#daeron son we will find you trust

[ophelieverse]

because where tf is him HBO?!?!?

[dcookechild]

The Green siblings.

[misguidedasgardian]

The White Dragon (41)

41. Monsters of Sea and Sky

MASTERLIST

Summary: You grow impatient, and nobody can deter you from rescuing your children. 

Pairings: main Harwin Strong x Fem!Targaryen reader

Warnings: cursing, medieval and A song of ice and Fire AU customs, injury, burns, dragon fire, death, violence, armies, death, war and all that comes with it. Might miss some warnings but you know what this is about :) 

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 2.3 k

Notes:  Uff this is a dramatic one. I pulled a D&D on this one, I hope it makes sense....

“They are stalling”, Maekar, ever the patient young man, had grown out of it. Rhaegar neared you, whispering in your ear

“We need to go find them, the Iron fleet is sailing towards Lannisport as we speak”, he said urgently, and you realized he was as impatient as his brother had become. 

“Fuck the Lannisters”, said Maekar

“No!”, said Rhaegar, “would you rather have an alliance with the Greyjoys? or with the Lannisters?”, he said, “The Lannisters are treacherous, but at least they have money and resources”, he said then

“So we save the Lannisters?”, you say then, “we burn the Greyjoys?”

“Yes”, he said, and you pondered, it actually wasn’t such a bad idea, for what you wanted to accomplish, the help of the Lannisters could prove positive, you rather trust a Lannister than a Greyjoy, you could never trust a Ironborn, that is what everybody says.

You looked at the Green army camp bellow, scouts had revealed that they were no allies anywhere near you, but they did seemed like they were stalling, and now that you knew where your children where, you couldn’t wait to go get them, and this was delaying you, iy had to end

“How long has it been?”, you asked Cregan, he looked up to the position of the sun

“4 hours”, he answered, you only nodded 

“Time is up”, you said finally, Cregan looked at you

“Should I prepare the men?”, he asked severely

“It might not be necessary”, you whispered, but you whispered your plan in his ear, and both your sons as well

When the sixth hour came, you gathered Daeron, his uncle and everyone else in a tent, in the middle of the plain

“Time is up”, you said firmly, “we rather engage in a battle my three dragons and my northmen are going to win, or we save countless lives and you surrender”, but Daeron didn’t speak, he seemed nervous, his uncle did

“How do we know you are going to respect the pact?”, he asked then and you sighed

“I’m done”, you said, tired of their games, they were stalling, and you didn’t know why, you stood up, and they seemed even more nervous

“What?”

“Prepare the men”, you commanded, we march on the hour

“NO!”, said Daeron, and you stopped to look at him, “wait”, you only smiled walking towards the table and leaning over it

“I’m done waiting little brother”, you said, “I have more important things to attend, and you clearly don’t take me seriously”, now you saw true fear in his eyes, you only turned around and nodded, the your soldier that was guarding the door screamed at the top of his lungs

“NOW!”, their faces, the fear in them, was unmatched, your soldiers killed theirs, and riders posted outside grabbed the fabric that made up the small tends and ripped it away front he wooden structure, leaving you all inside under the sun, unprotected, Daeron in his uncle saw in terror how you were surrounded by Northmen 

“You are under my terms now”, northmen came inside and grabbed both men, “surrender now or die”, you demanded 

And that is how you obtained their surrender, under your terms.

Under the watch of your three dragons, you decimated the Green army, one in ten men were put to the sword, (or rather, under your dragon’s flame), as an example for rebelling against the crown, you did not enjoy it, but right now, the only thing in your mind were your little children, and nothing and no one was going to get in your way.

You looked at the camp in deathly silence, you could still the banners flying with the soft breeze

The gray tower on a green field

We light the way

You chuckled

You felt the breeze hit your face and you felt oddly calmed, your nose had already been used to the smell of burnt flesh and ash.

You didn’t want this

You turned around to meet Daeron, who was being held by two Northerner soldiers, and his uncle besides him, muffled and in chains

“Sister!”, he called, trying to release himself from the grasp of the tall and strong soldiers

“You must forgive me”, you said, looking back at him, “I did not lie, I gave you a choice”, he couldn’t refuse that, “But I have no time to spare here, my children need me, I need to get them back, but now I’m offering you a different choice”, you said, “surrender to me, or I will deliver you to Rhaenyra, now, which will it be?

“Bend the knee to Rhaenyra?”, asked Abelon

“No”, you said firmly, “to me”

They both looked at each other, admitting defeat, and bent the knee again, in front of the rest of his men, to see.

“Good”, you muttered, “the Green army will march home, and you Daeron, I have a special mission for you”, you said seriously, and he only got to nod

Word of what it could be considered treason reached King’s Landing incredibly fast 

The Green army had surrendered, you had not slain them all, Daeron was still alive and on the loose, with his powerful dragon under his command, the army, if decimated, was still active and marching back home.

Scouts had spotted you flying West, were he, Daemon Targaryen, could guess, you were on your way to the children, and to attack the last remaining ally they still have, the Iron Fleet

You had betrayed them

You had to pay

“It must be some sort of explanation”, Rhaneyra claimed, looking outside the window

“She discovered where we kept her children”, he said, “and now she is going to get them, you better than anyone should know how she feels”, Rhaenyra looked back at him with warning in her eyes

“I do Know”, she said

“We messed with her children, now she will mess with us back”, he said, “And we can’t have that” 

“No we can’t”, she looked at the city beneath her squinting her eyes, she had to send soldiers, and gold cloaks to deal with an uprising of the small folks within the city, calling her a whore, calling for their King, or for her sister, the city could not hold 

“They will take to her instead of you, you know that”, he said then

“So what will you have me do?”, she asked then

“She is your enemy, enemies must be destroyed”, he said then with a warning on his tone

“She has five dragons, not counting that bastard Aemond’s, and the Northmen…”

“but right now, they are all separate from one another”, he said, two of them are defending Harrenhal, unknown to what is happening”, he said

“You want to go after Aemond?”, she asked

“We take Harrenhal, her home, as she is distracted”, Rhaenyra looked outside her window, wondering, thinking, pondering”

“We won’t be able to win this”, she warned

“This is the time”, he said then, “Aemond tried to kill your eldest son, his brother murdered our youngest children”, he said bitterly, he betrayed you, he has to die”

“she will never forgive us”, she said then

“She is an enemy”, he repeated, “i loved her, she is my niece, but she is getting in the way, she always wanted the crown, that is why she did all this”

“I don’t think…”

“You kidnapped her children”, he said then, “she sided with Aemond, Daeron… the Greens”

“She defeated the Greens”, she said, “her son took the treasury back”

“Where is it?”, he asked then

“What?”

“Where is it, it isn’t here yet isn’t it?”, he asked, “where is the treasury”

“On its way!”

“To Harrenhal perhaps”, he mocked, Rhaenyra shook her head,

“What will you do?”, she asked then, relenting to her husband’s dark plans

“I will teach her a lesson”, he murmured, “I will get her out of your way”

“Give her a message”, she commanded, “a hard and clear message”, Daemon nodded. 

Without you on the way, she could finally have what she always wanted

So she let her husband, Daemon Targaryen, get lost in the night, on the way to the dragonpit, where his fearsome dragon Caraxes awaited. 

You just had to follow the Gold Road West, that took you straight to Lannisport, you flew all night, and right when the sun was showing its golden face again, at your back, you Got to see The Rock from afar, signaling you were close, you were close to see your children again, to hold them in your arms, to make sure they were alright 

But that is far from what you found…

A whole naval battle was ensuing, black ships, with the red kraken banner were being attacked by a few reddened vessels with golden Lions, also, you recognized some of the triarchy war ships, all fighting each other in a gruesome battle.

You couldn’t believe your eyes

You saw your daughter’s dragon, throwing fire at some ships, but she was too small, and frightened by the spears and nets being thrown at her.

Your children

Where are your children?

You shared concerned looks with both your sons, who were as frightened as you. 

Where to begin? in which ship were they?

You were forced to land by the shore, to talk about strategy on how to proceed 

“They are in the flagship, clearly”, said Rhaegar

“What if they are not??”, you asked, “what if we burned the wrong one?”, but when you looked back at the sea, you saw the biggest ship in the greyjoy’s armada to face two warships of the Triarchy, got trapped in between them and they began to shot at it with scorpions, and everything they had

“NO!” you screamed, as you watched the boat sink in the waters

“Mother”, called Maekar, but it was too late, you saw your children sink in front of your eyes

You only breathed heavily, as you felt everything around collapse, your eyesight tunneling, only a long beep as a sound, from ear to ear, numbing every other sound, as you saw the flagship sink, you only gasped. Without even turning to look at your children you walked calmly to Vhaelar, who was waiting for you, for your command, your sons quickly followed you, and you commanded the White Demon to descend upon the conflict.

“DRACARYS!”, you screamed, and with a low growl Haelar released her firepower in the heads of everyone in the armada below, triarchy, Lannister, Greyjoy, everybody burned. 

Your sons quickly followed.

The white dragon with silver scales, Vhaelar. the dark Blue one, Aerion, with silver marking, and Karnax as white as his mother, with golden marking, they flew in circles and all around the naval conflict, burning everything they could 

And then, you looked down, at the waters, near the rests of the Greyjoy’s ship, and you saw it, a small boat, you recognized your children, Sarra, floating amongst the disaster in a small rescue boat.

But you didn’t stop. 

You destroyed every enemy, because they all where, from around them, protecting them from attacks, Rhaegar saw them as well, and he guarded them ashore, you didn’t rest until every vessel had been sanked in the bottom of the Sunset sea

When it was done, you finally let Vhaelar rest, as you landed on the shore, Rhaegar was already there, Maekar soon joined you. You saw your children,  few yards from you, and you ran by the beach to get to them, and once you had them within reach, you hugged them tightly against you, both of them

“my babies!”, you cried, relieved tears falling from your eyes, when you believed you had lost them forever.

“Mamma!”, cried Saera, and Vaegor just silently clinged into your clothes

Rhaegar held Sarra in his arms, kissing the top of her hair and temple repeatedly

“You are alright?”, he asked quietly, she only nodded, “please tell me”

“You came for me”, she said, relieved

“You saved yourself, I saw you rowing that small boat”, he teased gently, she giggled

“I did it because you knew you’d had come for me, for us”

“You took care of my baby sibling, my beautiful girl”, he said, cradling her face in his hands and looking at her with love in his eyes

“Well, I did promised”, she said, with rosy cheeks

“My winter rose, as soon as we get to the next town, we will marry”, she only giggled, nodding enthusiastically 

“Maekar looked pleased, not knowing what to do, but as soon as he got too, he hugged his siblings.

Vhaelar purred at her dragonling, smelling at her and nudging her softly with her snout, happy to be with the smallest of her babies, and missing the one she lost. 

Aemma held Aemond’s hands

“Be quick alright?”, she asked gently, her eyes gleaming in the torches illuminating the hall that led to the entrance of the castle

“I will”, he promised, leaning in to kiss her one more time before he took flight

They both took turns to scout the skies and the proximities of the castle, roads and all, to make sure they were safe, now it was Aemond’s turn, as silverwing was quick in the skies, best for flights in the night

“I love you”, she promised, with excitement in her voice

“I love you too, my silver dragon”, he whispered

“Come back soon, the bed gets cold without you in it”, she said cheekily, he only smiled, and turned her back to her to get to Silverwing, who was ready to take flight.

It still weird for Aemond to walk towards a dragon that isn’t Vhagar, but Silverwing was a great mount, she was quick in her flight, and lean and smart, fast in her movements 

But she took to him quickly, she recognized a true Targaryen when she saw one. 

