#naval blockade

[sayruq]

For Gaza

[miikoissant]

1 thing Denmark and Norway agreed

[ltwilliammowett]

Toulon Blockade - HMS Surprise and HMS Victory, 19th June 1796, by Geoff Hunt (1948-)

[secondworldwarremembrancedays]

Remember the Battle of the Atlantic: September 1939–May 1943.

Submarine warfare had some impact in the First World War, but became vastly more significant in WWII as the German U-boat packs aimed to blockade Europe. Merchant ships took to sailing in large convoys, protected by screens of destroyers and corvettes armed with depth charges and sonar. Daring U-Boat commanders carried out torpedo attacks within the defensive screen, and when several submarines attacked at once, the defenders had little chance of striking back.

In the end, the Battle of the Atlantic was eventually won by technology. Radar to detect U-Boats from the surface, radio interception, and code-breaking all played a part. By the end of the war, more than 3,000 merchant ships had been sunk, as well as almost 800 U-Boats.

[soon-palestine]

America’s goal in establishing a seaport is primarily military & political, not humanitarian: - Gain control over Gaza’s gas resources - Establish US-Israel military presence - Dismantle UNRWA & have aid distributed through local militias. - Isolate Gaza from the Palestinian body

Gaza City has a long history as a crossroad of regional trade & travel. As a port city, Gaza was a stop on the Incense Road. In more recent history, until WWI, Gaza seaport was a main hub for import & export trade to southern Palestine, & its hinterland, including Jordan and Iraq

Since 1967, Israel has exercised full control of Gaza’s 43km coastline and territorial waters, blocking ships from reaching the city. Gaza seaport is the only Mediterranean port closed to shipping, because of Israeli colonization and continued destruction.

Between 1967 and 1994, the existing infrastructure was severely neglected. Railways, air and seaports were no longer at the free disposal of Palestinians and were only there to serve Israel, its army and its settlers.

As part of the 1993 Oslo Accords, the Netherlands & France governments committed $42.8m to the reconstruction of the Gaza seaport and to the training of port personnel. A Dutch-French consortium that specialises in seaports signed a construction contract in July 2000 with the PA.

The seaport was scheduled to be completed by August 2002. But Israel being Israel, in 2000, Israel halted any construction & in 2002, Israeli navy attacked the PA naval patrol boats in Gaza, causing extensive damage and no further implementation of the project was allowed.

Since 2007, Israel has repeatedly bombed Gaza’s seaport, which only now serves Palestinian fishermen. It has repeatedly shot & killed fishermen and destroyed their boats. Israel is also imposing a maritime sea blockade on Gaza for more than 60 years. Israel is cutting life short.

In June 2010 the EU Parliament urged EU Member States to “take steps to ensure the sustainable opening of all the crossing points to and from Gaza, including the port of Gaza, with adequate international end-use monitoring”.

Establishing a maritime window from Gaza to the outside world is possible, if the focus is put on ending Israel’s state violence, war crimes & genocide. What the Americans are now doing isn’t providing LIFE to Palestinians, but actually entrenching Israeli colonization.

[visenyaism]

i love how much hotd really pays attention to detail in their character design blocking and costuming. like we can really see the effects of corlys velaryon’s naval blockade of the gullet in the early stages of the dance of the dragons here, because it is extremely evident that no one in king’s landing not even the prince of the realm can obtain conditioner

[dailyadventureprompts]

Dungeon: The Narrow Out

Looking to slip past the imperial naval blockades, you and your fellow strangers have paid for passage aboard a smuggler’s ship. Something's gone wrong however, you were supposed to meet at the mouth of the old sea cave but the person who was to be your guide hasn’t shown. With no hope of turning back, your only chance of escape is to press onwards into the dark.

This adventure starter is intended as an intro for a group of newer players and provides an introduction to a campaign full of mysteries, hidden motives, and nautical swashbuckling.  It lets you get a group of unrelated characters together, give them a starting point to begin constructing their backstories (why they need to leave the land under blockade), and familiarize them with the game’s mechanics (whichever that game might be) before sending them out into the world for larger adventures. 

Challenges & Complications

After some brief introductions at the mouth of the cave (perhaps asking how everyone is dealing with the chill of the evening, and the stress of trying to slip past the military blockade), you can send the party into the mouth of the cave with the shared understanding that their contact is long overdue. Finding their way through the caves is essential to them obtaining their freedom, but solving the mystery of what happened to their contact will prevent the same from falling into a similar fate. 

The initial leg of the journey through the cave is full of darkness, dead ends, and the usual denizens of any low level dungeon. The idea here is to teach your party the basics of game mechanics ( combat, skill challenges etc) before they get into exploration proper. These early tunnels are little more than various natural caves that the smugglers use as a buffer between their hideout and the outside world, sometimes creating false trails that lead would be interlopers into traps. 

The interior of the smuggler’s lair is an old fortress built into the walls of the cave itself, a secret dock constructed during the Grey Duke’s Revolution (or whichever conflict fits your campaign backstory)  and lost in the subsequent shift of power.  Since then it’s become a place for the smugglers to store their ill gotten good while blocking off several sections for being too dangerous to utilize, which just may prove to have unclaimed valuables. 

The smuggler’s ship, the Singing Eel is awaiting the party at the dock, all decked out and ready to sail but with no one apparently on board.  It’s an eerie sight, made all the eerier by the discovery that several of the innocuous statues stashed away in the cargo hold are in fact former members of the crew, victims of the flock of cockatrices the smugglers were transporting at a noble’s behest who managed to escape their cages and now lurk in the ship. 

While the party’s contact is stone dead, the rest of the crew is hold up in one of the old fortifications, ordered to hide by their all too cautious captain who’s scared of the beasts attacking.  The cockatrices haven’t left yet because one of their number, the lone rare female is still stuck in her cage, kept alive by the males foraging for her and passing food. The smugglers are on the edge of mutiny, some want to bolt, some want to try and fight, some want to recover their deadly cargo for the rich payout they were promised, and the party can have a strong impact depending on which side they talk up. Alternatively, if enough of the party are proficient in sailing, the thought might occur to them to cut the smugglers out of the deal entirely and take the ship and/or the surviving cockatrices for themselves and risk the blockade. 

