rhaegxr - Tumblr blog

[rhaegxr]

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐭: 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚑𝚊𝚕

Maybe it was all for naught. 

The moving of the pawns from the shadows, writing letters in the dimly lit corner of his chambers, risking the lives of those who believed in him to do what was best by carrying out shady schemes. Even Elia, his ever gracious wife, summoned an entire retinue of ladies to attend her, in the hidden intent of assisting her husband in his plans. It was hard to stop his heart from dropping in hopelessness when the rumors of the King’s presence in Harrenhal became a reality. It wasn’t hard to surmise who was whispering in his royal sire’s ear, fueling the man’s fear of enemies and betrayal; proving that all efforts to remain inconspicuous were in vain. 

It meant not that all was lost nor that those plans were thwarted for certain. The prince might yet rally the support of the noble families in other ways, for when the time of changes is upon them. 

The eve prior to their departure, Rhaegar visited the bed of the Martell princess, where they would whisper of what was to come in the following weeks. Both were reluctant to leave behind their daughter, sharing in how they would miss her bright smile and sweet laughter as she wobbled along the halls of Dragonstone.

Although Elia was eager for the journey and the tourney’s grandeur, the crown prince was less so. Harrenhal was a place of ghosts. It was there that Aegon unleashed the destructive fury of the Black Dread’s fire, engulfing those inside in a fiery death. The place which was meant to protect them became their grave. He’s seen ghosts, heard them in Summerhall, their whispers haunting his dreams. And yet he’s seldom felt such solace elsewhere that was not in the ruins of his birthplace, under the open blanket of a starry night sky. Being surrounded by the shadow of grief strangely brought him peace. How he longed for those nights of lone escape. 

Even from a distance, the melted, black towers of Harrenhal inspired a kind of awe that was close to unnerving. The more they approached its gates, the busier the road with all those who would attend the tourney. They stared when the royal procession passed by, the banners of House Targaryen proudly waving in the wind, but they cheered and bowed as Rhaegar’s steed galloped along. The dragon prince smiled and nodded, lifting a hand in every now and then in greeting. 

The grounds around Harrenhall were filled with colorful pavilions, making the heir wonder how they would look from above on the back of a dragon. He would sometimes dream of it—Flying on dragon back and leaving the world behind. Often enough, it felt like he was the dragon. 

After his own pavilion and those of his wife and her ladies were standing, refreshments were fetched, but he did not remain long. Arthur Dayne, Knight of the Kingsguard and his closest friend, accompanied the prince on a stroll around the grounds, greeting a few of the lords and their families. But not long after, a commotion commanded the attention of those closeby, including Rhaegar’s, who followed towards the source.

What he saw was certainly unexpected and for reasons he was yet to understand, it would not easily forsake his thoughts.

[rhaegxr]

𝐇𝐂; 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐲

      So this has been a long time coming. I don’t remember if I’ve ever, in the almost 8 years of this blog existing, written about this together in one post. Yes, I’ve reblogged random theories/metas around but not something I’ve written myself, so here goes. ( And bear in mind that these will likely be altered/changed as the blog goes on, more info comes out, etc. )

Rhaegar is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious characters in ASOIAF not only because he was a private man, but because we have so little about him, and all from different perspectives. But I won’t focus much on that. I’ll focus more on Rhaegar himself, on his family, his origins, his circumstances, what was happening around him. It doesn’t take a psychologist to know all of those aspects shape a person, for the good or bad… And there was a LOT of bad even before he was born. 

Keep reading

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; Finally sat down to do some edits of the rumored Aegon ( the Conqueror ) cast to make him more 'Aegon' ( clean-shaven as Aegon is described in the books, and 27 year old looking, because for some reason fandom loves to put him with beard and older ). I can say it's pretty close to how I envision him, especially with his hair like that because it's exactly how I go with his hairstyle being for my portrayal ( his blog is over here @cxnqueror but inactive for now ).

[rhaegxr]

My soul chose yours. And a soul doesn’t just forget that.

