Chapter 6: Dark Mistress(Revised)
288AC
"Well, well, well, how is my favorite brother doing?" Nora's voice rang out, playful and teasing, as she entered Damien's chambers unannounced.
Damien didn't even look up from his maps. "Speak of the devil, and she shall come," he murmured, his lips curving into a faint smirk. He turned, leaning back in his chair as he regarded his sister. "What brings you here, dear Nora?"
Nora's grin widened as she took in her brother's changed appearance. Damien had grown considerably over the past year, his once boyish frame now replaced with the broad shoulders and sharp angles of a man. His raven-black hair was cropped short—a practical choice, though Nora suspected it suited his no-nonsense personality as well. His amethyst eyes, so striking and rare, seemed sharper than ever, a reflection of the keen mind behind them.
"You've become quite the knight, Ser Arthur," she said, giving him an exaggerated bow, her tone thick with mock admiration.
Damien chuckled, shaking his head. "Lady Nora," he replied in kind, gesturing for her to sit. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Nora waved off his formality. "I've been checking on your taverns. They're thriving, as expected. Though it seems Father's taking his cut."
"Twenty percent," Damien replied matter-of-factly. "It's fair, considering the land belongs to him. Besides, it keeps him from meddling too much."
Nora arched a brow, amused by her brother's pragmatism. "Still, to have accomplished all this at just sixteen name days... It's no wonder the smallfolk call you 'The Little Witch.'" She laughed. "Turning stone to gold with a mere flick of your hand. Truly, you're a legend in the making."
Damien rolled his eyes. "Legends are for bards and fools. I'm just doing what needs to be done."
The conversation shifted as Nora's expression turned more serious. "Damien, I heard about your plans to leave. Father isn't exactly pleased, is he?"
Damien's smile faded, replaced by a more contemplative look. "No, he's not. But it's time. Staying here—growing roots—I don't see the point. There's more to achieve beyond these walls."
Nora frowned, setting her goblet down. "And the men? How many are going with you?"
"Of the thirty-two I've trained, only seven have agreed to come," Damien admitted, his tone calm but resolute.
Nora's face hardened. "Ungrateful cowards," she spat. "After all you've done for them."
"It's not cowardice," Damien replied, placing a hand on her shoulder to steady her rising temper. "Many have families or other obligations. I can't fault them for choosing stability over the uncertainty of my journey."
"But they owe you!" Nora argued, her voice trembling with frustration. "You've given them training, armor, a purpose. They should be loyal."
Damien sighed, his expression softening. "Loyalty can't be forced, Nora. Besides, I'd rather take seven who are committed than thirty who might waver when it matters most."
Nora clenched her fists, her protective instincts flaring. "If they think they can stay behind and still reap the benefits of your work—"
"Nora," Damien interrupted gently, his tone firm yet kind. "Let it go. Making enemies out of them serves no purpose. They've made their choice, and I've made mine."
The conversation shifted again as Damien leaned forward, his eyes glinting with something between mischief and determination. "I've brought along someone who might change your mind about my chances."
"Oh?" Nora tilted her head, curious.
"Steffon, the Hedge Wizard," Damien said, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Nora's skepticism was immediate. "A hedge wizard? Damien, really? Lords don't trust them, and for good reason. They're unpredictable."
"He's more than just a wandering mystic," Damien countered. "Steffon's a skilled healer—better than most Maesters I've encountered. And the smallfolk trust him, which is invaluable. Sometimes, unconventional methods yield the best results."
Nora remained unconvinced, her brows furrowing. "Unpredictable or not, you're taking a risk."
"Life's full of risks, dear sister," Damien replied, his tone unwavering. "And this one is calculated. Steffon's saved lives before, mine included. That's enough for me."
Nora studied her brother's face, noting the quiet conviction in his eyes. It was rare for Damien to be so unyielding, and it unsettled her. This wasn't just another one of his schemes; this was something far more serious.
"Just... be careful," she said finally, her voice soft with worry.
Damien's expression lightened, his smirk returning. "Always. And if I don't make it back—"
"You will," Nora interrupted sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't even joke about that."
He smiled, the kind of smile that carried both warmth and a tinge of sorrow. "If I don't, promise me you'll take care of Ellena. She looks up to you."
"I will," Nora vowed, her gaze fierce. "But don't make me keep that promise. You're coming back."
Damien nodded, his smirk deepening into a genuine smile. "I'll hold you to that."
The two siblings sat in silence for a while, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Outside, the faint hum of life in the town drifted through the window, a reminder of all Damien had built and was now leaving behind.
As Nora watched her brother, she felt a pang of pride and fear. Damien was a force to be reckoned with, but the world he was walking into was unforgiving. Still, she knew one thing for certain: whatever challenges lay ahead, Damien would face them with the same resolve and cunning that had brought him this far.
And if anyone dared stand in his way, they would learn just how dangerous a Darke could be.
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Greyjoy Rebellion soon, yet our protagonist has a business near Lannisport. Numera inspires the next chapter (check them out); also, remember the keywords inspire, not copy. I have a lot of fun new ideas. P.S has my spacing gotten better if not how many lines do you want between each paragraph.
Power Stones!!!!!!
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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