Chapter 11 : Seahorse and the Dragon

Character ages 106 A.C.

Aemon Targaryen Stark: 14 years old (Born in 92 A.C.)

Daemon Targaryen: 26 years old (Born in 80 A.C.)

Alicent Hightower: 17 years old (Born in 89 A.C.)

Lyanna Stark: 30 years old (Born in 76 A.C.)

Rhaenyra Targaryen: 12 years old (Born in 94 A.C.)

Aemma Targaryen Aryn: 27 years old (Born in 79 A.C.)

Laena Velaryon: 12 years old (Born in 92 A.C.)

Laenor Velaryon: 12 years old (Born in 94 A.C.)

Corlys Velaryon: 45 years old (Born in 63 A.C.)

Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon: 34 years old (Born in 74 A.C.)

Visenya Targaryen Stark: 8 years old (Born in 98 A.C.)

Rickon Stark: 12 years old (Born in 94 A.C.)

Bennard Stark: 6 years old (Born in 100 A.C.)

Benjen Stark: 28 years old (Born in 78 A.C.)

Lysa Lock: 31 years old (Born in 75 A.C.)

Otto Hightower: 38 years old (Born in 68 A.C.)

Harrold Westerling: 38 years old (Born in 68 A.C.)

Vaegon Targaryen: 43 years old (Born in 63 A.C.)

Viserys Targaryen: 29 years old (Born in 77 A.C.)

Raym Redwyne: 64 years old (Born in 42 A.C.)

Balerion (the dragon): 230 years old (Born in 124 B.C.)

Vhagar (the dragon): 158 years old (Born in 52 B.C.)

Aemon Targaryen (106 A.C.)

Sky of Driftmark and Dragonstone

"I must say, Aemon, I missed this, the smell of the Narrow Sea. Dragonstone will be, too, when we visit the place. We will visit it, won't we?" Balerion asked him excitedly, a question Vhagar had answered with her roar.

"Don't worry. With my brother's permission, Dragonstone will be our next project and the second bastion for House Targaryen. It is more than time that our ancient seat is seen as our power, not like the rat pit of King's Landing. You have seen the plans for Dragonstone. The volcano will give us even more freedom than Seadragon Point did. It will give the power for it as well. The only problem will be the wild dragons, but I suppose you can subdue them in some submission, no?" He asked in his head, and the Balerion huffed up puffs of smoke.

'As Dragonstone came into view, he knew he couldn't land there; it wasn't the destination for today. His stop would be the Isle of Driftmark, where his betrothed awaited him. He would see Laena again after five years. He wondered what she looked like now and if. He had missed all of them, even Daemon. He was his brother, and his father had loved him. So he would try, although their relationship had never been great. So some hard work would be needed in that direction.

With him back in the capital and Seadragon Point running, he could step up in the realm's governance and start to ensure the Dance wouldn't happen or de-escalate the conflict. One part of that was to increase the power of his house, which was the power of knowledge, at least in the North. The power of the maesters had diminished, and the new Black Citadel, or Library of the White Dragon, as the smallfolk had started calling it, had attracted many learned men and users of other arts. He suspected the measter already knew, yet no defections as of yet. It had occurred, not that it could happen, as the Black Citadel security, protecting them against the measter incursion, was paramount to it.

The measter hated what his family represented, knowledge and power they could never control or understand. Who were they who willingly killed children and magic because they didn't understand it and wanted the power of knowledge all for themselves? Power invokes ego, corrupts, or is terrible, but sometimes you can do beautiful things with it.

Yet the power of his house wasn't the only thing on his mind. The tournament for the heir, and his wedding to Laena, and Aemma's pregnancy worried him. Everything was set up to make Alicent Queen the moment Aemma died, perhaps if he could save her instead of her dying in childbirth. He wasn't sure; history only said she died after the birth of Baelon, and the infant didn't live long after his mother's death.

