#jonothor darry

[eonweheraldodemanwe]

Promotional painted miniatures for A Song of Ice and Fire Tactics game.

Robert Baratheon

Eddard Stark

Hoster Tully

Rhaegar Targaryen

Jon Connington

Barristan Selmy

Lewyn Martell

Jonothor Darry

Mag the Mighty

[stannis-the-freaking-mannis]

aerys ii’s kingsguard 💅💅 also i wrote that gerold hightower is gerold dayne😭 (darkstar core🗡️🥀🚬⛓️)

[izzymrdb]

Fanfic Rec

I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS STORY ENOUGH!

Robert's Rebellion AU where Rhaegar wins? Fuck yes. The Old Kingsguard having to reclaim the meaning of honor? Oh yes. Jaime still killing Aerys and addressing his trauma? Hello~ sailor. Worldbuilding and magic in the neglected area of the kingsguard? Marry me. Just!!! Read it!!!

[beyondmistland]

How would you rate Ser Balon Swann and Ser Arys Oakheart, relative to the Kingsguard of the Mad King? Better, worse, or on par?

Worse. The Mad King's Kingsguard were all exemplary warriors. Arys strikes me as average and Balon is specifically noted to be "good with a lance, better with a morningstar, and exceptional with a bow" (emphasis mine). As actual human beings though Arys and Balon get brownie points for at least having pangs of conscience.

Thanks for the question, anon

[nightswatchdisbandmentera]

Ned's Tower of Joy dream is an interesting case study on how GRRM employs the three part revelation strategy. Because Ned's questioning of the kings guard and their subsequent answers basically falls into:

Q: Why are the kingsguard at the Tower of Joy? They could be anywhere else but they're here? Why??

A: They are there to fulfill their duty to the king.

See, Ned asks them three questions that get to the heart of revealing why the kingsguard are present where Lyanna (and Jon, per RLJ) are. Because if the kingsguard's primary duty is to protect the king, and if each set of question and answer reaffirms that the KG at the tower were doing their duty, then we can discern that Rhaegar's son is the king at that moment in time. Each question and answer reveals more information than the last, which falls into the three part strategy as observed by GRRM's editor, Anne Groell.

[...] I’ve realized his three-fold revelation strategy, I see it in play almost every time. The first, subtle hint for the really astute readers, followed later by the more blatant hint for the less attentive, followed by just spelling it out for everyone else. It’s a brilliant strategy, and highly effective.

How this strategy plays into the ToJ dream is that GRRM starts with

planting a little seed of doubt by questioning the kingsguard's whereabouts

then he follows up with bringing to attention the fact that they have not yet sworn fealty to the new king

then finally spelling it out that their presence here rather than elsewhere signifies that the king is close at hand - in the very tower where this confrontation is taking place

For the astute observer who has figured out that R+L=J, this is a very important piece of information regarding Jon's status at the time. Because he has so far been introduced to us as Ned Stark's bastard. But now, this sequence of information plays into the larger theme of Jon being presented as a hidden king.

So let's take a more detailed look at how this plays out in the dream once Ned confronts the ghosts of the kingsguard.

P.S: Ok, I lied. Ned actually asks them four questions. But four is not so nice a number as three so whatever. The point remains.

Q1: Three other kingsguard were fighting with the crown prince at the Trident. Yet these three remained. Why?

A1: Their duty was not to go to the Trident but to remain at the ToJ

“I looked for you on the Trident,” Ned said to them. “We were not there,” Ser Gerold answered. “Woe to the Usurper if we had been,” said Ser Oswell.

This first set means to establish a timeline. We know that Rhaegar was last at the tower (well, that is before he went to Kings Landing and then to the Trident). Rhaegar even took three other kingsguard to battle with him: Jonothor Darry, Barristan Selmy, and Lewyn Martell.

These three kings guard at the ToJ should have gone with Rhaegar because after all, it's their duty to fight for the king and his cause. But they were left at the TOJ. And we can assume that this was per Rhaegar's orders as GRRM himself confirms that if Rhaegar told them to stay at the tower, then they would've had little power to disobey him.

But Rhaegar died at the Trident. So why did they choose to remain? And even though this conversation is happening within a feverish dream (thus opening up the possibility that these words were not the actual ones that were exchanged in real history), it still seems that by the time Ned got to the tower the kingsguard already knew of Rhaegar's demise.

So why did they remain?

Q2: Jaime Lannister, a member of the kingsguard, was in King's Landing slaying their king. Why were these three not there to avenge Aerys? Isn't their primary duty to protect the king?

A2: Aerys is dead, but the kingsguard still has to do their duty which is to remain at the tower.

“When King’s Landing fell, Ser Jaime slew your king with a golden sword, and I wondered where you were.” “Far away,” Ser Gerold said, “or Aerys would yet sit the Iron Throne, and our false brother would burn in seven hells.”

Once again, the language used here suggests that they knew of their king's demise. They did not go with Rhaegar to the Trident, and then Rhaegar died. Who knows how fast information travels, but these three still chose to remain at the tower despite his death. Afterwards, they did not make an effort to find Aerys, nor did they make an effort to go and avenge him once he was dead. They swore an oath to remain at the tower, and that is exactly what they did.

But with Rhaegar dead and with Aerys dead, they're now running out of excuses to remain at the tower. Though they may be fiercely loyal to the vows they swore to their prince, they also have a primary duty to obey their king and they could've performed that elsewhere. Especially now that there's a new king in town...

Q3: Ok, their king is dead and the entire realm now swears fealty to a new king. All the knights, honorable and dishonorable, have bent the knee. But what about them? Why are they here?

A3: They have a duty to remain at the tower. A duty they fulfill as members of the kingsguard, and one that cannot be transferred easily.

“I came down on Storm’s End to lift the siege,” Ned told them, “and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to pledge us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.” “Our knees do not bend easily,” said Ser Arthur Dayne.

What's interesting about this is that they seemingly reject Robert as their king. It's a reaffirmation of their first answer to Ned's first question. "Woe to the Usurper if we had been [at the Trident]”. So Robert is not their king. But the primary duty of the kingsguard is to serve the king. Their behavior so far gives the impression that they are fulfilling it. But it's rather strange, isn't it. Who are they fulfilling their duty to if not Robert?

And Ned knows this. If they reject Robert as their king, who else is there to support? Rhaegar is long dead. Aerys was slain by their own sworn brother. And Rhaegar's son and heir met his end at the hand of Gregor Clegane. Their duty is sworn to the Targaryen line, but it has been snuffed out. So why are they here?

But Ned asks a final question that is, in a way, a nail in the coffin. It answers the question: they serve the king but which one?

Q4: Fine! Robert is not their king. And Rhaegar, Aerys, and Aegon are dead. Well...there is Viserys, who would have been Aerys' heir after Rhaegar. He's not dead. So why are they not with him?

A4: They do not go to Viserys because their duty as kingsguard(!) is not with him.

“Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you might have sailed with him.” “Ser Willem is a good man and true,” said Ser Oswell. “But not of the Kingsguard,” Ser Gerold pointed out. “The Kingsguard does not flee.” “Then or now,” said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm. “We swore a vow,” explained old Ser Gerold.

This is the final revelation and it answers the key question in all of this. The kingsguard performed their duty by guarding their king at the Tower of Joy. They are not serving Aerys by remaining there. And they are also not doing Viserys, who is currently at Dragonstone, any favors. Whatever vow they swore as kingsguard relates to the ToJ. And we know (per RLJ) that the two people at the tower are Lyanna Stark and Jon Snow, Rhaegar's last surviving son and heir.

We're given two key pieces of information with the last two sets of question and answer in regards to the kingsguards performing their duty by guarding Jon at the tower. First when Arthur Dayne says that, "our knees do not bend easily". Of course, they do not bend for Robert the usurper as we already know...

...But, the start of the dream features a very important detail.

Ser Oswell Whent was on one knee, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. 

Ser Oswell has already bent the knee. And he means to fight for the king he has sworn a vow to since he is preparing his sword.

Then we have Ser Gerold 'pointing out' (thus bringing attention to) the fact that though Prince Viserys and Queen Rhaella are still alive and under the protection of a good knight, they are not under the protection of kingsguard. The kings guard does not flee - they stand their ground and fight for their king. And this is again asserted by Ser Gerold who reminds Ned that “we swore a vow.”

So we have a three four part revelation that the last stand at the ToJ involved protecting little Jon who, at that time, was recognized as king by the three knights.

This doesn't end here. Jaime's ASOS dream also has him confront ghosts of the pasts and the question of oaths comes up, as it did in Ned's dream. The two dreams intersect when the topic of the kingsguard's duty comes up. And we see that as it was in Ned's dream, the three knights at the ToJ were fulfilling their primary oaths to protect (and die) for their king.

“I swore an oath to keep him safe,” [Brienne] said to Rhaegar’s shade. “I swore a holy oath.” “We all swore oaths,” said Ser Arthur Dayne, so sadly. [...] “He was your king,” said Darry. “You swore to keep him safe,” said Whent. “And the children, them as well,” said Prince Lewyn. [...] “I never thought he’d hurt them.” Jaime’s sword was burning less brightly now. “I was with the king …” “Killing the king,” said Ser Arthur. “Cutting his throat,” said Prince Lewyn. “The king you had sworn to die for,” said the White Bull.

