A/N: Had a... personal loss in the last few weeks. My grandfather passed away, hence the interruption. But I know he's in a better place now
AERION II
Aerion flew on the back of Vermidrexes, circling the Volantene ships as they neared the Blackwater Bay. Before they entered King's Landing, Aerion wanted to ensure that the Volantenese knew fear, because he didn't want the upstarts from Volantis to get any misunderstandings on why they were coming. They want to elaborate their position on who is the rightful inheritor of Valyria's legacy, they can do at the tip of our dragon's snouts, Aerion thought.
Before the Volantenes reached King's Landing, they would first have to dock at Dragonstone, which Aerion guided them to. Before any of his grandchildren came of age, Dragonstone was under his personal watch as it always had been for many years, and Aerion was going to make sure that whoever would inherit it in the end would obtain in good condition. But besides Dragonstone also serving as one of the gateways to the Blackwater Bay and therefore guarded by the royal fleet, it was also to remain a symbol of the might of House Targaryen, because there was no other structure that dated from the time of the Freehold that remained standing, besides those that were in pieces in what was left of the Fourteen Flames. Even Sphinx's Rest doesn't count despite it being built from dragonstone, since it wasn't around when the Freehold was powerful and thriving, so really, Dragonstone is the only one left.
And that was one of the reasons why Aerion knew for sure that the Volantenes could never really claim a part of Valyria's legacy, since they didn't have any of the structures that came from when the Freehold was powerful. But that was not the most important reason. The Volantenes dare claim to descend from Valyria, when they do not have a single drop of dragonlord better and descending from commoners when hundreds of dragons flew through the sky.
However, Crispian Celtigar told the council on the potential benefits of meeting with the Volantenes, if not to acknowledge their share in Valyria's legacy, but to engage in possibly lucrative trade.
"Lord Aerion, even you must see the benefits of trading with Volantis, even though their choice of words has not been so wise," Lord Crispian told him. "We might have stabilized our financial matters, even though it is taking a lot of time for people to accept the new currency, the golden dragons, the silver stags, even the copper. And we could do with more trade, to get more prosperity while we can. Volantis has things that we need, and they have things that can't get from Essos. Perhaps we can use that to start things off."
"I see… what about if they insist on talking about who gets a share on Valyria's legacy? Because if they do insist, then anything else will influenced negatively and we would have wasted enough time."
"You are the politician, Lord Aerion. I'm sure that you will find a solution to that quandary," Lord Crispian assured him.
"Indeed," Aerion was confident.
Aerion had to make sure that things had to go smoothly, since there were many things to be considered. And Aerion did not want to be the one who was irresponsible in any important dealings, but he knew himself enough to know that he was better than that.
The Volantene ships docked at Dragonstone, in which the guards lined the docks and saw the Volantene party assemble there. Aerion landed Vermidrexes near the docks on the shores, to allow him ample space to move around and follow him to the docks. Aerion adjusted his garments while keeping his grip on the Valyrian steel dagger that he tied to his belt, which was the only weapon that he could have realistically handled by this point.
If only you knew how to fight with a weapon, or remembered how to use one, Aerion heard Vermidrexes speak to him.
It's not that I don't know how to use a weapon, nor have I forgotten how to use one. It's just that I am not that inclined to fighting like my children are.
Ah, yes. You are more of the talker, the one who can make deals. What a pair we make, huh?
Come on, Vermidrexes. You should admit that I helped you calm you down ever since I bonded with you. Do not complain about what you are now, or what we are.
It just fascinates me that we were paired, when I was more aggressive, and you were not that physically aggressive as well.
It's not that I have lost touch with the ways of fighting, Vermidrexes. It's just that I had my sons, as well as my daughters, to defend me. Now, am I a bad father for thinking that? Probably, but not that I had to worry about defending myself for a long time.
Let us hope that you never have to be in that position.
