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From Where Blessings Flow
Chapter 1: Robert, 293 AC
Back home, Robert thinks.
Remembering heady scent of blood oranges and clear skies, he thinks he would have preferred his return was made in better weather. All the same he gives thanks that the Sea God and the Goddess of the Wind calmed the waters around Shipbreaker Bay enough to dock without incident. He had not carried goods from Dorne and Essos only to have them ruined now.
As his boat settles, chaos goes on about him. But, he is still as he looks up at his home. Not for the first time does he think about his parents… He also thinks about how they lost their lives for nothing. Their gods had not been kind then.
He almost laughs. Stannis would call him a fool. There was something to Stannis' godlessness, he supposes. The Seven failed them as they had their parents.
Not that he was particularly devout now either, but, he had not spent some time away without coming to appreciate what worship of one's natural gods can do. He'd seen it unify a people and give comfort to children abandoned by the gods of their own father.
Perhaps if his parents had worshipped the gods of their own people, perhaps they would be alive.
He breathes deep. Or perhaps not. What does it matter which gods you keep when it is your own people that betray you?
And he'd been betrayed by his kin twice.
He spent much of the battle trying to get to him. Once he locked eyes on that black armor with red, his blood went up! And so, he charged with his Warhammer. Dodging Rhaegar screamed, "She came to me. It's me she loves."
No! He snarls, "You lie."
"I do not. She married me. You can ask her yourself!"
Despite himself, his hand shook. The rest was lost when he had not realized Ser Barristan Selmy was upon him.
He thinks of his Lady Grandmother. She is the one that kept him alive and away from the Wall unlike Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn. If she could hear his thoughts now, she'd chide him, man grown or not. She suffered the same betrayals and one before even his father was born! She'd said as much to that silver headed fool and the queen Rhaegar Targaryen had claimed, his once betrothed. His grandmother laid bare all the wrongs the Targaryens had done and in doing so saved his life and his future.
But, they were not the only one betrayed. All of their people were both his and of the North. Lady Stark, now Queen Lyanna, learned that!
"My lady?" His stalwart grandmother turns to Lady Rogers.
With one baleful glance at Lyanna, Lady Branda, born of House Stark but married into House Rogers, turns quickly from his former betrothed to glance apologetically at his lady grandmother.
The old woman shakes her head. "No, my lady. I have seen and heard all I needed to. I want to return to Amberly as soon as possible. I have my husband, good-daughter, and my grandsons to comfort. Though I do not see how I can when I need to bury my eldest son. Then, I want to pray in my own halls for the souls of my other fallen kinsmen: my good-brother & good-brother, and nephew along with the men who laid down their lives for my family of blood and marriage." Without another glance Lyarra Stark's sister rushes to joins his grandmother's other ladies.
There was nothing for him here, either, he thinks as he, too turns away from his puce-faced once betrothed.
He supposed it was a good thing he learned what Ned's sister was. He was not good enough, in her eyes, for what? Having a child before they were even betrothed? She was the one clinging to a man who already had two children… Part of him was relieved that he no longer was a man filled with illusions.
She was content to spit upon their agreement to wear a crown while standing where her brother and father were butchered. She chose Rhaegar…the man whose father killed hers and her brother. The man who supported his father after that madman demanded his head for the crime of being her betrothed! That was the man she wanted…the one who threw away his wife and children. That man who claimed it was a mercy to let him live and retain his own lands after tearing his life apart!
But, for all the bluster and fury he had, he was too tired and just wanted to go home and pretend if only for a little while that he had not been taken for a fool!
Even Ned proved to be of no succor. Ned named his boy for him, and he did laugh when he learned it, but that would not be enough. What they had between them died that day on the Trident even if they both lived. Ned was supposed to be his good-brother, but, Ned had another one, one that his sister wanted Ned to have. He believed Ned when he gave his apologies, but, the hurt was too raw and well, it was not good enough.
Elbert and the rest were dead. The boys he grew up with and the men he was going to see Brandon's wedding with. And the people who fought…Denys and the rest. The man who was almost a father was far in the North now; a fate he knew spared solely by the grace of his grandmother's fury and Rhaegar's unwillingness to plunge his now smaller realm into chaos yet again.
That was the day he wished the Lord Stark well, counted his blessings, and went home.
Gods, has it really been ten years? Oh, he had his amusements, he will not deny that but, the realm rebuilt itself, though differently than it might have once. Stannis had settled into a man with a family; and Renly was nearly grown. It was well past time that he stopped letting the world pass him by.
Elia shuffles upwards and settles a pillow behind her back.
"If they wanted Rhaegar to do his duties to us properly, they would have risen up or raised their voices against him."
He turns to prop himself upon his elbows. "You can imagine the realm was as tired as your own people. I know I was."
She raises an eyebrow. "Do you no longer burn to avenge the disregard?"
He does. Oh, how he does and damn her she knew it! But, that does not answer his question. He will not put himself or his people in danger for another woman, even this one!
He rubs at his shoulder absently, where the blows of Rhaegar's and Barristan the Bold's swords once landed and crushed his youthful dreams.
Oh, well, he thinks. That will be rectified soon, he thinks with a smile, though his mirth was short lived thinking of why he was back so quickly.
Ellyn, his good sister suffered a tumble. She lost the babe too, Stannis wrote. She cannot have any more, his brother added, as confirmed by Cressen who never lied to them. The last letter was clipped and stoic, characteristic of his younger brother, but, he knew Stannis was disappointed. It would have been their second child. Stannis did not smile much, not that he did much of it either, really, but, he knew that Stannis and Ellyn would be saddened.
His refusal to marry caused some contention, of course, because Stannis and Ellyn only had one child between them and a girl besides, but, after Lyanna and Rhaegar all but spat in his face, he had no desire to marry, to risk it again. What if his second betrothed proved just as fickle has his first? He had been in no place to trust another woman again or another man who should have honored their ties but refused to do it.