So Aemond took to the skies in Silverwing, not knowing what awaited him in the dark clouds. 

@tearsarcane @integra1127 @aestmilky @thanyatargaryen @tythaitie @lostinworldofdarkness @voodoogoul @wildmindedbeauty32 @lil-pudd @alicattx @electric-bloo @astaaan-lol @stargaryenx @kaitieskidmore1 @bregarc @lilpnd @jcpenneyyy @janelei @fexibau @ladyoakenshield157 @danielle-leah1997 @lady-ragnvindr @cecilyjmorgenstern @omgsuperstarg @bugheadskid @batprincess1013 @her-fandom-sanctum @holb32 @blue1006 @stargaryenx @grippleback-galaxy @mikariell95 @genesisliveson @mendes-bae @caspianobsessed @notmundane3000 @kamisunshine @just-someone11 @ietss @joliettes @whodis-26

[prophecyofwinter]

Nemophilist

;One who is fond of forests or forest scenery

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Stark!Reader

Summary: You are the childhood best friend of Aemond Targaryen. As children, the two of you made a promise that you two would Wed, no matter the cost. But would a war, a dance perhaps, cause issue with that promise?

Warnings: 18+, Death, Trauma, Toxic Sibling Dynamics, Cannon typical violence. More tags will be added as we go on

Notes: This is my first fan-fiction piece ever, I’m excited to finally be posting one! Chapters will start to get longer starting chapter 3!

Chapter 1: A Meeting in Brown

“Aemond!- Aemond!” You yell as you rush into the young silver-haired prince almost knocking him off his feet. You hadn’t seen him for a year by now, not by choice of course. Your father, Rickon Stark, hadn’t allowed you to visit King’s Landing due to a certain event at Driftmark. Sensing the rising tensions and not wanting his children involved. Your father hadn’t told you about a visit from the King to Winterfell especially did not inform you of your young prince tagging along. Finding yourself all but stealing him to get the boy alone.

“Y/N please” Aemond says, pushing you at arm's length away from him, head turned to the side only allowing you to view the right side of his face. Your face scrunched up in confusion trying to move out of his grip to catch his gaze. “Aemond, Look at me.. Aemond!” You raised your voice at his name, slowly growing more and more frustrated by his tough grip and his avoidant gaze.

Aemond snaps, gripping you tighter and forcing you closer to meet his one eyed gaze yelling with growing volume “Look at me then! Look how that bastard maimed me!” A soft gasp had left your lips by force of the sight, was this what had happened at driftmark? One of his nephews had stolen his eye?

All you felt you could do in the moment is attempt to reach up to his face, his grip only allowing you to reach to his jaw. The words you wanted to say to somehow comfort him were caught in your throat, what could you even say to comfort him?

He flicks his head out of your grasp “See? I’m hideous, even you don't look at me the same” he abruptly releases you and turns to leave you. You feel yourself reaching out for him “Wait! That’s not true! I just-“

“You just what! I can’t shoot a bow, I have to relearn how to swing a sword for gods sake! I’ll never even marry now, Lords won't even look at me let alone allow their daughters around me-“

“I’ll marry you then!”

The hall fell still for what felt like hours but was truly only a few moments, your eyes never left Aemonds and his to yours. Aemonds body relaxed, not out of relief but out of something else. “That’s not possible Y/N”

Frustration began to return to claw at your throat, “Why not! You just said that-“

“Your father said no already” Aemond admitted quietly but loud enough to stop you in your tracks he continues “Why do you think I came here? Your father said no and that's all that matters now!” Your noses are centimeters away from touching, there was no need to speak any louder than a whisper to each other.

“Wait for me then” Now having the opportunity to really reach to his face, lightly caressing the scar on his cheek below his eyepatch. “As much as I hate to think about it, My father won’t be around much longer. With Cregan as Lord, I’ll be as free as I can be to marry who I want.” You pause for a moment closing the gap closer between the two of you.

“Come back to Winterfell when that time comes, and ask for me then yourself, as a man” Your lips briefly kiss his cheek coming back to reconnect eye contact.

“As you wish my lady”

“Can I trust you with this Aemond?” Alicent says to her middle son within the confines of her chamber with the sound of the fire eating at wood filling the spaces of silence.

“Borros Baratheon will be more than happy to wed one of his daughters to Daeron, I have no doubts you will be able to secure their support.” Alicent stands from her chair to be more level with Aemond. “However the Starks, They stand true to their words even if they aren’t the one who had said them. I understand you and the Young Lady Stark, Y/N, have an affinity for each other, there’s no doubt of that. But you will also have to convince Lord Cregan that he is making the right choice.”

“You can put your faith in me mother, I will leave for Storm’s End on the marrow then make my way North to Winterfell. I shall not return empty handed.” Aemond puts it simply.

Aemond certainly will not return empty handed, he will bring you back to King's Landing regardless of the Lord of Winterfell's decision. All that would change is if he got a good rest beforehand. You had waited for each other long enough, he had waited too long and couldn’t, wouldn’t, allow a war to get in the way of his desires any longer. “I won’t let any bastard get in my way, Mother” is the last thing he says before turning to leave.

Aemond made haste to his own personal chambers all but slamming his door, readying to prepare his travel necessities. Soon, soon he will get to hold you and have you as his wife. He was denied more than once for your hand but now he will have it no matter what. Having your brother's support certainly would help the Greens win the war, though he would have no problem taking you from Winterfell himself if push came to shove.

“Y/N please, you’re acting like a child.” Cregan let out a long sigh, patience breaking into threads with every passing moment in your tantrum. “Me? A child? You’re trying to sell me off like a common whore!” You yelled back at your brother, tears streaming down your face and hair sticking to the tears, there was no doubt that multiple guards and maids have heard you by now even in the empty throne room. “You are a Lady! Like it or not, marriage is your duty to not only Winterfell but to-!” Cregan stopped his sentence short to dodge a golden chalice you had attempted to chuck at his head. Silence draped over the room with the last ringing of metal hitting the floor. You and your brother only made eye contact, no words to be exchanged. Your words were caught in your throat to the point where you could do nothing but flee the throne room, wiping your eyes with your hands in an attempt to retain some dignity.

Your heels clicked on the stone floors as you sped walked through the halls to get as far away from anything and everyone. Not knowing where else you could go but the Godswood, everywhere else had too many maids and guards to ask questions and silently judge you. The woods had always brought you peace, no one to accompany your every move, no elder brothers to tell you how to lead your life, nothing. Continuing your walk into the forest pulling your thick fur coat tighter around you, the sun was setting so it was beginning to get colder. You had memorized the walk to the Weirwood far too long ago to the point it was a walk you made without thinking.

As a child you were scared of the face in the tree clinging to your brother as you trembled, laughing to yourself at the memory of taking a seat on one of the roots. Laughter slowly turned back into slow tears remembering what brought you here in the first place. What should you even do, what can you even do? Do you pray to the Old Gods for you to be saved like a fairy tale princess, for Prince Aemond Targaryen to swoop down on Vhagar and whisk you away? You sinfully wonder if the Gods even listen to the prayers of silly girls who didn’t wish to be married away. Maybe they only listen to silly boys who wish for honor and power. You remember watching Cregan pray to the old gods before rising up against your uncle to reclaim his title as Lord of Winterfell. If you prayed as hard as he did that day would you receive glory?

In your frustrations you hadn't realized that you fell asleep on the tree, exhausted from crying and racing thoughts. You had no dreams while you rested, maybe that was a blessing for times to come.

You were jolted awake from the splitting sound of a dragon's wail. This could mean Aemond came after all couldn’t it? Wasting no time you jumped onto your feet and started running to get out of the woods. You felt light, maybe that’s how you were able to run so fast.

Slipping past maids and guards in an attempt to not knock them over as you ran to meet Aemond at the front gates if he hadn’t already made his way to your brother.

Luckily you had made it to the front gates just in time to meet- Aemond?

As the guards opened the doors to allow the young prince passage into the gates of Winterfell you found yourself needing to move your gaze lower, instead of straight silver strands you were met with slightly unkempt brown hair, and no striking violet eyes just ones that were the same color as his hair. This wasn’t Aemond? But he still had a dragon?

[lya-dustin]

All is Bliss

Chapter 51

Cw: mentions of blood sacrifices, bullying, and murder

Gif by @beyondtheciouds

Taglist @mercedesdecorazon @ewanmitchellcrumbs @darylandbethfanforever9 @watercolorskyy @alexandria-millie @sweethoneyblossom1

Aegon remembers all the times he teased Aemond over his egg not hatching.

Its had been a smoky gray with red flecks given to him by Laenor and clutchmate to Jace's Vermax and Aemma’s annoying little dwarf dragon, Elēnar.

It had a name, some name that was meant to inspire fear, but made Aegon want to bully him some more.

Once mama caught him offering his blood to it after Aegon told him to, father had shouted at Aegon, taken Aemond aside and given him Barth's book on dragons while mother shouted at father for shouting at him only to slap him when she turned to yell at him, and he pointed it out.

Now as the king tries to make a second Sunfyre for himself, he finds himself looking for the dragonglass dagger Aemma keeps under her pillow for her protection.

They haven’t slept in the same bed since he was poisoned, mainly because he finds it gross as she told him she is to bleed for the forty days after the birth. Aemma had about a week or so to go and appreciated having the bed to herself.

She keeps busy, restless in her cage like the dragon she is and much like Silverwing, she does a good job of pretending she is fine as she is.

This morning he finds her reading her correspondence and having a late breakfast. She wears lilac today, brings out the purple of her eyes and matched the tie at the end of her long braid.

“What are you up to this morning, dear wife?” he asks completely forgetting what he came here for.

Aemma was always lovely, sure she was not the most beautiful, but she was kind and good company and had the old blood of Valyria running through her veins just like him. It would be nice to see her fly again, to see her throw her head back and laugh as Silver’s wingtips skim the ocean.

Once Baratheon wins this war for them, he will give her the freedom to fly again.

Of course, not often because it would look wrong when the king had no dragon of his own.

“Just some letters, Aunt Elenda wants me to take my cousins into our household, apologizes for the whole trying to drug me and almost killing your brother the night before his wedding, oh, and wants to confirm if Uncle Borros is still the man you want as Aenys’ godsfather.” She said showing him the letter as if he would doubt her word.

Aegon trusts her, a stupid thing to do, but he knows Aemma would never hurt him nor try to kill him. He quite likes her, finds himself missing waking up to her in the mornings.

“Tyland suggested him, I guess he had sent the letters already. I know you wanted Aemond to be Aenys’ godsfather, but we can keep Baratheon loyal to us without promising him a royal groom.” Aegon admits knowing why she wants Aemond to be made the babe’s godsfather. If either were to die, Aemond would be the man to raise Aenys as one would a son, if he was close to the boy no one would be suspicious of it and his overly familiar way with his wife not be too obvious.

The reason Aegon readily agreed to make Borros his godsfather.

Besides, Aemond fled Crossed Elms like a coward claimed to have dragon dreams knowing those tree worshiping cunts would believe him. Had he fought they would have won the battle, his brother just won’t admit it. Claims that the fucking riverlords had archers and the commanders too experienced for them to do more than to wave a peace banner and hope for the best.

If he had been there and had Sunfyre, the Riverlands would have burned, and he’d be a fucking warrior king like the conqueror.

Instead, he is here, stuck in this castle because he has been unmanned by his wife’s own fucking grandmother and humiliated by his own little brothers. Even Daeron went down as Daeron the Daring as he died like a man should.

