First Ritual of Laena

Daeranyx POV

"Let's get started then, what are we waiting for?" she asked, her tone brimming with joy which soon faded, replaced by concern and hesitation. "We don't have to sacrifice others for this, do we?" she inquired, the worry evident in her voice.

"What led you to that conclusion?" I inquired; curiosity evident in my tone. "Do I appear to be someone who would sacrifice others for the sake of magic?" Upon hearing my question, she responded by shaking her head negatively.

"I didn't mean it in that way. Our maester at Driftmark once said that the Valyrian Dragonlords would sacrifice many humans as a price for performing magic. Sacrifices seem to be a constant in magic. I've read about it. And no, you don't seem like someone who would sacrifice others," she responded, nodding and blushing at the end. It seems women in this world mature quickly; I'd rather not speculate on her current thoughts, given the blush on her face.

"Valyrian Dragonlords? Do you mean the Velaryon and Targaryen Dragonlords of Westeros, identify them as Westerosi Dragonlords?" I asked her. "And to answer your earlier question, no, we will not be sacrificing another person, or anyone for that matter, for this ritual." I couldn't help but be amused by how she was ensnaring herself in a trap with every word she spoke. At the moment, she is pondering how to respond to my inquiry about them being Westerosi Dragon lords without offending me. Guess life wouldn't be unamusing with her by my side.

"We don't identify ourselves as such, nor do we practice magic. So, we don't need to perform sacrifices for performing magic." she replied, watching me closely to see if she had offended me in any way. When I assured her, I was only teasing and wasn't serious, she sighed in relief, though her attempt at looking angry was rather feeble. In fact, her expression only made her look more adorable than upset. Unable to help myself, I burst into laughter, and after a few moments, I heard her giggle too.

"Well then, shall we begin? Remember, you might feel some pain, perhaps even a great deal. I wouldn't know, as I've never undergone it myself. However, it is certain that your bond with Vhagar will be strengthened, but there's more to it than that. You will change because you're bonding with a dragon nearly two hundred years old. As your bond with Vhagar grows stronger and deeper, you may notice changes in your personality and behavior, as will Vhagar. There might also be additional changes as the magic of your dragon spreads throughout your body, which isn't accustomed to it, but don't worry; it will benefit you in the long run. So, knowing all this, would you still choose to undergo this ritual? If not, I could offer a less intense version of the ritual that would be performed on your house and the Targaryens," I asked her. I said all this because I want to see whether she will choose pain for gain or opt for the normal route. And if you ask my opinion on what she will choose? I don't know much about her beyond her book character, but from what little I know of her now, she would choose the more painful path, not for the gain, but because it would strengthen her bond with Vhagar far more profoundly.

"I do not fear pain. If it strengthens my bond with Vhagar, I am prepared to endure any amount of it. Let's proceed, Daeranyx," she said, her eyes meeting mine with unwavering resolve and determination. I was correct, wasn't I? The care and affection she has bestowed upon Vhagar since our arrival here is evident. I suppose there is one similarity between her and her literary counterpart—they both cherish Vhagar deeply.

I've gathered the few items needed for this ritual, which is not much from my end. This ritual merely cements an already existing bond, with the Dragon's consent, so it doesn't require more than the three ingredients I have taken from my chambers. I've brought a circular structure I whimsically crafted on Skagos, an abundance of crushed dragonglass collected during my time there—because one can never be too prepared—and lastly, Weirwood leaves, which I've meticulously checked over a hundred times. My prior experience with them wasn't negative, but one can never be too cautious with such matters.

After completing the preparations, I briefed Laena on her role and the steps she would need to take. I spent some time detailing the process before beginning to encircle her with Dragon-glass. The ritual's success would depend largely on her actions, not mine. My role was limited to explaining her tasks, forming a circle with crushed Dragon-glass, positioning the weirwood leaves in the cardinal directions, and one additional task. This involved setting up a circular structure designed to withstand Vhagar's fiery breath, drawing magic from the atmosphere to ignite a flame that would enhance Vhagar's inherent magic, aiding Laena in the ritual. Once I placed the structure within the circle, leaving ample room for Laena and Vhagar's snout, I stepped back, having fulfilled my part. Now, everything rested on Laena, who attentively reviewed my work and repeated the incantation I had taught her, ensuring she wouldn't forget and could perform it fluently, as precision is crucial in such rituals.

Laena summoned Vhagar, who had been observing me as I worked on the circle. Vhagar turned her gaze towards Laena, her eyes shifting between Laena and the circle several times. After Laena's second call, the venerable Vhagar rose from her rest, and her snout entered the circle I had drawn. Although the circle was not perfect, it was sufficient, as a significant portion of Vhagar's snout was within it to make the magic work.

The ritual commenced as Laena commanded Vhagar to unleash fire upon the circular structure with the iconic High Valyrian command "Dracarys". Vhagar obeyed, and bronze flames laced with green burst forth. The structure absorbed the fiery onslaught, and flames of the same hue began to dance upon its surface. Moments later, the runes were activated, and the fire illuminating the structure grew intensely bright. It was so luminous that it could be seen from a great distance in the morning light, even without producing any smoke. The blaze did not disturb Laena as she withdrew the Valyrian steel dagger I had entrusted to her for the duration of the ritual.

The cut was deep, and blood poured out, spilling onto the earth below, visible even from my vantage point. Laena acted swiftly, smearing the blood across Vhagar's snout, who gazed intently at her blood-stained hand. Once she had smeared enough blood that it was noticeable even from a distance, she closed her eyes. Her contemplative expression made it clear she was rehearsing the chant I had taught her. After a moment, she opened her eyes and began to speak.

"Vhagar, iā ñuhon skoros perzys,

Rhojon iā ondoso, mērī īlon sōvēs.

Byrti īlva jaelā, iā kostōba jorrāelza,

Tolī īlva spiritpāzma gaomagon."

*"Vhagar, ancient heart of fire, 

Grant your magic, lift me higher. 

Through this bond, your strength I seek, 

Together, our spirits speak."*

Her High Valyrian was adequate for these rituals, but it would require significant improvement for more complex chants. As Laena recited the chant, the magical fire that had been burning grew brighter and more intense than before. The flames rose higher and burned more fiercely, stopping only when they reached the height of Vhagar's snout. I could sense Vhagar's magic, which had lain dormant since she breathed fire onto the structure, beginning to stir as a small yet dense amount of it gathered at the spot where Laena's hand rested.

The magic began to flow from Vhagar's snout into Laena's hand, permeating her body. Laena's screams echoed, yet they were not as intense as those from my rituals, so I did not intervene. I sensed Vhagar's magic coursing through Laena, and after a few minutes, flames slowly enveloped both Laena and Vhagar's snout as a great surge of magic swirled around them. I picked up a stone and crafted a ward to shield this magic from any unwelcome gazes. Laena's screams ceased once the fire had fully engulfed both her and Vhagar.

I waited for the fire to subside, as I could see nothing but a bronze inferno in front of me. Even after ten minutes, the fire showed no signs of stopping. Just when I thought intervention was necessary, Laena emerged unscathed, a proud look etched on her face. Before I could step forward, a roar so mighty erupted that I literally felt the vibrations under my feet. Vhagar appeared, his snout smeared with Laena's blood, yet his eyes were clear, reflecting the ferocity and intelligence one would expect from a dragon of two hundred years.

Upon witnessing the scene, I couldn't help but voice the thoughts that sprang to mind: "Fire and Blood. Indeed."

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