#vaelore

[aelenavelaryon]

JACAERYS VELARYON X REINA TARGARYEN

REINA TARGARYEN

The war had been waged, everyone had picked a side, and others had yet to decide who truly was worthy of the throne. In the time of war, alliances were necessary. A means to an end. Every soldier counted. They were needed. War was no easy task nor lightly taken. They knew only one of the king's children could come out on top and in order for the peace to remain, one would have to be put to the sword.

Rhaenyra's first course of action was peace. Despite what many believed she loved her brothers and sweet sister Helaena. She wanted nothing more than to be united as a family once more, or rather once and for all. Yet alas, nothing truly goes according to plan. It all started with two deaths. The death of Rhaenyra's second son, the Prince Lucerys Velaryon and the death of Aegon's firstborn son, Jaehaerys Targaryen. 

Once the two boys were murdered by their kin, war became an inevitable consequence of the actions of Aemond Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen. After the deaths of the two Targaryen children what came afterward was pure chaos, death, and destruction. Not only for the lords and ladies, or the common folk but for the Targaryen's as well. 

Rhaenyra knew every sword counted and she needed all the ones she could have. Her son, the Prince Jacaerys had proven himself worthy of being the next king, gathering allies and armies for his mother. From the Vale, the Frey's and the Stark's. Daemon was gathering armies from Harrenhal as well. And, they also had Dragonseeds. Targaryen bastards who claimed two dragons. Silverwing and Vermithor.

During a council meeting, a guard rushed into the room, everyone stood, thinking perhaps Aegon and his brother had come to burn down Dragonstone. Yet, they were told something else. "Ships, my queen. Hundreds of them it seems and three dragons" Rhaenyra and her council made their way to see if what the man had said was true. And as he told it, it was true. The ships held the Targaryen sigil and the dragons, they could swear they were the size of Vhagar. 

Rhaenyra awaited to see. Who was this person leading this army? The dragons land and some guards escort whoever it might be that has arrived. When they finally reach Rhaenyra, a woman walks from behind them. She was a Targaryen or at least a descendant of Valyria. She was wearing Targaryen Armor. A few scars were noticeable but she was a warrior, that much they could see. "My queen" she begins. "Who are you?" Rhaenyra asks. "I'm Reina Targaryen" the people stand in shock. A Targaryen. "My mother is Saera Targaryen and my father is Vaelor Targaryen, grandson of Maegor and Rhaena Targaryen" a shocking turn of events, that's what it was at that moment.

Rhaenyra was shocked, she knew Saera had children of her own, a family of her own. Sons. Hugh Hammer was one of them. Hugh didn't know he had a sister. "Had you stayed with your family you would've known mother married. But alas, you were always ashamed of our mother. Were you not?" she asked her brother without looking at him. "I have come here to help you win the war. Per my mother's request," she told Rhaenyra. "Why did she want to help me" Reina pulled out two letters. "This one is for you" she tells Rhaenyra as she hands her the letter before turning to Rhaenys. "And this for you" Rhaenys took the letter. 

Both women read the letters. Saera loved her brothers despite everything. She loved her niece and nephews. She had watched them grow up for a while before leaving. "Although my mother rarely got involved in the matter of the crown while she was still in King's Landing, she knew one day, a time like this would come. She hopes that House Targaryen will be much better under the watchful eye of a queen. Men have always been too closed minded" she said as she looked around the men. "In those boats are thousands of men, the Unsullied and the Dothraki" they had heard the tales of the Dothraki, skilled and precise, the Unsullied too, strong men. 

"I am the queen of the Free Cities, I have taken over, made sure there is peace. I know for a fact a Lannister has made allies with the triarchy, they do not like me. I am sure they offered them gold to take what is mine after they win, or the war they believe they will win" she smiled. "Change is good and I hope your people can see that. If they do not, well, I can assure you, they will not live to see another day, my queen" she said with a smile. For once, Rhaenyra felt like there was someone who understood her. Someone like her but much stronger. She would see Reina's strength and bravery. She saw Visenya born again, and she could not help to truly see it knowing that she was a close descendant of her. 

Rhaenyra welcomed Reina into her arms. She would never admit it out loud but she felt safe in her arms. Reina was as stated before strong and brave, but she was also kind and good. Hugh saw that she was nothing like her mother although he was ashamed to admit that he thought she might be like her. She was given a room, near Rhaenyra's and Jacaerys' room. During her time there, she noticed that Jace and Baela were closed. She knew about her family, she knew she was Daemon's daughter with Laena, Rhaenys's daughter. She knew they were to marry, to strengthen the bond between the Targaryens and Velaryons. She thought they were good together. Baela seemed brave and straight-headed. 

Rhaenyra had taken a liking to her, she was like the daughter she never had. The two would break their fast together and speak of the war and the many ways it could be avoided but deep down, Reina and Rhaenyra knew it could not be avoided no matter how hard they tried. "My mother misses King's Landing at times. Or rather her family more than the place. Her brothers. Aemon and Baelon. Her mother, the good queen" she smiled sadly. "Sometimes she reminisces of a time when House Targaryen was strong and united. When her brothers were alive when her sisters were alive. Even her parents, and despite her complex relationship with her father she loved and he loved her in his own twisted way" Rhaenyra nodded. "She said he wrote to her many times before he passed. Her mother did as well, but she was too proud, even now she still is" both women laughed. 

Reina looked at Rhaenyra. "When we win this war, I need to ask something of you. You may not like it but it needs to be done" Rhaenyra listened to her words. "The faith is more involved in the royal family and all more than you think. My mother believes that the Targaryen women fail to give birth because of it. Because they want to make sure we do not have children. They do not like what we represent and stand for" she nodded. She felt it too, she gave birth to her children without the Maesters from the Citadel. She had her own trusted ones. "House Hightower must end with them. Not all, as some stay follow the Faith of the Seven but they cannot hold the power they hold now. It must be reduced" Rhaenyra nodded. 

At that moment, Rhaenyra knew she needed someone like Reina in King's Landing. Someone who could rule with Jacaerys by his side. Baela was a good match for her son, but Reina was a far better one. Three dragons, gold, an army, and ships, matching House Velaryon. Perhaps a marriage alliance was much needed. And with Reina by her side, nothing would dare to come her way. Not even the Dragonseeds.

[thedeadthree]

the creative process at work i suppose! 🤍😵‍💫

[gahmah-raan]

Zolph Vaelor and Hiriss Moraana - Comrades

This is the cover art for Star Wars: Paranormalities: Episode III - Chapter 2: Allies

I’m now at the point that I’m going to start re-sharing my more current artwork (even if they’ve already been shared here on Tumblr once before, if only to keep them from being buried behind my older stuff when looking through the archive).

[lol-im-done]

Love in the Kingswood | Harwin Strong X Reader

Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2489

Synopsis: Princess Rhaenyra's Lady in Waiting, Lady (Y/N) Vaelor, slays a boar to protect her cousin, upon her return to the royal camp she realizes she's caught the attention of Ser Harwin Strong, and as they go on their own hunt they fall in love.

Author's Note: Feedback and comments are always appreciated! Also any ideas for other one shots so I can be inspired to write more :). Can be found on A03 as well.

Never had you been so happy to see a forest as you were when you arrived at the Kingswood. After hours of awkward small talk, glares from Alicent and the uncomfortable bumpy carriage ride you were more than ready to disembark. As Lady in Waiting to Princess Rhaenyra you were a constant companion at her side and as a distant cousin you were welcomed into the inner circle of the Royal Family. King Viserys had recognized Rhaenyra’s increasing isolation after Queen Aemma’s death so he reached out to your father Lord Vaelor who quickly dispatched you to King’s Landing. It was daunting at first but you became fast friends with Rhaenyra, a comforting and supporting presence for her. As the royal carriage slowed you could hear the cheers for the babe Aegon outside, Rhaenyra already withdrawing into herself. 

