#and now we got Seasmoke another baby

[thecountesstribe]

HOTD 2X6 Review and Spoilers!!

Another slow episode. The episode dragged especially considering it's currently down to the last 3 episodes of the season.

Alicent got booted off the council, LMFAO. I don't take pleasure in seeing women suffer but older Alicent earned her shit, it's what she gets. Larys thinking he was gonna be named the hand of the Regent King LMFAO. Aemond said get your toad looking ass tf on and go call my grandfather. That was smart as much as I hate to admit it. Aegon definitely remembers his brother trying to kill him though. Larys is going to be protecting Aegon from now on because he knows that they can't control Aemond, I'm mad I gotta say something decent about him but he's actually thinking with his brain. The green council is still in a mess and divided and they know Aemond is going to be a tyrant king, hell Alicent knows and she's still somehow shocked by the monster she created like she didn't have a big part to do with him harboring his worst qualities and helping him mold into it. Delusional I tell you. The small folk are suffering already and got on their asses though, the only thing I didn't like is Helaena getting caught in the crossfire again. Another Daeron mention and did they just subtly hint at Criston being his father? Meaning Alicent was really sleeping with him before Vizzy T kicked the bucket? The writing for the show is all over the place, my God.

We were a diva down and I didn't like it one bit. WHERE TF WAS BAELA?! Like we saw her husband but where was she? Ugh. Rhaena and Joffrey sighting. They were so cute! Rhaena is still trying to convince herself she doesn't need a dragon to be important 💔 and Joff just wants his momma. Nettles looks like she's officially scrapped. I'm so pissed. They could've totally given Rhaena something else to do in the meantime, they didn't have to merge Nettles and her story together. Wtf Sara and Ryan?! This is why people say there is a Team green bias and they aren't beating those accusations. What does this mean for Rhaena hatching Morning? There were four eggs does that mean she still has a chance to do it? I'm so mad. Then again after what Dumbass and Dunderhead pulled in the final seasons of GOT why tf am I surprised!

We saw baby Stormcloud!!! I never realized how much I missed seeing baby dragons on screen. It's like having baby Viserion, Rhaegal and Drogon back. My heart did a little quick thump. He was so derpy too 🥺🤣 How Aegon's supposed to get away on him is beyond me, he's literally the size of a kitten. The timeline is so messed up as well.

Daemon is still in spooky land and although I'm over it, I understand it's a culmination of all his regrets and things he wishes he could've had and done differently. We saw Vizzy T and that scene where it showed Daemon wanted to be there for him, he just didn't know how.... Man I kinda teared up. At the end of the day Daemon just wanted his brother's love and approval, he went about it in the wrong way because he's chaos personified but that's what it was always about to him. Vizzy T was his parental figure, his everything really and man 💔. Miscommunication trope strikes again. Him and Alys becoming friends even though she's the one that's tormenting him wasn't on my bingo cards. Somebody come get Caraxes outta there, I know he's bored asf. Every time we catch a glimpse of him he looks more and more over the entire thing. 🤣

One of the highpoints of the episode was Seasmoke. Dragons have personality y'hear me. More of that! Seasmoke is a whole clown 🤣🤣🤣. Why would he do Ser Steffon like that? I mean sure he got a little cocky but intentionally bending his neck for him to get on and then essentially saying “BITCH YOU THOUGHT” AND THEN BURNING THEM TO A CRISP?!! He was so funny for that 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭. He said “get y'all mid looking asses on” I already got eyes for one person and he's so real for that. You guys think he used to have dragon conversations with momma Meleys about picking their riders? We know dragons pick their riders as much as riders claim their dragons but do you think Meleys taught him if the unfortunate should ever happen make sure and pick the baddest of the bunch? We know Meleys picked Rhaenys as Rhaenys picked Meleys, that was confirmed. Meleys said Pretty Women Only and do you think she told Seasmoke to get him a pretty rider to match his aesthetic if the need ever arises? I know Laenor hatched him but Laenor was pretty asf. Seasmoke saw Addam smiling on the beach once and said “yeah I gotta have that” plus it helps that he has dreads, a pretty smile, a pretty face and looks like Corlys. He said welcome back Laenor Velaryon. Addam being Laenor's brother makes it hysterical as hell too, I'm creased LMFAO. He didn't have to chase down Addam like that but I respect it, he saw what he wanted and shooters shoot. I too would chase down Addam until he accepts my advances and affection, Seasmoke been eyeing him for awhile.

Corlys is officially the hand of the rightful Queen of the 7 kingdoms.