While they’re exploring the old dock ruins, the party can come across a number of documents which might include maps of the dungeon, clues to hidden treasure, backstory on the cockatrices, blackmail information on the crew, as well as a hint of treasure in the location they’re headed off to. 

Art 1

Art 2

[centrally-unplanned]

Always gonna be annoyed by "war for oil memes" which will haunt the US till the end of time I am sure. Has the US ever fought a war for oil? I don't think so, with maybe a few asterisks. Like oh sure the "Tanker War" of the 1980's against Iran was literally over oil, but the term "war" is ill-used here, it was a few naval skirmishes over a blockade zone (And backed by the international community, like almost all sealane security actions). What else, the First Gulf War? I will accept the asterisk but enforcing the no-conquest norm was definitely in the driver's seat (not like Iraq didn't want to sell oil to the US!). Maybe a motive at some point in some of the Indian-American wars?

But yeah in the main the US never had to fight a war for oil since it had/has oil (mainly from a war before anyone cared about oil, coincidentally). Meanwhile a loooot of other militaries have fought wars for oil - it was a bit of big deal in the first half of the 20th century and onwards. I can think of, um, some really huge wars actually, where oil was the key motivation! There are definitely nations & militaries that you could slap the war for oil meme on - the US is just ironically one of the least fitting targets for it.

[gothhabiba]

Every day I do this research, another new facet of how Israel and Zionists use food to whitewash Israeli atrocities and theft comes to light.

In 2018 or 2019, Herb Karlitz* organised a trip to Israel specifically for celebrity chefs (which he called a "Birthright" trip), presumably intending to get as many eyes as possible on food writing that presented Israel in a positive light, free from all the "politics" and "arguments" ("politics" such as, viewing military and settler theft, murder, genocide &c. as bad, or viewing Palestinians as people).

His motivation was explicitly Zionist in nature:

When culinary event marketer Herb Karlitz visited Israel in 2018, he was blown away by the food scene, and how it had changed from his first trip, more than 20 years before. “I had left schnitzled out and underwhelmed by the lack of variety in dishes,” he confessed. “After eating the most amazing food this last time and seeing the difference the country has undergone in terms of ingredients and technique, I was convinced Israel’s food story had to be told.“ [sic] Herb decided he would go back with a group of his friends, who happen to be the country’s most celebrated chefs and culinary influencers. The trip was dubbed “Celebrity Chef Birthright.” [emphasis mine]

During this same time period, Palestinians who were walking along border fences and walls in the Great March of Return were killed and disabled en masse. Per OCHA:

Between 30 March 2018 and 22 March 2019, 195 Palestinians, including 41 children, were killed by Israeli forces in the “Great March of Return” demonstrations, including during the weekly protests near the perimeter fence, protests against the naval blockade at the beach, and the night activities near the perimeter fence. 28,939 Palestinians were injured, including 25 per cent wounded by live ammunition in these GMR demonstrations.

People chide "Arabs" and Palestinians who get angry at hummus bi tahina and falafel being deemed "Israeli" foods as though they are being divisive, silly, or upset over nothing; or as though they are literally contesting the ownership of a specific dish, because they're too stupid to understand how cultural diffusion works (liberal Zionist academics in particular love to take this latter tack).

It couldn't be more obvious that what is actually being responded to is this exact Zionist strategy, where aspects of culture are presented as "Israeli" specifically in order to present Israel in a particular way: as cultured, pluralistic, peaceful, colourful, beautiful, storied / with a history connected to the land, with a particular culture that is its own entity and exists nowhere else.

Food is used in an extremely political way, to "cover up" Israeli atrocities (as Eurovision has been used to do). But this is such a useful strategy because it doesn't seem, to the unpracticed eye, to be political at all! It's just food! Eurovision is just music! So people (especially Arabs and Palestinians) who object are the ones bringing politics and conflict into a situation that, itself, has none. Nevermind the fact that hop-skipping over checkpoints that Palestinians are not allowed to pass, in fact, reeks of politics, divisiveness, and sectarianism.

*U.S.-based entrepreneur who markets "experiences," organises events centred around "celebrity chefs," and has been credited with creating the concept and terminology of a "celebrity chef," though who knows if that's true

[odinsblog]

“I think there is a simpler explanation to the tragedy and the barbarism on October the 7th, which is that you cannot indefinitely contain a group of people under military occupation for decades and expect that there won't be violence. There is violence in the Middle East, and the root cause of that violence is an illegal military occupation that is now in what, it's 57th year in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. And this is not just me saying this.

I mean, people like General Shlomo Brom, one of Israel's most famous military strategists, says, the oppressed will rise against the oppressor because it's absurd to hope that Israel can indefinitely contain with its military might millions of Palestinians who claim the right to a free, normal life. That is the statement of Shlomo Brom.

It's not true that the previous Gaza conflicts were all started by Hamas. Some were, but not all of them. Ceasefires have been broken on both sides and that's been well documented by multiple neutral observers and international observers.

But just on the broader point, Israel was never done with Gaza. This myth that they pulled out all the settlers and the occupation ended, first of all, under international law, Gaza is still occupied.

The Israelis control most of the land borders, all of the naval waters, all of the airspace. You tell me a country in the world that would accept that, any kind of country that you would call independent or sovereign. The Israelis even control the population register in Gaza, which means if you're born in Gaza, the Israelis are the ones who register you in control.

All of the information about your birth, life, and death. So this idea that Gaza was free, it was not free. And the boycott, the siege, I mean, it was not defensive.

Again, multiple human rights groups, including Israeli human rights groups like Gisha have said over the years, that the boycott was not defensive, that it was arbitrary, that it was cruel. Items like pasta, coriander, right? These are items that were banned at certain points going into Gaza.

