And The Sky Was Set Ablaze

by Aldon Blackreyne

Westeros and Essos have played a big part in the game of power. But what of Sothoros? What if the houses from the Southern continent decided to make their mark on history. After the Long Night , but before the Andal invasion. A new power arrives in Westeros. They are House Blackreyne, and they have a weapons with wings of their own. MAJOR AU.

20. Heirs of Westeros

Heirs to an Empire

The Dornish War was over but the scars it had left had yet to heal. A large portion of both the Reach and the Stormlands had been burned by Dornish raiders. Families grieved for the loss of their dead or missing loved ones. Captives that had survived their torturers had been scarred emotionally as well as physically. The Houses of Targaryen and Blackreyne were no exception. The Blackreynes mourned the death of Ciron and lamenting on the fact that the elder twins were denied proper funerals and prayed that Bellicore would secure their places at his side during Apoxcalyx.

Now that it was over, it was time to rest, to heal, to rebuild. Crops were resown and Castles that were destroyed were raised back up but this time with a much heavier emphasis on defense rather than style. Castles such as Nightsong, Blackhaven, Stonehelm, Harvest Hall, Starpike, Dunstonbury, Whitegrove, Fawnton and Fellwood, were reconstructed under the advice of Arnorian masons. They had been caught unaware and their families had paid the price for it. Next time, they would be ready.

One of the first issues was the position as Hand of the King. Despite getting his revenge on the Widow-Lover, a revenge that lasted for two months, the loss of his hand and his first child left Orys a broken man and refused to retake his position as Hand of the King. "A king's hand needs a hand," Orys said, "preferably one that can write his name in a straight line." Aegon reluctantly allowed his Bastard to resign and Orys returned home to Storm's End.

With Orys gone, Aegon had to find a replacement for him. Rhaenys suggested Dalton, but both Aegon and Dalton opposed this almost immediately. In response Dalton suggested Rhaenys and give the queen a position on the small council. Since Rhaenys had proven herself able at running affairs in Troyad and it would allow her to remain close to him Aegon agreed. The idea of a woman on a council was a controversial issue let alone two however considering the two women in question were the king's own sisters none dared to raise any objections especially ones that would earn them the ire of the Dragon and the Thestral.

A major issue to unifying the continent was a matter of currency. With the wide diversity of Westeros came a wide diversity of coinage and more importantly the value of said currency. This was especially true for the Andals and Arnorians who both had their own distinct coinage.

Most people used the usual gold, silver and copper for their coinage but the Arnorians didn't use copper but instead another metal known as nickel. This decision has dated back to what would be considered the Sothorian equivalent of the Bronze Age. Back when the Arnorians and Eridonians used bronze and brass for war, copper was in high demand. Because of this, most copper available was used to make weapons and armour and not for coinage.

Even when Iron eventually replaced Bronze as the main material for war but Copper still retained other uses. This decision was cemented centuries later when the Arnorians discovered that by sheathing the bottoms of the hulls of their ships with copper plates this prevented barnacles and corrosion. Because of this versatility using it as currency was seen as wasteful to the Arnorians. As such the Sothorians were forced to look elsewhere for a suitable substitute. Tin and Zinc was out of the question since combined with Copper were the key ingredients for bronze and brass. They once considered a particularly abundant metal later called alum but the process of refining it was tedious, and difficult which dismissed it as a viable option. Lead, Cobalt and Mercury were poisonous so they couldn't use that.

Finally they found one that suited their needs, nickel. It was useless for war and more abundant that copper. The only real issue is that it looked so much like silver that a clever merchant or buyer could swindle each other. So they used special coating to give it a blueish colouring.

The Arnorians had 9 types of coins which followed a 2 and 10 pattern

Arnorian coinage value compared to a single Gold Aurion.

Golden Aurion- 1

Golden Dacicun- 2

Silver Argent- 10

Silver Dodran- 20

Silver Nummus- 100

Nickel Drachma- 200

Nickel Obal- 1,000

Nickel Follis- 2,000

Nickel Morion- 10,000

The Andals had 7 types of coins that followed multiples of seven. At the time the highest valued coin was the Gold Hand

The Andals coinage value compared to the Golden Hand

Golden Hand - 1

Silver Moon - 7

Copper Star - 70

Copper Groat - 490

Copper Halfgroat - 980

Copper Penny - 3,430

Copper Halfpenny - 6,860

Though they came to agree that gold and silver would be valued based on weight. But nickel coins made things complicated. Because of this difference in coin value, none of the kingdoms could agree on the value of a nickel morion compared to a copper halfpenny.

The uniformed nature of Arnorian currency, meant that it was easy enough for a commoner to understand so the Targaryens leaned towards using this system. The Blackreynes offered the Andals a compromise. They would dispense with the nickel coins if the Andals agreed to utilize the Arnorian value system with the additional gold and silver coins added by the Targaryens. Though it would take a generation for the people to get use to the new currency. It proved to beneficial for both the nobles and commoners since accounting became more efficient.

