House Icefyre
Dragonstone – 299 A.L.
Just over two weeks later…
Dragonstone had not changed too much over the centuries since Aegon The Conquerors defeat at the hands of King Torrhen Stark. If you looked at it from the outside Aeron's Port, the Blessed Tower and the Glasstown at the opposite end of the island to the large castle were the only noticeable changes though there were many more inside the castle and elsewhere on the large island.
Aeron's Port sat at the base of the island which was once a dry sandy beach now and it was a large port town stretching for nearly half a mile along the beach and grass. The town was named after Prince Aeron Targayan, Grandson of King Aegon and Queen's Visenya and Rhaenys Targaryan. The bustling trade port town known primarily for its trade with Essos housed several markets and taverns along with nearly a hundred small houses for the smallfolk and the Targaryan army. Even though it was built on sand at first it had since been upgraded with the buildings now standing on thick wooden stilts or thick grey stone while the multiple streets of the town were also made out of the same thick grey stone.
The Blessed Tower was located on a smaller island located a quarter of a mile off the coast of Aeron's Port. It was not a large holdfast with only a single dark stoned tower that would serve as a lighthouse at night for approaching ships, adjoining keep and small courtyard surrounded by thick walls and a single gate leading down to a small dock so the islands inhabitants can travel between there and Aeron's Port.
Rumour has it that there was even a blacksmith in Aeron's Port who specialised in the forgery of Valyrian Steel though his work was rumoured to be very expensive as no one else in the Eight Kingdoms of Westeros could forge the rare and strong material.
Long ago the tower was used by King Baelor I "The Blessed" Targaryan to imprison his three Sisters to protect them from the wickedness of the world and the lusts of men. Naerya Fyre who was one of the two known bastards of Aegon IV "The Unworthy" Targaryan born to his Cousin and mistress Daena Targaryan. Unlike her older baseborn Brother Daemon Fyre who later renamed himself King Daemon I Blackfyre forming the traitorous House Blackfyre who waged war against the Targaryans for the Dragon Throne. The peaceful Princess Naerya took the Blessed Tower as her own and adopted the name Blessfyre after she was legitimized by her Father on his deathbed. To this day the Blessfyre's remain staunch allies to the Targaryan's even holding powerful positions on Dragonstone.
They held the title of Princes and Princesses of the Blessed Tower despite the title carrying no royal favours or power.
Behind Aeron's Port was a fenced up path leading up the mountain towards the Glasstown could be seen clearly with its purpose of allowing horses, wheelhouses and wagons to travel from the town to the top of the mountain above it.
The Glasstown that made practical use of the dragonglass found in the many caves on Dragonstone was located the opposite end of the island. The small town was built by King Jaehaerys I "The Conciliator" Targaryan and was famed for its production of dragonglass products ranging from statues to jewels though most people outside the Dragon Isles avoided these jewels in favour of their own jewellery.
The islands of Dragonstone and Claw Isle were not the only settlements in the Kingdom of the Dragon Isles with a small number of castles on the mainland had maintained their allegiance to the Targaryan's even after Queen Argella Durrandon tried to retake the castles restoring the conquered parts of her Kingdom.
These castles included, the large port town of Duskendale, Rosby, Castle Stokeworth, Sharp Point and Stonedance both of which were located on the peninsula of Masseys Hook along with a few other smaller Houses located on the coast of Blackwater Bay.
One such attempt at taking back the castles even led to the death of Queen Argella Durrandon in 20 A.L during her two moon siege of Stonedance when she was slain by Lord Lucan Velaryon who had arrived with reinforcements to lift the siege.
After the death of Queen Argella Durrandon the Kingdoms of the Stormlands and the Riverlands both of whom had lands taken by the Targaryan's eventually decided to leave the castles as part of the Kingdom of the Dragon Isles in an effort to avoid further bloodshed. This left the Dragon Isles as a larger Kingdom than it had originally been before Aegon The Conqueror's failed conquest but it was still the smallest of the Kingdoms.