When Borros comes, Aegon intends to lead the battle. He did it once and his sword arm is strong enough to fight, how hard could it be? And what better way to announce it than by entering the tourney.

“I suppose you are right, husband, especially because it will remind people that both your mother and my great-grandfather were brown of hair and eye. A shame Borros refused Cousin Joffrey, we could have had the Vale and Aunt Jeyne would be here to show she also has brown hair.” Aemma pretends it doesn’t bother her. Does a great deal of that since they married, Aegon wondered if one day she will like him and trust him like he trusts her.

He envies Aemond for getting to see the true Aemma, not the poised lady hiding her dragon’s blood underneath silks and brocade.

Aegon would’ve preferred Daeron had been the one to return and not Aemond. Daeron didn’t steal his wife’s heart from under his nose.

“If anyone dares to insinuate you cuckolded me, I will have their heads, dear Aemma. I plan on making sure they get the message at Aenys’ anointing next week.”

“Harwin used to have the worst nightmares as a boy, always dreaming he and father were burning to death and Larys’ laughing as he stood outside the door.” Alys speaks softly as she nursed Aenys.

The babe had been small and frail when he was born and yet the moment Alys became his nurse that night, he awoke as healthy as if he had not been born early. Her witch’s blood refused to let her create new life but made her able to nourish life that already existed.

“I had nothing to do with their deaths.” The queen mother says even though she remembers asking Larys to do what he must to bring her father back to court. Larys had been using her, like all men have done, and yet this time she had the power to say no.

But she hadn’t said no.

Instead, she prayed for forgiveness and put it out of her mind when word of their deaths came just as the raven from Daemon did.

“Just because you say it outloud does not make it true, your grace.” The witch chides her like a mother does to lying child. “I know you agreed to it for your cause.”

“Then why join me? Why kill Harwin’s lover and his sons?” the queen asked hoping that was the answer as to why everything had gone wrong.

“To get to Larys, to have the Blacks kill all those who stand between me and Harrenhal. I work the corridors of self-interest just as anyone here. Now with the war lost and my dear little brother getting his comeuppance, you are of no use to me ,your grace.” The witch said as if it were just something trivial that had failed and not a system of governance.

As if it was always meant to fall.

“You said it was Aegon’s destiny to be king!” the queen cannot comprehend why Alicent would make her do such things if it had not been meant to happen.

“And it was, I never said for how long. Two years is more than Aegon the Uncrowned got.” Alys put the babe in his basket without burping him first and went to stand by the window.

Why did no one else seem to care about this more? Why did no one see that for her family to be safe, Aegon needs to be king and her as his right hand?

Aemma had poisoned her sons against her an now her most trusted ally is led astray by her.

“Oh, no, the little queen did not seduce me from your side, your grace. Our paths are no longer aligned. You stand at the end of your road while I still have so far to go.” the witch answered as if she had spoken aloud.

“You tricked me! You had me sell my soul to the Stranger and damn myself to the Seventh Hell!” Alicent begins to see her with horror.

And yet the witch just stands there by the open window as if nothing was happening.

It would be so easy to kill her. She could lie and say she was going to hurt the little bastard, that she cast a spell on him and she as his grandmother only meant to save him.

Alys would die instantly on the spikes in the dry moat, no one would know.

What is one more kill?

“You said you would do anything to make Aegon king, you agreed to the price, your grace.” Alys coos at her making the queen mother snap and barrel towards her like an angry bull.

Just over the window.

That is all she needs.

And yet when they stand over the edge, Alys overpowers her and instead, Alicent is forced to look down at her grave.

“Now be a good girl for mummy and pay it.” The witch whispers in her ear like a lover and tosses her over the edge as if she weighed as much as little Aenys.

[darkestspring]

Do you think we could get a rundown of who and what your OCs are?

I’m new here and I don’t know where to start lol but they look interesting!

aelyra targaryen - she's alysanne and jaehaerys' second daughter, she was born in 54 AC, a year after daenaerys and she dies in 129 AC just a few minutes after viserys dies. she ends up marrying both aemon and baelon and she's the mother of rhaenys, viserys, daemon and an oc visenya ii.

visenya ii targaryen - she's aelyra and aemon's youngest child and the youngest all together. she has a bit of a romance with daemon in her younger years before he married rhea royce and she ends up married to cregan stark and becomes the lady of winterfell. she has a known hatred for alicent that she refuses to talk about.

baelon ii targaryen - he's the only child of daemon targaryen and rhea royce, this kind of came from the idea of 'what if rhea and daemon did have a child together'. in some verses, daemon knows about his son but doesn't know how to properly connect with a child that came from someone he hates and in other verses he never knows until rhea dies. baelon ends up in the care of viserys and alicent. he ends up becoming one eye instead of aemond and he has love interests in aegon, aemond, helaena. in the main verse he ends up married to a baratheon girl but sometimes he ends up married to helaena. in total he ends up having eight children. five with his baratheon wife and three with helaena.

diana royce-targaryen - she's the daughter of rhea royce and daemon targaryen. (you can find her intro post HERE)

cerise lannister - she's aegon ii's wife in this verse. she's the younger sister of tyland and jason lannister. she has a stern personality. she hates cheaters and gamblers. she has a bit of a manipulative streak and likes to egg people on because she thinks it's fun to see them angry. she has her own lion named, leopold.

vivian tyrell - the rose of highgarden, she ends up as daeron's wife in this verse. she's a lovely girl with an eye for flowers but she's also very skilled in the art of fighting and dislikes it when men other than her husband try to touch her. she's well versed in the art of poison.

eloise baratheon - she's the youngest baratheon sister, a very naive and innocent girl who has never actually seen the outside world because of her isolation at the hand of her father and sisters. she's the spitting image of her deceased mother, causing an obsession over her to form between her father and her sisters. eloise goes on to become aemond's wife after he becomes obsessed with her sweetness.

daella targaryen + daella iii targaryen - daella i targaryen was aegon, visenya, and rhaenys' youngest sister and ended up being aegon's thrid wife due to the obsession her older siblings held over her. she had four children with aegon who's fates remain unknown. daella herself dies in dragonstone, just a year before visenya.

daella iii targaryen is the fourth targaryen child, and alicent's second daughter. the soul of daella i entered her body after she was born a stillborn and that almost death in the eyes of the public caused alicent to develop paranoia and a deep obsession and possession over her youngest daughter. daella iii lives out her life under the obsession of her family while trying to navigate her surroundings.

ysilla martell - a princess of dorne that was fostered by king jaehaerys, she ends up married to baelon and has two children with him. ysilla is very standoffish, she uses jokes to hide how awkward she is when it comes to affection, she doesn't show her love very easily because she doesn't really know how so she just showers her loved ones in her wealth.

Daelaenys Targaryen - she's my immortal targaryen oc. daelaenys' mother was a skilled witch who was skilled in black magic. she performed a ritual that gave her daughter immortality at the cost of her own life. so daelaenys can't die, at all. trust her, she's tried everything and she's still living. she's daenys the dreamers great-great grandmother and now lives in seclusion after being kidnapped by visenya and then escaping. she lives in godswood. those who seek her out will never be able to find her. she's very cold and disgruntled. mushroom gave her the nickname of undying blizzard because of her white hair, colder than ice nature and her immortality.

Lisenya Targaryen/Little Dove: lisenya is the daughter of rhaenyra and ser criston cole. depending on the au, she either grows up as rhaenyra and laenor's child or she grows up and alicent or viserys' child.

in the latter au, alicent steals lisenya from her crib after she feels a deep connection with the child and lisenya grows up being loved and adored by the green. lisenya is a dragon dreamer but different than helaena, rather than dream about general events, lisenya only dreams about her future and can only remember it long enough to paint it and then she forgets it.

[horizon-verizon]

I know you've criticized the show portrayal of Alicent but what about Rhaenyra? They turned her into "not like the other girls" and just a good flawless mother and nothing else.

EDITED (8/16/23)

A.

Weird that people still complain that Rhaenyra was not a good mom for sending her sons out to assure alliances. This was at a time before the Dance when everyone [except Aegon II and Aemond] was actually trying to pretend that they weren't going to battle, so both sides expected their messenger-children to be safe. Plus you do not kill messengers. This is diplomacy basics 101, killing one itself and act of war, let alone then being children. If Rhaenyra expected any green negotiator (she didn't even know Aemond would be the one) to not risk the greens' image and possible upper hand in such a way, I cannot blame her. Plus, she expressly said to Luke not to be in any fights jic. Aemond is the one to start something.

It happens in canon, so people who did not like Rhaenyra for being a women pursuing power over men are going to find reasons to critique Rhaenyra's motherhood as a means to criticize her pursuing power over men, which being a Queen Regnant would give her.

In the original story, there is no hint of contention between Rhaenyra and her kids, bio or not. Same with Daemon. Her kids turned out self confident with stronger senses of responsibility and unity (Jace and war planning, trust in Daemon; Joffrey eager to participate and avenge his brother; Lucerys protecting his brother from Aemond; Aegon the Younger apparently worshipping his older siblings and Daemon, Baela wanting to fight and stay with Jace, Rhaena's grace, these twins doing all they could to help their younger brother, esp to oust Unwin Peake, etc.).

Why would Rhaenyra NOT be portrayed as a caring and responsible mother?! Those kids turned into great people, and it had to come from her and/or her parenting skills. Compare them to their book!green counterparts (Aegon, Aemond, Daeron) who have do not have have even a basic care for anyone aside from themselves, sacking a city of injured people, perform genocide, leave each other out to dry when need most, rape, etc...well apart from Aemond raping someone (yet) little has (or should) change in the show. So still applies.

In the show, again, no contention, bio or not. Meanwhile we have Helaena refuse to let her mother touch her several times since childhood, despite allowing Jace to dance with her. Alicent and Otto either slapping or dragging Aegon around as if he's a contraption that won't work the way they want him to. Aegon brought his 13 yr old younger brother to a brothel house before the kid could even prepare even with his too-young age. And Aemond, while seemingly close to Alicent, is obsessed with besting his "Strong" nephews while becoming some sort of co parent with Alicent.

B.

I actually have criticized the show!version of Rhaenyra. Here is one POST. And ANOTHER. In these two posts, I and mononijikayu express how the show takes Rhaenyra's canon aspects and actions and either gives them to Alicent or removes them entirely for the sake of the prophecy that Viserys uses against Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra's characterization quite literally takes a backseat to this prophecy that truly is so unnecessary the way that it is currently written that it flattens the narrative drama entirely.

And why does it flatten and dull it? Because the writers made Rhaenyra, similar to what they did to Alicent, a less self-drive and determined version of her canon self for the sake of the male gaze (post by xenonwitch). Rhaenyra, the protagonist, was flattened so the male audience and creators could feel comfy about a woman seeking power. Flattened into a woman who only wanted to do what her daddy said she should as a ruler (even though being a ruler wasn't as altruistic as the show tries to make us feel with all this "for the realm" stuff, either in the real world or in Westeros. Even if you are Aegon I. So why can't a woman be the same?).

They even constructed a storyline where they wanted people to compare her sleeping with a Kingsguard vs a prince sleeping with an ordinary noblewoman or servant girl into a debate of rape when I can't take that seriously. Besides the post I linked to you, Aegon II is the rapist of subordinates here, not Rhaenyra. Canon!Criston, like in the show more likely tried to get Rhaenyra to run away with him or sleep with him but in canon, it's unlikely she actually would have slept with him because she wanted Daemon.

C.

