A/N: Song to listen to: Mia - Dynasty
The snow crunches beneath their boots, the only sound accompanying the two women traveling in the white landscape. Ireyne and Daenerys are silent, but it is a companionable silence. Earlier, they had seen Vyserion fly over them, golden wings spread, carried by the currents of air.
He'd called out a greeting, Rhaenyra nodding to them before she'd seated herself better and he'd taken up height.
Finally, they arrive over the hill, finding both Rhaegal and Drogon. They sit beside each other, watching as Daenerys approaches. She smiles as Rhaegal comes forward, his head turned towards his mother.
The Khaleesi smiles softly as she caresses the dragon's snout with a gloved hand, a small noise escaping him. Ireyne pats his back as he lowers his body slightly so she came climb up his back. Rhaegal looks up, shaking his head to get rid of some dusty snow.
The dragons have barely flown the last weeks, the cuts and bruises needing time to get better and Ireyne has not been on Rhaegal's back since he had to drop her on the ice that dark and solemn night. It needs a little push to roam the skies again, though he had not badly been hurt.
Rhaegal chirps loudly, then looks at Drogon who calls in response. The green dragon answers again in a rumbling note, before turning back forward. Then he shrieks loudly to the world, and starts running his wings and body moving faster and faster. Ireyne grasps on tighter, teeth gritted as she mentally spurs him on. The end of the hill comes in sight, as Drogon calls to him in encouragement as well. Rhaegal still continues on, gaining speed and then he jumps up and he is air-born. First with a small batter of his wings, righting himself and then he seemingly floats on the currents of air, taking up height as if it is nothing. And it is nothing, Ireyne realizes. He was cautious not for himself, but mostly for Ireyne, since it had been a while since he'd flown with her.
The cold air feels good on the brunette's face, though er cheeks tingle. She hums, patting the scales beneath her and Rhaegal roars in excitement. For a moment he takes up speed, going high, before making a perfect dive downward. Ireyne can't help but laugh as he dives, the ground coming closer before he banks himself some snow flying everywhere from the beating of his wings. He flies up again, calling to Drogon and Daenerys, who fly in a circle before following Rhaegal.
Below, on the walls of Winterfell stands Sansa and Ireyne throws up a hand in farewell. To her surprise, Sansa waves to her before turning her attention to Tyrion, who approaches her.
Before long Winterfell and the snow trodden landscape makes place for clouds and the freshness of open air.
Vyserion roars in happiness as he sees Dragonstone in his peripheral vision. The oldest Targaryen can't help but think how big and great he's become. His colors have darkened considerably, his body now a dark reddish brown interchanging with a cream color, some places a little darker than others. His fins are red, and his horns cream as well. The dragon's wings start out that same darkish brown color and then fade into a golden cream color, beginning muted and becoming more vibrant. In Essos he was frightening already, but now he is, like his brothers, terrifying.
Vyserion does not seem to notice his rider's musings, though his head turns for a moment, his green eyes seizing her up. Rhaenyra grins and then bids him to fly faster.
The beach below passes them quickly and before she knows it, They fly over the stairs that lead to the great castle. Then it finally comes in sight and Vyserion goes higher, banking to circle the towers of Dragonstone. Then he turns and finally lands, allowing Rhaenyra to find her way into heir home. He calls a last time and then takes up height, circling the fort, waiting for his brothers to arrive. Rhaenyra enters the throne room, surprised to see Fireki there. She smiles and opens her arms wide, both women embracing each other.
- "It's been so long, Fi, how are you. Have your wounds healed. " Fireki nods. - " I am better, Lady Rhaenyra." A question remains in the Targaryen's eyes, afraid to ask. -" Evizi is healing, mylady. He grows stronger every day. He is a fighter." Rhaenyra releases a breath.
" Thank goodness, some exciting news at last!" She calls out, before embracing the warrior again. -" Come, tell me all about your journey, to here." She clasps her arms in that of her bodyguard, two unsullied opening the doors. Some had remained behind to guard Dragonstone. Laughter follows both of them as they walk the halls.
