"Lord Markol! You heard correctly. You have now been recognized by the gods. I believe this is the time for us to forge a deeper relationship. This is also what I've learned from my years within a human body. Isn't this how the nobles on the continent operate?
Moreover, we Children of the Forest are not like human nobles. We have no demand for land or population, and we will not interfere with your rule in the future. Furthermore, your body is unlike that of mortals; you possess a long life, just like us. Throughout history, only a few humans with divine blood have ever earned our people's favor.
Moonshadow is linked to your destiny. I cannot peer into your destiny, but your presence is constant in Moonshadow's future. This is the will of the gods, a predetermined fate. Therefore, I hope you will agree!"
The Three-Eyed Crow spoke at length, each sentence filled with expectation, causing Markol to reconsider his relationship with Moonshadow.
He swallowed, turning his gaze toward Moonshadow, who stood beside the Three-Eyed Crow. Her eyes also met Markol's. The two seemed to be linked together.
"Ahem! Moonshadow! Well! Do you understand what your green seer is saying? What, um, are your thoughts on this?"
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Markol coughed lightly, breaking the silence.
After Moonshadow was transformed into a Flower Elf by the system, her body had grown considerably taller, even more beautiful than her in-game appearance, and her figure was more perfect. The system, it could be said, had maxed out her racial talents. Sometimes, Markol couldn't help but fixate on Moonshadow.
After all, he was a young man brimming with energy. It was only due to the demands of his territory and the constant threat of war that Markol hadn't... acted on his impulses with his maids. Coupled with his self-discipline, he hadn't even considered it. Now, with the Three-Eyed Crow's words, a certain stirring began within Markol.
Initially, Markol had only regarded Moonshadow as a little sister. However, since her transformation into a flower spirit, she seemed to have matured all at once. Though Moonshadow was already several hundred years old, her heart remained relatively pure. This was one of the things that drew Markol to her. She simply loved him, and loved being close to him!
Having spent so much time together, their feelings for each other had long been etched in their hearts. They just hadn't known how to voice them. The Three-Eyed Crow's directness brought the matter to the surface, stirring a desire in both of them!
The little flower spirit blushed, a rosy hue spreading across her face. She whispered to Markol:
"I told Sister Leaf and the others how I felt about you before. They said it's because I've already accepted you as my companion, Markol! I love being with you, and I hope I can always be by your side!"
A wave of sweetness washed over Markol's heart. He walked forward, gently taking Moonshadow's small hand, and said softly:
"And I hope you will always be with me. Like the kings of the Age of Heroes, become my queen!"
In ancient times, after the Children of the Forest and the First Men made their "vows," many First Men kings took Children of the Forest as companions. This was why many First Men kings in legend were said to have used magic. It was because the Children of the Forest taught the First Men how to use magic, which led to many fantastical legends being left behind.
It was just that the First Men didn't know how to properly use magic. After obtaining it, they became obsessed, constantly attacking each other, causing countless killings. They also didn't use magic for practical purposes, just treating it as another form of weapon. This caused the Children of the Forest to gradually distance themselves from humans, leading to a reclusive life.
The Three-Eyed Crow was very happy to hear this. He looked at Markol and smiled, saying:
"Our kin, Moonshadow, will become the first Empress of the Valyrian Empire. From today on, the Children of the Forest and Griffon's Hold are one. Thank you for your favor and trust, Lord Markol! The Children of the Forest will always be loyal to you and will continue to fight for your empire!"
Three days later, at night, Moonshadow and Markol came to the Weirwood tree outside Hardhome. The Three-Eyed Crow was going to establish their marriage bond tonight. Markol and Moonshadow would first establish the marriage bond according to the traditions of the Children of the Forest. Afterward, Markol would hold a grand wedding for them after making his name known.
There were also male members among the Children of the Forest, but after the ancient war, a large number of male clan members died, which led to a very small number of new clan members. In fact, the Three-Eyed Crow was also considering whether to intermarry with the powerful human race, as in ancient times, to leave behind some mixed blood with the bloodline of the Children of the Forest. However, after witnessing Markol's magical "Fairy Tree," he saw another way out.
Under the tall Weirwood tree, two figures, one tall and one short, were standing surrounded by the Children of the Forest. Their beautiful singing was intoxicating. Under the guidance of the Three-Eyed Crow, Markol and Moonshadow used obsidian daggers to cut open their right palms. Then, the two held their wounds together tightly, allowing their blood to merge. Just as Markol was about to use "Vitality Regeneration" to heal their wounds,
A golden light suddenly appeared on the Weirwood tree. The wounds of the two, shrouded in light, were instantly healed, leaving only a shallow scar. The marriage oath ceremony lasted until the second half of the night before everyone left. Markol then led his little wife back to their room.
According to the customs of the Children of the Forest, Markol and Moonshadow were supposed to hold the "activity" in the treehouse, but Markol refused. He didn't want to have his first time in a tree.
What's it like to have a foreign wife? Markol's experience was "fragrant" and "sweet." Moonshadow was like a summer cream popsicle, sweet enough to intoxicate and captivate!
(That's it! I wonder if this will get censored!)
Joyful times were never short for Markol. Perhaps because he possessed the bloodline of the Valyrian Dragonlords, Markol's energy was always exuberant. He kept Moonshadow, this little girl, occupied until dawn. It was already late at night after the wedding vows were completed, but with Markol's roughhousing, it was already morning.
The early morning sunlight sneaked in through the cracks in the house. To avoid disturbing the other people in the territory, Markol could only reluctantly stop his actions. The two of them stayed stuck together, resting until noon.