This is a real question I'd like you to answer since it has confused me since I first heard it. In what ways is even show!Rhaenyra "not-like-the-other-girls"?

Though I can't believe that I am defending this show, I can't see it. NLOG are either women/girls that feel all women are inherently lesser, but that themselves are the exception (and a few others who they grow intimate with). They are thought of as "non-girls" who don't care to "be a girl" at all because they are led to believe that being a girl and having feminine-perceived traits and behaviors is inherently inferior to anything construed as masculine.

However:

show!Rhaenyra never has shown a dislike toward other women for being women that she then thinks are inferior women to herself.

Rhaenyra in the show is not masculine just because she loves to ride her dragon, because she killed a boar, or because she wears pants. That's really just enjoyment of the dragon, dragonriding, and freedom. As all Targ women love their dragons: Alysanne, Alyssa, Visenya and Rhaenys the Conquerors, Rhaenys who would have been Queen, Saera who would have found freedom if she hadn't been stopped, Rhaena who was Queen Dowager and found self-confidence when she bonded with Dreamfyre, Baela & Rhaena the twins, and Dany way after. Including all those Valyrian dragonriders like Jaenaera Belaerys and the ones who were sent out, like the men, to control Valyrian outposts and established. It's really only in a Westerosi/Andal patriarchy that show!Rhaenyra could be seen as a "tomboy" (more accurate), or a woman "trying" to be more like a boy and not "herself". Visenya was a warrior but also was comfortable in dresses, as F&B explicitly states as if this were strange.

Before anyone brings up episode 3 and Rhaenys lighting up on that older woman, here is the dialogue:

Ceira Redwyne: My lord husband says that no king has even been able to tame the Stepstones for long. It's an inhospitable place suited only for savages. Perhaps the Princess...can give us some insight.

Rhaenyra: Oh, I'm not sure how I could. I've never been to the Stepstones.

Ceira Redwyne: Your dear uncle is the great mind behind this war. Is he not?

Rhaenyra: I wouldn't know. I've not spoken to Daemon in years.

Ceira Redwyne: Since you supplanted him as heir.

Alicent: Daemon made his choices, Lady Ceira. The Princess was more suited to the role.

Ceira Redwyne: He's made a mess and the King must put an end to it. Send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good.

Rhaenyra: But the Crown is not at war.

Ceira Redwyne: The Crown is at war, Princess. Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and the Sea Snake.

Rhaenyra: And how have you served the realm of late, Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?

1)

Ceria (and maybe the writers but were giving the the benefit of the doubt here for the sake of argument) doesn't seem to be aware that the pirates like the Crabfeeder have been endangering the commerce of merchant and traders in KL for a while (Fire and Blood). They had been extorting them with "tolls" and of course what happens when someone can't pay?

Daemon may be out in the Stepstones to keep himself distracted for. Viserys' rejection, busy from the nothingness he'd left be else since he hated Rhea Royce and the Vale, and to gain some glory/experience for himself. But he is also still the only other person doing anything about a real threat. Viserys had been ignoring Corlys for a time in the show, and as I said, the pirates and their tolls would have gotten worse for KL's economic well-being if not for the lives of traders. Now Ceira wants to complain about how it's taking too long, implying that she's losing out from it? Yeah, it'd annoy me even if I wasn't Daemon's relative or if I hadn't liked him.

2)

This is hardly Rhaenyra thinking the woman is inferior bc of her gender. It also isn't Rhaenyra equalizing Ceira's gender with an inherent inability to actively participate in militant activities, whether due to an idea of female weakness or the practice of disallowing women from such activities. (explained above about the accountability of Daemon for the war)

It's more about getting at her for criticizing someone she loves (romantically or not) and respects and has missed "for years". Even with Viserys, Viserys is her father whom she still wants trust and intimacy with.

Again, not because Daemon and Viserys are male and she's looking to impress them to validate her very existence or just naturally thinks she is a superior woman over the "typical" woman, but because they are quite literally the only family/companions she has left. Her mom died tragically and her last minutes were unnecessarily violent (it's unclear how much Rhaenyra knows about Viserys cutting her open). Rhaenyra had to burn her by Syrax's flame and by her own command! Daemon was the one to bring her confront when she was looking for that from Viserys.

We see her angry and lonely from the image of her at the tree, unable to really reconcile how Alicent married Viserys or go to her for comfort and destress as before. Remember that Viserys didn't speak to her before he brought her down to Balerion's skull to discuss his making her his heir, and afterwards we still see no evidence of them conversing easily, getting along, or talking about their loss. Viserys pushes through, doesn't try to see what's going on with Rhaenyra. To Rhaenyra, it's going to feel like her father abandoned her mother and her. Hence the frustration with him saying she has to marry despite her fears of childbirth (it's like Viserys isn't aware why she is afraid or reluctant...thus that feeling of abandoning her mother). She's also concerned that she'd be even more emotionally abandoned and used by her could-be husband (we find out in episode 4 and that her power will wilt under said hypothetical husband's lack of concern or real care, bc hed likely try to do as people say Daemon is doing and undermine her authority and steal power for himself. Make her a puppet queen/heir.

She and Alicent -- no matter what the writers have told us -- are no longer friends at this point because Alicent is now Rhaenyra's stepmother and it's a heavy conflict of interest with Alicent literally being pregnant & already having had a boy that make people feel free to question Rhaenyra's place more than they did before. At the very least, the court is less comfortable (understatement).

Thus she lashed out, and not even that harshly. We remember that lords and ladies typically talk to their monarchs, princes, and princesses well-manneredly, and while Rhaenyra doesn't seem to care for punctilious formalities -- unless she already dislikes you from a previous encounter of a person pushing boundaries (Jason Lannister) and wants to put distance and castigate for rudeness or insults (which she did here) -- again this was just not the right moment for Ceira to be telling the upset, depressed, lonely, and quietly raging Rhaenyra that her father and dear uncle are not doing things how she want them to, even if she could be argued as spitting facts.

Sometimes it just be like that. Ceira can take the L for talking too much. She seems strong enough to take a non-insult (or as some may say, a read) from a 17 year old, with all her criticisms. Aside from also being more than 40 years her senior, as I judged the actress's age to be late 50s to 60s.

[navree]

How was Aegon's relationship with his sister-wife and the rest of his brothers in the book?

We don't know a whole lot about his relationships in the book, because as always, it's meant to be a historical record, and those will rarely record feelings and emotions unless they're relevant to the historical events being described. But with what we can tell, and what I remember from Fire&Blood (it's actually been a while since I honest to goodness read it, though I do know how to look stuff up in it to get quotes I need to prove points), they actually all seem to have a pretty good relationship.

Aegon and Helaena's relationship actually seems to be pretty stable up until Blood and Cheese. We don't know a whole lot about it, just because it's not something that's remarked on and because Aegon only becomes a character the book focuses on once the Dance starts, and Blood and Cheese happens early on. We know that Aegon was unfaithful, since when Alicent sends people to find him in Helaena's rooms she quite bluntly says “He is not in my bed, you may be sure. Feel free to search beneath the blankets.” But at the same time, there is an expectation that if someone were looking for Aegon, they'd find him with Helaena and with the kids, which speaks to enough a routine that they're together on a regular basis. Additionally, it seems that, rather than the typical way royal couples sleep apart (like we saw with Alicent and Viserys, for example), Helaena and Aegon did share a bedroom. It's specifically noted that Aegon and Helaena started sleeping separately in separate rooms after Jaehaerys was killed, apparently in defiance of their regular custom of not doing that, now that Helaena was having a breakdown and they were both heavily grieving.

Aegon's relationship with Daeron is incredibly hard to parse out due to how vague it is and just how little we know about Daeron. Their relationship seems to have been fine, if a bit distant, due to Daeron's time at Oldtown and also the fact that he's the youngest and apparently wasn't really considered much of a force by either of his brothers. But Daeron is described as "the gentlest" of Alicent's sons, which might have lended to him and Aegon getting along, and notably, Daeron's participation in the sack of Bitterbridge is explicitly said to have been brutal and unmerciful on purpose as revenge for how Maelor, Aegon's youngest son, died. That does speak to enough of a closeness to Aegon, and likely Helaena as well, that he's willing to take what happened to Maelor so personally and decide to burn an entire town for it.

Aegon's relationship with Aemond also seems like it's pretty stable and probably better off than in the show. There's nothing to suggest that Aemond was bullied in the book, or that Aegon was any sort of ringleader in any behavior, and that the two seemed to have a pretty normal brotherly relationship. And again, in the book, Aegon's the only one who isn't upset with Aemond for killing Lucerys, and literally throws him a party in his honor once he comes home. He also trusts Aemond not just as a fellow dragonrider and battlefield soldier, given that they both participate in Rook's Rest, but also as a leader and as an ally, in spite of Aemond's ambition. Aegon does explicitly name Aemond as his regent, so clearly he thinks that's the best option (you don't need to be related to the king to be a regent, he could have picked Criston or Otto if he really wanted). And Aemond, for all of his "the crown looks better on me" ambition, is very careful to never try and overstep on Aegon's turf, never calls himself king but only Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm while Aegon recovers, and he does fight incredibly hard to continue securing Aegon's claim even when he goes MIA, ultimately dying specifically in a battle he sought out in order to eliminate what he perceived as the biggest threat to Aegon's rule (Daemon). That does speak to the idea that Aemond did value his brother, and did want to do right by him, and did respect him as king and leader of their faction in the war.

All in all, it's hard to figure out where a lot of these relationships are emotionally, because that's just not information we're given in the book, but the hints we have about the kind of people they all were, and the way they interacted, seems to speak to the fact that they've all had pretty good and stable relationships with each other, and were certainly able to coalesce around each other as a unit and fight for each other in times of crisis.

[dragondreamsanddangerousdeals]

History repeats itself

Hello! This is a drabble that I worked on for a bit of an idea thats bounced around my head for a while! If yall want I also posted this over on ao3!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43704496

If you want to read it here instead its just under the cut! (hopefully)

Aegon doesn't understand why they have to go to Dragonstone, he really doesn't. But if the visit is as interesting as the ship ride over, maybe he can find a reason to enjoy the visit.

or a take on the boat scene from episode 4 and how history might start to repeat itself.

He really did not want to be on this ship.

Aegon groaned as he slumped against the ship's railing, staring down into the endless sea as the royal ship made its way toward Dragonstone. The crew was milling about behind him, ensuring the boat was in working order and staying on course. Aegon didn’t understand why they had to take a ship instead of just flying to Dragonstone. Sunfyre would have loved to stretch his wings and get to fly for such a great distance, Aegon was sure of it, and he himself would have much preferred the company of his dragon over that of his family. Well, except maybe Helaena. She was currently telling their youngest brother about insects and dragons, about the stories she read about Old Valyria since Daeron hasn’t had the chance to learn them, with him being sent away to Old Town.

During his reminiscing Aemond had come to stand beside him, watching Aegon with a mix of exasperation, annoyance, and curiosity as Aegon gathered his wits enough to stand straight so that he could watch Aemond back.

“Mother has told me to inform you that we will be arriving at Dragonstone within an hour.” His brother turned away from him to watch the mist that was surrounding the ship.

“Well, our Dear Mother is probably overjoyed to finally see our Eldest Sister.” He still remembered how his mother would talk about Rhaenyra and her sons, how she’d call them bastards, and every time Aegon would see a glimpse of what he could only describe as a mix between heartbreak and longing.

If Aegon was honest, he didn’t know what to think of the enigmas that are his nephews. Rhaenyra had left for Dragonstone early into her first pregnancy, Aegon knew that- remembered the hurt that followed days after as his sister left him- and he knew that every time she did visit she left her children in the care of Ser Qarl. When the king asked, Rhaenyra had said that both she and Laenor trusted the man greatly and were confident in leaving their children with him.

