#laena velaryon lives

[hollowwhisperings]

ASOIAF Prophecy Suberversion, a HotD Fix-It.

Viserys I has a dream that he & his cousin-wife, Aemma Arryn, will have a son together and that said son will be king. Aemma reminds Viserys that he is The King and that monarchy in Westeros is Inherited: their son would be a king because Viserys is the king.

Aemma relays the tale to their young daughter, Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra, who is wholly aware of how each new pregnancy endangers her mother's life (and that both of her grandmothers died too young, of pregnancy) proposes that she, Princess Rhaenyra, take up Crossdressing as a "hobby". When she is announced as crown princess, she presents herself in full armour and with her dragon at her side. She promises to be a good king, bullrushing over any confusion by her pointing out that Westeros has "always been rulee by Kings" and "Have You Met My Dragon, Syrax?". Rhaenyra is also very publically supported by the increasingly healthy Queen Aemma, the intimidating power couple that is Lord & Lady Velaryon, and the giddy King Viserys who scandalizes the court by announcing his intention to Abdicate his throne to his daughter when she is ready. The mixed confusion and relief of, 1) not having a disinterested king in charge, 2) Prince Daemon being moved down the succession, and, 3) the various Intelligent Appointments Rhaenyra('s support network and herself) proposes settles the Court to a state of hesitant excitement. All of this is aided by the early betrothing of Ser Laenor Velaryon to the crown princess: all dragons of Westeros once again tied to the crown.

Viserys happily abdicates his crown to his daughter as soon as she is ready, Rhaenyra's kingly education long seen to by Queen Aemma, the Princess Rhaenys, Lord Velaryon and even a reluctant Lord Otto. Both parents live to see their daughter crowned King of Westeros. Her prince-consort brings along his war veteran dragon, Seasmoke, and leaves the inheritance of High Tide to his sister, Laena (who, having successfully claimed Vhagar, is treated with Utmost Respect). Prior to their marriage, Lord Baratheon and several prominent Vale lords & ladies had been appointed to court so as to Loudly And Pointedly comment on the non-incestuous family ties the couple would bring together. The court is thusly prepared for King Rhaenyra's heirs distinctly Baratheon looks, aided by Lady Laena presenting dark haired children of her own (no one asks the rider of Vhagar who, exactly, fathered her children).

One notable appointment to King Rhaenyra's court was the Lady of Runestone, Rhea Royce, who commanded great respect within the Vale and soon within King's Landing also. She alternated her time between the Keep and Runestone, doing much to enlighten the court on the look of Valemen, masculine women, and the peace of a court sans Prince Daemon. So grateful was the court for Lady Royce thay she was gifted a Favour from her king: an anulment of marriage for lack of consumnation (a detail neglected in Prince Daemon's own efforts to render himself single). This gift further advanced Lady Royce's ability to act as Daemon-Bane and she soon earned a host of suitors, who had taken well to the Fashion of presenting oneself as both masculine and feminine (as inspired by their King, her prince-consort and, according to Renowned Septon Barth, dragons as a species).

The amitions of one Otto Hightower are curtailed by then-crown princess Rhaenyra's quickly appointing the Lady Alicent as her "Mistress of Court": with Rhaenyra as king and her husband a dragonriding knight, she reasoned, the "essential duties of a queen" would be neglected... unless Rhaenyra appointed a lady of such fine ettiquette and piety as Alicent to act "queenly" in Rhaenyra's stead. Alicent's duties included holding court with ladies and smallfolk, "ensuring proper dues to the Faith", seeing to the royal educations of Rhaenyra's heirs, acting as Rhaenyra's [PR manager]... confused but convinced that his daughter would be a queen in all but name, Otto begrudgingly lent Rhaenyra his support (that he knew he would otherwise be replaced as Hand by Princess Rhaenys was an added incentive).