We got canon bisexual Rhaenyra. Although I wish she was kissing another beautiful Velaryon instead, Laena I miss you so much baby, that was for me. Her and Mysaria kissing before Jace and Baela is egregious to me though. I'm just saying why everybody locking lips before the main og star couple?Rhaenyra smacking men, 100000s across the boards. She should've been doing that sooner but better late than never I suppose. That lady is still in her resentment of her husband era. Her face when Jace said they needed Daemon 🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭 She's sick of hearing about that man. He's right btw, Rhaenyra go get him, he's out there giving our diva Simon grief. Mysaria actually helping her with PR and actually giving her great advice. I love women supporting women! Her sending food with her banners for the common folk was so politically savvy. Mysaria being one of the few that is actually coming in clutch to help her to win the war 😉. I still don't trust her though, something about this entire thing tells me it's gonna end badly for her. I'll enjoy them trauma dumping and bonding on one another before the shit hits the fan though. I know doomed Yuri when I see it. Jace and that one guard immediately knowing something is up with both of them is sending me though. She took off at the end of the episode to go confront her ex-husband's new dragon rider and Syrax about to be screaming at her dragon ex husband too apparently. 🤣🤣

Since they're essentially changing the entire plot and the leaks that I thought were written like fanfiction might actually be true could we get Jace surviving the battle of the gullet? It's not slated for this season but I'm here to spread my agenda. Since we're essentially fucking canon atp instead of in certain scenarios and all this for Bran the broken to sit the Iron Throne (I'm still fuckin disgusted and furious at that btw, fuck you D&D) could they switch that shit up? Let's come together and manifest it guys.

Until next week guys. I better see Baela, Rhaena, Jace and more dragons though. I'm here for them and them only.

And another thing, could you guys stop leaking shit. I block words and myself from certain pages and sites but y'know how stuff still slips through the cracks. Have some decorum and etiquette please!

[duchess-of-oldtown]

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 "Small folk" Thoughts

Just clarifying, these are my own thoughts, you don't like them, don't bother telling me so. Also, I'm not a book purist, I like adaptions taking putting their own spin on things - if it makes sense to do so. So, here were my thoughts. Obvs, this post is dark and full of spoilers.

Am I sad to say I was excited to see House Lefford? Give us more houses.

Jason ordering Aemond to come to him, it's just... my guy do you know Aemond? Are you serious?

Alicent got her cumuppence at the Council. I'm loving Olivia's portrayal of her fear and unease around Aemond.

Another Red Kraken Mention!!

I like that they let Aemond be smart at the Council and it lays the ground for him leaving King's Landing.

Ewan Mitchell's lil mmms are such a great character tic

Alicent, you're giving Serena Joy Waterford and it's not a good look on you

Corlys taking his place as Hand, there's so much in it, you can see he's sort of like I got all the power I wanted but... The cost.

Oh great now we're just making up Targaryens. Ryan, wtf

Why didn't they use this as an opportunity to introduce the other Valyrian houses? House Celtigar?

PADDY

As glad as I am to see Viserys and Daemon scenes, I'm so done with Daemon at Harrenhal. Why couldn't we get him wandering the Riverlands actually doing something? Introducing new houses and such? New places?

Simon being so kind to Daemon, this isn't the first time that somebody went mad around him.

CARAXES MY BABY

These are the scenes we should have at Harrenhal, Daemon and Alys plotting and discussing magic

I loved the Seasmoke scene. You can really sense the awe in which they hold the dragons but also the true danger of them. It's something I never felt in GoT. Also Seasmoke was side-eyeing Steffon like one of the raptors in Jurassic Park, that man was going to be a snack from the outset

Jace shouting Mother as they watch Steffon burn... Oh the irony

Dyana scenes.

Slap that old man, Rhaenyra. Slap him

Rhaenyra and her sword = Visenya

Mysaria as Rhaenyra's mistress is so special to me. Canonically bisexual Rhaenyra.

Larys, you're about as subtle as a fart in church

Aegon and Aemond scenes. Ewan and Tom play them so well. Aegon holding the lil ball, remembering his lil boy

Rhaena is going to be Nettles. That's no Morning, no reason for Daemon to fight Aemond, nothing.

Oh lil Stormcloud 😍

Disliking Jeyne Arryn. Why did they do her as an expy if Lysa?

Also, how is Rhaena going for a walk in the Eyrie? Did they wynch them down for a jaunt?

The Gay Abandon 😭😭😭

Addam and Alyn discussing their dad. Why does Corlys not pay Addam any mind? What happened there?

Where is Marilda of Hull???

Jace giving Mysaria the "I'm not calling you mom look"

Alicent with Aegon, the miscommunication, ugh the tragedy

Gwayne being a good brother to Alicent, these are the relationships we want to see complicated but expressive

Daeron mention. He's kind. (tell that to Bitterbridge)

Both Hightower siblings looking at Criston like 👁️👁️

RIOT! RIOT! RIOT! EAT THE RICH

I love Helaena's fringe tiara.

Helaena's panic, Alicent defending her daughter. The SPIKES

It's the same carriage from Rhaenyra and Alicent's first scene, she still has it 😭

Daemon was hoping that kid killed his grandad, he was like "maybe that kid is alright"

#GETDAEMONOUTOFHARRENHAL2024

Seasmoke was choosing his own man like a mid-season Bridgerton

Seasmoke reminds me of my cat.

Apparently all dragons have stealth mode.

GAY WE GOT GAY

Rhaenyra's little "yes he does that" when they tell her about Seasmoke is me when my sister complains the cat is trying to sit on her shoulder.

[theforgottenmcrmy]

Live reactions to house of the dragon season 2, episode 6

as always, this is done for my own amusement, but I’m also open to thoughts or comments🖤

spoilers below the cut

ANOTHER new variation of the intro? Give the creators some kudos cause dang

The Lannister Army. Wonder how old Jason has been…

Also, I totally get that the Rains of Castamere is House Lannister’s iconic theme, but it also didn’t exist until Tywin, so🤷🏼‍♀️ I’ll let it go though, because it’s bad ass.