“We’ve never even met them, you know” Aegon looked out into the fog “I don’t see why we have to now. I'm sure it's just because father misses his favorite child” he turned towards his younger brother, looking past his shoulder to where he could see their father, mother, and grandfather talking as they stood amongst the throng of bustling sailors, “you think he did something to make Rhaenyra angry or did something to make Daemon angry?” Aegon focused back onto Aemond as he asked, watching his brother's expression remain flat before he responded

“Rhaenyra.” Aemond glanced to the side when he heard footsteps approaching, watching as Helaena and Daeron joined them, “you’ve heard the stories of how father left our uncle to his own devices when they were fighting.”

Aegon nodded “you do make a fine point-” he stopped when there was shouting, turning to follow the sailors as some moved to the front of the boat as the bow of the ship finally broke free from the sea fog.

It took his breath away, the sight of Dragonstone. The home of his family and the current residence of his half-sister and her family. Aegon didn’t quite know how he felt about meeting them if he was honest, but if being here allowed him time to explore the fortress more he’d gladly take the chance.

Almost as soon as he saw Dragonstone he heard Daeron shout, tugging on their sister's skirts as he tried to get her attention. When Aegon looked over to his youngest brother, he was confused to see him looking up , pointing at the fog where the ship had just left. It was then when Aegon heard the whistling, the people of the ship stopping as they turned to where the sound came from. Both Aegon and Aemond were looking up towards the clouds where now the sound of wings could be heard, shouting started just as soon before a red blur burst from the fog and sped past the ship, causing it to rock.

Aegon had managed to catch himself on the boat's railing, gaining a lap full of Daeron since the child had stumbled forward from the rocking. Aemond was in a similar predicament with their sister, Helaena having fallen as well, but both of his siblings were watching as the red dragon flew towards Dragonstone.

Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm, and the dragon of Daemon Targaryen. Aegon’s awe of the dragon abruptly ended when Daeron elbowed him in the stomach, having scrambled up to watch and wave at the smaller dragon that kept pacing with the royal ship.

The dragon was much smaller than Caraxes, its green scales having blended in perfectly with the fog as opposed to the Blood Wyrms' much brighter scales. Upon a closer look, Aegon could just make out the person riding the dragon, their hair appeared to be brown and their riding clothes seemed a mix of black and blue. He could even make out that the rider was waving back at Daeron before the green dragon let out a small roar whenever one from Caraxes reached back to the ship and both rider and dragon flew away towards Dragonstone.

When everyone had stood again and both dragons had disappeared from sight, Aegon and his siblings approached their father. Viserys looked overjoyed as he talked about the dragons to their grandfather and mother. He turned to Aegon when his siblings reached him and Viserys laughed as he clapped his eldest son on the shoulder “How was your introduction to your Uncle Daemon and your Nephew Jacaerys? Quite exciting wasn’t it?”

While Daeron launched into another set of questions, Aegon looked back to Dragonstone. That was his nephew? He simply hummed along as the conversation progressed, one thing on his mind.

He couldn’t wait to meet Jacaerys.

[sarcasticsweetlara]

The Septa Daughter of the Broken King

These are two pictures of Rhaena for whoever wants to imagine her as in the book or the show.

Summary: Rhaena the Septa was known as Rhaena The Chaste, Aegon III the Broken King's legacy lived through her, as House Targaryen recovered its influence under Rhaena's care as she strengthened alliances and made new pacts.

It can be read as a second part of Rhaena and the Broken King or as a stand-alone.

The heat of Dorne was not that bad, but in order to protect her golden hair, Rhaena was wearing a shawl.

Since her first cousin-once removed Daeron had become king five years ago, Rhaena was trying to find common ground with the population of Dorne. Ever since Rhaena had gotten out of the Maidenvault, she had dedicated herself to help the dynasty of her family, as well as recover the trust of Westeros.

Rhaena would be lying if she said it had been easy; it had been extremely difficult, but at least they were now progressing, and with Dorne now being an official part of the Seven Kingdoms there was a new flicker of hope.

And here she was, sharing food with a family of orphans of the greenblood.

"D'you want more sauce Septa Rhaena?" Asked the head of the family, a beautiful woman with dark brown hair and light brown eyes called Laurel.

"Yes, a little bit more would be fine"

Dornish food was delicious, and Rhaena was already wondering how she would eat anything else that wasn't made in Dorne.

"And how is your cousin, the king?" Rhaena halted her movements for a while but quickly regained her composure.

"The king is fine, his wife and him are doing everything they can for the realm and are also taking care of their family."

"I must be honest with you Septa" Said the matriarch.

"At first, we didn't think he would make the alliance work, but it seems we were wrong."

"What do you mean my lady?" Rhaena kept her tone neutral.

"The Dornish are known for their independent spirit, they have always remained so, and we were surprised to see they relented." The matriarch stated.

"Indeed they are, that is why they now stand as equals to the Iron Throne."

"Though not entirely, Dorne still has the inheritance system going for the firstborn child, not son, like the rest of Westeros." Said the matriarch's husband.

"Yes, that will not change."

"It's a shame those snobby lords think only men are efficient rulers, though." He mumbled. "The king must have a lot of trust in you if you are here."

"Indeed my Lord, he is one of the best kings the realm has had." Rhaena admitted.

Her cousin Daeron had worked hard for the sake of the Seven Kingdoms, her own father Aegon the Broken King, and her uncle Viserys were surely among the best too. Her brothers were a mix between the two. Her brother Daeron had been older than Rhaena for four years, and Rhaena was not as sly back then as now so she could help him, and his stubbornness killed him in the end when Dorne rebelled. And Baelor had died because of his own faith in the Seven, his zealous faith that made him starve himself to death, according to what she heard, Baelor was good with the smallfolk, however he was plunging the realm into chaos due to his zealotry. Her cousin Aegon, however, was one of the worst kings Westeros had ever had.

"I have heard you have the exact eyes of the first queen of Aegon Dragonbane." One of the girls whispered to her.

"Yes, my eyes are similar to the ones of Queen Jaehaera."

"Of what I heard about her, she seemed good, that thanks to her the Dance of the Dragons ended and that the truces worked because of her."

"Well, she was a queen for whom many things happened, and I must tell you that I am proud my father had her in his life." Rhaena smiled and the girl nodded.

"Your own father was called the Broken King, right?" Asked a boy who was one of the youngest boys, taking Rhaena by surprise.

'Aegon the Broken King'

It had been a long time since someone recalled her father with that moniker.

"Yes, some people called him that" Rhaena answered politely.

"Why?" Asked the boy again with the curious possessed by children.

"Because they said he was broken inside after every loss he had been through."

His grandfather, parents, older brothers, his first wife, and a childhood friend who had been with him who had barely survived the dance of the dragons.

"Oh"

"I'm sorry Septa, you know how children are." Apologized his mother.

"Don't worry, I understand."

After the meal of the midday ended, Rhaena retired, she had to go back to the motherhouse of Sunspear.

As she was reading a book about the Children of the Forest her carriage rode towards the motherhouse, and her mind suddenly drifted to her father.

'Aegon the Broken King'

Few knew him for who he actually was, and it while it was true he was a broken man, he did many things that were good for Westeros, his brokenness had not been a weakness, it had been what helped him set things right.

Aegon the Broken King had told her many things that helped Rhaena see she had to make justice, not wait for it, and that was what she was doing, or at least trying.

The Broken King also told her that even though he couldn't stand the image of a dragon, he knew they needed them if they were to face an enemy.

The fact they didn't have them any longer unsettled her and yet at the same time calmed her somehow, as she doubted her brother Daeron would have been able to fully conquer Dorne with them as the Conquerors had also had dragons and yet they failed in their invasion of Dorne.

Now she was thinking about her brother, maybe Daeron had thought that if they conquered Dorne, they would be able to leave the memory of the dance behind them, but it didn't happen that way.

"We're close, my princess"

"Thank you Ser"

It was still weird that some people still called her "my princess", but she guessed that was out of loyalty to her House. Rhaena didn't mind it, as she knew she was one because that was the only way she could help the realm since they had passed over her rights to become queen.

When they arrived Rhaena noticed there was a small crowd in the motherhouse.

She quickly got down and as soon as she was out of the carriage, heads turned to look at her.

"PRINCESS!" They were now heading towards her and the knight that was accompanying her stood between them and her.

"What is happening?!" Rhaena shouted so they could listen to her.

"We wished to meet you" Answered one woman, almost as tall as Rhaena.

"We wanted to see if it was true one of the cousins of the king was staying here"

"Well, I am" She answered trying to stand her ground.

"If you wish to speak, so be it, but calmly"

"Of course"

In a few moments the small crowd left and now Rhaena was in front of the ringleader called Clarice inside of the motherhouse.

"May I know why you really wanted to see me?"

She was curious.

"You know the history of Westeros, specially the history of your family."

"I do"

"If that's the case, then you know there have always been a tense relationship between Dorne and King's Landing, and there have been many kings who tried to conquer Dorne, one once came in here barefoot and after that he sent many rules about what had to change after the annex of Dorne, many of them about how we had to dress and our customs, I must tell you" That one was surely Baelor. "And years ago, our prince married your princess."

"If you wish to meet them, I can arrange it, but let me tell you I do not understand why you tell me this now when that marriage happened years ago."

Clarice crossed her arms.

"Because as I told you, we wanted to meet you." Clarice said, a fire in her eyes that reminded Rhaena of Daena.

"Here in Dorne, we have listened to tales about the pious cousin of the new king and how she has kept the realm from collapsing and has strengthened many ties in these eighteen years." Clarice kept staring into Rhaena's eyes.

"And it's interesting, because they say you are as pious as your deceased overly religious brother, and yet, you have shared roof with northerns, ironborns and orphans of the greenblood, people who don't worship the Seven."

Rhaena sighed and with a flicker of courage she replied.

"I may be pious, that is true, but that doesn't mean I plan on converting people who already have their beliefs." She would not tremble in her voice, she needed to seem sure of what she was saying as she was. "My brothers and my poor excuse of a cousin made mistakes, and I am sorry your people had to suffer that, but his children Daeron and Daenerys are not like them." Now she had to explain her own reasons. "And I respect the people of the realm, and because of that I am here, to be with them, to show them the House of the Dragon is still strong, I came to Dorne to know about you, about the strength od Dorne, that is why I became a septa."

Clarice was now grinning.

"The Septa Daughter of the Broken King, you truly are a dignified daughter of your father." Now Rhaena grinned.

"They say you have the very same eyes of his first wife, a girl who brokered peace and a new beginning, that must have been a good omen."

"You believe in omens?"

"A little."

"And is there an omen that has indicated both my cousins' reigns are going to be good?"

"Indeed" Clarice's arms hung by her sides. "You are here after all."

[ophelieverse]

Two new trailers and still no Daeron,but I’m fine with it

I’m not fine at all

[absynthe--minded]

If you don’t mind because I love to hear it, what editorial choices did Christopher Tolkien make that really frustrate you?

My top one would be Turin’s character assaination.

I do not mind being asked!! this is an incomplete list but I hope it gets the point across

Túrin’s character assassination is astonishing, you’re right, for me it’s specifically everything in Nargothrond as well as the minimizing of Saeros (and sometimes Daeron) harassing him for racist and xenophobic reasons. This is really well-known so I’m not going to spend a lot of time on it unless people want me to? it’s probably best encapsulated in another post lol.

