40. Gratitude

Daeranyx POV

I'm heading to the chambers where I've previously broken my fast, as it's time for lunch or a midday meal here. En route, my thoughts keep drifting towards an animal that I've encountered in my mindscape. Any Harry Potter fan would understand what this means, as seeing an animal in the mindscape often signifies your potential Animagus form. In the Harry Potter universe, there's no mention of meeting your Animagus form in the mindscape. However, if one considers what an Animagus is, it becomes clear that a wizard who has attained my level of mind magic wouldn't need to perform the usual steps most wizards undergo to achieve this transformation.

I can't help but reminisce about that moment, as I'm eager to discover what animal my form would take. I could force it in the style of the Harry Potter world, but it has its drawbacks, and if it approached me of its own accord, I believe it would be somewhat beneficial to me. Given the wings I've seen, I have high expectations for whichever animal it may be. My thoughts then shift to Anarion; I must make time for our ride, as Anarion would take issue with me riding another dragon if I didn't devote sufficient time to him. Vezofina has become almost invisible since our arrival; her visits have dwindled to no more than once a day. I inquired with the servant whether she spends most of her time in Aemma's chambers, but they said she visits Aemma only occasionally, and only for food, never lingering long after eating.

I'm uncertain of her whereabouts or how she spends her time, yet I trust she could reach me swiftly should an urgent situation arise. I've gathered her tears, intending to use them only as a last resort, for they possess the potential to save lives in dire moments. The quantity of tears required to revive a Dragon from a deathly state remains unknown to me; humans may need only one, but Dragons are a different tale. I'm aware that given time, Vezofina's magic is likely to eclipse the restorative power of her tears due to her innate healing abilities. Hence, I carry a few with me, for one can never predict when they might be needed, and in these times, Dragons hold unparalleled significance.

To be frank, I believe that after these two moons, Vezofina will have the potential to heal at least one Dragon from grave injuries. If a war between the two continents were to break out during this time, I would need the tears, especially if two Dragons from the Targaryen or Velaryon houses were injured simultaneously. Taking a side with them means I need my allies in their strongest and most powerful state to end the war swiftly. This would minimize further bloodshed and allow me to be free to build the empire I envision.

After this war, it might become slightly easier for me to establish relations with Essos. As much as I despise war, I cannot ignore that it often brings about much-needed change. However, to achieve these changes, countless individuals who fight solely for their land and family are sacrificed, which is the true cruelty of war. My knowledge of war comes not from memories of three persons that I have but from being born into a community that has battled foreign invaders for centuries to protect our land and our culture. I was raised in a village where the elders of our clan would share with the children the lessons they have learned from their life and the wisdom passed down from our ancestors. Children often prefer stories of war as they include fights that they like to hear over any other. I still remember their teachings about the consequences of war, which is why I strive to avoid it as much as possible. 

Upon entering the chamber where I had broken my fast, I observed Corlys and Rhaenys engaged in conversation. They stood to greet me as I arrived, and I reciprocated with a smile. As I took my seat, I noticed an increase in the gratitude within Corlys and Rhaenys's eyes compared to our earlier breakfast. It became clear to me that Laena must have shared the details of the ritual and my role in it. Although if I have stayed longer, I would have met them, but I chose to depart after ensuring Laena was comfortably resting in her chambers, not wishing to interrupt her repose with matters that could wait for another time.

"Lord Daeranyx," Corlys began, his voice measured but warm. "We owe you a great deal again, it seems." 

I nodded slightly, meeting his gaze. "You owe me nothing, Lord Corlys. I have merely given my future bride what she deserves as the bride-to-be of House Drakonar. And Laena's bond with Vhagar was always strong, Lord Corlys. I merely… deepened what was already there. Her connection to the largest dragon in Westeros should not be taken lightly, especially with what may come." I replied.

Rhaenys, ever perceptive, leaned forward, "What you've done, Lord Daeranyx, goes beyond anything Targaryen has known. This ritual of yours—this old magic—has given our daughter control that none have achieved in my family. Vhagar is mighty, but old, unruly at most of the times. Laena speaks of how she no longer needs the whip. And if she could gain control of Dragon as old as Vhagar to such degree I could only imagine how much control this ritual would give a Dragonlord if it was performed when Dragon is merely hatchlings and eggs are hatched in their cradle" she said while imagining in her mind from look on her face.

I understood her implications, but the ritual will only be shared with them after they sign the contract, which will bind our house more firmly than mere words before the marriage. However, I am immensely satisfied and happy that Laena has not disclosed to her family the method of performing the ritual she underwent. I'm uncertain about what she told her parents, but if she had revealed my actions, they would be inquiring about the circular structure and how to obtain it, rather than merely discussing a ritual. Indeed, there are few things more precious to me than the loyalty of a person I have trusted.

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Indeed, Vhagar's age brings wisdom, but also weariness that comes with age. The bond between dragon and rider can transcend much more than Laena has achieved. With right lineage and magic, the commands are not needed—the bond becomes understanding. Dragon will no longer resist rider's will and rider understand Dragon much more than rider his mount." I told them about the bond that I currently have with Anarion.

Corlys exchanged a look with Rhaenys before turning back to me. "You've not only gifted us this control over Vhagar but also presented us with a weapon of Valyria, a sword worthy of our alliance. You honor us greatly."

I inclined my head. "House Drakonar's legacy is one of power and magic, Lord Corlys. We have always believed that strength lies in our bonds—whether with dragons, or with those who are our true allies. The sword is but a symbol of our shared future." I told them the flowery word they want to hear. Let no one tell that I'm not adapting to these times.

Corlys's lips curled into a slight grin, his pride evident. "With this strengthened bond, Laena stands as one of the most formidable dragonriders in Westeros. When the conflict with the Dragonlords of Volantis arrives, she will face them not as a vulnerable rider, but as one with command over Vhagar."

Rhaenys added, her voice soft but firm, "You've ensured our daughter's safety, and for that, we are in your debt." 

I met her gaze with equal gravity. "As I told you two before there is no debt between our family, Princess Rhaenys. I have a vested interest in the survival of House Velaryon. After all, this union between Laena and myself binds more than our fates—it strengthens our two houses in the coming storm."

The sound of footsteps reverberated through the hallway, and as I turned, I saw Laena and Laenor arriving, their faces aglow with the midday sun. They took their seats at the table, and I realized the conversation had taken a new direction. It now centered on Laena's safety and her feelings about the bond she now shares with Vhagar, a rarity for Targaryens to experience such deep bond with Dragons.

******

After our meal concluded, Rhaenys escorted Laena to her chambers, though 'dragged' might better describe Laena's departure. Laenor, meanwhile, left of his own volition to join his friends. This provided an opportunity to discuss the concept of contracts with Corlys. I explained that while the practice is similar to that of the Iron Bank representatives—who take a lord's word and, should debts go unpaid, claim their lands—there are numerous other methods they might employ to recover their gold.

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