Once again, we have the affirmation that the kingsguard swear vows to protect their king even if it leads to their deaths. And as we know, all these kingsguard died during Robert's Rebellion. Three died at the Trident with Rhaegar, fighting for their king's cause. So why are the other three who were at the ToJ lumped with them?

Of course, this is Jaime's conscious. And his relationship with Dayne, Hightower, and Whent is very different from Ned's. But the point remains that as the narrative suggests, they too died for their king. They fulfilled their oaths to completion. But the king they died for was not Aerys or Aegon or Viserys. Their king was a tiny babe - Jon Snow.

Though this feverish dream is part of a much larger reveal (that is R+L=J), Ned’s conversation with the three kingsguard plays into one of the key motifs in Jon Snow’s arc - that is his identity as the king. Not a king. But THE king.

What makes the three part revelation so interesting in this passage is that not everyone has figured R+L=J out. But to the astute observer, this key passage is just another piece of important evidence that plays into the hidden prince trope that RLJ falls under. And not only that, it yet another instance of Jon being recognized as the true king by the narrative.

[melrosing]

MBO Robert's Rebellion: Season 2 Episode 1

what the fuck is this: it's me drafting a fake robert's rebellion tv show through a series of bullet points. there will be two seasons of ten episodes each when done

finally worked out how all the events of the rebellion break down into ten episodes you better believe im so serious about finishing this

anyway we're onto season 2 and rhaegar's about to get silly

SEASON ONE: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10

title for this one: the most i've ever thought about petyr baelish

Open to a woman’s screams. The chaos of the birthing room as Elia gives birth to Aegon with great difficulty. Rhaegar stands watching on, anxious, as the baby emerges silent - it takes several frightening moments before the boy cries out. Elia collapses once she hears him, and there’s a great rush to recover her. Meanwhile, Rhaegar is presented with the child. The maester says he is glad that Elia has been delivered of a son, as he fears she will not be able to bear another. Rhaegar, looking at his son, murmurs that this must be Aegon. But, he says, there must be a third. There cannot be a third, says the maester

Opening creds. if this were an anime we’d have changed the song by now so we’re going from caramelldansen to the lucky star opening

Jaime Lannister training in the yard of the Red Keep with two other members of the Kingsguard, Lewyn Martell and Oswell Whent. The king has kept him at arm’s length since Harrenhal, so Jaime has been able to forget the circumstances of his joining the KG for a bit and enjoy training with these elite knights - he seems to have built some rapport with Lewyn and Oswell already. Lewyn suggests the approaching Barristan Selmy try Jaime; Barristan, who is still dubious of a teenager’s place in the KG, declines and says he has come to convey a message instead - Aerys has requested Jaime’s presence in the throne room. Jaime, surprised, goes alone

Aerys, accompanied by Arthur Dayne, is receiving congratulations from lords and ladies of the court on the birth of his grandson, his Hand Lord Merryweather proposing a great tourney. Aerys dismisses all but Arthur upon Jaime’s arrival, and bids him closer - we get the sense that Aerys has harboured some residual fears about Jaime, but attempts to push those aside now. He has Jaime stop before him at the top of the steps to the throne, and looks at him directly. Quivering, then almost fond, Aerys tells Jaime he has his mother’s face. Then, his voice hardening: ‘but you’re your father’s child, I know.’ Arthur, from the foot of the throne, calls Jaime down ‘with his grace’s permission’, which Aerys allows. Jaime gratefully acquiesces, and follows Arthur to the exit. Arthur tells him to relieve Jonothor Darry in Maegor’s Holdfast, and watches Jaime leave with a hard, searching look

SUDDENLY!!! Big clash of swords. We’re at a melée at the Eyrie. Robert makes short work of various opponents one after the other. Faced suddenly with Ned, he grins apologetically before tossing him comfortably to the side, finally duking it out with Lyn Corbray (yes i remember him) and winning to great ardour

With Ned and Robert afterwards striding back towards the castle. Robert suggests Ned puts his back into it next time, he knows he was letting him win. Ned replies that he doesn’t get as much out of this southern sport as Robert. Nonetheless, he notes that Robert fought with fire today, and Robert replies that he was imagining each of his opponents as Rhaegar Targaryen. His marriage to Lyanna will be brought forward in light of the Prince’s odd behaviour at Harrenhal - whether Rhaegar was drunk or mad as his father, Robert will not share his betrothed. Anyway why don’t they go unwind at a brothel later lol

At camp with Lyanna and Rickard, who are travelling through the Riverlands for Brandon’s wedding - they’re camped near Harrenhal, awaiting his arrival before they travel back to Riverrun with him. Lyanna and Rickard aren’t on the best terms: Rickard has recently pulled forward her marriage to Robert in an attempt to defend her honour following events concerning the Prince last year. Lyanna appeals to Rickard once again to postpone the wedding; Rickard says he believes Lyanna will learn the appeal of marriage when she sees Brandon married to Catelyn. Lyanna bitterly wonders if Catelyn would be so happy if she knew that Brandon had loved before. Rickard, angry to hear his daughter talking of THAT kind of thing cough, says a man can love before, to better know his wife when he meets her. Lyanna asks why it’s a different rule for women? Rickard scolds her, reminds her he’s made her a fine match and that the wedding is being brought forward for her benefit - she’s been the cause of enough trouble already. Lyanna storms off into the woods, Rickard calling her back angrily

At Riverrun with the Tullys - big ole feast. Hoster raises a toast to Catelyn’s engagement to Brandon, as Catelyn smiles shyly at his side. Petyr, on the sidelines, looks ready to combust. The feast turns to a dance: Catelyn takes her first turn with Brandon (he's a very showy dancer, and makes her laugh with big spins and flourishes). Then she dances w Hoster and Brynden, whilst Petyr dances with Lysa, constantly craning his neck to look over at Cat. Eventually Petyr manages to break away from Lysa and ask Cat for a dance. Cat, in high spirits, giggles and jokes with him, and Petyr, already a few drinks down, tries to kiss her. Catelyn pushes him away laughing, and Brandon, having seen it all, jokingly scolds Petyr for trying. That something so serious to him is a joke to the pair of them stings terribly. Petyr skulks away to his room 

Rhaegar with Elia. Rhaenys is playing in his lap, but both her parents are distracted. Eventually Elia looks to Rhaegar, and Rhaegar, realising they’re about to talk, asks a maid to take Rhaenys away to play with Viserys. When they're gone, Rhaegar remains silent - but Elia reads his mind. With some strain, she tells him she’s given him all she can now: they may have no love for another (Rhaegar does not jump to quarrel this, and Elia’s heart visibly sinks despite itself) - again, they may have no love for one another, but she still means to do her duty. These children are both of theirs, and they must protect them. Rhaegar nods, but his mind appears to be elsewhere

Brandon is due to part ways with the Tullys for now as he goes to meet Rickard near Harrenhal. Catelyn whispers her thanks in Hoster’s ear for the fine match just as soon as Brandon’s out of earshot - but Petyr overhears. His face twisting, he immediately steps forward to challenge Brandon (who is already mounting his horse) for Catelyn’s hand. Catelyn in utter shock, Hoster Tully looking fairly murderous like 'you do this on the day of my daughter's engagement'. Brandon is first stunned, then amused, then stunned again when he realises Petyr is serious. He tries to put the boy off, saying he’ll meet a lady of his own one day, but the condescension only turns Petyr’s eyes darker - Brandon sees that. Fed up trying with the kid, he says he’ll humour him, if it only helps Petyr come to his senses

Rhaegar deep in the library at the Red Keep with Arthur Dayne. Surrounded by books and scrolls, he mutters, uncomprehending, what Elia has told him - that there will be no more children, no third head of the dragon. Once all his dreams had told him to choose Elia, and he had followed them to her without a care for his own wants or desires. But now his dreams show something different: they show what he fears his heart wants - so how can he trust whether it’s truly the visions he follows, and not his heart? Arthur like idk that sounds rough man

Petyr arrives before Brandon shoddily armed, and Brandon (in full armour) declares that this would be a poor fight indeed. The Tullys watch on, Hoster still raging, Cat and Lysa in a panic. Brandon offers Petyr opportunity to yield, but Petyr strikes his breastplate pathetically with his sword. Brandon offers him the chance to yield again, and still Petyr seeks to provoke him. Finally, Petyr lands a blow that comes a little too close to blood for Brandon’s liking. Finally enraged, he sends Petyr flying with a fist, never drawing his sword. Petyr attempts to rise again, but Brandon stamps down on his chest (Lysa begins shrieking), and Petyr chokes. Catelyn screams, and begs Brandon to leave the boy - she’d never marry him anyhow, but he was dear to her once. Brandon raises his eyebrows, and wipes his foot on the grass. Washing his hands of the business, he kisses Catelyn’s hand before departing, whilst Petyr coughs up blood into the dirt, watching Brandon ride away with pure hatred in his eyes