Even now, David Miliband, the former British Foreign Minister, head of the International Rescue Committee, went on CNN this week to point out that dual-use items are being blocked going into Gaza. Entire aid trucks are being turned away because there's a scissors in them. A pair of scissors is inside a truck.

For medical purposes, the entire truck is turned away. For years now, the people in Gaza have been blockaded, besieged. The UN said it would be unlivable years ago.

We're now in 2024. It's certainly unlivable now. So no, I don't believe the Israeli narrative.

And one last thing, let's say everything Israel said was true. That still does not justify the collective punishment of 2.2 million people, half of whom are children, and who are now in the midst of one of the worst famines in living memory, according to the experts.

[…]

I've been very, very, very critical of Hamas. I've been critical of Hamas for decades. I've been critical of Hamas since October the 7th.

I was critical of Hamas on October the 7th. So no, I'm not sparing in my criticism of Hamas, but the missing context here, of course, is that we don't fund Hamas. I'm not responsible for Hamas.

I am responsible for the famine in Gaza. I am responsible for the killing of 30,000 people in Gaza because my taxes paid for it. The United States government is funding one side of this conflict.

The United States does not fund Hamas, last time I checked. So this idea that we are either fund them or protect them with a UN veto or arm Hamas, I don't think we send arms to Hamas, we do to Israel. Therefore, that is the focus of my journalism.

And by the way, yes, the focus of my journalism right now is on criticism of Israel because the rest of the US media has completely failed on this issue, has dropped the ball. I mean, I can go through The New York Times, The Washington Post, and show the exact opposite, pieces that are providing cover and safety for the Israeli narrative, including in absurd headlines where we go out of our way to use the passive voice and never cite that Israel is responsible for bombing a hospital or Israel is responsible for bombing a refugee camp. So I'm trying to do a little bit of correction on my end with this new media organization.

But look, Hamas is a brutal group. What it did on October the 7th was pure terror. They killed innocents, they abducted innocent babies as hostages into the war crime.

But none of that justifies what Israel is doing right now. And nor are we responsible for what Hamas is doing. But we are, in New York and across the country, sadly, we are responsible for the crimes that Israel is carrying out.

And that's the point I'm trying to make.”

—Mehdi Hasan

[sayruq]

The Yemenis had warned of a major escalation if the siege of Gaza isn't lifted and here it is: Israeli ships are prohibited from travelling through the entire Indian Ocean

[kckt88]

The Lost Dragon III - Slip Away.

Summary:

Aegon makes a sinister threat, and Vaelys makes a choice.

Warning(s): Angst, Threats, Uncle/Niece Incest, Smut - Oral Sex (F-Recieving), P in V, Escape Attempt, Death.

AEMOND TARGARYEN x O.C -VAELYS TARGARYEN

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT.

Word Count: 4149

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated

Vaelys breathed in the fresh air as she strolled through the gardens of the Red Keep, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin after being confined to her chambers.

The gardens were alive with the vibrant colours of blooming flowers, their sweet fragrance filling the air and lifting her spirits.

Aemond followed behind Vaelys as she meandered through the gardens. His gaze lingering on her form, admiring the way the sunlight danced in her silver hair and the gentle sway of her dress with each step she took.

He matched her pace, content to walk a few steps behind her, allowing her to lead the way through the path of greenery. Though he could have easily walked beside her, he found a quiet pleasure in watching her explore the gardens at her own pace.

Every so often, Vaelys would pause to admire a particularly beautiful flower or to reach out and touch the leaves of a nearby tree. Aemond would stop as well, his attention fully on her as she immersed herself in the natural beauty surrounding them. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the genuine joy that lit up her face, knowing that this simple moment brought her happiness.

As Aemond and Vaelys continued their leisurely stroll through the gardens, they were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Helaena.

"Vaelys, would you like to come and search for spiders with me? I've heard there are some fascinating specimens hiding among the bushes” exclaimed Helaena, her voice laced with a hint of eagerness.

Vaelys recoiled slightly, a shiver running down her spine at the mere mention of spiders.

"Oh, Helaena-I-I'll come with you” replied Vaelys, her voice hesitant. "But I think I'll be content to observe from a safe distance."

Helaena nodded, her smile widening. "Of course, Vaelys. Your company is all I need."

As they ventured deeper into the garden, Helaena's excitement was evident. Her eyes eagerly scanning the foliage for any signs of their arachnid quarry. Vaelys followed close behind, her gaze darting nervously from one shadowy corner to the next.

Just as they reached a particularly dense cluster of bushes, a young squire came running up to them, his face flushed with urgency.

"Prince Aemond," he gasped, "The King demands your presence at a council meeting immediately."

Aemond's brow furrowed in concern as he turned to the squire, his thoughts already drifting to the matters that required his attention.

“It’s ok brother-I shall keep an eye on Vaelys,” said Helaena.

“But-“ replied Aemond.

“I’m more than capable of keeping my good sister company. If it makes you feel any better Ser Charles is standing watch” replied Helaena.

Reluctantly, Aemond nodded, knowing he had little choice but to trust in Helaena's assurances. With a final lingering look at Vaelys, he turned and hurried off towards the castle, his mind already consumed with the matters that awaited him.

“A dragon across the sea, a bronze heart waiting to be free,” said Helaena.

“What does that mean?” asked Vaelys.

“You’ll find out” replied Helaena.

“When?”

“After the butterfly is born” said Helaena smiling.

"My King," said Otto tentatively, "The Velaryon fleet has effectively strangled our trade routes, and they've cut off all naval access to and from Blackwater Bay. Our coffers are dwindling by the day, and our allies grow restless".

"Restless?! They dare threaten the stability of the realm. This blockade is an act of treason!" snarled Aegon slamming his fist on the table.

"Your Grace, we must tread carefully. The Velaryon’s are a powerful house-“ said Grand Maester Orwyle, his voice a calm contrast to the King's fury.

“Who support my whore of a sister” snapped Aegon.

“Acting rashly could lead to further escalation” warned Otto.

