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Kings Landing - 105AC

Aurion Targaryen

… Left ... Parry … Right … Block … Dodge …

… Right … Dodge … Parry ... Left … Block …

… Dodge … Block … Right ... Parry … Left …

… Right … Dodge … Parry … Left … Block ...

Such were the combinations that Aurion had meticulously developed in order to get an advantage over Lord Strong's brute strength whilst matching it with his own speed.

His fighting style was changing day by day, while he had relied on brute force, much like lord Strong as Jon Snow, he found himself favoring a much more balanced approach utilizing speed to enhance his strikes. Using speed over strength allowed him to increase the number of strikes and the speed at while he struck this giving him much more openings while leaving his blocks weak, however it was totally worth it in the end after all it was with speed that Queen Visenya was able to both keep up with the Conqueror who was much stronger than her physically and also cut him on the cheek to prove a point. His weapon of choice had also changed over the years with him training more and more with a Longsword thanks to Daemon's insistence. Aurion suspected it was to prepare him to inherit Dark Sister one day.

Yet no matter what he did and how many times he got an advantage over Harwin his defeat was inevitable thanks to his physical limitations. While he could easily take on someone his age or even a few years older, Harwin was just too strong for him. The two of them took to sparing without shields as it kept the participants more active forcing them to actually dodge the blow or grow strong enough to absorb them.

….

They slowly moved across the field in circles, eyes fixated upon one another, their swords at the ready. Each waiting for the other to make the first move.

After a moment Aurion spun to the left, his longsword drawn whilst his opponent immediately took a step back ready to deflect any blow that came. Aurion went straight for a right slash before quickly pulling back closing any opening as he dodged a blow, parried another before going for another slash this time to the left shoulder.

Harwin's bastard sword came down blocking the blow with great force and while he had gotten a lot better at absorbing heavy blows he still stammered back leaving room for another strike, one which he dodged, retreating back.

The next strike came from Harwin as he moved ahead going for a straight strike aimed at his still weak defense. He moved around avoiding a blow as he moved to his right before slashing at Harwin who met his blow and the two engaged in a test of strength before he gave way trying to wiggle his way out to no avail. Stammering back once again he went in for another strike directly towards his opponent knee forcing him back as he attempted to continue with another wave of strike attemping to target his sword arm or shoulder . He got most of those strikes in forcing Harwin in the defensive before being met with another heavy blow directly to his wrist, forcing him to drop his longsword.

He had lost. Aurion looked down as he rubbed his wrist, had this been a real fight he would have lost his hand.

….

" That went well ", Aurion said in a dejected tone as the two of them moved to the edge of the training field. A servant moved in with a waterskin for both of them, something both eagerly indulged in.

" Indeed, my prince, I might have to watch my back within a few months if you keep progressing at this rate ", in an attempt to cheer him up.

" Please Harwin, I am nowhere near you level, it would take me years even prove to be a minor challenge to you, forget having you watch your back and how many time have I asked you to call me Aurion, atleast when we are private ", he replied.

" Of course Aurion… however I disagree, you are best of your age, better than most… it's just you age and physical capabilities that's a hurdle ", he replied as the two walked across across the grounds.

" Thanks you Harwin, now shall we take a walk "

" Of course, where do you intend to go "

" Arrax, I haven't visited him today, would you like to accompany me "

" Well while I have no intention of visiting a dragon, what type of Gold Cloak would I be should I abandon Prince Daemon's son ", breaking a smile the two walked across training field aiming for the gardens overlooking the Blackwater

It would be the place where he would land Arrax after rides considering he still refused to go anywhere near the Dragonpit. Through these last few months his bond with the black titan had grown considerably stronger as the two of them raced against Nyra atop Syrax and Daemon atop Caraxes before he was banished to the Vale. In truth they couldn't keep up with either Daemon or Nyra with Caraxes and Syrax being far stronger but what he lacked in seed he made up in power, Arrax was a powerhouse capable of going against Vhagar one on one.

' Hopefully it never comes to that ', he thought as the idea of fighting Vhagar came to mind. It had been on the prime reasons why he had attempted to strike up a friendship with Laena at the first possible chance he got, to keep her alive. While that was the intention getting a real friend other than Nyra had come as a bonus. Throughtout these last four years their bond had grown and the real tactical reason for striking up a friendship had been lost to the background.

He knew he was taking a chance allowing Laena to claim Vhagar, he could have claimed it himself thus keeping the targaryen strongest dragon to his side yet he went for the Cannibal. While a part of his decision had been based upon the fact that having two dragonriders with such titanic mounts would give him a much bigger advantage considering he had every intention of keeping her at his side, his friendship with her had played a role too. He knew she loved flying and wanted a dragon of her own and the fact that her egg never hatched had hurt her quite a lot, with members of the court gossiping about her lack of the blood of the dragon and how had her mother gotten to have her way would have had an unworthy little girl become heiress and future queen to the seven kingdoms.