As dear as Mya was to him, for she was the one bright spot in his life after his parent's died, he could not and will not be Rhaegar Targaryen who spat upon the laws of gods and men. Oh, he knew what the High Septon claimed, that the so-called king was right in that since his marriage to Elia Martell was at the demand of a madman, such a marriage did not have to be honored even if it proved fruitful, presided over by the same High Septon, and witnessed by half the kingdom!
But, he had been so tired and hurt he gave up that fight to go back home and lick his wounds among his own people that the disavowal of Rhaegar's first marriage had not even registered. Ten years ago, he'd returned to Storm's End bruised, battered, and broken. And he'd returned to see his brothers sickly and half starved. He'd asked Stannis to hold their home while he was at war along-side the man he once thought of as a brother and the man that was almost a father to him.
His best years before his world was torn asunder were at the Eyrie. There he met the boy, and now man, who once loved more than his actual brothers. The Eyrie had been home when Storm's End was where his parents died. And after Jon was lost to him and though he and Ned were to be family, they weren't, and it was his brother who remained loyal. Stannis stayed the course. Stannis protected Renly. Stannis never left him.
His brothers were down to dogs and cats by the time the war ended. Though he does not like to think of it, he can still remember how thin Stannis and Renly had gotten, how fearful for him…And for what?
That was the day he decided that was the day would do right by his brothers and so far, he had. After all, he intended Stannis to follow him. If that meant he remained without an heir of his own body, so be it. He was born first but Storm's End was meant for Stannis and so when he remained unwed, he arranged for Stannis to marry Lady Ellyn Buckler who proved to be a capable lady who flourished under the guidance of his lady grandmother.
He knew since he refused to marry, Stannis, and Ellyn felt pressure from some quarters to provide a male heir. Despite that, he is fully prepared to have Cassana be Lady of Storm's End once he and Stannis pass. Even if they did not, Renly was still about though he would not give Storm's End to Renly when Stannis has a living breathing child, girl or not. No, he would do right by his brother.
Part of it was still broken from the hurt Lyanna dealt him. But, what was that when Stannis braved death for him? While he was at war to preserve his life and to give justice to what he believed was his future family Stannis was the one who held their home, managed it, and helped it thrive. He guarded their lady grandmother and their brother. For that, he could allow anything.
This new development is just another way to help him do it. Dorne, unlike the Stormlands which were divided thanks to the likes of Connington and Grandison, wrenched its independence from the weary crown. Prince Doran proved himself to be more than just a viper in the grass but an entire blazing sun! In his fury he had not realized or cared that Dorne was in an outrage at Rhaegar's and the Mad King's actions. And after Rhaegar proved victorious…he all but spat upon the entire region starting with their princess and his own children after being forced to sacrifice for that farce! Rhaegar may have won that ugly chair and his former betrothed, but, he was now the King of the 6 Kingdoms. Once free, Dorne strengthened their ties to Essos.
Goods that once flew freely from Essos was funneled through Dorne at high expense. Oh, Norvos was expected, but, Volantis, the Summer Isles, Myr, Tyrosh, Lys, Pentos, and even Braavos followed suit for the most part. For those cities, it was easier to go through one port than many and better in that they could charge extra for scant goods of excellent quality. A man who could throw away a marriage and healthy children was no one a person could trust and Rhaegar was that, wasn't he?
He will not pretend it gave him no joy to see how that proved costly for Rhaegar. Oh, he knew that Rhaegar seethed at Dornish temerity and Essosi cunning, but, was he going to try and enter Dorne like a thief again? The Targaryens could not keep Dorne while they had dragons. What did Rhaegar have now except a kingdom which knew that loyalty to him meant nothing but words.
All the better for him. Soon, he thinks, he will be the one to have something much better.
It is later around the dinner table, Renly, Mya, and Cassana are sent to bed, their arms laden with gifts he proffered, that talk comes invariably to how he acquired those gifts which included Tyroshi armor for Renly, a necklace from Volantis for Mya, and a doll wearing Myrish silk for Cassana.
Uncle Eldon is the one to brave the subject over a chalice of the pomegranate wine from the various crates he ferried back with him. "Now, that you are here, you can finally start searching for a wife. It has been ten years. Think for your house. You need a lady."
With a warm glance at Ellyn who looks paler than he is used to and paler than he cares for, he remarks, "This house has perfectly good ladies."
He bites back a smile at his uncle's look. His uncle does not know of his plans to add a third. Soon!
He considers. Elia will not arrive alone! But, once his plans are explained, he will likely have to ask and Ellyn and his grandmother about their opinions about who would make good ladies among their own people. If they are to blend their households then Elia will need her own ladies among their bannermen.
Uncle Harbert points, out, "You need an heir."
Not needing to see how Stannis bristles, he snorts. "Stannis is my heir. Storm's End has done well in my absence and under him. He has an heir as well."
Uncle Eldon remarks, "Stannis has a girl."
Knowing his brother and seeing Ellyn's face, he grabs a hold of his brother's arm to hold him still. He sends Ellyn a warm glance before turning back to his uncle. "As do I, but, it is Cassana who is our heir's heir."
"A girl of six," Uncle Lomas adds, as though all of them do not know that already. But, then again, both his Estermont uncles have sons, and yet…
He rolls his eyes, but, he lets Grandmother speak. "Cassana will grow into a worthy heiress. Besides, our name may be Baratheon, but, it is through Argella that Orys claimed Storm's End."
He smothers his amusement. His ancestor or not, Elia would probably hiss at praising Orys. He sobers quickly remembering that Orys served the Targaryens as well, even if he was not quite one of them. Thinking of his own history with house Targaryen, he notes that some things never change.
"I know my lessons," his uncle growls back.
He smirks. "And I learned plenty in my time as well." He shakes his head and continues, "But, you are right about two things. When the time comes, she would need a good strong husband at her side. Stannis and I will see to it that we find a suitable one for her as well my own daughter. But, that is a question for another time. I will grant that for myself, it is high time I got married."
At that, his uncles perk up. His grandmother inhales sharply. He tries to distract himself from Stannis' wounded look in favor of glancing at Uncle Eldon who states, "Let us get started to search."