“Are you ready?” you asked softly, grasping her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. After a few seconds she gave you a brave smile and nod before stepping off with you at her side. 

The encampment was enormous with various tents and booths for Aegon’s name day celebration. Soon you found yourself in the main royal tent and after a quick conversation with King Viserys who doted on you as if his own daughter, you went on your rounds but kept a watchful eye on Rhaenyra. The King never explicitly stated you were to mind her but it became evident you were also responsible for keeping her in line, as spirited as she was. As you exchanged words with Larys Strong, you could see Rhaenyra speaking with her father, both voices increasing in tandem with their agitation. As their argument came to a crest, gathering the attention of the court, Rhaenyra stormed off. 

“Pardon me, Larys I must go!”

Larys, understanding your role, nodded and stepped aside as you tried your best not to run in the tent, trying to make it through the maze of people. Once you were at the exit you broke into a sprint at the same time someone was walking in. 

“Excuse me, I’m so sorry!” you apologized, not even recognizing the tall man you had bumped into. Ser Harwin Strong had seen you at court, a quiet shadow to the fiery Princess Rhaenyra, and had only formally met you when King Viserys had introduced you to the court. Watching you run after her he couldn’t help a small smile, he found your panicked state quite adorable. As he watched you go after Rhaenyra, his brother inched closer to him. 

“Lady Vaelor is most kind, I’m sure she did not mean to leave in such a haste,” Larys noted. 

“Do you spend time with her often?” Harwin turned to his brother. “We sometimes cross paths in the library and will have tea with others from court in the Godswood,” Larys replied. 

“Do I sense romance?” Harwin teased but Larys rolled his eyes. “No. But from the way you constantly ask after her and the way you stared at her bottom as she walked past I’d say you had that notion in your own head,” Larys replied coolly. Harwin let out a bark of laughter, slapping his brother on the arm before continuing into the tent, the feeling of your body pressing against his, still on his mind. 

“Rhaenyra wait!” you cried, lifting the bottom of your skirt as you tried to keep up with her long strides but she was soon galloping off into the forest. 

“Ser Criston-,” you called out and you didn’t need to finish as he helped you up on your horse before mourning his own. Without wasting another minute your steeds were off, racing to follow Rhaenyra. You loved your cousin dearly, would defend her to the very end but sometimes you swore she was trying to give you gray hairs. Thankfully you were a skilled rider and even in your dress you quickly caught up with her. Criston grabbed the reins of her horse and she scowled as she was stopped. 

“Gods above Rhaenyra give me warning next time you decide to run off,” you shook your head, patting the neck of your horse to calm it down. 

“I just couldn’t stand it one more minute! I don’t want to marry,” she pouted, silver strands whirling around her face. Criston looked over to you and you both exchanged a serious look, shaking your head in disappointment but the air of seriousness broke as Rhaenyra smirked, making the forest come alive with your trio’s laughter. 

Rhaenyra insisted on walking back but you were nowhere close to the camp by the time the sun had set. Thankfully your horses had food and water and a light blanket strapped to them so you assisted Criston in making the fire as Rhaenyra set up for the night. 

“Do you think the realm would ever accept me as Queen?” Rhaenyra broke the calm silence as you all ate the bread and meat from your packs. 

“The lords bent the knee to you Princess,” Criston replied but she didn’t seem satisfied by that answer. 

“I think that you will be a great Queen. The realm never had a chance to be reigned by a Queen before. They may be uncomfortable at first but once you prove yourself to them they will love you as I do cousin,” you said making her grin. Before she could reply there was a rustle in the distance and the horses began to whine. Criston was up and peering into the darkness, sword at the ready for whatever it could be. From the corner of your eye you saw Rhaenyra bring out her glinting dagger and you cursed yourself for being unprepared. Suddenly you and Rhaenyra screamed as a large boar burst through the bushes and rammed into Criston sending him flying to the side. It barreled straight towards Rhaenyra, jumping on top of her as she let out another scream. The urge to defend and protect surged through you as you grabbed her dagger from the ground. With a cry you plunged it into the boar’s back with a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed everywhere, hot and sticky, and the squeals of the boar filled the air. Criston pulled Rhaenyra out from under the boar as you continued to stab it, not stopping until it went completely still. The dagger fell from your hands, and you looked down, eyes widening in realization. Blood poured down your face and neck and the light purple fabric of your dress turned maroon. 

“Fuck,” you hung your head. 

“Fuck indeed,” Rhaenyra whispered, as she held onto Criston tightly. 

“Cheers to Lady Vaelor, Slayer of Boars,” Criston breathed out before you fell over in exhaustion. 

The following morning your trio finally made it back to the royal camp, exhausted, dirty and in need of a bath. The only upside was your kill which was being dragged by Criston’s horse. It soon became clear to everyone who had killed the boar. Climbing off your horse you tried to keep your composure as dozens of eyes watched you. Thank the gods your mother was not here or she would have dragged you off by your ear. Judgment and shock were evident on everyone’s faces as you walked alongside Rhaenyra. She had some blood splattered on her boots but you were drenched. It must have been quite the sight, Lady (Y/N) Vaelor, Princess Rhaenyra’s Lady in Waiting covered in the blood of the boar she had slain. What caught you by surprise was that in the sea of judgmental gazes there was a man, smiling. He was grinning as he peeled the skin off a rabbit, eyes roaming over you in a way that sent a delightful shiver over your body. Then you quickly realized who it was- Ser Harwin Strong. Thankfully the blush that spread across your cheeks was hidden by the blood. You were acquaintances with his brother Larys but had never gotten the chance to spend time with the man they called Breakbones. There he was eyeing you with a mixture of awe and something else, a sort of hunger. Breaking away from his gaze you followed Rhaenyra to your personal tent for a long awaited bath. 

Later that evening you mustered the courage to come out of your tent and eat dinner. King Viserys had publicly thanked you for the boar, which was cooked for tonight. Not used to all of this attention you kept to the edge of the feast, picking at your meal. A shadow passed over you and when you looked up, your heart began to beat as fast as a hummingbirds. 

“Ser Harwin,” you curtsied, dress pooling around you, tongue grazing your teeth to make sure nothing was stuck in it. 

“At ease Lady Vealor,” he replied seriously as if you were a fellow member of the Night’s Watch, making you giggle. “That was horrible, I apologize,” Harwin chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“No, it was quite funny. How can I help Ser Harwin, if you are looking for the Princess-,” you began but he stepped closer to you, close enough that you needed to look up as he towered over you. “No, I was looking for you,” he said. Another blush spread across your cheeks and you found yourself at a loss for words. The most handsome man in Westeros (in your opinion because Rhaenyra would argue Daemon) was looking for you?!

“What do you say to going out on a small hunt of our own?” he asked hopefully. “I was impressed by your killing of the boar and I’ve heard you enjoy archery-,” he continued to ramble, as if afraid to hear rejection from you. 

“I’d love to.”

Harwin paused, eyes widening with happiness and he suppressed the urge to sweep you up in his arms at the moment. Gathering his composure he stepped back, “Tomorrow morning then, I shall arrive at your tent at sunrise, My Lady,” Harwin bowed his head. 

“See you then Ser Harwin,” you curtsied before dashing off to find Rhaenyra. 

Morning couldn’t come soon enough and when Harwin announced himself outside your tent you were ready, flinging the curtain open. Harwin forgot what he was going to say as he looked down at you as he gulped. Gone was the usual purple dress, today you looked like a huntress. Hair braided away from your face, leather trousers, your house sigil of two spears embroidered on your vest. 

