Chapter 36

After three long months at sea, Jon Snow and Maester Aemon finally arrived in Volantis aboard the ship of the Company of Roses. The journey had been arduous, with storms and rough seas testing their resolve, but now they stood on the bustling docks of the ancient city, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a civilization unlike any they had ever known.

As they made their way through the crowded streets, Maester Aemon whispered tidbits of information about Volantis to Jon, his voice barely audible above the din of the city. "Volantis is the oldest of the Free Cities, the first colony of Valyria," he said, his words tinged with a sense of reverence for the ancient civilization that once ruled the known world.

Jon listened intently, his eyes scanning the bustling marketplace as they followed the captain of the Company of Roses through the labyrinthine streets. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he took in the sights around him – the towering Black Walls, the sprawling temples dedicated to the Lord of Light, and the rows of slaves being bought and sold in the slave markets.

"More than 80% of the population are slaves," Maester Aemon continued, his voice filled with sadness at the plight of the downtrodden. "The Volantenes claim that the hundred isles of Braavos could be dropped into their harbor and disappear."

Jon felt a knot form in his stomach as he looked out at the harbor, imagining the countless lives lost to the cruel whims of slavery. He couldn't understand how such a prosperous city could thrive on the suffering of others, how its people could turn a blind eye to the injustices committed in their midst.

As they passed through Fishermonger's Square, Jon's discomfort only grew, the air thick with the stench of fish and the clamor of merchants haggling over their wares. The Merchant's House loomed before them, a beacon of luxury amidst the squalor of the streets, but Jon found little comfort in its opulent facade.

He couldn't shake the feeling of disdain that welled up inside him as he walked through the streets of Volantis, his heart heavy with the weight of the city's sins. The culture of slavery, the worship of foreign gods, the decadence of the ruling class – it all seemed to him a perversion of everything he held dear.

As Jon Snow and Maester Aemon continued their journey through the streets of Volantis, they came across a group of men gathered near the entry of the Long Bridge. These men, with their striking Valyrian features, stood out amidst the throng of people, their beauty a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of the city.

Jon couldn't help but admire their graceful demeanor and the way they carried themselves with an air of confidence. But his admiration quickly turned to discomfort as he noticed the slaves lingering nearby, their eyes downcast and their expressions haunted by the weight of their chains.

As the group of men caught sight of Jon, their eyes widened in recognition, almost popping out of their heads in a manner that sent a shiver down Jon's spine. Their intense gaze made him uneasy, and he shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny.

Before they could approach, however, they were halted by the mercenary accompanying Jon and the captain of the Company of Roses. Maester Aemon stepped forward, his voice calm and steady as he addressed the men in Valyrian, a language Jon was not familiar with.

The men's demeanor softened as they listened to Aemon's words, their expressions shifting from curiosity to reverence. Jon watched in confusion as Aemon spoke with them, unable to understand the exchange taking place between them.

After a few moments, Aemon turned to Jon with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "They welcome you, Jon," he said, translating their words into the common tongue. "They see you as a holy child, a symbol of hope and redemption for the city of Volantis."

Jon nodded, still unsure of what to make of the encounter. As the men of Volantis led Jon Snow and Maester Aemon towards the holy city within the Black Walls, they denied entry to the mercenary accompanying them. Jon's stubborn insistence, however, prevailed, and the men reluctantly allowed the group to pass through the towering gates of the Black Walls.

As they entered the labyrinthine streets within, Jon's eyes widened in awe at the sight before him. The Black Walls rose high above, a testament to the power and grandeur of the Valyrian Freehold. The fused black dragonstone shimmered in the sunlight, its surface smooth and unyielding, a barrier between the outside world and the secrets held within.

Jon couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the ancient city, its palaces and towers reaching towards the sky in a majestic display of architectural prowess. The courtyards and temples echoed with the whispers of history, each stone bearing witness to the countless lives that had passed through its gates.

As Jon Snow and Maester Aemon walked through the ancient city of Volantis, they were suddenly halted in their tracks by the arrival of the Triarchs of Volantis, accompanied by their retinue of men. Jon's thoughts were interrupted as he turned to face the three men of importance, who remained bowed before him in a show of respect.

Jon regarded the Triarchs with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, unsure of how to proceed in their presence. Maester Aemon, sensing Jon's uncertainty, urged him to allow the Triarchs to raise their heads.

Reluctantly, Jon acquiesced, and Maester Aemon spoke on his behalf, addressing the Triarchs in a voice that carried the weight of authority. The Triarchs listened intently as Aemon relayed Jon's words, his tone respectful yet firm as he conveyed Jon's intentions and desires.

As the conversation unfolded, Jon observed the Triarchs with keen interest, noting the subtle nuances of their expressions and gestures. Despite their outward displays of deference, Jon could sense an undercurrent of power and ambition that lurked beneath the surface.

[

Alright, it's time for another round of "Who's That Pokémon?" Ready for the guess? Here are the clues:

- This Pokémon is related to the legends of the Ironborn and the island of Old Wyk (directive clue).

- It's a Dragon-type Pokémon.

- It eats meteoroids for sustenance.

Put his name in the chat if you think you know it!

For those who want to know before the public release, check out my Patreon. This Pokémon will appear around chapters 71-73, which haven't been released on Patreon yet, but will be available today or maybe tomorrow. 

link: patreon.com/AmouxCreationX

]