Chapter 21: Interlude

Notes:

We have come to the end of Act I, I hope you all enjoyed it and would be great to hear your opinions and recommendations moving forward.

There will be a time jump for Act II, with the first chapter taking place 7-8 months after this chapter.

Chapter Text

Runestone

Aerion I

Aerion banged his fist on the table, gathering the attention of everyone in the great hall, he had called for a grand feast to be assembled in the light of their victory, he sat at the high table along with Willam, Rodrik, Jory and Lord Redfort, even Lord Grafton made an appearance, arriving well after the siege had occurred.

He stood from his chair, taking the goblet of summer wine into his hand and lifted it in the air, his free hand then leaning upon Willam's shoulder, of which he patted, smiling as he looked down at him.

"This victory is yours." he began "The fine men that sit before me, and those who celebrate outside these walls, the successful siege upon Runestone  would not have been possible without the strength and dedication from all of you, as well as our finest ally, House Redfort."

"For centuries, our families have fought side by side on the battlefield, and only together, will we bring peace to the Vale." Aerion continued, looking to Lord Redfort on his right "May our houses stand together for a thousand years more." loud cheers erupted in the hall, and mugs banged against the long tables.

"NOW! Drink and eat until sleep takes you." he cheered "And tomorrow, we shall begin to rebuild and start the process to peace in the Vale, for this battle was only the beginning!" He stated "I will not stop until the clansmen threat has been eliminated, until our realm stands as the strongest in the seven kingdoms!"

"To Runestone!" he yelled, with everyone in the room copying his words, and then each taking a sip from their mugs "Let the music play." he commanded, sitting down back in his chair, and the drums began to beat.

He took a swig from his wine, before placing it back down onto the table, leaning back on his chair.

"A fine speech, my prince." Lord Redfort commended him "You have inspired the troops of the days ahead, and it is good to hear you are just as committed as I of ending this clansmen's plight."

"For too long have they disrupted progress within the Vale, Lord Redfort." Aerion stated "Look where we sit in the realm? We have no advisors on the small council, despite the marriages with House Targaryen, we are more distant from them than ever. I want the Vale to be a beacon of unity in these lands, proof that we can come together instead of killing each other, and plotting in the shadows."

"Then it is not just the clansmen we need to look at, my prince, peace will never be secured until we deal with those plotting against Lady Jeyne, while Arnold Arryn lives, we will never truly be unified." Lord Grafton added to the conversation.

"He will come out from whatever hole is hiding in eventually, my lords, and when he does we will be ready for him, so long as you both are committed to the cause of a better future, and pledge your forces to it."

"Shall you need me, I will always answer the call, my prince, it is high time that this country have a true protector, one that will stand against all opposition, and who better than a fierce dragonrider who understands these lands, who grew up here, you know our ways better than most." Lord Redfort stated, patting his chest.

"On this, Lord Redfort and I can agree, while we both respect and are sworn to Lady Jeyne, she can not inspire our men in the fields, she has no mind for strategy or war, we need a capable warrior  to stand against those who wish to bring the Vale to its knees." Lord Grafton stated "House Grafton and Gulltown stand with you, my prince."

"You both honour me with your words, my lords, we shall speak with the other houses, and see if they are willing to stand with us against these savages." Aerion smirked, "For now, enjoy the feast, there will be much work to do once the smell of ale and wine has lifted."

Willam leaned towards Aerion, whispering in his ear.

"And with that, you have the full support of two great houses within the Vale, and with it, Runestone has grown ever strongly." Willam patted his shoulder "You could go ride to the Eyrie, ask to be named Protector of the Vale, as your grandfather was previously."

"And perhaps I will, though I refuse to leave Runestone until the repairs have been made, and we are safe from another attack."  Aerion pointed out, then looking over to Rodrik "How are you feeling, old man?" he chuckled.

"Milk of the poppy heals all ailments, my prince!" he let out a warm laugh, then gripped tightly at his stomach "Oh..too soon." and Aerion and Willam chuckled amongst each other in response.

They drank and feasted for hours, and Aerion soon found himself out in the inner courtyard, taking a piss on the steps, taking a sip from his mug, which now had ale within.

"Are you drunk yet, friend?" Aerion turned his head and smiled at Jory as he came out from the keep "I feel sorry for the poor sod that will need to clean up after you on the morrow." he smirked.

"Drunk? No…well, I don't think I am…" he said, stumbling along the path towards the outer courtyard. "On the other hand, perhaps I am." he grunted, feeling his stomach as it grumbled "Oh gods.."