It's good to be home.
The air turns slight warmer over the course of their journey and so Ireyne knows that they are nearly there. She flies behind Drogon and the Khaleesi, the Targaryen ships below following in their queen's wake. The two dragons fly over them leading the expedition to Dragonstone, and then Ireyne sees it.
In the distance stands the hold, proud as always.
Finally, the ships dock, throwing out their anchors, readying to go at land. Both Drogon and Rhaegal roar as they fly over them, the beach, the hills and the castle coming into view. Drogon flies ahead, beating his wings mightily, followed by Rhaegal, Ireyne secure on his back. They near Dragonstone as the black dragon takes up height, banks left, turning in a perfect half circle. Rhaegal flies lower, but takes up speed as he too beats his wings to catch up to Drogon and fly beside them. Then the two dragons are beside each other, Rhaegal setting himself perfectly horizontal. He beats his wings more lazily now, drifting on the winds of the sea.
Ireyne grins at Daenerys who looks at them both, her son and her friend, positively preening. The two fly beside each other, in companionable silence until their peace is roughly interrupted.
Rhaegal beats his wings at ease, flying beside his mother and brother when suddenly a shocked cry leaves his mouth. A long black arrow has narrowly missed him, cutting into the scales below his body. Rhaegal's head turns to look at his chest, his shocked cry loud and high, small drops of blood falling. His wings beat ore erratically, as he turns to look at Drogon, still screaming in shock and pain. Drogon beside him shrieks in fear as well, Jostling Daenerys who is on his back. Her face turns fearful, and Ireyne seated on Rhaegal's back, tries hard to hold on.
-"Rhaegal! She calls in panic. "Rhaega-..ugh." The swoosh of another arrow gliding through the air is loud, as it misses Rhaegal's wings narrowly. A swallowed scream wheezes out of Ireyne's throat, as the arrow flies by her, impact in her side. With such speed it is thrown that when it nicks her side, just below her breast, blood spurting like a fountain, Ireyne is thrown of Rhaegal's back. Rhaegal throws his head from side to side, roaring in panic and anger, in rage. Drogon roars as well, calling to his brother, Daenerys still jostling on his back. He throws his head back and roars in panic as Rhaegal continues to sputter and his body throws itself up and down.
Her friend screams still in pain and rage, as Ireyne slips off, for a moment sliding of his wing. She tries to clutch on to him but her hands grasp nothing but smooth skin. She sees from a sideways glance, Daenerys, trying to hold on as she reaches out a hand, a look of pure fear on her face. Ireyne cannot answer, tries to reach out a weak hand, but her body is growing weak due to the blood loss. It is too late as she slips off and goes into free fall, the sky rapidly growing smaller and the sea below her bigger and bigger.
She falls and falls, and she can hear screaming on the ships. Yet she knows they can do nothing for her. Rhaegal still roars above her, the swoosh of another arrow going by her and missing Rhaegal narrowly. Then suddenly he throws his body sideways, wings beating as he too starts to dive down in a perfect sideways line, trying to catch up to Ireyne, his clawed feet grasping air.
Before long she tumbles at full speed into the water, the cold stinging her, stinging her mind. It is so cold, so sudden, her body cramps and she can't move. She gasps for air, once... twice, darkness starting to creep up at the edge of her vision. The last thing she sees is a large green shape, distant dragon screaming, above the mirror of water. She has the sensation of being gripped by something, securely and then being taken through the water at high speed, distant sounds of battle falling away. The sun glitters above her, distorting her vision through the water as a long finned tail moves above her. Then everything grows black.
Rhaenyra's hand drum on the stone fence of the stairs leading up to the gates. She breathes deep, sunlight warm on her face. She's missed this, she realizes. She's missed Dragonstone, it's green hills and the blue skies, the sounds of seagulls and birds and the beating of dragon wings above in the sky.
She hears the roar of two dragons and opens her eyes, eyes trained on the two dragons flying towards Dragonstone. Drogon roars, Rhaegal answering as they come closer. Rhaenyra's moment of happiness at seeing her sister and friend is however interrupted when she hears the shouting of men behind her. She turns, to see the Unsullied and Dothraki at the castle run in different directions, some hefting spears, others going for swords and armor.