Amidst her preparations for the Royal Marriage of Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor, Alicent wed the renowned knight, Ser Harwin Strong, commander of the City Watch (the term "goldcloaks" very thoroughly snuffed out as soon as possible, lest it catch on). It was an open secret at court that King Rhaenyra favoured Ser & Lady Strong over most everyone else, akin to her favouring of her good-sister. Ser Harwin was committed to reforming the city's protectors whilst Lady Alicent ensured that neither the smallfolk nor the faith were without voice in Rhaenyra's Court. Lady Laena... kept the largest, strongest dragon known occupied with scouting passage over the Narrow Sea and "adventure". There were Rumours of there being more than friendship between these most favoured by the King... but such is expected of kings, said the knights (lead so nobly by Sers Laenor and Joffrey) and the court ladies (so charmed by the attentiveness of their Mistress of Court and her ever-prompt mediations between factions). The smallfolk? Ser Strong's leadership of the City Watch was vastly preferable to Prince Daemon's tyranny, Lady Alicent ensured their concerns were never forgotten, Lady Laena's efforts kept seafaring safer than ever before... and it was far more fun to speculate over the mechanics of such relations, to know that whenever such gossip reached their king's ears she laughed in good humour rather than, say, employing the Watch to cut tongues and throats.

With Rhaenyra long established as her father's heir, her great popularity and her nigh-unanimous support (she might be a woman but a King is a King, the lords would say), Prince Daemon's ambitions were much curtailed. The combined forces of Queen Mother Aemma and Princess Rhaenys kept Prince Daemon too busy for scheming: "oh, Daemon, with Rhaenyra raising her children at the Keep, who will tend to the dragons of Dragonstone?", "oh no, Laena reported unrest at the Stepstones, surely the wielder of Dark Sister could help the cause?", "Daemon, your brother hasheard word of a surviving tome of Old Valyria, won't you see to its safe arrival?". The happiness evident in the retired King served the realm's efforts most of all, the restraints of rule enabling the brothers to spend more time together and rendering Daemon's outbursts for attention unnecessary.

(when Daemon tried to gift his very young niece priceless jewellery in an intimate fashion? Oh look, there's Proud Dad Viserys to clasp the necklace around his daughter's neck and ensure the WHOLE FAMILY is witness to such FAMILIAL devotion!)

(likewise, with Aemma Arryn alive and well, Otto Hightower initially made efforts to have his sons court their "future queen" - except she's to be their King, says Lord Corlys, and her marriage will return all dragons to the crown, says Prince Daemon)

Amazing, the differences possible when mothers live to supervise their offspring's childhood. Amazing, the ways of prophecy when an Outside Opinion is taken into consideration. Amazing, the problems solvable with good publicity.

[shortnotsweet]

[ “REMEMBER WHEN” ]:

I CAN STILL SEE YOU AT THE PLACE OUT THERE WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES. DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN WE FELT LIKE THE ONLY TWO ALIVE? DON’T LET ME BE ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SEEKS A LOST ROMANCE. WOULD YOU GO AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN GIVEN THE CHANCE?

— WALLOWS, NOTHING HAPPENS (2019)

Laena had known Rhaenyra since the two were only girls. They were the closest of friends—closer, even—under the watchful eyes of the castle and the upturned nose of the queen. Queen Alicent had a lovely face befitting for a lady and a brittle, jealous demeanor appropriate for a wicked stepmother. As much as Rhaenyra was drawn to her, she equally sought reprieve. Laena hardly worried, however, as Rhaenyra had the men, steel, and fortitude to rescue herself. It was only a matter of time.