Ben Maxfield (via stay-close)

[rhaegxr]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐘 tugs sweetly at the strings of his heart. It's endearing, to see so plainly the admiration in his lilac gaze, the hopeful gleam accompanied by the FAITH placed upon the older sibling's prowess. It was impossible not to recall the circumstances of his own introduction to the dance of SWORDS, despite harboring no true fondness for it. ❝ Then in the morrow before your lessons are to begin, do find me first, so we may go together. ❞ Rhaegar would rather spend time with Viserys than listen to their royal sire's ravings and the FLATTERY that other nobles shower Aerys with. It means not that he blames them, for it was always best to remain in the King's good graces. ❝ Although I've met Ser Jaime and he is quite the skilled, young knight. It might not be as simple to best him. ❞

At the boy's hop on the table, the crown prince's breath catches and his gaze flickers to the edge his brother is nearing. The younger was wholly focused on the older sibling's palm, UNAWARE of the danger while imparting the cautious words. Inching closer, enough for a swift stretch of an arm to keep Viserys from falling, the heir offers the young boy a muted but no less AFFECTIONATE smile; the warmth of it reflected in the tone of his voice. ❝ I shall heed your counsel, my prince. ❞

Now the youth's attention is on Rhaegar's head, cupped between both of his smaller hands. The older man blinks with lifted brows as AMUSEMENT broadens the curve of his lips. ❝ I do hope not. It would be troublesome if I need to hold it in place all the time. ❞ At the offer regarding an alternative ( clandestine ) way of acquiring more knowledge on Old Valyria, the little prince all too EAGERLY pleas to be told of such secret. It coaxes out a tittering sound from the heir before he feigns pondering on the matter, brushing his chin with his fingers. ❝ Well, I must consider the risks of disclosing that information, and there's also the matter of being caught... It would require one nimble of feet to retrieve the scrolls unseen... ❞ The sibling reflects, letting the words fall with a sideways glance to @vis3rys.

The   mentions   of   swords   make   Viserys   glee   with   joy   at   the   prospect.   He   had   been   working   on   the   sharpening   of   his   mind,   to   his   mother's   delight   but   lately,   he   had   been   finding   a   fascination   with   the   swords,   mostly   due   to   Ser   Arthur   and   his   brother's   own   abilities   to   be   both.   "Ser   Jaime   is   helping   me   train   with   a   wooden   sword,   you   should   come   see   me!   I   know   you   could   best   him   easily,   Rhaegar."   As   much   as   he   heard   that   Ser   Jaime   was   the   youngest   of   the   most   recent   guards,   likely   to   be   named   a   kingsguard   soon.   That   was   good,   Viserys   would   be   able   to   be   closer   to   the   young   man   then   and   get   all   of   his   knowledge   about   swords.

  He   hops   on   the   table   a   bit   more,   feet   definitely   dangling   dangerously   close   to   the   edge   as   her   hand   moves   over   the   surface   of   Rhaegar's   palm,   feeling   the   edges   and   the   rough   skin   under   them.   "You   do   a   lot   of   things   to   get   wrinkled   hands.   You   must   be   careful!"   Their   mother   has   wrinkle   hands   too   but   they   were   lovelier   than   most.   Viserys   had   only   been   once   or   twice   close   to   their   father,   when   he   would   take   him   down   to   the   tunnels   and   show   him   the   skulls   of   the   dragons   and   made   a   game   to name   them   all.   Viserys   would   get   a   treat   after   it   and   make   his   father   smile,   he   craved   that   feeling,   making   all   of   them   smile.  

His   hands   leave   Rhaegar's   to   land   on   each   side   of   the   man's   head,   a   smile   on   his   lips.   "It   is   quite   big.   You   think   if   it   gets   bigger,   will   it   fall   to   one   side?"   That   would   be   amusing,   he   sort   of   wants   it   to   happen.   Lilac   eyes   shift   and   lean   over,   he   is   good   with   secrets,   of   course!   And   when   Rhaegar   mentions   a   forbidden   place,   he   can't   help   but   to   smile   in   compliance.   "Will   you   show   me,   then?   I   will   do   anything,   brother!   I   want   to   know   all   about   Valyria,   like   you   do."