Jon who was stood on the bow of the main ship looked out at the island with a curious look on his face as their four ships which were flying the Manderly banner sailed past the Blessed Tower towards the large bay.
Two of the ships including the one Jon was on was transporting the Nobles and Household Staff while the other two ships transported the Guards, horses and the Noble's belongings.
As their ships reached the large bay of deep water near Aeron's Port Jon heard the Captain shout to drop the anchor.
There were several ships flying different sigils on their sails already anchored in the bay including the orange sun and spear of House Martell, the dark blue falcon of House Arryn, the gold lion on red of House Lannister and the crowned black stag of House Durrandon.
As three of their ships dropped their anchors the fourth which was transporting the horses and chests carried on sailing towards one of the docks.
"Drop the sails… and get the longboats into the water!" shouted the Captain.
The Deck Hands and Guards suddenly made themselves busy following the Captains orders.
Jon walked over to the Guards lowering one of the longboats where Robb and Theon had also gone over to help.
Half an hour later…
Jon helped push the longboat onto the sandy beach a short walk away from Aeron's Port.
He turned around and walked a few feet back towards to help pull some of the other boats onto the beach.
Once all of the longboats were on the shore the large crowd started walking up towards Aeron's Port to make their way up to the castle.
Ned, Catelyn, Jon, Robb, Minisa, Sansa, Arya, Brandon, Melaro, Edric, Eldric Dustin and Wynafred Manderly were at the front of the crowd along with their Wolfsguard and some of the House Stark Guards.
Behind them were Greatjon Umber, and his Children, Mors, Corin and Morgana Umber, Medger Cerwyn, his Wife Jorella, and their Children Cley and Jonelle Cerwyn, Jorah Mormont, his Wife Elara Mormont nee Glover, and their Son Gared Mormont, Jorah's Cousin Lyra Mormont, Wendel Manderly, and the rest of his Children, Walt, Wylla and Walda Manderly.
At the back of the group were Jory, Bertha, Martyn and Beth Cassel, Jeyne Poole, Meera and Jojen Reed, Lyarra Flint, Alys Karstark and two dozen Northern Guards.
If the Targaryan's laid eyes on the Northerner's they would probably be the largest retinue from any of the Eight Kingdoms.
As they walked along the beach towards where two people were stood waiting for them near the town entrance.
One of the two was a male aged about 40 standing at 5'10 tall with short silvery blonde hair. He was dressed in red and black steel plate armour minus the helm which was in his left hand while his other hand was on the pommel of the longsword attached to his right hip.
His name was Ser Vaenar Blessfyre of the Kingsguard.
The other was a young woman of 16 years of age standing at 5'5 tall with long shiny silvery blonde hair ending below her armpits. She was dressed in a sky blue and white southern style dress with various bracelets and a necklace around her neck.
"Welcome to Dragonstone Your Grace… my Brother is honoured to have you here as his guests" said the young Woman.
Ned placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head respectfully.
"Thank you Princess?…" said Ned testily asking her for her name.
"Princess Daenerys Targaryan… allow me to escort you up to the castle, chambers have been prepared for you and your family" said Daenerys kindly.
Ned nodded and turned to look at Medger Cerwyn and Greatjon Umber.
"Overlord Cerwyn, Overlord Umber… could you go to the docks and make sure our belongings are brought up to the castle, and make sure the horses we brought with us are properly stabled" said Ned.
Both Men bowed their heads to Ned before walking into the town followed by several of the Guards.
"Unfortunately we will not have enough chambers for all of your guests, but there is a campsite further down the beach near the caves or one outside the Glasstown for your men to use, unless they can find some room at one of the inn's in Aeron's Port" said Daenerys.
Ned nodded while Catelyn looked slightly displeased.
"I am sure we can make do Princess Daenerys… we can squeeze plenty of us into the chambers" said Ned respectfully.
Daenerys gave him a firm nod.
"Shall we go up to the castle?" said Daenerys kindly.
"Lead the way" said Catelyn flatly.