"... Aurion … Aurion ", the voice of Ser Harwin snapped him back into reality.

" Yes… yes, ahh... forgive me but would you please repeat yourself… Harwin, I was not myself ", he answered.

The bigger man look to him before beginning ," of course, like I was saying his grace announced a tourney in honour of your unborn sibling … It would be held day after tomorrow "

" Day after tomorrow, when did uncle decide such a thing?? ", He asked almost in disbelief.

" A few hours ago ", was the answer

" According to his grace, most guest and participants were already here and those who weren't could take part in the one after the wedding but he was not letting his unborn nephew or neice's upcoming birth go uncelebrated "

" That sounds like uncle ", he replied smiling, Viserys was jovial and easy going family man and someone ho would definitely do such a thing.

The thought of a new sibling did bring a smile to his face.

' A new brother or sister to protect, to love, to teach ', he thought smiling before a pang of sadness struck his heart as he remembered those he called siblings in his past life, he remembered Robb and the years they spent together as brothers, he remembered Arya his little wolf and constant shadow, he remembered Rickon.. the brother he failed and last but not the least he remembered Sansa and Bran, while he never got along with Sansa he had still loved her and as for Bran, he remembered time before his fall, when he followed him around much like Arya and dreamt of begin a great knight like the Dragonknight. Last but not the least his thoughts went to the two siblings he never knew, Aegon and Rhaenys… one crushed to death, the other stabbed half a hundred times to death. The very thought of it made his wish to vomit.

' I swear I will protect you little dragon, whoever you are, I swear I would ', he promised.

He recalled his conversation with Daemon as he broke the news to him. He father was in a way terrified as he informed him of soon to be sibling. Mayhaps he believed Aurion would grow angry at him or mayhaps he believed Aurion would grow to hate his new siblings. He reacted with joy revealing his excitement at the prospect of having a new sibling, reliving his father and bringing a smile upon the faces of all others who present.

Smiling he said ," Well it's not that bad, I might even be able to find someone to be a sworn shield considering you have already refused, the position is still open should you wish it though "

" Forgive me Aurion, but like I said, I would like to work as a Gold Cloaks, I hope you understand "

" I do and there is no harm done Harwin, everyone has a different goal and look on the bright side I wouldn't have to hear you complain about me spending hours in the library and you wouldn't be bored out of you mind "

The two shared a laugh as they conversed and walked to their destinations.

….

The day of the tourney was a lively one with the entire city in a celebratory mood, filled with mirth and laughter. With young knights and squires eager to earn a name for themselves joining in for the tourney. The street were bursting with people who surrounded the royal convey as it made its way down the city towards the tourney grounds outside the Kings Gate and beside the Blackwater. It would be at this point Aurion would come to realize how loved the Targaryens actually were amongst the common populace of Kings Landing. Seeing people as they cheered for his uncle the king, for Rhaenyra, for his father and even for him. This was the city that was built by Targaryens and it was a city of Targaryens much like Winterfell and Wintertown were to the Starks.

The tourney grounds were lined with stands that were filled to the brim with Lords and Ladies in attendance. Banners of several houses fluttered in the air across the course. Several boxs lay on either side reserved for members of important house. With Houses Stark and Hightower being closest to the Royal Box, sitting on either side of it.

He spied upon his father engaged in a conversation with his uncle while Rhaenyra did the same with the future queen. Softly smiling he walked across the seats he engaged in a conversation with his cousin Rickon.

" ...like I was saying, we have the best Glass Gardens in the North, they produce enough food for the castle and are quite warm, not as warm as so of the chambers but still, quite so….. And then there is the Godswood, while it doesn't exactly produce any form food, it has some of the most beautiful plants that you can ever see… "

Aurion listened with rapt attention as Rickon described Winterfell and areas surrounding it. While he pretty much knew everything about the castle it was still very entertaining hearing someone else talk of it.

" …. Blue Winter Roses you know, they are the best of them all, I mean Gilliane loves them… ahhh forget I said that, what I mean is that if you ever come you North you must see them "

" I intend to ", he replied ," I would love to visit the North, especially the Wall.. is it as tall as the singers claim, have you ever been there? "

" I have indeed and it's actually taller and far more majestic than the singers claim .…"

This conversation continued with them engaging upon various topics, mostly related to his enquiries about the North with Rickon occasionally asking about Dragons and Dragonstone.

" …. My lords, My Ladies ….. " the booming voice of the king drew everyone's attention as Viserys I rose to speak, " I would welcome you all to this tourney, the seven have been kind enough to bless our house with another child and myself with another nephew or niece, I dedicate this upcoming event and feast to my brother's upcoming child… to the Dragon Born In The Bronze ", he said raising his cup as everyone followed suit.

" To the Dragon Born In The Bronze ", they chroused.