"Escalation?!" Aegon rose from his seat, his violet eyes flashing with fury. "They seek to undermine my rule, to force me to relinquish the crown to my sister! They will learn that the blood of the dragon does not yield so easily."

"Your Grace, if I may, we could attempt to negotiate with House Velaryon. Find a peaceful resolution, offer concessions—" said Maester Orwyle.

"Concessions?!" Aegon's voice thundered through the chamber. "I will not negotiate with traitors! We will crush this blockade by force if necessary!"

“Your Grace we could-“ muttered Jasper Wylde.

"Enough!" Aegon's voice thundered through the room, cutting through the whispered deliberations like a sword through flesh. "We have wasted too much time entertaining futile suggestions. It is clear what must be done."

The council fell silent, all eyes turning to the king, his figure towering over the seated lords and advisors.

"We have dragons, my brother has Vhagar" Aegon declared, his voice low and dangerous. "And it is time we remind House Velaryon and all who dare challenge the Iron Throne of the power that resides within these walls."

A hushed murmur of apprehension spread through the room, at the mention of the dragons.

"Your Grace, the use of dragons in such a manner-it could have dire consequences. We cannot unleash such devastation lightly." warned Otto.

Aegon fixed his steely gaze on his Hand, his violet eyes ablaze with determination. "The Velaryon’s have forced our hand. They seek to starve us into submission, to bend the knee to my sister. But they underestimate the strength of House Targaryen, the strength of our dragons."

"Your Grace, we must consider the repercussions of such actions. House Velaryon may have set the blockade, but they are not alone in their allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra. She too commands dragons, not to mention Daemon has experience with battle”.

Aegon's expression darkened at the reminder, his jaw clenched with barely contained fury. "Let her bring her dragons," he retorted sharply. "We will meet them with fire and blood."

Your Grace, if you engage in battle with Princess Rhaenyra's dragons, it could lead to unimaginable devastation for both sides." warned Maester Orwyle.

"We must consider all possible outcomes, Your Grace. The sight of dragons locked in combat above the Blackwater Bay would strike fear into the hearts of our people. It could plunge the realm into chaos” said Tyland nodding in agreement; his gaze steady as he met the King's furious stare.

Aegon's fists clenched at his sides, for a long moment, the king stood in silence, his mind a tempest of conflicting emotions. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he relented, his voice weary yet resolute.

“Very well, of course there are other ways to force Rhaenyra’s hand” said Aegon as he looked over at Aemond.

“Your Grace?” asked Otto curiously.

“Vaelys-I want a child in her belly. Rhaenyra might think twice when we also have her grandchild as a hostage” snarled Aegon.

“These things take time Your Grace” replied Aemond, tying to keep his anger in check. The child that Aegon spoke so callously of would not just be Vaelys’ child but his too.

“Don’t fill me with falsehoods I know that you haven’t touched her since your wedding night” snarked Aegon.

“I will not force myself-“

“-You will do your duty brother and fuck your wife until she’s swollen with your child, or else I will take over and I won’t give two shits whether she wants it or not” demanded Aegon.

“Yes, Your Grace” muttered Aemond through gritted teeth.

“Good-now get out” snapped Aegon as he reached for a cup of wine.

Aemond bowed respectfully and then left the council chambers.

He stormed through the corridors of the Red Keep, not wanting to speak too anyone and he had barely closed the door to his own chambers before he punched the wall.

“FUCK!!” exclaimed Aemond as the pain quickly lanced through his hand.

Gods he was angry. He needed to get out of there before he did something stupid, like go back to the council chambers and beat the living shit out of his brother.

Ignoring the pain in his hand, Aemond quickly donned his riding leathers and went to Vhagar. A few hours away from it all is exactly what he needed.

As Vaelys and Helaena lingered in the serene ambiance of the garden, their peaceful interlude was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ser Arryk.

"Princess Vaelys," he addressed her with a respectful nod, "The King has requested your presence in his chambers immediately."

Vaelys' heart skipped a beat at the unexpected summons, her mind racing with questions as to what could be so urgent. She exchanged a quick glance with Helaena, who offered her a reassuring smile, before turning her attention back to Ser Arryk.

“Where is Aemond?” asked Vaelys.

“Your husband has gone out with his dragon” replied Arryk.

"I guess we shouldn’t keep the King waiting then" replied Vaelys, her voice steady despite the flutter of apprehension in her chest.

With a nod of acknowledgement, Ser Arryk gestured for her to follow, and Vaelys fell into step beside him, her thoughts swirling with curiosity and concern. As they made their way back inside the castle, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her.

Vaelys approached the door to King Aegon's chambers with cautious steps, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The summons had come unexpectedly, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her. As she reached out to grasp the ornate door handle, she took a deep breath to steady herself before gently pushing it open.

The room beyond was bathed in the warm glow of flickering torches, casting dancing shadows against the walls. Vaelys stepped inside, her senses alert as she scanned the room for any sign of the King.

Aegon was seated on a large chaise by the window, his expression unreadable as he regarded her with a steady gaze.

“Do you know why I’ve summoned you?”

“No, Your Grace” replied Vaelys.

“The Velaryon fleet has blocked the Gullet-preventing all travel and seaborn trade”.

“What’s that got to do with me?” asked Vaelys, watching cautiously as Aegon rose from his chaise and walked towards her.

She remembered standing at the painted table with her mother and her council as Lord Corlys had informed her of his success in the Step Stones.

His plan to seal the Gullet had come to fruition.

So her mother had decided to lay seige to Kings Landing to force the Greens to surrender.

“It seems we’ve underestimated your worth as a hostage, so maybe Rhaenyra needs reminding of what’s at stake” said Aegon smirking.

“How?” asked Vaelys.

“A babe” said Aegon.

“I-I’m not with child”.

“Not yet-but you soon will be-I’ve told my brother that he is too fuck you until you are with child. If not, then I will have you for myself and my brother will not stop me. I might even make him watch” said Aegon.

“Y-You wouldn’t” said Vaelys.

