firemadeflxsh

[firemadeflxsh]

"Glad that worked out for you." Baelon said, taking a sip from his drink and placing the glass back down on the table. It might be a bit too early to be drinking but if he was going to make it through this event, he was going to need as much alcohol as he could find.

"It's been far too long. I guess we've all been too busy to get a proper family reunion." He paused. "Or well, maybe not the best idea, the drama would be too much to handle." He huffed, shaking his head at the thought. "I haven't seen anyone either, but I assume they're here somewhere. I know my sister is." He said. "But things have been good. My latest tour just came to an end and I'm going to start working on the new album soon."

who: @firemadeflxsh where: one of the brunches notable deets: there is no beef between these cousins in modern, family drama is a thing but it didn't fully trickle down to the cousins. from jae's pov he thought it was too messy to care beyond his inheritance which stayed in tact.

"Well I thought grandmother would see me married to Lenora but, Nora and I worked out a little arrangement. The soft launch went well, break up barely trended." Jaehaerys finished his drink before sitting down the glass and picking up another one. It was too early but he hadn't gone to bed the night before and he was now paying for it. There was only one way to survive a night of partying and it was a bit of the hair of the dog.

"What about you, Baelon? It's been too long. I saw Rhaegar a bit ago. Haven't seen my sister yet. Neither of them." Jaehaerys had been in Bangladesh visiting with his grandmother's husbands family. It was going to take some time for him to adjust being 10 hours behind versus the last two weeks being hours ahead.

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon might have made it in the music industry and become a well known name all over the world but he still didn't get used to events like this. He always felt awkward around big groups of people and he never knew if he should approach someone or expect others to approach him. Usually that lead to Baelon standing in the corner and watching the party, until someone came to talk to him. And that's exactly what happened. There was a drink in his hand as he turned to look at Tilly. He hadn't seen the woman in a while, but it was good to see that she seemed to be doing well. "Tilly, hey." He greeted her with a smile. "Well, I see that you went all out on your outfit as well, looking great." He said with a nod of his head. "How have you been?"

modern au

setting: 2000's party, tilly has decided to dress in the iconic britney spears denim outfit, starter for @firemadeflxsh

it was difficult for matilda not to have a good time at an event like this, it was quite literally where she flourished. any time the hotel's would host some sort of gala, she was right there in the center, planning everything to the last detail, and ensuring nothing went awry. of course, if it did, she had plans a through z to sort it out. she had just gotten finished with a conversation with old friends when she spotted baelon targaryen.

their period of dating was brief, but she still had a soft spot for him. he was talented, and part of her also wondered if she could get him to perform at one of her venues for an evenings, perhaps a charity event of some kind. a bright smile filled her face as she waved over to him. "baelon!" she called over the beat of the music, approaching him and looking him up and down. "you know, icy tips would totally complete the look." she teased, gesturing to his hair.

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon had left the ball for a few moments, wishing to seek some peace and quiet outside. Most of the people would be inside now, it was far too cold outside for anyone to be lingering in the courtyard. Still, Baelon found himself finding comfort in the silence that it offered, as he walked further away from the ballroom. He had expected that his presence here would draw some attention, with many lords seeking to have a word with the prince. They all had pretty words for him, the words they thought that Baelon wanted to hear but he also knew that most of them only wanted to get on the good side of the prince. As far as he was concerned, they could be supportive of his cousin's rule.

A voice calling out his name pulled him away from his thoughts. Baelon turned around to see who it was, nodding his head at the other. "Princess Elia, it's a pleasure to meet you." The prince greeted the woman with a smile. "I have to say that I share the same feeling. While I admire the beautiful scenery around us, the cold certainly bothers me at times." A chuckle left his lips as well. "Yes, it's warm enough. Nowhere near how warm it must be in Dorne, though."

closed starter for @firemadeflxsh location : winterfell, during king owen's ball

elia let out a breath of air, marvelling at the fact it turned to a cloud in front of her. she had not even known breath could do that. never in her life had she been so cold, her teeth already chattering as she stepped out of the castle into the brisk air. if she had any designs on becoming queen of the north, they'd died somewhere around the neck, for she had no desire to be this cold for the rest of her days.

she longed to return inside, but she'd come out here for a reason, following baelon targaryen as he made his way out into winterfell's courtyard. she was glad that she did. it was quiet here, empty save for the two of them. she would not pretend to understand the complexities of the relationship between the dragons of the crownlands. once, she had thought them all the same, until jaehaerys targaryen had seen fit to act like a madman. it was said this prince of dragonstone had refused a seat on the council. perhaps, then, they had common cause.