Now, he lets himself laugh. "No need. I found myself a worthy bride."
Rather, she approached him, but, no one needs to know that!
All around him are befuddled faces. He bites back a grin. But, Stannis, his brave brother, asks the question, "Who?"
He smiles. "Princess Elia of Sunspear, of course."
He expected the shock. What he had not expected was his Uncle Eldon to start choking!
He shakes his head, "Careful with the wine, Uncle. There will be more of it coming from Dorne and the East, soon, but, I can't have you wasting what we have now when we have a wedding and guests to prepare for."
Once the ladies and their uncles are gone, dazed but in planning, Stannis wonders, "What are you doing Robert? Princess Elia? You cannot be serious!"
He looks towards that portrait of their father and mother that started to hang in his solar. The last one they took before going on that ill-fated voyage to find Rhaegar a wife! Rhaegar got a wife afterwards and still wanted the one meant for him!
Once again, he swallows down the ever-present rage at Rhaegar's ingratitude and looks away from that portrait. He was denied justice on the battlefield. Now, he can make his own. He does not wish for blood, but, this will do just as nicely.
He turns back to Stannis. "I was betrothed once, for love I thought. The chance to have a family. Ten years ago, I nearly lost the family I did have for a love that was not worth it."
Stannis' expression forces him to continue.
Robert sighs, "What sort of lord would I be if I did not do right by my house? Dorne has become rich. By this, so will we."
Stannis's eyes narrow and his jaw clicks shut. "Dorne is willing to cut into their own profit?"
Clever, his brother is. He explains, "They need markets for their own goods, too. Besides, the Six Kingdoms burn for products from Essos. You know this, probably better than I do. But, even you can see that Essos cannot subsist on only one point of sale. As it is the cities in the east are just as changeable in mood. Oldtown has its own small hooks into Essos, but, I will not squander opportunity to more of the Reach than that. There are enough profits for Dorne and the Stormlands. The Dornish recognize this and are willing to allow us a portion of their profit. Besides, you heard our uncles. They will not let me rest until I find a wife. They have been incessant with their buzzing about it. I found one."
And the heart of Stannis' issue was one he expresses now. "Do you not want heirs of your own?"
A logical question from anyone else, but, a faint memory of Stannis nursing that bird comes back to him. Gods, he had been a wretched brother to him. No longer.
He assures Stannis, "I meant it when I said you are my heir."
Stannis's jaw unclenches. "You are sure?"
He nods. "I am."
Stannis purses his lips before breathing sharply before huffing, "And you getting one over on Rhaegar Targaryen does not have anything to do with it? I do not imagine she is going to leave her children behind."
Stannis so rarely laughs but his brother can make him laugh. "If I receive his enmity, at least this time I will have earned it, but, no, they will come as well. It will work, you will see. She can hardly complain about my Mya, you see. And who among the Dornish will sneer at your daughter taking up our mantle when we both are not but dust?"
With that, he thinks he has Stannis.
Of course, Stannis counters, "How do you know she is just not using you to get to the throne?"
Elia growls low in her throat. "The future of my children is paramount! I will not let my children be in danger, not when too much blood has been shed for that monstrosity already."
Even if he believes her and there is no reason to disbelieve the woman he is bedding, he asks, "Then, why ally yourself with me it? This will only put you back in his consciousness. Why else do this if not for the throne?"
Her face twists in a beautiful type of fury. "The Rhoynar had an empire when the Valyrians were mere shepherds who stumbled upon dragons. Once the Rhoynar followed Nymeria to Westeros, Dorne, alone, withstood those beasts. For centuries, my people were used for goods and my realm was a gateway to Essos. For too long my people were thought of as 'other' and were continuously demeaned. Rhaegar thought he could use that to build a new life for himself by trying erase my children and I from existence after sacrificing my people for a war his actions sparked. My children were born in Westeros and he denied them, their heritage, and their due. He can try to make the realm forget that, but, that I will not allow."
In her rage her face goes red and her entire body heaves, "Rhaegar allowed his father to use my children and I to hold a sword to my brother's head for an army of ten thousand, including my own uncle. He never intended to pay for any of it. He refused to do his duty to me, our children, or the realm. I do not need blood or that chair when I have better ways of collecting our due."
He shakes his head. "The boy will not get the throne. Rhaegar chose the son he wanted to keep. The realm will not fight another war, not for a boy raised in Dorne and in the East."
The boy does not seem to want it either. But, he does not tell Stannis that. That was between him and the boy who he saw always made it a point to dress in his mother's colors. That was partly what endeared the boy to him in the first place.
He tells Aegon, "You know my grandmother looks like you."
The boy was quiet for quite a while. Then, more to himself, the boy murmurs, "The Targaryen one."
He blinks. "You know your history." So why did Rhaegar disregard it? Or was this because Rhaegar did? Looking at this boy, he cannot say which question is better.
Aegon looks at him solemnly. "My face will not let me forget it."
He frowns. The boy should not be so matter of fact about it. Surely the boy had not read his mind…
Aegon says, "I am used to it, you know."
"What?"
Humorlessly, the boy says, "The way some people look at me. The way you first did. You tried not to flinch. It's because I look like him. Isn't it? People do not like the reminder of what he did. But, they see me and remember. They don't mean to do it, or at least most don't; I think. It does not happen much now that they got used to me."
He's never had a child make him feel shame before. But, the boy was right. Despite Elia preparing him he met the boy and saw Rhaegar. Rather than the rage, he felt pity. Aerys had been cruel about the girl taking after the mother and just as disgruntled about the boy taking after the father. And Rhaegar still turned the boy away. Rhaegar was a fool. But, he hardly needed to think worse of Rhaegar, did he?
He swallows deeply. Since he does not want to be comforted by the boy, he says, "That is very kind of you. I am sorry though."
The boy smiles even if it a small one. "I found a portrait once of Daenerys Targaryen in the Water Gardens. Ari said that it used to hang in the gallery until my mother brought us back to Dorne. The Water Gardens were built for her but now even she is hanging in a dusty room."
