Chapter 53
In a distant future, deep in the heart of a city that was once only a fantasy, a boy named Aeloris sat in a massive, ancient building whose walls had seen more faces come and go than anyone knew people.
Aeloris was an apprentice in the Mithralis Sanctum, an institution so old that its beginnings were only vaguely described even in the oldest chronicles. Only the most talented and promising students were accepted here to study under the most experienced and wisest scholars.
His mentor was a man of great wisdom and renown who bore the awe-inspiring title of Archont of the Eternal Scriptures. His name was Valaryn Vaerion, a scholar whose knowledge was as deep as the sea and whose age was reflected in every gray hair and wrinkle on his face.
Valaryn was known for his sternness, but also for his dedication to the teachings and preservation of the old stories, especially those of the great houses.
Today, Aeloris sat alone in one of the countless alcoves of the great library of Mithralis Sanctum. Before him lay a book so old that its pages threatened to crumble as he turned them. It was a chronicle describing the history of House Baelaeron, the ancient and most powerful house that ruled over most of the world.
Aeloris was so engrossed in the ancient writings that he had completely forgotten the world around him.
The stories captivated him.
Suddenly, a cool hand placed itself on his shoulder. Aeloris flinched and dropped the precious book. He turned hastily and looked directly into the calm face of his teacher, Valaryn Vaerion, who wore a slight smile.
"What I wouldn't give to read all those stories for the first time," the Archont said in a calm, almost melancholy voice. "I was like you, Aeloris - captivated and obsessed with knowing everything about it that I often forgot the beauty of the world around me."
Valaryn picked up the book with a soft groan and waved Aeloris away when he tried to help him. "These old bones will have to put up with it," he muttered as he gently placed the book on the table.
With a gentle movement, he wiped the dust from the pages, his fingers stroking the old leather lovingly. "Ah, House Baelaeron. If my memory does not deceive me, I must have read the same book when I was your age."
"Do you know what happened before the conquests? I've rarely found anything about the time before the fall of Valyria," Aeloris asked, his voice full of curiosity.
Every boy and girl knew the legends of Valyria. They had grown up with the traditions that came from the ancient realm of the Dragonlords, but the details were often so foggy that rumors and truths often mingled.
Valaryn smiled softly "Ah, not only do you have the same thirst for knowledge, Aeloris, you also ask the same questions I asked myself at your age."
"Are there any answers to them?" Aeloris asked again, his hope unmistakable. If anyone knew, it was the Archont of the Eternal Scriptures, Valaryn Vaerion.
The Archont scratched his chin thoughtfully and nodded slowly. "Hmm," he grumbled softly, "I suppose I have some time to tell you a little about it." He sat down heavily on the chair and turned his gaze to Aeloris.
"The time before the Conquests... was a time that raised many questions for most people after the fall of Valyria. How was it possible for a Dragonlord of such renown as our Emperor to remain alive after such a long time - and in such a young form, too, that one would think he was barely older than twenty?" began Valaryn slowly.
Aeloris' eyes lit up. "The elixir of life, isn't it?" he said confidently.
Valaryn smiled gently and nodded. "Someone's been paying attention. You're right, the elixir of life - at least that's what we call it. But no one except the Baelaeron family knows what it really is."
He cleared his throat and let his gaze wander across the table until he spotted a carafe of water. "May I?" he asked politely.
"Please, help yourselves," Aeloris replied as he watched Valaryn pour himself a glass of water and take a deep sip.
"Ahh, so refreshing," Valaryn said with a wide smile on his face that deepened the wrinkles around his eyes.
"Very well, where were we?" he finally asked.
"At the Elixir of Life," Aeloris helped him eagerly.
"Ah, right, the elixir of life," Valaryn repeated and leaned forward slightly. "Do you know where it is rumored to be located?" he asked with great anticipation.
Aeloris frowned as he thought hard. The answer was on the tip of his tongue, but the name just wouldn't come to him. He knew it began with an 'A', much like his own name. "Axaloth? No... hmm..." He frowned again before the right name came to him. "Ah, I've got it - Azorath, right?"