Ned helps a drunken Robert back up the spiral stairs to his room once again. They pass Jon Arryn’s solar, and he smiles with a touch of conspiracy to suggest their secrets are their own. Ned grimaces - he has no secrets

Don’t ask me where the nearest brothel is to the eyrie i hate to think. I don’t know how they got back with ned half carrying a drunk robert they just did

Petyr lies barely conscious in a dour back room of Riverrun - all that Hoster is willing to afford him now. The door creaks open, and a figure steps through the door, candle in hand. Petyr says: ‘Cat.' The figure answers: ‘It’s me.’ Petyr, eyes barely open behind the bruising, grins a bloody grin. The figure tells him tearfully that Hoster means to send him back to the Fingers as soon as he’s healed, that it’s all monstrously unfair, that Brandon is a brute, that she hates to see Petyr suffer so. Petting his face, the figure says that no-one knows she’s here, so for tonight at least they can do what they like. Petyr grins wider as Lysa leans in to kiss him

In KL: Jaime, patrolling the courtyard, sees green light flashing in the windows of the throne room. He frowns, uncomprehending, and walks carefully towards a side door to investigate. Opening it, he hears muffled screams coming from the throne room beyond the next door, and approaches with great trepidation, one arm outstretched. SUDDENLY!!! Arthur Dayne emerges from the throne room, and we have the faintest glimpse of a bright green light: a terrible scream rings out. Just as quickly, the door is closed again. Arthur studies Jaime a moment, then suggests he goes to bed: his duties are done for the night

Rhaegar having an absolute Willy Wonka’s tunnel of visions. Blood seeping into a fast-running river, dancing green flames, guts spattered across stone floors. And a blue rose again. Rhaegar opens his eyes at once, suddenly resolute

Lyanna, sat alone in the dark woods, turning a dried flower crown about in her hands

next: episode 2.02

[warsofasoiaf]

Was the outcome of the battle of the Trident solely dependent on who prevailed in the dual between Robert and Rhaegar? Or perhaps to rephrase it, do we get a sense of the course of the battle independent of these two actors?

We know a little bit. We know that Rhaegar commanded his personal unit, with the other three being commanded by Barristan Selmy, Lewyn Martell, and Jonothor Darry.

The Dornish were on Robert's left flank, which means that Rhaegar placed them on the right. Lyn Corbray's father fell in battle, and Lyn himself took up Lady Forlorn and charged the Dornish lines, slaying the wounded Lewyn Martell. That suggests that the Vale troops, under Jon Arryn, were placed to Robert's left.

Jason Mallister slew three of Rhaegar's bannermen, which means they were either houses of the Narrow Sea or they were houses hand-picked by Rhaegar to serve under his personal command.

Roose Bolton counseled for Barristan to be slain, but given that Robert was present, it doesn't mean much. While Ned says that he was lucky that Barristan didn't find him, this does not necessarily imply that the Northmen faced Barristan's unit. Eddard could have just been speaking figuratively.

We don't know who killed Jonothor Darry, only that he died.

So we have an idea where Robert and Rhaegar were, and where the Vale and Dornish were. The rest is speculative. Given Robert's high regard for Eddard, it's possible he may have given Eddard command of the van, but he also may have formed four armies to match Rhaegar's four armies: under Jon, Hoster, Eddard, and himself.

Thanks for the question, Ekendall.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[thesunwillshineonusagain757]

𝓢𝓦𝓞𝓡𝓝 𝓢𝓘𝓢𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓞𝓕 𝓣𝓗𝓔 𝓚𝓘𝓝𝓖𝓢𝓖𝓤𝓐𝓡𝓓

At the Tournament of Harrenhal, a legendary event immortalised in song, the final joust was a clash between Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and the enigmatic Knight of the Laughing Tree. King Aerys II, consumed by madness, was desperate to uncover the knight's identity. Against all odds, the mysterious knight won, revealing herself to be a young maiden, aged between six and ten, in an audacious twist.

𝐿𝓎𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒶 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓀

Ser Lyanna Stark, the first maiden sworn as a knight and a sister of the Kingsguard, made a lasting impression on our order. Her courage and skill were evident at the Tourney of Harrenhal, where she triumphed over famed knights, including Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Her humility in offering her favour to King Aerys II earned her the rank of knighthood. She filled the void left by the fallen Ser Jonothor Darry.

𝑅𝒽𝒶𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓇 𝒯𝒶𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓇𝓎𝑒𝓃

Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, initially focused on reading before becoming a skilled warrior. Knighted at seventeen, he earned respect in tourneys despite his reluctance towards combat and won popularity with his charisma and musical talent, though his relationship with his father, King Aerys II, was strained. His marriage to Elia Martell, marked by familial tension and exacerbated by Aerys’s paranoia, faced additional strain from Elia’s poor health and Aerys’s mistrust. At the tourney of Harrenhal, Rhaegar’s unexpected loss to the Knight of the Laughing Tree—revealed to be a girl—led him to knight Lyanna Stark, who became crucial figure in his life.

𝓦𝓐𝓡𝓝𝓘𝓝𝓖𝓢:

Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence l Canon Compliant l Kingsguard as a found family l Canon Divergence - Tourney at Harrenhal (A Song of Ice and Fire)l The Long Night (A Song of Ice and Fire) l Dragon Dreamers & Dragon Dreams (A Song of Ice and Fire) l Expansion of the magic system l Stranger to Friends to Soulmates l Lyanna Stark is The Knight of the Laughing Tree l BAMF Lyanna Stark l Polyamory l Polycule l POV Alternating l This is gonna be long l Angst and Fluff and Smut l Canon-Typical Violence l Age Difference l Canon- Typical Misogyny l Fuck the patriarchy

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

From the Ashes Pt. 30

Pairing(s): Pairing(s): Rhaegar Targaryen x Lannister!Reader, one-sided!Jaime Lannister x Lannister!Reader, Jaime Lannister x Cersei Lannister

Warnings: slow burn fic, changing povs, Rhaegar POV

Words: 4834

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 3.5  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35

Book Two of Dārilaros hen ōrbar se perzys (Heir of Ash and Fire)

The stench of blood still burned his nostrils as Rhaegar and his massive army ventured forward. Earth difficult to travel over due to the deep scars that ran through it thanks to Aerys’ wildfire. Most of their carts had already broken several wheels and had gotten stuck in them. Even their horses would resist to cross. Hooves caked in mud and blood alike, eventually the beasts would relent to their handler.

Even without the northern army, Rhaegar could still advance with the men he had now. During the battle with Aerys’ men, much to everyone’s surprise, the local lords had rallied together to swear their allegiance to Rhaegar Targaryen. Clear to many in the Crownlands, they realized that Aerys was truly in trouble; succumbing to the madness that ate away at his brain. They wanted to put an end to the Mad King’s reign and put Rhaegar as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms. By the gods old and new, the Silver Prince would become the Silver King.

King’s Landing was practically in sight, but all Rhaegar could think about was his missing siblings. Who on Dragonstone could have possibly spirited them away? In some ways he supposed this was a good thing. They were now out of Aerys’ grasp. He had always been worried about their father’s influence on young Viserys. Prince Viserys had already showed signs of tyrannical tendencies as a small boy. He was cruel to those he deemed beneath him which happened to be everyone who wasn’t a Targaryen. The days he spent at Dragonstone with Rhaella were ones that Rhaegar and (y/n) had both dreaded. It wasn’t his fault that he had become a menace. Aerys had already warped him. Viserys revered his father as close to a god among men. After all, Targaryens brought dragons to Westeros and had ruled for hundreds of years.

That’s what Aerys had tried to convince Rhaegar. Above anything he found his father’s fate incredibly sad. He knew that there was a time when Aerys wasn’t ‘the Mad King’. It made Rhaegar worry about his own sanity. Over time, would he become like his father and many others in his family? The coin the gods tossed often didn’t land in favor of the Targaryens.

Perhaps the gods were real and the Mother was showing mercy by taking them away. Wherever they may be. Princess Daenerys thankfully was still too young to be under any influence. She could still grow up to be good. That is. . . unless Viserys got to her.

Rhaegar grimaced at that dark thought. Poor Daenerys. He wanted to do something, but on the warpath what was there he could do? His men had tasted an overwhelming victory. The new additions added to their spirits. Especially the Dornish. He couldn't very well steer his horse away to search for them. The Spider might have knowledge but Rhaegar wanted to keep him at arm’s length. He didn’t trust him. It was hard to grasp what Varys was after. The eunuch didn't seem to have any allegiance to anyone.

For now Rhaegar would have to tuck away his siblings in the back of his mind. There was a war to be won and he was so close.

Birds above acted as if nothing in the world could go wrong. As if there hadn’t just been a bloodbath just a few yards back. The men that Ser Jonothor Darry had brought with him to the battlefield were but a small portion of King’s Landing entire defense. It revealed to Rhaegar that his father hadn’t taken him as much of a threat if he sent out so little men. He would show his father soon that he was not to be underestimated. Within a few hours, they would be at the King’s Gate.

“I still think we should lay siege to the Old Gate. Not many guard it and it will be closer to the Keep.” Arthur raises his voice atop his horse so that Rhaegar could hear him over the clopping of hooves and stomping of feet.

