Times Of Joy

While the Dragon Emperor sat at the head of the table with Lord Eddard, Jon Snow was near the end of it. Jon Snow, however, had grown used to this kind of treatment. Being a bastard, there were some luxuries he simply did not have…

After a single glass of wine and somehow swiftly yet elegantly eating his chicken, Aerion Targaryen respectfully stood up and smiled. He said something to Lord Eddard before making his way to the right end of the hall…

With each step, he strode closer to Jon Snow. Despite not being particularly loud nor grand in his movements, he caught everyone's attention. This… was the gravity of Aerion Targaryen.

'Is he… coming towards me again?'

Jon Snow thought, although he wasn't going to complain.

"Would you mind standing?" He spoke rather kindly to the man sitting to the left of Jon Snow.

"Of… course."

Although the young man hadn't finished his meal, it seemed as if the last thing on his mind was denying Aerion Targaryen. And so, he left his seat… a seat that was later filled by Aerion himself.

"So this is how it's like… never have I ever sat so low at a table before. It's quite refreshing, I'd say." He remarked, turning to Jon Snow.

"It's… not terrible."

Jon Snow really didn't know how to speak with such a grand figure… and he was similarly afraid of saying the wrong things. Ironically enough, this was the same case for the silver-haired man sitting next to him.

"Why don't we play a little game?" Aerion offered, his violet eyes glowing a gentler colour. "You tell me one thing about yourself and I'll do the same in the same topic. For example, if you state a hobby of yours I will have to reply with one of mine."

"My life isn't quite as interesting as yours, Your Grace."

"... Hm. Well, I'd still like to know how you felt growing up as a bastard and all. Was it difficult?"

"It is not a favourable place to be at times... but I know some people have it worse than me."

"I grew up as a restless child with a raging ambition for what was meant to be mine…" Aerion Targaryen chuckled. "For that matter, I still am rather restless, hahaha. Not a single day passes by where I do not sharpen my sword, practice magic or drown in the world of words."

"That is some dedication for someone so powerful… don't you ever feel like you've achieved enough already?"

"Never." He replied strongly, shaking his head. "The greatest relief will be at the end of the journey, when I know I did all I could and achieved everything within my reach. Of course, I still find ways to enjoy myself… a mad and stressed out Emperor would do no good for anyone, in the end."

"Small wonder you're the Dragon Emperor…" Jon remarked. "I feel wiser just speaking to you."

"Hahaha… I'm just a slightly experienced teacher, in truth."

"Slightly? I'd rather be taught by you than every other person in Winterfell…"

"Hahahaha… wait, really?" Aerion Targaryen's expression turned from laughter to intrigue within seconds.

"I know you're the busiest man alive so…"

"It's not a problem. You can be by my side for my entire visit in Winterfell, Jon… unless you don't want to. I won't force your hand."

"... I'd love to!"

"Heh… well, let's start with your ambitions." Aerion smiled, nodding with approval. "What do you want to be in the future?"

"To be a man of honour." He replied rather vaguely, not knowing the exact answer himself. "A man who other men would want to follow."

"I see... honour. You seek respect, it seems." Aerion observed, seeing through him rather easily. "Bastards are not viewed highly, as I'm sure you know... but I happen to know a way for you to be viewed even more highly than your 'trueborn' half-siblings."

"You'll help me?" Since it was one of his greatest desires, he was naturally rather excited to hear that it could be accomplished.

"Mn... we start your road to honour just like this." Aerion mysteriously stood up from his seat and gestured Jon to follow him, who seemed a little confused.

'Where are we... he's leading me to the front?'

Upon seeing Aerion Targaryen approaching, Ser Jaime nodded and simply stood up from his seat, leaving two seats for both of them. Aerion returned to his seat right next to Lord Eddard while Jon Snow remained standing. He saw a glare from Catelyn Stark, making him think 'what did I do wrong now?'

"Sit with me, Jon."

"The head of the table is no place for bastards, Your Grace." Catelyn Stark stated with a distasteful tone.

"... And who are you to tell me what is right and what is wrong?" Aerion's tone grew chilling as ice... and for the first time, Jon Snow did see a glimpse of the dread of the Dragon Emperor. He was not the only one, of course. The entire hall had grown silent.

"That's what I thought." Aerion turned his eyes to Jon Snow, who did feel some gratification seeing Lady Catelyn be put down like that. Although, when Aerion Targaryen would imminently leave, his relations would likely be even worse with Lord Eddard's wife... and he was not fond of that future, to say the least.

Hesitantly, Jon Snow sat down at the head of the table with Aerion Targaryen. It was certainly a breath of air for him to be so high at a feast.