Aerion remembered that was one of the more serious sources of conflicts between him and his father. He did train his best when it came to using the sword and lance, and knew how to hunt, but he was not that inclined to combat as his father was. He found that his talents lay mostly in talking with people and making deals, which he saw as more important than knowing how to fight. His father told him that anyone can talk, but that not everyone could fight. Aerion told his father, "You are wrong. Every man must know how to fight, but not every man can know what it is like to talk and make deals. In order to get what I want, you have to charm the ones you are dealing with. That is something that I feel that is worth more of my time and efforts, because I know that I will never be as skilled of a warrior like yourself."
His father was unmoved. "If only I had another son like myself, in which I can share my advice on how to be a better warrior. But you are not that one."
Aerion never forgot what his father said, but he was also just as unmoved in becoming better in something that he was never going to improve on. And Aerion knew himself well enough to understand that he could see himself more as the man who could get things done with talking. However, he was not going to have the same lessons be repeated for his children. They will know how to talk, and how to fight. They could never survive without one or the other.
Aerion brought himself back to the docks, while he reminded himself on why he had the dagger on his belt in the first place.
Aerion approached who he assumed was the leader of the Volantene party, based on his dress and mannerisms.
He considered the entire sect that comprised the Volantenes to be "strange and subtle". From what he knew about them, the Volantenes felt that people of quality should not travel afoot, but instead by palanquin or in a hathay. They believed that travelling afoot could taint a person in the eyes of both the native-born Volantenes and the foreign captains in their city. And from Aerion learned about them in terms of their customs, the freeborn citizens tattooed themselves to show prowess in battle and as a record of their exploits. Not that different from how warriors do that whenever they get their own kills, as knights get pieces of armor or some other trophy.
All the high-ranking members of the Volantene delegation were identified from their palanquins or being carried in a hathay, but the leader would always have the richest garments and the most elaborate looking palanquin. Aerion had to suppress his laughter on how ridiculous it all looked. I guess the party has been reduced from fifty to five, because most of them are carrying a few, Aerion noted.
"On behalf of House Targaryen, I welcome you all to Dragonstone," Aerion announced while the guards stood by him.
"And who might you be?" One of the Volantenes being carried asked him with almost a sneer.
"I am Lord Aerion Targaryen, current caretaker of Dragonstone and father of the ones who ruled these lands," Aerion answered him, while Vermidrexes showed his displeasure at his rider being disrespected by growing loudly.
"I apologize for my brethren's insolence. We meant no offense," the richly dressed one came forward on his palanquin. "We are just not used to seeing men of importance on their own feet." "It is good for your long-term health, whoever you are, and it reminds us that we are to remain humble even if we enjoy power," Aerion had to make clear to him. "And who might you be?"
"I am Qavo Vhassar, third son of Marqelo Vhassar, leader of the elephant party in Volantis."
"I see." Aerion knew what it meant to be part of the elephant party, and how they were bitter rivals to the tigers that they regularly clashed with. "I am not sure if your palanquins will be even able to fit through the narrow paths leading up to Dragonstone's main keep. I would suggest that we resolve the matter before the both of us are put in uncomfortable positions."
"By all means, Lord Aerion," Qavo Vhassar accepted.
Aerion had a personal dislike for slavery, which were carrying the palanquins, as he saw the whole system as being inefficient and preventing prosperity for all to enjoy. He knew that the Freehold
"You are from the Old Blood, correct?" Aerion asked him as they continued walking along the shore.
"The Vhassar name is quite prominent among the Old Blood. Surely, you knew that, my lord," Qavo said to him.
The Old Blood referred to some of the population in Volantis, noble families who could prove unbroken descent from old Valyria itself. Only those of the Old Blood were allowed to live within the Black Walls of eastern Volantis, and only they could invite slaves, freedmen, or foreigners to enter. Freeborn Volantenes with enough property could also vote in the elections, while Aerion was made aware that there were precious few voters on the western side of Volantis, over the river.
"Let's get to business, because I know that you don't want to be here anymore than you want to be, and I don't want to spend more time than necessary. Would that be agreeable for you?"
"Of course, my lord."