Valaryn nodded in agreement, satisfied that his apprentice knew the answer. "That's right, Azorath. It is said that the Elixir of Life is kept there, a powerful means that has granted the Emperor and his family an infinite lifespan. But, like so many things, it is shrouded in a thick veil of mystery," he said mysteriously, before leaning back in his chair.
"Very well, let's get back to the point. As Archont of the Eternal Scriptures, I have often been granted the opportunity to speak with a member of the Imperial Family," Valaryn told him in a low, mysterious tone.
Aeloris' eyes widened with excitement. "What, you spoke to a member of House Baelaeron? How was it?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity and amazement.
"Another time, perhaps, or we'll never get to the end," Valaryn said with a slightly teasing smile. "I have obligations too, you know. Even if you always think I just relax all day."
Aeloris chuckled, knowing full well that his mentor wasn't just joking - it was actually the truth.
"Well, around the beginning of the second decade, after Azorath had begun construction, our Emperor assumed the mantle of Head of House Baelaeron. His father, however, contrary to what one might expect, did not retire to Azorath to spend his remaining years in peace with his family. Instead, he remained in the capital and continued to pursue political goals. It seems that he was an indispensable support for his son, as well as for the empire itself. Perhaps after so many years in power, he was simply unable to retire and live in peace."
Valaryn paused for a moment, as if lost in thought about the stories of that time, before continuing. "It is remarkable how different the paths of father and son were. While one immersed himself in building a new empire, the other simply could not let go of the art of politics and the power games of the old empire. Perhaps the incessant responsibility and drive to make a difference kept him from ever truly retiring."
"Be that as it may," Valaryn continued, "Kaelarys became very politically active during this time. His previous successes made him both respected and feared. It was never officially mentioned, but I strongly suspect that many attacks on the Baelaeron family were planned and executed during this time - and, as we now know, all failed. It was a troubled time, especially in the years when one of the powerful dragon families was almost completely ruined."
Aeloris' eyes widened in amazement. "But how? Who was responsible for that?"
Valaryn shook his head. "We don't know who exactly was responsible. But I can tell you who benefited the most. As it happens, the last surviving daughter of the dragon family, Princess Aera Zyraelor, married one of Emperor Kaelary's sons, Prince Sylas Baelaeron. So you could guess who was behind it, but I warn you, never speak of such assumptions to others. Such a remark could be interpreted as high treason."
Aeloris nodded, his eyes full of fear at the possible consequences of such thoughts.
"Good boy," Valaryn said, his voice softer again now.
Valaryn glanced briefly at the large, time-honored clock hanging on the wall. The hands were almost on the hour, and he frowned. "Time flies faster than you think," he muttered, turning his gaze back to Aeloris. "It's getting late, and we should call it a night."
Aeloris groaned softly. "But it was just getting exciting!"
Valaryn smiled indulgently. "Patience, my young friend, is a virtue that every scholar must master. History is not running away from us, and it is important that you rest your mind so that you can properly absorb the knowledge."
Aeloris sighed, but knew his mentor was right. "Yes, Archont..." he muttered reluctantly as he carefully closed the book and took it from the table.
"Patience brings wisdom, and wisdom leads to true power," Valaryn said softly, placing a hand on Aeloris' shoulder. "There is nothing we cannot discuss in the next session. Go now and rest. We will continue soon."
With a final nod, Aeloris said goodbye and left the room, Valaryn looking after him with a knowing smile. "This impatience will one day turn into prudent caution," the Archont muttered to himself before also leaving the room to attend to his own duties.
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Okay, so here we are.
This is how I want to bridge the time jumps for now, because I think it's the best way. Feel free to give me your opinions!
There's also something very important I want to discuss.
When should I start again? House of the Dragon or later or earlier? Depending on that it will be a whole different story, but I want your rough opinions first and will then hold a more detailed vote.
House of the Dragon Timeline
Game of Thrones/ Daenerys Timeline
Shortly after the Doom
You have to understand, of course, that if I start shortly after Doom, relatively few characters you know will ever make it into the FF. But as I said, I want to give you a rough overview of what you want to see first.
Yours,
Jasonenrick!