He's spent years being furious at Rhaegar Targaryen for himself, but, the matter of fact way the boy says it reignites his anger. He can try and come to grips with Rhaegar coveting what should have never been his, but, to deny children so obviously his? He would never turn his back on his Mya!
Then the boy straightens. "I am glad though."
Curious. He wonders, "Why?"
The boy looks at him pointedly, "For not being stuck in a dusty room?" The boy shrugs. "The first time Mother took us on the Rhoyne, we saw these giant turtles on the banks. They're called Old Men of the Sea and their mother is the Rhoyne. When I was a baby, my home was on Dragonstone and then King's Landing, now it is here. But, those turtles can't be moved from their mother and just like them, my home is where my mother is. She is going to be where you are."
"And you can be at peace with that?""
Aegon gives him a cheeky grin. "You are looking at me now. I think others over there will too. If they do not like it, that's no concern of mine."
He laughs outright. "A brave one, aren't you?"
How much was a front? Ultimately, it does not matter. If he can look at the boy and not think of Rhaegar, others can as well. And well, he very well can't fail the boy more than Rhaegar had!
The boy's lips quirk upward just a bit before he becomes expressionless. "Uncle Oberyn say that there is no point in being anything else."
That does sound like Prince Oberyn. "And what does your Uncle Doran say?"
The boy is suspicious at the question, but, he dutifully answers. "The only step one should take are the ones forward."
Just to be thorough about it, he presses, "What about your mother?"
Again, he gets that cheeky grin. "What about her?"
He snorts. "Does she not have any words on bravery?"
The boy beams. "If you are going to be brave, be smart about it first."
He laughs. That is something Elia would say.
He asks, "How do you intend on being brave?"
The boy answers, "I'd like to be a warrior."
He decides then and there. "I can help you do that if you want me to."
Aegon smiles. "I would like that."
The boy and girl might not bear the name anymore, it does not mean that they have not been affected by it.
Now, Stannis says, "What does she want?"
He gives his brother a half-smile. "The same thing I want. Prosperity for our kin and our people."
Stannis gives him a knowing glance, "And a type of revenge."
He allows, "That too."
Stannis sighs, but, there is a light in his eyes that had not been there before. "How do you both plan on that?"
He starts to tell Stannis about what Elia plans on bringing with her including seeds and saplings for crops that most likely thrive in their climes.
Elia comes to Storm's End with her children, a small retinue, and even more gifts. The lady companions consisted of Nymeria Sand, Allyria Dayne, Jennelyn Fowler, and Ynys Yronwood. A niece though obviously not Doran's heir and other young ladies of good families who are nearly of age to, if not be at court, are soon to marry. What better way to facilitate relations between their regions than this? But, there was a member of the retinue he was reluctant about: Arthur Dayne.
Ser Arthur, and it still was 'Ser' even though the famed sword of House Dayne was nowhere to be seen, replies, "I go where I was ordered."
He growls at one of the four men who ruined his life. "I am well aware."
Dayne retorts, "My prince ordered it so."
Now that they were here, he may as well ask. "How did you find yourself in Prince Doran's service again?"
Arthur lips turn down. "Rhaegar-" His own lips twitch upwards at the lack of "His Grace". The man continues, "Broke his peace with Dorne."
He snarls, "You seemed perfectly comfortable in his service when he embarrassed Dorne."
"Embarrassment is one thing. Breaking peace is another."
Personally, he does not see the difference. But, he lets the matter drop. Elia's retinue is her business and she wants him at Storm's End for the foreseeable future he will tolerate him. Besides, he knew why Elia chose Dayne of all people: Dayne helped tatter Elia's marriage; now he will have to witness her new one.
He ignores the black clad man long enough to kiss his betrothed and pats the children on the shoulder. He is delighted when they give him happy grins.
He asks, "How was the voyage?"
Elia laughs as they kiss chastely again. "Mercifully short."
Their merriment shifts into solemnity as he, with Elia's hand wrapped in his, introduces his future wife and her children to the senior members of his family.
Rhaenys and Aegon, clad in the red and orange of Elia's house, introduce themselves respectively as the Princess and Prince of the House of Martell. His grandmother's lips twitched at the way Rhaenys was introduced herself first. Only years of practice allowed him to see Stannis' relief. Ellyn was absolutely charmed.
Once the niceties are observed, his grandmother addresses Elia with something unexpected. "They say Nymeria burned all her ships once she reached Dorne."
Elia lifts a brow as he swallows down a snort. "That does not mean new ships cannot be built."
Stannis's jaw tightens but says nothing. Ellyn hides a smile behind a polite cough. His grandmother, however, grins. "I suppose new things can always be built."
Elia smiles, "That is what I hope for and look forward to."
Grandmother links her arm with Elia's free one. "I would not blame you if you wanted to tear things down."
Elia turns sad for a moment, "For a while, my lady, there was nowhere for me to go but up."
His grandmother sighs. "I know the feeling. But, you are here now and we will brave this together," his grandmother says and they start making their way up to the rest of the keep.
He made the right decision he thinks as Elia and Mya meet one another and as Cassana is introduced.
But, when Rhaenys is pushed forward she begins, "It is a pleasure to meet you, my ladies."
Mya straightens her back. "I am not a lady."
His grandmother nearly groans aloud, and Ellyn nearly goes as white as one of those sheets she obsessively ordered pressed in preparation for the wedding and all that it entails. But, the Dornish ladies all grin or, at least, seem to want to.
The niece, Nymeria, seems to be as bold as her father, because she replies, "I am not either."
Mya blinks and Elia introduces Nymeria as one of Oberyn's daughters. Mya perks up at that. Elia called her Oberyn's daughter, not 'natural' daughter. But, then, Mya does not really know how things in Dorne work.
Nymeria announces, "My mother is of Volantis."
He almost laughs at the expression on Stannis' face, knowing that Stannis wondered about how Dorne managed to make ties.
He knows it was not only through bedsport alone that Dorne had gained wealthy and connections. For the gods' sake, the last three of Oberyn's daughters were all born to Ellaria Sand, and she was with child again! Though, he decides then and there he will not be telling Stannis about how after stumbling upon Elia in Tyrosh, he stumbled into her bed soon after.
