(Erlend Mudd, The Wall)
Standing atop the legendary structure. Erlend decided to do away with the subtlety. Not that it existed all that much anymore.
The war has become nothing more than a slugfest. Walkers would raid the lines only to be killed, rebuffed, and pursued by his men. Eventually, the pursuers would overreach themselves and be forced to return, only for the Walkers to turn right around and attack again. All the while, their wights harassed and made themselves a general nuisance.
This cycle would repeat, leaving many wondering what their undead foe hoped to accomplish by doing this.
No wonder the showrunners destroyed the Wall, it didn't exactly make for great content if the feared big bad couldn't even break through it, not to mention the show's North lacked the numbers to push them back.
At the moment, this wasn't good news for his people, since living, breathing beings could get exhausted. Whereas their enemy never had to worry about that and could continuously attack at any moment.
This was a battle of attrition, with the Night King acting more cautiously than one would expect from a hate-filled, millenia old creature of vengeance.
Since the Night King refused to confront him head-on, this put him in an uncomfortable stalemate, convincing Erlend that he would need to force the bastard out.
At the least make sure the fucker couldn't just squirrel away into whatever hole he'd dug himself into.
So here he was atop the Wall once more, ready to take action.
Hands shining brightly as flames materialized out of thin air, slowly grouping, as the King willed them to gather closer.
A massive fiery avatar of his eldest draconian child would be the result of the process, wrapping itself around his body and frightening the men around him who watched him in awe and fear.
He didn't stop there, as he summoned even more fire, letting it gather and form another dragon, this time its body resembled that of Verna. Floating around him and trying to get closer, but unable as Jinhua's avatar possessively clung to him.
The scorching heat leaked by the two avatars forcefully altered the temperature within the area. Verna's avatar twisting its body to get a good look at its surroundings.
Death and fire clung to their core as they awaited his command.
Erlend chose to wait a moment as he felt curiosity and confusion from his draconian children at the unexpected appearance of their doppelgangers.
Willing them to stay put. Erlend spread his aura freely, this time allowing those around him to feel its existence, bringing them to their knees in shock and horror as they experienced the surge of power originating from him.
A bit dramatic, but necessary.
He could sense faint fluctuations to the northwest of his location, brimming with energy and disgust. Recoiling from the pure aura that he was emitting.
As a Lord of Nature, Winter technically fell under his purview, so sensing it and its origin wasn't all that difficult. The problem lay in grasping control over it, and with the Great Enemy actively in control, it would be a momentous task to seize it from him, and could even lead to a prolonged invisible battle for control between the two.
Such was the nature of divine domains that overlapped. Not to mention, Winter and Ice weren't his specialty, and fighting for control with a divine being who specialized in it was just begging for trouble.
Erlend could eventually win such a confrontation, as he had many varied powers and domains that would aid him, but it wouldn't have the visual effect he wanted, and would take years to complete. At least not visible enough for anyone but experienced sorcerers such as Melisandre and the night bastard to notice.
So the plan was simple: send two flame avatars to harass the Night King and his lead Walkers. Kill them one by one, as Erlend actively fed them the energy needed to reform and keep going, no matter what his enemy threw at them.
Now, one might ask themself, couldn't the Great Other just interfere and help the popsicle to get rid of them? Well yes. Yes, he could. Still, it wouldn't stop him from recreating them again and restarting the process all over again.
What can the bastard do? Ask him to respect martial ethics? Don't be ridiculous.
With a simple nod, Jinhua's avatar uncoiled itself from his body, understanding his will and prepared to carry it out as it flew towards the Night King. On the other hand, Verna nuzzled her head on his hands for a second before swiftly following her brethren, ready to wreak havoc on the opposition.
To ensure nothing interferes, Erlend silently willed his imprints to follow close behind.
It would be useful to know how his foe would react to these attacks and what abilities he might reveal when doing so. No reason not to make use of this opportunity.
Turning around, he found that most of the entourage that followed him up here had already fainted, the heat and pressure simply too unbearable for their weak bodies. Surprisingly, many of his guard remained standing through sheer willpower, though their expressions showed great pain and restlessness.
Quite admirable of them, he must say. Once he retracted his aura, many couldn't help but look relieved.
It wouldn't be terrible to let them get used to his pressure, perhaps when foreign dignitaries and representatives appeared in his court, Erlend could let it out occasionally.
His guards not fainting would make it all the more intimidating at any attempt at posturing from those vultures.
Several sounds of explosions and magical energy combusting could be heard, reaching even this far up the wall.
Oh, would you look at that, his creations were already wreaking havoc upon the enemy lines. How delightful. Hopefully, the bastard decides to personally take action.
"Your Majesty, should we prepare the lines for potential retaliation?" Raymond, his faithful Lord Commander, inquired.
The poor man had only arrived recently, it was a headache being his guard with the amount of places Erlend travelled without them after all.
While originally he intended for them to remain in the capital, Erlend had decided that it would be best to bring a portion of them here, where they could make a positive impact on the morale of the troops.