Jon felt slightly warm on the inside as he saw Daenerys gaze over at him for a brief moment before turning around and walking towards the port town.
Half an hour later…
As the Northerners followed Daenerys through the dark stone walled castle of Dragonstone Jon and some of the others spent their time looking at the odd shaped decorations and torches on the walls and in the hallways.
The group had reduced in size since arriving outside the castle walls where Wendel Manderly and several of the others had waited outside the walls for the others to arrive with their belongings so they could set up a large camp outside the Glasstown where most of the Northerners would be staying.
They passed through the spacious dining hall which could easily seat around two hundred guests and along another hallway arriving outside two dark red oak doors opposite each other in the hallway.
Daenerys waited for Vaenar Blessfyre to open one of the doors before leading the Starks inside while the Wolfsguard took up position outside the door.
The chambers assigned to them were large and spacious with two double beds, two black oak wardrobes, a private changing screen, a large lit hearth and a few large settees.
"We can only spare two rooms Your Grace… the chambers opposite can also be used as a private dining room for whenever you do not wish to eat in the hall" said Daenerys dutifully.
Ned glanced around the chambers and turned to her.
"These will do nicely Princess… thank you" said Ned.
Daenerys sent him a grateful polite smile and nod.
"There will be a feast in the hall in five hours… there are some heated water pools further along the hallway for your use when you wish to bathe" said Daenerys.
"Could you have some extra logs sent for the fires as well?" said Ned.
"Of course… someone will be along with them shortly" said Daenerys politely.
She turned and walked out of the chambers along with Vaenar Blessfyre.
Once the door had shut Catelyn looked around the room with distaste.
"How are all of us expected to stay in two rooms?" said Catelyn distastefully.
Jon and Robb sighed.
"There is enough room for all of us in both rooms" said Ned sternly.
"We should have been given more chambers… we are a Royal Family, not a Noble one… we should be treated as such" said Catelyn disapprovingly.
Jon rolled his eyes while some of the others made noises of disappointment at her words.
"Mother… we have been given suitable chambers… it would not be good manners for us to be rude concerning the hospitality we have been shown" said Robb wearily.
"You and the Girls will sleep in here Cat… myself and the Boys will take the other chambers" said Ned sternly fixing Catelyn with a stare that told her to stop complaining.
Catelyn wisely did as he asked before Ned and the Boys walked out of the chambers to go and see their own.
The chambers they had been given were very similar though there were a few differences which were the large table and chairs along with the fact that there was only one double bed and two single beds.
"Bran… you and Edric will share the double bed… Robb, you and Jon take the single beds" said Ned taking his thick cloak off and placing it on one of the chairs.
Jon sighed and shook his head.
"You take the bed Uncle… you are the King, I will be fine on the floor" said Jon.
"Are you sure?" said Ned.
Jon nodded.
"Take the bed Uncle, you are our King… a King should not sleep on the floor" said Jon flatly.
Ned looked at him for several seconds before nodding with a sigh.
"Very well" said Ned flatly.
The Boys settled into their room with Ned, Robb, Brandon and Edric taking the beds while Jon made up a makeshift bed on the floor near the hearth.
It took another half an hour for Medger Cerwyn and Wendel Manderly to return with the Guards carrying the chests containing their belongings in tow.
Four and a half hours later…
Ned and Catelyn dressed in some of their finest clothes along with their crowns led the Northerners into the large spacious Great Hall which had several tables most of which were being occupied by guests from each Kingdom.
The Targaryan's were sat at the high table at the end of the hall. Two of their Kingsguard stood behind them who were identified as Ser Monfred Velaryon who was the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The other Kingsguard was King Rhaegar Targaryan's Half Brother Ser Aerion Fyre who had long lighter blonde hair down past his shoulders and he had the ancestral Valyrian Steel bastard sword Dark Sister strapped to his hip. He was the 22 year old bastard Son of the former King Aerys Targaryan and a Claw Isle Wet Nurse he raped who had been brought to Dragonstone following the death of King Aerys 17 years ago.