Bringing his beautiful chestnut mare in the middle of the two, Oberyn gives Arthur a toothy grin. “The odds are in our favor! Look behind us, our numbers have grown despite the northern soldiers departing. We can take on whatever men Aerys has waiting for us.”

Griff had shown his dislike of the Dornish prince many times. Feelings clear on his downturned face, Griff faces forward with his ears paying attention to whatever ludicrous thing that Oberyn was saying. If Rhaegar remembered correctly, it was Griff who had called Oberyn an “obnoxious, arrogant, loud-mouth bother”. Rhaegar would not deny either of the claims. Oberyn was overly cocky that they could easily break down the King’s Gate defense. He had been confident for the whole entire campaign that it wouldn’t be much of a war with the Dornish on the side. Ned Stark leaving with his men did nothing to discourage them. Arrogance always came with a price.

Rhaegar shot a sidelong look over to Griff who immediately met his gaze. They hoped the price to pay for Oberyn’s cockiness wouldn’t cost them the war. If all went according to plan, this man would become his brother-in-law after he claimed the Iron Throne.

“The future king of Westeros is my brother in law!!” Tyrion gleefully exclaimed. Rhaegar had accidentally walked in while (y/n) and her younger brother were in deep conversation.

(y/n)’s laugh rang loud and clear to where it echoed in Rhaegar’s mind. “I guess it’s pretty impressive, huh?”

Tyrion narrowed his mismatched eyes at her. “Pretty impressive? It’s the most amazing thing ever! Even father can’t say that he has a better brother-in-law!”

Rhaegar had to cover his mouth with his hand, the smile peeking past his fingers. Tyrion thought him to be impressive, something that Tywin Lannister should envy.

Rhaegar had grown to love that boy. His deformity didn’t seem to bother the youngest Lannister one bit. Tyrion was incredibly witty and smart for someone his age. Not even Viserys had such a commendable vocabulary like Tyrion possessed. He even happened to teach Rhaegar a few things during his days at the Keep.

“Using the Old Gate would take longer. Plus they’ll be able to spot us and have more time to prepare.” pointed out Oberyn.

A scoff from Griff was barely audible, but Rhaegar heard it loud and clear. “What does he know of King’s Landing?”

Even with the noise going on, Oberyn unfortunately heard Griff’s remark. “Ah, yes what would I know of King’s Landing? Me being from Dorne. What would I, someone who has studied at the Citadel and forged six links, know of King’s Landing?” He had taken a lot of insults from Griff with a relaxed smile up until then. The fact that Ser Connington doubted his knowledge seemed to sting Oberyn’s pride. He had had enough of that red-headed bastard.

“Then you’ll know how long it takes for King’s Landing’s complete defense to be put together. Certainly you know that the combined arms Aerys holds forty thousand men at his disposal.

“Less now.” Easy going smile having returned only pissed off Jon, making him pull his horse behind to move over to where Oberyn’s mare was marching.

Beneath his close shaven beard, Rhaegar could see Griff’s lips pull into a snarl. The multitudes of freckles inflamed with anger. As good of a man Jon Connignton was, he had always had a short temper

“Jon.” Rhaegar said in a warning tone making the Lord of Griffin’s Roost turn to face him. His pale blue eyes are slitted in hostility. “Leave it be.”

Expression wavering, Griff fought with himself. He had disliked Oberyn Martell from the very moment they had met up with him in Dorne. He had liked him even less when Oberyn convinced Rhaegar to take his sister Elia as queen once the war was won. Callous and tasteless, Jon had called the act.

Clenching his fingers tighter around the leather straps of his rein, Griff looks ahead. “Forgive me, Your Grace.”

Rhaegar lowers his eyes. “As it is, my father probably knows we’re on the way. There might have been some survivors from the battle. Survivors that ran back to King’s Landing to warn everyone.”

“If they’re smart, they’ll ring the bell and surrender the city to us.” A bit too hopeful, even Arthur doubts his words. The Sword of the Morning was the one beam of optimism without fail. “There’s still good, righteous men in the Gold Cloaks. They’ll do what’s right.”

“Never trust people to do the right thing, Arthur. They will always disappoint you. If they’re terrified of Aerys, their fear will make them silent puppets.” Remarked Griff.

Rolling his dark eyes, Oberyn presses his heels gently at his horse’s side. “You must be so fun at parties, Ser Griff.” With that, Oberyn leaves them to move closer to the front.

“I can’t believe you agreed to take that man’s sister as your wife.”

He couldn’t believe it either. He didn’t want to believe it.

Rhaegar had no time to meet his future bride. His stay at Sunspear was filled with plans of war and grief. Many pleasant things had been said about Princess Elia, of her beauty and kindness, but it fell on Rhaegar’s numb ears. He had already had a beautiful and kind bride. So incredibly kind that it could be considered a fault. Originally, he would have been happy enough to live out the rest of his days taking no other wife. But Oberyn was sacrificing a lot. All of Dorne was sacrificing a lot. He had to repay them in some way and this was the best way possible. Oberyn had once told Rhaegar how in search of his own bride prospect, their searching had led them to Casterly Rock. Of course Lord Tywin turned down the marriage offer, claiming that Cersei was to marry Rhaegar. It all seemed funny now, Cersei actually becoming Oberyn’s wife in due time. That old man could easily switch cloaks.

There was a lag in the march forward that didn’t go unnoticed by Rhaegar as he lifts his head. Quite a few men ahead of him prevented him from seeing what was going on. Motioning to a squire that had been lingering around him, Rhaegar instructs the young man to check to see what was going on. He didn’t have to move much before the men in front yelled out “ARCHERS!!”

“There seems to be archers with barrels up ahead, Your Grace.” He rushed back after getting word from those in the frontline.

“Barrels? What banner do they fly?”

“None, Your Grace. There’s but four archers ahead. We can possibly overwhelm them with our own horseback archers.” With more commotion coming from behind him, the squire turns his head; anxiety made a vein in his neck thump to life.

No time at all. Before a decision could be made there was a hissing noise before the loud ear bursting sound of a large boom. A rush of green clouds fled above. Rhaegar’s panic drummed in him when realization hit everyone.

More fucking wildfire.

“DISPERSE!!!”

The wildfire was quicker than any horse and it was hungry. Eating up the frontline of men, a green hell broke loose. Men and horse alike were being swallowed up and spat back as ash. No bones remained. Not with wildfire. Rhaegar knew his father had a large storage of wildfire made by the mages, but he had figured all of it was used for the sea that had met them at Tumbleton.

His mind raced as his army tried desperately to outrun the wildfire. There was no use trying to go around it. Wildfire spread with such speed and could cover acres within seconds. More than likely the archers that had set it ablaze were now dead. It was impossible for them to get away in time before the wildfire met oxygen.

Damn Aerys.

Damn him!

Was wildfire his only weapon?

Rhaegar grit his teeth.

Coward.

But. . . it made Rhaegar smile like a mad man.

Aerys may have been a coward, but this meant he was a scared coward. Scared of the now all too real threat of his son coming to take his throne.

The roaring of wildfire grew all too close behind him.

Nothing he hadn’t anticipated for. While he had hoped that had been the last of the wildfire, Rhaegar knew it was better to be safe than sorry.

“CATAPULTS!!” He roared and the message was obediently followed down the line.

Men in the way back had already started preparing it once they spotted the green flames. They knew time was of the essence. The three catapults they had obtained from the lords that had newly sworn loyalty would not extinguish all of it, but enough so that the cavalry could reform into a single file line. Wagons with sand had been pulled in the back, all filled to the brim. Though troublesome to carry across the uneven terrain, it would prove to pay off.

Rhaegar wouldn’t let his father pull another surprise on him. He had come to realize that he shouldn’t underestimate his father’s madness. Rhaegar had to think like Aerys to prevent another Tumbleton. The frontline had already been destroyed, thousands of men perished. He wouldn’t lose anymore.

Orders flew and in a matter of moments, the catapults released.

Rhaegar didn’t dare to turn around and check if it was working. He had to make it closer to the rear. More instructions were given and the catapults refilled. The loading did take longer to do, but even a little respite from the wildfire could turn the tides.

One day Tyrion and Rhaegar had been leisurely flipping through a book with a diagram of a catapult that had been used in a battle centuries ago. Tyrion had tried to explain the physics of the design. The pullback and the spring, all the components that made it a valuable military tool.

“How do you remember all these things? At your age I wasn’t quite as knowledgeable.”

“I spend my days in the library. With no one setting any expectations for me, it’s easy to read for hours on end.”

It saddened Rhaegar that this child was treated harshly but it didn’t surprise him. (y/n) had told him as much about her own childhood and how similar it was to Tyrion’s: utterly lonely.

If Rhaegar ever saw Tyrion again, he would have to thank him. And once Tyrion was old enough, Rhaegar would have him as a squire. He would give that boy all the opportunities necessary to shine. He knew (y/n) would be overjoyed if her little brother were to show the world that he was not limited by his stature. Like his sister, if Tyrion really wanted to live his life, then he had to be far away from Casterly Rock. Out of Tywin’s domain.

Wildfire parted, being smothered in patches as catapults continued to be reloaded. Soon there was just enough space for a horse to safely pass through.