"prince baelon, isn't it?" she called out, her accented voice light as she pulled her shawl a little tighter around herself to futilely keep away the cold. "i am princess elia." she did not think she needed to add from where. another shiver ran through her, and she let out a small chuckle. "i am not built for this cold. the northmen are made of strange stuff." her head tilted. "is it warm on dragonstone this time of year?"

[firemadeflxsh]

The North's loyalty and friendship was something that Baelon truly cherished and appreciated. He knew how hard it was to come by that now a days, mostly with how the war between the greens and the blacks ended. They didn't end up with that many allies but the northern were a constant, they would not break their oaths. He did not take them for granted of course, he would show how much he appreciated them. "Yes, I am. Your brother invited us to attend and I could not send my sister alone on this trip." He said with a smile. "And it was a perfect chance to meet with my friends from the North once again."

Baelon shook his head. "Of course not, it would be my pleasure to accompany you and keep you company for a few moments." He could not blame her for wanting to find some peace and quiet, there were quite a few people currently arriving in Winterfell and he could only imagine how anxious she must be feeling, seeing so many people invading her home, most of them strangers. "I will be seeking him out soon enough. I'm sure he won't mind that I take a few moments to keep his sister company before going to greet him." He said with a smile.

dacey inclined her head in a nod at baelon's words. the black targaryens of dragonstone were old friends to the starks. it was rare that she questioned the king in the north's judgement, but she was wary of the idea of inviting the realms to their home again, unsure who was truly a friend, and who was a foe. a ball to find a queen in the north was certain to draw the ambitious, those who sought to make a name for themselves in the history books, and all she could do was hope he chose wisely. "are you escorting princess aemma?" friends were few and far between for the quiet princess of the north, but she liked aemma targaryen enough that if she did not already consider her a friend, they were close to it.

she shook her head a little. "in truth, i think i'd like a moment of peace and quiet. if not the winter gardens, i would probably take myself to the godswood to find it. if you would not mind the company, i'd gladly accompany you." she tired quicker than usual these days, in her attempts to be visible, to do her duty to support her brother. "i am certain my brother will be glad that you've arrived." the wounds between owen and the king of new valyria ran deep, but that did not extend to the blacks.

[firemadeflxsh]

"I guess being born and raised on it, makes you get used to it, it becomes a part of you." Baelon, on the other hand, could not see himself getting used to this cold. It was fine for a bit, staying for a few days, even weeks and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the hospitality of the northern people, who were always welcoming towards him and his side of the family.

"I am sorry for your losses." Baelon had said it before, but he felt bad for Owen. Sure, everyone knew what it meant when they agreed to fight in this war, what would be at stake and that lives would be lost. But still, Baelon understood very well what it meant to lose your loved ones and it was not a feeling that he wished on someone he saw as a friend.

Baelon nodded his head as he followed Owen, walking side to side with the King in the North. He stood in front of Owen, listening to his words as he nodded his head along with them. "That is a good connection to have, and I would assume that you need new trading and business relationships, since you have no ties with the crown anymore." He paused, titling his head to the side. "I never doubted your loyalty, I know I will always have an ally in the North. Not just an ally, a friend, someone I can trust. It's something I appreciate greatly, because it's hard to come across that now a days." A sigh escaped his lips. "Like you said in the letter you sent me, I know you are looking for a wife and I cannot help but mention my sister to you. A marriage between you both would strengthen our ties even more, tie our houses together for good."

"The cold never leaves up, your highness." Owen smiled at him, he could call the man King and would support his cause with steel where they neighbors closer to his cause. His people grew weary of war and Owen didn't want to tire them more. They needed to recover, repair, and replenish. Winter was coming and war never changed, it was always there.

"We are faring well. We lost Jon in the war with some of our own. And my sister has taken to the forest." Owen didn't feel the need to explain, it wasn't unusual for Northmen to wandered into the woods to die or their their women to take up homes with the those who tended the sacred groves of Old Gods. He didn't want to let people in on too many issues of the North. Or House Stark.