Aerion very much wanted to keep the negotiations short, since he did not like Qavo's haughtiness and wanted to make sure that he and the rest of the Volantenes knew their place. While both came from a sphere that was above most people, Aerion was not that thickheaded to believe that power was inherited and to be taken for granted. He had to ensure that the ones he was responsible for were satisfied and thus preventing any rebellious thoughts to form, since that was the undoing of many lords who refused to be proactive against dissent. If Qavo Vhassar was in my position, he would not have lasted long in Dragonstone, dealing with the many people trying to take our lands and our island. In fact, he would have been strung up and thus lose everything, Aerion sized him up.
"Remind me again. Why did you decide to come here out of all times?" Aerion feigned being forgetful, as he realized that playing up his old age would serve in his interest since people usually thought little of old men and thus letting their guards then. Aerion had to be calculating as always, and that meant that he had to adapt to changing circumstances. No one would take me seriously if I continued to behave like a younger man, but if they treat me like an old man losing his mind, that's when I could strike most effectively.
"It is to discuss who is to be the seen as the proper inheritor of Valyria's legacy," Qavo said, as if to remind him.
"And you claim to be the true inheritors, even though you have no dragons to speak of?" Aerion asked him.
"With respect, Lord Aerion, your family were minor dragonlords with only small estates to your name during the heyday of old Valyria. And while your family ruled only one island, the people in Volantis was able to become more powerful and thus utilize the chaos that followed while maintaining the example set forth by our forebears."
While Volantis was, at the time of the Doom of Valyria, the mightiest of the Free Cities, in the century that followed, Braavos caught up and rivalled Volantis for power now. That was something that Aerion had to hammer on, while also reminding Qavo on where his forebears truly originated.
"With respect, Qavo Vhassar, were your forebears not lowly soldiers, whose only opportunity for prosperity came because they knew how to loyal dogs to the dragonlords?"
Qavo looked at him, offended. "Things have changed since then, my lord."
"But if you want to debate who is really the proper heir to the Freehold's legacy, can you say with confidence that you count? Your family came from peasants, lowborn soldiers who were granted land in return for their loyalty and their sacrifice in blood and limbs. And if you really must recall the history of Volantis, you were only a colony, an extension of Freehold's glory, so if by legacy, you mean the inferior sort, then yes, that is accurate."
Aerion continued to play up the role of the old man, deciding to enhance that with being senile since old men who were senile would say things that they would not normally say in polite settings.
"And what about yourself?" It was Qavo's turn to say things to insult the Targaryens, which Aerion expected. "I hear that your goodson, Prince Jaenyx, is the one who is the more significant of your families. Even in Volantis, the Belaerys name is well-known and imagine our surprise when we learned that the Belaerys line was not only among the survivors, but they continued to be strong, and with him ending your monopoly on dragons. The house of Belaerys, by all definitions, ranked higher than the house of Targaryen. So, can you really say that you speak for a house that truly comes from a great line? If we are talking about who among your families has the greater claim on what the Freehold left behind, is not the house of Belaerys and not your house be in control, then?"
Aerion knew that Qavo did not respect him, but he did not expect him to be so insulting. But Aerion kept control himself, as he knew that Qavo was trying to provoke him.
"Then… in that case, will you also agree that the Freehold, as well as the legacy, is meaningless in this day and age?"
That, Qavo did not anticipate. "What do you mean meaningless?"
"The fact that you are so desperate to hold onto the legacy of the Freehold means that your entire identity rests upon your city's claim as the final child of Valyria. But here is what I think, and what the rest of my family, including Jaenyx Belaerys, have concluded. Anyone attempting to claim a part of Valyria's legacy, is engaged in a foolhardy exercise and thus wasting their time."
Qavo was clearly at a loss, allowing Aerion to move on.
"We are both fighting over something that has lost its meaning. The Freehold has not existed since over all those centuries ago, and all those who tried to fight over the scraps, including that fool Aurion, met a dismal end because they tried to resurrect something that can never rise again," Aerion explained to him.
Aurion was one of the few dragonlords who survived the Doom of Valyria. Aerion learned about him when he was young. He raised forces from Qohorik colonists and declared himself first Emperor of Valyria. Atop his dragon, he flew south to lay claim to what remained of Valyria and reestablish the Freehold along with his thirty thousand men. Neither Emperor Aurion nor his host were ever seen again. Foolish. Aurion could have created something new, but he chose to go on a stupid journey and pursue a lost cause.