"Naturally, make sure each major line has at least a few dozen of the most skilled warriors at the head. It wouldn't do if one of the points faltered."
"As you say, Your Majesty."
Gazing towards the explosions, 'Well then, the ball is in your court, Stark.'
…
(Ashara Dayne)
When her beloved had warned her that he would be putting pressure on their enemy, she hadn't expected him to go this far.
Conjuring massive beasts made out of pure fire was already one thing she reckoned was enough to frighten even the most fearless of men.
Having them fly off and completely shatter the enemy's cohesion was another. Thousands of wights had collapsed on themselves, as their Walkers all perished under the persistent attacks of the fiery beasts.
Both Jinhua and Verna seemed to have taken that as a challenge, as they too began to act more aggressively. It was as if they were competing with each other for who could kill the most Walkers.
Ashara would go so far as to say, in these few hours. The number of Walkers to perish had likely surpassed whatever number she and the rest of humanity managed to slay so far.
It was a humbling fact, and quite jarring.
Knowing one's liege can instantly shatter whole battlefields was concerning to many. It showed how dangerous Erlend could be when he stopped holding back. The Essosi support looked ready to shit their pants when he first started showing off.
Still, she had enjoyed her time here. Not to mention, her efforts and skills had already surpassed nearly all of Erlend's lovers, with only Visenya being capable of matching her. She wasn't sure if she'd ever surpass that arrogant dragoness, but it was something she thought worthy to try.
Erlend had confirmed she had far greater magic in her blood due to her ancestry. With her blood and magic being purer than most.
A sudden loud crack interrupted her, no doubt her beloved had smote another area nearby. Randomly chucking around lightning like coins to the needy.
He loved his dramatics, that couldn't be denied.
"Perhaps we should fall back, Ma'am. It appears that His Majesty intends to play around with them." One of her subordinates suggested.
"Preposterous, our great esteemed leader is making quick work of the Great Enemy, it is our duty to remain close by to aid him to the best of our abilities." Another interrupted him.
Seven Help Her, Ashara had almost forgotten about the fanatics. They popped up everywhere these days,
It was either Erlend's work or Visenya's. Only those two would encourage the growing religious fervor that had been spreading recently.
Fanatical loyalists, while not the most stable, tended to make the best soldiers. Something Visenya was quite insistent on.
It was unnerving to see it firsthand. There was just something unnatural about the way they gazed at her lover. These were the types of people who would throw themselves at his feet just so that his eyes might momentarily glance at them.
A pathetic attempt to gain his attention was what she called it.
Annoyed with her fellow officers, a third officer interrupted the duo. "None of that now. His Majesty explicitly ordered us to fall back should he start. Best not get in his way when he's making quick work of them."
If she recalled correctly, this one was a minor noblewoman who'd voluntarily joined the Banners. Escaping a potential arranged marriage her parents had no doubt attempted to saddle her up with.
The girl had a good head on her shoulders, hopefully she survived this War.
Deciding to make sure neither of the two started bickering with the poor girl. "Lieutenant, start the process. The King will not be pleased if we continue making this difficult for him."
Friendly fire was never appreciated. No reason for these lot to get in the way.
Looking slightly relieved at the support. "As you say, Ma'am." The lieutenant saluted her.
There was dissatisfaction in the eyes of the other two, but they dared not argue. Ashara had been particularly harsh in enforcing discipline within the ranks. She had no interest in seeing her subordinates die for 'glory'.
That was the job of incompetent lords and gloryhounds who would only bring pain and suffering to the Realm.
Glancing at her side, she felt something unusual rushing towards her. Probably something had managed to escape the lightning strike and was fleeing in their direction.
Signaling for the Bannermen to immediately be on the alert. Ashara held her ancestral greatsword close to her chest, ready to counter whatever was coming their way.
The Lieutenant and the two formerly bickering officers formed a close protective ring around her, though neither stood in her way from the mysterious incoming object.
The rest kept to a defensive position, ready to react should things go awry. The archers prepared to shoot at a moment's notice. They knew better than to get in her way.
One of the officers looked unnerved, the one who'd first suggested they fall back. He tried his best to remain calm, but she could easily see through the bundle of nerves he truly was.
Frowning at the officer, she felt annoyed. Neither the fanatic nor the lieutenant seemed all that worried. Their confidence in her abilities remaining strong.
"Calm yourself, this is not the time to let your nerves get the best of you, boy." She stated sharply.
Snapping his head at her direction, the boy shakily nodded. Not daring to look her in the eyes, far too embarrassed about his attitude.
Not having the luxury to care about him right now, her violet eyes glowed as she tried to discern the true nature of whatever was heading their way. She could faintly see a human outline rushing towards them.
Of course, it had to be a White Walker. Only they could feasibly escape a lightning strike.
As expected, as soon as she confirmed its outline, the human-like figure broke through the covering.
Its pale grey-white skin looked charred. The characteristic long-white hair was missing, and the usually vibrant blue eyes looked haunted. As soon as it laid its eyes on them, its eyes widened in rage.
Good to know even Walkers felt fear, rage too she supposed.