They quickly found two large empty tables complete with metal plates, cups and cutlery near the bottom of the hall and sat down at one while the Lords and their other guests sat down at the other table.
As they finished taking their seats several servants made their way over to them placing wine, water and platters of food on both tables.
Jon, who like Ned was dressed in his finest tunic and breeches, glanced up at the high table where King Rhaegar Targaryan and Queen Bethany Targaryan nee Rosby were sat in the middle with Daenerys and three people who Jon presumed to be King Rhaegar's children.
King Rhaegar Targaryan was a 6'3 tall 40 year old man with long neat silvery blonde hair and striking purple eyes. He was dressed in a fine black and red silk tunic and breeches with Aegon The Conquerors Valyrian Steel ruby embedded circlet crown fitting perfectly on his head.
Queen Bethany Targaryan was a 5'3 short 39 year old woman with neck length dark brown hair. She was dressed in a red and gold southern style dress with a Valyrian Steel tiara on her head.
Their eldest child was Princess Rhaenys Targaryan and she was 22 years old standing taller than her Mother at 5'7 with long dark brown hair having inherited her Mothers looks. She had a similar style dress to her Mother though hers was deep red in colour.
The second child was the soon to be 19 year old Prince Aegon VI Targaryan who stood at 6'1 tall with shoulder length silvery blonde hair looking like a mirror image of his Father. He was even dressed in identical clothes to his Father with the only difference being the absence of a crown on his head.
The youngest child was Princess Visenya Targaryan who was 15 years old with silvery blonde hair that ended at the base of her neck and facial features strikingly similar to Daenerys. She was dressed in a different style of dress to her Mother and Sister and it was also silver in colour.
Also sat at the table with them was the 70 year old Prince Maekker Blessfyre of the Blessed Tower and his eldest Son and Heir Prince Aemond aged 42 along with his Wife Princess Miriam Blessfyre nee Velaryon, while Prince Maekker's two Daughters Vaena Rosby of Rosbyaged 49, and Daenaera Rydder of Duskendale aged 46 were sat near the high table with their own families.
Jon turned back to the table and started placing some fish on his plate.
"So what do we do now?" said Jon.
"After you have eaten… you can go and talk to people from some of the other Kingdoms" said Ned.
"You can guard your Cousins while they socialize with the other Royals" said Catelyn sternly.
Ned sighed.
"The Wolfsguard will be sufficient for that task… all of you should take this feast as an opportunity to meet new people outside of the North, including you Jon" said Ned.
Jon nodded and took a sip of his ale.
Glancing around the nearly full great hall he recognised the Tully's of the Riverlands remembering the times they would come to visit the Starks at Winterfell.
King Edmure Tully and Queen Alysanne Tullynee Blackwood were sat at one of the tables in the middle of the hall with their children Roslyn, Edwin and Holden Tully along with some of the Tully's chief Bannermen.
After having another quick look around the hall he also saw his Aunt and Uncle King Robert and Queen Lyanna Durrandon sat a table near the Targaryan's though there was a large space between their table and the high table for a dance floor. Robert however seemed to be over indulging on the wine as usual while Prince Gendry and Princess Lyarra were also sat with them as was Prince Renly Durrandon.
Prince Jamie Lannister of the Westerlands Kingdom who was the eldest Son of the cruel and feared King Tywin Lannister was sat at the table near them with his Wife Princess Elia Lannister nee Martell, their children, Loren and Joanna Lannister, Jamie's widowed twin Sister Cersei Lefford nee Lannnister, and her two children, Lord Joffrey Lefford and Myrcella Lefford.
The King and Queen of the Reach Mace Tyrell and Alerie Tyrell nee Hightower were sat at the table next to the Westlanders with their four children Prince Willas, Prince Garlan, the former Prince Ser Loras who was now a member of the Kingsguard and finally Princess Margaery. Also sat at the table with them was Prince Garlan's young Wife Princess Jeyne Tyrell nee Fossoway and some of the other Reach High Lords.