He had a plan; as history had it, Laena would have been offered by the Sea Snake to marry Viserys. Although he wavered at the idea, the best candidate was his sister, the Ice Prince, the Purple Dragon, named for her purple eyes that almost looked as black as dragonglass. She also rode the purple she-dragon of the late Princess Rhaena Targaryen. She had her mother's spirit but was also well aware of her duties to her house, even at the young age of eight. If the worst came to pass, they wouldn't marry until she was fourteen. Still, it didn't sit well with him, but he knew it was the best way to prevent the Dance from happening altogether. Only Daemon would be angry at the match.

His mother was more than angry with him when he suggested the match. After an hour of raging, she had given in, but she had given out conditions. She wouldn't marry Viserys until she was fourteen. She also wanted to be able to visit Winterfell or Seadragon Point from time to time and have a say in her own life. He had agreed to those conditions. It was his sister he loved dearly, and he would do anything to give her happiness.

Yet there was still a third option he wouldn't rather not consider, but it was an option nonetheless. Yet he wouldn't think about it now, so close to reuniting with Laena.'

Then he pulled out of his thoughts as he heard two other roars. One was that of Meleys, the Red Queen herself, the dragon of Rhaenys, the Queen who never was. The other was Seasmoke, the dragon of his friend and companion, Laenor Velaryon. Laenor had returned to Driftmark a moon before to announce his coming, so the arrival of two massive dragons wouldn't be too big of a surprise.

Both Vhagar and Balerion answered the calls of the two other dragons. They circled each other as he shouted greetings to Laenor and Rhaenys. "It seems you have arrived well, Laenor and Rhaenys. I hope I welcome?"

"Of course, cousin. You are my favorite cousin, as long as your wolf doesn't bite anyone. You, Ser Harold, are also welcome," she grinned. "Hmm, then I suppose I can come," he laughed. He followed them down toward High Tide, where a crowd awaited a princely welcome. He was a prince and the betrothed of their lord's daughter, so it wasn't that big of a surprise.

Balerion landed with a thud on the beach. He unattached Ghost from his armor that held him to the saddle, and the wolf hurried down the dragon's wing to the earth, rolling in the sand in happiness. He laughed as he watched Ghost's antics, and so did Rhaenys and Laenor. Harrold helped him untangle the bags Balerion had carried on the trip. The rest of his entourage would arrive on a moon or so on his ship, The Spring Prince, named after his father.

"Gratias tibi ago, amice, nam equitare. Bene fecisti / Thank you, buddy, for the ride. You did well," he said to Balerion in High Valyrian as he petted Balerion's snout, and the dragon let out a trill. "No problem, Aemon. I wanted to return for some time. Flying with some extra baggage doesn't make a difference."Balerion answered through their bond.

"Harrold, how are you doing? It was a five-hour flight from the Eyrie," he asked. "I'm fine, Aemon. I've never seen the world as beautiful as we did today. So thank you for that." "It isn't a problem, Ser. Your company is always welcome," he said, smiling at the knight.

"Ah, Aemon, it's good to see you again, my brother," Laenor said as he embraced him. He had missed his friend. Laenor was like a brother to him, just as Robb had been. There weren't many people in the world who were a man his age, a dragon rider, or part of the royal family. He and Laenor were the only ones. So when Corlys wrote to ask Laenor to stay with him, he heartily accepted the proposal. Laenor and he had become inseparable, and he didn't mind. He needed people he trusted, and Laenor was that person, much like Harrold in a way.

"It's good to see you too, Leni," he said with a smirk, and Laenor grinned. "Leni?" Rhaenys asked, her face full of both a smirk and surprise. "It's my nickname for you, son, Princess," he said as he walked over to embrace Rhaenys in a hug.

"You have grown, cousin, almost as tall as your brothers. Laena will be happy to see you, I'm sure. She has been impatient since my son came back," Rhaenys said, looking at him with a grin as they disengaged from the embrace.