"And so what, my lord?" Qavo showed his annoyance.
"We are engaged in a useless debate, because none of us can claim something that is dead. Old Valyria is never coming back, and we are all that is left. But rather than attempting to get the bones, why not leave the bones where they are in the ground and create something new?"
"New?"
"Yes, new." Aerion was annoyed that he had to repeat that. "We might claim descent from old Valyria, my house and that of the house of Belaerys, but we both saw the folly in trying to remake Valyria. Instead, we are creating a new home and a new chapter for the dragons, because it is illogical for us to turn back the page. History rhymes, but the years will never look like an exact copy of the previous."
Qavo had nothing that he could say in response to Aerion's words. While Aerion saw the Freehold as something to emulate, he knew that to try to copy it in Westeros to the very last detail was going to waste time. Instead, the best that his house and their supporters could do was to pay homage to Valyria's greatness while adapting what worked for Valyria to the unique conditions in Westeros, such as the legions, the roads, and architecture. They're trying to remake Harrenhal into a fortress that can combine the styles of what Valyria could build in its heyday, and then infusing Westeros' castle features into it, Aerion thought to himself. The one thing that Black Harren did right was that he knew how to place his castle, so they were going to use Harrenhal as both a place to symbolize another extension of what was built in King's Landing and to impose control over all the Seven Kingdoms since Harrenhal was located over a vital crossroads between the North, the Vale, the riverlands, the crownlands, and the Reach due to right next to the Gods Eye.
"If that is what you believe… I'm not going to debate further with you, but I am authorized to discuss trade. My parents in the elephants told me to not return with empty hands."
"Of course," Aerion accepted, pleased that some progress was finally made. "Your father is one of the triarchs, right?"
"Yes," Qavo confirmed.
Volantis was ruled by three triarchs, chosen annually through festive and tumultuous elections. While outsiders saw the elections as chaotic, they were remarkably peaceful. All freeborn who owned land, regardless of gender, were allowed to vote. They were chosen from amongst the noble families who could prove unbroken descent from old Valyria and would serve until the first day of the new year. The triarchs of Volantis were considered so elevated that they were not allowed to have their feet touch the ground during their year of service. The elections lasted ten days, with much campaigning and bribery. The triarchs belonged to one of two political parties, the elephants and the tigers. The elephants were the party of the merchants and moneylenders advocating trade, while the tigers were old aristocracy and warriors interested in conquest. At no time had more than one tiger been named triarch. Some of the first elephants were women, one of whom, Trianna, was returned four times. Volantis has not had a female triarch for over a hundred years at that point.
Aerion very much admired the story about Trianna, the woman who was able to bring order to a city during the Century of Blood, when the destruction of the Valyrian Freehold caused chaos to reign throughout Essos. But like all good things, they had to end.
"Westeros has things that Volantis will benefit from, while Volantis has things that we can use. Let us start there."
"But Westeros does not practice slavery, which can be an impediment to profits," Qavo said.
Volantis was key to the slave market, trading heavily with the cities of Slaver's Bay to the east. It was said there are five slaves to every free man in the city.
"And there is also the matter of currency, because the new system that your rulers are implementing might not translate well to Volantis," Qavo added.
Volantis used coins, called "honors", with a crown on one face and death's head on the other as part of their currency. The honors were no bigger than a penny.
"Then we can discuss currency matters with those who are more knowledgeable about the subject, since I myself cannot comment on that. But Westeros could use your sweet beets and red wine, as a taste of what else we can obtain from your city," Aerion pointed out.
The Volantenes were fond of sweet beets, which they grew in profusion and served in most major culinary dishes in the city. They made a cold soup of the beets which was as thick and rich as purple honey. The Volantenes were also known for their sweet red wine, which had a strong client base for those who wanted an alternative to Dornish red.
"If you can offer us some wine at dinner, preferably Arbor gold and nutmeg, we can discuss wine trade further."