Prince Elbert Arryn, Nephew and Heir of the Vale King Jon Arryn was sat at one of the smaller tables with his Daughter Princess Sheera Arryn. Jon had only met the Arryn's once on a rare visit to Riverrun as Elbert Arryn was married to Catelyn's younger Sister Lysa Arryn nee Tully and he was glad he had not met Princess Lysa Arryn or the young, spoiled, sickly Prince Robyn Arryn since then.
The largest group other than the Northerners were the Martell's of Dorne who along with their Guests took up a full three tables. Prince Oberyn Martell, the younger Brother of Ruling Prince Doran Martell was sat with Princess Ashara Martell nee Dayne and their three Daughters, Tyene, Sarella and Elia, their Niece Princess Arianne Martell, Nephews Prince Quentyn and Prince Trystane as well as Prince Oberyn's baseborn Daughters Obarra and Nymeria Sand the former of whom served on the Nymeros Guard tasked with guarding the Royal Family. Like all of the other Kingdoms their Guests included Lords and Ladies from the other Dornish Houses along with their children.
Jon found his gaze travelling up to the high table where Daenerys was sat eating her food as she engaged in mild conversation with Princess Rhaenys Targaryan.
Seconds later he saw her meet his eye causing him to look away and return to his food in slight embarrassment.
He waited several seconds before quickly glancing back at the high table where he saw her looking at him with a questioning look on her face before he looked away from her again.
Forty-five minutes later…
Jon finished his ale and moved to refill it as King Rhaegar stood up and tapped his spoon against his wine glass to get everyone's attention.
Once the attention of all of the Guests was on him King Rhaegar cleared his throat.
"My honoured Guests… welcome to Dragonstone for my Son and Heir Prince Aegon's nineteenth Name Day celebrations… to celebrate the occasion I will be hosting a grand tournament starting three days from now which will last for four days… with the grandest of prizes being this…" said Rhaegar.
He held his arm out in the direction of one of his Kingsguard who was walking towards him holding a sheathed bastard sword in his hands that had a black steel hilt along with a glistening Dragonglass gem on the pommel. The Kingsguard holding the sword partially unsheathed it revealing a dark coloured blade that got wider as it reached the hilt.
"Valyrian Steel sword… which will be gifted to the winner of the joust" said Rhaegar proudly.
Hushed whispers around all of the tables could be heard for the next minute or so.
Rhaegar took a sip of his wine as he waited for the whispers around the hall to quieten down.
"I will also be hearing offers of marriage for my Son Aegon… my Daughters Rhaenys and Visenya… and my Sister Daenerys over the next few days" said Rhaegar proudly as he gestured for each named person to stand up in turn.
Jon saw Catelyn and Sansa's eyes light up with excitement knowing that Catelyn would no doubt try and seek a betrothal between Sansa and Aegon while some of the other Royals also had similar ideas judging from the looks on their faces.
Ned also saw the looks on Catelyn and Sansa's faces and sighed but chose to stay silent for now.
"Now my Guests… the time for feasting is over… therefore we shall spend the rest of the night with drinks, dancing, music and other entertainment… enjoy" said Rhaegar.
He raised and clapped his hands causing half a dozen musicians to enter the hall.
Ned chose the moment that the music started to break his silence turning to Sansa.
"I already have a betrothal in mind for you Sansa" said Ned with a sigh.
Sansa frowned slightly while Catelyn turned to Ned with a slightly pleading look on his face.
"Ned… please consider it… we are talking about a marriage to a Crown Prince, there can be no higher betrothal than that" said Catelyn in a slightly pleading voice.
"Who is five years older than her" said Ned with a sigh.
"What difference does that make?" said Catelyn in disbelief.
"Please Father, its what I want" said Sansa in a pleading voice.
Arya snorted from her place next to Jon causing Catelyn to glare at her as a warning.
