……….
Kings Landing 105 AC
Aurion Targaryen
" ….. as witness.", Aurion watched as a Lord Lionel Strong swore fealty to Rhaenyra, his two sons a five and ten name days old Harwin and three and ten name days old Larys followed by his two daughters a ten name days old Carleen and a eight name days Lysa behind him.
The five knelt before the Iron Throne, on which Aurions uncle sat with Rhaenyra standing at its feet, she was dressed in the finest of silks, with a cloak of Targaryen black and red and Arryn blue proudly proclaiming her heritage, a small smile adored her face as she accepted Lord Strongs fealty. Today would probably be the first day she smiled since her mother died almost a moon ago.
For almost a week the princess had been inconsolable, he had tried to comfort her as much as he could but there was only so much he could do. She needed her father, Viserys on the other hand had locked himself up in his study immersing himself in matters of the state and preparing to name Rhaenyra heir. It would only be last week when he had met Rhaenyra, comforting her and telling her of his plans to name her his heir.
On the other hand Daemon had been banished to The Vale thus leaving him alone in this vipers den. The two had shared a hastily goodbye, with Daemon telling him not to believe anything that might be said in court about him.
The thing in question being Daemon calling Aurions dead cousin " Heir For A Day ", here an interesting thing happened. Aurion remembered a two and ten name days old Jon Snow reading the Dance of Dragons and believing Daemon to have done, yet this time he didn't. No matter how ruthless Daemon was or how much he desired the throne, he valued his blood, the blood of the dragon. He would never insult his nephew like that, unless that nephew was Allicent Hightowers spawn of course.
Coming to Hightowers, Aurion watched Otto Hightower with his daughter in tow, Otto Hightower was an organized man, older than Viserys yet slimmer and far well kept. His signature smile adored his face, it was a smile of victory. It was no secret that this was Daemon's biggest rival and also the man who had convinced Viserys to name Rhaenyra heir. His daughter was a lovely girl seven and ten name days old with a slender build. Many a times before he had stumbled upon her, accompanying Rhaenyra. The two had a cordial and friendly relationship, yet she seemed to hate him. Something he guessed attributed to either to his father or his fathers choice of his mother.
" This is how Tywin and Cersei would have looked together ", Aurion thought. Yet he knew Otto Hightower was not half as ruthless as Tywin Lannister. While his daughter was definitely much like Cersei Lannister, believing herself to be smarter than she actually was and obsessing over a prince who rejected her.
They knelt in front of the Iron Throne swearing fealty to Rhaenyra in both their own and Lord Hightowers name. He almost snorted at the scene, yet controlled himself. The main leaders of the Greens, considering Aegon The Usurper was naught but a whoremongaring manchild, swearing fealty to the Black Queen was a sight to see.
Yet it also did reinforce another belief in him, oaths were but words. Words that people disavowed for some reason or the other. Even the Dragonknight, the very epitome of honor and duty, one of the finest and most honorable man to ever live, broke his vows and took his sister to his bed.
Dismissing such pessimistic thought he looked to the Strongs, Lord Lyonel Strong had been named Master Of Laws replacing the spot that Daemon occupied on the small council, the man would go on to become hand of the king after Viserys would dismiss Otto later in his reign, was a loyalist and would have been loyal to Rhaenyra had he survived till the Dance. He knew the two girls would both be companions and loyal friends to Rhaenyra but what interested him the two boys, Harwin and Larys.
Ser Harwin Strong, the heir to Harrenhal, was a giant of a man, extremely well built, with an imposing figure even as a boy of five and ten. Recently been appointed to the Gold Cloaks as a captain. This was Rhaenyras supposed lover and the father of Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffery Velaryon. He was a martial man and Aurion looked forward to sparring with him.