“I am the King-If I want you, I will have you-“ whispered Aegon as he reached forward and began toying with a strand of hair that had come loose from Vaelys’ braid.

“-Please, don’t do this” begged Vaelys.

“Why not?” asked Aegon cocking his head to the side.

“It is not proper” muttered Vaelys.

“Like I give a shit-“ snarked Aegon.

“It would be a dishonour”.

“To who-you? don’t make me laugh-you’re the daughter of a whore”

“I am the wife of your brother-“

“None of that matters-you are what I say you are” said Aegon.

“As are you” replied Vaelys.

Aegon paused for a moment, smirking as he looked her up and down.

“-Ser Arryk, escort my niece back to her chambers” said Aegon as he stepped away and sat down.

“Your Grace” muttered Arryk.

“A man who forces himself upon a woman is no man at all, and neither is the one who stands idle and allows such behaviour” said Vaelys as she stepped into the hallway.

“He is the King” replied Arryk.

“So that gives him the right to treat women as if they are nothing-you know what I don’t why I’m wasting my breath, you’ve made it perfectly clear where your loyalties lie”.

“Princess-“

“Not if-but when my mother takes back the Iron Throne, you will die for your treachery” snapped Vaelys.

Arryk remained silent after that, his head hung low as he escorted her to her chambers.

It was almost dusk when he returned to the Red Keep, sometimes his old girl could be difficult to rouse but today she’d been more than ready to take to the sky.

In the weeks since their wedding, Aemond and Vaelys had developed some form of friendship, they dined together most nights, spent time in the gardens and spoke often of historical facts or whatever they’d done during the day.

As he arrived in his chambers he was greeted by a hot bath.

“I figured you’d want to bathe; the air seemed a little cool today” said Vaelys.

“Hmm” muttered Aemond as he began pulling of his riding leathers.

“I’ll go into the lounge-“

“No. Stay. There’s something I need to tell you” said Aemond.

 “Ok” replied Vaelys looking away until Aemond stepped into the bath and lowered himself into the hot water.

Aemond leaned against the edge of the bath and closed his eye. The hot water soothing his aching muscles. He almost forgot Vaelys was there until she cleared her throat.

“You said you had something to tell me”.

 “I’ve spent the last few hours practising this conversation and there’s no easy way to say this but-“

“For the love of all that is holy, just spit it out will you” snapped Vaelys.

“The King wants me to put a child in you” mumbled Aemond.

“I know-“ replied Vaelys.

“Y-You do?”

“Aegon summoned me to his chambers earlier, he said that he wants you to get me with child-if you don’t then he will have me for himself and he would make you watch“ muttered Vaelys.

“Did he touch you?” asked Aemond.

“No-he just threatened too” muttered Vaelys.

“I will not let him touch you. I give you my word” Aemond.

“He is your King. You can’t disobey him”  said Vaelys.

“I’ll think of something”  replied Aemond.

“You won’t always be here to protect me Aemond”.

“Vaelys-“ whispered Aemond as he began to look for a towel.

“Here, I placed it near the fire so it would be warm for you” said Vaelys as she handed him a warm towel.

“Who taught you that?” asked Aemond.

“My mother. Sometimes we’d go on family dragon rides and sometimes the skies around Dragonstone would be a little chilly, so she would always set towels in front of the fire to warm us up after we’d washed away the smell of dragon” said Vaelys sadly her heart clenching at the thought of Archonei.

“Sounds-nice” muttered Aemond.

Vaelys nodded slightly and then turned around to give Aemond some privacy as he dried himself and pulled on a pair of loose breeches.

“You can turn around now” said Aemond as he sat on the bed.

After a few moments of awkward silence Vaelys begins undressing.

“What are you doing?” asked Aemond.

“My duty” replied Vaelys.

“V-Vaelys. Wait” urged Aemond.

“You may have killed Archonei and brought me here, but I would rather be with you and carry your child. Than have your brothers child after he forces himself on me” exclaimed Vaelys.

“But-” muttered Aemond.

“This is MY choice and I choose you valzȳrys” said Vaelys as she began fiddling with the laces on her shift (husband).

“-ābrazȳrys” rasped Aemond (Wife).

“Let us pretend there is no war-that the house of the dragon is united, let this be for us. Now there’s no one watching” said Vaelys as she untied her shift and pulled it from her body.

“A-Are you sure?” asked Aemond.

“Your seriously asking me that as I stand in front of you as naked as my name day”.

“Just making sure” replied Aemond as he reached out and took Vaelys’ hand guiding her to the bed.

“Now, show me what it feels like to enjoy the touch of my husband”.

Vaelys had lost most of her senses the moment Aemond had pressed her onto the bed and knelt down between her open legs.

When he said he wanted to kiss her there, she never imagined this.

Vaelys’ eyes rolled into the back of her head as Aemond’s tongue swept across her slick wet folds.

Vaelys bit the back of her hand to keep herself from screaming as Aemond began using his long fingers to tease her entrance.

“Ivestragī issa rȳbagon ao” growls Aemond (Let me hear you).

 “A-Aemond. Oh god. Please” moaned Vaelys.

Aemond pressed two fingers inside Vaelys, moving them against a spot that made her entire body shake.

“I know your almost there. Let it happen my sweet. Come for me” whispered Aemond.

Vaelys arched her back and let out a scream as her pleasure erupted.

Aemond crawled up Vaelys’ body, placing gentle kisses on her skin as he moved higher and higher.

Vaelys blushed furiously when she saw that Aemond’s chin was shining with her slick.

“Calm yourself my little dragon” murmured Aemond.

“I-I’ve never-” mumbled Vaelys.

 “Was that your first peak?” asked Aemond.

 Vaelys blushed and nodded. Aemond smiled as he leaned forward and slowly ran his tongue along Vaelys’ bottom lip.

Vaelys jumped when she felt Aemond’s cock against her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go slow” whispered Aemond as he reached down and took hold of his hard cock rubbing it along Vaelys’ wet folds.

“Ok. I’m ready” replied Vaelys, her heart pounding. Aemond thrusts his hips forward and the entire hard length of him is buried inside Vaelys.