Already reading his prince’s mind, Griff called out “COLUMN!!!”

Somewhere in the distance Rhaegar could hear Robert Baratheon repeating the word to the squadron that managed to stay in form. If there was any cocky bastard that Rhaegar would trust, it was Robert. The man held great command in his booming voice that no one else had to repeat it. The remaining men of his army gather in a swarm.

“Your Grace!!” A knight that had the sigil of House Wagstaff rides alongside him. “Ser Arthur Dayne has been injured!! As is Prince Oberyn Martell! The skin and muscle on his side is falling off. And Ser Arthur’s leg is nearly skeletal.”

Hardly listening, all Rhaegar could focus on was the opening in the wildfire. An opening to King’s Landing. Practically able to see the towering structure made him eager to trample right through. The iron throne was in sight. This could all be over in seconds.

Ser Arthur and Prince Oberyn could stay behind to heal. But Rhaegar couldn’t let this opportunity slip between his fingers. The men that left in his army were ready for his command. Another young lord interrupts him before Rhaegar had the chance to part his lips.

“Prince Rhaegar,” his voice holds a pleading tone. “Please don’t go through with this. Look around you. We’ve lost more men than you even realize. The Lord Cockshaw and the Lord of the Grassy Vale have deserted you.” Such audacity this boy had with concerned brown eyes and the daggered heart of House Staedmon on his chest.

Tunnel vision had blinded him to the hundreds of corpses that littered the ground beneath him. The lad spoke the truth though. The ugly truth that Rhaegar’s own madness had blotted out. Revenge against his father was making him callous. Where once he had cherished those he fought alongside, at the moment he could care less. All that he could see was the throne ahead. And his father’s head on a spike.

Recollection briefly entered his mind when he looked at the Staedmon knight. A knight that he had found joking with Robert Baratheon many times. For the life of him, Rhaegar couldn’t come up with a name.

Despite the sand having made a path for them, the wildfire was still very much a threat to the rest of his army. Sections that weren’t suffocated by sand were running rampant and eating away at the land. Screams from men being burned alive suddenly grew loud in Rhaegar’s ears. The cloud of retribution was lifting to the horror around him. How could he have not seen the true reality of what Aerys had done?

Banners of stags and suns alike were tattered and bloody.

Rhaegar caught sight of Arthur Dayne being hauled away. His purple eyes were open and looking up to the sky. That sight scared Rhaegar more than anything.

Griff rides up to him, urgency in his tone. “What is your command, Your Grace? Shall we proceed?” Soot and ash covered his brow. His horse panted fretfully, scared of the surrounding wildfire. “We can’t stand here much longer!”

More men were dying by the second while his remaining brigade continued to pulled further back as the fire advanced. Sooner or later they would be back to where the first wildfire outbreak had been.

He looked once more to Ser Staedmon.

The young man saw the conflict immediately that was swirling inside of Rhaegar. Vengeance against his father or protecting the rest of his men like he had wanted? “If you continue on your path, we will all die. We simply do not have enough men anymore, Your Grace.”

“Who are you to be questioning Prince Rhaegar?!” Snapped Griff but Rhaegar ignored him.

Ser Staedmon spoke the truth.

He hated to let Aerys win again. What could they do against wildfire? At the rate the catapults were able to function, there was absolutely no way to completely destroy it. Wagons had already been emptied and one catapult had even been engulfed by wildfire that strayed too close. The Kingswoods were up in flames and everything was lost. It was impossible to take the capital by land, that much was clear. Not as long as Aerys continued to use wildfire as his last ditch effort. Who knew how much more wildfire he had in store.

“FALL BACK!!” Brief silence met him from Griff until he repeated himself more harshly making Ser Connington move into action to obey his prince. To Ser Staedmon, he instructed “Use the remaining sand to build a line where the wildfire cannot pass through. And hurry!”

Relieved, he nods. “Yes Your Grace!”

Disappointment was a disgusting pill to swallow as was humiliation.

None so much as watching acres upon acres being destroyed and possibly surrounding towns.

He had to think of his men though. Men that had given up everything to fight alongside him. In that regard he would not be like Aerys. Aerys wasted life as one would with tissues. He didn’t know how many men he had left, but he would not take them for granted.

By the end of it, Rhaegar's army had been knocked down to half of the men he had originally had. A heartbreaking loss of Rhaegar.

Oberyn and Arthur had barely survived the wildfire's clutches. Unable to use his left leg, Arthur was forced to stay in his improptu gurney as septas went to work on amputating the visible femur away. The Sword of the Morning was delirous from the pain and for him, Rhaegar gave up his stash of milk of the poppy to help him get through the surgery. Griff held vigil next to his prince as many other men were being tended to around them. For the wildfire not to have immediately consumed the two men was a miracle. Many others were injured due to the sudden and unexpected betrayal from those lords that had 'deserted' his campaign. The Lord of Cockshaw and of the Grassy Vale had left initially only to regroup and start attacking the men that were trying to flee from the green flames. Perhaps thinking that if they were to get rid of the scattered men, King Aerys would reward them greatly. The only reward they got was their execution by the hands of Rhaegar. Griff and his men went out to search for them and returned with them. Rhaegar didn't even bother to hear their execuses or their pleading. He shoved them down onto their knees and swiftly beheaded them without any remorse. He would send their heads back home and warn them that that was the result if anyone was to betray Prince Rhaegar.

Ser Arthur's screams of agony jolted Rhaegar back to the present before him. The crunching of his bones were enough to make nearby knights gag and go running for a bush to vomit behind. Rhaegar and Robert Baratheon hold him down but they needn't use much force. He was weak and didn't try to pull their hands off of him. Sweat ran down the sides of his face and his normally tanned complexion was pale, ghostly even.

Rhaegar forced himself to watch as the septas forced the saw down onto Arthur's femur. Could see the progress they had made, but they lacked sharper instruments.

After five more minutes of their sawing, Arthur passed out; thankfully still breathing. Rhaegar and Robert release him and let out a collective sigh.

"He can't fight with us after this. Not with just one leg." Robert said sadly. Grime and soot made his cheeks just as black as his beard. Weary blue eyes are blood shot. "We need Ned and the North back."

Rhaegar plopped down onto the ground. "Even the North wouldn't be able to help us now. Not if my father is going to keep resorting to wildfire."

"He can't have that much left!"

"Never underestimate the mind of someone who has gone insane. He's always had a fascination with wildfire. I don't doubt the pyromancers have vaults filled with wildfire for his majesty to use at whim. We can't take King's Landing by land."

Robert huffs and lets himself fall beside Rhaegar. Beyond, they could still see the wildfire's glow as it continued to rampage the Crownlands. It could be days before it lost it's velocity and died out. In that time, how many people would lose their lives and homes? Not just those in the Crownlands, but also those inside of King's Landing. The terrain was torn to shreds and not the most hospitable for carts of supplies and necessities that those living inside the walls needed to survive. Without food from the Reach, many would starve and soon.

"So by sea then?"

"King's Landing only has a handful of naval ships ready for battle." explains Rhaegar. He could hear Oberyn's curses in the background. He was not as bad as Arthur although the wildfire had eaten away the top level of his skin and had nearly stripped him of his external oblique muscles. "It wouldn't exactly be impossible."

"Putting together a naval fleet takes more time." sighs Robert as he begins to think of how long it would take Storm's End to procure the sufficient naval power. "Might even have to build more ships. In that time who knows what Aerys will do."

"He's scared. That much is clear. Why else would he keep utilizing wildfire? He knew the men he had would not be enough to take on our swords. With so many lords turning sides, Aerys knew that the outcome would not be in his favor. It was a good thing Ser Staedmon stopped me when he did, otherwise. . . I would have led us all to death."

Usually a gruff man, Robert's voice softens. "Virgil is a good man. Able to shed light on any blind fellow."

So hellbent on getting his revenge, Rhaegar had lost sight of the lives he had put in danger. He wanted to be better than Aerys. He would be better than Aerys.

"I think it's time to call upon Tywin Lannister." Rhaegar grudgingly admits. "While we can't take King's Landing on foot, Tywin has enough funds to build us all the ships we need."

Dark blue eyes flick over to him with uncertainty. "You sure you want to bring him in so soon? I don't trust that gold shitting bastard."

"And you shouldn't. But you yourself said that putting together a naval fleet will take time. We don't exactly have time. I'm worried what my father will do. Not just for the next battle, but for the people in the capital. They're all going to starve."

"Our best hope is that they'll revolt against Aerys and we won't even have to deal with him."

That was the ideal plan, but they feared Aerys. Even the hungriest citizen wouldn't dare go up against him in fear of the repercussions.

Being marched past them were a few prisoners Rhaegar's men had tracked down. Those men of the Grassy Vale and of House Cockshaw who had betrayed him. Part of Rhaegar regretted using the last of his milk of the poppy on Arthur. He could use some of it at the moment. To go into dark oblivion at least for a few hours. Arthur had worried that his prince had become addicted to the substance. Maybe he had been right.

"They may not be the friendliest bunch, but maybe you should consider allying with the Iron Isles." Robert recommended.