"Walk with me." Owen walked with, the man who should be King, and he wished there was more he could to to keep the other safe but what he could do he would see to being done as often as possible. As they walked further away from the crown he looked at the other. "I've no ties to the slaver cities but we have made close relationships with Braavos. A strong business relationship with the bank and some of the houses. Perhaps I can broker a meeting between you and some of their merchant representatives. They can add what the North intends to do. We have cut ties with the false king but our loyalties to you, our alliance stands." Owen's father died to see Daemon II king and Owen would live to see Jaehaerys have a difficult reign.

[firemadeflxsh]

TOM GLYNN-CARNEY as AEGON II TARGARYEN | House of the Dragon S2E2 "Rhaenyra the Cruel"

[firemadeflxsh]

There was a constant struggle within Baelon that he did not share with anyone, not even his own sister. On one hand, he didn't wish to throw innocent people into another civil war, because he wanted a crown on his head and to sit on that throne. On the other hand, he wanted justice, he wanted revenge for what was done to his family. Every day when he wakes up, that's the first thought on his mind, every single family member that he lost and how their deaths were not avenged. And there were times, his darkest times when he thought about climbing the tallest tower of Dragonstone and end it all, take the easy way out but he could not do such a thing to his sister, he could not leave her alone in such a terrible world.

Baelon offered his sister a smile, giving her hand a squeeze as well. He had learned that her dreams, or nightmares, were so much more than that. There was always some meaning to them, although more times than not, they weren't able to understand them. At least until whatever it was that she felt came to pass. "You think someone else would do that?" He paused, titling his head to the side. "I can get servants to try the food before we eat every meal, if that will make you feel better."

He could not help the chuckle that escaped his lips at her sudden words, not expecting them so out of nowhere. "Crabs, sure, sounds like a great idea, we haven't had them in a while." He said with a nod of his head. "Was getting a bit tired of fish anyways."

the war may have ended in technicality, there was no more bloodshed. but the fear and edge of war still hung in the air. within herself aemma waged war against what was real and what was not. what of her dreams was simply just nightmares and what was to come. aemma considered running away more than once, far away across the sea. she would dye her hair and become someone else. be herself outside of being a blasted targaryen. but she could not, would not abandon her duty to her family.

"you are right, perhaps this one just a nightmare." aemma smiled tightly and squeezed her brother's hand. the feeling of being pinched ran up her arms. "still let us employ caution. jaehaerys is dramatic he would not send poison but that does not mean someone else wouldn't," the greens had many allies, as did the blacks but all of her family's allies were far away. as well as they had their own kingdoms to manage.

"crabs!" aemma blurted, not quite sure where the thought had come from. "we should have them for supper tomorrow, i will instruct the cook to do so. i have just the most sudden craving for them."

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon had found solace and comfort in Dragonstone. The place reminded him of his family, the one he had lost during the war. Although, the trauma and the grief replaced every good and positive memory that he had of his childhood. He knew that completely isolating himself from the world would not be good for him, and the last thing he wanted was to lose his mind. There was still a lot to be done, he could not let himself fall into that darkness. It was during that time that Baelon would leave the castle more, go to the village under the dragonmount and speak with the common folk. Still, that was as far as he would go, Baelon would not leave the island of Dragonstone. That was until the invitation from the King in the North came and Baelon could not refuse an old friend.

"Of course, it was a long and tiring journey, but I'm glad it went well. And I'm happy to be here once again, see old friends." Baelon offered her a smile, knowing how uncomfortable it could be to see so many strangers coming into your home all at once. Baelon shrugged his shoulders. "I do not wish to bother you or pull you away from any errands that you might be running." He chuckled. "Although, I would love to see the winter gardens. I cannot wait to reunite with your brother once again."

as much as dacey did not enjoy large groups, she did enjoy speaking with people. moreso with people she knew well, and who knew her in turn, but in her best of moods, though she remained quiet and shy, she did take joy in conversations with people she knew a little less of. baelon was one of the people she knew by name, but not really much else of. as she had spent most of her life hidden in winterfell, she had heard that he was much the same in dragonstone, using ancestral walls as a shield. and yet, he had made the journey here, when he could have easily remained in his home.

"and we greatly appreciate that you undertook such a journey to be here," she was quick to deflect any gratitude back to him. after all, this ball was not her choice, nor did she help in the organisation. any appreciation was not her due, but that of her brother, of the hand. "if you would like, i can take you inside for some refreshments while your things are taken to your quarters. or if you would prefer to stretch your legs, the winter gardens? it's warmer in there." she was sure that, being from so far south of here, he must be feeling the cold. "i'm certain my brother will be glad to see you here, too."