His brother was a whole different story, Larys Strong was, he was a quiet lad with observant eyes. His right foot twisted, earning him the name Larys " The Clubfoot '' Strong. He would join the confessors later in the year, growing to become Viserys Master of Whispers and later lord of Harrenhal after his father and brothers death in a fire in 120 AC. Though an original green supporter he could prove to be a useful ally. Perhaps a little chat would do them both some good.
" Prince Aurion Targaryen ", the herald called.
He strode forward, the eyes of entire halls on him as he knelt before the Iron Throne. His eyes moved from Rhaenyra to Viserys, his uncle looked at him, his face composed.
Taking a deep breath he began...
" I Prince Aurion of House Targaryen trueborn son of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Princess Jonella Targaryen née Stark do hereby swear my eternal fealty to Princess Rhaenyra Of House Targaryen as the Princess Of Dragonstone and heiress to the Iron Throne, I swear that should her right to the Iron Throne ever be questioned upon succession I would defend her rights and should it be asked of me I would gladly give my life for her, I make such a vow with the gods both the old and the new, and my king, His grace King Viserys I Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord Of The Seven Kingdoms And Protector Of The Realm, as witness. "
And thus it was done, with hundreds as witness Viserys declared Rhaenyra his heir, she was blessed by the High Septon, in the light of the seven. While hundreds of High Lords, ladies and Knights both landed and unlanded swore fealty to her.
Almost two weeks later did he come across Larys Strong in the Godswood of The Red Keep, though it was a godswood in nothing but name. What it was, was a sprawling garden extending almost an acre with Elm, Ader and Black Cottonwood being the main trees adoring the landscape while several other exotic varieties sat amidst them standing out like a palm tree in a storm. Several flower beds ran along the paths along with canals of water beside them, the canals would be outlayed with pure white marble shining in the sunlight. They converged into the center of the garden, where lay a huge fountain.
Several chairs and tables made of wood from the forests of Qohor sat on the outlying pavilion. Where visiting Lords and Ladies would often sit immersed in deep conversations. To the far right was a deep pool of clear blue water inhabited by fishes of various varieties. Often ladies of the court would converge here, chatting away whilst taking pleasure from the little fishes nibbling at their feet.
It would be here beside the pool, beside the pool where he would find Lord Strong. The man would be perched on a marble seat, eyes fixed on to the fishes in the pool. Sometimes he would throw a small piece of dough as feed and the fish would all rush up trying to get a piece.
" Lord Strong ", he called, as the man looked to him, bowing as he acknowledged his presence.
" My prince… and I am no Lord, just a second son ", his tone soft. He spoke in a calculated voice, the same type he had often heard Lord Varys use.
" So I have heard, yet considering you aren't a Ser I believe Lord would be the most appropriate title, I can't just address you by your name after all and please let's take a seat ", Aurion replied as they both took a seat, turning to the pool.
" May I ", he asked, pointing to the dough as Larys handed him one.
Throwing one into the lake he began ," Fishes beautiful creatures, quiet peaceful, most of them….. yet when it comes to food no ties are maintained, all of them jump into the fray for a single piece "
The man turned to him studying him for a second, before he began ," Yes quite savage and uncivilized indeed, but such is the world we live in "
" True true… but there is always hope, a good example would be you for I hear you are looking to join the confessors on your four and tenth name day "
" Yes, but what about this would interest a prince… "
" Nothing much just that Confessors, such a noble profession… I believe people of your stature to be… let's just say guardians of truth "
" That's one way of saying it ", the man said a small smirk on his face " Tell me my prince are you interested in joining this little organization to find and protect truth of course "
Shaking his head as he threw in another dough he said ,'' No , while I am utterly fascinated by it, I do not think I will ever work, at least directly… but I do believe I would be seeing more of you again considering you would be working under Ser Jaermy while I oft watch him to learn the craft "
He watched as the man's face soured at the mention of the current Lord Confessor, Ser Jaermy Stormway, a bastard of some Stormlord was a hard man to please. Relentless insulting his subordinates. Moreover the man preferred bastards or lowborns as his co workers, not a single lordling survived as a Confessor, most transferred to some other branch or straight up resigned. The only way one would survive him would be if the person had the right leverage and while Aurion knew very well that Larys would have made it through his own skills, mayhaps a little push would be nice.