He scrunched up his nose and shook his head. Rhaegar definitely didn't want to deal with the surly Baelon Greyjoy. If one could believe, he was less enjoyable than Tywin. When Rhaegar had still lived in the Keep, he had read many missives from the Lord of Pyke and how bitter he was that Aerys was preventing his people from pillaging coastal towns in Westeros.

"Do you really want to give Tywin the upperhand? The more you ask of him, the higher the payment will be when this is all over."

"At least he's not expecting me to take Cersei as a wife." Even saying it outloud put a sour taste in his mouth. "Oberyn gets that. . . pleasure."

"Someone as beautiful as Cersei Lannister can't be that bad."

"Lannisters are not all that they appear. Beauty and kindness do not always correlate." He didn't want to give Tywin so much power, but now he had to resort to using his backup plan.

His black armor made it difficult for him to stand back up, but Robert was already there helping him. "I guess we couldn't keep winning. It was all seeming too easy."

At that, Rhaegar laughed for the first time in months. "The other shoe had to drop eventually."

A grin stretched across his dirty face. "At least that means there's more fighting ahead of us."

"If that is something you look forward to."

"What I really look forward to is relaxing with a pretty girl on my arm and another on my lap." Robert sighs and Rhaegar had to stop himself from reminding the lord of his wife Lyanna. Even Rhaegar knew of Robert's infamous womanizing and philandering. It hadn't stopped with the marriage to Lyanna and he doubted nothing will stop it. As much as Robert loved Lyanna, he had more love to share with other women. "But fighting reminds you that you're alive and that men, no matter how noble or blue of blood, still has an animalistic tendency. We are all the same on the battle field. Death doesn't discriminate between sinners and saints."

Rhaegar had never heard Robert put anything so eloquently. He smiled at the burly man and clapped him on the shoulder. "Let us rest for the next battle then. Rest and bide our time until we are ready once more."

Taglist:

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[atopvisenyashill]

luv you comrade 🫡 let’s say there’s an alternative universe where rhaegar sucssed. What do you think will happen to both of my sisters elia and lyanna where they survived aw well?. And how do you think rhaegar and his groupies would handle aerys ? Would they remove him straight away or just wait and pray for months that someone finish him in secret

love u two comrade anon.

okay so i kinda touched on this before, but let's get into the nitty gritty of what problems rhaegar is dealing with.

so you won the battle of the trident but your daddy is still an insane monster and your kingdom is fractured by...

the siege of storm's end

catelyn is pregnant with ned's baby, holed up in riverrun and ready for a siege

the smallfolk of the crownlands are in open rebellion against the crown, as shown by the battle of the bells and the hiding of robert from joncon. this includes those that live right near the blackwater rush, acorn hall, and the stoney sept.

the royces are likely holed up in the vale, unsure of what to do now that Jon and Denys have been slain

Aerys is putting together his wildfire plot in the capital and getting ready to set it off at any moment while Jaime gets increasingly worried about how he manages to defend the city, Elia and her babies, a toddler Viserys, a potentially pregnant Rhaella, AND the King when it's the King that is the threat to Elia, Rhaella, and the city

So...what in the fuck do you do if you're Rhaegar in this situation? It's a bleak situation!!!! First off, let me rec this fanfiction which basically deals with this exact concept - what happens if Rhaegar wins at the Trident? - that I think is amazingly well written and I'm having a blast reading it. It's abandoned I believe but there's a lot of chapters and it's from Catelyn, Elia, Lyanna, Doran, Renly, and Benjen (mostly Cat and Elia though).

What definitely happens first is that Rhaegar takes what's left of his host after the Trident and goes back to King's Landing. Despite his actions being stupid as all fuck, Rhaegar does leave the Tower of Joy and Lyanna's side when he's told that Elia and the children are in trouble so he's clearly worried about them being alone in King's Landing with a deteriorating Aerys. At the same time, Lyanna is ready to pop soon, so he probably sends Jonothor Darry to Starfall and the Tower of Joy to ensure the birth goes well while he goes to the capital. Because - I don’t think Rhaegar actually meant for her to give birth without a Maester, I think that was the Kingsguard death wish that kept them at the Tower. And we know he was communicating through the Kingsguard throughout the war (because Oswell found him easily enough) so I would imagine he’d send Jonothor off with new marching orders (rather than Lewyn, who would definitely find it an insult, or Barristan, who Rhaegar clearly doesn't trust enough with his closest secrets). Lyanna, I would hope, is slightly better off simply because Rhaegar is still ensuring it and the Kingsguard still have a reason to live. I would think once Robert is killed - I would hope Rhaegar would hesitate to kill Ned and that Ned's host managed to break off and scatter but battles are tricky and chaotic and Rhaegar is not thinking long term so who knows. Lyanna is objectively better off with Ned alive because he's old enough to "forgive" her (and sees clearly even that there's nothing to forgive) and want to take care of her, while Benjen may not feel the same nor would he have the same pull. But that simply may not be possible.

When Rhaegar is done at the Trident and gets to King's Landing, he’s walking into an almost literal powder keg. Who knows how Aerys reacts to Rhaegar coming up victorious but to be honest, I think it’s just as likely that he gets paranoid Rhaegar is going to take the throne from him, and Jaime still has to kill him. Rhaegar walks in to see Jaime just. Chilling. Waiting to see what army gets inside first. Haha yeah your dad murdered the last hand, also I killed the pyromancers. I think Elia would speak for him, maybe Rhaella since Rhaella wasn’t sent to Dragonstone. Now Rhaegar is King, he’s secured the capital, and he’s got two separate sieges, open rebellion to face, and a bastard/trueborn son born to a second wife on the way.

Because the thing is! Catelyn is at Riverrun and Stannis is at Storm’s End and those two are both stubborn enough to eat shoes before giving up, especially if it means giving up to Aerys. And now Stannis is Lord of Storm’s End, Robb is Lord of Winterfell, and Edmure is Lord of Riverrun. The Greyjoys have likely started reaving in the riverlands, the Lannisters have surrounded Riverrun. The northern host is scatted, the crownlands are in open revolt, the Vale is retreating but they’ll be ready again soon enough.

He’s got a lot of problems and that’s best case scenario that Jaime offs Aerys. If he gets to KL and Jaime pulls him aside and is like “so some INSANE stuff has happened” I mean - he has to depose Aerys. Aerys is burning people alive left and right, and now he’s put wildfire out and Jaime doesn’t know where it is or how much exists. Aerys cannot be allowed to sit the throne, and even Rhaegar should realize this. Rhaegar mentions calling a great council to Jaime but right here, right now - I think the only decision is to kill Aerys and blame it on the throne again. Or frame someone if they’re really nervous, but if Maegor can get killed by the throne, so can Aerys. This is messier, trickier, but between Jaime, Lewyn Martell, and Rhaegar, they can take a bunch of pyromancers and Aerys.

Probably after that he’s explaining to Lewyn and Elia why the fuck he abandoned the capital for six months to play house with a teenager, and when he tells them he got that teenager pregnant - that he may have MARRIED that teenager? Oh my god. Like, I’m not saying Lewyn is just gonna throw caution to the wind and deck Rhaegar but I do think it would be a fucking CLOSE thing. Hundreds of thousands of people are dead. There’s a bunch of children in charge of the realm now because Rhaegar had to murder their parents to cover his own ass. There are no good options left to them because Rhaegar squandered all the grace given to him in less than a year.

Whatever happens next, things are going to be rocky and unsure. Rhaegar is king but he’s fully lost the faith of Dorne and he knows damn well the ironborn and Tywin are only on his side because they want the spoils of war. EYE think the smart thing here is to send ravens to every castle saying he’s attempting a parlay and great council with the rebels, that he understands his father completely misstepped here, and that at this great council, he’s going to work with all the lords, loyalists and rebels both, to find a peace and atone for the mass deaths this conflict has caused. But most likely, he takes the easier, stupider route of slaughtering House Baratheon at Storm’s End and telling Cat and baby Robb they have no chance of help. I don’t think it’s likely he succeeds that easily though - we don’t know who survived the Trident (it was close on both sides even in canon!) and Cat could very well have reinforcements coming from Blackfish, the Vale & Jon Arryn, maybe even Ned. If Lyanna lives through her birth, I think she, Jon, Elia and the babies, as well as Rhaella, Viserys, and unborn Dany are probably all more or less fine. If Ned, Jon Arryn, Blackfish, Cat, whomever CAN in fact turn the tide and retake the capital, or bring the war to a stalemate with the North and Riverlands controlled by rebels, the Westerlands, Crownlands, and Dorne with the loyalists, and the Vale & Ironborn kinda all over the place, I think things go much better for Lyanna and Jon, as well as the realm as a whole. If Rhaegar is the undisputed winner through war, Lyanna and Jon are kinda fucked and there Will be another rebellion soon.

[alienoryva]

Mad king and Kingsguard ;

[A Worst king with the Greatest king's guard]

(from left to right) :

Ser Gerold Hightower(lord commander), Ser Barristan Selmy,Ser Oswell Whent,Ser Jaime Lannister,Ser Arthur Dayne,Ser Jonothor Darry and Prince Lewyn Martell

[eonweheraldodemanwe]

Preview of the new models for the upcoming skirmishes game A Song of Ice and Fire Tactics

But why is Lynn Corbray along the guy he killed?