[firemadeflxsh]

It had always been a trait of Baelon's, his kindness towards people. It did not matter if they were highborn or lowborn, the Prince always tried to be nice and friendly to everyone. Maybe some would think he was naive for that, because people would take advantage of it. Although, there was also a side of the Prince that could be violent and ruthless, one that came out during the war and was usually directed towards his enemies. Someone bumping against him was far from being enough for that side to surface. "Good, I would not want our houses to start a conflict because I drank a little too much." He joked, there was a playful tone on his voice as he offered her a smile. "It seems someone already bumped into you earlier though. Thankfully I did not have any beverages on my hand."

Baelon was ready to walk away, go back into his quest to find his sister when the other spoke up again. He turned to her once again, nodding his head slightly. "Yes, indeed I am. The Northmen know how to make a good festivity. Certainly better than anything the crown in the Crownlands throws." There was another shrug of his shoulders as the words came out of his mouth. "It seems that you know who I am, but unfortunately, I do not know yours. Apologies, there are far too many lords and ladies to remember and I find it hard to connect the faces to the names sometimes." He let out a chuckle.

Ginny didn't know what she'd expected. Outrage, perhaps. Or a royal dismissal. A scoff and annoyance as the Prince of Dragonstone continued on his way. But Baelon Targaryen was.. friendly. And that was almost as startling as bumping into him. "I am unharmed," Ginevra quickly spoke, dropping into a small curtsy. Someone of his rank undoubtedly deserved better, but Ginny still found herself a little caught off guard. "Thank you for your concern." There was still the uncomfortable wet patch at the front of her dress, but Ginevra merely pressed the napkin to her bodice to at least continue and sop up some of the ale.

All of a sudden, Ginny felt at a loss for what to say. She could've let the Prince continue on, have their interaction remain an encounter of stumbling into one another, and yet, she found her lips part to release a question that broke the silence. "Are you enjoying your evening?"

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon was actually enjoying himself in the North. There's plenty of wine to go around, the people aren't so bad and he doesn't have to deal with the green side of his family. Could he truly ask for anything better? He's had a few pleasant conversations with other lords, many of which had fought for his mother during the Dance of Dragons. The North was a proud place, the people were loyal and always kept their oaths, they did not have any problems announcing to the world who they had fought for and their honest thoughts about the end result and the aftermath. Some still held love for his mother, which was something he deeply appreciated.

The Prince of Dragonstone had been walking for a few minutes, trying to find his sister to check up on her. And he also might be a little tipsy too, even though he tolerates alcohol quite well, Baelon already drank a good amount of wine. No one could judge him though, this was a celebration and he was merely enjoying the festivities. His slightly foggy mind kept him from seeing where he was going properly and the next thing he knew, he had collided with someone. "No need to apologize, my lady." He quickly said, shaking his head. "I was not looking either and I might be a little drunk already." A chuckle escaped his lips. "I hope you did not get hurt."

who: @firemadeflxsh where: during the festivities in the north, at winterfell

Ginevra froze the moment cold liquid spilled down the front of her dress. The servant girl had stumbled over a rather lively attendee and had lost control of the cups she had been carrying, one of them ending up all over the dark blue fabric of Ginny's garment.

The girl apologized profusely, fumbling with her spilled cups. Ginevra could barely feel any anger, or anything beyond pity as she reached out to gave the girl's hand a squeeze and telling her there was no harm done. This was not Ginny's only dress, and yet getting changed for the remainder of this evening wasn't something she was looking forward to.

Ginny extricated herself from the situation after the reassurance to the servant girl, picking up a napkin on her way out of the great hall. She needed air for a moment, air and break from some of the stares the two of them had gotten during the commotion.

Dabbing at the darkened patch at the front of her dress, Ginevra was too distracted to make immediate notice of another disaster about to happen. Her shoulder collided with another, causing her to stumble to the side. She yelped, gaze snapping up. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of Prince Baelon Targaryen. "My sincerest apologies, Your Highness. I wasn't looking-"

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon had a cup filled with wine in one hand, while the other was shoved into one of his pockets. He had his fair share of conversations already, he knew it was important to show the rest of the regions that the Blacks weren't dead, that they were very much still alive and still part of whatever games might be happening. Baelon believed that most people would most likely think that they would seek refugee in Dragonstone, that they would stay there for the rest of their days just waiting for the Gods to come and take them. Well, they couldn't be more wrong, his mother never gave up on fighting for what was her's, he wasn't going to either. "Lord Domeric, a pleasure to meet you." He offered the other a smile, before extending his hand for the other to shake.