Aerion smiled. "Excellent." Wines might not be the critical resource we need from Volantis, but it is a start, since we must get Volantis to begin trading with us and thus dependent on us. If they are dependent on us, they will have no reason to fight us.
Aerion was prepared to fight, but he would rather that peace reign, because everyone would prosper.
Aerion played with his grandchildren, allowing them to get on his back while he imagined himself as a dragon. Why can't I fly? That way, they'll get to experience another sort of dragon, Aerion lightly cursed to himself.
But those feelings slowly disappeared, as he heard the laughter that his grandchildren let out after holding onto him. It reminded him of when all his children, Aegon, Rhaenys, Visenya, and Orys were growing up and there was a time when he wanted them to not grow older and remain the precious dragons that he could hold always. But alas, time could not grant his wishes and Aerion inevitably felt the happiness simply take on another form, in seeing his children get married and have their own children.
Aerion did wonder to himself if he was being selfish in hoping that he was trying to relive the days where he was playing with his children in a room not dissimilar to the one that they were enjoying in the capital. There were wooden dragons and other sorts of toys that was expected to be found in the hands of children. He could not consider himself overly emotional, but he felt himself almost crying at how fast the time went. Many people who are not fortunate to see their grandchildren don't know what it means to see their children grow farther, farther, and farther away from you, he thought sadly.
Unfortunately for Aerion, he found himself being witness to that very thing that he was sad about. Aegon and Rhaenys were both busy in overseeing the realm, Visenya and Jaenyx were busy in the Reach while establishing their own family, and Orys was happy with Argella at Storm's End along with working on expanding their family. But besides the time devoted to the families, they were also busy with administrating their lands and their households, which they had to do given their position. But they had less time for them, making Aerion feel that his purpose was no longer to be involved in their lives and to become another spectator, despite his official position.
That was something that Aerion discussed with Valaena, who understood clearly on what he was feeling.
"One of the few joys of being as old as we both are is that it will soon not be our problem," Valaena was honest with him. "There came a moment, around the time I passed fifty name days, when it dawned on me I slowly had not business in being a participant but found more use as a spectator… then it is just a matter of waiting and not getting in the way."
"There is still so much to do, dear," Aerion could not accept that yet.
"And you shall. But don't exhaust yourself. I understand, because you have always been busy. But we're both not getting our youth back. What we can do is be there for your grandchildren, and then have the time that we should spend together. You and I, we can get some of the energy and joy we had when we were younger and first in love. What do you say?"
Aerion always feared losing his relevance, but he then realized that he would always be so in his family, and that was enough for him. As for Valaena, he was grateful for what she said, and then had an idea.
"Let's… begin having that joy back," Aerion suggested.
Valaena was all too happy to oblige, as if waiting for him to finally ask her.
Behind closed doors, Aerion and Valaena locked eyes with each other. He reached around Valaena and attacked her neck with kisses. She moaned as she reached around and cupped the back of Aerion's head.
Valaena felt her heart race as Aerion tended to her. She reached up to remove her robes and dress, and Aerion shook his head. He gently pulled her overcoat off and then moved on. Then he leaned to nibble at her ear. Valaena wrapped her arms around Aerion's waist and shuddered in anticipation. He stroked her hair back from her face.
"There she is," Aerion whispered.
Valaena bit her lip and Aerion's eyes darkened. He pulled Valaena flush against him and attacked her neck again. As Aerion nibbled and sucked on Valaena's long neck, she felt his fingers at the clasp of the halter strap on the back of her neck. Soon, her robes and dress fell off while Aerion's hands roamed her bare back and his lips finally met hers.
Aerion groaned in the heat of Valaena's mouth as she opened herself to him. His tongue plunged in forcefully and he angled his head to probe deeper. Valaena sucked on his tongue as she pressed her mouth harder against his. Aerion grunted and he groped at her ass pulling her impossibly closer as he ground his cock against her intimate places.
Aerion then leaned back with an expression so lustful, taking in Valaena' bare form.
"By the gods, Val," he moaned as he stared her bosom. He licked his lips as his eyes flickered up to hers.