She doesn't understand until she hears what they are shouting. " Enemy in sight!" Her blood runs cold as she turns. Before her, in the distance a mass of black ships is approaching and it isn't those of their fleet. And the young women are flying straight into them.
There is no one to warn them, she realizes, no one to heed them for the incoming warning. With two steps at a time she flies up the stairs. Screaming for the nearest soldiers. -" You!" She shouts, breathlessly. Write a note and send ravens to Greyworm and the boats to warn them! Go, quickly!" The unsullied turns and runs as if his life depends on it, shouting orders left and right.
A raven cannot warn Daenerys or Ireyne, she'll have to herself. She's back out the door, calling for Vyserion. Perhaps it's her urgency he senses, but she hears him roar in response, descending from the sky as eh runs to one of the nearby hills.
Vyserion lands beside her, his tail and body shaking in distress when suddenly she hears what seems to be a projectile flying at high speed. Confused she turns to see a large black arrow fly towards Rhaegal. She gasps, staggering on her own two feet when it cleaves a wound into the green dragon's chest and a shocked cry leaves him, his body convulsing. Vyserion roars in fear at his brother, his wings flapping, calling to his brothers.
A second follows and then she sees it; Ireyne thrown off the green dragon's back as an alarmed screech leaves her. Ireyne falls through the air as other arrows are shot. Then Rhaegal starts to descent. Is he falling? Is he hurt to? She turns to climb up her own dragon when she is tackled to the ground. The scent of warmth and grass reaches her and she knows it is Fireki.
-" Let me go!" She screams, struggling beneath the woman. - " You cannot go!" Fireki holds her fast as Rhaenyra struggles.
-" I must..!" - " They are trying to kill the Khaleesi as well!" Fi snarls but her voice is desperate. And indeed, another black arrow narrowly misses her little sister. Rhaenyra watches as Rhaegal goes into the water but doesn't come back up. A loud scream of rage leaves Daenerys as she directs Drogon towards the ships. Yet, when another salve of black spears is thrown, Drogon turns, loudly screeching as he flies off.
-" They kill Ireyne, possibly Rhaegal. They tried to kill Khaleesi and Drogon as well. They will do the same to you if you go help them! I regret, my lady, but you can't for your own safety and that of your dragon!" The oldes Targaryen grows still, her body limp as tears fall from her eyes. It is but a small consolation Dany is safe. What about Rhaegal, what about Ireyne?
It's not much later that Rhaenyra reunites with her sister, hugging each other in complete silence. Daenerys throat bobs and tears wet her cheeks as they both walk towards the beach.
She could do nothing, nothing as they attacked, but it seems her ravens have at least prepared their fleet to take on the attack, and minimize the damage.
When she, Daenerys and Fireki behind them go down to the beach, they are received to see those from the boats that were sunk coming to shore. Greyworm holds Missandei, both worse for ware, and one of the Dothraki helps up Tyrion.
There is a panicked expression on his face. -" Where is Varys?" Some call for other missing and though they search with different parties, they find no one.
Where are they? Where is Varys, the queen's counselor? And how are they going to tell Jorah?
It is dark when Ireyne wakes, yet she is surprisingly warm. She coughs up some water and her throat is dry, but she feels okay. Her skin and lips are stinging with the seasalt and her hair is matted to her head. When she opens her eyes, a red eye looks at her, concerned.
-" Rhaegal." She croaks. The dragon chirps and then huffs, his snout touching her face. -" You dove after me." Ireyne continues. - " You swam, stayed under water so they wouldn't see you." Perhaps it had been but a few beats of his wings, but who knows how far he had swum, his nostrils and mouth probably just above the water for air? He must have gone suite a little distance but not remained long in the water if she had enough breath and not too much drunk up.
She tries to sit, the wound searing in pain. She has but limited supplies, some coins left in the pocket of her tunic and most is wet. They are surrounded by miles of hills and green, so she cannot count on someone to heal it.