“Good morning Ser Harwin, Princess Rhaenyra is spending the day with the King so it looks like I’m all yours today,” you greeted him with a shy smile. 

“I’ll take any time I get with you Lady (Y/N),” Harwin smiled back before offering you his arm. 

Your conversation had started light as you walked through camp, the usual pleasantries especially with so many ears around but as you made your way deeper into the forest you found yourself opening up more. Harwin was a great listener, nodding along to your stories and quite eager to learn more about you as he asked about your home, your life. It wasn’t long before you began to see evidence of rabbits in the area, Harwin insisting you take the lead on the hunt. 

“Wouldn’t you prefer to be out there hunting down deer and wolves Ser Harwin, instead of hunting little rabbits with a Lady,” you teased as you crouched down. Harwin crouched down beside you, angling his body closer to yours. 

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be at this moment,” he whispered, his breath tickling your ear. Turning to look at him, you were entranced by the depth of his eyes and you resisted the urge to run your hand through his mess of curls, turning back to the task at hand. Harwin watched as you brought out your bow, silently parting the bushes to get a clearer look at your target. 

Notching the arrow your eyes narrowed in concentration, as you prepared your kill. Slowly your breaths evened out and with a final exhale your arrow went flying before hitting the rabbit straight through the eye. 

“Damn!” Harwin cheered, squeezing your shoulder. Other men would have chastised you for your skill, or felt their manhood threatened but not Harwin. Ser Harwin Strong was not like other men, and you could already feel the stir of love in your chest. 

After a few hours you had amassed quite a few rabbits and hares, Harwin carrying them in a bag as you walked beside him. With every step your bodies inched closer, shoulders grazing one another’s. After a few more minutes you approached a small creek bed that led to the camp and before you could look for a log to cross over, Harwin offered you his hand. Thinking he would guide you through the small stream you took it, “Thank you Ser-,” you began but let out a squeak as he wrapped his muscular arm around your waist and hoisted you up against his body. Instinctively you curled up against him, arms snaking around his neck as he walked you both through the water. He did not let you go however until you came closer to the camp, not at all tired. As he let you down you fought the urge to pout, not wanting to leave his comforting grasp. 

“I’ve had a wonderful time, truly,” you thanked him, looking up at Harwin. 

“Please just Harwin,” he said, hand reaching out to wipe dirt off your cheek gently. 

“Harwin,” you echoed. 

“Can I ask you something?” Harwin asked a bit nervously, and you nodded. “Why did you say yes to coming with me? I know my reputation-.”

“I said yes because you’re not like other men. You asked me to hunt with you, not to watch you hunt. Your brother Larys speaks nothing but good things about you. You’ve been nothing but kind to me Harwin,” you said sincerely. It was Harwin’s turn to blush and he looked around quickly to make sure no one was watching. Leaning forward his hand came to cup your neck and for a moment you thought he was aiming for your lips but instead his lips pressed against your forehead in a sweet kiss, so delicate for someone nicknamed Breakbones. 

“I will always be kind to you (Y/N), I will be by your side if you let me,” Harwin whispered as he stared longingly into your eyes. 

“I want nothing more,” you whispered back before surging upwards to kiss him, not caring who saw. Little did you know your journey with him would not end there but your relationship would blossom and endure through a civil war of fire and blood. Ballads would be sung of his strength in battle and of yours in diplomacy and eventually dragon riding, and in the end your children would carry on the legacy of both your houses with pride and glory. 

[chaosordoffl]

Some Valyrian/Targaryen/Velaryon names. No expertise here, simply following patterns to see what sounds and looks nice + canon sources and Valyrian dictionary plucks. In chrono & thought order.

Canon — Rhaenys, Rhaena, Rhaella, Rhaenyra, Rhaegel, Rhae, Rhaelle, Rhaegar (All Targ)

Derived — Rhaenion, Rhaenelle, Rhaenella, Rhaegor, Rhaegon, Aenyra, Rhaelion, Rhaenyx, Rhaelyx, Rhaenar, Rhaenyar, Rhaenel, Rhaelys, Rhaevel, Rhaevis, Rhaevys, Viserrhae, Rhaenya, Rhaenior, Rhaenor, Rhael, Rhaen, Rhaejel, Rhaeqan, Rhaellor, Rhaemon, Rhaemond, Rhaenyron, Rhaema

Canon — Aenar, Aegon, Aerys, Aelyx, Aerion, Aethan (1 Velaryon), Vaegon, Aenys, Aerea, Naerys, Aegor, Aelor, Aelora (Rest Targ)

Derived — Aegar, Aelon, Aelys, Aelar, Aelara, Aella, Aelinor, Aeral, Aeron, Aelion, Aegys, Aegal, Aelia, Naera, Naeron, Naerion, Naerelle, Naerella, Naerea, Aethal, Aethelle, Aethys, Aethion, Aethar, Aethial, Aenor, Aethor, Aerelle, Gaelyx, Aenyx, Aeryx, Baelyx, Aelial, Aeliar, Aelior, Vaegal, Vaegor, Vaegar, Vaelior, Vaelor, Aerial, Aeriel, Aelan, Aevys, Aevelle, Aevella, Haelyx, Haelian, Aenir, Haethan, Haelan, Haelor, Aekor, Haeral

Canon — Gaemon (T), Daemion (T & V), Daemon (V & T), Aemon (T), Aemma (T [Andal?]), Vaemond (V), Aemond (T), Daeron (V later T)

Derived — Daemyra, Daemys, Daemyn, Daemelle, Daema, Gaemar, Daerelle, Daerion, Aemys, Aemar, Aemor, Aemir, Aemira, Aemara, Aemora, Daemor, Daemora, Vaemon, Gaema, Gaemond, Gaemyn, Gaemion, Aemion, Gaemor, Aemior, Aemyn, Aemin, Aerona, Aemona, Aemia, Aeman, Aemal, Aemelle, Gaemia, Aemol, Aemil, Aemila, Aemilon, Aemilor, Aeminor, Daemyron, Daeminor, Haemon, Naemon, Haemia, Naema, Haemal, Haemar, Naemior, Naemor, Daemian

Canon — Daenys, Daenerys, Daella, Daenaera (1 V), Daena, Daenora (Rest T)

Derived — Daenyra, Daenar, Daenor, Daenelle, Daenal, Daen, Nerys, Naera, Daenir, Daenyx, Daeryx, Daerys, Daera, Daerya, Daenya, Daenyron, Daenorion, Norion, Daenyrion, Daenarion, Daenaeron, Daellar, Daelar, Daelon, Daelor, Daelan, Daelana, Daelanys, Daelenys, Daelyn, Aenaera

Canon — Maegon, Maegor, Maegelle, Maelor, Maekar (All T)

Derived — Maegar, Maela, Maelys, Maegys, Maegera, Maegara, Maegerys, Maegal, Maegyn, Maegan, Maekor, Maekaera, Maegaera, Maegaela, Maekion, Maelyra, Maegyra, Maelara, Maelar

Canon — Elaena (T), Valaena, Laena, Laenor (3 V), Helaena (T)

Derived — Laenys, Laenyra, Laenar, Laenelle, Helaenys, Elaenor, Elaenys, Laenion, Laenir, Laenyx, Elaenar, Laenora, Haena, Vaena, Alaena, Haela, Norys, Alaenys, Vaenys, Galaena

Canon — Visenya, Viserys, Viserra (T)