The joy of being lusted by the one she loved sent sparks of pleasure down to her core which was by now throbbing. Valaena threw her head back.
"Don't stop", she hissed. Aerion buried his head in Valaena's chest and kissed between her breasts.
Aerion put a finger on her exposed clit while he picked Valaena up. She instinctively wrapped her legs around Aerion as he carried her toward the bed.
The main quarters glowed with the warmth and soft light of a fire roaring nearby.
Valaena smirked. "Hot, my lord?" she asked softly.
Aerion shook his head as he laid her gently on their large bed. "We're dragons. We're supposed to be burning hot."
Valaena's darkening gaze gave him his answer. Aerion beheld the naked woman in his bed, who had not lost any of the things that made him lust after her the first time. Long. Lean. Lovely. Yes, she's at her best just like this. Natural. She doesn't need any anything else, he thought. And I don't care if she has a few wrinkles here and there. I have some as well, and we both are not the uglier for it.
"You take my breath away," Aerion murmured. Valaena licked her bottom lip wantonly and sat up to grab at his breeches.
Aerion gently swatted away her hands. "No, let me take care of you now. Just lie back and relax," he whispered. Valaena pouted petulantly but laid back down. Aerion smirked at her.
He held her gaze as he quickly disrobed. His cock stood erect. He crawled on top of her. "Let me do what the others have not done," Aerion's voice rumbled. Valaena felt it as much as she heard it.
She cupped his jawline that had remained sharp through the years and pulled his face down to her waiting lips. His lips were soft and supple, yet insistent. Valaena immediately deepened the kiss as her tongue begged for entry into his mouth. Aerion parted his lips and Valaena sucked at his tongue as if she was trying to swallow him down into her very soul. Aerion keened as their faces angled in counterpoint to each other to get even closer. Even deeper.
Valaena broke away with a large gulp of air. Aerion attached his mouth to her throat. He aimed to mark her everywhere. He nibbled, peck, bit and sucked his way down to her breasts. Her nipples were pert and inviting. Aerion swirled his tongue around one as he pinched the other.
Valaena moaned and tugged Aerion closer to her heaving bosom. Aerion took a nipple between his teeth and bit gently. Valaena moaned again and arched her back.
"More, please…" Valaena groaned.
"I love your teats. So…" Aerion lost his words as he sucked the pebbled bud deep into his mouth. He released the nipple with a pop. Then he pounced on the other. And back and forth he went until Valaena's whole body began to shake.
"Ohhh, Aerion. Yes…" Valaena screamed.
Aerion's eyes widened. "Did you come...just from…"
Valaena caught her breath. "Oh...almost…" Aerion didn't give her a chance to answer. He flattered his tongue and made a long swipe down her torso. Nudging her legs apart, continued his assault. He spread apart her folds with two fingers while his flat tongue tasted her sticky sweetness.
"Fuck, your cunt tastes…" he licked, "Soooo…" he swirled his tongue at her opening. "I forgot the word for it." Valaena shuddered.
He set up on an elbow, flicked his finger at her wet cunt and brought that finger up to Valaena's gaping mouth. She sucked his finger with a feral look in her eyes.
"See... you are so sweet," Aerion grunted before he dove back into her cunt. He latched his lips onto her center of pleasure and feasted.
Valaena clutched at Aerion's trimmed face and he chuckled. Valaena both giggled and moaned. Her laughter ceased when Aerion pushed a thick middle finger inside her and sucked her clit mercilessly. When he bent his digit and twisted it to and fro inside her, Valaena felt the tension in her core tightening. She felt as if her dragon Oceanwave was taking her higher than they had ever climbed before, her body going farther from the earth and there was nothing she could do to stop. Tighter and tighter until she cried out as a sharp pang of pleasure exploded inside her, starting at her cunt and flowed out to every part of her. Then she was weightless, floating above the earth in a state of rapture and the only sound she heard was her racing heartbeat.
She slowly descended as Aerion's stumble tickled at her inner thighs.
"Fuck, dear cousin," he purred over and over. She felt drenched between her legs.
Valaena could only sigh. She noticed Aerion's eyes were black as he moved up her body.