There is but one thing to do.
" Rhaegal, she whispers through gritted teeth. "You need to bring me to the closest village you can find." The green dragon chirps again and the looks ahead before gently stepping away. One of his feet gently grasps her and then in a second he is up in the air and gone.
She doesn't know exactly when he lands, but he has left her in front of a farmer's house. She falls in and out of consciousness when she hears the shouting of someone. It is al old woman. Ireyne realizes she calls for her husband before she drifts back into unconsciousness. The next time she wakes, there is an unfamiliar man before her. By the supplies her carries, she supposes he must be the closest they have to a doctor or rather the local maester. Her wound has already been stitched and bandaged and he gives her a potion to dull the pain.
- "I suppose that you do not know how you got this wound or how you came here?" The brunette frowns. The maester sighs. - "I am sorry. There have been wounded soldiers showing up to the farmers in the region, wounded and stabbed in the last few weeks. Yet when you ask they always say they don't know how they got here or who did it. Business pf the crown and such."
Ireyne grits her teeth. -" I can tell you, but I doubt you would believe me." The maester hums as he sets the blanket straight. -" You will have to rest for now. And depending how you progress, I will be able to tell you how long it takes for you to heal." The old man stands and shuffles outside, before the old farmer's wife enters and gives her some broth.
- "I have nothing to pay you with for your care." Ireyne supplies. -" Only this. " Ireyne holds out a few of the coins she still had in her tunic. The woman shushes her. -" No need, young lady." Ireyne is stubborn. - " Please; it's all I can give."
With a sigh the woman takes it. - "Very well, now rest. You have to get better." The young woman reclines on the cot and falls asleep. She wakes that night to the sound of something near her window. It is slightly open and to her surprise she sees a large snout and then red eyes peer through.
-" Rhaegal." She calls, relieved. He softly rumbles but then a sheep starts bleating and the dragon disappears. When the farmer and his wife enter, alarmed by the sound, she pretends to still be asleep and to wake.
-'" I heard sheep bleating." She croaks, her throat dry. The farmer goes outside but finds nothing but scared sheep. Ireyne pretends to not know what happened as the woman offers her some water. Soon all is silent in the little household again. The brunette's head is turned to the window, at peace and safe for Rhaegal is always there, hovering nearby, keeping guard.
A few days later
There seems to be no joy at King Landing today. Or is it because there is no joy among the Mother of Dragons and her court. Still nothing from Ireyne or Rhaegal. They are most likely death but nothing has been found. No bodies, no clothes, no nothing. Anything at all. As if they have simple vanished into thin air.
She can't stop seeing Jorah's face. She can't stop seeing her sibling's worried and pained face as she and Rhaenyra had told him in barely a whisper that Ireyne had fallen from the sky. Rhaenyra can't unsee how he had crumbled onto one knee, holding on to his sword to keep his balance.
Jon snow had stood by, silent and grief written over his face. Yet he didn't dare to approach her little sister, their soured relationship still to fresh. But no matter how much grief, they all are here, Jon and Jorah.
The only missing one is Varys. No news of him and as the days grew longer, any chance of news at all grows smaller.
The murmur of Greyworm's leather armor brings Rhaenyra back to the present. The Targaryen clears her throat, moves her neck to loosen the muscles. Beside her stands her sister. She wears her gray coat with red lining and from her sleeves tumble long red silk sleeves, her hair curing loose over her shoulders and chest.
Rhaenyra wears her hair completely loose today, only a small braid in between her long white silver tumbling tresses. A small silver band in the form of a curling dragon rests on her head, barely visible. She wears a light gray coat that turns darker at the ends. The coat itself looks like the one that Danaerys wears, but she wears black underneath, unlike Danaerys's red. She wears a dragon pin on her shoulder and a chain that attaches from the pin to a small silver button on the other side of her arm. She wears muted black pants and boots but can't help but scuffle them a little.
Missandei is beside Danaerys and behind them is Fi, a hand on her sword threateningly. She wears a black coat with a round dragon pin today, black pants and boots. Yet there is some sort of netted brown shawl on her shoulder, that is typically worn by the Dothraki.