Did he really just invite himself and his army to be guests?😂

Tyland’s looking so embarrassed rn😂

Damn, Prince Regent Aemond means business👀 Although I don’t know if making an alliance with essentially terrorists is wise is the long term.

Larys just capturing EVERY opportunity to undermine and cause chaos. He’s becoming one of the most predictable people in that regard, though I can’t say I’m too mad about it. You can always trust a snake to be a snake.

“Aegon is… mhm.”😂

Broooo the GALL of Aemond to kick out Alicent from the small council! I’d say this is hard to believe he’s the same mama’s boy we once saw, but his mama took a major stand ONCE in that boy’s life, and evidentially never did so again, so 🤷🏼‍♀️

And again, Alicent putting the men (and ONLY the men) in her life into power, and paying the consequences.

Another reference to Rhaena attempting to claim other dragons…

Ser Steffon, my thoughts are with you🥲 but the pure HONOR that was visibly on that man’s face when Rhaenyra suggested he attempted to claim a dragon🥲 we need more loyal men like him around the Queen.

“You can’t possibly still be angry about this.”😂 Maybe not, but Daemon apparently still feels a little bit guilty about it.

Welcome back Viserys! … Now please fix the problem you helped cultivate, thank you😇

The Haunting of Harrenhal bit with Daemon is starting to get real old, and I highly doubt I’m the only one thinking that at this point.

Like, realistically, how is Daemon ever supposed to be of use again after this constant psychological attacks? How are we as viewers ever to believe he’s capable of making a sound decision again? I get an episode or two, but dragging it on this long… I’m curious what the writers were thinking/trying to achieve.

The Stepstones? … Alys, he didn’t technically run from that. They did win. He just didn’t exactly tend to the upkeep.

“It’s not a prize to be won, but a burden to bear.” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Seriously, why the hell would Daemon ask Alys for counsel and believe she means well after all this stuff that’s been going on?

What’s happening in three days time?👀

Literal chills at the dragon keeper’s hymn

Ser Steffon just wants to serve his queen🥲

Not the music….

Gods damn it. Poor Rhaenyra😭 F*ck, poor Ser Steffon😭😭😭 and just as I was about to say Seasmoke looked kinda happy…

Dyana, I need you to go to Dragonstone ASAP and get yourself a new employer, please

At least Ulf is right about something.

Wonder if Aemond knows what his favorite *companion* says about the “rightful heir” in her free time.

YES. SLAP SOME SENSE INTO HIM WOMAN.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

“It is my fault that you have forgotten to fear me.” GAG HIM

It does become her, Mysaria. We love a more active queen. ⚔️

Aemond seeing right through Larys’s bullshit😂😂😂

“You toad”😂😂😂

Aemond’s got his own family held hostage. The victim becomes the perpetrator. Seems to be a recurring theme with the Hightowers.

SHEEPSTEALER’S NEST. I repeat, SHEEPSTEALER��S NEST 🚨🚨🚨

Nooooo, don’t send Viserys and Aegon to Pentos🫠🫠🫠

Baby dragons, i can’t even😭🖤🖤🖤

The thought of Targaryen toddlers playing with their dragons like they would a puppy has me😭🖤

I swearrrr if they don’t move the Battle of the Gullet to season 3, I will not be faring well at allllllll

“My ruler is my mother, and I do not wish it otherwise.”🔥🔥🔥

Jace feeling put out by not being involved😅 as if you didn’t do that same thing to your mother literally last episode…

Is it food, or weapons?👀 both?

Dang, that produce is looking fresher than my local grocery store 😋

Literally, this plan was so brilliant though.

“You never love anything in the world the way you love your first child.” Cersei’s quote reminds me so much of Alicent and Aegon.

Ooof, the loaded “I’m sorry” means too many things at once.

Gwayne not even being the favorite child in his own household.., why is that making me feel sad😅

DAERON

The fact that Alicent has to ask what her own son is like is so damn pitiful and sad for a bounty of reasons…

“I’m sure you did your best.” Ehhhhh, my guy, that’s certainly up for debate.

Are there any genuinely healthy relationships amongst the Greens?

“She thinks of us, even now!”

How fast they turn…

Alicent protecting Heleaena🫠

“We Light the Way” playing at this moment is EVIL and I LOVE IT

Larys already trying to sober up his meal ticket, considering Aemond wasn’t too keen to buy what he was selling😂

Did not think about this kindred spirit aspect Larys and Aegon might have now🤔 he’s gonna be Aegon’s cheerleader for his recovery, isn’t he?

Nowwww I wanna know, is Daemon reliving something that happened, or something that he wished had? Because if he HAD legitimately comforted Viserys in that moment, just for Viserys to find out about the “heir for a day” bit later…. Ouch. Somehow the betrayal just got worse.

“Uhhhh…. The old man.” Please-😂😂😂

Not Daemon crying😭

Not me just now realizing that Seasmoke could very likely take to Addam because he reminds him of Laenor, who was in fact his half brother🥲💔

Imagine being confronted face to face with a dragon everyone is saying just burned someone alive, not only to survive said encounter, but to be able to bond with said dragon… That’s insane when you think about it.