" Yes… so I have heard…. ", Larys said.
" A cold man, that one… but damm good at his job. But like most he has his vices… last I heard he is quite regular at some odd localities in Flea Bottom "
His eyes widened as he looked at Aurion, this time intrigued,trying to understand whether this was just a green boy playing at intrigue or something else. While most men visited brothels that information wasn't worth much, however some had peculiar tastes and if the boy knew what he was talking about this might just prove useful.
" And pray tell me, how did you come into knowledge of such information "
Smirking Aurion said ," having a father as the Lord Commander of Gold Cloaks has its uses, you get to hear many things that many may consider you too young to comprehend "
" Indeed, so let's leave the pleasantries and appearances, you are far more intelligent for your age, pray tell me what do you want "
Ahhh a direct confrontation,
Aurion kept up his as he said ," Why you wound me my Lord, all I want is a friend, a companion mayhaps "
" And why must it be me, most men would prefer my brother and from what I hear you are a martial prodigy, one of your many skills I believe "
" And now you flatter me, while I am decent with a sword, I have no intention of just being a brute warrior… Some people say power is power and the key to success, others say knowledge is power and the key to success… you know what I say…. Only when a man has both knowledge and power can he truly be successful… You are a man of knowledge and thus I would like you as a companion and as for your brother, I have every intention of approaching him. Perhaps a spar would do us both some good, would it not ? "
" I believe it would, and I can say my brother would definitely take a liking to you ", he said slowly getting up from his seat " you must forgive me for now I must depart, however I can assure you I do look forward to our future conversations and a long stable working relationship " and thus he bowed and left, leaving Aurion alone in the gardens to decide his next move.
As for Harwin he had been the easier of the two brothers to deal with, Aurion found the heir to Harrenhal by the Gold Cloaks Barracks beside the Tower Of the Hand at the Red Keep.
The man was in the training yard outside the Barracks, sitting on a bench as he cleaned his longsword. Across the yard one could see several gold cloaks drilling their spears with Ser Vickon Longbones, a captain of the Gold Cloaks and one of Daemons firmest supporters leading them. To the side were racks filled with spears, cudgels and longswords.
He walked across the yard, acknowledging most of the men as they bowed. He went straight to Harwin and addressed him.
" Lord Strong ", he said as the man in question scampered up and with a bow said.
" My Prince, what can I do for you "
" I was actually hoping for a spar, if it isn't too much trouble "
" Of course ", was the reply.
Both of them went into the center of the yard, blunted tourney swords and a leather shield in hand.
They circled each other, waiting for the other to strike first, a wait that was broken when Harwin delivered the first blow.
Aurion absorbed the first blow with his shield but stammered back quite a lot, as the heir to Harrenhal continued his assault with blow after blow. Before finally moving out of the way, spinning around to the left and delivering a sharp blow to the upper part of his sword arm.
The giant of a man moved back a bit, gritting his teeth.
The heir to Harrenhal's main strength was his brute strength and while a skilled and fast man, one who could absorb his blows could put him down, Aurion definitely didn't have enough strength to do so. The man went for another wide and heavy blow that would definitely knock him out if it hit or leave him shield less.
It would be now or never.
As the longsword swung down, Aurion waited till the very last moment before parrying it yet couldn't match the brute force and thus only half succeeded. He deflected the blow but couldn't stun his opponent and thus with another blow his shield was on the ground as his opponent raised his sword to his neck.
" I yield ", he said and Lord Strong removed the weapon.
They turned to the sound of clapping, While engrossed in the spar neither had noticed the crowd that had gathered to witness it.
" Bravo Bravo ", he heard Ser Vickons heavy voice ring through the claps.