Her long black curling hair is bound together in three braids, all bound into one at the back of her head. Her eyes are lined with coal, and a small blue stripe is painted on her left cheek. The woman'seyes survey the area, like a lion stalking its prey.
Their stare is all directed to the walls and gates of Kings Landing. Just above that gate, on a platform stands no one else than Queen Cersei and that bastard Euron Greyjoy. But what is most disconcerting is who stands, bound and shackled, beside them. Varys, clothes slightly ruffled and ripped stands tall beside them, even now.
Then the gates open slowly and out comes a man dressed in black robes. -" Qyburn." Tyrion mutters from beside Missandei. Rhaenyra turns to look at him.
-" The queen's hand." He says by way of explanation. Then he clears his throat and starts walking to meet the man halfway, under the satisfied smile of queen Cersei. -" Go with him, Rhaenyra. I don't trust that man with my hand." She's scared, scared they will seize Tyrion and do the same to him as they now do to Varys.
Rhaenyra nods and then follows the dwarf, catching up to him. It isn't long before they stand in front of each other, a safe distance away. Queen Cersei still smiles down at them and a muscle jumps in the princess's cheek. Her nostrils flare but she does nothing, only stands beside Tyrion.
-" Mylord." Qyburn replies and nods his head, hands on his back as if he is taking a leisurely stroll. Then he turns to the woman beside Tyrion. - " My lady." Years of education have her automatically bow her head in greeting before the hand of her sister starts to speak.
-" Queen Daenerys demands Cersei's unconditional surrender and the immediate release of her counselor Varys."
-" Queen Cersei demands Danaerys's unconditional surrender. If she refuses, lord Varys will die." Qyburn responds. A twitch beneath the princess's eye to hide the fear seeping in.
-" Qyburn." The Hand shoots back. - " You are a rational man."
-" Or so I'd like to call myself, my lord." Tyrion takes a small step forward. - " We have a chance here, perhaps our last chance to avoid carnage." Qyburn affirms to this statement. - " Then help me." Tyrion replies. -" I don't want to see the city burn, nor see any innocents, any children die. Nor do we want more of your men to die."
-" No, that does indeed not sound pleasant." Tyrion nods. -" Then help us save the city." Qyburn looks the other man in the eye. - " My lord, I am here on request of my queen to present our terms.
-" Your queen." Tyrion corrects. -" Not ours." Rhaenyra supplies. Qyburn raises a slight brow. - " Cersei is the queen of the Seven Kingdoms and you are her subjects." Before the princess can say anything the Hand cuts him off. - " Her reign is over. You understand this. Help her understand this."
Qyburn only stares. - " We understand nothing of the sort. Your queen's last dragon..er dragons..are vulnerable and weakened.." At this Cersei turns to look angrily at Euron. Clearly she had counted on more dragons falling from the sky.
Weakened? Rhaenyra thinks in herself. As if on cue, Vyserion raises his head at the words spoken, shakes his neck and pounds his large winged arms on the ground so that it trembles. Then he opens his mouth and roars angrily, snapping his mouth closed, tail swishing. Beside him Drogon, raises his head as well and growls.
Qyburn blinks rapidly for a moment and Rhaenyra must give this to the man. He hides his emotions well. -" Your armies are battle weary." He continues. - " Not ours, our has been strengthened with the golden company."
The dwarf doesn't respond and walks by Qyburn and continues on to the gates. Rhaenyra still stands near Cersei's Hand, her eyes staring into his, her mouth thin and displeased. The winds blow, ruffling her long hair as her purple eyes continue to stare, and behind her the dragons start to stir once more. Drogon raises his head first. Vyserion lies beside him but his tail continues the annoyed pounding on the ground.
Tyrion has by now reached the gates. As he approaches, Cersei raises her hand, the Lannister soldiers nock their arrows.
Tyrion is still continuing the gates and as Rhaenyra looks back she can see a worried frown on Daenerys's face. Yet when he is nearly there, Cersei heaves a breath and drops her arm. The soldiers stand back, bows no longer drawn.