"As far as I'm concerned, they could all have burned and the world would be a better place now." A huff escaped his lips as he whispered the words to the other, knowing that there were always ears listening everywhere. The other was from the Vale, and he knew the Vale had been loyal to his mother to the very end. Baelon took a sip from his cup as well.

"We appreciate it. The North and the Vale were our allies to the end and that will not be forgotten." He paused, before turning his head to face the other. He wondered, if those loyalties still remained the same, despite so many changes in the realm. "Does it remain the same though, I wonder? Does the Vale have any sort of alliance with King's Landing and the fake King that sits on the throne?"

"Well enough, me and my sister we've been staying in Dragonstone for the most part, only leaving when there are certain events that require our presence." He told the other with a shrug of his shoulders. "There is no tie with the current King, we might share the same surname and the same blood, but he's not family of mine."

who: @firemadeflxsh what: Lord domeric stone, hand of the queen of the vale takes notice of the black dragons in the west. as a northman he supported the black dragon and the vale made the same choice. curiosity is domeric's trade. where: during one of the luncheons in the westerlands.

"Prince Baelon, your highness, allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Domeric Stone of the Vale, hand of the Queen." The Lord nodded his head briefly in the direction of the other. It was an unusual world when bastards served kings and queens but the world had changed greatly. There were many kings between them, new queens. And the rules were changing everyday. The rules were becoming something no one could have prepared themselves for at the end of the all. The music stopped. The dragons died. And the dance was over.

"The west has not been friendly to us, has it? In the land of green dragons and parading lions." The Lord took a drink from the cup of tea and looked out of the crown ahead of them. Westermen were a strange sort the Lord of Snakes. They were elegant and not to be trusted. None could trust those who lived in reaches of green or valleys of gold.

"It was an honor, to serve for your mother. We great pride in the North." When he was still a Bolton. The newly made Lord of Dread on a shaggy stead with axes on his belt instead of swords. They were boys then, boys newly minted as men.

"How do things fair for you and yours?" Above the true honor he felt in fighting for what seemed right, Domeric needed to know the standing in the land of dragons and storms. Whether it would be worth it for the Vale to look toward them in this new era.

[firemadeflxsh]

"Do you truly think I would be happy with it? With serving you? I would rather spend the rest of my days rooting in Dragonstone, drinking as much wine as I can." In his eyes, in his mind it would be the ultimate humiliation. Jaehaerys as the King and him serving in a position as if it was some consolation prize. No, Baelon wasn't going to let the other have that enjoyment. He would feel like he was betraying his mother and father's memory, if he were to accept whatever role the other was offering him on his court. And that was the last thing that he wanted.

Baelon couldn't help rolling his eyes at the other's words. It was true, the other was bigger than him, he was certainly stronger than him, but was he smarter than him? Well, that would be debatable because if the roles were reversed, Baelon would make sure anyone who could challenge his claim to the throne was executed. He would not risk another possible civil war, he would make sure his line would be the only surviving one. "You don't love me, our sides of the family have hated each other for years, even before we were born." He shook his head slightly, they might share the same surname, the same blood but Baelon only had one person left alive that he considered family and that was his sister.

"I know." He nodded his head. "I don't believe it would be a fitting role for me, there are far better swordsmen out there that would be a better choice. I appreciate the offer but I believe my talents would be better used somewhere else." Baelon was an alright swordsman, he could hold his own in a fight but he was far from being incredible. He had always been more focused on exercising his mind, believing that intelligence could beat strength if it was used correctly. Baelon took another sip from the cup, watching as Jaehaerys moved around the room. "I will. Although I don't think you'll see much of her, the capital isn't exactly her favorite place to be."

"If you wish to wallow in your misery and pass up a chance at more than be my guest, Prince of Dragonstone." And there was a humor in that to others but it was not a joke to him. He might threaten to have his cousins stripped of their titles but he would never do such a thing and that was something he would have to thank the blood of Otto Hightower for, or perhaps Viserys would have preferred a world where they could live together. A man who hung on for some long before starting to fall to pieces, bound to his bed. The air smelled sour those days. And some mornings he could still smell it.

