The flood gates had been opened, apparently, and my hostility didn't dissuade them from visiting the next day. Well, two of them. The scent made who obvious, the faint smells of lilac in the air. I couldn't say I was surprised by one of them. The other... Still, though I knew they were coming, I didn't leave Elena's bosom.

Elena had been waiting for me when I reentered the cabin the previous day, only a sheet wrapped around her. Nothing was said but she dragged me into a cuddle that slowly ebbed away my growing anger. Anger at myself for the becoming obvious changes being made. How deep they actually ran. I held myself back from a massacre but I knew it was only a matter of time. The anger so deep it was contesting with morals and self-restraint. The anger at the Starks' was secondary.

If there was anything I deeply feared, it was a lack of control. Especially of myself. Quite a common fear most would say but they haven't experienced Bloodborne, where control was in little supply. My decision, while spur of the moment, I wanted to hold true. Stop living in fear. It's difficult, even with my power.

"Are you not going to greet them?"

I looked to her in question, surprised she could sense them. They were relatively close but we were still in our cabin, in our bed.

"Oh. I had forgotten the effects of Dragon Thrall." I realized. "I'm guessing you can smell them?"

"Faintly."

"I suppose we should get dressed then." I sighed, rising and taking her with me. Carrying her is slightly awkward, with her being almost as tall as me, but I would still do it, if only for the feeling.

"Speaking of smell, I believe we should bathe." She said as she put her face to my chest. Oh, it was said innocently enough but I knew the reason she hid. Sticky Fingers made it unfair.

I gave her a coy smile.

"Yes, we may have the time."

I repositioned her to over my shoulder, hurrying to our bath.

"Lyle!" She shouted in surprise.

I only laughed.

*******

We definitely didn't have the time. Most of it was taken actually collecting the water. I cheated by taking it from the Dream. A Dream I can only guess is constructing itself an imitation of the Hunter's. I was hesitant to confirm.

There are few ways to avoid the madness the Dream spreads but thankfully, we discovered the little ones. It was why they were created, to filter the eldritch. It wasn't confirmed but I have the theory they serve the Hunters to consume it. I still liked the little guys, even if that is true. They made the Dream actually an option, in a limited fashion. As long as it was only made in the Dream, the little ones would make it usable. There were no obvious martial benefits, but the equipment and utility are welcome. Just no Dreaming of fire to throw at enemies.

By the time we finished and clothed, the Starks' had been waiting by our door for a while. It was petty but I felt satisfied with that fact. Even when they knocked, we ignored it and I can imagine what they heard.

I looked back at Elena before opening the door. She was sporting a healthy blush that almost caused me to smile. I didn't want to seem welcoming though, so I kept my face neutral. I like the Starks' but pride had been insulted. The Dragon demands more. I wouldn't give in to it but even without, I would have felt angry. I understood the need to believe your own. But not even investigating? Bringing a unit of guards onto someone's home? There's noble... and then there's stupid. Or a mix of the two. The original story showed which side they fall on. Consistently dying for a noble cause.

It's admirable, it truly is. In a world that works the same. It took me a while, but I adapted, shredded that nobility. It was still there but I knew it had a place. It hurt to see others that haven't learned that lesson. It made me embarrassed, thinking of what the Hunters used to think of me.

And like a child, I lash out at it. At the reminder of my own weakness. Even if I was justified.

If I were a normal human, I would most likely be dead. Dead from a railroad constructed by an idiot, and support from the blind. A normal person from this era would struggle to speak out, to refute the accusation. A dozen men surrounding them, causing fear and confusion. Boren most likely counted on that fact.

Let's face it, they are no threat to me. I could destroy this entire world without a challenge. Pride was definitely a part of it but the implication bothered also. It's hard to pinpoint but I believe that's how my anger started. Leading to the potentially disastrous situation yesterday.

All this anger, split every which way. Is it any wonder I fear it?

Still, I opened the door with no obvious hostility. They stood outside with awkwardness, a blush on Lyanna's face. Brandon was in front of her and glared when I opened the door, but his posture spoke of being uncomfortable. I let the silence sit, to increase the tension.

"I assume the situation is resolved? Considering there are no guards?"

"...My father sent me to inform you, the guard, Boren has been executed... And to apologize."

"And he isn't here to do it himself?"

He didn't like that, his face contorting. Before he spoke though, he took a calming breath.