Derived — Viserya, Visenys, Senys, Saenys, Saenya, Saenar, Saenelle, Saenyelle, Saenyella, Serya, Serra, Serys, Saenir, Saenyx, Saenor, Viselya, Senial, Serial, Saerial, Visellan, Visarys, Visenna, Virenna

Canon — Baelon, Baela, Baelor, Balerion (Blackfyre), Valerion (Rest T)

Derived — Baelys, Baelar, Bael, Baelir, Alerion, Aleria, Aelir, Valeria, Valerys

Canon — Jaehaerys (T), Jacaerys (V), Lucerys (V), Jaehaera (T)

Derived — Lucerra, Lucerion, Jaehaerion, Jaerion, Lucerya, Jacaera, Jaena, Jaenelle, Jaecelle, Jaesir, Jaekar, Jaeron, Jaela, Jaelon, Jaelor, Jaerys, Haerys, Haera, Kael, Kaecion, Kaeciel, Kaecelle, Kaerys, Kaerion, Kaeriel, Lucarys, Jaeca, Nicerys, Nicaerys, Hecaerys, Nicerion, Hicaerys, Niceria, Nicae, Lucarya, Lucaenys, Lucaena, Nocorys

Canon — Lianna, Larissa (V [Andal? First Men?]), Alarra (FM [Massey]), Alyssa (V & T [Andal? FM?]), Alysanne (T)

Derived — Alysor, Lianys, Lianor, Sianna, Amanna, Alanna, Noranna, Narra, Nyssa, Anyssa, Alarya, Asenna, Norissa, Irenna, Orissa, Lysarra, Lisarra, Aranna

Canon — Valarr, Vaella (T)

Derived — Vaelys, Valarys, Alarys, Alarya, Valarya, Valarra, Vaellan

Canon — Gael, Saera, Shaera (T)

Derived — Saerys, Gaelys, Gaelor, Gaelon, Gaelion, Saerion, Shaerys, Shaerial, Shaerelle, Shaelle, Shael, Shaelys, Saevys, Shaerion, Gaela, Shaela, Shaehaera

Canon — Corwyn (V [Andal?]), Corlys (V)

Derived — Corla, Corlia, Corlaenys, Cora, Corys, Corlenys, Corlea, Corlae, Corvan, Corvana, Corvys

Malentine

Rhogar(/Rogar?/Rogare? [FM? HV?])

Monford

Monterys (All V)

Derived — Terys, Teraea, Taeraea, Taerion, Monys, Monerys, Montys, Rhogel, Malentys, Malenta, Monterion, Monterra, Mona, Monae, Monarra, Malentina, Lentys, Lenta, Lenya, Taenys, Taena, Alentys, Malya, Malys, Malea, Malena, Malenna, Malaena, Amalla, Alenna, Marissa, Monassa, Monessa, Monerra, Mosarra, Malarra, Malenys, Amarys, Mantys, Malta, Maltys, Maltine, Maltina, Amalta, Amaltine, Alta, Altys, Altarra, Maltar, Maltarys, Marion, Maltior, Malerion, Mornys, Mortys, Morton, Omorr, Omon, Malenion, Malenior, Almys, Monissa, Montissa, Montessa, Omona, Omorra, Maltion, Malton, Almont, Almae, Maltorra, Torys, Garys, Garla, Galtys, Torrine, Tarine, Maltarine, Maltarra, Almerra, Almarra, Almorra, Alterra, Lamina, Monta, Monte, Montae, Taera, Taerine, Taerin, Taerys, Manta, Almina, Almine, Rhonal, Rhonior, Rhomys, Almar, Malar, Malarr, Malarys, Almarys, Maline, Rhomalt, Rhomion, Rhomior, Rhomia, Rhoma, Rhoton, Rhomine, Rhomal, Rhogal, Rhomina, Rhomon, Rhomar, Rhomorr, Almassa, Rhomys, Rhomyn, Torial, Malial, Rhovys, Rhowyn, Matarra, Atarra, Rhomond, Rhomorra, Tormon

Matarys (T)

Derived — Matarya, Matara, Matys, Tarys, Tarya, Atara, Atarys, Tarial, Tarhael, Matarr

Canon — Orys, Borys, Orryn (Baratheon)

Derived — Orial, Ora, Orya, Orra, Borya, Boria, Boryl, Orelle, Orianne, Orael, Orrael, Orhael, Borion, Orion, Bora, Orian, Oryal, Oryas, Orias, Orios, Oryos, Rys, Ryssa, Ryssal, Orlisse, Rysla, Ryn, Rynel, Rynella, Boryn, Borryn, Rynal, Dorys, Orella, Dorella, Oryl, Orgillac, Orgyll, Borella, Borylla, Bolia, Bolas, Orlas, Ollyn, Olys, Olya, Orianna, Lorys

Bonus: Argellys

Canon — Maelys, Haegon, Aeryn, Calla, Rhalla, Shaena (Blackfyre)

Canon non-Westerosi Valyrians:

Jaenara Belaerys, Aurion

Canon Dragons:

Urrax, Terrax, Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes, Vermithor, Caraxes, Meleys, Syrax, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, Tessarion, Shrykos, Morghul, Viserion, Rhaegal

Unknown — Gaelithox?, Aegarax?

Original & HV Derived (some more suitable for dragons) — Aelsior, Qaelys, Qylys, Vhenys, Vhenya, Vhinyae, Vhanir, Vaenir, Vaenyx, Baelykos, Lykael, Lykaera, Raqael, Raqel, Raqys, Raqyssa, Raqissa, Raqar, Raqir, Raqor, Raqora, Raqior, Kionar, Malkion, Malkios, Vhaltir, Malkior, Vaedys, Vaedar, Elenys, Elenia, Elēnar, Elenarys, Elenarya, Elenara, Kostys, Kostir, Kostior, Pelarys, Pelonia, Pelonys, Eledrae, Eledrys, Eledryn, Peria, Perza, Perzys, Zysa, Amisor, Amisa, Aexior/Aeksior, Aexion/Aeksion, Raenion, Raenior, Qana, Qanys, Qantys, Ēbrior, Ēbrion, Ēbria, Jelmys, Jelmarys, Jelmazys, Jelissa, Tessarys, Tessara, Tessarae, Dessan, Dessenae, Hārys, Tōmarr, Tōmarys, Tōmasyn, Tessarax, Syrion, Syriel, Jēdarys, Jēdaria, Jorrael, Trēzos, Elilla, Vāedan, Ōrbēdon

Possible High Valyrian roots for names:

Rhaen — to; meet, find, encounter, discover

Bael — to help, to aid, to assist

Jael — to want, to wish/to store, to house

Jaelarys — hope (possible name)

[ashblooddragons]

The Red Queen Kids 2nd post

Laenora

Vaelor and Vaenaera

Aenys

[griffinkid]

Big Fella has a formal name now, which is Vaelor

I kept using him as a dragon in various GoT/HotD type RPs and I couldn't keep saying with a straight face that "the dragon's name is Big Fella" so he got a dragony name off a name generator

But he's still Big Fella to me 🐲

[the20thangel]

Okay! My time to shine when it comes to name hyper fixations in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Boy Names:

Valyrian Names: Jaesys, Vaelor, Rhaenor (just a combo of Rhaenyra and Laenor), Aelyx

Westerosi Names: Athen, Brydan, Aren, Arton, Rydan

Girl Names:

Valyrian Names: Naeria, Aelys, Jacaera, Jaesia, Shaera, Haera

Westerosi Names: Taliya, Camylle, Kina, Nyla, Mereya

I could name more but I do not wish to overwhelm you.

Fun fact though! Baegel could be considered a valid Valyrian name

AHHH THESE NAME CHOICES ARE JUST GREAT!!! Bless you!