"Yes, I do think we can exist together for many reasons; I'm bigger than you, I'm stronger than you, and above all else, I love you. We are family. We're cousins." Well, they were a convoluted combination of Baelon being his nephew and his cousin but, as history showed, making sense of Valyrian family trees was not an activity for the easily frustrated. If they started to get too technical the King would grow anger at the cursed nature of his existence.

"Prince Daemon Targaryen served as Captain of the City Watch. Alas, I will not beg." He watched as the prince started to drink and his eye twitched, his jaw clenched, and he sat up. He stood up and walked over to sit on the other side of the desk. "Yes, your sister." The king smiled at him. "Send her my regards, Prince of Dragonstone. We must see more of her at court."

[firemadeflxsh]

Aegon smiling at Jaehaerys | House of the Dragon S2E1 "A son for a son"

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon turned around when someone spoke up to him. He greeted the other with a smile, recognizing her as the sister of his good friend Ben Blackwood. He wondered if the man had also made the trip to the North for this event, although he had his doubts. It would've been good to see him again. "Lady Margaret, was it?" He asked, titling his head to the side. He always tried his best to remember names and to connect them to the right faces, sometimes it was hard though, there were far too many houses, lords and ladies to keep track of everyone. At this point, Baelon only tried to memorize those who were loyal to him and his mother. And House Blackwood was one of them.

"Well, the King sent me an invitation and I could not deny an old friend." That was what Owen was, more than the King in the North, more than having the possibility of strengthening their relations with a marriage, Baelon had made the trip to visit his friend. "From King's Landing? No, thank the Gods, I would rather have been ambushed and killed on the road than having to make the trip with them." He huffed, shaking his head. "I come from Dragonstone, I don't believe King Owen invited anyone from King's Landing." He paused. "I came to accompany my sister, I didn't want her coming alone."

an excuse to travel north was much accepted by the lady of raventree hall, who found the white landscapes and large sentinels entirely peaceful. though she knew it had been long since these lands had seen peace, even now it still yearned for it, but at least the war, the true war, was over. she hoped for the sake of her kin that she held dear, the tranquility would remain.

feet found themselves crunching upon the light blanket of snow that covered the earth, furs bundled upon her frame as she made her way towards the castle of winterfell. it were a grand thing, something she remembered fondly from her youth long ago. the smell, however, was what kicked in some sense of nostalgia in her - an oaky sort of aroma from the trees, and if she really honed in, the sweet scent of tree's sap could practically find itself on the very tip of her tongue. eyes closed as she took a deep inhale, crisp air filling her lungs, as she exhaled again and entered the courtyard.

others seemed to have begun their arrival too, and while her company began to take her things to her belongings, she found herself catching a glimpse of silver tresses just by her. it took her a bit by surprise, mostly because they were no longer in king's landing. the last dragon she had witnessed in the north did not survive it. the image of daemon targaryen's flayed corpse still haunted her.

"your grace." she stated, it was impulsive, automatic in nature and she were not entirely sure why she felt compelled to speak with the prince of dragonstone. given the occasion, however, it seemed to make sense he might attend. "forgive my forwardness, but i was surprised to see you made such a journey. did many others accompany you from king's landing?" curiosity was not necessarily a large quality in margaret, but she found it intriguing that the dragon prince was in attendance, given the occasion.

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon had assumed that his cousin did not get any sort of invitation to this event, it would be a shame if he had to come face to face with the man who he believed stole the throne that should be rightfully his. But judging by the lack of relations between the north and the crownlands, it was safe to say that the only Targaryens in Winterfell will be himself and his sister. Owen and the North had always been loyal, always kept their oath and their word, Baelon knew that would not change now.

The voice coming from his side caught his attention and Baelon turned around to face the person with a friendly smile. This was a nice change of scenery, while Baelon had been keeping mostly to himself in Dragonstone, only ever leaving the castle when he would go down to the villages to interact with the small folk, it would be nice to see and speak with new people. Or with people that he had not seen in some time, like Princess Dacey. “Princess.” He greeted her, before nodding his head. “It was certainly long and tiring but all went well, I’m glad that we have finally arrived.” He paused. “Thank you for having us and your hospitality, we greatly appreciate it.” There was honesty on his voice, it wasn’t just about this but everything that happened in the past too. Baelon was thankful to them and their loyalty. “I hope you are faring well? I’m looking forward to seeing your brother again too, it's been sometime since we last spoke.”