Acknowledging them Aurion took Lord Strong hand shaking it ," A good spar my Lord, I see you are as strong as the singer's claim "
" Thank you my prince, it was an honor ", he said as he reciprocated the shake.
" The honor was mine, my Lord, I look forward to training with you, if you would agree to train me"
" My prince, I would be honoured but I fear I have too many duties in the Gold Cloaks to attend to ", the man said, looking down a bit.
" I see, well in that case... ", Aurion said turning to Ser Vickon " Ser Vickon would it be alright if See Harwin takes some time off his duties to train me ?? "
" Of course my prince, I am sure we can work it out with Ser Harwin training you " the man said in agreement.
" Any more issues, my Lord ", Aurion asked, turning to the heir to Harrenhal.
" None my prince, none ", was the reply.
And thus from that day forth, he started training with him almost every day.
Through the days of 105 AC the court was filled with rumors regarding the king's next bride; several noble ladies of high standing arrived hoping to catch the king's eye. While others just gossiped and discussed as to who could become the next queen.
One of the most talked of Lady was Laena Velaryon considering she was daughter of the richest Westerosi Lord and a princess who might have been queen in another world, granddaughter to a prince of the blood who was the heir to the Iron Throne and a Dragonrider to the largest of dragons. The very thought of it infuriated Aurion. Laena was a dear friend and deserved much better than his uncle.
Though one might think this marriage would prevent a dance this would probably lead to a much bloodier one. Considering Viserys would still name Rhaenyra his heir and with Laenor a sword swallower still the Velaryons would rebel with the intention of placing Laena children with Viserys on the Iron Throne.
However much to Aurions pleasure this marriage was not one to be.
Four months after naming Rhaenyra his heir Viserys announced his upcoming marriage to Allicent Hightower in just two months.
As the days progressed several lords and ladies agreed to arrive. The wedding was to be a grand occasion, yet something fell off about it. Something had changed and Aurion couldn't understand what.
While in the original timeline the wedding was a solemn affair conducted with a small audience this one was going to be of the likes of the golden wedding. Every lord of the seven kingdoms were invited.
Of these several members of the Great Houses came, from the Riverlands came Lord Elmo Tully the Lord Paramount of the Trident, from the Stromlands Lord Borros Baratheon the heir to the Stromlands in place of his father Lord Boremund Baratheon, from the Vale came Ser Arnold Arryn cousin to Lady Jeyne Arryn of The Vale, from the reach Ser Luther Tyrell representing his father Lord Tyrell, from the West Lord Tymond Lannisters the Lord of The Rock and finally from the North came Aurion own uncle Lord Benjen Stark with his two sons Rickon and Bernard.
While he was more than happy to get acquainted with more of his kin he had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Signalling some impending event and soon enough he knew what exactly it was.
It was one bright morning, the wedding was in two weeks, all was well and fine. He had just spent last evening with his Stark cousins and was writing a letter to Addam when he heard it, a roar, no more specifically Caraxes's roar.
What the hell was Caraxes doing here, Daemon was supposed to be at the High Tide with Lord Corlys Velaryon planning the invasion of the Stepstones yet here he was.
Aurion rushed out of his room rising out to a balcony across the corridor and waited for his father's arrival.
He waited and waited, and as the gates of the Red Keep opened to let in the host, flying a banner depecting a Black iron studs on a bronze field, bordered with runes, his eyes widened and pale became pale.
" Fuck me and my life ", was all he thought.
As a two and twenty name days old Lady Rhea Royce rode in, Daemon at her side yet that was not what drew his attention it was the bulge on her belly.
Authors Note :-
So there you all have it, quite a while since I updated.
I originally planned to extend this right up to the end of 105 AC yet decided to split the chapters up in two.
So the timeline is experiencing ripples, and soon a new dragon will be born.
Comment your thoughts...
Next update will be of:-
Thus The Dragonborn Danced.