"Perhaps you should rest." Jory recommended "or actually eat something."

"I am fine." they walked down the steps to the outer courtyard "I want to train, come and fight against me." he stumbled onto the his ass, sitting down on the steps "or perhaps we can take a trip down to the dungeons, cause pain to that fool who had the gaul to betray me for a second time.."

Jory grabbed the mug from Aerion "That is enough for you." he said, spilling the ale onto the ground, then pulling him up by the arm "Let's get you to your chambers, we can discuss what to do with your cousin on the morrow."

"I am a Prince and a Lord of a Great Keep." he exclaimed "I don't need you treating me as some child who needs to be in bed before midnight."

"Yes well, I happen to be the sober one here, and I doubt you could do much to stop me in your condition, I shall face the consequences on the morrow, come on now.." he said, pulling Aerion up the steps and back into the keep.

He had little resistance afterwards, and next thing he knew, he was in his bed, with the sun gleaming against his face through the curtains, he felt like crap, and looked worse for wear, still in his tunic from the night before, smelling of ale.

Once dressed, he made his way down towards the dungeons, Gerold laid within a cell once more, his loud snores could be heard throughout the lower levels, he grabbed a wooden stool the guards used when on duty, and stepped inside the cell, planting himself down and just looking to the man.

He rattled his dagger against the iron bars of the cell, waking Gerold from his slumber "Here we are again, Gerold." Aerion said, twirling the dagger in his hand "I had hoped I'd never see you in these cells again, though you've taken me for a fool."

"Just kill me and be done with it, as you have with Gunthor." 

"I would, but then death would be too easy and a mercy for the likes of you.." Aerion shook his head "No..I want you to suffer, feel agonising pain up until your last moment, when I am done with you, you'll be nothing but a shell of your current self..a pet in which I take pleasure torturing."

"We are kin…while that does not excuse me from death, surely it must excuse me from torture.." Gerold pleaded with him, "Please…allow me to die with my dignity intact."

"Do you remember when I was child?" Aerion asked "It wasn't so long ago, I remember my mother bringing some poachers back from her hunt, I was only twelve at that point, if I recall correctly."

"What does this have to do with anything?"

"I snuck out from my chambers at night, and sneaked past the guards into the dungeons." Aerion told "I still remember their faces before I took a knife to each and every one of them, and I remember the excitement building up in my chest with each stroke of the dagger."

"You're an animal.." Gerold spat.

"Mother of course, truly didn't know what ever happened to them, my misdeeds were covered up, as far as she was concerned, they were set free or perhaps even escaped, little did she know they laid dead in the river."

Aerion smirked at Gerold, removing himself from the stool and kneeling down at him, trailing his blade up Gerold's leg.

"Truth is, cousin, I know what I am…and it matters not to me, in the eyes of the people, I will be seen as a war hero, someone who brought change to Westeros…they will care little about my pleasure of causing pain to others."

Gerold attempted to lunge at Aerion, but he swiftly rose up and kicked him back down onto the ground "Good attempt, Gerold, luckily for you I am not in the mood for hurting you today." he said, walking out of the cell, and locking it behind him.

"You will be judged for your actions, Aerion, if not by me, then certainly by the other lords of the Vale." Gerold yelled as Aerion walked away "You won't see your own downfall until it's too late!"

"Make sure he is refused food for the next couple of days, and keep the water to a minimum." Aerion looked towards the guard "And ensure no one comes down here to speak with him."

"As you command, my prince." he glanced around the dungeons, turning back to the guard shortly after.

"Where are mercenary prisoners, both leaders of the companies?" Aerion asked

"Ser Willam took them at dawn, my prince, I believe he is showing them around Runestone before you begin your negotiations.." the guard bowed his head.

He ran his hand across his eyes, setting off from the dungeons in search of Willam, he was quick to find them, walking around the outer courtyard, they each had been cleaned and well fed as a sign of good faith before Aerion proposed his plan to them.

Aerion did not trust them, but he did not need to for their plan to work, at least not in the beginning, they would eventually bend to him once they see his plan come to fruition, a mercenary company with a good name and a great reputation will have sources of income coming from everywhere.

"Willam." Aerion said, walking up to the three men "Had you told me you were giving them the tour, I would have woken up sooner." he smirked.

"I thought it best to allow you to sleep, you seemed to have drunk a lot of ale last night." Willam stated "I was just telling both Roach and Roland how there should be peace between us, we have no quarrel with mercenaries."