“Oh” gasped Vaelys. She had expected to feel pain, but this was something else entirely.

Aemond rolls his hips gently at first, allowing Vaelys the time to adjust to the feeling of his cock moving back and forth inside her, but when his wife begins issuing quiet yet insistent pleas of 'harder and faster' Aemond loses it and begins fucking Vaelys into the mattress.

Their hips pound together as Aemond thrusts hard and fast, his movements brutal and precise.

“Fuck” moans Aemond his cock throbbing with need.

“A-Aemond”

“What is it you desire, Princess?” asked Aemond, his thrusts becoming somewhat stuttered and messy, his singular eye screwed shut, he ready to burst at any moment. His silver hair stuck to his forehead, from the exertion of fucking his wife.

“You-Aemond-” gasped Vaelys. Aemond grinned, increasing the intensity of his thrusts, watching her body jerk with each movement of his hips.

He could feel her cunny fluttering around him, so he reached down to apply pressure to her pearl.

Vaelys let out a chocked moan as she felt is finger swirling around her, she buried one hand into his long silver hair and the other grasped his arm so tight her knuckles had turned white.

Aemond pulls back slightly to watch with excitement as his wife peaks again around his length.

With a choked, staggered moan of his own, Aemond grips her so tightly, she would surely bruise, as he spills himself inside her hot, wet cunny. Filling her with rope after rope of his seed, thrusting shallowly to ensure it was as deep inside her as possible.

Aemond collapsed on top of Vaelys, his face buried in her neck.

After he’d managed to catch his breath, Aemond slowly pulled his softened cock from his wife and laid down next to her, without thinking he enveloped her in his arms.

Vaelys felt warm and utterly exhausted. She shifted to look up at her husband, watching as his eye opened to look down at her.

“A-Are you ok?” asked Aemond.

“I’m ok” whispered Vaelys.

“Hmm” rasped Aemond as he leaned closer and pressed his mouth to hers.

“Thank you”

“For what?” asked Aemond.

“The wedding night, you were kind to me” uttered Vaelys.

“I am your husband it’s-“ stuttered Aemond as Vaelys leaned forward and seized his mouth in a kiss, her tongue slowly moving against his.

“Aemond” breathed Vaelys her fingers moving through the sparse hairs that graced his chest.

“Give me a few minutes ñuha dōna and I’ll be ready to have you again” (My sweet)

Aemond had a ravenous appetite that night, he kissed, licked, and fucked her well into the hours of the night.

Never fully satisfied until he’d filled her with his seed another three times.

Aemond was absolutely insatiable, even the next morning he had reached for Vaelys and had her again.

He muttered nonsensically as he thrust his hard cock into her, begging, and muttering filthy things in high Valyrian.

Afterwards, Aemond had wrapped his arms around Vaelys and held her close.

At some point Vaelys had managed to fall back to sleep, and she eventually awoke some hours later to find Aemond sitting at the table, eating his dinner.

“You should have woke me” muttered Vaelys as she kissed Aemond on the cheek.

“I didn’t want to disturb you” replied Aemond.

“I’m surprised Ser Criston hasn’t come banging on the door, as I assume you’ve missed your morning training session”.

“Missing one training session won’t hurt, besides I had other things to occupy my time” quipped Aemond.

“Glad to hear it” said Vaelys.

“Although I will be stuck in council meetings all day-“ muttered Aemond.

“I-I think I’ll stay in our chambers today-Helaena was going on about millipedes yesterday and I’d rather not be in the company of such-creatures” said Vaelys shuddering.

“Are you afraid of bugs?” asked Aemond trying to stifle a smile.

“T-They have their place in the world-just not anywhere near me” said Vaelys.

“Well, it’s a good job that I had some new books brought from the library-so you may read to your hearts content” replied Aemond.

“Thank you” replied Vaelys as she took a sip of water.

True to his word, Aemond was gone all day.

But Vaelys contented herself with sitting on the balcony and reading through the books that Aemond had brought.

As the sun began to set, the maids had delivered supper and Aemond still hadn’t returned.

Vaelys was about to ask the guard on duty if he knew when Aemond would be back when the door to her chambers opened, and Ser Arryk walked in.

“If your King has the gall to summon me again-tell him to go fuck himself” snapped Vaelys.

“I swore to ward the Queen, with all my strength and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I will guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honour”.

“Ser Erryk?” questioned Vaelys.

The memory of the day her mother had been crowned by her father, the crown of Viserys reaching Dragonstone by the hand of Ser Erryk.

"Your father sent me. We must leave now” said Erryk gesturing for her to follow.

“But-Aemond-” said Vaelys.

“This is your only chance Princess-Come we must go” said Erryk.

“The guard outside-”

“As far as anyone knows I’m Arryk and I’m escorting you to the Tower of the Hand” said Erryk.

"I could write Aemond a note" said Vaelys, looking around the chambers for ink and parchment.

"Princess-we must go" urged Erryk.

There was a part of Vaelys that didn’t want to leave Aemond-but she longed for her mother’s embrace, she missed her father and his lessons with the blade, she wished to hear the laughter of her brothers and sisters again, and she knew that she would never get another chance at this again, so after taking a deep breath Vaelys followed Erryk.

Ser Erryk's heart raced as he led Princess Vaelys through the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep. His armour clinked softly with each step, the weight of his mission pressing upon him like an invisible burden.

At the behest of her father, Daemon, he was to help Vaelys escape the clutches of her forced marriage to Aemond Targaryen.

The princess moved swiftly, her eyes wide with fear yet filled with determination. Erryk admired her bravery, even in the face of such danger. They reached the gate, their only barrier to freedom looming ahead.

With a silent prayer to the Seven, Erryk pushed open the heavy door, ready to usher Vaelys into the night and back to the safety of Dragonstone.

But their hopes were shattered as the gate swung open, revealing Aemond standing before them, his features twisted in a mix of fury and anguish.

