Chapter 15: Chapter 14
During that era of Stoick, Garm and Elden, there were discussions among about the education of heirs, which led to the creation of schools in each country.They had the basic gist, but Eru gave them the ideas for them through dreams.
The main purpose was to ensure the production of new healers, teachers, merchants, and more.The Reach took a greater interest in healing, commerce, and education, while Dorne and the North focused on the commerce and warrior route. Unknowingly, this had an interesting effect of curbing the influence of the Maesters in the future.
As time went on, Stoicks grandson gradually ascended the throne. Meanwhile, Eru, having taken the form of Vlad Tepes, found himself in Winterfell, the North. He could observe that the North was progressing at a slower rate compared to Dorne or the Reach.
Eru recognized similarities between the North and Russia as well as Slavic Eastern Europe. On the other hand, Dorne had resemblances to Spain and Portugal, and last but not least, the Reach was similar to France.
In a rowdy atmosphere, the Mead Hall in the North was filled with Northerners of all shapes and sizes, reveling in their merriment. The air was thick with laughter, clinking glasses, and the aroma of strong spirits. At the large wooden table in the center, Theon Stark, a warrior from the Stark lineage, sat surrounded by a group of boisterous Northerners, ready for a night of indulgence.
Theon Stark, with long, dark brown hair, stood at an impressive height of about 6 feet and 2 1/2 inches, boasting a toned, muscular build. Clad in his formidable armor, he lifted a massive drinking goblet filled to the brim with frothy golden mead. Raising it high above his head, his eyes gleamed with excitement.
Having successfully defeated an Ironborn raiders, Theon yelled out, "To victory, my friends! May our spirits be lifted, and our tales be told for ages to come!"
The Northerners cheered and raised their own drinking vessels, joining Theon in a resounding toast.
The Northerners yelled back, "To victory!"
Theon's eyes met those of his companions, and with a mischievous grin, he brought the drinking goblet to his lips. Tipping his head back, he chugged down the mead, his throat working like a well-oiled machine. The Northerners erupted into thunderous applause, impressed by their leader's drinking prowess.
As the horn emptied, Theon slammed it down on the table with a mighty thud, foam spilling onto his beard. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a satisfied grin stretching across his face.
Theon yelled, "Another round, my friends! Let our mugs never run dry!"
The Mead Hall erupted into laughter and cheers as the Northerners refilled their glasses, eager to match Theon's display of strength and revelry.
The night carried on with the thunderous sounds of mugs clashing together, stories being shared, and the occasional song rising above the din. Thark Glower, a fearsome warrior known for his lightning-fast strikes, stood tall amidst the celebration, his laughter echoing through the hall.
Theon's eyes scanned the Mead Hall, catching sight of a solitary figure sitting in the corner. Intrigued, he turned to his trusted friend, Thark Glower, a valiant warrior of the Northerners, who sat beside him.
Theon frowned and questioned, "Thark, do you know who that stranger is, drinking alone in the corner?"
Thark followed Theon's gaze and squinted at the mysterious figure, clad in a cloak of shadows.
Thark recognized him and answered, "Ah,that would be Vlad Tepes. A traveling swordsman, he arrived in the North a few weeks ago. I heard he saved Lady Manderly's carriage from thieves. Lord Manderly speaks highly of his remarkable swordsmanship."
Theon's interest piqued, and he leaned closer to Thark, his eyes filled with curiosity. He noticed that the man possessed a unique blade, one unfamiliar to him.
Theon hummed and said, "Vlad Tepes, you say? Maybe we should make friends with such a fine warrior."
Theon took a sip of his mead, his eyes glinting with excitement.
Thark, knowing his friend well, replied, "Perhaps you could approach him and find out for yourself. But be cautious, Theon."
Theon nodded, acknowledging Thark's advice, and with a determined look on his face, he rose from his seat.
Theon Stark walked purposefully toward the corner where Vlad Tepes sat, positioned himself opposite to him, and with an excited tone, said, "Hello, I am Theon Stark, King of the North, also known as the Hungry Wolf."
Vlad intebally smiled and thought"That was easier than I thought."
This was the start of not just a beautiful friendship, but also a new House, The House of Tepes.