The dwarf addresses his sister, trying to reason with her. -" You are not a monster." He says. -" I've seen it. You've always loved your children." An unreadable look comes over her face as her younger brother look up at her. -" More than yourself, more than Jaimie." At this she looks away, as if his words hurt her. He talks on in a steady voice, hands gesturing. Everyone listens with bated breath, and out of the corner of her eyes Rhaenyra can see Qyburn walk back, putting more distance between the both of them. He stops halfway, to listen to Tyrion as well.
Her sister's hand is still talking to his sister and as he pleads with her, she finally looks back at him and for a moment, as he reasons with her, they all feel a flicker off hope.
Then Cersei's face seems to close off, she breathes deep a few times and she looks out over the people before her, eyes first trained on Rhaenyra and then on Daenerys. Rhaenyra looks back to see a worry come over her sibling's face, as she faces the current queen as well.
Then the Lannister turns away, and speaks to Varys. -" Any last words, now is the time." Her taunting words are carried on the wind.
Rhaenyra's heart starts beating faster, fear creeping over her face as she searches the counselor's eyes. Yet, he stands tall as always. Daenerys now steps forward, her face too starting to show worry and some fear.
She can only imagine how Tyrion must feel, one of his best, one of his only friends, standing there to die. Varys however, sets himself even taller and then looks over to said man, then to Rhaenyra and then finally to his queen. His face is solemn, but shows no fear, only acceptance. He nods to them and then looks out ahead, before a word spills over his lips.
-" Dracarys." The word carries to them, all of them. Rhaenyra heaves, her brows knitting together. Behind them the dragons start to move anxiously. Drogon coos at his mother and the princess, and Vyserion's eyes go from Dany to his rider.
The large knight behind Cersei strides up to Varys, the slide of his sword cleaving the air seemingly in two. Then he brings it forward in a quick swing.
Rhaenyra gulps and then throws up the contents of her stomach, face down and hands on her knees as Varys's head is cleaved off in one single strike, the thud of his body and head on the sandy ground loud in her ears.
The oldest Targaryen finally composes herself enough to look back at her sister once more. The look of worry on Dany's face has made place for befuddlement and then her nose flares and a muscle twitches in her jaw as she grits her teeth. Pure unadulterated rage comes over her face.
Then she turns and starts walking away. Rhaenyra is still standing with her hands on her knees when Fi approaches her. - " Milady."
Her gaze is fixed on Tyrion. He still stands, facing away. The hand of the queen looks at the body, as if he can't belief what just happened. But most off all, it's the devastation and the grief on his face that makes her throat bob.
He doesn't react when she squeezes his shoulder. " Tyrion." Still, it takes several times before he turns. Yet, Rhaenyra knows that like the scar on his face, it will be a scar on his soul that will never disappear. Varys was one of his best and only friends. And to be taken by those of his own blood, it must nearly destroy him.
Even when they take the body with them and give him the funeral worthy of a king, the hand does not speak. Grief is so etched into his features that they leave him alone.
He has a loved one to grief and who can blame him his silence?
Days pass at Dragonstone. Jon Snow's claim Dany is the one true queen and he does not want her throne, reluctantly followed by Sansa's agreement, is the only good news. Yet it's clear the tensions remain between both houses.
Dany barely reacted to the news and it clearly hurt Jon Snow. How strange is it then that Rhaenyra comforts him to not heed it. She's grieving and angry, it will pass.
Tyrion finds his comfort in drink once again, barely speaking to his queen, barely leaving his room. Even Jorah, who he had been in his company often in the beginning, can not take him out of his stupor.
The Unsullied and the soldiers treat their wounded, and Missandei and Greyworm stick together, realizing how close they were to losing each other. There is a coldness nowadays among everyone.
There has been too much death. Rhaegal and Ireyne shot from the sky, Varys beheaded, ... They only thing that brings comfort is the remaining dragons and their ancestral home. Every stone, every hall, every room, it is the only thing bringing Rhaenyra some peace.