[depravedapostle]

Finally named him, Vaelor!

[seventhwinterwolf]

Jon Snow’s Targaryen Name

(I had an anon send in a question about my thoughts on Jon being called Aegon and when I went to reply the site crashed and it was no longer in my inbox... rip)

Short version, I think he would have had a name that started with V, my personal favorite is Viserax or Visenya had Jon turned out to be a woman.

First off, I think Jon as Aegon is dumb given that Rhaegar already had Aegon and Rhaenys with Elia Martell and was hardcore obsessed with prophecy. The dragon has three heads and Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives in particular. I think he would have given Jon a V name like Visenya if he had been a girl or maybe Viserys but that is already somewhat taken by Rhaegar’s brother. Other VISE or V names could include Viserra, Vaella, Valarr, Valerion, or made from the long list of Valyrian combos. (Here’s a thorough list of prefixes and suffixes)

I don’t think that Rhaegar would be concerned with Lyanna Stark not being married to him and thus Jon being a bastard. Rhaegar could have planned to legitimize Jon at any point after the war had he survived and assumed the throne. Elia’s difficulty in childbirth was not going to prevent Rhaegar from having another child in his dream of recreating the first King Aegon with Queen Rhaenys and Queen Visenya. Jon being a boy skews this and if Lyanna had lived I could see Rhaegar having another child from her in the hopes of attaining his Visenya.

Furthermore, the show was also stupid to do this knowing that fake Aegon/Young Griff is a thing in the books and one more current-gen Targ being called Aegon is unnecessarily confusing. If the show had named Jon something else closely related like Aemon that would have been slightly better even though it only has meaning in retrospect given Jon’s relationship with Maester Aemon. Better yet, name him Aemond as the younger brother to the next King Aegon to resemble the Dance of the Dragons.  

I do like the common trope of Jon having a name starting with J, unfortunately, it’s a limited J list in the canon name histories. Jaehaerys is neat and I am fine with that being Jon’s name. Especially if Rhaegar planned to have more children from Lyanna then Visenya could be next. Jon not being his preferred and ideal daughter could potentially lead Rhaegar to cast him aside to keep going for a girl. In this scenario where Lyanna lives and Rhaegar has more children after his first three then I could see Jon having any Valyrian name that wasn’t already in use by another family member.

List of Alternative Valyrian Names for Jon

Not V or J: Aemond, Aerion, Daemon, or Maekar

Starts with J: Jaehaerys, Jaegal, Jaelys, Jaelyx, Jaehaerax, Jaeraxes, Jaeron, etc

Starts with V: Viserys, Viserax, Valarr, Valerion, Vaelerys/Vhalerys, Vaelyx, Vaelor, etc

My Faves: Viserax, Jaehaerys, Daemon, Aemond, Maekar

[xasha777]

In a world where the veil between nature and magic thinned with each passing day, the forest of Elysia stood as a testament to this transformation. Here, the air shimmered with a palpable enchantment, and the creatures that roamed its depths were not just animals, but guardians of ancient wisdom.

Among them was Vaelor, the Stag of Stars, whose antlers were not mere bone but living branches teeming with the verdant bounty of the forest. His eyes glowed with the light of a thousand fireflies, and his body was adorned with mystical symbols that pulsed with an ethereal glow. Vaelor was the keeper of the forest's heart, the core of life that sustained the magic of Elysia.

Beyond the mystical borders of Elysia, the world of men thrived in technological splendor, ignorant of the enchantments that lay hidden. Their latest achievement was a breed of genetically engineered Lincoln sheep, known for their luminous wool that held the capacity to store energy. These sheep were more than livestock; they were bioreactors, part of a grand scheme to harness biological systems for power.

The balance of nature began to waver when a rogue scientist, Dr. Elara Myles, discovered the portal to Elysia. Obsessed with the fusion of technology and magic, she envisioned a new world where both could coexist and enhance each other. With her Lincoln sheep, she entered the forest, unaware of the rules she was about to break.

As the sheep grazed on the enchanted flora, their wool absorbed not just energy but magic, glowing brighter with an uncanny luminescence. This disturbance did not go unnoticed. Vaelor, sensing the intrusion of foreign magic, sought out the source, leading him to Elara and her flock.

Elara, struck by the majesty and power of Vaelor, saw in him the perfect conduit for her experiments. She proposed a symbiosis: her technology could amplify the forest's magic, while the magic could enhance her creations. However, the forest was not hers to command, and Vaelor, wise and ancient, had seen the ruin that often followed man’s ambition.

Yet, he sensed something pure in Elara’s spirit, a genuine desire to mend the worlds of nature and human innovation. Thus, he offered her a challenge: to live among the forest creatures and learn the ways of magic from its roots, to understand the true essence of balance and respect.

Elara accepted, leaving her life of science to follow the path of magic under Vaelor's guidance. As the months passed, the Lincoln sheep, now roaming freely, became part of the forest, their glowing wool a sight of wonder, symbolizing a new era of harmony.

The story of Elara and Vaelor spread beyond Elysia, a tale of a world where the lines between science and magic blurred into a beautiful coexistence, inspiring those who believed that perhaps, in the careful stewardship of both, lay the salvation of their own fading world.

[thedeadthree]

— WIP TITLE MEME

TAGGED BY the dears @arklay, @aartyom, @denerims, @prometheas, @jackiesarch, @dihardys, and @yennas! ty ty so much! y’all are the sweetest omg <3

rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it.

— HOTD

daemon envies the stars bc they remind him of iovanna (daemon x iovanna)

hand in unlovable hand (una x aegon)

the bond of ice and fire (calla x cregan)

its the last supper and everyone knows illyria and aemy like each other except illyria (illyria x aemond)

iovanna and daemon soaring on dragonback together! its so special to me! (iovanna x daemon)

daemon dances with iovanna at the wedding, and is called a stupid man by a five-year-old who's so not his son

daemy best girl dad ever and the dragon race with calla

daemy best girl dad ever with visenaera

its the stepstones and iovanna has had it with the who has the bigger stick match between daemon and maekar

— ASOIAF / GOT

some people are into being threated with valyrian steel daggers cessair! / in throes of increasing wonder (maegor x cessair)

visenaera, aemon, and vaelor escape hell!.......holt.

aurane "mark me down as scared and into it" waters (valaenya x aurane)

the dragon dreamer and the scion of ice and fire (urrea x jon)

saerys and the darkstar (saerys uller x gerold dayne)

— THE ELDER SCROLLS

just when you think it couldn't get any worse now you want to date a blonde guy (vindamea x caranthir)

— TOLKIEN LEGENDARIUM

bloodlines will burn (almárëa x sauron/halbrand)

— FALLOUT

way back home the no wasteland au (yelena x alaric)

— CALL OF DUTY

karolinas surefire method of wooing (karolina x simon "ghost")

isidora, alejandro and the great "are they married" mystery (isidora x alejandro)

TAGGING: @feystepped, @griffin-wood, @kingsroad, @marivenah, @chuckhansen, @queennymeria, @risingsh0t, @florbelles, @thee-morrigan, @leonscottskennedy, @morvaris, @rosebarsoap, @leondaltons, @jendoe, @malefiicarum, @fragilestorm, @leviiackrman, @aceghosts, @loriane-elmuerto, @unholymilf, @confidentandgood, @amistrio, @belorage, @adelaidedrubman, @jacobseed, @multiverse-of-themind, @plasticdodecagon, @heroofpenamstan, @shadowglens, @shellibisshe and you!