[rhaegxr]

𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙳𝙲𝙰𝙽𝙾𝙽: 𝐎𝐧 𝐑𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 was known to be a great knight, by all accounts. Even though he had no true love for lance or sword, he was skilled in their use, and this is another testament to how he “excelled at everything he put his mind into”. 

We know Rhaegar started training in his teenage years, when he discovered a scroll ( likely with more information on the prophecy, and who the prince that was promised was ). His words were, “I will require sword and armor. It seems I must be a warrior.” Despite starting training later than some other noble boys might do, with absolutely no prior experience or love for it, he became one of the most respected warriors of his time. But it’s important to point out that unlike some of those other boys, he did have access to some of the best training, including members of the Kingsguard. I’ve no doubt he trained mostly with Ser Arthur Dayne ( who was the same age or a year younger than him ), who would become his closest friend in time.

“Prince Rhaegar’s prowess was unquestioned, but he seldom entered the lists. He never loved the song of swords the way that Robert did, or Jaime Lannister. It was something he had to do, a task the world had set him. He did it well, for he did everything well. That was his nature. But he took no joy in it. Men said that he loved his harp much better than his lance.” “He won some tourneys, surely,” said Dany, disappointed. “When he was young, His Grace rode brilliantly in a tourney at Storm’s End, defeating Lord Steffon Baratheon, Lord Jason Mallister, the Red Viper of Dorne, and a mystery knight who proved to be the infamous Simon Toyne, chief of the kingswood outlaws. He broke twelve lances against Ser Arthur Dayne that day.” 

We don’t know when Arthur joined the Kingsguard exactly, but the earliest recount of him being a member is the Lannisport tourney in 276 AC, where Rhaegar would’ve been newly knighted at 17 and Arthur either older, the same age or 16 at youngest ( I do think he was older, but not too much ). Ser Arthur was well renowned as one of the best, not only as a tourney knight but with battle experience as well, something he likely imparted on the prince during lessons. Arthur defeated him in that tourney, but then during the tourney at Storm’s End at least a year or two later, Rhaegar bested him, and then we have Harrenhal, where the prince emerged the champion. For this, I headcanon that he had the intent to win, because he had a purpose in doing so: to crown Lyanna. So he put his mind into it, and he achieved his purpose.

It’s also important to note that being a tourney knight is not the same as a battle experienced knight, and we have no canon knowledge that he did participate in actual battles. Viserys in the show said Rhaegar was ‘good at killing’ according to Dany, but these are words that I don’t think can be taken for granted. If I were to apply them, it would be in the sense that he probably executed those sentenced to die himself, especially when he ruled in Dragonstone. I actually do go with this, in the few instances that I’ve written similar plots. 

“Ser Jorah named Rhaegar the last dragon once. He had to have been a peerless warrior to be called that, surely?” “Go on,” she urged. “You may speak freely to me.” “As you command.” The old man leaned upon his hardwood staff, his brow furrowed. “A warrior without peer … those are fine words, Your Grace, but words win no battles.” “Swords win battles,” Ser Jorah said bluntly. “And Prince Rhaegar knew how to use one.”

That Rhaegar was so skilled in jousts with lance also entails that he was an excellent horse rider. This is something he probably learned to do before taking up arms to become a knight, because it seems he did like to wander; for example, his lone travels to Summerhall. I don’t think he was Lyanna level at all, of course, but he was good. Being a jousting and/or tourney knight means he wasn’t that good as a swordsman? Not at all true either. Again, he trained with some of the best, he wanted to become a warrior, and as it was so said, he excelled at everything he put his mind into. And I doubt it was any different for that. I think the one testament we have for this is the one canon battle we have: the Battle of the Trident. 

His opponent was Robert Baratheon, who had monstrous strength and skill, he was the representation of Thor in GoT/ASOIAF swinging his war hammer around. Robert, unlike Rhaegar, delighted in battle and he loved to fight, and it was likely he began his training earlier ( yes, Rhaegar was older than Robert, but am sure he had at least 2 years or so earlier in training than Rhaegar ). Also unlike Rhaegar, Robert had every intention of killing in that battle, whereas it was very possible that such was not the case for the prince. Despite this, Rhaegar still managed to wound Robert badly enough for him to not be able to continue the war until he recovered. 