Only now she realizes how she misses the laughter of Ireyne and Varys's sideways banter and advice. Tears have had their time to flow and now there is only a stone that seems to wedge itself into her stomach and into her throat when she thinks of Varys, of Ireyne.
It is one cold morning that Rhaenyra finds herself in the war room of Dragonstone. She hesitates at the entrance, a hand on the sculpted dragons. Daenerys stands near the carved glass-less windows, watching out over the sea and the beach. In the distance Drogon and Vyserion are hunting for fish. They stayed close to each other, to their mother and rider. Their grief had been so palpable in the days past
Only the occasional visit of Dany or Rhaenyra seemed to lift their spirits somewhat. Yet sometimes she can't help think that sometimes they were waiting for something before shaking it off and returning close to each other.
Her youngest sister's hair is unkempt, loose, and a real mess. Rhaenyra approaches her silently. -" Dany?" At her inquiry the dragon queen turns around, deep black bags under her eyes. -" What is it?" She asks, but there is no strength in her.
-" Oh dear little sister." The oldest hugs her close. They both look out over the ocean, the youngest still motionless.
-" I still can't believe it." She mutters. - " One child saved, and the other gone into the waves. My friend shot from the sky like she was nothing but a wisp of cloud. My advisor, so cruelly beheaded for believing in what was right. I promised I would protect them, and I didn't. I couldn't." Dany's voice is so small and breakable.
-" I know." the older sighs and her throat clogs up. - " We can't give up now, Dany." She squeezes her sister arms as she holds her away from her. - " I will see you on that throne, even if it is just to avenge all those we have lost."
-" I haven't given up. It's just that... People I care about are hurting, and I don't know how to fix it. I can't heal Tyrion's grief, I can't heal yours or Fi's or the fear Missandei underwent when their boat was thrashed. I am powerless to do anything against it and it makes me so angry."
- " I know." Rhaenyra soothes. " But some things only time can make better. So now, let's go visit your hand, regroup and plan our next step. That throne will be yours, mark my words."
Though they expect to find Tyrion drinking, they are surprised to find him sitting on his bed, sober. -" I realized drowning my sorrows didn't help. It won't bring Varys back." Daenerys goes to sit beside him.
-" He will be remembered. They all will. But now, I need your help."
-" Cersei is regrouping." Rhaenyra notes. When asked how she knows this, she admits with a slight glow that Bran has written her.
He has become her friend and they have kept contact by raven. Dany has slightly come back to herself by now, and even though there is still some distance between her and Jon snow, they are at least not walking on eggshells around each other.
The princess of Dragonstone, though she's never been a fan of Jon snow, hopes hey will be able to clear out their difference. If not as lovers, then as friends. Only time will tell.
Now that they have set a goal, activity at their ancestral home picks up. Weapons are sharpened, armour is made, boats rebuilt and men trained. It is on one such trip to inspect the boats of their new fleet, strengthened by allies from the north and even the Greyjoys, that Daenerys and Rhaenyra are bent over a scroll while Tyrion points out several things, prattling off about what needs to be improved. Greyworm interjects some words and in the distance, at the beach the young woman can see Jon Snow bettering the stance of some new recruits that have joined.
It is a clear day, cold but with a blue sky and the sea at ease beneath them. As they are rowed towards the shore and the beach comes closer, a loud thundering screech echoes over the water.
It is not Vyserion or Drogon, she knows those. Both she and Daenerys barely have a second to look up when a large green dragon flies over them, beating his wings strongly. He calls again, his body moving over the cliffs towards Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra's heart skips a beat, painful in her chest, as Dany stumbles back with an uncharacteristic whimper. She trembles hard as she sees her child, her son, safe and strong. And as if that isn't a miracle enough, on the back of that enormous dragon, seated with such ease, they can make out the shape of a woman with brown unkempt hair, caressed by the wind.
As Rhaegal turns they hear the shrieking of his brothers, flying at him in great speed, calling in joy as they fly in circles around each other.