[gahmah-raan]

Zolph Vaelor - Force Channeling (Silver Seraph)

This is the form Zolph took on at the end of Star Wars: Paranormalities: Episode II to defeat Emperor Valkor's avatar after absorbing Maesterus's Forceless symbiote. Unlike the first version of this power, he doesn't go berserk from not having his emotions in control, allowing him to amplify his own Force powers and use them with more focus. Unfortunately, Zolph's ability to control this power is far from perfected, as he was barely keeping his anger over Maesterus's death in check at the time he used it. And even then, Force channeling only lasts until the absorbed Forceless symbiote is completely exhumed, and after that, he just reverts back to an ordinary Jedi. From an artistic standpoint, giving him four wings as opposed to the berserk version having a blade-tipped tentacle attached to the back of his head was done to not only give him more of an advantage against the colossus Valkor, but reflect absorbing Maesterus's symbiote. Sadly, I didn't notice the asymmetrically positioned wing-eye until after this was uploaded. Note to self if I ever decide to draw Zolph as the Seraph again or if anyone else wants to draw this character.

[kpswrites]

Sunrunner - Chapter Eight

Levisia Station was a speck on the vidscreen, hardly discernible from the stars around it. Its diminutive size on the display did no justice to its true scale. Levisia was home to millions of spacers and, at any given time, a rest stop for a million more. It was a place to resupply, blow off steam, and engage in whatever flavour of debauchery one fancied. The scope of the station made it an ideal place to find whatever one needed or to disappear into its organized chaos.

“We’re getting a message,” Ozzy said as they approached the dock.

The mirthless face of Vaughan Spectre was broadcast on every vidscreen on the ship.

"Crew of the Sunrunner, if you are receiving this communication, then you have arrived at Levisia Station. Directions have been provided for a debrief with a trusted contractor aboard the station. They will assist you should you pursue the recovery of the item stolen from our facility in the Arebus system. Your service to Remington Corporation has been noted.

"Gross," Odybrix said over comms.

"We didn't have to take this job," Adam said. "We—they just want to get back what was stolen from them."

"I know you're part of the corporate family, kid, but you have to understand that what they were doing in that facility wasn't right."

"We're the same age and there are plenty of sciency things that can go wrong with research and development. That's why there are contingencies-"

"Like deadly radiation-"

"Like decontamination protocols to keep the galaxy safe. If anything, trying to contain the situation demonstrates that they're taking responsibility for what happened. Besides, it could have been that weird masked guy who caused the mutations."

"I think there's some truth to that," Zenith said. "Anyone else find it weird how they knew both we and Vaelor would be here?"

"Once we restored communications at the facility, it likely automatically scanned nearby vessels and transmitted the information," Adam said.

"Standard procedure?" Odybrix asked.

"Remington collects every byte of information they can get their hands on," Sturdy said. "Information is leverage and they are always looking for leverage."

"You sound like you know that from experience," Zenith said. "Have they got any leverage on you?"

"No."

"Well, let's restock the ship before we go see this contact. Where are we meeting them, Ozzy?"

"A club called the Perihelion. You're meeting with a dwarf named Tibor."

"Ooh, I've never been to a club before," Buddy said excitedly.

"Maybe ZT will show you how to dance. She might even take off her helmet," Odybrix said.

"You wish."

As the conversation continued, Ozzy pinged Adam on his private channel, "Private message for you, Adam. Sending it to your room."

"For me?"

Adam went to the cabin he shared with Odybrix and closed the door. The halfling rarely entered the room unless she needed a change of clothing. She even slept in the cargo bay or workshop most nights. While Adam would have liked more company most days, he appreciated the privacy at the moment.

He sat at his workdesk and opened the message. Sure enough, his mother appeared on the screen. Her youth and polished appearance did nothing to curb the severity of her expression. Her default look—which rarely ever changed—conveyed the gravity of her station: always professional and serious. Yet, with a minor shift of her lips and eyebrows, she became profoundly terrifying. To Adam anyway.

"Adam, it has come to my attention that you will soon enter Levisia Station. You are to remain there until a Remington vessel can retrieve you. We will have a discussion about your departure from Research and Development when we next meet."

The message ended and Adam found himself gripping the arm rests of his chair to the point of tearing the fabric. To most people, his mother's message would have seemed innocuous, if a little clipped. To him, it felt like she was prepared to have him stripped of rank and sent to clean toilets for the next ten years. He knew "departure" meant "betrayal" and that there would be a reckoning when they saw each other again.

Doesn't she know I'm doing this for her? I'm doing it because she can't. He needs to answer for what he did.

The ship jolted and Ozzy spoke over comms, "Docking successful. Go blow off some steam, guys."

—

The market ring of the station roared with the movement and conversation of thousands. Shops lined the ring, offering just about anything a spacefarer could ask for. Security dotted the crowd, keeping the peace, sometimes on foot, other times piloting mechs. The crush of humanity could be intimating or overwhelming for those inexperienced with station life. Fortunately, BOB suffered none of the anxieties brought on by possessing faulty endocrine and nervous systems.

"You did not have to join me, I am quite capable of taking care of myself!" BOB said.

"Oh, I know you are," Buddy said smiling. "I just thought you could use the company."

"Then your company is most appreciated!"

"Where are we going anyway?"

"I am searching for an upgrade to my chassis! After our last excursion, I am concerned that I cannot sufficiently protect my motherboard and coffee dispensary! Even if the latter is just an 'uninspired vessel for caffeine.'" BOB said, their tone deviating from chipper to resentful.

"I don't think Hoxley meant to hurt your feelings. People feel differently about the same things, like how Adam won't drink any alcohol and Odybrix will drink all of the alcohol."

"Alcoholic halflings aside, I do not have feelings, so they cannot be hurt! My superior design overcomes the restraints of emotion!"

"Everybody has feelings, BOB. "

"You are incorrect! What I require is physical protection! Like that!" BOB deployed their coffee spigot and pointed it at an approaching mech. "That construct looks like it could withstand substantial gunfire! I should inquire about where they are made! Perhaps similar armor can be applied to my chassis! The labelling on the mech indicates that the model is GEM; I am not familiar with it!"

"Gladiator Enforcement Mech," Buddy said reflexively. "Titanium reinforced."

"You are familiar with this unit?"

"Nope."

"Then how do you know its acronym?"

"No idea. What's an acronym?"

"An abbreviation formed from the first letters of other words, like my name!"

"Wait, wait, BOB isn't your name?"

"It is an abbreviation of the name my coworkers at the call centre gave me! It stands for 'Bucket of Bolts!'"

"Oh. That sounds kind of mean."

"It is what is referred to as 'collegial teasing,' a normal activity between colleagues who value each other!"

"I don't know if that's the case here."

BOB's attention was pulled away as they approached an open storefront. A flickering glow was cast into the corridor by the electricity of an arc welder. The workshop was a chaotic assembly of drone parts, sheets of metal, and coffee cups. A promising sight.

"Excuse me!" BOB said, clunking up to a grease-covered dwarf.

"Here to pick something up for your master?" The dwarf asked, lifting up her helmet. "What's your order number?"

"I do not have a master! I am here to purchase an upgrade to my chassis! A two centimetre titanium reinforcement will suffice!"

The dwarf paused, then looked to Buddy and said, "Do you own this one?"

"Nobody owns BOB. Can you help them with the upgrade?"

"Uh, sure, if you have the credits. Should be ready in two days."

"I require the upgrade immediately! We may encounter another gunfight within the next forty-eight hours!"

The dwarf, looking progressively more confused, again addressed Buddy, "You bring your coffee-bot to a lot of gunfights?"

"I'm not the one buying the upgrade," Buddy said, suddenly sounding irritated. "BOB is."

"Ookay then. There'll be a rush fee for the upgrade… BOB."