But his levity dies when Rhaenys explains, "I am a princess because our mother is a Princess of Dorne."
Cassana looks curious and so Aegon elaborates, "It is the way of the Rhoynar."
Cassana pipes up, "You can call me Cassa, everyone does. I hope that we can be friends."
Rhaenys grins. "I would like that. You can call me Nys."
Evidently getting over her reticence, Mya speaks again, "There is no way to shorten Mya."
Aegon replies, "There is no shortening Aegon either."
Rhaenys giggles and offers to all of them. "I call him Aeg."
Aegon turns to his sister, "You can stop any time."
He and Elia share a look. If he's seen this argument more than a handful of times, she's seen it for years.
Renly who had not spoken finally speaks, "It's Renly. That is all it will ever be."
But, later that night he finds himself in Mya's rooms.
"So, what do you think?"
His daughter stares up at him with his mother's face and his own eyes. "They're nice."
"But?"
Mya smiles a bit. "But, nothing. It's nice to know that you won't send me away for some proper lady who will give your proper heirs."
He frowns at his daughter. "I was not going to do that no matter who I married."
Had he known how Lyanna felt about it, he would have made provisions of course, but he would have never brought Mya to Storm's End. But, after, if he was going to be judged for something, he felt that he may as well do it. And honestly, he wanted his family and his daughter was that.
She looks guilty for a moment and gets up to kiss his cheek. "I know that, Papa. Elia is nice and I like 'Nys and Aegon. It will just take some time to get used to. I just don't know much about the Rhoynar or Essosi customs."
He smiles at her. "We have Rhoynar in us as well and we'll both be learning together."
Mya smiles back. "I know. Grandmother told me."
Then, she grins mischievously, "But, I do want to let you know that Nym is going to teach me how to use a spear tomorrow. 'Lyria says that Aegon and Rhaenys both have one too. I am not going to be left behind."
He lets out the breath he had not known he was holding.
The next morning is a bit more tense. And it begins, as these things often do: with the past.
Aegon turns to his lady grandmother, "Lord Robert said that that I look like you."
He rounds on the boy and gestures towards his grandmother. "Did you think I was going to lie to you about something easily proven?"
Stannis grimaces and Elia lowers her head.
His grandmother gives him a glare before turning back to Aegon with a pleasant expression, "What else did Robert say about me?"
Aegon answers back, "Not much, my lady. But, he said that you came here when you were younger than I am."
His grandmother is amused by this even if Elia now looks disgruntled. Rhaenys looks like she wants to roll her eyes.
Ultimately, his grandmother asks, "That is so, why do you ask?"
Instead of answering, Aegon asks, "Did it take you long to get accustomed to Storm's End, my lady?"
Grandmother's eyebrows jump into her hairline. "Not very long, why?"
He and Elia catch each other's eye. He wonders what the boy was after.
Aegon glances at his grandmother with a look too solemn. "The histories…I think we have more than our faces in common."
His own eyes go wide and Elia interjects. "Aegon!"
But, Grandmother only laughs. "Such a clever young man." Then she leans down towards Aegon, but, he can still hear her words. "Just give it time, you'll do well here, my boy. I am sure of it and I will ensure it." His grandmother turns to Rhaenys, "And you, too my dear. But, I am sure you have your own thoughts."
Rhaenys is quiet for some time before she remarks, "You were a Targaryen like we were once."
Elia inhales sharply and his grandmother gives Rhaenys a look of sympathy. Not pity of course. His grandmother did not usually offer that.
Still, marriage tied all who sat at the table inescapably to the Targaryens but for various reasons were not Targaryens even if some were born as one.
His grandmother replies, "That is so."
Rhaenys asks, "Did you ever forgive your father?"
Elia stares at his grandmother, patiently waiting for an answer. Rhaenys is her mirror.
Rather than answer Rhaenys, Grandmother addresses, "It is good that they were taught their histories."
Elia shakes her head and smiles grimly "I did not see the point in lying. I am their mother. It is my duty to protect them and prepare them. I would not hamper them by letting them suffer falsehoods, no matter how pretty and there was nothing pretty about it. Even if they never left Dorne they were going to be affected by it."
That part was true. They were affected by it. How can they not? Even if they do not bear the name Targaryen, their names are Rhaenys and Aegon for the Seven sake!
They were seated in an alcove that overlooked the Water Gardens. Rhaenys was swimming in the pools with one of her cousins…the one with the Summer Islander for a mother. Elia said the girl's name was Sarella and the mother's was…Narha…a ship captain of all things! Aegon was seated at the edge of a different pool, deep in conversation with Doran's middle child, a Yronwood, and Drinkwater.
Elia says, "It does make feasts at Hellholt rather awkward."
"I imagine so." He squints. "Do you often dine at Hellholt?"
Elia explains, "You met Ellaria?"
Yes, he's met Oberyn's paramour. Pretty, he supposed, alluring even. But, she was taken and so was he now…Not completely, but soon, he thinks with a smile. He demands to know, "What does that have anything to do with it?"
Elia explains, "You remember she is Lord Harman's daughter."
He nearly spat out his wine. A whore, a Volantene noble woman, a septa, and a trader…why should he be surprised Oberyn Martell would take up with a descendent of men who shot a dragon and its rider out of the sky.
He collects himself before asking, "Why did you not change their names?"
She replies, "I would have changed their names outright if I felt it would help matters. I never wanted her to be named Rhaenys of all things. Can you imagine? Nearly dying after giving birth to find out your fool of a husband named your child after a woman hated by your entire people?" Elia shakes her head, "I should have known he would have disappointed, then."
Because he does not want to distress her further or enrage himself, he enquires, "Surely your brothers would have agreed if you wanted to do it?"
Elia grimaces, "I do not doubt that. Perhaps they may have preferred it, but, Rhaenys was already starting to write her name and Aegon was responding to his. I could not take that away when everything else was wrenched from them."