Markol hadn't rested, just wanting to wait for Moonshadow to wake up. But this little girl couldn't be woken up, so he had to get up and dress and tidy his little wife. After spending another hour or so, Markol finally led his little wife out of the room.
One month later, Markol and his party returned to Griffon's Hold. But this time, only Moonshadow and Naxius returned with Markol. To prevent an attack by the Night King during the winter, Brynden and the others were left in Hardhome.
At this time, Griffon's Hold no longer had any concept of winter. The warm and pleasant climate made people feel comfortable. Markol and Moonshadow, upon returning to the city, were warmly welcomed by the people. After the unicorn Silverflash carried Markol and Moonshadow through the first gate, they entered the central avenue of Griffon's Hold. After Griffon's Hold was upgraded, it became an extremely spacious avenue.
The griffons, led by Swan, circled in the sky. Five shadow lynxes flanked them, appearing like gods surveying the mortal realm, which further excited the surrounding populace!
They kept shouting, "Long live the Lord!"
The entire procession, surrounded by the young and old of Griffon's Hold, arrived at the plaza in front of the main castle gates. Only after Markol and Moonshadow entered did the onlookers reluctantly disperse.
As soon as they entered the gates, two rows of maids, led by Finny and Nila, stood on either side of the entrance to welcome Markol. Several young female guards and maids showed a hint of disappointment when they saw Moonshadow holding Markol's hand.
The priest, Caspar Ed, led the remaining people in offering their respects to Markol. After greeting everyone, Markol, still holding Moonshadow's hand, headed towards his throne room, where he would await reports.
The main purpose of this return was to recruit soldiers and set future goals. Although Caspar Ed was outstanding, many matters still required Markol's direct decisions!
After Griffon's Hold had been upgraded, it had become larger and more beautiful. Overall, it had basically reached the level of ordinary nobles in Westeros. However, Markol's aims were higher. He wanted an even grander and better throne room. Surrounded by everyone, Markol sat on his throne, while Moonshadow sat on her own dedicated seat behind him.
Several subordinates took turns reporting to Markol. All the fleets from Skagos Island had returned to port. Due to the castle's magical protection, there was no hint of coldness in the bay near Griffon's Hold. The Ironborn had also gathered all the fishing boats nearby to minimize losses.
The second crop was almost ripe, and Bobby Lee (the mob leader) and his people were ready to harvest it. All sorts of dried goods had been stored, and the food processing workshops had finished their final preparations yesterday. The food for the Winter Festival was ready!
With the help of the Children of the Forest, the fruit trees in the Griffon's Hold area had yielded a bumper crop. The seeds Markol brought from the North had also been successfully planted in the wild, especially grapes. Although Skagos Island didn't get much sunlight, these grapes, magically modified by the Children of the Forest, produced a high yield. The resulting wine wasn't the best in terms of taste, but its low price meant it sold well in the North.
The Stoneborn and the wildlings from beyond the Wall had also mostly settled in Griffon's Hold. After this period of population transfer, the total population had reached around 50,000. Although there were frequent conflicts between the two sides, under Caspar Ed's iron-fisted rule, both groups had become relatively tame!
And since most of them were the old, the weak, and the women and children, they were relatively easy to manage. A large portion of them were sent to the workshops, working every day: polishing Obsidian weapons, sorting food, cleaning, raising meat chickens, and so on.
Griffon's Hold had become a comprehensive economic farm, capable of producing all sorts of products: food, weapons, handicrafts, clothing, and anything else needed for war and people's livelihood.
Markol always believed that people could change. As long as the environment was suitable, people would want to settle down. The reason the wildlings and the Stoneborn were discriminated against was because they were barbaric and backward, and their food, clothing, shelter, and transportation were inferior to those in the South!
Griffon's Hold had, in some respects, surpassed the North. It was just too remote and far from the mainland; otherwise, there would have been refugees joining long ago. Markol felt that this dormant giant, Griffon's Hold, had grown into a behemoth, just waiting for the dragonfire. And Markol's system soldiers were this dragonfire. What he needed to do now was to accumulate resources and start massing troops!
Seeing that everyone had finished their reports, Markol asked Caspar Ed:
"Didn't you say you brought in those messengers of Roose Bolton? Where are they? I don't see them."
Caspar Ed bowed to Markol and replied,
"My Lord! They are currently with Dominic Bolton. I have sent someone to bring them up."
"Good! Then let's hear what they have to say! Although I don't particularly like Roose Bolton, his attitude of admitting his mistakes is relatively sincere. For the sake of the gold dragons, I can consider letting his heir go back."
Markol nodded.
After a short while, Black Eel York entered, leading Dominic Bolton and four people who looked like attendants. Dominic Bolton had been living a life of semi-confinement since arriving at Griffon's Hold, with people specifically assigned to watch over him every day.
Markol had met with him several times before. This young man was also very polite and seemed like a very upright apprentice knight, the complete opposite of his flaying father. However, Markol estimated this was probably because he had just returned to Dreadfort.
As soon as they met, Dominic Bolton spoke first, "My Lord! As I said, I want to be your sorcery apprentice, and I will not go back with them!"
Black Eel York hurried over, grabbing Markol.
"Respected Lord! Don't listen to him. Our Earl is very sincere this time. He's offered you two more warships and hopes you'll allow us to take young Dominic back."
"I appreciate your sincerity. I don't want Mandys's head! But what do you mean by an alliance? We won't be allying. Hmm! What do we have here? A 'Little Bird'. You managed to get here. Interesting! Your Spider is quite impressive! I thought 'Little Birds' were all just kids!"