"I understand that this is what you want Sansa… but you have had multiple offers back home in the North… Lord Hornwood has asked for a betrothal between you and his Son Daryn… you could be the Lady of the Hornwood, even Victarion Greyjoy has asked for your hand for Theon… though I am not too keen on that idea" said Ned solemnly.
Sansa frowned and turned away from him.
Catelyn sighed.
"Can you just consider it Ned… you know it would make her happy" said Catelyn flatly.
Ned sighed as Jon rolled his eyes slightly.
Marrying a southern Prince and eventually becoming said Prince's Queen was something Sansa had always wanted after Catelyn had filled her head with songs and tales of southern princes and knights from a young age.
Only Sansa had yet to realise that those tales were just that. Stories made up for peoples entertainment.
"I will see what happens in the next few days" said Ned solemnly.
Catelyn managed a small smile.
"It is a good idea Ned… but do not take too long, or else we might miss our chance to betroth Sansa to him" said Catelyn.
Jon took another sip of his ale as Ned ended the conversation by standing up and asking Catelyn to dance with him.
Ten minutes later…
Jon found himself walking towards the Durrandon table with a mug of ale in his hands eager to greet his Aunt Lyanna.
At 33 years old her long dark brown hair ended halfway down her back in a northern style braid and a dark grey northern dress reminding everyone that even as the Storm Queen she was still a northern woman at heart.
The now 15 year old Prince Gendry Durrandon stood at 6'0 tall with short neat black hair dressed in a simple black tunic and breeches. He was sat down at their table talking to his Sister Lyarra and their Uncle Prince Renly Durrandon.
Princess Lyarra Durrandon was 12 years old and had shoulder length black hair but her face mirrored that of her Mother's and she was dressed in a dark blue southern style gown.
Prince Renly Durrandon was now 26 years old and stood shorter than Robert at 6'3 with short neat black hair and a matching moustache. He was dressed in a fancy dark brown silk and leather tunic and breeches.
As he reached the table Lyanna turned to him with a warm smile on her face.
"Jon" said Lyanna wrapping him in a hug.
She let go of him and looked him up and down.
"Last time I saw you, you were just a boy… now look at you… your a man grown, the girls will be falling over themselves for you" said Lyanna softly.
Jon smiled.
"Your too kind" said Jon.
Robert stepped towards them and looked Jon up and down with a fond smile on his face.
At 35 years old he now stood at an imposing 6'6 tall with his long black hair and matching beard having been neatly cut and trimmed before the feast though he was starting to get a little out of shape no doubt due to years of drinking and feasting as his growing stomach pressed against his dark grey tunic.
"You look just like your Father you know" said Robert fondly.
Jon bowed his head to him.
"He was a fine man, I miss him… now that miserable, brooding Uncle of yours is looking after you… could be worse I suppose" said Robert with a fond voice that turned into an amused voice.
"Robert" said Lyanna with a sigh.
Robert snorted.
"It was just a joke Lya… you know Ned is like a Brother to me" said Robert amusedly.
"Perhaps you should go and talk to him then… drink and talk about the old days with him" said Lyanna.
Robert took a large swig of his wine before walking away from them towards where Ned and Catelyn were stood talking to King Edmure Tully.
Once he was gone Lyanna had Jon sit down at the table before sitting down with him eager to catch up with him on his life at Winterfell.
"So Jon… do you plan competing in this tourney, the melee perhaps… or the joust?" said Lyanna as she refilled her wine.
Jon snorted.
"Most Northerners say that jousting is a game for southern fools" said Jon.
Lyanna raised her eyebrow at him.
"You know I will be competing in the joust… as will Robert" said Lyanna testily.
Jon sighed.
"Sorry if I offended you" said Jon flatly.
Lyanna chuckled.
"The only people you offended were the southern fools who think that jousting makes you a great warrior" said Lyanna amusedly.
Jon managed a small chuckle.
"Still… it would be worthwhile to see some more Northerners enter this joust… show these southerners what we northerners are made of… and that Valyrian Steel sword is a prize worth winning" said Lyanna.