dark half-moons had painted themself under dacey's eyes, a sure sign that she had slept very little in the nights leading up to this - the arrival of all who would see themselves as queen in the north, and the family members that came to support that ambition. she knew the north needed a queen, but more and more was she questioning owen's decisions. throwing the door open for all of westeros, bar a few notable exceptions, to throw their hat in the ring seemed to her like a recipe for disaster, but then, she had always been quiet and introverted. winterfell was her safest place, and though she were accustomed to guests, with it being the seat of a king, the idea of it being quite so full of strangers was not a pleasant one.

yet here she stood, in the courtyard, a smile laced with tension on her face as she greeted these invaders to her home. her hands were clasped before her, twisting around one another and betraying the anxiety she felt. owen's choice would be his own, but one that played on her mind, keeping her awake until the small hours as she carefully considered who she would see joining the wolves of winter.

and she did not think to see the distinctive sight of targaryen silver here. not in the north, given relations between owen and the king of new valyria were so fraught, but she quickly realised who it was. this must be the prince baelon, the son of rhaenyra, the black dragon the starks had once raised their banners for.

"your highness?" her voice was laced with uncertainty as she stepped forward to greet him. "welcome to winterfell, your grace. i trust the journey wasn't too difficult?"

[firemadeflxsh]

Baelon always appreciated the loyalty that the North showed his mother throughout the war. They never changed sides and Baelon was grateful for that, knowing that it would be easy to do so, once the tides of the war started to shift to one side. Having lost almost all of his family, apart from his sister, it was good to know that he still had allies in the realm, even if they were so far away from his home. Much like the North supported his side, Baelon also showed his support to Owen and the King in the North. He was a good man and the North could not have asked for a better ruler.

He had wondered what the odds were of a possible marriage between his sister and the King in the North. It would be a good way to strengthen ties between Dragonstone and the North, even more than they already are. Baelon not only saw Owen as an ally, but he also considered him a good friend. "Far too long, Your Grace. It is good to see you again. The North remains as beautiful as I remember, still as cold too." He joked, letting out a chuckle as he took the other's hand. "Yes, it was safe although long and tiring. But I could not miss the opportunity to come and see an old friend again." Because even though most of this was for political reasons, Baelon had also been looking forward to see Owen again. "I hope your family is faring well?"

Baelon Targaryen was the true King of the Crownlands. And all in the North knew it to be true. Some say crowns and thrones were won by conquest, but what of a crown won by deception? A crown won by a man who betrayed those who showed him more kindness than he ever deserved? Owen Stark did not recognized the Green King and he would not recognize him. When he went to the Coronation he all but let the burned King know that the North would be cutting ties with any realm under his rule.

And still, he didn't want to leave those his father died for without something and it was in that that he decided to send them an invitation to the ball. It was for more than the possible marriage discussion, though he suspected it would bring trouble considering it could be seen as a move. Alas, Baelon held something to his name if Owen understood the laws of succession in the Crownlands and that was Dragonstone, the North would help Dragonstone.

"Your highness, it has been too long." Owen approached the Prince with a smile as he took his hand in a firm shake. Owen knew those of the Black dragon and he held his oath to them even still. While the King knew his Northmen grew weary of warring and even more weary of dragons. Still, a man could support another without a sword.

"I hope your journey was well, safe. We have made great efforts to secure our stretch of the Kingsroad."

[firemadeflxsh]

Open starter

Where: Winterfell's Courtyard

When: Before the beginning of The Winter Ball, Baelon just arrived in Winterfell

Baelon did not mind the North. Actually, the only thing about it that bothered him was the cold, but he could deal with that. When he got the invitation from the King in the North to attend the event, he did not hesitate to accompany his sister. Baelon didn't want to let her attend alone, plus it was a good chance to get drunk without much judgement, it was a celebration after all. Along with that, the Starks were loyal to his mother to the very end and Baelon does not forget that. Even now, he believes that they did not forget their vows.

The trip had been a long and tiring one and Baelon could not wait to find his chambers, where a nice bed and a warm fire would be waiting for him. Winterfell was as beautiful as ever, the whole of the North was an incredible place, even though in his opinion, nothing would ever come close to his home of Dragonstone.

Baelon climbed down from his horse once they entered the courtyard of the castle. He handed the horse's lead to one of the servants that had come to meet him and his caravan, before nodding and thanking the young boy. Baelon paused for a moment, admiring his surroundings and observing who had already arrived in Winterfell. Not a familiar face, from what he could see. Although he failed to notice the figure approaching him.