Rhaenyra has tears in her eyes and Daenerys bites her lip as a small shake leaves her. -" They're alive." Even Tyrion laughs incredulously at that and pats Rhaenyra's hand.
When they reach the beach even Jon is happy. Even though they had their differences he and Ireyne had become friends. He meets them halfway, following their big strides up the steps to Dragonstone.
-" Greyworm." The khaleesi suddenly says. - " Fetch Jorah, quickly." He nods before going to find the knight.
It is when they come up to the cliffs that they see them. Rhaegal, small wound already healed, sits with his wings resting beside him. He calls in joy to his mother, his tail flicking. And beside him, near his neck stands the young northerner.
She is filthy, her hair a mess and her clothes are bloodied and torn, charred and full of holes. She has lost her shoes and she looks pale. A cut runs on her cheek and they see a nasty wound right below her breast, sewed closed. She seems as if she's survived an entire war but her eyes are so lively that it is enough.
Rhaenyra yells in happiness before nearly jumping up and running to the woman. She stops abruptly and then hugs her easily, as not to jostle her. Daenerys is there as well her eyes slightly watery as Rhaegal bows his head and asks for pets. Then the queen turns to the woman to hug her and Rhaenyra scratches Rhaegal's nose.
-" How did you.." Ireyne smiles. -"Rhaegal left me in front of a farm and they called their maester to heal me. It was days before I could move and weeks before I was sufficiently healed to return to you. I had no way of contacting you, in fear of leading them to me or Rhaegal. Who knows what they would have done?"
Ireyne thinks of the people who helped her, a complete stranger. She will always remember their kindness.
As soon as she had healed, she'd borrowed the horse of the farmers, saying she would go to the nearest town. Sh'd thanked them and the maester profusely before leaving. The horse knew it's way home, so the farmers weren't worried. Instead, when she was on her way, Ireyne took another path and send the horse back on his way to his owners. As soon as she was sure she was alone in the deserted meadow ( she'd checked, you never know), she'd called for the green dragon.
She'd then waited for Rhaegal. He'd picked her up and as soon as she was seated right he'd taken off, back home. On their way she'd passed by the farmer's house at night, dark and peaceful and asleep. She had seen the horse back in its pasture grazing peacefully, before they'd continued on with their journey.
Coming back from her thoughts, the brunette turns her eyes back to the khaleesi and smiles. - " I am back, you Grace." The khaleesi nods warmly.
-" Well done, boy!" Rhaenyra grins and strokes the dragon's neck. Vyserion and Drogon who have landed nearby, call to her, one by one coming to her.
Drogon gently puts his nose into her face and Vyserion bumps her shoulder softly. Ireyne grins and pats both their nose. She hugs Jon as soon as she sees him, as she does Tyrion and Missandei. When Greyworm arrives and opens his mouth even he cannot escape her hugs.
It is the man behind him however that takes her breath away. Jorah looks like he can't believe it, can't believe she is here.
-" So it's true. " He says. - " You have returned to me;" Tears fill Ireyne's eyes as she chokes and then nearly throws himself into his arms.
-" I thought I lost you. " He murmurs and she nods, nestling beneath his chin. -" My love." He whispers, only for her to hear.
Rhaegal is standing beside him in a second, and calls to the knight. Jorah reaches a hand out and touches the dragon's snout. - " Thank you for saving her, Rhaegal." The dragon huffs but his tail flickers, happy to be praised.
-" Ouch." Ireyne says. - " I smell, I need a bath. "
-" Let me help you." Jorah supplies. He wraps an arm around her and gives her his cloak. Then she turns to the green dragon and touches her head to his nose. -" See you later, Rhaegal." He shrieks and then walks away to take up height, followed by Vyserion and Drogon.
When she is bathed and ready, they meet up in the war room of Dragonstone. Reality seems to be sinking in now, the war is not over.
-"The final battle is upon us, soon." Danaerys supplies. -" We are working on plans, but I'll need everyone who can help us." -" Let me help." Ireyne supplies. -" Let me and Rhaegal help you, as we have always done."
-" Very well." Daenerys supplies. -" To Kings Landing we go, to the final battle."