"Well, I hope I'm not a disappointment to her," he said genuinely. He had never been that confident with women, perhaps a byproduct of his bastard upbringing. Even with Ygritte and Daenerys, he was clueless at times. He just hoped Laena would like him.

"Don't be silly, Aemon. All the girls in the kingdom would want you. You might be the most desirable unmarried man in the Seven Kingdoms," Laenor said with a smirk. "Don't worry, Aemon, my daughter is just as nervous as you. She asked me the same thing just before I left. Just don't tell her I told you that," Rhaenys said with a smirk.

"Well, that's good to hear. I will keep the secret, Rhaenys. I will be the best husband I can be when the time comes for your daughter," he said, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I know you will. My husband sings your praises; you have his approval. You are already a worthy husband for my daughter," Rhaenys said, giving him another embrace. His cheeks flushed again but with a sense of pride this time.

"My prince, everything is loaded off Balerion, my prince," Harrold interrupted. "Good, let's carry it to the welcome party. I want to give my gifts to my family and betrothed. I think it's time the world can see my new discovery," he said, smirking at the three of them.

"Well, I would love to see your brothers' faces when they hear. Did you send word yet to the King?" Rhaenys asked. "No, I was planning on presenting it as a gift to my brothers as well as a gifts for my niece and Aemma. It will be a nice surprise for the court, I think. I assume that the people of High Tide are loyal to your house?" he said. "But to avoid ruining the surprise, I'll show it to you privately," he said. He had also brought the gift for Laenor's family, a work they had created at Seadragon Point. It was a wonderful Valyrian steel seahorse statue with dragonglass eyes.

"Yes, Mother, I'm sure you will be most pleased. It's a pity Father is still in King's Landing, but I suppose we can bring it with us to King's Landing for the wedding and the tournament for the new heir," Laenor said with a smirk as he helped him carry the chest with the gift.

"Ser Harrold, please stay here with the rest of the cargo until some of Driftmark's servants come to pick you up. Ghost will protect me if there is any need," he said, and Harrold nodded. In the beginning, Harrold was apprehensive of the wolves, but it was time for the knight to see their loyalty to their companions.

As they walked up the stairs, he and Laenor talked about his time on Driftmark and

how he loved sailing in the Narrow Sea again. It was a lot warmer than the Sunset Sea in the North. They laughed at the memory of when they had sailed in the Sunset Sea, and a seagull had emptied itself on Ser Wylard Manderley's head, making him look like a grandpa with bird droppings in his hair.

Then, as they walked through the gate, Laenor announced their arrival. "Prince Aemon of House Targaryen and Stark, Lord of Seadragon Point, The White Dragon." They all knelt. He was royalty, after all. He sighed at the White Dragon title, as it referenced Ghost. He had made it his own, crafting a sigil for himself: a white dragonwolf with red eyes, breathing red flame, on a weirwood field of black. He wore it on his doublet.

He saw her standing in the middle of the gathered people with silver-gold hair and violet eyes. She had skin as smooth as silk and wore a mix of black, red, and the blue of House Velaryon. "My lady, it's a pleasure to see you again," he said as he bid her to stand and picked up her hand to kiss it.

"For me as well, my Prince. It's good to see you again after all this time. You are most welcome on Driftmark," she said, her voice stern but tinged with longing. 'His heart raced as he looked at her face. She was so beautiful.' He thought as he looked her over in a light blue dress.

"Uhm," Laenor interrupted their moment. "Sorry, but I suppose you want to meet the rest of the family." "Yes, sorry, of course," he said, his face flushing. "Vaemond Velaryon, our uncle." Vaemond looked like Corlys but with a less bulky build, still possessing the classic Velaryon looks. "My Prince, it's an honor. My nephew has told me a lot about you. It would be an honor to get to know you better," he said with a slight bow. 'The man did try to take Driftmark for himself after Corlys was wounded, attempting to usurp the children of Rhaenyra and Laenor in the past. But for now, he had done nothing wrong and was still a loyal member of House Velaryon. Perhaps a valuable ally for in the future.' He thought as he shook the man's hand. "It would be a pleasure. Perhaps we can meet in the yard tomorrow, Vaemond," he said, nodding toward the man. "It would be an honor to spar with you, my Prince."