Not the hug😭💔 this is getting me in my feels… Let’s just keep it platonic now, please.

If someone can give me a genuine, plot driving reason as to why these two are kissing right now, I’d love to hear it. Genuinely I would. I’m not trying to argue, im just confused and this is my initial reaction. Why isn’t Mysaria trusting Rhaenyra and Rhaenyra making a genuine friendship with another woman for the first time since Alicent not enough?

I’m still sad as hell they must’ve killed Laenor off screen😭

I just remembered we haven’t heard from Elinda this episode, I hope she’s okay.

At this point last season, the last two episodes were the Team Green and Team Black focused ones. So I’m hoping for a lot of excitement from these next two🤞🏻

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

HOTD 1x10: First Review

Honestly, I did not expect such differences from Fire and Blood in this episode, like they were afraid to make Rhaenyra another Daenerys (mad queen) or what?

Let’s start. 

I really like the opening with Luke, knowing what would happened to him at the end. 

I truly share Daemon’s belief that Viserys was poisoned by the Hightower. 

Is it me of Syrax could understand Rhaenyra’s pain through childbirth? Like the child was connected to Syrax? However, I was quite astonished that the baby didn’t have dragon features like in Fire and Blood. Also, they haven’t even mention her name, right? No Visenya at all. 

I liked the parallels between Rhaenyra and Daemon’s mournings.

It was such a pleasure to see Ser Erryk Cargyll, but I thought he would have make a better entrance, and not like this alone, coming out of nowhere. 

Of course, I love the way Daemon crowned Rhaenyra and he was his true and utterly self here. 

I almost didn’t recognize Rhaenyra in this episode (of course with her comportment), but also her face, she looked so young, almost like Young Rhaenyra / Milly. 

Aegon’s table is amazing, even more with the candles. So much better than the one from GOT. A true piece of art. 

Can someone explain to me what happened to Syrax, she hasn’t grown during 20 years, even worse she seemed smaller. 

Daemon was excellent in front of Otto. Matt Smith’s performance was amazing again. I will never hate Daemon. 

Apparently Seasmoke is drifting on Driftmark, WTF. 

It was nice to see Corlys Velaryon even if he was so contradictory (but he wasn’t alone in this episode).

Rhaenyra was way too soft. They changed her too much. Is she or is she not a dragon?! But at least we could notice the differences of education between Rhaenyra and Alicent regarding their children. 

Poor Luke, I almost cry when I saw his last interaction with his mother. 

Daemon can touch another dragon who isn’t Caraxes? Like this, just by singing to him in High Valyrian? What else has he discovered in Pentos? 

Storm’s end court is so empty and dark! We didn’t get any interaction with Lord Borros Baratheon’s daughters such a shame. There were four of them and none could talk, really? And why every one is afraid of Lord Borros? At least, he is smart enough to put a stop of Aemond’s fighting 

The heartbreaking moment of the episode was Luke’s death and the down play of Aemond. Why making the Greens so innocent and careless instead of what they truly are ruthless, murders and usurpers!? Why? There is nothing to justify this writing. Aemond is a murder and now a kinslayer. He has dropped the first blood, and he is the immediate responsable of the following murders. 

At least, this time the CGI were on point. The way Arrax fly above the clouds was amazing. 

And yes, the final scene was the climax of Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship. Now their fire burn together and they will be capable of anything (foreshadowing of episode 7). So sad that we didn’t get the needed sex scene just after, but it’s coming... from me. But did you notice that they played their music when they were holding hands until the end. 

ps: Ser Harrold Westerling is currently MIA, if you have seen him, please report to the authorities of Westeros. Or maybe episode 9 was his noble exit?

[charlottedabookworm]

for the and I didn't like the ending: perhaps a 5+1 thing of the people around Art!Aegon noticing how touch starved/messed up he is? like the failed hug scene with Leanor.

Alternatively, the moment where Viserys suddenly becomes viscerally aware that his son only cares about him in a "professional" sense tied to his identity as king and Aegons "responsibilities" as a prince but could not give any less of a fuck about him personally.

this maybe got away from me a little lol

also i have no idea how coherent this is but it's officially Late here so I'm going to bed enjoy people realising that actually egg might be thought starved the poor boy he's still running away for most of this

(0)

The thing is-

The thing is that now Egg has noticed, he cannot stop noticing.

The thing is that once, so long ago that his breath catches in his lungs, he'd been raised with a dozen sisters who would run their fingers through his hair of a night. He'd had rough hands curl around his arms daily as he'd trained with George and the boys, and he'd pressed shoulder to knee with Wet Stick and Back Lack in narrow alleys as they'd hidden from nobles with lighter pockets.

Once, a lifetime ago, Art had had Tristan's arm slung around his shoulders as they both laughed. He'd had Blue's tiny body curled at his side of a night, his nephew-son ever-haunted by his father's death. He'd had his sisters and his knights and the Mage rolling her eyes at it all even as she shouldered past him to deal with whatever it was he was being a baby about.

Once.

He hadn't noticed.

But Helaena does not like touch and he is used to this, he can understand it, and Aemond has already deemed himself too old for the casual touches of childhood. His nephews are affectionate, yet never with him, and it leaves a lump in his throat. His father... he does not think his father has held him since he still toddled.