In this AU, Rhaenyra’s older stepmother, Alicent, remains a contrary source of vitriol, intrigue, and affection. Her fixation on her stepdaughter evolves, until her envy is not only of her, but those who love her and are loved in return. Laena is clearly one of those people, and has earned the favor of the nobility in her own right. She wears gowns of silver, blue, and gold, and will become one of the most revered dragon riders of their generation. What else can she inspire but awe and envy? To Rhaenyra, it seems that tenderness is there, and maybe relief. Fondness is the word. It leaves a bad, coppery taste in Alicent’s mouth. Alicent doesn’t have hardly anyone to be fond of in this wretched place. Her children, perhaps, however many she’ll have. Or her husband, her father, or noble, dejected Criston Cole. And—well. No. It’s out of the question. Still. What compares to the camaraderie of shared girlhood? Like knows like, a dragon and dragon sharing the sky.

Laena is Rhaenyra’s first love and closest friend, and the two toe an ambiguous line between platonic and romantic. While they may never wed, their affinity towards one another is an open secret and there is an implicit understanding between families that should Rhaenyra be forced to wed Laena’s brother, arrangements will be made. It is, after all, hardly the first time such agreements have been enacted. Alicent is disgusted, of course; marriage between and man and woman should stay that way. She’s seen the wandering eyes and shared smiles, and something low in her gut twists in revulsion, and for some reason, hurt. Why are they free to do what they want and with whomever they please? No one is free here, not even the blood of the dragon.

Laena and Rhaenyra are both young women, not quite adults yet. In this imaginary timeline, Rhaenyra enjoys a relatively smooth few years before she is forced to take up a sword against traitors and defend her own right to the throne. Despite their complicated history, Alicent’s role in a usurpation attempt on Rhaenyra’s crown has been discovered. Laena reassures her not only of her own conviction and loyalty, but reminds her of the gossip and hurt Alicent has inflicted in the past, rooted in her own resent.

[gracielikegrapes]

Used heavy ref of Nanna Blondell to doodle Laena; I havent drawn characters in days (only pudgy dragons lol) word vomit in tags

[escailyyy]

Here's a toast to the HBO Targaryen wives who were made Targaryens by men who didn't love them

Aemma Targaryen deserved better

Alicent Targaryen Deserved better

Rhea Targaryen deserved better

Laena Targaryen deserved better

And Elia Targaryen most of all, deserved so much more better

Because if you're going to take your a-hole husband's last name and are expected to relinquish all that made you you while he makes it clear he's only there to get whatever use he can out of you. Then you sure as heck deserve better

[nogreatideaunpunished]

Okay but who else saw baby Stormcloud and immediately thought of baby Laenor playing in tide pools on the beach with his father while tiny baby Seasmoke hunted minnows in the same tide pools?

Rhaenys the loving mother forever sighing because while Laena carries a healthy fear of the water for a toddler her age, her son dives in head first and she's already had to haul the dragon out of the shallows twice.

[amoratearte]

Rhaenys lives AU

Following the high screeches of his dragon, Daemon is confronted by the ghosts of his uncle and wife at the Harrenhal heart tree. Before the prince can will himself to snap out of it, he hears pleas for him to save Rhaenys on the morrow.

[silver-dragonborn]

What is up with the HOTD fandom's obsession with hating on Laena Velaryon? Laena haters screech and stomp their feet simply because Laena committed the unforgivable sin of pursuing a man she was attracted to, getting married to him, and having his babies. Y'all act like Laena forced Daemon to marry her and that she "betrayed" Rhaenyra. No, you're just mad that Laena, a black woman, got"in the way" of your ship and you punish her by writing dozens of fanfiction where she either dies horrifically by dragon fire, dies in childbirth, becomes this wicked seductress who lives to torment Rhaenyra, etc.

Even worse, Laena's stripped of her personality and turned into a yes-man for Rhaenyra without any thoughts or opinions, or her twin daughters are erased out of existence in every single time-traveling fix-it fic. The blatant racism and hatred towards Laena, Laenor, Corlys, and every single member of House Velaryon is tiresome.

"But she stole Daemon!!!"

Laena didn't steal anyone and Daemon's not a prized horse to be taken when he CLEARLY showed interest in marrying Laena in the show and killed her betrothed in the book to marry her.