Now, grandmother smiles at Elia. "Good. It is best we do not pretend. And there is no need to hide from family and that is what we are now. The world is not kind to those who would stick their heads in the ground or stick it where it does not belong. My father did both and learned a very painful lesson."
Then, his grandmother marshals her forces and turns back to Rhaenys, "My father sent me here and now your mother brought you here. Living at Storm's End has made me quite happy. I know it can make all of you too. However, you are waiting for an answer to your question. The answer is simply this, dear girl, I have not forgiven any of them."
Rhaenys smiles gratefully, "Thank you, my lady."
Rhaenys was not the only one smiling.
Elia had worried how her children would react to this shift. In Dorne and in Essos there was little scrutiny of them if any. Even he was free of it mostly. Who paid attention to the defeated man? But, this would change things.
He understood Elia's worry. Aegon did not remember when there were Seven Kingdoms; Rhaenys did. She still had flashes of Rhaegar and Rhaegar's mother and brother. He was not there when Elia had to explain what their history was, but, he knew that Rhaenys and Aegon knew it. Others knew it.
They were prepared and they had prepared. But, no one can know how deep a pool of water is until they jump in.
His grandmother nods her head. "No thanks are required, child. When you have been wronged and those who wronged you refuse to rectify it, you owe them nothing except to thrive despite them. Others may forget that we at this table are bound kinship. Now we will be bound by marriage more tightly and though you may not bear our names, you are ours now and Ours is the Fury. Does that sit well with you, Princess."
Rhaenys beams. "Yes, it does. I am a Princess of the House of Nymeros Martell. I am and will remain Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken."
He is not their father, and for now it's always Lord Robert or Robert, but he finds himself very proud all the same.
Within a week Rhaenys says, "I'll miss Ari and Tyene and Sarella, and Meria, but, I think I will like it here."
Aegon, never to be left out, replies in kind, "Me too, and I am sure I can write Quent, 'Drey and Daemon."
Renly rolls his eyes, "I am here you know."
Aegon grins even though Renly cuffs the younger boy on his shoulder. Aegon's grin stretches when his grandmother idly points out, "Now, that I am thinking about it, the Rogers have boys roughly your age."
Stannis pinches the bridge of his nose. "Grandmother, really?"
Ellyn whispers something to Elia who receives what Ellyn is saying with amusement. A darker part of him finds it amusing too, but, he cannot show it. Lady Branda taught her good daughter Lady Floris well and Lady Floris was hardly going to disagree with shoring up her children's positions.
With a grin of her own, his grandmother remarks, "Do not 'Grandmother' me, Stannis. Robert would do well to take a squire and Harold has two grandsons. The boy needs companions. Rhaenys has Mya and Cassana, us, and our ladies. Did you think I came here as a cupbearer and only spent time with Ormund and Jocelyn or talking to walls?"
He and Elia share another look but, he ultimately relents, "I'll to write to Amberly myself, but, Stannis, perhaps you may want to take on Andrew?"
Stannis sighs, but, Ellyn stifles a smile. Agreement of sorts even as Elia clarifies, "Your Uncle Lomas' boy?"
He nods, "Alyn, Uncle Eldon's grandson, is his heir. Naturally, they'd want him to stay closer to home."
Part of him will always love his time at the Eyrie. At times he can even bring himself to think on it fondly. The part of him that grew up and lived his loses laments having left Storm's End and his parents early and so often.
Then Aegon brightens, "Robert, when will you show me your Warhammer?"
Maester Cressen's who had been trailing them, gapes, but, it's Elia he looks to. Soon, she will bear his name, but, Rhaenys and Aegon are her children. Theirs will be a true marriage, but, at it's heart, it is an alliance. And the best way to maintain an alliance is to not cross lines that were clearly drawn.
Elia huffs, "You did promise."
He grins down at the boy. "I believe there was a matter of showing me your spear work first."
Aegon grins back and Elia laughs even as she presses herself closer to him. It's nice. He thinks.
It's even nicer when Mya asks if she can take the girls riding tomorrow morning. When Elia had come along, with her ladies and other minor gifts, she also over a Sand Steed for Mya and Renly; Rhaenys' own mount Alia; and a pony for Cassana. Elia handed Stannis a finely crafted sword and armor from Tyrosh. Ellyn did not care to ride much and currently was advised against enjoyed more traditional pursuits and so for Ellyn, Elia had brought a Braavosi lute, bolts of different colored silks, and jewelry. His grandmother received books from Essos and jewelry from Elia's former collection, including one each once belonging to Myriah Martell, Dyanna Dayne, and Daenerys Targaryen.
Later he jokes with Elia in private, "I am glad something made it out of a dusty room even if the portrait remains there."
She laughs once but reigns it in. "That's not funny. I cannot believe Aegon told you about that."
He assures her, "It'll be funnier when I tell her."
She pokes him in the chest. "You will do no such thing."
He turns crafty. "Princess, you can buy my silence with a kiss."
She smiles and comes closer.
Now, Stannis gives him a warning look, but, he ignores it in favor of paying attention to Rhaenys question of, "Is there time for hawking too?"
Elia says, "We can all go tomorrow if the weather permits."
Yes, he thinks, as everyone smiles, even Stannis…this is very nice.
Today is the day he marries at last. Though it was not to the woman he once thought or hoped, he had long since let that dream die. In that dreams' wake another dream took root. He does not regret this.
There are worse reasons to be wed. The last time he was to wed it was because he was in love with an idea of family. But, he already had a family of flesh and bone. For the last ten years he had come to realize that he was fortunate he had not married Lyanna. They were ill suited.
He also does not regret that this ceremony is for show. Neither one of them are of the Seven but observances must be made for the guests and what guests they were!
Most of them were of the Stormlands. That was why he was marrying, for his people. While he mostly kept his mind to his own affairs, he knew that most had been shaken by this turn of events, but, only one among his guests did not seem to welcome this change and this show of wealth of goods and promise that this marriage will garner. Each house of the Stormlands sent a representative, even those who had fought against him in that war! Though, he would be lying if he said he was ambivalent about Jon Connington's presence.
