Heavenly Gifts

Aerion broke his fast very late, in the afternoon, he had severely overslept. He did like the peace, though. Sitting in the dining hall and calmly feasting without any distractions. After he was done, Aerion walked down from Sunspear to the Shadow City. He wanted to splurge a little in the marketplace. A wealthy King should be able to do that once in a while.

Aerion didn't travel alone, Daenerys went with him. Guards? Well, he didn't need them but they were a nice thing to have. Aerion didn't want people crowding around him so the guards would ensure that such a situation would never occur.

The Dornish were an interesting people and they would certainly stand out in Kingslanding. They were a bit loose… an expressive, hot-blooded people. Religion was a bit more lax here, that was as clear.

While looking around, Aerion encountered a poor fellow. He was a thin man with a weary face. Truly, he was quite young but this was hidden well by his aged appearance. He sat on the ground near the entrance of a shop. He looked up and the light of the world seemed to concentrate onto one point, one person. The glowing person before him smiled.

"Life's looking rough for you, isn't it?

He nodded.

"Poverty is a terrible thing. No one even bats an eye... everyone is out for themselves, you may as well be invisible. Once upon a time, I was no different than you. More handsome and stronger was I, of course, but our situations were very similar."

Aerion brought out fifty gold Dragons.

"M'lord, that is too much. I..."

"It is enough, don't waste it and you can easily put yourself back on track. I hear Stepstones is a good place for trade... anyway, I must go."

"May I ask for your name, M'lord?"

"Aerion Targaryen."

Aerion walked away. Imagine not knowing my name? Oh well... poor boy barely knows anything. But... his stewardship is high, he's ambitious and 'quick'. He will turn those gold pieces into many, many, more. What is the point of charity if it is only temporary? I'd rather give my gold to people who will make good use of it and permanently get out of the hole that is poverty.

"Taking a few lessons from Margaery?" Daenerys asked, playfully.

"Not quite, she does her charity in front of a crowd. I don't... apart from that time after the tournament. It's hard for a King to go unnoticed after he unhorsed every combatant."

"Very difficult, you couldn't cross the street without a dozen guards around you."

They continued shopping around. Aerion purchased a beautiful necklace for Daenerys that was worth quite a fortune. Well, relative to the average person. To Aerion, it was rather cheap. For himself, he brought some apples, grapes and flowers. No one had anything that even mildly interested him but he had to buy something, so he did.

That is what happens when your a cultivator. Your tastes become more 'profound'.

Aerion strolled up to the castle in good spirits. The guards were faster in opening the gate than last time. The flowers he held in his left hand weren't quite comparable to the ones that grow in Highgarden, but they were still beautiful in their own way. He reached Margaery's temporary chambers and lightly knocked.

"Who is it?"

"The Lord of the Seven Kingdoms."

"Aerion? Oh, come in, Your Grace."

Aerion entered and looked around. Margaery was brushing her hair, isn't it a bit late for that? Though, I do hear women tend to spend a little bit too much time on their appearance. I for one could care less, unless I am attending an event of great importance.

"I brought you some flowers…"

"All for me?"

Aerion looked down, he did buy quite a lot. "Of course, my dear."

Aerion parted with the flowers as they softly transferred over to Margaery. "They are wonderful... thank you."

Aerion smiled, she seemed to be happy with his little gift. When he thought about it, it was the first thing he had personally given her.

I remember my late grandfather telling me that the best gift to a woman you love is a crowd of flowers. He did speak a lot of nonsense… but he was right with that, I suppose. Weird advice to give to a child of two, but useful nonetheless.

"Why don't you go outside?"

"It's too hot."

"Hmm, I can make it cooler."

Cold ice from his left touched wind from his right, making it colder. He expanded the wind into a slight breeze and let it go.

"How was that?"

"Better than before... but you can't do that all day."

"Hmm, you are right. We will be returning to Kingslanding soon anyway... and Winter is Coming, apparently."

"Do you believe in the stories?"

"I will when I see them. But you shouldn't worry, if they dare cross the Wall, I will burn them."

Should I expand the Kingdom northwards? But then I'll have to take in those wildlings... it isn't worth it.

Aerion left Margaery after spending some time with her. He was no romantic but he realised the importance of a happy relationship. He returned to his own chambers and ran through his dungeon ring, organizing everything on his bed. There was a book, a lot of pills, some origin blood and two Divine Weapon enhancers. The book had a very interesting title: "How to defeat Rotias 101"

Hmm?

Aerion was intrigued so he opened to the first page. It didn't have many pages which was rather surprising, considering the size of the book itself.

"You are probably thinking 'how do I put an end to Rotias once and for all?', well, unfortunately, you won't be able to. He is a very, extremely, powerful being. The only person who has the ability to fully slay him is the one and only, Transcendent Being. I mean, you could ask Him to do it... but that's a very difficult thing to do. Anyway, I doubt He would give a damn. But... you can still imprison Rotias."

How disappointing.

"You see, the Lord of Blood and Darkness loves to possess his followers but... he can't leave his current vessel unless it dies. In a way, he traps himself inside so that he could fully control the vessel. Ya get it? If so, your welcome for the assistance... this book alone was a quarter of your gold hahahahah!"

So all I have to do is make sure he doesn't die and he won't be able to leave his vessel? Say no more! But there's more...