"But she betrayed Rhaenyra because she knew Rhaenyra loved Daemon!!"

I'm confused. Do you mean to tell me that Laena deliberately went after Daemon with the sole purpose of marrying him just to hurt Rhaenyra? Just for shits and giggles? Yeah. Okay. Keep thinking that.

"Laena and her family are all greedy and grasping for power!!"

Yeah and so is every single House in Westeros. Everyone wants power and Corlys wouldn't be the Sea Snake if he didn't have the wit and ambition to seize power for him and his family. He elevated his House, married Rhaenys Targaryen, had two wonderful children who became dragon riders in their own right and became the grandfather of royal dragon riders. But yeah, House Velaryon are all wickedly evil for DARING to tie their House to the royal family. Mm-hm. Yeah. Sounds about right.

"Daemon never loved Laena! The show is proof of that!!"

I don't even like Daemon, but I mean this from the bottom of my heart when I say that the show did a complete disservice to Daemon and Laena's relationship. Reducing her to second-best and giving her a brutal death instead of honoring the tender final moments between her and Daemon in the book was insulting as hell.

"Laena and Daemon shouldn't have gotten married!!"

You know what? I'll give you that one. Laena was too good for Daemon and she and Rhaenyra should have been dragon-riding girlfriends who held hands, smooched, and had a Valyrian wedding in secret :).

[atopvisenyashill]

What if Laena Velaryon had been born a boy?

this one is a stumper for me because it changes a LOT (bc, and I cannot emphasize this enough, but Laena is important to the plot and to Rhaenyra as a character!!)

The great council still sides with Viserys because Laenor was alive, and Rhaenys pushed his claim in canon, so having a slightly older son isn't going to do much for that.

Where this really starts to affect the plot is when Viserys is looking to remarry. Laena is pushed forward as the "correct" match because she is Valyrian, and it would soothe Corlys and Rhaenys' ruffled feathers from the GC 101. But if they have no daughters, that clearly doesn't happen. This also means there is straight up no Valyrian woman able to marry and have children except Rhaenyra during this time period which is a little wild (Rhaenys and maybe Jocelyn are alive, but past child bearing years, and these people just refuse to marry Celtigars which is deeply funny). Viserys has some room to pick whoever he wants to marry in this situation though, and I think it's not unlikely that more than Otto tries to take advantage of that (but Otto is still going to win).

HOWEVER. Especially after Rhaenyra is named heir, I think Corlys starts pushing that a boy Laena (obviously she's called Laenor, and probably actual Laenor is called like, Lucerys or something) marries Rhaenyra. I think it's likely he throws himself behind Rhaenyra hard, insisting that Laena and House Velaryon will uphold her claim, protect her birthright, "We Will Be Strong As We Were In Old Valyria By Joining Our Blood", etc etc, and since Viserys is not snubbing Corlys by refusing to marry Laena, I think there’s a non zero chance Laena and Rhaenyra are engaged very young.

But what does this mean for the Dance? Well…

Rhaenyra is probably less hostile to her marriage. Laena is a daring dragon rider who adores his mother & supports Rhaenyra and, most importantly, can give her heirs, so I think Rhaenyra pushes against this marriage much less. However, part of Rhaenyra’s anger over the engagement isn’t just the risk of marrying a man who may not give her children, or easing her father’s political headaches, but the idea that Rhaenyra is not allowed sexual freedom while Daemon and Viserys (and later Aegon) all are. So whether Rhaenyra is hostile to the marriage largely depends on how well she gets on with Laena and whether she feels like has control over her sexuality. In canon they are close, but in canon Laena is a woman and that does make a difference. There’s also The Criston Cole And Daemon Of It All - if Rhaenyra has a fiancé looking out for her, does Rhaenyra get so attached to him? Does whatever happens the night she goes to Daemon & Criston still happen?