The loud snarl that escaped its mouth sounded inhuman. Then again, the minute the Night King got hold of its pitiful human body, there was no chance it would ever escape his grip.
Only death would release the soul trapped within. The ground beneath began to shake as her power coursed through her, heeding her call.
She wouldn't let this one escape.
Purple light surrounded both her body and Dawn, figure crouching slightly as she prepared herself to strike.
Sensing something amiss, the Walker warily stared at her, torn between rage and fear as uncertainty gripped him. The distinct lack of fear on her face was enough to give it pause, its instincts screaming at it to escape while it still had the chance.
Fury won out in the end, as it rushed towards her. Choosing to kill her before she could finish whatever she had started.
'Too late.'
Not giving him time to react, Ashara appeared right behind the Walker. Her speed easily suppresses him.
With a simple slash, she struck the already weakened Walker, who could only watch in confusion as he was unable to react to her attack.
Boom!
The legendary blade hit it straight at its unprotected back, and without much fanfare, his body disintegrated into chunks of ice. The last expression on his face showed nothing more than confusion and relief.
It was both impressive and pathetic that their enemy had yet to find methods to counter the magical metal.
As long as one's skills and physique surpassed them, a Walker was easy to kill. Though, that was easier said than done, considering the need for a magical metal.
Still, it was relieving in a way. If the enemy had managed to find ways to counter the ability of valyrian steel and meteorite metal, than humanity would well and truly be fucked.
Looking at the three officers, "Everything alright?" She asked.
Nodding their heads simultaneously, none of the three spoke out loud. They were too shocked by how fast she'd managed to kill the Walker, enough that none of them noticed the faint wisp of frost blue glimmer being sucked into dawn.
Ashara couldn't blame them. This Walker was far less of a challenge when met with a warrior who could fight it in equal terms, never mind one as unique as her.
Erlend called it 'pay-to-win'.
A weird way to put it, but her lover truly did say some of the oddest things when he felt like it. It was either endearing or irritating, depending on the occasion.
Only Malora found it normal.
Now that the threat was dealt with, they returned to carrying out their tasks. With Ashara maintaining vigil in case trouble came their way once again.
While she was confident that was the only surprise, one could never be too sure.
…
(Erlend Mudd)
Seeing that everything was alright with his lover, Erlend left her to her own devices.
He had known full well of the 'lucky' White Walker, and hadn't interfered. Ashara would not appreciate it, as she relished in killing the once legendary creatures.
The minuscule boost it gave her and Dawn was just a bonus on the side.
Unsurprisingly, yet another of his lovers showed relish in the act of murder and violence. It said things about him that he was attracted to women like that.
Hells, even Catelyn and Lysa had mean streaks a mile wide, despite their 'gentle' demeanor. Just ask canon Jon. Plus, Lysa was just batshit crazy when left to her own.
The Dayne bloodline, as with many ancient bloodlines, was quite special, being by far the most unique among the first men's bloodlines due to their descent from the last hero. Unfortunately, due to the lack of purity and whatnot, whatever special properties it once contained had long since regressed.
Leaving only an outrageous beauty filter that put them on par with Valyrians.
His activities with Ashara had reawakened it somehow, similar to how it had done with Visenya, though on a much more limited basis, since Visenya had a goddess secretly boosting her, whilst Ashara was purely relying on herself.
Erlend wasn't sure what exactly constituted being qualified to receive these boosts from his body. For example, Elia, despite her ancient Rhoynar blood, hadn't awakened any abilities, with the only thing that changed being her body becoming healthier and less frail. Rhaella was the same.
Lyanna, despite being his more eager lover, hadn't awakened anything either, and poor Janna wasn't even a consideration, even though she had distant Gradener blood.
Was his body being selective in who it boosted? Honestly, he had no idea. As a God, he should theoretically be able to control this, but he had yet to try.
After all, if he was going to experiment on something as important as this, it would be best to avoid doing so with his loved ones. Playing with their physiques and blood without understanding the cause could be disastrous.
Ashara and Visenya could be chalked up to being special cases, as their bodies were more receptive to it. Maybe it was genetic, similar to how mutants worked?
That was something to look into.
He'd need to capture some people with special bloodlines and see if he can awaken their regressed bloodlines without the need for fucking.
Contrary to popular belief, Erlend wasn't willing to stick his dick in anything that had a hole. So, good old-fashioned human experimentation would have to do.
Oh well, his hands were already covered in oceans of blood, a few more wouldn't hurt. He knew Malora would be up to it. Yet another example of just how outrageous his taste in women was.
Somewhere in his previous life, he could feel his family judging him. Too bad for them, he wasn't the type to let that bring him down.
======
Note: I know this feels right out of left field, like Ashara's power-up seems too fast and barely explored, which I originally intended to focus a whole good chunk of chapters on, but it honestly felt like I was dragging the story on for too long at that point, so we got this instead. I will probably return to this and add more depth later on. The last touch with researcher Erlend filling in felt appropriate, with their characters, neither he nor Malora would be willing to let the bone go, especially when they're surrounded by potential bloodline carriers.