"These are my cousins, Vaemond's sons, Daeron and Daemion. Both are destined to be great mariners like their father and uncle," Laenor said as he ruffled the two boys' hair. "My prince," the two boys said and bowed. "Well, if you are anything like your cousin, uncle, and father, you will have a great future," he said, hoping their tongues wouldn't be cut out this time.

"Shall we go inside so your family can receive my gift?" he asked Laena. "Yes, let's. We shall let someone bring your belongings from the beach," Laena said with a wide smile. They went to the great hall, the Hall of Nine.

Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon (106 A.C.)

Driftmark - High Tide - Hall of Nine

'She was happy as her cousin had grown into a great man over the last five years since she had seen him last. It seemed he still held the same affection for her daughter as when he left. Her daughter, too, seemed flushed with excitement whenever he spoke to her. The same was true for him when Laena spoke, but she couldn't help but be curious about the gift he mentioned.

She contemplated that traditionally, it would be her family giving him a dowry, but Aemon had never been one to uphold conventional standards. Considering he held to old gods more than the Seven. However, her house was never that devout followers of the faith. Perhaps Princess Meagelle.' Her thoughts were broken when Aemon spoke up.

"If everyone except the family may leave," Aemon said with authority, his voice now that of a man. Following his command, all but the family and Ser Harrold, his sworn shield, exited the room. From what she had gathered, Ser Harrold was like a father or uncle to Aemon and utterly loyal to him.

"Now that we are all here, most of you already know what discovery I have made in Sea Dragon Point. For those who do not, I have rediscovered the art of forging Valyrian steel," Aemon declared, his tone serious. "What I share here cannot be repeated. It will be made known to the court and the realm when we travel there for the wedding and tourney. To prove this, Ser, if you please, unsheathe your sword."

Ser Harrold drew his sword, revealing a longsword with a bronze and dragonglass pommel and guard. However, the most remarkable feature was the blade itself. A yellow color with white streaks, unmistakably made of Valyrian steel.

Her good brother asked with awe, "How did you discover this secret where so many others have failed, my prince?"

Aemon responded, "The gods guide me in dreams, much like our ancestor Daenys did so long ago." But a glint in his eyes suggested he wasn't telling the whole truth. She decided she would ask him later to reveal the entire story.

Vaemond inquired as curiosity got the better of him, "And what about the stone carving you sent us? Does it follow the same method? It reminds me of the black stone of Dragonstone."

Aemon nodded. "Yes, it is mostly the same method, although easier. But that's not why we're here. Let's move on to the gift," Aemon said, gesturing to a chest.

She looked at her son, who was beaming with excitement, as Aemon continued. "To commemorate my devotion to our family and its enduring ties with House Velaryon, I present this princely seahorse statue in the image of your house. I hope it will be a welcome addition to the Hall of Nine."

He and Laenor opened the chest to reveal a beautifully crafted Seahorse, which left the room gasping in amazement.

"Laenor and I have worked on this together as a gift for our families. The seahorse is made of Valyrian steel, with dragonglass eyes and a base crafted from drakestone," Aemon explained with a triumphant smile.

"Thank you, betrothed, in the name of House Velaryon. We accept this wondrous gift, a true future artifact for our house. It's a shame my father isn't here to receive it," Her daughter exclaimed, her purple eyes shining excitedly.

"You are welcome, my lovely betrothed. A gift for your house is never a waste. As I mentioned, the revelation of the discovery will take place in King's Landing. I expect this secret to remain within our trusted circle," Aemon concluded with authority.

"We shall do as you command, my Prince. You have proven to be an honorable and loyal ally to our house. I, Vaemond of House Velaryon, ask to be your sworn sword. To join your retinue, to be your man." Vaemond declared, dropping to one knee with his sword in hand, shocking the entire hall.