And Egg has never been his mother's favoured child, even when he was her only child.

(How hadn't he noticed?)

Cold flame licks at his shoulders and his chest aches as he remembers the warmth of Ser Laenor's arm. The burning-scalding-warmth of another's touch and he-

Aegon aches.

It aches.

(When is the last time he touched someone outside of the training yard?)

It burns and-

He presses himself into the corner of his rooms, walls tight against his shoulders, and wraps his arms around his knees in a bare semblance of a hug.

It's cold.

(1)

"Like this, Jace."

He frowns, teeth tugging at his lips even as he allowed his uncle to prod his limbs into place with quick, there-and-gone touches. "It feels odd."

Qȳbor Egg grins. "It will, but-" his uncle pokes him in the chest, pushing against him in a way that would have seen him falling before, and then pulling away. "See?"

His eyes widen. "I see," he says, nodding, even as he glances down at his feet. They don't look that different, so how-

"Prince Aegon!"

He flinches, ducking his head as Ser Criston Cole's voice barks across the courtyard.

Egg rolls his eyes, but stands straight nonetheless, his grin fading as he walks towards the knight.

Jace's frown widens as he watches his uncle walk away.

"We should hug him," his brother says, curling into his side the way he always does, and he can hear the matching frown in his words. "He looks sad."

Aegon always looks sad, Jace thinks, even when he's happy. Instead, he shakes his head and curls his arm around his brother. "Qȳbor doesn't like hugs," he reminds his brother. He wishes he did.

He doesn't like that he's so sad when there's nothing they can do to help.

"I know," Luke says, mournful, and his fingers tangle in the tail of his tunic in the same way he does with muña. "He's like Hel so we're not allowed to hug him unless he hugs us first."

His brother sounds about as happy with it as Jace feels.

Their uncle really looks like he needs a hug.

"Come on, valonqar. Let's go and find kepa, maybe he'll let us ride on Seasmoke with him."

(2)

"Aegon!"

His goodbrother blinks at him. "Ser Laenor?"

He winces, clasping his hand to his chest theatrically in the way that always has Rhaenyra and their boys smiling. "Come, cousin," he continues in Valyrian as the boy's lips twitch. "Call me Laenor, if I can convince you of nothing else."

"Oh?"

The raised brow and sharp look that Aegon gives him is so Rhaenyra that he could laugh. Instead, he places his best encouraging smile upon his lips and moves slowly closer. "The boys are begging for us to spar again, this time when they can watch."

Aegon pauses.

Something that Laenor recognises but cannot name flickers across his eyes, leaving him with the sinking feeling of diving deep on Seasmokes back, fires flaring on the beach below, the wind whirling around them as they fall-

"Qȳbranna?" He reaches out, slowly, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder.

His goodbrother flinches.

It is the barest of movements, undetectable but for the fact that Laenor can feel it, and he opens his mouth-

"Well, Leanor," Aegon says, clapping him on the shoulder and moving away swiftly. A smile on his lips like he hadn't- "We cannot leave Jace and Luke waiting."

Seasmoke roars distantly in his ears.

Mayhaps, Aegon is simply like Helaena, in that they both abhor unwanted touch. It would not be uncommon, after all. Perhaps Aegon simply dislikes touch that he does not initiate.

Watching his cousins' hands shake subtly, remembering the barest of instants where his goodbrother had leaned into the touch before pulling away, Leanor doesn't think so.

(3)

The words leave his lips as soon he thinks of them.

"Is Aegon angry with me?"

Helaena turns, her eyes clear and sharp, and the confusion is so clear upon her face that he relaxes before she speaks. "Why would Aegon be angry with you?"

Aemond slumps in his seat. "I do not know," he says carefully, sounding each of the words out like how Mother says he must. A Prince must not mispronounce his words or one would think him a simpleton. "He simply-"

"Valonqar."

"He doesn't hug me anymore," he bursts out, too loud and too angry and Mother will be so disappointed. Egg already is disappointed in him because: "I know I shouldn't have said that about Jace and Luke and I apologised to them but lēkia is still mad at me and-"

Gentle fingers wrap around his wrist.

He freezes.

Helaena squeezes gently, her hand a grounding brand of heat, before she pulls away. "Aemond, valonqar - Aegon is not angry with you, I swear."

He isn't? Then- "Why doesn't he hug me anymore?"

His mandia's eyes flicker closed and she looks like Father does, when something reminds him of the old Queen.

"If you ask him for a hug, he would be glad to give you one," is all she says, though.

All he has to do is ask?

(But Mother has said he's too old to be asking his brother for hugs, Aegon has duties after all, he doesn't have the time to be pandering to him anymore)

"If I ask, Aegon will hug me again?" The words feel small on his tongue. Wrong. He shouldn't need to-

"I promise"

(4)

The temperature in King's Landing may never reach as bitterly cold as it does in Harrenhall, but the storms are something that Harwin has yet to become used to.

Within less than a candle's width of time, clear skies have turned black with an endless downpouring that turns packed mud into slippery pits. Harwin feels nothing but relief when he calls the rest of the training session off, desperate to be both warm and dry once more, when he notices a figure that hasn't joined the rush to leave.

"Your Highness?"

Prince Aegon startles and slips in the sludge beneath their feet.