[finitefall]

Calling for ASOIAF experts!

So here’s the story: someone asked me about Rhaegar leaving Elia and their two children in King’s Landing versus Rhaegar leaving them on Dragonstone before he left King’s Landing and died at the Trident, and I wasn’t able to find a quote in any book confirming one or the other.

Here’s what I have:

Meanwhile, King Aerys was becoming ever more estranged from his own son and heir. Early in the year 279 AC, Rhaegar Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, was formally betrothed to Princess Elia Martell, the delicate young sister of Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne. They were wed the following year, in a lavish ceremony at the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing, but Aerys II did not attend. He told the small council that he feared an attempt upon his life if he left the confines of the Red Keep, even with his Kingsguard to protect him. Nor would he allow his younger son, Viserys, to attend his brother's wedding.

When Prince Rhaegar and his new wife chose to take up residence on Dragonstone instead of the Red Keep, rumors flew thick and fast across the Seven Kingdoms. Some claimed that the crown prince was planning to depose his father and seize the Iron Throne for himself, whilst others aid that King Aerys meant to disinherit Rhaegar and name Viserys heir in his place. Nor did the birth of King Aerys's first grandchild, a girl named Rhaenys, born on Dragonstone in 280 AC, do aught to reconcile father and son. When Prince Rhaegar returned to the Red Keep to present his daughter to his own mother and father, Queen Rhaella embraced the babe warmly, but King Aerys refused to touch or hold the child and complained that she "smells Dornish."

The World of Ice and Fire, The Targaryen Kings - Aerys II

Here, we know Rhaegar and Elia lived on Dragonstone, and Rhaegar came back to King’s Landing later to present Elia and their daughter Rhaenys to his parents.

As cold winds hammered the city, King Aerys II turned to his pyromancers, charging them to drive the winter off with their magics. Huge green fires burned along the walls of the Red Keep for a moon's turn. Prince Rhaegar was not in the city to observe them, however. Nor could he be found in Dragonstone with Princess Elia and their young son, Aegon. With the coming of the new year, the crown prince had taken to the road with half a dozen of his closest friends and confidants, on a journey that would ultimately lead him back to the riverlands. Not ten leagues from Harrenhal, Rhaegar fell upon Lyanna Stark of Winterfell, and carried her off, lighting a fire that would consume his house and kin and all those he loved—and half the realm besides.

The World of Ice and Fire, The Fall of the Dragons : The Year of the False Spring

This is after the Tourney where Rhaegar crowned Lyanna his queen of love and beauty, where apparently Elia and their children are back at Dragonstone.

When the news reached the Red Keep, it was said that Aerys cursed the Dornish, certain that Lewyn had betrayed Rhaegar. He sent his pregnant queen, Rhaella, and his younger son and new heir, Viserys, away to Dragonstone, but Princess Elia was forced to remain in King's Landing with Rhaegar's children as a hostage against Dorne. Having burned his previous Hand, Lord Chelsted, alive for bad counsel during the war, Aerys now appointed another to the position: the alchemist Rossart—a man of low birth, with little to recommend him but his flames and trickery.

The World of Ice and Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The End

Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon are now back in King’s Landing. The question being: when did that happen? Between the two last passages, there’s only another one which doesn’t mention Elia or the children, only Rhaegar taking all the Kingsguard with him to the Trident except for Jaime:

When Prince Rhaegar at last marched up the kingsroad to the Trident, with him were all but one of the Kingsguard who had remained in King's Landing: Ser Barristan the Bold, Ser Jonothor Darry, and Prince Lewyn of Dorne. Prince Lewyn took command of the Dornish troop sent by his nephew, the Prince Doran, but it is said that he did so only after threats from the Mad King, who feared that the Dornishmen looked to betray him. Only the young Ser Jaime Lannister remained in King's Landing.

The World of Ice and Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion

Which is also confirmed by Jaime when he thinks about the last time he saw Rhaegar:

The day had been windy when he said farewell to Rhaegar, in the yard of the Red Keep. The prince had donned his night-black armor, with the three-headed dragon picked out in rubies on his breastplate. "Your Grace," Jaime had pleaded, "let Darry stay to guard the king this once, or Ser Barristan. Their cloaks are as white as mine."

Prince Rhaegar shook his head. "My royal sire fears your father more than he does our cousin Robert. He wants you close, so Lord Tywin cannot harm him. I dare not take that crutch away from him at such an hour."

Jaime's anger had risen up in his throat. "I am not a crutch. I am a knight of the Kingsguard."

"Then guard the king," Ser Jon Darry snapped at him. "When you donned that cloak, you promised to obey."

Rhaegar had put his hand on Jaime's shoulder. "When this battle's done I mean to call a council. Changes will be made. I meant to do it long ago, but . . . well, it does no good to speak of roads not taken. We shall talk when I return."

Those were the last words Rhaegar Targaryen ever spoke to him. Outside the gates an army had assembled, whilst another descended on the Trident. So the Prince of Dragonstone mounted up and donned his tall black helm, and rode forth to his doom.

A Feast for Crows - Jaime I

There’s no mention of Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon, nor is there any reason to believe Rhaegar would have left them in King’s Landing knowing Aerys’ state of mind. And since Aerys did prevent Elia from leaving for Dragonstone and kept her and her children hostages in King’s Landing, it makes sense to come to the conclusion that between Rhaegar leaving for the Trident and news of his death reaching King’s Landing, Aerys ordered Elia and her children back to the capital.

But where is it said?

[foro-golden-blood]

Golden Blood - Personajes Canon - Tierras de la Corona

Ambientación de las Tierras de la Corona:

Las tierras de la corona son todas aquellas tierras que rodean Desembarco del Rey, siendo estos abanderados directos del rey y de la familia Targaryen. En los últimos años, una de las casas más antiguas de esta zona fue completamente erradicada del mapa: los Darklyn. Esta antigua familia fue destruida por orden de Tywin Lannister, quien tras encontrar al rey Aerys a salvo por mérito de Barristan Selmy, optó por borrar cientos de años de historia de aquella gran casa. La locura del rey y la inestabilidad de esta condición generaron luego el auge de la hermandad del Bosque Real, un grupo de forajidos y saqueadores que azotó por varios meses aquella zona y sus poblados, generando pobreza y descontento en la zona. Finalmente, esta organización fue destruída por la guardia real y otros miembros de la corte, regresando a la supuesta paz que había antes. En esta tierra, la paz siempre es superflua, ya que el rey siempre tiene conflictos y todos sus conflictos caen sobre sus abanderados y pueblos más cercanos.

Rhaella Targaryen, 36 años: Reina de los Siete Reinos, esposa del rey Aerys II Targaryen y madre de Rhaegar y Viserys, los dos hijos que siguen con vida. Conocida por su fortaleza y dignidad, Rhaella ha soportado mucho en su vida debido a la creciente locura de su esposo y sus múltiples abortos, manteniendo sus deberes hacia la Corona con dignidad y rigor.

Rhaegar Targaryen, 22 años: Príncipe de Rocadragón y heredero al Trono de Hierro, conocido y admirado por ser poseedor de muchas cualidades: Carismático, bello, un guerrero hábil y un gran músico. Rhaegar siente poco aprecio por su padre, el Rey Aerys, y es visto como una luz de esperanza por los súbditos de Desembarco, quienes ansían el día que la corona esté sobre su cabeza. Se casó con la princesa Elia Martell en el año 280, fue durante ese mismo año que nació su primera hija, la princesa Rhaenys. La tensa relación con su padre y el rechazo del Rey hacia su hija lo ha mantenido viviendo en Rocadragón en vez de Desembarco del Rey.

Elia Martell, 24 años: Princesa de Dorne y esposa del príncipe Rhaegar Targaryen, renombrada por su gracia, belleza y su delicada salud. A sus 24 años, Elia es madre de la princesa Rhaenys y se encuentra esperando a su segundo hijo, aunque aún es muy temprano en su embarazo. A pesar de sus problemas de salud, es una figura querida y respetada tanto en Dorne como en la corte de Desembarco del Rey. Su matrimonio con Rhaegar ha consolidado importantes alianzas entre Dorne y los Targaryen, lo que ha llevado como un logro con orgullo, para compensar la falta de verdadero amor entre los dos.

Gerold "El Toro Blanco" Hightower, 59 años: Lord Comandante de la Guardia Real, Ser Gerold Hightower, también conocido como el Toro Blanco, es una figura imponente y respetada. A sus 59 años, Gerold ha servido a la Corona con lealtad inquebrantable y ha demostrado ser un líder formidable. Su destreza en el combate y su compromiso con la protección del rey han consolidado su reputación como uno de los mejores caballeros de su tiempo.

