Chapter 43
As Lucian embraced the responsibilities of building his own family, he also courageously stepped into the revered role of Lord Tepes, inheriting the legacy from Vlad.
Raven stayed single and went on adventures of her own, but she did come home from time to time to meet her parents and brother.
Vlad, Eliza, and Theon, with his beloved wife, sought solace in the serene depths of Wolfswood. Amidst the whispering trees and tranquil shadows, they found a haven away from the clamor of their past lives.
Despite being the esteemed Avatar of Eru, Vlad aged gracefully, mirroring the natural passage of time. Theon, having gracefully passed on his mantle as the King of the North to his successor, gradually ceased his shape-shifting abilities. Nevertheless, a timeless vitality lingered, allowing Theon to resemble a man in the prime of his life, assuring the prospect of witnessing his great-grandchildren's adventures.
Eliza, offered the opportunity to preserve her youth through shape-shifting, deliberately chose to embrace the flow of time, standing resolutely by Vlad's side. Her acceptance of Vlad's divine identity as the Avatar of Eru further cemented their unbreakable bond.
Vlad and Eliza, now weathered by the passage of time, sat together, admiring the serene beauty of Wolveswood.
As they gazed at the landscape, Vlad softly hummed, breaking the tranquil silence. "So, Raven is in Essos now?" he inquired.
Eliza, with a nod, replied, "Yes, she's been chronicling her adventures. It's both thrilling and concerning to read."
Vlad, with a knowing smile, asked, "Is Lucian bringing our grandson and granddaughter here?"
Recalling the joy of her family, Eliza smiled. She cherished her life and anticipated being with Vlad or Eru beyond mortal bounds. Her worry, however, lay with her children and grandchildren.
Reassuringly, Vlad spoke, "Your brother will care for the North, and my true form has already blessed the Tepes bloodline. There won't be any issues."
Grateful for her extraordinary husband, Eliza kissed Vlad, recognizing her fortune in having a god as a life partner.
In a tender embrace, Vlad held his wife, savoring the sweet and peaceful moment, aware that Eliza's mortal life was drawing to a close.
Two moons later, Eliza's life began to fade.
The room was somber, with only the laborious sound of Eliza's breath. Vlad approached the bed, where Lucian, Raven, Theon, and the rest of the family gathered.
Tears welled in Vlad's eyes as he stood beside the bed, looking down at his wife teetering on the edge of death.
Eliza, with excitement in her widening eyes, gripped Vlad's hand, tears streaming down her face.
Smiling through his own tears, Vlad comforted her, "Don't worry; it's just like falling asleep."
Eliza, with a faint smile, whispered, "I'll be waiting for you on the other side."
As her breathing ceased, Raven and Lucian mourned their mother's passing, and Theon, with a heavy heart, remembered the loss of his wife a moons ago. The room echoed with the weight of shared sorrow.
In the following moon, Vlad, too, embraced his final journey, reuniting with his beloved wife Eliza as they both transitioned back to their true essence as Eru.
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In the historical records, the Kingdom of North bore witness to unique figures, namely Vlad Tepes and Theon Stark. Following Vlad and his wife's demise, their son Lucian assumed the mantle of Lord Tepes, while his sister took up the responsibility of defending the North alongside her brother.
Following the demise of Vlad and Lady Eliza, Theon Stark embraced a solitary life, spending the rest of his days as a hermit. He only interacted with his son and grandson. Post-Jason Stark, only three Starks persisted with the Wolfsblood and Mark of Ulmo: Torrhen Stark, and Cregan Stark.
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