There’s also the variables of armor, and their choices in weapons. With one powerful blow, Robert killed Rhaegar, it was all it took to break that armor and cave his chest in. Rhaegar, on the other hand, fought with sword against armor and a man with brutal strength and angry, killing intent, it would take much more than a single strike ( because he probably did not want to kill Robert ), to incapacitate him. Most likely, the best blows he landed on Robert were on horseback, considering that Rhaegar ( for what we have seen in tourney performance ) was a better horse rider, and he might’ve had some edge then. But once the battle was on foot, that’s when things probably turned ugly for the prince. 

I do like to headcanon that Rhaegar maybe let his guard down because of that lack of killing intent. Maybe he believed Robert was weak enough to try and stop the fight, completely underestimating his cousin’s hate towards him, and Robert exploited that, landing the fatal blow while the prince was trying to be ‘noble, honorable, valiant’. Not to mention the heir also very possibly believed that ‘fate’ was by his side. But the fact remains that Robert was the better fighter, not only in intention but brute strength. Would Rhaegar have been able to win if he had that intent, as he was said to excel at whatever he put his mind into? I can’t really say because it would’ve depended on other factors too that can’t really be predicted, such as something as simple as random luck. 

This is on headcanon grounds, but Robert loved that fight not only for the glory and victory ( it didn't feel like a victory to him ), but because Rhaegar gave him a worthy challenge, he put up a fight. The prince that had less training years, no battle experience, no love for fighting, no killing intent; wounded Robert enough for him to pull away from the war in order to recover.

I think this ( Robert needing to recover from the battle ) as the only canon information we have, is more than enough to tell us of Rhaegar’s swordsmanship and ability in battle, outside of tournaments and jousting. And it’s knowledge I use and apply to his character as well, so I thought it would be good to share in how I come to this conclusion, that it’s not just because people said Rhaegar was skilled. He was an excellent jouster as much as he was a great swordsman. In survival AUs, specifically in those where he’s saved and taken to Essos and he eventually becomes a sellsword, his skills would undoubtedly be even better.

But anyway, I hope this post helped give some more insight into my portrayal of Rhaegar ( because that is really the reason why I do these, to help current and potential RP partners learn more of my take on him ), and thank you for taking the time to read!

[rhaegxr]

Because I wanted to do a tiny special thing for a very amazing and special person! Ashara Dayne for the absolutely perfect @ashccra! Happy Birthday!!❤️

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; Under cut just casually have a WIP of a late sinday worthy Rhaegar line art...

[rhaegxr]

Rhaegar on his way to sneak out and serenade the smallfolk Rhaegar on his way to Summerhall to brood with ghosts Rhaegar on his way to have a clandestine meeting with a she-wolf

[rhaegxr]

"There is more of Rhaegar in you." ↳ Dany & Rhaegar parallels.

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; Hello everyone! So I have been RPing on discord a bit, warming up and such, but I still have to come up with BG3 and Fourth Wing verses for Vaedar at some point.... Not sure yet what. I've been rereading CC and ACOTAR in preparation for CC3 also, which means I'll probably go back to @ofrhysand too or at least pop by. Maaaaaaybe do the same for @rhaegxr.... But anyways, hope you all been good and had a nice start of 2024! And if not, then may it take a turn for the better very soon!

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; I have fallen victim to Baldur's Gate 3 and I've been away due to it, not to mention I have 3 books pending to read but haven't because of BG3. And yes, I do plan on doing a verse for both Vaedar ( the full edit of the icon over here ) and Rhaegar eventually because I love it. So just updating on why I have been away this time, but I'm around on discord to chat every now and then and plot, for when I do refocus on RP again. Thank you all for your patience always, and hope everyone's having a nice November so far!

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; I have fallen victim to Baldur's Gate 3 and I've been away due to it, not to mention I have 3 books pending to read but haven't because of BG3. And yes, I do plan on doing a verse for both Vaedar ( the full edit of the icon over here ) and Rhaegar eventually because I love it. So just updating on why I have been away this time, but I'm around on discord to chat every now and then and plot, for when I do refocus on RP again. Thank you all for your patience always, and hope everyone's having a nice November so far!