She couldn't help but think, 'What are you doing, Vaemond? Yet, the idea of having more family around her daughter when she marries didn't seem so bad of an idea.'

Aemon responded, "I would accept your pledge, Ser, but I would first need your brother's approval and my future good father's blessing. For now, accept my hand in friendship, Ser Vaemond," he said, extending his hand to the kneeling man, which was met with applause from the hall.

Laena Velaryon (106 A.C.)

Hight Tide - Hall of Nine

'She awoke in the morning as sunlight streamed through her windows. It had been a long time since she had slept so well, and it was because she had seen Aemon again. He had grown into a handsome, well-built, and heavily muscled young man. His silver-gold hair curling down to his shoulders, and his eyes, a striking blend of Stark gray with hints of Valyrian purple, were his best features. But what had impressed her most was his maturity. For someone of their age, he carried himself exceptionally well. She couldn't help but think that he was someone she could proudly call her husband, just as her mother did with her husband.'

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and servants entered to help her dress. Her great cousin, Seranella, had become her closest confidante since she had returned to Driftmark, leaving Rhaenyra and Alicent behind. Sera possessed the Valyrian look but in a more common yet beautiful way, her golden hair reminding Laena of the Lannisters. Nonetheless, Sera was a great friend, someone she could talk to about the intricacies of the marriage bed, though such discussions always made her blush.

Another knock followed. "My lady, Prince Aemon, has asked if you are willing to join him on the beach, and he mentioned you should dress in riding gear," a servant inquired. Laena wondered what Aemon had in mind. She responded, "Of course, I will join him, but I haven't had breakfast yet."

"The Prince has thought of that and has prepared something for you, my lady. Shall I inform him that you are ready to join him?" the servant inquired with a bow. Laena replied, "Yes, I'm more than willing. Please tell the Prince that I will join him shortly."

Sera, always one to indulge in gossip, couldn't resist a teasing remark. "Oh, Laena, the Prince has invited you, eh? Are you thinking of stealing a kiss from him? If I know men correctly, he'll likely make a move, or maybe you should be the one to initiate it, especially with someone like him."

"Sera! Not so fast. I need to get to know him better first. I haven't had a proper conversation with him; I just talked with him during the feast yesterday, and that was it. But yes, he's quite handsome, especially those eyes, hauntingly beautiful," Laena responded.

Sera continued with a mischievous grin, "You never know. With his status, men like him don't have a shortage of admirers. I wouldn't be surprised if some Northern maiden or merchant's daughter at Seadragon Point has caught his attention."

She worried at Sera's words. 'Aemon was a prince of the realm, and she knew many women would be drawn to him. The idea of Aemon being intimate with another woman made her uneasy.' "Do you think so? Given who Aemon is, I wouldn't have thought he would do such a thing." She questioned Sera.

"Well, you can never be sure. He's older now, speaks with a man's voice, and carries himself as one. Besides, he's part Stark, and they are known for not having a disdain for bastards. Some even rise to high positions. Plus, the Targaryen have their dragonseeds all over Dragonstone and Driftmark, and I suppose some of the dock workers also have our blood." Sera pointed out.

"You think he might have a bastard in the North?" Laena asked, feeling increasingly anxious. Sera's gossip had stirred up unwelcome thoughts.

"It could be so, but don't worry, Laena. I don't think Aemon would dare dishonor you, especially considering your lineage," Sera assured her.

She sighed in relief and straightened her clothing. "I'm ready." She said, her head held high. "I'll go and charm your Prince," Sera told her before she left her alone in her room. Not much later, she left for the beach.

Once there, after a short walk, she found Aemon patting his enormous dragon as if it were a faithful hound. "Good morning, my lady. I hope it wasn't too much trouble to change into your riding attire," he greeted her when he spotted her approaching.

"No, my Prince, it was no trouble at all. I was eager to join you. And please, call me Laena. I am going to be your wife, after all," she replied warmly.