"This much is true." Aerion nodded "You were paid to fight against us, now those men are dead, we should move forward towards working together."

"That is good to hear and all." Roland was the first to say "But with our defeat, the Lost Sons are returning to Essos, unless you are asking for a new contract to be taken, between us and yourself."

"I see." Aerion said "And what are your thoughts…was it Roach?" he clasped his hands behind his back awaiting an answer.

"I heard that you gave a nice speech at your feast last night." Roach began "That you wanted to bring an end to the savages within the mountains, and bring in an era of peace, given the right price, my brotherhood will assist in these efforts."

"I have a better solution." Aerion stated "I have plans to start up a new mercenary company, one that will primarily operate in Essos, building up its name, and its force, I had hoped that both your companies will disband, and your men will be the bulk of the force in this new company."

"That is an interesting proposition, Prince Aerion." Roland replied "But are you truly giving us a choice? Or is this you commanding us to do this, and in return we'll be free, I know what a one-sided negotiation looks like."

"Should you refuse, you and your men will be given safe passage to leave these lands and to never return." Aerion stated "But..if you agree to this, then you'll be richer for it, you would be tied to a Dragonlord of Westeros, powerful men and nations from across this world will come seeking you, I would name you both captains, and each of you will get a large portion from each contract."

"I would think it best for you to both discuss this amongst your company's officers..well those that remain." Willam stated "Come to us with an answer on the morrow, and in the meantime, we will have chambers prepared for your stay, no more sleeping on the floor of a dungeon cell."

The Eyrie

Jeyne I

Jeyne rose from the bed, extending her arms upwards into a stretch, a small speck of light made its way through the plush blue curtains of the Moon Tower, she walked over slowly, rubbing her eyes and then spreading the curtains.

The ray of sunshine hit her face in full force through the diamond-shaped panes that gave a good view out across the Mountains of the Vale, each time she peered at them felt like the very first.

A knock soon followed as she peered at herself through the mirror, running a brush through her hair, preparing herself for the day ahead.

"Come in." she called out.

Her handmaiden and dearest companion, Jessamyn, walked through with a pile of fresh clothing with her.

"I hope you had a good sleep, my lady." Jessamyn said with a warm smile "I will have some of the servants prepare a bath for you, if that is what you would like."

"Thank you, Jess, though I must decline." Jeyne replied "We received a raven late last night from Runestone, an envoy should be arriving this morning."

Jessamyn placed the clothes down on the bed, moving behind Jeyne and planting her chin softly upon her shoulder.

"You should inform everyone that you are sick, so that we both may remain here for the entire day." Jessamyn smirked, and Jeyne twisted around and planted a small peck on her handmaiden's lips.

"That sounds wonderful, Jess." Jeyne responded, and Jessamyn  assisted in removing her nightgown, trailing a finger along Jeyne's stomach "But it is important I attend this meeting, I must know what has been happening within my realm."

"Could this envoy be a certain Targaryen Prince?" she smirked, "I have heard that he has grown into a fine and mighty warrior, and that he has tamed a dragon."

They clasped their hands together, and Jeyne brought them up to her lips, kissing upon Jessamyn's.

"Has word come from your father?"

"A letter arrived a few days ago, my father was a part of the army that had acted in the siege of Runestone, at the request of our prince." Jessamyn stepped back and grabbed the blue elegant dress for Jeyne on the bed. "I certainly hope the envoy brings good news with them."

They each kissed one final time as Jeyne dressed, before leaving her bedchambers and making their way towards the Lower Hall to break their fast.

"My Lady." Captain Eldric bowed, coming from behind them.

He had been the Captain of the Household Guard since she was a child, serving her father previously, and always wore his plated armour underneath a long sky-blue heavy cloak draped over the shoulders and covering his breastplate.

"Good Morrow, Captain Eldric." Lady Jeyne turned, clasping her hands together "Is everything okay? We were just headed to the Lower Hall to break our fast."

"The envoy from Runestone has since arrived, and awaits your arrival within the Crescent Chamber, I shall inform him that you will see him after you have broken your fast, my lady."

Ser Eldric bowed once more, and as he turned to leave, Lady Jeyne halted him.

"Wait."

"My Lady?"

"I shall meet with him now, bring him into the High Hall and we will hear what news he brings from our southern coast." Lady Jeyne commanded.

The High Hall was a long austere hall, with walls made of blue-veined white marble, and decorated with rows of slim fluted pillars and large blue silk carpets.