Erryk's hand instinctively went to his sword, but before he could draw it, Aemond was upon him.

"Aemond, no" pleaded Vaelys, her voice trembling with desperation. But Aemond paid her no heed as he engaged Erryk in combat.

Steel clashed against steel, echoing through the courtyard as Erryk and Aemond fought with all their might.

Despite his skill, Erryk found himself outmatched by the rage-fueled attacks of the Targaryen prince.

With a final, brutal strike, Aemond delivered a fatal blow, and Erryk fell to the ground, his lifeblood staining the stone beneath him.

Vaelys screamed in horror as she rushed to Erryk's side, but Aemond seized her roughly, tearing her away from the fallen knight.

"No, Aemond, please," cried Vaelys, tears streaming down her face.

But Aemond's grip only tightened as he dragged her back towards the Red Keep.

[matan4il]

Daily update post:

A recent study (sorry, some stuff I can only find in Hebrew, this is one of those articles) shows 83% of Israeli kids are experiencing psychological distress since Oct 7. Among the kids of the south, (the area which was hit the worst, and where even communities that were not massacred by Hamas, were evacuated following this massive invasion), the percentage is even higher, 93%. An important note is that the study sampled both Jewish and Arab kids based on the size of these populations (Arabs make up 21% of Israeli citizens).

The IDF published aerial footage of Hamas stealing humanitarian aid from regular Gazans, and beating them up. If there's a blog that claims to be sharing pro-Palestinian info, but doesn't share this kind of news, they're not really pro-Palestinian, they're just exploiting Palestinians as an excuse to be anti-Israel.

The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is believed to have escaped from the northern Gaza City to the south, to Khan Younis, in a medical convoy. Just take in the cynical use of medical and humanitarian protections, to do anything which would prolong the fighting, no matter how many Palestinian lives it would cost. I'm trying hard to remember any other (real) liberation movement that was directly responsible for the deaths of so many of the people it seeked to liberate...

Five Israeli soldiers were pronounced dead yesterday, four were killed in Gaza, while one was badly wounded on Oct 7, and after over two months in hospital, passed away. The number of Israeli soldiers killed in the fighting in Gaza so far is 97. Up until number, the bloodiest battle Israel has had to wage in Gaza since withdrawing from it, was operation Protective Edge in 2014, with 70 Israeli soldiers killed.

The Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister said, when discussing plans for Gaza after the end of the war, that Hamas is an integral part of the Palestinian mosaic, and that dismantling Hamas is unacceptable to the Palestinian Authority.

Yesterday, an American base in Iraq was attacked by Hezbollah forces. You absolutely should ask yourself why the terrorist organization calling itself the "defender of Lebanon" has units in Iraq, and how is attacking American forces there helping Lebanon. Just a side note, Iran funds Hezbollah.

Also yesterday, the Yemenite terrorist group known as the Houthis announced that instead of going after Israeli ships only, they will target any ship that is headed for Israel through one of the most important naval routes in the world, and which is Israel's only connection to the far east. Essentially, it means they're placing Israel under a naval blockade. I'm looking forward to people condemning Yemen for occupying Israel. Just a side note, Iran funds the Houthis.

Today, it was published that in Cyprus, two Iranian political refugees, who entered the country with a fake passport, were arrested for collecting intel to carry out a terrorist attack against Israelis there. Just a side note, these refugees were in touch with Iran's political militarized force, IRGC. Stop me when you notice a theme here...

On the first even of Hanukkah, 138 hanukkiot were lit at the Kotel (the Western wall), one for each hostage. Since then, two of the hostages have been confirmed as murdered.

Following the Congress hearing where three presidents of prestigious universities couldn't explicitly say that a call for the genocide of the Jewish people constitutes bullying and harassment, UPenn's president resigned. That's good, but I wanna point out that, as their answers were obviously coordinated, down to repeating the exact same terms, there is no difference between UPenn's president and the ones of Harvard and MIT. They all need to go home. And the universities still have the burden of proof that this will be more than a cosmetic change in leadership.

I watched a TV interview with two married Israeli Harvard professors, who recounted how they went out and celebrated when Claudine Gay was elected as their university's president, and now they've chosen to leave Harvard and the US, to return to Israel, because the campus has become an environment that's just too toxic. I think if the amount of Jews who are moving to Israel, while the country is in a state of war, isn't a wake up call for the west, then nothing will be.

On the left is 25 years old Gal Eizenkott, the son of Israel's former Chief of Staff, and current minister, who is a part of the war cabinet, Gadi Eizenkott. I wrote about Gal in previous daily updates. Something I can add is that his father happened to be in an IDF command center, when they got the news of the incident in which Gal was killed. It took several minutes for the info to arrive at the command center, that one of those soldiers injured mortally was Gadi's son.

On the right is 19 years old Maor Cohen Eizenkott. Maor is Gal's cousin, and was a soccer player. He was killed a day after Gal, when an explosive device planted in a Gaza mosque blew up. Maor was buried today. May his memory be a blessing.

This is 53 years old Eitan Levi.

He was a taxi driver, who on Oct 7 took a lady to one of the kibbutzim on the border of Gaza. On his way back, he called his sister, telling her about the rocket barrages into Israel, and that he was scared. She stayed with him on the line as he was driving back from the south of Israel, but then he was stopped, his sister heard Arabic, shouts of "Allahu Akbar" and shots. Later, his phone was detected in Gaza, and he was considered kidnapped. Then Hamas released a video of its terrorists abusing a body. It was beyond recognition, but based on some accessories, the army finally determined it was Eitan, that he had been murdered on Oct 7, and it was his body that was kidnapped to Gaza. His sister watched the vid, but as the body is unrecognizable, she said in an interview, "He's the only family I have in this world. We don't even have a body to sit Shiva for. Until such time, I'm going to keep hoping he's alive, kidnapped and just injured."