"Very well, then. If you insist on 'Laena,' please call me Aemon. But I must ask, have you ever wondered why I invited you to the beach in your riding attire?" Aemon asked playfully.

She chuckled, "Well, seeing your dragon here, I would assume we are going to ride dragons."

"Yes, we are, but not together on the same dragon," Aemon explained, patting Balerion's snout. Balerion roared, and the dragon belonging to her uncle and Queen Visenya arrived. The she-dragon looked magnificent with her bronze and blue coloring, giving her a greenish appearance. "So, Laena, are you up for it? To join the ranks of dragon riders?" Aemon asked with a broad grin.

Her heart raced as she looked into Vhagar's orange eyes. She approached the dragon, and Vhagar opened her mouth, revealing her red, glowing throat. Aemon looked at her and gave a nod of command, saying, "Dohaeras, Vhagar, dohaeras, lykiri." Vhagar closed her mouth.

She walked closer, and the dragon lowered herself so that she could mount. Once securely in the saddle, she commanded, "Soves, Dohaeras, Soves." Vhagar roared and began to stride, then leaped into the air.

Her heart raced as the dragon soared, and she watched High Tide come into view below. Balerion followed behind them, and Aemon flew past her much quicker than she had expected from the massive black dread. He flew low over the water, and Aemon gave a barely audible command, "Dracarys." The dragon unleashed a blast of black and red dragonflame into the sea, so hot it seemed to make the sea boil, with a cloud of steam rising. It momentarily concealed the dragon before it emerged again, creating a breathtaking sight.

"Well, Vhagar, shall we try that?" she asked in High Valyrian. Vhagar lowered herself, and upon her command, she unleashed flames of bronze and green, tinged with orange. It produced a similar cloud of steam, though not as high. Of course, Balerion was nearly twice Vhagar's size.

After their display, Aemon and Laena continued their flight and eventually arrived at Dragonstone, the other ancestral home of her family. Balerion landed on the beach, so she did the same. "Thank you, girl," she said as she patted the dragon's snout, receiving a contented trill.

"You did well, Laena. Now, how about a picnic?" Aemon asked as he lowered a sack he had brought to Balerion. "You can stay here, but..." he began, and Balerion took off into the sky. Vhagar waited, and she nodded in response, giving Vhagar the go to go. Vhagar flowed Balerion in the sky, and the two dragons danced gracefully together.

"They look beautiful together, don't they? Vhagar and Balerion have been companions for a long time. They've even laid eggs in Seadragon Point. I have four eggs there, and two hatchlings are in the caves. One more is on its way with the ship carrying my mother and sister," Aemon explained, looking at her with a smile.

She was taken aback. "New dragon hatchlings? I had no idea. You never mentioned it in your letters, and as far as my father knows, he wasn't aware of it either."

"Well, your father knows, but he and I have been strategizing and conversing for some time. You are my betrothed, and I genuinely care about you, Laena. All I want is to ensure the strength of our houses. My father always told me that the only way our house could be destroyed is from within," Aemon confided. He took her hand, and his tone was earnest. "I only want our family to be safe and strong, and I want to be a good husband when the time comes. It might require ruthlessness and calculated decisions, which are not always honorable, but I promise always to be honest with you."

He unsheathed his dagger, a priceless piece of dragonglass, silver, and bronze with a Valyrian steel blade, and cut his palm. "I don't pay much attention to the Seven, but I believe in both the gods of Valyria and the Old Gods. By the gods of Valyria and the Old Gods, I swear to protect our family and its strength with my dying breath," he declared as he took her other hand, smearing them both in blood.

"Aemon, I believe you," Laena said, her eyes filled with trust. She touched his face, smearing his cheek with blood. He did the same, and then he kissed her. It was their first kiss, a declaration of love, and in that moment, she knew she loved him as well. The devotion in his voice was undeniable, and she couldn't help but feel hopeful about their future together.

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