Connington was shaken by this marriage between him and Rhaegar's discarded wife. But, it was the children that distressed Connington most even if he did try to pretend otherwise. For the first time in ten years, Connington set his sight on the children Rhaegar threw away. The man who tried his hardest to defeat him for Rhaegar Targaryen in battle tried to ignore the brightness of Elia's smile as she made her way through the Sept in wealth she never would have had access to if Rhaegar had done right by her and trembled when he saw Elia's children walk into the Sept clad in her colors with their heads held high.
He cared not if it was rage or sadness Connington felt. He felt pride in how Elia's children introduced themselves; not as Rhaegar's children, but, as Elia's: Princess and Prince of the House of Nymeros Martell with no thought of how people who knew them once saw them now as something different and remained strong despite the changes forced upon them. More importantly, he knew they were eager and happy to see their mother wed to him as his own daughter was happy with his choice of bride.
As for the Dornish, of course they sent more of their own to bear witness of this union. Just as in Elia's first wedding Doran walked her down the isle of the Sept. Prince Oberyn too, had come. He'd brought along his third and fourth daughters much to Rhaenys and Nymeria's glee and Prince Quentyn had come, much to Aegon's. Prince Oberyn also brought along with news of the birth of his eight daughter, who they called Loreza in honor of the girl's princely grandmother.
That brought Elia to tears. "My mother lived long enough to arrange my marriage to Rhaegar. I always lamented she had not lived long enough to see it happen or the birth of either of my children. Yet, I was glad she never got to see us brought low even though we are not that anymore."
No, they were not, and neither were they alone!
Along with Elia's family came Lord Tremond Gargalen who he learned had been Prince Doran's foster brother; Lady Meria Jordayne of the Tor, Mors Manwoody, heir to Kingsgrave and Ser Myles Manwoody, his uncle; Ryon Allyrion of Godsgrace and his son Daemon who was Oberyn's squire; Ser Gulian Qorgyle of House Qorgyle; Anders Yronwood of Yronwood; Ser Deziel Dalt of Lemonwood, who he learned was brother to Doran's heir's betrothed; Ser Daeron Vaith of House Vaith, Lord of the Red Dunes; Ser Symon Santagar of Spottswood; and, of course, Ser Ulwyck Uller, uncle to Ellaria.
From the East, Princess Mellario's brother, "By all means, please call my Feyd since we are to be family now" came from Norvos; a member of the Bank of Bravos, the daughter of the Archon of Tyrosh who he'd met previously, and a Lyseni merchant of some means called Tregar Ormollen.
The most surprising guest was Ser Baelor Hightower of Oldtown, but, he had welcomed the man all the same.
This was to be his first and, gods willing, only marriage, however, and no matter what Rhaegar wishes, this was to be Elia's second though this time it was the Sept of Storm's End and not the Great Sept of Baelor. Then, Elia's wedding was done with all the pomp and circumstance of the show of Targaryen might. Today, Storm's End was decorated with the banners of both their houses. Today, Elia walked towards him, on Doran's arm, in a cloud of gold Myrish silk, draped in Bravosi gold and rubies of the Summer Isles from the circlet on her head, to her earrings, her neckless, and bangles on her hands.
"Keep them well," Doran had said, at the Sept.
"I will," he promised.
Dark eyes, so like Elia's, fix onto his. Doran replies, "This was her choice, and I will respect that, but, I will not see them hurt again."
"No, you will not."
That was both Doran's promise and his own.
He knew what it was to be hurt. He could not do that to anyone else.
And not Elia who was beautiful and mine, he thought, as he wrapped the of the inkiest black with his golden sigil on it against her shoulders. His grandmother, his good-sister, and Elia stitched the cloak together. A union witness and blessed by many who would not deny it later be they from the Stormlands, Dorne, Essos and even Oldtown, though he had wondered how the last one came about.
It was not until his wedding feast that he learned why.
Oberyn shrugged, "I studied at the Citadel and both Elia and I never visited Oldtown before." That, Oberyn said with a touch of remorse in his voice and a quick glance at the Hightower heir. To his greater surprise, he'd seen both Oberyn and his girls approach the Reacher a handful of times during the days of festivities.
When he asked Elia about it, Elia leaned into him to whisper. "He is Tyene's uncle".
What? "I thought her mother was a Septa?" That had been surprising on its own, however, he could hardly begrudge Oberyn for appreciating beauty, especially when that man is to be his good-brother.
Elia shakes her head, as they shared a lemon cake. "No, but she was the eldest unwed daughter of a house who proved ill-suited for a traditional life."
Ah, he thinks remembering. Lady Melora never did end up marrying or leaving her childhood home, did she? He pushed the subject aside and called for more of that Norvosi beer that he'd come to enjoy. Still, he knew that was not the end of it. On the first night since Hightower arrived, Oberyn rose and started to speak to the Lyseni merchant and not 10 minutes later he'd seen the Lyseni and Ser Baelor speaking in whispers while sharing a bottle of Dornish strongwine.
Politics, he mused, as he and Elia continued to fill the bellies of their guests with courses upon courses Leek soup with drops of snake sauce, Lampreys prepared in lemons; seafood stew; honeyed duck; snake grilled with mustard sauce made with peppers; fresh caught game of boar and venison; fresh roasted vegetables; Stuffed Grape Leaves, fruit tarts made of plums, cherries, and blueberries, lemoncakes and cakes infused with pomegranate syrup or saffron from Yi Ti; fresh breads served with preserves of honey and blood oranges and olive loaves; sweet and salted nuts,. They drowned them in Dornish strongwine, Volantene sweet reds, Tyroshi pear brandy, Pentoshi ambers, and Norvosi beer.