At the far end of the hall, sat two thrones carved from a Weirwood tree, one for the Lord or Lady of the Eyrie, and the other was where a consort would sit, for when she were to marry.

The Hall had narrow, arched windows, and between were torches mounted upon high silver sconces, in the middle of the hall was the famous Moon Door, a narrow Weirwood door that stood between two slender pillars, with a crescent moon carved into the door, and opened inwards, barred with three heavy bronze bars, opening to reveal the long drop below.

Lady Jeyne sat upon the throne with her legs crossed, looking up a Jessamyn with a warm smile as she stood beside her.

Captain Eldric brought the envoy through and he immediately kneeled before her.

"You must be the envoy from Runestone, do tell us what news you bring." she asked.

"M'lady, I thank you for taking the audience with me so early into the day.." The man appeared out of breath; most men who seeked an audience had to climb up a ladder-like chimney that spanned six-hundred feet up to the castle.

"I bring word from Aerion Targaryen, Lord of Runestone, Rider of Gaelithox, Wielder of Goldfyre, and Prince of the Realm." 

Jeyne couldn't help but reveal a smirk as the man listed his hefty titles, though she soon gestures for him to continue.

"He has crushed his enemies that held claim to Runestone, sentencing Ser Gunthor Royce to death, and the other traitors  were all burned alive." she gasped at this information "Prince Aerion found the truth of those behind it, your cousin, Arnold Arryn, is said to have been involved, though has vanished, believing to have sailed across the Narrow Sea."

The mention of her cousin, Arnold Arryn, brought back memories that she would rather keeps buried, she had been reminded how he attempted to usurp her title when she was very young, and relied heavily upon her regent, Yorbert Royce, to repel him after her father and brothers were slain by clansmen.

"Continue…" she said, filled with anger.

"Prince Aerion's cousin, Ser Gunthor, had revealed that he was in Gulltown, though he had already been gone once the prince arrived there on dragonback."

"Thank you for delivering this message." Lady Jeyne said "And what of our prince?"

She and Aerion had forever been on good terms, they had grown close over the years, and always thought of him as a true friend and ally, remembering when both he and Lady Rhea would visit long after Yorbert's death.

"He wants me to inform you that once the repairs to Runestone have been completed, he will personally travel to the Eyrie." 

The news was a delight for Jeyne, who looked towards Jessamyn with a soft smile, before dismissing the Envoy and telling him he is welcome to stay a few nights to rest before setting out back to Runestone.

She looked back at Jessamyn after Captain Eldric and the Envoy left the hall.

"Aerion is coming to the Eyrie..it has been so long, I fear he may not recognize me as he did before, or that I would not recognize him, from the sounds of it, he has become the warrior he always wanted to be."

"What if he is coming to claim your hand in marriage?" Jessamyn worried.

Jeyne knew that it could be the case, though she wanted to avoid marriage for as long as possible, enjoying her time with Jessamyn too much.

"He does not see me that way." she shook her head.

"Though it would be the logical choice, he stands as one of the most powerful lords in the Vale, if not the most powerful now, and the other lords of the Vale are not too happy with the succession of Runestone, they believe the Targaryen's should not have a foothold here." Jeyne added

"How will marrying him solve this issue? the Targaryen's would still have a foothold, if not a bigger one if he marries you." Jessamyn pointed out to her.

"This much is true, however instead of having a power that could stand against me at anytime, if we marry, we could combine our strengths and the Vale would be stronger than it ever has been." she countered.

Jeyne rose from the throne and made her way from the High Hall, with Jessamyn following so that they may break their fast together.

"Enough of our Prince Aerion for today, Let us finally break our fast."

Small Council

Rhaenyra I

Rhaenyra was called into the small council chambers shortly after breaking her fast, and was surprised to see Alicent present, seated beside the King's chair.

She could not believe that the bitch had managed to convince the king that she should join in on the small council meetings.

"Princess." Lyonel Strong bowed his head as she came to sit beside him.

"What a pleasure it is to have you join us, Princess." Lord Jasper Wylde said, he was an insufferable man known for his many children.

The king was the last to arrive, followed alongside the master of coin, Lord Lyman Beesbury, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Harrold Westerling.

Her father had grown considerably sickly as the days went by, sometimes he was normal and happy, and other times, he could hardly walk, but no one could deny that he had been suffering and was unwell.

They all rose to their feet, then soon seated back down as the King took his own seat.