It’s all kind of hard to say considering both Eustace and Mushroom are full of shit and Gyldayn is a raging misogynist. And regardless of the fallout of that, what Laena gives Rhaenyra is incredibly important - Valyrian looking heirs. With at the very least a Jacaerys that looks like a Velaryon (because he is by blood this time), a large part of the Greens propaganda falls apart. Yes, she’s a woman, but she has a Valyrian heir with a husband she probably likes & takes an active role in her life, and the unwavering support of the Velaryons. PLUS with the dragon twins gone, that frees Jace up to marry literally anyone - like, say, Helaena! Or potentially, one of the storm sisters! And if anyone gets too cute with Rhaenyra, well, Laena has Vhagar!

Again, the wildcards here are Criston and Daemon. Daemon especially has no way back into the main Targaryen line because there are no Valyrian women for him to marry. I think that makes him much more erratic when Rhaenyra marries, because he can see his hopes of being “accepted” slipping away and he has no other option to turn to.

So….Rhaenyra is theoretically better off by the time her father dies. If she cares for Laena as a man the way she cared for Laena as a woman, she will have the full backing of House Velaryon, a legitimate heir who is free to make a great political match, a husband happy to back her claim, and once again, Vhagar on her side and Aemond defanged. The question is if this marriage stays happy or if it sours because Rhaenyra feels stifled, or Daemon/Cole does something particularly deranged about it at any point.

[acewithapencil]

I think in addition to her father and brother, Daena also really got along with her elder cousin laena velaryon. Both girls who should’ve had dragons 🥲

[itspronouncedjulia]

I have another question for you in regards to the laena!lives au you are going to write (please forgive me I’m just so excited). I was wondering if you were willing to share any ideas you have, namely what you decide you’re going to name laena’s baby. I know the post says daemion, but I’d honestly think that aemon would make more sense given the fact that rhaenys’ father was named aemon (unless you have another name in mind or like daemion better, it’s your story after all!) i was also wondering if you had a planned outline for it or if you’re going to have the dragon twins be actual twins like in the canon of the book or for them to not be twins like they are in the show? Anyway, I’d love to hear your ideas! I’m sorry if I’m being annoying, I’m just nosy/curious by nature 😭

(Again, no rush, I really hope I don’t come off that way <3 please take your time when writing/uploading this fic. I love your dragon dreams fic too!)

Good morning @laelinc! I’d be happy to share the ideas I have for he Laena!lives AU but admittedly they aren’t a lot at the moment.

So for the baby I haven’t decided the name yet. Namely because I’m debating if I want to stick to the original idea of them being a baby boy or switch the gender to a little girl. I do like the name Aemon though if I do keep the baby a boy.

Currently don’t have an outline. What I’m going to do is wrap up Dragon Dreams first and then start properly outling everything and getting the ball rolling.

As for the dragon twins I intended for them to stay twins like in the story! I’m most excited to write them. Honestly I have been feeling like I missed an opportunity to put them in Dragon Dreams as Visenya and Aenar’s older sisters but if I had them in the story my little Visenya wouldn’t be the heir to the heir so it all works out!

I’ve had a few other ideas. Mainly I’m debating where everyone is when Viserys dies. I’m torn because I feel like Laena would understand the importance of Rhaenyra being in King’s Landing as the heir to the throne and would encourage her to stay. I feel like Laena sees the coup coming a mile away if they aren’t there.

On the other hand I could see Laena not wanting to be there either. Especially because it would be easier for her and Rhaenyra to carry out their relationship on Dragonstone…

I also think if Rhaenyra is in the capital when Viserys dies and has been for years unlike in the show that makes it really hard and really stupid for the Greens to attempt to usurp her.

So I’m not sure yet 😅

And along that same vein I’m also debating which dragon Aemond will eventually claim. He’s going to have to have a dragon. With Laena still alive and the rider of Vhagar and Rhaena now the rider of Caraxes it would make a very brief conflict if the Greens only have three dragons. Really two with Sunfyre and Tessarion because I can’t imagine Helaena fighting.