"Now, we still have so much to talk about..."

~

During the rest of the feast, Aerion Targaryen and Jon Snow spent that time simply talking about their life stories. Although Aerion Targaryen's path was a great deal more grand and impactful, Jon Snow did share quite a number of his childhood memories which were amusing in their own way.

In the day that followed, Jon Snow continued with his daily routine as per usual, leading up until the moment when Aerion Targaryen and his Kingsguard all pulled up to the yard. Robb Stark, Jon Snow and Theon Greyjoy were all training under the instructions of the master-at-arms Ser Rodrik Cassel.

"Sparring practice, eh? Sounds like fun." Aerion grabbed a practice sword confidently and approached the group of Jon Snow, Robb Stark and Theon Greyjoy. "How about a three-on-one? Perhaps four?"

Ser Rodrik Cassel, the master-at-arms, smiled. "His Grace can be the master-at-arms for today."

"... I'll take him first." Robb Stark stated, moving forward.

"I wouldn't be quite so aggressive against one of the best swordsmen in the Realm…" Jon Snow remarked, watching Theon Greyjoy do the same.

"Hmm." Aerion parried Robb Stark's every blow before punching him to the side. Theon Greyjoy got tripped before he could even touch a hair on Aerion's head, meanwhile.

"I didn't know I was fighting girls!"

Aerion's taunt certainly worked, making Theon Greyjoy and Robb Stark attack together. Yet, even then, it was not enough. It looked like he was almost dancing around the two and seemed to never make a single mistake. Robb and Theon were simply outclassed… as they both fell onto the ground once Aerion started hitting back.

"It's a three-on-one, no? Jon, why were you just standing there?" Theon Greyjoy asked.

"He wants a one-on-one." Aerion replied, turning to him. "Isn't that right?"

'Seems like there's nothing he does not know…'

"... Yeah, I do."

"Then let's see what you're made out of."

It went just about as Jon Snow expected it to… a brutal loss. Yet, Aerion Targaryen wasn't quite as harsh as he had been to the other two. Every time he made a mistake, the Dragon Emperor would comment on it and teach him to be better.

"You're good for your age… not quite as good as I was, but who was, really?" Aerion chuckled.

"Aerion was beating knights with live steel at thirteen." Ser Jaime stated, adding some context. "So that's a rather tall order."

"To dance with the Dragon Emperor for so long is an accomplishment." Lyanna Stark encouragingly smiled.

"He was barely trying, if at all…" Jon Snow observed, knowing that he would be on the floor in only a moment. "I still have much to learn."

"And some strength to grow." Aerion added. "You're still quite young, after all."

Meanwhile, Robert Baratheon had gone around to speak with Eddard Stark. The two were still the closest of friends, especially after the latter was his greatest helping hand in the Second Greyjoy Rebellion… which he did lose- well, it was technically a war without a winner as the Ironborn had retreated.

"This time, a three-on-one for real."

Aerion Targaryen's superiority in swordsmanship meant that neither of the three were able to get a good hit on him. They got tired and quickly at that… while Aerion stood still, his breath steady.

"How are you not tired?"

"When you slay dozens of men in a battle, sparring three boys isn't exactly a challenge." Aerion shrugged. "Now…-"

"Aww, I missed the beating." Jocelyn Baratheon came to the yard running, catching her breath after coming close enough. "Instead, I had to do some pointless knitting…"

"Knitting?" Aerion laughed, turning to Jocelyn. "Knit me a Targaryen banner, will you?"

"Keep laughing… I'll get you back for it." Jocelyn Baratheon replied in a playfully threatening tone. "There's a good reason why I'd rather be your ward and it's because you never teach me anything that's useless."

"You know what… your next task is to personally knit a Targaryen banner!" Aerion smiled in evil fashion.

"... I hate you."

"You don't mean it, do you?" Aerion asked, pretending to be hurt as he fixed her hair.

"If you let me spar too, then I won't."

"Spar? That's the best joke you've told me so far!"

"... Hmph."

She turned around and left.

"I'd be careful; Jocelyn is deadly wherever there is snow." Jon Snow stated, chuckling a little. "Robb's face would know."

"... Shut up."

Robb chuckled afterwards. "There is some truth in Jon's words..."

…

"Avoid him as much as you can. He is a terrible influence." Catelyn Stark whispered in Sansa Stark's ear, not wishing to have any more of her children become fond of the Dragon Emperor.

Sansa Stark nodded, although she didn't see why she had to.

