indifferent, your soulself is there to protect you."

Vlad's revelation about Raven's demigod lineage had been a surprise, particularly the potent divinity she harbored within her. This divine essence leaned towards the realm of shadows and darkness, a revelation that prompted Vlad to embark on the journey of teaching her to master her emotions and prevent them from becoming her undoing.

"Shall we observe your soulself now?" Vlad's inquiry was a prompt for Raven to showcase her progress.

With a determined breath, Raven projected her soul from her physical form. This spectral manifestation, her soulself, emerged in a translucent, shadowy guise that bore a haunting resemblance to her. The entity regarded Vlad with a mixture of awe and trepidation, a testament to the complexities within her.

Raven found it intriguing that her soulself appeared almost meek in the presence of her father, a stark contrast to the entity's usual demeanor.

Raven then dismissed her soulself.

Vlad's gentle hum resonated with understanding as he offered guidance, "You must allow yourself to gradually embrace the truth that this entity is an intrinsic part of who you are." Tenderly, he encircled Raven in a comforting hug, his voice a gentle whisper, "Your father and mother will be unwaveringly by your side."

Eliza's smile radiated warmth as she joined the embrace, enveloping her daughter with maternal care. Her voice, a soft murmur, carried the promise,"No matter what, we're here."

Rachel smiled, tears welling up, while Lucian chimed in with excitement, "Hey, don't leave me out!"

Laughter filled the air as Raven shared a laugh with Lucian.

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In the annals of history, around the year c. 7,005 BC, the westeros bore witness to the extraordinary emergence of mystical legends and one of them was within the esteemed Tepes bloodline. A lineage shrouded in both darkness and mystique. At the helm of this enigmatic family stood none other than Vlad Tepes himself, the very founder who would etch his name into the annals of legend.

Renowned as the founder of the Tepes family, Vlad Tepes, was graced with twins sired alongside his beloved wife, Eliza Tepes, formerly known as Eliza Stark in her maiden years.

The elder of these twins bore the name Lucian Tepes, and he was the living embodiment of the fusion of these two extraordinary lineages. Inheriting the Stark features of his mother, Lucian was a striking figure, his appearance a testament to the union of these two powerful bloodlines. However, his heritage ran deeper than mere aesthetics, for he had also inherited the fabled ability to walk the Void, a gift that had made Vlad Tepes a legendary figure.

But the mystique did not stop with Lucian. The younger of the twins, known as Raven Tepes, began to manifest powers that defied conventional understanding. These abilities, at the time, were regarded by the scholars as nothing short of miraculous.

But in the annals of history, it is recorded that heated debates and scholarly disputes erupted within the hallowed halls of the Citadel. Some maesters, deeply entrenched in their beliefs, decried Raven's abilities as heretical, branding them as "dark" or "evil" forces that defied the Faith of the Seven. They saw her powers as a dangerous deviation from the established norms of the world.

However, it is important to note that not all maesters shared this view. Some among them, with a more open-minded perspective, sought to understand the nature of Raven's gifts without immediately condemning them. These maesters believed that knowledge itself was a sacred pursuit and that, perhaps, Raven's abilities held secrets that could enrich their understanding of the world.

Thus, in the wake of Raven Tepes and her mystical powers, a divide emerged within the Citadel, reflecting the broader schisms of belief that had existed for centuries. It was a time when faith clashed with the unknown, and history would forever bear witness to this clash of ideologies as the legacy of the Tepes twins unfolded.

Raven Tepes inexplicable talents and her unique powers captivated the imaginations of the era's scholars and mystics alike. It was widely speculated that the convergence of Stark and Tepes bloodlines had bestowed upon her this enigmatic and unparalleled prowess, thus perpetuating the mystique of the Tepes legacy.

Excerpt from "Bloodline of Tepes family" by Grand Scholar Marcus Manderly from Northern Tower of Knowledge.

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