I was also debating that perhaps the Greens are the ones who recruit the Dragonseeds.

But that’s pretty much all the ideas I have so far! I’m super excited for the story. I think it’s going to be fun to write. I really appreciate @silver-dragonborn giving me permission to run with the idea.

(Also I’m glad you’re enjoying Dragon Dreams as well it’s currently my favorite story I have going ❤️)

[noirrose21-blog]

Chapters: 24/28 Fandom: House of the Dragon (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Alicent Hightower/Daemon Targaryen, Laena Velaryon/Viserys I Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen/Laenor Velaryon, Harwin Strong/Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aegon II Targaryen/Original Female Character, Helaena Targaryen/Original male character, Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Alicent Hightower, Daemon Targaryen, Caraxes | Daemon Targaryen's Dragon, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aegon II Targaryen, Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen, Helaena Targaryen, Syrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen's Dragon, Arrax | Lucerys Velaryon's Dragon, Sunfyre | Aegon II Targaryen's Dragon, Dreamfyre | Helaena Targaryen's Dragon, Vhagar | Visenya Targaryen's Dragon, Silverwing | Alysanne Targaryen's Dragon, Cannibal the Wild Dragon (A Song of Ice and Fire), Vermithor | Jaehaerys I Targaryen's Dragon, Baela Targaryen, Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon), Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon, Meleys | Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon's Dragon, Vermax | Jacaerys Velaryon's Dragon, Jacaerys Velaryon, Laenor Velaryon, Joffrey Velaryon, Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra), Laena Velaryon (Daughter of Corlys), Viserys I Targaryen, Aemma Arryn, Otto Hightower, Alicent Hightower's Mother, House Hightower Characters (A Song of Ice and Fire), House Targaryen Characters (A Song of Ice and Fire), House Velaryon Characters (A Song of Ice and Fire), House Strong Characters (A Song of Ice and Fire), Harwin Strong, Larys Strong, Criston Cole, House Cole Characters (A Song of Ice and Fire), The Blacks | Supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen Additional Tags: The greens are the reds | supporters of Daemon Targaryen, Viserys I Targaryen Being an Idiot, The Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen Era, No Daemon Targaryen/Rhaenyra Targaryen, BAMF Alicent Hightower, BAMF Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon, Rhaenyra Targaryen Being a Brat, Harwin Strong Lives, Rhaenyra’s sons are Harwin’s, Aegon II Targaryen is Not a Rapist

[bohemian-nights]

Notice how Daemon kisses Laena’s baby bump but only touches rhaenyra’s like it’s a pet

Shows that Daemon really wanted that baby with Laena

He was very touchy with that baby 😏

[sevensinswithin]

A not so important part of my lore for the Alicent & Laenor lavender marriage au is that when Laenor realized he was gay he got really into whatever the medieval equivalent of goth is for a while and literally pulled Joffery because of this.

I'm purely establishing this in my Laenor canon because I absolutely love the idea of having Ayesha Erotica's 'Emo Boy' somewhere on their ship playlist

[naerys-arryn]

HotD! and Daella lives:

Laena is thrilled Larissa's egg hatched and Aerion feels he's the only one worried about the apex predator (even a small one) that is now chilling with his baby in her crib

Aerion has seen the process with Alyssa and Maekar, but he’s allowed to be terrified of having a dragon in crib with Larissa because it might shoot fire at the wrong time and hurt Larissa!!!

[an-abyss-of-stars]

My ass was Pinterest doing Pinteresty things, but anywaysss I found this character design on there and OMGGGGG

I edited in some Targ purple eyes and this is Queen Laena if she'd ended up marrying Viserys! (Headcannon she was older when that proposition was made 😂)

OR an older Queen Rhaena if I ever made a fic where she somehow became Queen with Aemond as her King. Many thoughts, many ideas...

[rowandamisch]

the way harwin and laena were swept under the rug so quickly.... yeah HBO will pay for its crimes