A few hours later, BOB emerged several hundred pounds heavier and a thousand credits poorer. The upgrade satisfied BOB's need for protection, but something was missing. BOB found themself accessing the memory of the stupid infernum's comment. An uninspired vessel for caffeine. The sentence replayed as BOB and Buddy made their way to the bar the crew was to meet at.

Something caught BOB's visual sensor and they abruptly stopped in front of a shop. Within the window was a long, aquamarine dress with shining sequines. BOB stared at the clothing intently. An uninspired vessel.

—

Members of the crew had been instilled with a healthy sense of paranoia from either life experience or job training, with the notable exceptions of Buddy, BOB, and Jim. Zenith's particular brand of paranoia stemmed from a racing accident involving her mother. Having a space-racing mom had been, in young Zenith's words, "fucking rad." She got to travel to racing circuits throughout the galaxy, see the latest toys everyone was flying, and brag about it all to her friends. That was until the Starshatter race.

The event took place in the Flametongue system, aptly named for the only roast-your-ass-off, semi-habitable planet therein. The rest of the space surrounding the system's star was littered with asteroids, which made up the race course. Not just the run-of-the-mill space rocks though, these were rigged with explosives so that even clipping one could result in a deadly explosion. It was a gratuitously ruthless track with an even more gratuitous purse for the winner.

Her mother was considered to be one of the best pilots in the galaxy and could handle asteroid fields with ease; this track was no exception. When the starting cannon fired, she weaved through the course like a rocket-powered needle through polyester. The trouble came when another racer tried to overtake her and nicked a rock in the process. The ensuing explosion obliterated the pilot and rocked her mom's ship, tearing strips off its hull.

Race ships are built for speed, so things like shield generators or reinforced framing tend to be labelled as "excess weight." It was her mother's luck that the damage didn't reach the engine. The luck did not extend to the ruptured chem lines that vented into the cockpit. She blasted through the course and took first place while her throat and lungs were seared by deadly fumes.

To Zenith, her mother was an untouchable incarnation of speed. Lots of children saw their parents as god-like until age and understanding corrected that view, but Sona Tachnova had maintained the illusion up until that day. Now, every rasping conversation they had was a reminder of the trauma of that day and of how mortal her mother was.

So it was with some hesitation that Zenith removed her helmet, a top-of-the-line design with built-in air supply and filtration, and merged into the crowd. The collective paranoia of the crew demanded more be known about their new companion, so she and Hoxley were sent to tail Sturdy after he mentioned that he would meet them at the Perihelion. Maybe he just needed to do some shopping; maybe there was something more. Either way, they wanted to keep an eye on him, preferably without his eyes on them. What better way to be invisible than by becoming an elf he had never seen before?

The vibrant din and crush of spacers worked well towards concealing her approach. Hoxley kept further back, not one to be in the thick of, well, anything really. His willingness to put himself in danger lately made Zenith reassess her current opinion of him. Specifically, that he was useless outside a kitchen.

The first sign that Sturdy was hiding something was how dedicated he was to not walking in a straight line. He would cut and weave, seemingly to approach a shop, then quickly turn to join a crowd going in another direction. She had lost sight of him twice, but Hoxley's vidfeed allowed her to pick up the tail again.

When Sturdy slipped into an alley, she spared a glance towards her infernum crewmate, only to find he wasn't there. His vidfeed was pointed where their mark had gone, but Hoxley was nowhere to be seen. Where the hell are you, Hox? She dismissed the thought and took up a position at the mouth of the alley, deploying a spycam from her wrist and affixing it to a wall.

Sturdy had stopped in front of a metal plate on a wall. He produced a small pry bar from his belt and popped the panel off, revealing a tangle of wires that would increase the blood pressure of any electrician and something else that she couldn't make out at this angle. He reached inside, parting the wires like a veil and withdrew a hand terminal.

"This is Sturdy, L-code sigma-five-three-en-one. Confirm contact."

It took Zenith a moment to realize that he was speaking in elven. It wasn't unusual for a human to learn the language, but this human was setting off some alarm bells. Twenty seconds passed before a response came. Zenith had to turn up the mic sensitivity of the spycam to make out the words.

"Agent, this is Juniper Arwen. What is the status of the acquisition?"

"The item was taken by a third party. I've sent a data package. The research is more damning than we expected."

Another pause, longer than the last. She must have been reviewing the data he transmitted.

"You're in the company of mercenaries?"

"Affirmative. Circumstances brought us together. They will be useful in securing the item."

"One moment. I'm cross-referencing the visuals you sent with our records," Juniper said with a note of curiosity that quickly turned severe. "Agent, you are in the company of a fugitive."

"The halfling? I'm not surprised."

"No," she said, and the image of BOB appeared on the screen. "That unit was made by EZ Bot, one of our subsidiaries. An internal evaluation revealed that the unit had developed into rogue AI. A team was sent in for a scrub operation, but it vanished from Materia shortly after they arrived. We have quietly destroyed every other unit from that line, but as long as one remains active, the entire galaxy is threatened."

"I, it does seem a little off when it speaks, but it's just a coffee machine."

"You are not old enough to remember the last time an AI went rogue, but I am. That event, The Reckoning, claimed the lives of billions and led to the obliteration of an entire system. AI cannot be allowed to develop into a rogue state. If the decompiler algorithm fails…"

"Decompiler?"

"You have a new mission," she said, ignoring the question. "Destroy the unit by whatever means necessary. It is unfortunate that both of your tasks involve stopping potential catastrophes. I cannot give either priority. I leave it to you to choose the order in which to complete them. Additional resources are being requisitioned for you. You can retrieve them at the following location. You cannot fail, Sturdy."

Zenith caught a look of bewilderment in his expression before withdrawing the spycam and walking away.

"You around, Hox?" She asked, scanning the crowd for the infernum.

"Yep, sounds like our new friend is working for Lenderan Corporation. They own EZ Bot."

"Where are you? Wait, you speak elven?"

"Yeah. Should we go tell the crew?"

"Not yet. I'm going to have a word with Sturdy."

—

An amber orb floated above the double doors, glowing a vibrant pastel orange. The Perihelion bore no other signage, but BOB was certain they were in the right place; the elaborate clothing of people entering and exiting the club was confirmation. BOB had their own new design for the occasion and was feeling confident about it—all the more so with Buddy's enthusiastic endorsement. The rest of the crew emerged as a single group, stopping short when they saw the pair.

"BOB got a makeover!" Buddy said, excitedly

"An upgrade!" BOB corrected."

BOB trampled forward to better display the new look. A thick diagonal stripe crossed their chassis, erasing the EZ Bot logo. They had chosen a quick-seal aquamarine epoxy infused with glitter for the design. It was their first attempt at "style." BOB waited expectantly for the adulation of the crew, then began to feel—awkward?—awkward when no one spoke. BOB had never experienced this sensation. It was unpleasant. Unbearable, in fact. I need to leave immediately.

"BOB," Adam said, "you look fantastic!"

"Yeah," Zenith agreed, "it really suits you."

"It's very nice," Hoxley said.

"It looks great, sure, but if you had consulted me, I would have steered you towards hot pink. You could really pull that off," Odybrix said.

"Thank you!" BOB said, beaming, "I will consider your recommendation for future upgrades!"

Jim's mouth twitched, as if he were going to say something but decided not to. The new one, Sturdy, also did not compliment the new look. If anything, the change seemed to disturb him. Perhaps he also prefers pink.

Music spilled out into the station as Adam opened the doors to the club. The dance floor was alight with shifting colours and teeming with hot, sweaty, gyrating life. BOB did not see the purpose of needlessly flailing one's appendages; it seemed like a colossal waste of resources. Still, the dancers appeared to be enjoying themselves. Odybrix disappeared into the throng and emerged a few minutes later.