WHERE ARE THE WOMEN, CHRISTOPHER, WHERE ARE THEY. Haleth’s all-woman bodyguards get cut out! Míriel being the inventor of sewing gets cut out! Indis and Nerdanel having a friendship gets cut out! Andreth gets cut out, with not even a mention of the Athrabeth! Morwen and Niënor lose all their character traits! Finduilas is a ghost of her former self! Idril’s character gets cut down to nothing!

Findis and Lalwen not existing. I’m actually going to give them their own bullet point because Lalwen goes to Beleriand with her brother Fingolfin. That’s an entire extra Finwëan princess to talk about!

cutting the Wanderings of Húrin from the Silmarillion was a Bad Choice because it robs Húrin of his status as like. almost a warning of divine punishment. With the Wanderings, and specifically his travels to Gondolin and Menegroth, you can make the argument that Doriath falling and Gondolin falling were in large part because they failed to look after innocents and refugees, and that’s a really neat angle

Gil-galad Son Of Fingon. Gil-galad’s parentage changed so many damn times. I am all for Gil-galad the adopted son of Findekáno and also kind of Maitimo? but Gil-galad the biological son of Fingon has caused so many fandom problems. Leaving his parentage ambiguous would have been the right choice, and Christopher himself agrees with me here.

Beren and Lúthien being directly involved with killing the dwarves who killed Thingol. Christopher also admits in HoME that having Guy Gavriel Kay help with ghostwriting that Silm chapter was a mistake, and that he probably could have succeeded in creating a coherent narrative from his father’s later work (specifically the draft where Celegorm and Curufin kill the dwarves, assuming they have the Silmaril, but Melian actually took it and went to Lúthien)

I’m still doing research on this so I can’t actually speak authoritatively on it yet but what inspired my original frustrated post was the fact that as far as I can tell, the bits in the Silm chapter “Of Maeglin” about Maeglin’s desire to marry Idril being seen as incestuous and twisted and disgusting? Entirely absent from the drafts. All I’ve found in HoME and TFOG so far indicates that J.R.R. Tolkien never wrote anything close to that - Maeglin wanted to marry her, sure, but in the Book of Lost Tales, their marriage is frowned upon because Turgon thought that his nephew was clout-chasing rather than genuinely in love with his daughter. And the other HoME volumes usually have some variation on “Maeglin wanted to marry her, and Turgon loved and trusted him, but she married Tuor instead”, if they mention him at all. All the stuff about how he loved without hope, and how she saw him as terrifyingly warped? I’m willing to say that there’s a very good chance he invented that. Maeglin’s characterization in JRRT’s writing is very different from how he is in the Silm.

Amrod surviving at Losgar. I feel like this is a pretty agreed-upon fandom thing? We all sort of just accept that he died. But it still annoys me that Chris decided not to follow that path.

Argon not existing at all. Argon’s death mirrors Amrod’s death - both Fëanor and Fingolfin have to lose a son before they can begin life in exile, and one dies in fire and the other dies in freezing cold. It also sets up an interesting relationship since Argon died defending his family and his people and Amrod died because of someone else’s selfish and misguided attempt to defend his family.

the removal of a lot of the more queercoded/queer-subtext moments. Túrin and Beleg kiss in front of the Gaurwaith in the Lay of the Children of Húrin, and in that version and the Book of Lost Tales version of the story, Túrin kisses Beleg after he dies. The green Elessar that Galadriel gives to Aragorn is mentioned to be a betrothal gift in Laws and Customs among the Eldar, and there’s one version of the story where that same green stone was given to Fingon by Maedhros.

downplaying the presence of Taliska in the narrative and stripping out a lot of Edainic cultural worldbuilding. Taliska, one of the Edainic languages (or an Edainic language with several distinct dialects) hasn’t had any publicly released information about grammar and construction. We never find out in the published Silm that the Atani - the mortal Men - call themselves the Seekers, the way the elves call themselves the Quendi. We don’t learn that nothlir is the Taliska word for “folk” or “people”, so nothlir Haletha means “folk of Haleth”. All the lengthy discussion of Edainic philosophy from the Athrabeth is gone, and Chris’s decimation of the Narn i Chin Húrin means we don’t know anything in the Silm chapter about life in Dor-lómin under Húrin and Morwen’s leadership.

I hope that answers your question? sorry, this turned out to be long.

[agentrouka-blog]

Fox_Maiden: I am glad you mentioned that there are many problematic aspects to Jon's births including it being a direct cause that contributed to Elia and Rhaenys' deaths. Just to be clear, I am NOT blaming Jon himself. Rather, it's the circumstances surrounding his conception and the way the fandom glorifies R/L. Truth is, Jon is a bastard not only by birth, but in the sense he truly had no preordained role in his birth dad's prophecy obsession. Cont.

Fox_Maiden: Cont. He wasn't the Visenya 2.0., that Rhaegar wanted; He also wasn't TPTWP because Rhaegar considered Aegon that mythical messiah. Jon was by his mad father's own estimate...a failure. Fans think he had it tough at WF? Imagine being an unwanted Targ bastard that your own father saw as useless to his grand plans. Furthermore, Rhaegar was so fixated on getting his Visenya (Jon) that he ignored his other prophecy kids and their mother which resulted in two innocent deaths.

I am not sure I mentioned such a thing? I mean, I agree with it, but I am quite certain that was a post I reblogged from someone else.

Also, I actually find it interesting that everyone just assumes that he was going for a Visenya because that’s what Dany speculated and he used the names Rhaenys and Aegon. Why do we trust dany’s judgment?

Visenya was the elder sister of the three conquerors, born before Aegon and Rhaenys, who were second and third born respectively. If he was trying to recreate the conquerors, would he not have named his first born daughter Visenya?

Far be it from me to say something un-hateful about Rhaegar, but what if he named Rhaenys after a different Targayren?

Rhaenys was a great beauty. She had black hair and pale violet eyes.

Fits.

As her father was the Prince of Dragonstone, and she was his firstborn child, many considered her as being next in line for the Iron Throne, after her father Aemon. Queen Alysanne Targaryen, when being presented with her granddaughter, called her "our queen to be".

Fits.

Perhaps Rhaegar identified with her father Aemon Targaryen:

As a young child, Aemon was very serious, cautious, careful, and obedient. Before he was able to read, he loved being read to. His mother Alysanne would often say, whilst laughing, that Aemon's first word had been, "Why?". Aemon was a modest child, and neither as quick nor as fierce as his brother Baelon was.

Fits.

We don’t know which kingly Aegon he had in mind when naming his son. Perhaps it wasn’t the Conqueror but the Unlikely, a reformer with a Dornish mother, embroiled in prophecy who died on the day Rhaegar was born?

We cannot know what went on in Rhaegar’s head, but I wouldn’t assume that he expected a Visenya at all. For all we know, he hoping for an Aemon the Dragonknight, or even a Daeron the Drunken who had prophetic dreams, or even a wise Alysanne, or a wild Alyssa, reminiscent of Lyanna.

We know he at least considered reforms (against Aerys), and he was obsessed with prophecy and likely the impending War for the Dawn (what with “the song of ice and fire”) but what exactly he was hoping to achieve with “the dragon must have three heads” remains a mystery.

What we do know is that whatever he had hoped for was destroyed by the careless and entitled way he tried to make it happen. He truly is Dany’s brother.

[jengajives]

My guys attend the Mereth Aderthad

“You have to watch yourself,” Mablung was saying. “There’s something strange about the Noldor. The king doesn’t trust them.”

Daeron rolled his eyes, nudging his little bay mare forward to keep up with the massive stallion Mablung was riding. “It’s a party. I don’t see what could really go wrong.”

“It’s these sons of Fëanor,” Mablung said coldly. “I have heard they’re remarkably fell. I don’t trust them.”

“If they were so fell, why would anyone follow them?” Daeron asked playfully. “You should relax. I don’t think a suspicious wet blanket is the impression you want to leave on them. We’re the closest they’re ever going to get to King Thingol.”

“With luck.” Mablung frowned so deeply his warm brown face looked decades older. “I would ask you not to get too friendly.”

“You can’t stop me having fun,” Daeron said with a grin, and Mablung just sighed tiredly and continued on his way.

Daeron trotted on behind until eventually the pools of Irvin began to peak over the horizon, surrounded by beautiful blue tents and banners in silver and red.

This was going to be a night to remember.

“Your Majesty,” said Mablung stiffly, with a deep bow to one knee. “I am Mablung, captain of King Thingol’s guard. This is my kinsman, Daeron, his court minstrel.”

The High King of the Noldor stood smiling at him, and gave a respectful nod of his own. “You are most welcome, my friends. Please, make yourselves at home. Relax, enjoy the food, the wine, the music. Tonight you are our guests of honor.”

Again he gave a remarkably calm smile, but his face fell when he looked up and he cleared his throat. “Excuse me.”

Then he hurried off, hands raised.

“Aredhel, you can’t shoot that off his head, it’s attached!“

Daeron watched him go with a widening grin. He nudged Mablung with an elbow. “Hear that? Guests of honor. And they have music. I’ll bet it’s no good, though.”

“Be polite,” Mablung scolded, “just not too polite.”

“Certainly, Captain,” said Daeron. He looked around the camp just to take everything in.

There were just as many Sindar here as there were Exiles. Grey-Elves milling about and talking and laughing with these strangers, sharing wine and platters of food. Beneath the billowing blue tents were elaborate silver tables laden with piles of fruit and meat, fountains of wine. Near the center of the camp was a pavilion set up for minstrels; now there were several silver and scarlet-clad Noldor sitting on their fancy metal chairs and playing flutes, lutes, and chimes of every kind. In their center sat one particular Elf with his dark, curly hair set with glimmering sapphires and his raiment of silky blue-green. He held a silver harp across his chest, and Daeron had to admit he was skilled with it. When he started to sing, though, the majesty of the music rose to another level.

Daeron had never heard song like that. Never anything so beautiful or captivating.

“Lord Finrod,” said Mablung behind him. Daeron turned and saw the captain with his arms folded behind him, talking to a fair-haired prince whose braids were twisted with diamond and pearl. “It is an honor to meet you again.”

“Mablung!” Finrod smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “How wonderful to see Thingol’s folk here! I was so worried no one would come…”

“Who’s that singing?” Daeron asked, very rudely, barely giving the princeling a glance.

Mablung glared at him. “Apologies, my lord. My kinsman speaks out of turn.”

Finrod just smiled with a light laugh like water falling over stone.

“No apology necessary, friend. Nothing wrong with curiosity.” He followed Daeron’s gaze over to the pavilion. “That is my cousin, Maglor, Fëanor’s son. He is the most skilled of our kindred in music by far.”

Mablung bristled when he heard the name, but Daeron only found it even more difficult to tear his eyes away.

“Maglor,” he repeated, turning to give Mablung a smug look. “And you said they would be fell.”

At that Finrod laughed again. “The sons of Fëanor? It’s true they can be very fierce, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say fell. That is…” He turned his head to the side, taking a glance at a tall Elf standing apart from the others, his red hair done up in tight braids, with pale scars crisscrossing his dark face. “As long as you aren’t a friend of Morgoth’s.”

Mablung followed his gaze, and his eyes narrowed looking at the red-haired Elf’s empty sleeve.

“We are no friends of your Enemy.”

“Never said you were, Captain.” Finrod again but a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Here. You and your kinsman come for a drink.”

Mablung took Daeron by the arm, which is the only thing then that could have dragged him from the sight of Maglor Fëanor’s son, and together they followed Finrod to find themselves some wine.