"He was going to but there's been a situation with a farmhand."

I wanted to believe that but paranoia spoke of politics. He was of similar age, appearance-wise, and I have already shown some of my power. It could be an attempt to make alliances. I wouldn't discount it just because I view them as political disasters. Power has a way of changing perspectives.

Would Lord Stark risk his children for politics though? Or maybe, he doesn't consider me a threat? That would be... stupid.

Maybe I should actually talk and get a feel for them. The one action I have seen seemed to confirm my perception of them, but my emotional control is... lacking right now.

"I see." I directed my gaze to Lyanna. "And her?"

"I would like to speak to you, and..." She spoke instead, looking around me. "Your wife."

I didn't correct her.

"Well, come in, I guess."

I made way for them. Lyanna came in first, her brother hesitant. Seeing her though, he followed along. Our cabin was mostly barren, with little belongings, but I had transfigured a table and chairs.

As everyone sat, Elena and I on one side and them on the other, I called upon the little ones to deliver tea. I realized it would cause fear but a part of my decision held not hiding. I wouldn't hide.

I also realize I am being unrestrained because of the stress caused yesterday. A need to compensate for the feelings of fear already had. You couldn't call me not self-aware.

Predictably, they both jumped back, causing their chairs to fall. I leveled a disappointed stare at them as I took the tray from the little ones. I did enjoy actually scaring Lyanna this time though. Elena smiled, reaching to pat a little one's head.

"The little ones, do not fear them. They offer no harm."

They looked to her, fear, and a question on their faces. I sat their cups in front of them to distract.

"Please, sit back down."

They hesitantly did so, keeping their eyes on the little ones as they sunk back into the shadows. Once they were gone, Lyanna was reinvigorated.

"What were those creatures?" The excitement in her tone was noticeable. I smiled at her.

"A connection to a dream lost... Perhaps introductions are in order?"

She looked to want to ask more but held back to do as asked.

"I am Lyanna Stark. This is my brother, Brandon. Nice to meet you." Brandon was still eyeing his tea in suspicion but did offer a nod.

"Likewise. I am Lyle and this is Elena."

She didn't wait long to launch into another question. I could see them playing through her head.

"Are you connected to the Old Gods? Oo, or, perhaps, one yourself?"

I regarded her for a second, glancing at Elena to see her amused smile. I was slightly surprised she drew that conclusion. It seems there's a brain to the beauty.

"And why do you ask that?"

"I don't know... You give off a feeling..."

"Really, Lyanna, an Old God?" Brandon asked, looking to Lyanna like she was crazy, finally drawn away from his cup. But Elena and I knew how close she truly is.

"They have the look of Targaryens." He looked at me in askance.

Well, they were both right in a way. It served to remind me how young they are. Most people grown would have never stepped into the cabin, understanding it wasn't exactly safe. Even less would boldly ask such things. I relaxed and offered a wry smile.

"I suppose both could be true. I wouldn't consider myself a God, though."

Brandon, obviously, looked at me dubiously. Lyanna though, she seemed excited. Not that that was different from before.

"Lyle, perhaps you should prove it to them?" Elena asked. Now it was my turn to turn dubious.

"...I could... But should I?"

"You have spoken to me about it before. I have been excited to see it."

I glanced at the Starks', seeing their confusion. It didn't seem like a good idea but now I was curious myself. I've never transformed into my dragon form, though I have seen it in my Dreams. Those didn't lend well to how it would be in reality. It was hard to say no to Elena.

"Fine. I'm convinced." Elena brightened immediately. "Lyanna, Brandon, if you would join me outside."

They did so, though there was still confusion. Elena only promised it would be worth it.

Once outside, Elena hooked their arms and took them further away, and further still when I motioned for more. I had a general idea about the size but, as I stared at them and they stared back, my doubts of this being a good idea came back. No more fear. Taking a deep breath, my transformation started.

My size grew... Then grew, and grew, and grew. Scales came in of dark red and purple and my vision expanded as I felt more than two eyes appear. Weight at the top of my head hinted to horns, very large horns, and a snout began to form, rainbow colored mist escaping from it. That same mist wrapped around my body like clothing. It filled the area around me and when my transformation ended, it would have been hard to see Elena and the Starks' regardless. They were so... small.

They had put quite a distance at the start, but I could see they still had to run further. I looked to the ruined trees and our squashed cabin in amazement. The general idea I had was definitely wrong.