He winces. "Sorry, my Prince," Harwin says, reaching down to help the mud-covered boy to his feet.

The Prince eyes him, gaze flickering from his hand to his stance, and then takes a bracing breath that has his eyes narrowing slightly.

Laenor had mentioned something about this, had he not-

And then Harwin is pulling the Prince to his feet, holding firm until the boy has his feet beneath him just as he would for any of the younger Princes.

"My thanks, Ser Harwin," Prince Aegon says and his gaze is still fixed on his hand. There's a rough edge to his voice, like Luke after a nightmare, and Harwin-

"My Prince, are you-"

Thunder crackles above them.

Harwin startles and his feet slide beneath him; he releases the prince so the boy does not take a second fall in the mud. For a heartbeat, he flounders, until he finds his legs once more.

When he looks up, Prince Aegon is already halfway to the door.

(+1)

Rhaenyra has never been close to her half-brother.

She hadn't wanted to be when he was younger. Not when he was borne of Alicent and her father's betrayal. Not when Aegon lived when so many of Rhaenyra's other siblings didn't - not even Baelon, who was so small, who her mother had died for, who had died anyway. She had burnt her brother's pyre, Rhaenyra had thought all those years ago, and she had no need for another.

She had been a grieving child, angry at the world and those who should have known better, and she had taken it out upon the children by simply ignoring them.

She has been trying to be better, now, because her sons inspire her to be better, and her siblings deserve better. Aemma Arynn had died trying to give her father a son and the man hardly acknowledged him. Any of them. And Alicent-

Her childhood friend had always thought their customs queer. And now all of her children are so obviously Valyrian, with all those same queer customs...

No, her siblings deserve better. She has much to make up for and there is much she can never make up for.

Laenor and Harwin- she loves them, but men can be dense at times. They've discussed their meetings with Aegon, his odd reactions to touch, and both men recognise it is different to Helaena but they do not understand.

Rhaenyra does not wish them to.

They do not see what she does in Aegon and that is, perhaps, a good thing. Their boys do not see it either, only that their qȳbor is not fond of hugs, and Rhaenyra loves that they do not know this feeling.

It is memories of a time long past that have her gathering her heaviest cloak, one that has not seen use since her marriage, before she wanders the halls of the Red Keep to find her errant valonqar.

"Aegon," she murmurs as she finds him, staring out at King's Landing proper.

"Mandia?" He turns and-

She drapes the cloak upon his shoulders with a solid thud, watching with amusement as his eyes widen and he stumbles with the weight of it. Her lips twitch.

Her fingers clasp the cloak closed carefully.

"I have a cloak already?" Her brother asks, his face twisted in the same confused expression that Jace uses.

Rhaenyra stands beside him, a fingerwidth away, and stares out at King's Landing as he was. "None so heavy as this one," she says with quiet assurance. The only winter since Aegon had been born had been a mild and short one, even his winter clothes were light. "The weight may help."

He falls silent.

"You- I-"

"Tell me of my sons' lessons."

Aegon does.

(And if he ends up drifting closer, until their shoulders barely brush, until he can lean into her just the smallest amount-

there is no one but the two of them on this covered rampart to know it)

[lya-dustin]

Someone will remember us

Chapter 3

Gif by @useraelin

@ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon

Mother is sweaty and gritting her teeth when Aemma and her father find her leaving her rooms.

Mother was supposed to be lying in until the maesters and the midwife said so. With Luke, mother is said to have contracted a fever and couldn’t rise from her bed for almost two days and two nights.

Grandfather Viserys had come to Dragonstone fearing she would die, but then her fever broke the moment he sat at her bedside, and all was well again.

“Find goodwife Elinda and tell her we are having roast duck for supper, sweetling.” They always have roast duck when a baby is born, Aemma was told it was because both her parents were fond of it.

“Why can’t I go with you to see grandfather and the queen?” Aemma asked annoyed that she has been ordered to fetch someone as if she were a servant girl. First, she had to fetch the midwife, then the maester and then her father and now she was to find the housekeeper.

“Do as you are told, Aem,” her mother warned as she and father left.

“Did you get the sister you asked for on your last nameday?” Harwin asked as he carried the metal carrier for Aethan’s dragon egg to the table.

Syrax had laid eggs, always did when they were born. Always with Seasmoke, never let other male dragons near her.

“No, it’s another boy. Helaena is never wrong.” The silver haired girl shook her head hiding her disappointment.

“Did she say what his dragon will be called?” Jace asked carefully placing the egg in the metal contraption.

“Tyraxes.” Aemma answered letting Ghar smell his new brother.

Ghar had slept through the birth, only yawned and sniffed the baby once he was born.

He had also tried to go with mother only to start screeching when blood started coming out of her.

“Vermax, Arrax and Tyraxes.” Luke pointed out. “Only yours doesn’t have an x like Syrax.”

“Elēnar is a perfectly good name for a Velaryon dragon, princess.” Harwin assured her.

Harwin was mother’s sworn shield and rumored lover, but mama assured her he was just a good friend to her. A confidant, she had said.

He was closer to the boys, even looked like them. Lyonel Strong’s first wife had been Briar Storm, bastard of Boremund Baratheon. That was why they looked so similar; he was cousin of their grandmother, or so her Septa had said.