He was quite contented, he thought, as he led the first dance with Elia by his side along with Stannis & Ellyn, while Mya was joined by Steff Rogers, Aegon had coaxed Cassana, and Renly was leading Rhaenys. While they danced, the Dayne girl and Beric Dondarrion met under her brother's eyes and Oberyn's daughters amused themselves with youthful lads who do not know what to make of young ladies who wielded their own weapons! Theo Bolling and Ser Rolland Storm look as though they were half in love already! Jennelyn Fowler and Ynys Yronwood got into the act but seemed more interested in making their rounds and introducing themselves to other ladies of the Stormlands. He spied them huddled with Lady Shyra Errol of Haystack Hall and Lady Tyana of House Wylde of the Rain House over a bottle of Tyroshi pear brandy. He was too busy pretending not to notice his grandmother and his uncles commandeered a bottle of a Dornish red and an entire tray of honeyfingers for themselves to think of anything besides how joyful this was.
For days there were hunts and dances, singers from the East; that is what both he and Elia deserved. Happiness amongst those who were happy for them. While this was not the wedding he imaged himself having or the wife he expected, he reveled in it. He waited ten years to wed, and Elia deserved to have a husband who knew how to keep a promise.
Once the guests were prepared to leave each house who came was given a chest to take back to their homes. Not only would they see what he gained for the Stormlands by this union, they would be able to take back with then Daggers or swords from Tyrosh, each embossed with the house sigil; bolts of rich Myrish fabric and silks from Yi Ti; jeweled belts as are popular in Dorne; bottles of Palm wine from the Summer Isles; Lyseni reds and whites; jars of jams made of Dornish plums, blood oranges, lemons; preserves of figs, dates, and olives. Those who came to his wedding would see where they could get both what they needed and what they desired!
The only one who seemed displeased by any of this was Connington, who tried not to show his dislike of how Rhaegar's children were at the high table of the Round Hall on each night surrounded by members of their family, proudly donning the orange and red of Elia's house and wearing copper symbols of the sun and spears. Connington tried not to be obvious about it, but, he could see the man's eyes often fall on Aegon. Rhaenys, Connington tried not to look at, but, Aegon though…He knew that others who came along looked as well, for how could they not? This was Rhaegar's previous heir and the one he has now, his only other child, looks nothing like the man. This was his mirror! But, even Rich Lonmouth who had been Rhaegar's squire upon a time, smiled at Elia and the children.
Connington will probably rush off to King's Landing to tell Rhaegar. He will not deny it felt sweet to imagine that. But, it was better to know that Elia's children would thrive under his roof as they have under the care of their mother.
But, when there had been others here who fully celebrated his and Elia's union, he cared not about those who disliked it!
And later, though there was no bedding ceremony, and these events were not a part of his true wedding, he and Elia enjoyed themselves as they had previously in the east and in Dorne well into the night. They had married, so they were going to act married.
Their families were already joined as were their aims. Their fates were now forever linked.
As they undressed one another, not for the first time of course, but, now as husband and wife.
As they kissed and caressed each other, teased each other with their hands and mouths, along with their bodies, they joined their hearts.
Once most of the guests were gone and only family remained behind, one day, he rises before dawn.
This is to be the day of his true wedding, he thinks, as he dons his best black doublet. Elia would be waiting for him at Durran's Point. Now everyone was gone, there was no need for pomp and ceremony, and showing others that they had thrived the trespasses made against them.
This was about their joining.
Elia stood by him as he made offerings to the Sea God and Goddess of the Wind, a husband and wife…just as he and Elia are to be.
Then, his right hand and Elia's left are joined together with a strip of black silk, and in their joined hands is a pot made of earth painted with the sigils of their house alternating along lines along the neck and the base.
From his own time in the south and in the east and from watching Elia and the children he knew what it contained: water of the Mother Rhoyne.
When he'd grown close enough to ask Aegon, he asked about it.
"You are keen for ritual?"
Aegon starts, "When I was young-"
He swallows a laugh at the boy of ten and one. Seeing his expression, Aegon huffs but gamely continues, "We went to Norvos to stay with Aunt Mellario's brother for a time. Uncle Feyd and his wife are a godly people, though they do not keep our gods. But, when we made our way south, we learned about the Rhoyne and that is what I am of."
He nods, understanding. "But your sister still follows the Seven?"
Aegon flushes slightly before looking about, looking almost guilty. Probably looking for Rhaenys before he shares a secret about her, he thinks, with a smile. Then, Aegon comes closer to whisper, "She remembers more of the teachings of the Seven before its use started to wane in Dorne. By the time I was old enough to understand the Seven, while I like the Mother and the Warrior, I like Mother Rhoyne better."
That is an answer, but, he is curious, and if he is to live with Elia's children, he ought to understand them. That is the right thing to do, especially if Elia is to live with his Mya. Knowing as he does now, he appreciates how Elia was willing to do something he was not even expecting Lyanna do. "Why is that?"
The boy frowns, but, he straightens his spine and looks him directly in the eyes. "Your High Septon is the voice of the Seven. Before I was born, he said things. After, the same one said things he declared previously he should never have said. If he lied the first time, he is not to be trusted. If he lied the second time, he is changeable. The Mother Rhoyne does not tell lies and she does not change her path."
He grimly nodded and the boy looked relieved. But, Aegon was not wrong about that fact or the way he feels. His own parents were god-fearing believers of the Seven and look how they were treated. He made a betrothal, and it should have been honored and upheld before his betrothed was allowed to marry someone else, but it was not. And so, he took the boy's word and let the matter drop except to ask some questions about the Mother Rhoyne which, he learned, Aegon appreciated.
Later, he chuckled when he saw that upon entering a Sept, the altar Rhaenys skips is that of the Father. He also pretends that he had not given her a wink when she flushed upon realizing he noticed. The next time it happened, she squeezed his hand.
And so today, he and Elia started to tip the pot to let the contents out. As the water started to flow a burst of wind flew past them scattering the water farther into the sea, letting their two waters mingle and intertwine to be forever one.
When they first brought up marrying, he'd been in Sunspear.
He asked her, "Do you think we can be happy?"
Elia laughs, "If I did not, you would not be here."
Ten years, he thinks. It took him ten years to get to this point. Now, he has his eyes open. As the sun continues to rise above the water, he stands with Elia's delicate hand in his, with his family on either side of him. He is eager for them moving forward together.