~

Aerion had rather smoothly integrated himself into the Stark household in a way, spending the most time with Robb Stark and Jon Snow. The three of them had become somewhat inseparable as they sparred together, ate together and hunted together. Whenever it came to almost anything, Aerion Targaryen was the wiser 'elder brother' who'd guide the two. At most times, he turned out to be a better teacher than the ones at Winterfell.

Just another day at Winterfell...

Shew.

Bran Stark missed his shot again, this time shooting way over the target. Robb Stark, Jon Snow and Aerion Targaryen all couldn't keep their laughter any longer.

Bam.

Aerion's laughter, however, was short-lived as a large ball of snow struck his face. Some of it had gone inside of his open mouth while the rest covered most of his face. Seeing this, Jon Snow and Robb Stark laughed even more while Aerion was dead silent.

"The Dragon Emperor has been assassinated… hahahaha!" Robb Stark laughed.

"Who…"

Even Eddard Stark chuckled as he looked at Jocelyn Baratheon. "I'd start running if I were you."

"That's my girl!" Robert Baratheon laughed too.

Aerion spit out the snow in his mouth… although, the act alone wasn't enough. He later channelled wind magic and got all of the snow off him. Clearing his eyes, he stared at the person who 'assassinated' him.

"Jocelyn… you are so dead…"

"Hahaha…" Jocelyn Baratheon turned around to make her escape, running rather swiftly. "I've never seen a pale Dragon Emperor before!"

Aerion Targaryen ran after her, leading to a chase. Jocelyn Baratheon was rather smart, however, as she left behind obstacles for him before reaching one of Winterfell's towers and starting the climb to the top.

"Wait… you're not intent on climbing a tower, are you?" Aerion frowned, looking slightly concerned.

"I'm doing pretty well for myself, wouldn't you say?" Jocelyn Baratheon smiled, continuing her climb rather effortlessly.

"Hmph…" Aerion lifted his hand and dragged Jocelyn off the tower and high into the sky through wind magic. "And that's what you've earned."

As she fell, he slowed down her fall into a massive patch of snow.

"Pfft…" Jocelyn Baratheon shook her head, clearing the snow from her face. "Still worth it…"

"You didn't fill your breeches?"

"I'm used to your mad dragons turning upside down in the air… compared to that, a light throw in the sky isn't much."

"You willful… yet brave child." Aerion chuckled, channelling wind magic once more as the snow around him gathered into several floating snowballs. His cheerful smile sudden turned very serious. "Now run."

"... Uh-oh." Jocelyn Baratheon sprang to her feet and started to run from the onslaught of snow.

~

After a grand wedding ceremony in Riverrun, Viserys Targaryen married Cersei Lannister. Tywin Lannister, sharing the task of handling the Ironborn, had travelled with him and personally led Cersei down the aisle. With the alliance that came with it, House Targaryen had secured yet another Great House. That was when Viserys Taregaryen realised that this was just another of Aerion's plans to strengthen House Targaryen's hold on the Seven Kingdoms.

Just through Viserys alone, he had more or less secured three Kingdoms… two if you don't count the Riverlands. If Jaime Lannister nor Tyrion had any legitimate heirs, then one of his children from Cersei Lannister could very well inherit Casterly Rock and the Westerlands.

'My nephew thinks…'

When Viserys Targaryen entered the bridal chamber, he was a little drunk but even more so ready to complete his 'duty'. Cersei Lannister had looked particularly beautiful on that night, especially to Viserys Targaryen who now saw her as his. However, he couldn't help but sense some distaste on the other end.

"I've been dealt with the lesser dragon."

'And I've been given a lioness… how fun.'

"The funnier one, I'd say." Viserys Targaryen replied with a smile, not taking the slight to heart. "You have all the beauty in the world and yet, whenever that sweet mouth of yours opens, I find that beauty diminishing infallibly."

"... If you love jesting so much, you should perhaps choose to be a court jester."

"I have a feeling that you like to guard your legs." Viserys remarked. "How often did Edmure take his liberties with you, I wonder?"

"... As often as he could." Cersei Lannister replied in a mocking tone upon hearing that name.

"I'd do that too… however, he has no children." Viserys Targaryen stated. "Does the fish not know how to release properly? Or does the golden Cersei dislike bearing children?"

"Why does that matter to you?"

"Would you have mine, I wonder? Because let me tell you one thing, my wife…" Viserys Targaryen looked into her emerald eyes, walking a little closer. "I won't be having you drink any of that silly moon tea. Unless… you're not that keen on being a Queen."

"A Queen?" Cersei Lannister inquired, seemingly being hooked on by that word… as Viserys had predicted.