[rhaegxr]

VISENYA ON DRAGONSTONE Artwork by Joshua Cairós

[rhaegxr]

I've dreamed since I was / four years old / that the house is slowly on fire / that the house is slowly on fire / and I can't get you to leave it / and I can't get you to leave it

[rhaegxr]

𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍. As Crown Prince, his duty was to the realm that he would one day inherit. Groomed since birth to walk the path carved for him upon which all he could do was tread carefully, lest he STUMBLES before even sitting the Iron Throne. DUTY dictates for a wife, who would birth his heir to secure the Targaryen line for the coming generation. FATE would have his purpose be far greater. As the small council gathered to discuss the matter of his marriage, all Rhaegar could do was silently listen as each of the nobles presented their maiden daughters or nieces as candidates. The King laughed at some, remarking how they should only consider those truly WORTHY of the blood of the dragon. That was before proceeding to curse his wife's womb. All the nobles knew better than to disagree, but only the Prince found himself struggling to maintain a nonchalant demeanor at the blatant insult to his mother.

Aerys dismissed them all without a decision, claiming he would ponder on the best choices—Though the younger man knows he'll be swayed by whoever excels in FLATTERY in accordance to his royal moods. There's a foreign numbness taking residence in him as he makes way towards one of the rooms in the Keep that serve as a reminder of his family's LEGACY—Displaying dragon skulls of varying though rather small sizes. Books would record their names and colors, yet stripped of their scales and wings in death, they were all the same; black as onyx. The blood of the dragon, his father spoke, but their blood is as red as any other man's. Rhaegar is aware that there are few he can discuss his sincere thoughts with, so that is why he calls for a servant to fetch the Lady Adriel Velaryon. Being in the service of the Queen, their frequent encounters have nurtured a budding FRIENDSHIP between the two.

Not long after, the lady announces herself and he beckons her to join. Both of his hands were clasped behind his back when he turns to greet her with a courteous nod, the silver locks of his hair half gathered at the back with the rest loose over broad shoulders. ❝ You needn't have to make haste, I mind not to wait. ❞ The heir assures with the faintest knowing tone, having heard the echoing of her quick steps outside the door. Motioning for her to close the door, he turns back to the small relics mounted on a wall. ❝ How is my mother, the Queen? ❞ Rhaegar ALWAYS enquired after Rhaella first, for he's not ignorant to how the woman unfailingly attempts to disguise any ailing when her son visits her.

when adriel had left driftmark, it had been secure in the knowledge that she would be playing her part to ensure her family's continued fealty to house targaryen. it was the highest honor, really. she'd been asked to serve the queen. her mother had accompanied her to the capital, but after the holiday festivities, she'd been left in the care of the targaryens.

she was comfortable there now, familliar with the keep, her place and her role. of course, she missed home and her brothers, but the velaryon and targaryen families were close, it was no doubt she would see them again soon. she'd found she could be quite happy here.

it was a warm afternoon, despite the fact that morning had been nothing but storms. there were still storms out on the water and while she wasn't needed inside, she watched them and the ships bobbing in the distance. there was a quiet cough behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder with slight interest. the page told her the prince needed her, and the urgency of the message was more than implied upon the summons, adriel turned away from the garden wall and hurried back inside. ships abandoned for the afternoon in favor of duty.

she took the steps two at a time as she climbed the stairs to where she'd been told to meet him. rapid footsteps echoed off the stone floors until she reached the door. adriel paused, taking a moment to make herself more presentable. she brushed a hand through silver curls, and smoothed out her dress. it wouldn't do to come looking as if she'd been outside half the day, even though she had. she rapped on the wooden door and called through it "prince rhaegar, it's adriel. may i come in?"

STARTER for @rhaegxr / rhaegar targaryen *

[rhaegxr]

𝐎𝐎𝐂; Make no mistake, I love Rhaegar's character but I'll be the first to insult him and point out his grey-ass traits as I see in what we get of him in books ok