Aemma was closer to father and mother than him. He was like an uncle of sorts to her, unlike her brothers who saw him as a second father.

“Helaena says I will claim Seasmoke, just like she claimed Dreamfyre, and Aunt Laena claimed Vhagar.” Aemma told them forgetting what it meant to claim her father’s dragon.

“That means father will be dead, Aem.” Luke pointed out horrified. “Did Helaena say when he will die?”

“Some people claim dragons as adults, Luke. Maybe your sister will be grown with her own children and your father will have been a grandfather several times over when it happens.” Harwin tried his best to assuage her younger brother’s fears of death.

“Who knows, maybe Aemond will have his own dragon by the time Aemma gets Seasmoke.” Jace joked and they joined in on it.

At least she had a dragon, for a Targaryen to not have a dragon was to be a bird without wings, or a knight with no armor, or so grandmother had told her.

“Don’t be cruel, children, your parents have not raised you to be so.” Harwin chastised them as of he were their father too. “It isn’t Aemond’s fault his egg did not hatch and if I catch you having been cruel to him about it I will have all three of you muck out the stables until your mother says so.”

“Even me?” Aemma asked, usually she got away with things because she was a girl.

“Even you, Aemma.” Her mother said when the door opened behind the children. “We want you to grow up to be good and wise like King Jaehaerys not cruel and arrogant like King Maegor.”

“Mother!” the children try to contain their joy at seeing her and father and the baby. Aemma hadn’t been allowed to see much of him because the maid, Talya had said the Queen wanted them to make haste.

Ser Harwin looks at mother as if the sun had come inside the rooms, he always looks at her like that. Father looks at mother as if his friend had shown up, sometimes he even calls her cousin instead of wife.

“Look,” Jace says as he lifted the lid of the egg hatcher.

“We chose an egg for the baby.” Luke says. Aemma was supposed to go with them, but she had preferred staying with mother and Ghar. It was Luke’s turn to choose the egg anyways.

“Ah, that looks like the perfect egg.” Mother said as Ser Harwin helped her to her seat. It had been a couch that had belonged to her mother, same Queen Aemma who used to read to her daughter just as Rhaenyra read to Aemma and her brothers.

“We let Luke choose.” Jace adds and Luke beams. Mother said the king had chosen Aemma’s egg, then Aemma had chosen Jace’s and Jace had chosen Luke’s.

“Not every day an egg leaves the Dragonpit, princess.” Ser Harwin remains at her mother’s side as he has always done. “I thought it best to escort the lads.”

“Laenor and I thank you, Commander.” Mother breathes out as she finally relaxes. She is always very tense when she has to speak with the Queen these days.

“Another boy, I heard.” Harwin looks at the baby the same way he looks at Jace and Luke, but never her.

Her mother only nods with a smile when she thinks no one is looking.

“Might I?” Harwin asks mother.

“Ser Harwin wishes to be introduced to Joffrey.” Mother tells father who is completely besotted by the baby, and almost reluctantly, Laenor gives him baby Joffrey.

“Of course.” Father looks slightly embarrassed, why should he feel that way?

“Father, may we please hold Joffrey?” Luke asked and reached out to their new baby brother, but Harwin and father nudged them away. There is an unease Harwin gets when Laenor is mentioned as the boys’ father, did he feel jealous that he can’t have sons of his own because he is here with them?

“No, now back to the Dragonpit with you two. Before they send out a search party for you.” Father took them out of mother’s chambers and closed the door behind them.

“Why not Aethan?” Luke asks, they had scoured all the books for Velaryon names and settled with that one. How strange, her father had said they’d consider Aethan. They would have told them his name instead of letting them believe they would choose it.

Aemma had been the one to present the name to their father ---he could never say no to her---, but it had been an entire morning of endless reading to find the perfect name.

“I wanted to name him after my dear friend who is no longer with us, Luke.” Their father explained. He doesn’t tell them that Ser Joffrey Lonmouth was killed by Ser Criston Cole, in fact Aemma only found out because Aegon wanted to scare her when she and Helaena were playing come into my castle with Ghar.

“Can you tell us more about him, father?” Luke asked again, Luke always liked asking too many questions. Too curious or so complained the Maester at their lessons.

“Yes, I will. Ser Joffrey Lonmouth was my best friend.” Father smiles sadly as he began his tale.

[a-dowryofblood]

*Dragons burning down everything killing people left and right*

Me: babies 🥰🥺

[a24matriline]

The A24s 2016: Sightings and Movement

The 2016 season began with some early sightings in the southeastern Alaskan panhandle during the spring and winter, followed by multiple encounters around northern Vancouver Island and Johnstone Strait. About half the time sightings of the A24s also occurred simultaneously with other northern residents, mainly other A Pod orcas. For a recap of the A24s major events and overall makeup this year you can go here.

On February 22nd all A24s were spotted in the southern passages of the Alaska panhandle and again on May 24th with another pod, the I33s, by Niki Finnerty Weiss.

During the summer season the A24s were spotted on July 9 among several other northern residents in the Port Hardy area.

The A24s entered Johnstone Strait area the morning of July 19.