Maglor finished his song and hopped offstage, leaving his harp resting on the chair. The strings and winds could carry the music department for a little while; he wanted to enjoy some high-class mingling.

Maedhros was standing on his own, taking in the party without engaging himself, so Maglor sidled over and stuck an elbow into his brother’s ribs.

“You like the song, Nelyo?”

“Hm? Oh, yes.” Maedhros gave him a forced smile. Immediately Maglor could tell he’d been thinking of other things.

It was not so long since he’d been carried from Angband, and his years of torment had never really left him.

“Very good, brother. You have a magical voice.”

“You should have a drink.” Maglor motioned to where Fingon stood laughing with the sons of Finarfin. “Go on and join them.”

Maedhros shook his head, again with a wan smile. “I wouldn’t want to impede on their merriment.”

Maglor didn’t have the willpower now to contend with him, so he just scanned the party again until he found what he was looking for: the Elf in armor of silver leaves, and the one at his side dressed all in green. He motioned that way.

“Those two. They aren’t Green-Elves, are they?”

“Green-Elves don’t wear metal.”

“I know, I know. But surely they cannot be common Sindar.”

Maedhros shrugged. “From what I hear, they’re ambassadors from Doriath. Greymantle’s folk.”

“Really?” Maglor smoothed his tunic. “The short one was watching me. You think he’s handsome?”

“Oh, certainly, Maglor.” His brother didn’t indulge him with any inflection in the reply. “Very handsome indeed.”

“I’m going to talk to him,” Maglor said with a decisive nod. “You should try to mingle.”

A dismissive wave of hand. “Best of luck.”

Maglor set his shoulders back and started toward the pair of strange Grey-Elves.

“You know, Mablung said you were dangerous.”

It was an embellishment of the words, but Daeron really didn’t mind. The night had gone velvety and dark and all that mattered was how smooth the wine-craft of the Noldor, and how close Maglor was standing to him.

It filled the whole night with heat.

“Dangerous?” the Fëanorian repeated, raising one eyebrow. Daeron nodded.

“He told me the sons of Fëanor were remarkably fell.”

“And what do you think of us now?”

He was very aware of the hand curled around his wrist. How he could feel every warm puff of Maglor’s breath.

“I think you brother is very fell,” Daeron said coyly. He no longer cared to glance around and make sure they were alone. If anyone stepped into the tent now, they would quickly realize the value of privacy. “But you... I’m not so sure. I don’t know if the pretty minstrel prince has it in him.”

Maglor’s blue eyes glittered in synchronization with the jewels in his hair.

“I could be dangerous if you wanted me to.”

“Hmm...” Daeron tried to draw his lips to a line, but he couldn’t stop the smile from blooming. “I’m not so sure I do.”

When Maglor kissed his neck he simply threw his head back with a sigh.

Yes, indeed. A night to remember.

[prophecyofwinter]

Nemophilist

;One who is fond of forests or forest scenery

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Stark!Reader

Summary: You are the childhood best friend of Aemond Targaryen. As children, the two of you made a promise that you two would Wed, no matter the cost. But would a war, a dance perhaps, cause issue with that promise?

Warnings: 18+, Death, Trauma, Toxic Sibling Dynamics, Cannon typical violence. (More to be added)

Notes: Some plot, as a treat.

Last Chapter - Next Chapter

Chapter 5: The Queen Mother

By the time Aemond arrived back in Kings Landing the sun had just barely begun to break. The stars and moon are still clearly visible, the air cool and breezy. Your sleeping form leaning on him for support, Aemond maneuvered you off of Vhagar making sure you didn’t fall or hit your head on anything.

Aemond adjusted you so he was carrying you Bridal style, you were a surprisingly heavy sleeper, sleeping through the rest of the flight and the rest of the way through to the entrance of the keep.

The first person of importance to greet Aemond was his mother, she must’ve been woken up by the sound of Vhagar as she was still in her night clothes. She was basically sprinting to Aemond, noticing your form bundled in his arms, head snuggly pressing to his chest.

“Aemond! What happened? Is she alright?!”

Alicent reached out and touched your head brushing stray hairs out of the way to glance for injuries.

“Relax mother, she was just exhausted, I’ll lay her down in my chambers.” Aemond picked up his pace having come down from his adrenaline rush and coming to reality of what he’d done.

“Then I trust everything is settled in the north? What about Storm’s end? Aemond? Aemond!”

Alicent chased after her son, his strides out pacing hers but she only ran faster to the boy. She quickly went from joyed for her son's return to dread weighing her heart down. Aemonds silence only told her the worst had happened.

“Lord Boros has declared for Aegon with the promise of Daeron marrying one of his daughters.”

Aemond stated plainly, wanting to at least lay you down first before informing his mother of his sins.

“And Lord Cregan has done so as well? He’s declared for Aegon for you marrying Y/N correct? That’s why you have her? Because we have the support of the North? Aemond don’t you dare walk away from me!”

Aemond remained quiet, only continuing to carry your body up through the keep. Finally reaching his chambers, guards opened the doors swiftly for the young Prince and allowed the Queen Mother to enter as well, closing the doors behind her.

If this were any other situation, she would’ve scolded Aemond for trying to put you in his own chambers, as you were unmarried.

He placed you down onto his bed, softly and carefully stripping your heavy coat and boots, tossing them carelessly to the side. Aemond covered your form with a blanket off to the side and he stood straight and turned to his mother who stood there speechless and waiting terrified for an answer.

“Lucerys and Jacaerys are dead.”

————

You shifted and turned in your bed, your room feeling much warmer than it should be. Still too groggy and tired to open your eyes you groaned and shifted hoping to find a cooler spot.

You had the most peculiar dream ever, Aemond was there, oh he felt so real… then he killed Jacaerys… all for you, that was the part that had tilted the whole thing on its head.

The mattress weighed down behind you and you felt a presence behind you. Snow and Smoke were allowed on the bed so you didn’t think much of it, however they preferred the cold stone floor on their heavy fur.

“Wake up my sleepy girl, you’ve missed lunch already.” A deep familiar voice hummed behind you, pressing kisses to the back of your neck and caressing your shoulders. Your eyes snapped open and your whole body jolted up to meet an all too familiar one eyed face. Your heart felt as though it was going to explode, that dream, it wasn’t a dream. It was real, this was your reality now.

You weren’t in Winterfell anymore, you were in King’s Landing in what you remember to be Aemonds chambers. As children you’d sneak into Aemonds room to be alone, of course you weren’t allowed to be alone in his room as boy and girl so you had to take the secret passages.

“Aemond- I- so it wasn’t a dream?”

“Do you normally have dreams like that?”

Not turned away by your sudden freak out, purred into your neck. Referring to your more intimate moment, not seeming to care about the event that had occurred right before that.

“Does that mean, is Jacaerys-“

“Did you care for the bastard that much? Bringing him up while I’m right here?” Aemond said rhetorically his movements became more aggressive, he nipped at a sensitive part of your neck that you didn’t know you had making you yelp.

“I sent for an array of accommodations not too long ago, so we have a little spare time to ourselves. You’ll be a very busy woman soon enough, I’ll have to make up for lost time now.”

Aemond softly caressed your clothed body, he truly didn’t want to give you time to have a coherent thought with all this attention. You moved away from him slightly needing a moment to catch your breath and get his thoughts out.

“Aem please. What about my brother? Cregan isn’t going to just let me go, the north- mmph…”

Aemond didn’t let up his siege on your neck, pinning your hips down to the mattress to prevent you from trying to squirm away from him in sensitivity. Why wasn’t he taking this more seriously like he didn’t, in the eyes of everyone else, kidnap a Lady of a great house.

“Shh. Soon you’ll have my child heavy in your womb and the lords will have no other option but to surrender if they wish for House Stark to continue on. Cregan has been married for how long? With no heir? Won’t be hard to convince them… I’ll keep you tied with your legs up if I damn have to, my sweet.”

Aemond rambled on for quite some time as he caressed and stroked your body. If he had any less of a mind he’d strip you bare and let the entire keep hear you as he made it known that the north would have an heir soon. However, he loved you too much for that, he wanted it to be perfect because that’s what you deserved as his soon-to-be Lady Wife, he’d wait moons just for your wedding night. Though he’d rather not

He would’ve attempted to go further if he was not cruelly interrupted by the same things he had sent for. Maids with a metal bathtub and fresh clothes, along with some fresh fruits.

Aemond pulled you up from his cushioned bed, handing you over to the maids to get you ready for whatever he had planned for the rest of your day.

“I’ll come back for you when you’re ready, love.”

Pressing a kiss to the crown of your head and he left you to the maids.

“My Lady? Do you need help taking your clothes off?”

——————

The air smelt sweet and warm, finally allowing yourself to relax in the warm water. Muscles relaxing and untightening, the maids washing your hair out with soap and oils. They left you to soak in the warm water for a little longer.

After a few minutes of being alone in peace a quiet ladylike knock came and right after the floor opened slightly and Lady Alicent maneuvered her way through the small crack to let herself in without allowing the chance of anyone to see you in such a vulnerable state.

Alicents appearance surprised and shocked you, it seems she knew you were in the bath by how she entered. You wondered what must’ve been so important that she needed to see you now.

“Queen Alicent! I wasn’t aware you were coming, if I was I wouldn’t have been in the bath for so long-“

“Shh sweet girl, we are both ladies here.”

Alicent pulled up one of the wooden chairs by the fireplace up to the side of your tub. She placed her slender hand on your shoulder, rubbing her thumb back and forth on your damp skin.

“I wanted to talk to you without Aemond over your shoulder. I’m surprised he left you to bathe alone.”

“I don’t believe I understand?”

“Why are you here? Surely you didn’t come to King's Landing with no wants or desires? Tell me.”

Alicents words made you nervous. Did she think you had ulterior motives? That your purpose was malicious? The way she rubbed your arm made you feel trapped, afraid. You were naked and small and she was clothed in expensive materials and sat above you. You may have been a lady of a great house but she was the Queen, now Queen Mother.

You were far too intimidated to start thinking of lies.

“My Lady, I shall be fully honest with you, as you are a mother yourself. Cregan is…he’s sterile, he cannot have any children of his own. As he doesn’t want to be remembered as incompetent, he is going to force me to give up my children and pass them off as his own. I could not watch that happen, and I know Aemond wouldn’t allow it to happen. Please my Lady you have to believe me, I love Aemond more than anything and when he gave me the opportunity to-“

Alicent softened her gaze and pushed her thumb over your lips to tell you to silence yourself. It was the full truth, truly. A small sincere smile creeped onto her face, she cupped your cheek softly like you were a small animal wiping the few stray tears that fell down your face during your ramble.

“It’s okay now, Cregan can’t and won’t be able to get to you any longer. Men are cruel and selfish beings, I understand that more than most. You’re lucky to have Aemond.”

Her words felt sincere and real, you felt like a weight had been lifted off you. Being able to finally say it out loud made it real and someone believed you. You had never told Aemond of the full details of this, not sure what he would have done if he knew these details.

“I’m extremely glad to have you here as a permanent member, it becomes… lonely being surrounded by Valerian faces at all times.”

“Thank you my Lady, I hope I can live up to your image of me…”

You both soaked in this softer moment, forgetting about your lack of decency at the moment. A knock breaking the silence, the maids have come back to get you dressed and ready. Immediately noticing Alicent and making a small panic out of it.

“Oh! My Lady Alicent! If we were aware you were visiting we would have had the Lady Y/N dressed! Apologies.”

“No no, I had taken an unplanned detour before the council meeting. I should be headed there right about now, I must take my leave now. I look forward to having dinner with you tonight sweet girl.”