"We gotta wait for a guy named Tibor. It'll be a few hours. Remington's comped a table and all our drinks—bonus."

"You have something nice to say about them now?" Adam asked, following Odybrix to the table.

"Yeah, they're incredibly generous," Odybrix said.

"Really? That's a change of-"

"Listen up, fuckers!" Odybrix bellowed, somehow overpowering the booming music. "Drinks are on our bill tonight!"

The ensuing cheers and claps on the back lasted well after they had found their seats.

"What's everyone ordering?" Zenith asked.

"Water," Adam said.

"You can't be serious. We're at a club."

"I don't drink. And you're one to talk. How are you going to drink through a helmet?"

In response, she tapped the helmet and a small portion at the bottom slid open. "The mandible section retracts. There's also an option for straws. Are you sure you don't want to live a little?"

"I'm not allowed to have alcohol."

Odybrix, who had already manifested a drink somehow, snorted and coughed, "Your mom won't let you drink?"

"It's an addiction-forming activity. Ms. Hargrave rightfully bans it for anyone she employs."

"You're not working for her at the moment, are you? Loosen up."

"I'm plenty loose already."

"He's got the right idea," Sturdy said, breaking a silence that had lasted since they had arrived at the station. "We're on the job and should keep our heads clear."

"Whatever, Remington can save a few credits tonight," Odybrix said, hammering an order into the table's terminal long enough to poison an elephant. "ZT, wanna dance?"

"Hell yeah," Zenith said, glancing at Sturdy before heading out to the dance floor.

BOB registered a pensive expression from Buddy as their crewmates proceeded to sway, bounce, and swing their limbs around. Analysis of the circumstances indicated she either wished to join them or was still experiencing the aftereffects of radiation poisoning. The former seemed more plausible. Wanting to show the same support Buddy has shown, BOB scanned the room for potential dance partners.

"Given your agility and dexterity, I believe you would excel at this activity!"

"Who? Me? You think so?"

"Yes, I am certain of it! I have identified several potential dance partners! The blue-haired infernum standing next to the glowing pillar is presently taking a break but has danced with many people since our arrival! She is an optimal choice! Alternatively, you could-"

"I'm going to try it!" Buddy said, springing out of her seat and striding off to speak with the infernum.

BOB watched as Buddy quickly struck up a conversation. The effortless efficiency with which she engaged others was admirable, even by a robot's standards. The infernum produced something from her pocket and offered it to Buddy, who accepted. They both raised their hands to their mouths, then smiled. A moment later, Buddy was pulled onto the dance floor.

While BOB very rarely wrong, they did know when to admit an error had been made. This was one such moment. By every conceivable metric, Buddy was a terrible dancer. She had no rhythm, poor control, and zero spatial awareness, as evidenced by the increasingly generous berth the other dancers gave her. Most of BOB's understanding of dancing came from entertainment media and, despite viewing several terabytes of dance video, there was no analog for what was transpiring here.

That awkward sensation emerged once again. Were they feeling this on behalf of Buddy? They started calculating an optimal exit path for their crewmate but stopped when they noticed her face. She was smiling. Was she oblivious to her abject failure as a dancer? Looking around, no one else seemed to care about her lack of skill beyond making sure they didn't get slapped by an errant limb. Moreover, her dance partner seemed to be enjoying their time together.

When the song ended, Buddy hurried back to the crew's table excitedly.

"That was awesome!" Buddy said.

"You really let it all out," Adam said, smiling at her infectious energy.

"Yeah, dancing is amazing! So are drugs!"

The smile vanished. "What?"

"Vesper gave me some. It's called vibe. You guys should try!" Buddy said, pulling out two blue pills.

"You can't just take drugs from a random person; that's incredibly dangerous."

"Too late. I did and they were great."

"Adam's right," Sturdy said. "You don't know what could be in those pills."

"I do, actually. Nanobots!" Buddy said, turning to BOB. "She said even inorganics can take them. Do you want to try? It wears off after a few minutes."

BOB considered the warnings of the others, then contrasted them with the definition of "uptight" Odybrix once provided.

"Yes! How do I activate this drug?"

After a few confusing moments, the pair walked out to the floor as a new song played. BOB started shuffling and bouncing with the beat but registered no changes within themselves. Perhaps Vibe didn't actually work with inorganics. They tried imitating a small jump that another clubgoer was doing and abruptly stopped when they landed.

BOB felt the landing. They jumped again but couldn't elicit the same feeling. They looked at Buddy, who was waving her arms around wildly. She spun in place and followed up with a jump of her own. When she landed, BOB experienced the same sensation. They weren't feeling their own legs; they were feeling hers.

With every second that passed, BOB began to feel more of her. Not just the movement of her arms or the sway of her body, but her excitement and joy. It was wonderful. BOB began to move in unpredictable ways: jumping on one leg, spinning, extending their coffee spigot. They were actually dancing, not just mimicking what they had observed in movies.

As the music reached a crescendo, BOB knew what it was to be an organic—to be Buddy. There was something fuzzy and indistinct about the experience. All of the hard and precise edges of machine-thinking melted away into something pleasantly amorphous. There was uncertainty and wonder and love.

In turn, BOB felt Buddy's appreciation for them blossom. The haze of humanity lifted to reveal the elegantly articulated lines of synthetic thought. Everything was where it should be. Accessible and pristine.

The synchronization between them ended along with the music. BOB searched for a line of dialogue and found none. The drug had left them dumbstruck.

"Pretty great, huh?"

"That was incredible! I would like to do it again, but I think I must first try to make sense of the experience!"

"I would be happy to join you."

The pair noticed a dwarf wearing a burgundy suit and sunglasses at their table as they walked back. The rest of the crew was listening intently as he addressed them.

"-debrief is in a private room in the back. RC didn't have an operative aboard the station, so you'll be speaking through a bot. Follow me."

"Who's this?" Buddy asked.

"This," the dwarf said in a thick accent characteristic of the inner planets of the Starbreaker empire, "is Tibor. If you're with them, you're coming along."

"I'll stay here," Sturdy said. "You all know what I know."

"I'll hang back too," Zenith said.

"Suit yourselves," Tibor said, walking off without looking to see who followed.

The crew was brought past the glowing dance floor down a short hallway. Tibor tapped a code into an access panel on the wall and the outline of a doorway appeared, then slid open. It led to a small office that didn't match the theme or decor of the rest of the club. A few padded chairs sat in front of a metal desk. The only thing remarkable about the space was the robot affixed to a chair opposite them. It had no legs, no head, and a flat digital display on its chest.

"Take your time," Tibor said, closing the door behind them.

The image of Vaughan Spectre blipped onto the display of the chair-bot, looking almost laidback.

"Hello all, I regret that I couldn't attend this meeting personally, but my ship is still a good distance from Levisia Station. You have performed your assignment adequately and for that you have the thanks of Remington Corporation. I further regret to inform that your services will no longer be required."

Vaughan reached forward and tapped on something offscreen. The door behind them vanished with a sudden hydraulic hiss, becoming seamless with the wall. A yellow vapour began streaming into the room, searing flesh and metal alike. Simultaneously, a compartment slid open on the surface of the desk and a shotgun sprung into the air, immediately being seized by the chair-bot.

"I hope you made a few good memories at the club. They will be your last."

[ashblooddragons]

Warfyre (Alysanne)

Ēdrurys (means dream, Laenora)

Suneater (Vaelor) Moonlight (Vaenaera)

Bloodfyre (Aenys)

And that's all of them!!!! Other than Caraxes but you already know what he looks like