"I am not done baptizing you with knowledge. There are two other continents on Blue Pole Star, less powerful and significant, but they hold some treasures. The Divine Crow and Lightning Seed of the Evil God are on Illusory Demon Realm soil. You can get both in their main city or whatever... the trial grounds should be common knowledge and the Lightning Seed is actually inside of the Divine Crow's trial ground, amazing, right?"

"The Darkness Seed is located in a place called Cloud's End Cliff in the other continent. Well, it's located at the bottom of the cliff. The hole goes deep, my friend. But if you are brave enough to take the dive, you'll meet a pretty little girl who doesn't talk, a garden of Udumbara flowers and a lot of angry Divine Origin+ beasts. If you're lucky, you will attain the Darkness Seed... but it is a very risky procedure. It also has a strong force that stops you from flying back up... hahaha, it is suicidal! Please, come to that place only if you are SURE none of these things pose a threat to you."

That was most of it, there were also a few maps that showed exactly where he should go to find the treasures.

"Divine Origin and above... a suitable training hole. Jasmine, how strong will you be when you get your body back?"

"You want me to help you?"

"Of course, but I won't force it on you. I can go by myself..."

"And die? I'll help you, but only when you get the materials... I'm sure you remember what you need."

I need an Udumbara flower... it is the most troubling item on the list. The rest can be easily attained. I could dive down into the Cliff and grab everything I need and swiftly fly away. But that strong force... damn it. Maybe the cloaked man has one? No... I don't have enough gold!

Jasmine looked at Aerion's expression. "What?"

"Nothing."

You would kill me if you knew what I was thinking.

Aerion enhanced Sky Piercer and Stormcaller to the Divine Origin Realm. They finally matched the mighty Blackfyre in strength. The pills in front of him were powerful but it seemed that he was not the intended recipient.

For the Heavenly Fire Demon, eh? The cloaked man can read my mind, it seems. The origin blood was extremely powerful, I observed it and found out that it was taken from the mighty Dragon God. Not quite comparable to Aerios, but it's the next best thing.

Aerion took all of the origin blood all at once, a grand total of fifteen drops. His cultivation increased from Tyrant 7 to Tyrant 10. He felt the difference instantly.

I'm ready for Blue Pole Star now, I'll reach Sovereign there. It would be faster there, anyway.

"A change in plans, Silver King?"

"Silver King? That's a new one, Jasmine."

"Your pride allows origin blood but not pills... interesting."

"It is the blood of a God, I would be a fool not to take it. Pills are different."

"Whatever you say."

~

A month passed where Aerion was just going through the motions. All of it was in Dorne, where he got to know his uncle better and establish a few deals that would improve trade between Stepstones and Dorne. Aerion didn't tell Viserys of his engagement, deciding to keep it a secret for now. He also splurged some of his gold on a festival in Dorne and he personally attended, gaining the love of the people of Sunspear. It was easier to like him as he was technically half Dornish himself (a bit less than half), though he didn't look it.

The Royal Progress ended prematurely as Aerion returned to Kingslanding. He had a King's welcome when he went through the city gate. The way to the Red Keep was filled with people cheering and praising their King. Aerion genuinely felt his heart sting a little with joy, he was doing something right. He dismounted from his stallion after reaching the Red Keep. The carriage doors opened and Aerion helped a few of its passengers land on the ground. Viserys dismounted from his horse.

"It's good to be back home." Aerion stated.

"Hmm, my home is Dragonstone. I will have to return soon, unfortunately. The Castellan can only last so long, I must return."

"You are right... it has been a good time, however short it was. How about a hug?"

Viserys chuckled. "There won't be a need for that, but I appreciate the offer."

"Ser Barristan!"

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"Escort Viserys down to the docks."

"It will be done."

"Ser Barristan himself? It is an honour, nephew. Farewell."

"I might come to visit sometime, be prepared."

Viserys mounted his horse and Ser Barristan mounted his. Aerion watched them departure for a few seconds.

"Well, ladies first."

Aerion opened the gate and let his ladies pass, who were followed by the guards and then Aerion himself. Robb's face brightened.

"My Lord, you have returned!"

"Forgive me, I didn't seen any ravens to warn you."

Robb left his seat on the Iron Throne and walked down the steps. He stood aside. "It's all yours."

Aerion smiled. I don't really miss it. "Thank you for keeping it warm."

Aerion walked up the stairs and sat down. "Are there any matters of importance that I must handle?"

Aerion spoke normally but in the hall his voice was ice cold and authoritative. The Iron Thron amplified this effect.

Turns out, there wasn't anything that needed Aerion's attention so he returned to his royal chambers after a few minutes of catching up with the court. Aerion planned to take Robb along in the journey back to Blue Pole Star but he respectfully rejected.

"Who's going to fill my shoes? I need to stay and make sure everything is operating as usual while you are away."

"Fine, have it your way."

I thought he didn't like his position... I guess he changed his viewpoint.

Aerion made preparations for his return, this was mostly getting through the "good-bye" phase. Many people wanted him to stay but he had to go. He took the Dragonsguard, Heavenly Fire Demon, Tai Xia and Izanami with him.

Daenerys wanted to go but he convinced her otherwise.

And off they went...

"Where to?"

Oldtown, the Noble Rogue Sect.

Aerion's heart stopped for a second as he thought of what Rotias could have done to his home... but that feeling soon that changed into pure, wild anger.