Alicent rubbed your shoulder one last time before making her exit. The interaction had put you at ease, but at the same time you couldn’t help but feel something off in the air that made your stomach feel wrong. You couldn’t put your finger on what exactly.

You must enjoy the short peace you receive before you start going places you shouldn’t go.

—————

The maids dressed and clothed you, you weren’t sure whose dress this was. It was a Targaryen red, off the shoulder with long droopy sleeves and a deep V cut, with lots of gold accents and a black and gold cape that chained itself around your neck to keep it in place.

“Lady Alicent had sent this for you to borrow for the outfit my Lady.”

One of the older maids, one that could be trusted to hold such priceless jewelry, held it out in its box to show the piece to you before putting it into place. It was a beautiful golden necklace with an assortment of rubies mingled into the dangling gold pieces. Your hair had been done up and braided, what you would expect for your first dinner of this kind, presenting yourself as an ally.

The door had opened without a knock presenting your love, Aemond, to the room. He definitely took your state in, scanning the tight and low fabrics around your form. You definitely don’t make this waiting thing easy for him.

“You look immaculate, my love, if we were alone I would’ve tore that off of you and taken you as you were, shall we?”

Aemond kissed your check, moving his head to caress your earlobe and whispering depravity into your mind, then as if nothing happened he held his arm for you to take which you did swiftly. Your face dusted red at his lack of filter and lots of promises.

He guides your steps down the winding halls of the keep. It had been years at this point since you’d been here last, some sense of familiarity sticking with you. You held onto Aemond closely subconsciously, it has been so long you just want to be as close as possible to him.

He could protect you from anything but not if you were away from him.

[a-secret-bolton-vampire]

The Coming War for the North, Part 2: The Lost Wolves

In part 1, I talked about the coming battle of ice with Stannis fighting against the Boltons to take Winterfell. I discussed the situation there, the pink letter, and briefly speculated what the battle of ice will entail and who I thought would emerge victorious. If you read that, you know I argued Stannis would lose and the true battle for the North would be fought by Jon against Ramsay. In part 2, I'll dive into setting up the different factions left in the North (and beyond!) that I think will be integral to the northern storyline in TWOW.

A Trip to Skagos

Last we saw of Davos, he was not executed by Wyman Manderly, and Lord Manderly has sent him to retrieve Rickon from Skagos. Davos in TWOW is definitely going to be fun to read, as Skagos sounds like a very sinister place (or is it all that sinister?) and seeing Rickon again should be interesting. At the beginning of ADWD Davos was sent to parley with the Manderlys by Stannis, but the Manderlys imprisoned him, and per what we hear from in AFFC, executed him.

Of course, they didn't, and instead put him into the Wolf's Den, an ancient castle that is now used as a prison. Then Davos is freed and meets with Wyman in private, with Robett Glover in attendance, who say they are not with the Boltons, and were merely playing up the ruse so that Wyman's son Wylis would be returned safely without a hint of disloyalty towards the Lannisters. Instead, they are plotting revenge against the Red Wedding, and inform Davos that they found Wex Pyke, Theon's mute squire, who eventually revealed that Rickon has gone to Skagos. Wyman will support Stannis if Davos successfully brings Rickon back.

We don't know a lot about Skagos, and the little we do know paints it as a very sinister, savage place. They are rumoured to practice human sacrifice to the weirwoods and cannibalism in winter, and luring passing ships with false lights, more like tribes of raiders not too dissimilar to wildlings. They also rose in rebellion against the Starks during the reign of King Daeron II, which lasted years and claimed the lives of thousands, Lord Barthogan Stark among them, before it was finally put down. Also they ride unicorns, one horned shaggy goats.

I'm not sure what Skagos will ultimately be like, but I think it's probably going to be a weird mix of wildlings and northmen. There is also the question of their relationship with both. The northmen hate them and view them as savages, and they are built up as sinister people, but perhaps they only play it up in order to be left alone. Their historical connection to the North isn't very positive, so they might enjoy being isolated from the rest of the North, so long as they aren't disturbed.

That said, it is interesting that Osha chose Skagos to hide with Rickon. Anywhere in the North is dangerous for a loose wildling and a young Stark to be in... except Skagos, apparently. Do the Skagosi have good relations with the free folk? They seem to live more like the free folk and the island is further north than the rest of the North (bordering on the lands of the Night's Watch & even stretching beyond the Wall). Plus, Osha went there with Rickon to keep him safe, so the idea that the free folk and Skagosi have connections isn't too unikely.

The real question I am wondering is; how is Rickon doing? Last we saw him, he was only 4 years old, wild and untamed. I somewhat subscribe to the theory that the names of the direwolves hint at their future, and while there is a theory that Rickon is a shaggydog story (a long winded, complicated anecdote that goes nowhere), I think Shaggydog more or less foreshadows Rickon's wild nature. There is nobody training his warging abilities, and he was already wild to begin with, and now he's on a remote island in the middle of nowhere, so I only think he's going to grow more and more wild.

And, how are the Skagosi treating Rickon? Do they like him? They don't have good historical connections with the Starks, so they may not like Rickon when they first met him. Maybe they revere him since he is a warg? Or perhaps nobody truly knows who he is, but some kid with a giant wolf who knows lives on the island, and people give him offerings? Since we have little to nothing to go off, we have no idea what exactly Rickon has been up to since his exit from the pages in ACOK.

Regardless, Davos might find himself in a difficult position to convince Rickon to return. He's a complete stranger and nobody is going to trust his agenda, least of all Osha who was tasked with keeping Rickon safe. Given George has "important plans" for Rickon, I doubt Davos will fail to bring Rickon back, but it won't be easy, and probably will take some time.

From there, I see two possible places for Davos to go. While he would be tasked with returning Rickon to White Harbor, there is a possibility that the storms will force him to land in Eastwatch. Rickon could have a reunion with Jon Snow if that is the case, but I tend to favour Rickon being returned to White Harbor and used to rally Manderly and their allies against Ramsay. Wyman tells Davos all the value of having his House as an ally against the Boltons.

"I have been building warships for more than a year. Some you saw, but there are as many more hidden up the White Knife. Even with the losses I have suffered, I still command more heavy horse than any other lord north of the Neck. My walls are strong, and my vaults are full of silver. Oldcastle and Widow's Watch will take their lead from me. My bannermen include a dozen petty lords and a hundred landed knights. I can deliver King Stannis the allegiance of all the lands east of the White Knife, from Widow's Watch and Ramsgate to the Sheepshead Hills and the headwaters of the Broken Branch."

Stannis Baratheon

One thing to note is what Stannis will be doing. Say he, as I think happened, was defeated by the Boltons and faked his death. What is his next move? It's entirely possible that Stannis just retreats to the Nightfort, a location that he intends on sitting at one day, and in his desperation, burns Shireen to wake dragons out of stone (apparently people hate this take but it's a possibility in my mind). However, this isn't to say he is completely out of the game yet.

The Manderlys are open to allying with Stannis (should Davos be successful in retrieving Rickon), and they are part of the army sent in the battle of ice to do battle with Stannis. Could they possibly help fake Stannis's death in battle and have him retreat to a secret location? There is potential foreshadowing for this.

"White Harbor would give me a ready source of supply and a secure base to which I could retreat at need."

Could they have him retreat to the Wolf's Den, an ancient castle turned prison? There is a secret passageway connecting the Wolf's Den to the New Castle that Davos was shown.

While it might just be simpler for Stannis to retreat and die, this story is anything but simple, and I feel George is still having him around for a reason. He did send Justin Massey to Braavos to hire sellswords and sent them to him through Eastwatch (which is how I believe Arya will return to Westeros), so those might come in handy in the future. So while I believe the Starks will be the centre of defeating the Boltons and retaking Winterfell, Stannis could still have a role in this. One idea is that he actually takes the Dreadfort.

While the original idea posed by Arnolf was to merely siege it, and was supposed to undermine Stannis, interrogating Theon would be of some great use, as could the fleet of warships Lord Manderly has been building. Theon once escaped the Dreadfort through a postern gate that is either lightly or not guarded at all, with the help of Kyra, only for this to all be a game devised by Ramsay to hunt them back down. His knowledge of the Dreadfort could prove useful for Stannis to take it, while the Manderly fleet rows up the Weeping Water and lays siege to it.

A Blaze of Boltons

Now it's time to look at the Boltons. Say Roose is successful in holding Winterfell and defeating Stannis, and he gets rid of the Freys and Manderlys. What then? The northern houses are still only tentatively loyal to him, and he knows it. But the danger that poses to him is temporarily dealt with. The true danger was the fact that there was an option to join a new side against the Boltons, but once Stannis defeated, they are back to being all by themselves, knowing the Iron Throne is backing the Boltons and not risking their ire.

However, there is a distinct possibility that the Boltons will still lose support eventually, and by none other than their own hands, specifically Ramsay's. As a psychopath, Ramsay has an enormous ego, and is very concerned about his birthright, hoping he will one day be Warden of the North and Lord of the Dreadfort.

"My lord has a new wife to give him sons." "And won't my bastard love that? Lady Walda is a Frey, and she has a fertile feel to her. I have become oddly fond of my fat little wife. The two before her never made a sound in bed, but this one squeals and shudders. I find that quite endearing. If she pops out sons the way she pops in tarts, the Dreadfort will soon be overrun with Boltons. Ramsay will kill them all, of course. That's for the best. I will not live long enough to see new sons to manhood, and boy lords are the bane of any House. Walda will grieve to see them die, though."

Roose is aware of just how unhinged Ramsay is. He knows Ramsay will be upset if Walda gives birth to a boy, and knows Theon is reporting back to Ramsay. But Roose doesn't really seem to care all that much. Perhaps he would be amused if this did happen. Or perhaps he's just trying to comfort Ramsay to prevent this happening. Regardless, he also knows that Ramsay was responsible for his half-brother Domeric's death.

"Yes, m'lord. Domeric. I … I have heard his name …" "Ramsay killed him. A sickness of the bowels, Maester Uthor says, but I say poison. In the Vale, Domeric had enjoyed the company of Redfort's sons. He wanted a brother by his side, so he rode up the Weeping Water to seek my bastard out. I forbade it, but Domeric was a man grown and thought that he knew better than his father. Now his bones lie beneath the Dreadfort with the bones of his brothers, who died still in the cradle, and I am left with Ramsay. Tell me, my lord … if the kinslayer is accursed, what is a father to do when one son slays another?"

It seems clear that Ramsay's murder of his half-brother Domeric is foreshadowing, not just for the eventual death of Walda's child, but for Roose as well. Ramsay is very close to one day snapping and doing something so horrible that he cannot go back from. And to make it more clear, there is a line at the end of ADWD that I completely overlooked that shows Walda is actually pregnant.

Roose Bolton entered, pale-eyed and yawning, accompanied by his plump and pregnant wife, Fat Walda.

Later Ramsay and Roose are seen arguing, and Walda seems very frightened, but Theon doesn't hear what they say. It's possible they were arguing about Ramsay's inheritance given that Walda is now pregnant (although I think they were more likely arguing about what to do with Stannis). Regardless, I think that Walda giving birth to a boy would drive Ramsay over the edge. Despite him being impulsive and angry, he's still quite capable of covering up what he does. So I think, just as he did with Domeric, he will poison Roose, Walda, and his newborn half-brother, leaving him the only Bolton left and asserting his dominance over the North.

Of course, this is going to have serious consequences for Ramsay, something I will get into in part 3, where I will talk at length about the coming Bastardbowl.