" And while I am sure everyone is very excited for the upcoming events I would take your time to introduce to you all the newest member of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, who would be taking the spot of our beloved late Ser Ryan Redwyne ", Viserys said pointing to the young man who walked to the Royal Box going down to his knees, his sword drawn and upon the ground. He was a young man in his twenties, with a handsome face and a mop of coal black hair atop his head while two green eyes looked up towards the king.

Aurion's eyes snapped between his uncle, Nyra and Cole. This was bad, very bad, how was it Cole got named to the kingsguard, he was supposed to fight and defeat his father in a tourney last year thus being named Rhaenyra's sworn shield before being named to the Kingsguard this year upon Rhaenyra's request. He cursed his relaxed nature and the fact that he had not questioned Cole not turning up last year.

No it didn't matter how Cole got in he would look into it later, it didn't matter how much he had fucked up, what mattered was that he had to keep this bastard away from Nyra.

" Cousin Aurion… Aurion… ",

" Huh ", was the only reply he spoke before snapping his neck to face Rickon.

" Are you well, you look a bit pale ", Rickon asked clearly concerned.

" Ahhh, yes… of course I am, it's just that I remember something about… about.. my.. umm.. dragon… yes I just remembered something about my dragon, forgive me cousin put I must take your leave, I look forward to seeing you at the feast ", he said.

" Of course ", was the reply, and he could sense that his reply did nothing to alleviate any suspicions that Rickon may have, it still gave him a window to escape.

Rushing out to the back he began thinking, what could he do, he definitely couldn't assassinate him, he wasn't skilled enough, poison might work but… would he really stoop to such a level. For now the priority was to prevent him from getting too close to Rhaenyra. Atleast Rhaenyra already had Ser Erryk Cargyll as her personal guard so that was a relief.

Wait sworn shield, members of the royal family could have a Kingsguard as their personal sworn shield and while it mostly extended to the king's wife and children he was sure Viserys would not deny his beloved nephews. He could keep Cole as far from Nyra as possible and in this world terrible accidents often happen, especially while traveling.

Another things was to find out how the hell Cole joined the kingsguard, being from such a House as his and no renown he definitely had a benefactor, maybe Larys could help with that.

Speaking of Larys while the two of them maintained a cordial relationship, friendly even both had yet to ask for any forms of favours each other and while he would have definitely preferred being asked for something first, he definitely wouldn't mind making the first move.

Walking back he took his place by Rhaenyra, immediately engaging in a conversation in an attempt to keep her from taking any keen interest in Cole while keeping an eye out for Coles performance. Thankfully the years of influence paid off and he was able to keep Rhaenyra engaged throughtout most of the following day before escorting her to the Strong sisters. Before making his way over to have a chat with Cole.

Another thing he was thankful for was the fact that his father hadn't entered the tourney at his uncles request thus didn't cross Lance's with Cole, thus leading to a neutral realtionship between them, for now atleast.

He found him right outside the kingsguards tents where he was deeply immersed in a conversation with Ser Arryk Cargyll.

" Ser Arryk, Ser Criston ", he said stepping up as both of the kingsguard immediately bowed acknowledging his presence.

" Ser Arryk would you mind if I steal Ser Criston for a moment ? ", He asked.

" Ofcourse not my prince, Ser Criston and I were almost done and this conversation can continue later ", he said bowing ," I would however, take you leave my prince "

Following the twin kingsguard departure Aurion began.

" Ser Criston, please walk with me ", as e turned towards the tourney grounds and started walking with the young Kingsguard in tow.

" I have seen many a knight joust in these eight small years of my life yet I can with no doubt say that you are definitely the greatest of them. Ser, mayhaps you would believe these to be the words of child but I would bessech you not to do so. I can without a doubt say that you are the truest that there is on this tourney ground this fair day. I would be honoured if you would take me upon as a pupil and would guard my back against my enemies as my personal sword ", he said in a sly controlled tone, appealing to Cole pride.

" My prince, you honour me beyond my words can express ", he replied falling to his knees ," I would consider it a great honour to have the opportunity to tutor you and guard your back, but alas I am a Kingsguard sworn to protect the king "

Smiling Aurion replied ," Indeed, however I would ask you to fret not, for even a Kingsguard duty extends to members of the Royal family and I am sure my kingly uncle would grant me such a wish should I ask it of him, the question here is would you be willing to enter my services, with the king's blessings of course "

" Of course my prince, should the King give me leave I would be honoured to… "

Smirking Aurion replied ," Well Set I believe you should get up and please continue what you are doing while I go have a chat with my uncle "

….

Authors Note :-

So there you have it.

I have been really busy like I said and the next update for this will actually be within a week or two.

However I do intend to upload a Thus The Dragonborn Danced chapter first.

So what do you think, I know the plot isnt progressing much, and I keep splitting this arc into more and more parts but I promise it would be major AU after this Arc is over.

So love it, hate it... What do you think comment down below.