"You are incredible," Aerion muttered as he teased her opening with the head of his cock. He gave her a dirty kiss, all tongue and musky scent. Then he pressed forward slowly.
Valaena gasped when his huge member was fully sheathed inside of her. She wrapped her legs around calves and clutched his ass as he began to move in slow, grinding circles. Her clit was still swollen and sensitive, so every arc of his movements sent a jolt of pleasure through her. His chest hair scratched her tender nipples. And this beautiful, kind and strong man stared into her eyes as he made love to her.
"You are so incredible", he whispered again. "And I am so fortunate to have you with me after all these years…"
Valaena licked his bottom lip and cut in. "I'm the fortunate one."
Aerion gave a harder thrust. Valaena gasped. He leaned in and whispered, "You. Just. Come. All. Over. Me…" Another hard thrust and Valaena gasped again. "Oh, I think I'm the lucky one."
Valaena nipped at his neck. He grunted. She ground out, "That's never ever happened to me, soooo…" A snap of Aerion's hips made Valaena yell. "Oooooo…. we are not competing... unless you think you can beat me."
Aerion gazed at her with an expression so raw, it scared her a bit. Aerion smirked as he hooked her legs under his arms. "Is that's challenge, dear cousin Val? Because I've always wanted to fuck you until your voice ran out and then you were spilling, like our first night."
And then he showed her. In and out. Over and over. Hard and harder still. Pleasure beyond description and a prick of pain. She could only dig her nails into his shoulders and shriek at each punishing thrust. It was as if he was trying to infuse himself into her. And the things he grunted in her ear.
"I dreamt of all the ways I would take you...make you come all over me like the shooting stars in the sky..."
Valaena just listened, overjoyed at her cousin-husband's words, which have not lost their edge over time.
"I've been watching you all day in those robes. But nothing compares to you like this..." Aerion inhaled and exhaled. "You're mine, Valaena. Say it…"
Valaena felt like she was going to explode. "I'm yours, Aerion..."
Aerion's rhythm became erratic. Valaena used her body weight and strength to flip them over.
Aerion looked at her surprised. She raised an eyebrow as she rolled her hips. "I can manage. I'm not dead."
Aerion sat up and kissed Valaena's throat, collarbones and breasts as she rode him. The only sound to be heard were the wetness of their bodies meeting and their grunts, groans and moans. From rolling her hips to bouncing wildly up and down on his cock, Valaena showed she could give as much as she took. Aerion felt himself on the precipice again. Aerion pressed the pad of two fingers and teased her clit.
Valaena threw her head back as she felt the tension build again. She laughed at the sheer joy of their coupling. At the pleasure they gave each other.
She fell over the cliff's edge and held Aerion's hand as he joined her. She felt his seed shoot hot and thick inside her. Trembling and relaxed, she collapsed against Aerion's shoulder as he leaned against hers.
After a few minutes, Aerion laid flat and pulled Valaena's head down to rest on his chest. When their sweaty bodies cooled, he covered Valaena and himself.
Aerion shifted so Valaena could see his face. "That was… truly the best bedtime that I had with you since… before we fought in the war."
"And we should be more like this. We're not getting young, but even fools can feel young again. We just have to not allow ourselves to despair, and enjoy what time has matured for us to pick and pluck from the harvest."
"You always had a way with words, Val. And I cannot believe that I was so… afraid."
"Hush," Valaena stopped him. "You are perfect, and you are still able. Don't let anyone else say otherwise, not even yourself."
Aerion kissed her forehead. "I wonder what our children must have felt when they saw us fuck the first time that they could understand what that meant."
Valaena snorted, as did Aerion. "I'm pretty sure they could not sleep for a full night or so."
"Kids seeing their parents in intercourse… I remember seeing that, and that was just horrifying."
Valaena smiled at his jest. "Looks like you needed this, to be happy. Perhaps we can… become happier?"
Aerion cracked at her suggestion. "Why not?"
A/N: Aerion is able to stay the Volantenes, for now.
And him going through a mid-life crisis makes sense, since he is at that stage in life. But he is far from impotent