Jaime Lannister, 15 años: Hijo mayor de Tywin Lannister, es conocido por su habilidad en combate y su agraciada apariencia. A pesar de ser el favorito de su padre, carece de su astucia y habilidad estratégica. Luego de luchar en la campaña contra la Hermandad del Bosque Real, fue nombrado caballero por Ser Arthur Dayne. En una visita a Desembarco del Rey, Cersei le reveló que su padre pretendía casarlo con Lysa Tully y le sugirió unirse a la Guardia Real para evitar el matrimonio y estar cerca de ella. Quince días después, Jaime fue nombrado hermano juramentado de la Guardia Real por Ser Gerold Hightower en Harrenhal, convirtiéndose en el miembro más joven de la Guardia.

Willem Darry, 42 años: Caballero y maestro de armas al servicio de la corona. Es hermano menor del señor de Darry y de Jonothor Darry, guardia real del rey. Willem es un hombre disciplinado y honorable, dedicado a sus labores como maestro de armas tanto para formar a las tropas reales como para ayudar a los cortesanos del rey a manejar adecuadamente la espada. De hecho, fue el propio Willem quien enseñó a Rhaegar Targaryen a usar la espada.

Jonothor Darry, 44 años: Hermano juramentado de la Guardia Real, y hermano de sangre de Willem Darry, maestro de armas del rey. Jonothor es un guerrero implacable en la batalla y honorable fuera de ella, pero es alguien que ha aprendido a ser pasivo ante los arrebatos del rey, siendo uno de los pocos en quienes confía, ya que nunca hizo ni una mueca al verlo en sus actos macabros y complots demenciales.

Barristan "El Bravo" Selmy , 45 años: Hermano juramentado de la Guardia Real, Barristan es posiblemente el hombre más valiente y honorable de los Siete Reinos, ya que no solo ha demostrado su coraje en incontables situaciones, sino que fue él mismo quien cortó la cabeza de Maelys "El Monstruoso", el último de los Fuegoscuro, dando fin a los reclamos de esta gama de bastardos Targaryen. Es sumamente hábil con cualquier tipo de arma, incluyendo las lanzas de justa.

Arthur "La Espada del Amanecer" Dayne, 23 años: Hermano juramentado de la Gurdia Real, Arthur Dayne es uno de los grandes amigos de Rhaegar Targaryen, príncipe de Rocadragón y heredero al trono de hierro. Es uno de los pocos en la historia en portar la legendaria espada Albor, de la casa Dayne, recibiendo el apodo de todos los demás que blandieron aquel acero blanco. Es un hombre honorable y terco, capaz de dejar todo en la vida por su honor de caballero y por su amigo Rhaegar.

Ashara Dayne, 17 años: La hermana de Arthur Dayne llegó el año 280 a Rocadragón, durante el matrimonio de la princesa Elia Martell y el príncipe Rhaegar para ser dama de compañía de la primera, gracias a la influencia y la estima que la Corte tenía sobre su hermano. Su personalidad tímida que contrasta con su exótica belleza, y sus hipnóticos ojos violetas, ha dado bastante que hablar dentro de la Corte Real, donde se ha destacado como una de las damas más hermosas que ha pisado Desembarco en los últimos años.

Oswell Whent, 40 años: Hermano juramentado de la Guardia Real y hermano del señor de Harrenhal. Es un guerrero honorable, que apenas puede tolerar las locuras de su rey, pero que mantiene su juramento con la esperanza de encontrar en Rhaegar Targaryen un gran rey. La gente del pueblo llano comenta que su hermano decidió anunciar el torneo en su señorío luego de una fugaz visita de Oswell que partió con suma rapidez de la capital.

Lewyn Martell, 49 años: Hermano juramentado de la Guardia Real y tío de Doran, Oberyn y Elia Martell. Lewyn es un gran caballero al estilo dorniense, pero claramente se diferencia de un caballero común de la Guardia Real. Es un hombre leal a la corona, más desde el matrimonio entre Rhaegar y Elia, pero su lealtad está principalmente con Dorne y con su casa, aunque no lo revele públicamente. Si bien tiene votos de castidad, es bien sabido que tiene una amante en la capital, aunque sus hermanos juramentados prefieren guardar el secreto.

Janna Tyrell, 19 años: La segunda hija de Olenna Tyrell llegó a la Corte con dieciocho años, con una invitación de la Reina Rhaella quien, luego de haber perdido a gran parte de sus damas por el comportamiento de su esposo, decidió acoger a una última joven más, manteniéndose cautelosa y desconfiada. Pero Janna ha demostrado serle útil en más de una manera, quedándose a su lado en una posición de importancia que no se esperaba tener, menos luego de que el matrimonio de su hermana menor se le hubiera adelantado. Tiene una personalidad alegre, lengua suelta para los rumores y un carisma que compensa ser eclipsada por damas más atractivas.

Maestre Pycelle, 65 años: Gran Maestre de la Citadel, sirviendo como Maestre en la corte de Desembarco del Rey. Si bien su cuerpo se muestra desgastado y muchas veces sus palabras no parecen tener lógica, es una persona muy hábil y astuta, sabiendo moverse en la corte perfectamente y siendo un jugador en las sombras del juego de tronos.

Varys "La Araña", 25 años: Eunuco proveniente de las Ciudades Libres. Solo él conoce su verdadera historia, pero sea por la razón que sea, alguien terminó cortándole su hombría, dejándolo sin absolutamente nada, por lo que Varys tuvo que hacerse desde cero, hasta lograr una gran fama como informante y conocedor de todos los secretos del continente. Esto llamó la atención del rey Aerys Targaryen, quien lo llamó a su corte y lo nombró Maestro de los Susurros. Aún en lejanía, Varys mantiene una buena relación con su antiguo amigo Illyrio Mopatis, ahora Mágister de Pentos.

Myles Mooton, 18 años: Heredero de Pozo de la Doncella y escudero del príncipe Rhaegar Targaryen. Se dice que es uno de los hombres más cercanos al príncipe, y uno de los tantos que desea verlo en el trono de hierro, aunque no queda del todo claro si es por amistad y honor o por beneficio personal, ya que sería cercano al rey. Es imprudente y valiente a la vez, siendo esta una espada de doble filo.

Richard Lonmouth, 16 años: Heredero de Lonmouth y escudero del príncipe Rhaegar Targaryen. Con Myles Mooton cerca de obtener su título de caballero, Richard es nombrado escudero del príncipe recientemente, generando una admiración veloz por el príncipe y adquiriendo una lealtad casi tan incondicional como la que ya tenía con el vino y las tabernas.

[aurora-light-blog]

Accountability

Jaime Lannister saw the kingsguards of old through rose color perceptive. The kingsguards under King Aerys the Second were better fighters, but better men is highly doubtful. Jaime believed the actions of beating a little girl like Boros Blount and the others did to Sansa would have never occurred with the honorable kingsguard of old. I wouldn’t bet on that being true.

Sure, Arthur Dayne had shown concern for the smallfolk once, but sadly people change. It’s known Jonothor Darry told Jaime to ignore the queen’s screams. He claimed that went against their oath. In truth, it didn’t. In Dance of the Dragons, the kingsguards interfere to break up a quarrel between royal family members. Aemon the Dragonknight fought in a tourney against the king’s wishes, yet he was lauded for it. They made an oath to obey the king and keep his secrets. Nowhere is there anything that states they can’t prevent the king from causing harm to his queen. Actually, real life queens such as Queen Charlotte lived separately from King George when he became mad and abusive. There is a fallacy when it comes to kings being able to do anything (if this were true, Aegon the 4 would have gotten rid of his son Daeron and his wife). Yes, some have broken the rules, but they still have nobles backing them. No noble would have backed a king torturing his wife.

Also please consider this, is a noble greater than a royal? No. If the king got away with hurting his wife by the kingsguards, would they really have disobeyed him for a mere noble girl? No. Then again, they didn’t stop him when King Aerys 2 unjustly had Rickard Stark killed. More likely, it wasn’t their oath which prevented them from action, it was simply easier to abdicate. Think about Ser Barristan. Which is easier to be silent about Aerys’ atrocities or admit that he stood by like a coward and did nothing?

As readers, we are in the dark about how many kingsguards or even if the crown prince knew about the king abusing his queen. This is known. Once you start allowing a bad thing to go on, it becomes easier to allow more bad things to occur. The king might have been mad, but they allowed their white cloaks to turn red.

Imagine what would have happened if they didn’t allow this to occur. Robert’s war might have never happened. The two Starks would have never been horribly murdered. Viserys and Daenaerys lives would have been better. Oddly enough, Jaime would have been a better man for it. He had been unknowingly influenced by it since he admired the kingsguard. As he stood by and did nothing to help the queen, he also stood by and did nothing to help Tyrion’s wife. Jaime was the favored son and a skilled fighter. Perhaps, he wouldn’t have lied and stood by as his father exacted a hideous punishment if he never learnt the so-called honorable behavior of the old kingsguards.

[scorpius6689]

Prince Jonothor "Jon" Targaryen

Ser Jonothor Darry was slayed at the battle of the Trident, killed by Robert Baratheon. But the Kingsguard was able to distract Robert long enough so that Prince Rhaegar could kill his rebellious cousin.

Prince Rhaegar named the son he had with Lyanna Stark in honor of the fallen knight

Prince Jonothor will end up being a prodigious warrior, even wielding Dark Sister the long-lost Valyrian steel sword of his house.

Original artist of the Targaryen armour