The A24s came through Blackfish and into Blackney Pass briefly then retreated back to Blackfish as the A5s came into Blackney Pass from Johnstone Strait. The A5s are also now moving into Blackfish. Helena,Niklas,Myriam,Momoko 19 Jul 2016 02:17:06 PDT

The A24s lingered on in Blackfish Sound and Johnstone Strait with the A5s on July 20, before heading out west while the A5s went east.

From Seasmoke Whale Watching:

On our morning tour we encountered the A24’s near the Sophia Islands in Johnstone Strait where our viewing was wonderful and free from fog. 

On the afternoon tour we encountered the A24’s once again at the top end of Johnstone Strait. It was really awesome for everyone to see the little calf[A110] doing head stands and mini breaches! We had beautiful sunny patches and the orcas were back lit by the sun for much of our viewing.

The A24s were seen off the northern tip of Vancouver Island on July 24th by crew and passengers with Mackay Whale Watching.

Report by: Kyle & Connie Cassidy

Trip Highlights: (where we went, what we saw, etc.) We went to the northern tip of the Island. On the way, we saw 3 humpback whales, including a mother and calf. Then we saw a pod of orcas (Residents A24), sea lions, and after lunch, we saw more resident orcas.

The A24s returned to Johnstone Strait on July 28th.

Sorry. We had problems with the Internet this morning but we are back now. While we were sorting the Internet out we were listening to calls in Blackfish Sound from just after 6am.. Eventually the calls became clearer and closer and the whales rushed through on the flooding tide and into Johnstone Strait just now. We believe we had the A5s along with the A24s, the A34s and A46. We are now filming again and you can watch on www.explore.org. Helena 28 Jul 2016 08:12:07 PDT

The A24s’ cousins and their niece Springer(A73) came to Johnstone Strait on July 31st.

Beautiful sounds from the A4s and A5s close to Robson Bight. Today, was not a complicated day and the whales were obligingly vocal so tracking them was not a problem. We had suspected that the A42s had travelled east in the early morning and that they probably had A4 company. Just as they moved past Critical Point and Robson Bight around 1:40am a humpback became vocal. This was a surprise as they don't usually vocalize very often at this time of year. The calls did not last long but it was a nice conclusion to the orca event. The rest of the night was uneventful and everyone got a bit of sleep. Around 11am, there was a report of whales heading west from the Adam River. It soon became apparent that they were travelling along in two groups, one on the Vancouver Island shore and the other on the Cracroft side. An hour and a half later the group on the Vancouver Island shore came into view of the Rubbing Beach camera. And an hour later we began to hear calls off Robson Bight. The Cliff excitedly reported the A35s (of A4 pod) were below the Cliff heading west and that A70 has a new baby! Basically the groups continued west through the afternoon. By 3:35am, they were crossing the entrance to Blackney Pass. An hour later they were off the entrance to Weynton Pass. About 5pm, the groups had turned and started to make their way east again. Then came a slight diversion. As the whales approached the entrance to Blackney Pass again a few moved into the actual Pass and A77 plus two others ventured into our view making it almost all the way through before finally turning back south and rejoining the others who by this time had decided to carry on going east in Johnstone Strait. This brings us nearly up to date. And for the last while they have basically stalled off Robson Bight. But by doing so they have offered up a pretty nice recording. It is now past 11pm, 12 hours after returning to the western part of Johnstone Strait. Quite the day! Again! And by the way, Springer with her baby Spirit (A104) is here once again! everyone 31 Jul 2016 23:26:30 PDT

On August 3rd the A24s came back into Blackfish Sound/Johnstone Strait with the A34s, where they met up with their cousins and niece (A35s/A56/A73). On August 4th all A4 pod whales traveled together for a few hours before separating back into their respective matrilines(A24s and A35s/A56/A73s).

The A42s and the A35s (+A73/A104) who came back from the east to our hydrophone range, their calls are on CRPT hyrophone. Meanwhile, we had a report of 10+ orcas off Bere point coming this way. At 18:50 we started hearing A34s and A24s on Flower Island hydrophone. Some of them came into Blackney pass 19:08, but they turned the north and headed back to the north. Tomoko and the Lab crew 03 Aug 2016 20:00:15 PDT

The A30s with the A25s and A23s in a close group just passed the Lab headed south close to the Hanson Island side. The A42s went west in Johnstone Strait earlier and now the A24s, A35s/73 are passing the Cliff now as well also headed west. Great coordination of groups. Helena 04 Aug 2016 11:35:17 PDT

The A4s (yes, all the A4s) came past the Cliff at 11:32. (Cliff report). The A42s after coming east along the Vancouver Island side appeared to have crossed into mid strait from west of Kaikash where they met up with the A24s who had travelled west with the A35s/A73. The A4s passed Cracroft Point around 1:45pm and at that time separated into their respective matrilines. The A35s continued up the Hanson Island shore. They turned back east at 2:20pm. The A42s and the A24s finally became vocal as they travelled east together toward Izumi Rock area. The A30s/A23s/A25s got as far as just west of the main rubbing beach before they turned west at 2:37pm and now just before 3pm they have turned east again off Strider beach. Meanwhile the A34s/A46 are in Blackfish Sound meaning we have for the first time all the "As" in the same area! This is exciting. Helena 04 Aug 2016 15:01:54 PDT

The A24s were last spotted in the Johnstone Strait area on August 7 2016, before heading northward.