Prologue
The idea has been received with protest from almost everyone. But as Jon explains their plan, it begins to make sense.
It had seemed a good idea, in theory. Have everyone who is willing, tested to see if they can ride the last remaining dragon that has no rider, Rhaegal.
Corvina had laughed when Nereida suggested she try, but now, as she stands in line, behind a few soldiers to see if she is compatible, she understands her friend knows her all too well.
What made her come? She supposes it is curiosity. She is curious to see how the dragon reacts to people, and at least she'll be able to say she saw a dragon from up close. Anticipation stirs in her gut as she wonders who will be the lucky person, if there is even one.
She wonders what it would be like, being able to fly high up in the clouds like that. She hears a snicker before her, but pays it no mind.
'Corvina.' She mutters and raises her eyes to the skies, praying to the Old Gods for patience. Jeyne is standing behind her. She is beautiful, and used to be a good friend of Sansa and Corvina but now, ...
She is haughthy and condescending, nothing like the girl she used to know.
'You do not mind if I go before you, right? Since we all know you are good for nothing.' Corvina wants to slap the smirk of her face, but decides it is not worth her time, and plasters a tight smile on her lips.
'Sure, go ahead.'
Jeyne and her croonies slip before her in line, and Corvina's anger calms when she sees rows and rows of scales appear. Her anger is replaced by wonder, and her fingers twitch, as if they want to touch, just to know how those scales feel.
The Targaryen queen stands next to the magnificent beast, his brother flying overhead. She seems calm, her face showing nothing, but Corvina wonders how the queen feels, knowing someone she barely knows may ride one of her children.
'Next.' Ser Jorah she thinks his name is, calls, as Jeyne walks forward. The dragon, Rhaegal Corvina reminds herself, yawns and turns his head to the girl.
Excited whispers come from Jeyne's friends. Could she? Corvina tries to hide the jealousy she feels, a bitter pill to swallow. Somewhere deep down, she had hoped that she would be the one to receive such a gift.
Than everything goes in slowmotion. Rhaegal rumbles, showing his teeth when Jeyne comes closer. His head rises above her, and Corvina is sure he is going to make clear Jeyne is his rider.
A smirk appears on the girl's face, throwing an arrogant smile at Corvina, triumphant expression on her face. You see? You are worth nothing.
Corvina sighs and shrugs, turning around, understanding she is not made for such a magnificent fate. She swallows her bitterness and starts walking back the way she came, when a roar is heard over the entire place.
'Rhaegal? What?!' Daenerys stutters as Rhaegal's eyes zero in on Corvina, stepping over a trembling Jeyne, who is looking with big eyes at the dragon.
He starts running towards the girl destined to be his rider, snow flying everywhere with every step he takes.
'Corvina, look out!' Someone calls, as she turns and gasps, falling backwards on her butt. A gigantic head is before her, eyes blinking at her. She feels his warm breath in her face, her babyhairs moving in tandem with the dragon's breathing rythm.
Corvina blinks. So does the dragon. He lies his humongous head down in her lap, Corvina still frozen in shock, her hand twitching just above his snout. Her world seems to become silent, as nothing but her and Rhaegal seem to exist. She becomes aware of whispers, the Targaryen queen not sure how to react, as Rhaegal's head becomes heavier and heavier.
Could she be the one?
Corvina blinks and than puts her hand on Rhaegal's snout, the dragon rumbling in contentment as he closes his eyes, eventually lifting his head.
He steps back a bit, his wings vibrating with the motion, as Corvina takes a deep breath to settle her nerves and stands up, dusting off the snow of her coat and dress.
'Corvina!' she hears her father booming voice, as he comes running towards her. Rhaegal looks up and hisses, curling around her protectively. 'I am fine, dad. Stay back. Please.' Corvina almost begs, her father taking a step back when he hears the distress in his daughter's voice.
'He will not hurt you.' Daenerys says, as she approaches them, some resentment clear in her gaze at Corvina's reaction. 'I know. I am scared of what he could do to my dad. I do not know much about dragons, but I do know they can be extremely protective about their riders. And I would like to keep my father in one piece.'
The young queen grins and than laughs, nodding. 'I think you and I will get along just fine. What is your name?'
Corvina swallows and looks up to Rhaegal, still curled around her.
'Corvina. My name is Corvina Haemond.'