"My nephew, while perfectly capable, would rather give the duties of ruling the Seven Kingdoms to someone else and focus on consolidating his power in Essos. Would you care to guess who this 'someone else' is most likely to be?"

"Then why does he leave you with the Riverlands and Iron Islands?" She questioned.

"It's simply a test." Viserys Targaryen smiled. "If I can settle their people down, lead their lands to prosperity and make royalists out of them then he would see me as fitting. He only told me this in private, of course... though, I'm sure some clever people like Tywin Lannister could figure it out."

"No wonder he was so glad selling me off for the second time," Cersei remarked.

"Isn't that what all ladies want, a pretty crown and the glamorous title to go with it?" Viserys replied, shaking his head. "Honestly, I was sort of sold off by Aerion too... and yet here we are. I'd rather find something good from this union rather than complaining and dreaming of what could've been."

"Sold off?"

"He didn't want you so he gave you to me... we're quite similar in this regard, being unable to make our own decisions. However, we certainly can make the decisions moving forward." Viserys Targaryen remarked as he shrugged his shoulders and lied down on the bed in a relaxed manner. "I'd like to ask one thing... would you rather be my lady or my Queen?"

"I would rather be the Dragon Emperor's queen."

"Ouch... sassy." Viserys chuckled, feeling the burn a little. "You know what, I quite like that about you. A wife who is too obedient would be dull and boring... however, you still haven't answered my question properly."

"Hmph... fine." Cersei Lannister disrobed herself rather slowly, turning to face him once she was done. "Is this the answer you wished for?"

"Quite perceptive." Viserys Targaryen nodded, rising up from the bed and facing Cersei directly. The glow in his violet eyes was certainly charming as they made eye contact. He raised his hand and caressed the smooth skin of her face, feeling a growing urge to bed her. "That body is too perfect to be sullied by common knights..."

"I will make you mine, Cersei Lannister."

Viserys Targaryen spoke in a soft voice as he moved forward for a kiss. Surprisingly Cersei did not retreat and eventually gave in to his tongue. In her eyes, she simply imagined Viserys to be Aerion (and a bit of Rhaegar). After that, it was all too easy...

...

The following morning.

"From now on, you will be watched by at least two of Aerion's Knights at all times, wherever you might go. This is to ensure your safety and that you don't do anything... undesirable." Viserys stated.

"They are dead, are they not?"

"Yes, they are... and as such, their loyalties lie solely with House Targaryen. They have no other wish but to serve me well."

"I should be able to walk alone whenever I wish." Cersei Lannister replied.

"You can stop dreaming." Viserys Targaryen simply countered. "The knights at Riverrun, or any man in general, will not be having turns with my Queen nor would I allow such a thing to happen like the weak, pathetic, Edmure."

"Your insecurities are showing, my lord."

"I'm just too caring." Viserys Targaryen cheerfully smiled. "I told you before, didn't I? You will be mine and mine alone... Cersei Lannister, the Dragon's Lioness. I quite like the sound of that, actually."

"..."

For some reason, Cersei Lannister felt a certain type of way hearing that.

~

Later.

Viserys Targaryen was spending some of his free time with Cersei Lannister, playing the harp in comedic fashion. He was so terribly bad that somehow his songs were... good. To add to this, he was perfectly aware of the truth and kept going.

"Cerseiiiii, do you love mee as much as you love yourself~?" Viserys Targaryen sang, holding in his own laughter. "I'm no dragon like the eloping Rhaegar or the ever-so-beautiful and mighty Aerion but I can slither deep inside better than they can. Oh, Cersei, your beauty shines more than the radiant sun yet your smiles are as rare as a moonless night."

"Would you please share your pretty smile with me? Oh, my dear Cersei, how I'd want you to place your delightful lips against my horn and blow it like an Ironborn ship's captain!~"

Cersei Lannister turned away, laughing a little.

"I made you laugh with my very best imitation of Rhaegar, didn't I?" Viserys Targaryen chuckled. "That's quite the accomplishment."

"Your songs are so awful that they're... strangely good." Cersei Lannister remarked. "You have your own charm, I'll give you that."

"... I almost turned red hearing that, you should know." Viserys couldn't help but smile. "When I leave for the Iron Islands, I'd want you to come with me. It's certainly not the prettiest of places so I would rather have something pleasant to look at while I'm there."

"I'll go."

"Shocking... well, I wouldn't want to miss my handsome face if I were you either." Viserys jested playfully. "Care for a second round?"

"I thought you would never ask..."

Turns out that both Viserys and Cersei were both quite the lustful bunch...