"Your grace, I do apologise for this emergency gathering, but I considered the matter urgent to discuss the recent events that have unfolded in the Vale."

"What has happened?" Viserys asked.

"Over the last week, it would appear that there has been a coup to replace your nephew, Prince Aerion, as Lord of Runestone, one that has been enacted by that of House Royce."

"Surely you are mistaken, Lord Hand.." Rhaenyra said "To act against a member of House Targaryen, is to act against the king."

"There is no mistake, princess." Lyonel responded "And if the reports are to be true, then it would also appear that the Prince has made a claim of a dragon, and a great one at that."

Rhaenyra's eyes widened, it had almost been two moons since they each saw one another, and she could not help but smirk at his recent achievement, though it soon died when a glare arrived from the Alicent.

"He would need permission from the king to claim such a beast." Alicent remarked "Are you suggesting he has gone against protocol, this could be a very dangerous situation for the crown, your grace." Alicent told Viserys.

"Lord Strong." Rhaenyra interrupted "Do we know which of the untamed dragons he has managed to claim for himself?" she leaned backwards, her hand steadfast on the ball that sat in front of her.

"The Cannibal, princess." Lyonel responded.

Rhaenyra was shocked, everyone in their line knew too well not to mess with the Cannibal, it has a reputation for being untamable beasts that killed its own, the news only made her miss Aerion even more, the Red Keep having been insufferable without him.

"Lyonel, Please speak more on this ploy." Lyman Beesbury asked.

"They dare attack mine own blood, I shall have their heads taken and lifted up onto the spikes that line Maegor's Holdfast." the King demanded.

"There is no need for such, my king, your nephew has dealt with the situation by himself, with the help from his allies." Lyonel revealed.

"And what of the traitors, Lord Lyonel?" Jasper Wylde asked.

"Gunthor and Gerold Royce were both taken prisoner shortly after the occupation was lifted, it would seem that Gunthor was killed by Aerion, and Gerold taken prisoner." Lyonel continued "It is said that Aerion tortures his cousin daily."

"May Ser Gerold be shown mercy by the seven." Alicent spoke "they were both his kin, to do this to them makes him a Kinslayer, the highest of sins." 

"I strongly agree, my queen, the Prince's actions are an abomination in the eyes of the faith." Grand Maester Mellos nodded, as always in favour of anything that benefited the Hightowers. "If his grace was to summon the prince to Kings' Landing, we may learn more, and he shall be responsible for these atrocities."

Rhaenyra scoffed.

"Surely you are not serious?" she questioned them "If what Lord Lyonel has stated is true, which I full heartedly agree is the way that it went,  then we should be applauding him for his actions."

"Well,  you would say that princess, it is no secret to the small council how close you and Prince Aerion had gotten on his last visit here." Alicent said, and Rhaenyra wanted to rip her head off, and it showed on her face.

"What are you implying?" Rhaenyra shouted

"Enough, the both of you.." the king spoke up, waving his hand. "I will not question my own nephew, these men were traitors and betrayed him, if we are to hear of what happened, it will be when he returns to King's Landing on his own accord."

"Is there anything else this council would like to speak about?" Lyonel asked.

"I believe we should talk about the latest developments in the Stepstones, your grace." Lord Tyland Lannister, Master of Ships replied.

"Gods, must we speak of that place? I thought Daemon's conquest was a success?" Viserys replied, showing signs of frustration.

"It was, your grace, but the triarchy have already been preparing to recapture the Stepstones." Lord Tyland revealed "It is said that they have made a new alliance with Qoren Martell of Dorne."

"Has there been word from Driftmark whether they will be dealing with this threat? it was the sea snake and Prince Daemon who said we must have this war, surely they can now defend what they have gained." Alicent answered

"Lord Corlys is said to have engaged in negotiations with Runestone, if I was to make a guess, my queen, I would say that Prince Aerion will be providing the bulk of men, and Lord Corlys, the ships."

"It seems my nephew has been busy as of late, did you not say he was being overthrown? when did he have time to discuss such an  alliance? and what is being offered up in return?" Viserys looked around the table

Each of the council members shrugged.

"Laenor will be arriving from Driftmark in the coming days, maybe he can shed some light on this, father." Rhaenyra replied, smiling at her father, placing a hand on her stomach.

"Very well.." he rose from his chair "We can discuss this further when your husband returns.." and everyone rose with him out of respect "Now, if that is all..." he slowly walked out of the small council chambers with Alicent behind him, giving Rhaenyra one final glare before leaving with him.