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[apas-95]

I am wondering about something. Ofc I support and believe in the resistance! So this is not to undermine them but to understand. What is their leverage outside the prisoners of war who can be exchanged to free Palestinian prisoners? If the entity ends up killing more of their own prisoners or they die by other means. I doubt that is all they have but I am not an expert and you seem knowledgeable

Largely, same as it has been during the entire phase of resistance up to Oct 7 - the ability to engage and defeat the IOF militarily, and to project force into the occupied territories. The resistance is currently carrying out a naval blockade against the zionist entity, engages in constant ambushing and targeted destruction of IOF troops, and has to a certain extent already restored its civil capacities in the north of the Gaza strip. It carries out long-range strikes against the IOF and its backers, and leads a global movement of greater and lesser resistance and political pressure via BDS. IOF detachments in Khan Younis are ambushed and destroyed, US bases in Iraq are struck, Israeli ships are seized, even Saudi cuts ties and Egypt threatens war, and the Israeli state is tried in the Hague. Prisoner exchange was a tactic the IOF established as worthwhile, but it's definitely not the only tactic available.

[whencyclopedia]

Roman Naval Warfare

Military supremacy of the seas could be a crucial factor in the success of any land campaign, and the Romans well knew that a powerful naval fleet could supply troops and equipment to where they were most needed in as short a time as possible. Naval vessels could also supply beleaguered ports under enemy attack and, in turn, blockade ports under enemy control. A powerful navy was also indispensable to deal with pirates, who wreaked havoc with commercial sea-traders and even, on occasion, blockaded ports. Naval warfare had its own unique dangers, though, with adverse weather being the biggest threat to success, which is why naval campaigns were largely limited to between April and November.

Ships & Weapons

Ancient naval vessels were made of wood, water-proofed using pitch and paint, and propelled by both sail and oars. Ships with multiple levels of rowers, such as the trireme, were fast and manoeuvrable enough to attack enemy vessels by ramming. The largest ships were the quinqueremes, with three banks of rowers, two each for the upper two oars and one rower on the lower oar (around 300 in total). Ships could also be fitted with a platform via which marines could easily board enemy vessels - a device known as the corvus (raven). Built for speed, most warships were lightweight, cramped, and without room for storage or even a large body of troops. Such logistical purposes were better achieved using troop carrier vessels and supply ships under sail.

Aside from the bronze-covered battering ram below the waterline on the ship's prow, other weapons included artillery ballista which could be mounted on ships to provide lethal salvoes on enemy land positions from an unexpected and less protected flank or also against other vessels. Fireballs (pots of burning pitch) could also be launched at the enemy vessel to destroy it by fire rather than ramming.

Continue reading...

[visenyaism]

If the King Visenya Dance ends with Rhaenyra on the throne, who’s crowned after her? Just curious no worries if you haven’t thought about her?

Does Aegon IV still exist since Viserys was sent to Lys?

no i have a outline for this very silly conflict. buckle up under the readmore this is barely hinged and deeply unserious

so.

- Queen Rhaena (the lesbian) dies, names Saera as her successor at the last minute which no one wants to honor.

- Starts with Rhaenys on dragonstone, Baelon in KL, and Saera in Volantis headed to KL.

- Baelon still gets appendicitis and dies pretty early but everyone thinks it’s some kind of treachery.

- The war officially starts when Damon Targaryen runs into Corlys at Riverrun, trying to negotiate a betrothal between his daughter and some Muppet to back Rhaenys for the throne. fresh off of losing his father and currently consolidating support for his brother, Daemon wants someone to blame and kills Corlys.

- Daemon and Aegon (Viserys I) try to jump Rhaenys at Rook’s Rest, but she gets her way out of the trap and manages to take down Aegon’s dragon and severely injure him in the process. Aegon goes back to KL to rule and protect his daughter Rhaenyra, Daemon spends the rest of the time flying around the riverlands and lighting stuff on fire.

- while all of this is happening, there’s also an extended naval conflict between the Targannister faction, which exists, Viserra has a dragon(this is my mind palace i make the rules) and the Saera chaos faction. Two battles there:

1. combined Greyjoy/Triarchy chaos faction, almost successfully take Casterly Rock while Viserra is down by the gullet and little Jaeson (lol) tries to flee on his dragon at which point Saera’s daughter Aerea takes him down. However he just barely survives even though he loses his dragon, and the last man ended up killing Aerea, who is pinned down in enemy territory in the keep.

2. While trying to break the Triarchy blockade of the Gullet for her nephew who holds King’s Landing, Viserra and Saera have a dragon fight. Balerion is old and slow and unwieldy: takes a few scorpion bolts meant for Vermithor and goes down. Viserra and a severely injured Vermithor go down as well, some historians argue she was trying to save her drowning sister. Who knows.

- With both other factions, looking pretty bad, Rhaenys takes King’s Landing: Aegon (Viserys I) dies here, but his 10-year-old daughter Rhaenyra is able to see the city on her dragon. However, Syraxis very young at the time and takes a few hits which get infected and dies right after they makes it to the Eyrie.

- Daemon and Rhaenys kill each other over the gods eye on their parents’ dragons.

- Some variation of the storming of the dragonpit happens. Laenor and Laena successfully flee to Dragonstone, but Silverwing and Seasmoke do not :(

- No longer worried about being burned by Daemon. The Riverlands, Crownlands, and Stormlands forces are able to muster enough troops to actually get to Kings Landing and restore order.

- The war ends when they put Laenor on the throne. it ends with the wedding of Laenor and Rhaenyra to create some form of stability after everything.

- They have three kids “together.” Baela the Bdefiant, future mother of Daena Darksister, Jakey who dies in dorne with cregan stark, and Joffrey the religious freak.

- Laena stays in KL and later becomes master of coin.

- Saera’s son Viserys II is in Volantis and comes to King’s Landing with his wife Larra Rogare and their son Aegon to serve as Laenor and Jake and Joffrey’s hand after they extend an olive branch.

- The Targannister kids technically survived but lose their dragons so they’re just sort of like well you guys didn’t see any of that. we’re just lannisters now.

arc 2 of this absurd fire and blood revamp where everything is cringe in a way that’s specifically appeals to me complete