Golden Dragon- 1

Golden Hand- 2

Silver Thestral- 10

Silver Stag- 20

Silver Moon- 100

Copper Star- 200

Copper Head- 1,000

Copper Groat- 2,000

Copper Penny- 10,000

Another financial matter was the issue of taxes. Which worked differently for the Arnorians. A common saying went, "Taxes is like giving someone ten dodrans then taking four back, why not just keep the four and give the six in the first place."

For the Arnorians, taxes were more of a method of encouragement than a source of revenue. Each settlement was meant to produce a certain commodity depending on their location, and each settlement was given a quota which varied based on size. If the quota was met than no taxes were implemented, if they were behind quota then they were taxed. But if they exceeded quota than the settlements received a little extra to their pay.

With the currency of Westeros established Aegon now worked to establish a timeline. The Targaryens wanted to mark the years as before and after Aegon's Conquest which at the time would be 1 AC. While the Blackreynes had already set up the years as before and after the Doom of Valyria which marked the end of the Dragon Era as they called it. This would make the date 103 AV. This didn't settle well with that Targaryens since the date reminded them of the fall of their empire. Fortunately, unlike the currency this was a rather minor issue and since Aegon had made a tremendous leap by uniting Westeros, the Arnorians agreed to the Targaryens date establishment and marked it as the Targaryen Era or for the Blackreynes, The Age of Unity.

In order to connect the kingdoms, Aegon issued for a network of roads to be built to every major city and great house seat. He initially wanted to use valyrian style roads but these were too costly so he resorted to the Arnorian style which like any Arnorian structure was known for its endurance. Little by little the major and minor issues such as these were chiseled out and sorted until finally after the successful conquest of Dorne, Westeros was now considered truly united as one.

The aftermath of the Dornish attempt to assassinate House Targaryen led Visenya to enact a changing of the guard. Among the issues was attire. The Blackreyne men were always armoured in public didn't have to change their attire. So, she took a page from Daala's own wardrobe and started wearing armour under her court clothes. Despite the tension between them, both Visenya and Dalton contributed heavily to protecting Aegon and the royal family. Visenya urged her brother to wear armour as well, but Aegon refused much to the elder Targaryen's ire.

"Do not think you are invincible brother," She protested as they sat at the council chambers. "You may wield Blackfyre but you are still just a man. Dalton and I cannot always be around to watch your back."

"My men protect me well enough sister." Aegon replied.

Quick as a cat, Visenya stood drew Dark Sister and slashed at Aegon's face cutting his cheek. In the same movement she made a move against Dalton only to have her blade deflected by a Stranger's Son. The Stranger's Son then thrust his swordstaff forward bringing the blade a hair away from Visenya's throat.

She sheathed her sword and turned to her brother. "Your men are slow," she then gestured to the Stranger's Son who returned to his position halfway across the room. "Dalton's men are not, I could have killed you easily while I would be dead by his hands." With her point made Aegon had little choice but to consent.

Visenya immediately set to work establishing her brother's personal guard. To help in her decision, she consulted Dalton for advice. "Kings usually had a champion and since Aegon is king of the Seven Kingdoms, I think it's only fitting that he has seven champions."

Dalton nodded, "very well, so if you wish to make it like that, then it's only fitting that each champion come from each of the Seven Kingdoms. Single out those with battlefield experience. That is one of the most important traits for a warrior."

Visenya agreed, "fair enough."

Dalton rubbed his chin, "however as good as having many champions is, seven men is hardly enough to suffice as a royal guard. I would recommend that each champion command a company of elite guardsmen either 49 or 70 that should sate the sycophants of the Sept. However, this still won't suffice, the most dangerous threats to a royal family are often not swords in sunlight but daggers in the dark.

Visenya nodded, "champions plus guardsmen, what else do you suggest?"

"The next step should be a Queensguard."

This piqued Visenya's interest, "A Queensguard?"

Dalton nodded, "one that's made up entirely of women they will serve a double role as both handmaidens as well as bodyguards. This will allow them to be with her at all times."

"What about the champions and guardsmen?" Visenya wondered.

Dalton shook his head "a Queen and princess should have guards that can follow them where men cannot such as the bathhouse."

Visenya nodded in understanding, "So if we have guards that double as handmaidens should we also have ones that double as grooms?"

Dalton shrugged, "a smart move, it would also be wise to have a specially trained guards meant to go unseen."

They spent the rest of the day hammering out the other details and my morning Visenya Got to work. For the Queensguard, Visenya wanted to recruit the most senior members of the Valkerans but Dalton declined. The veterans had already taken blood oaths of allegiance to House Blackreyne to swear vows to another house would break it. Thus he suggested the latest initiates into the Valkerans who had yet to swear their allegiance. Plus their youth would allow them to form closer ties especially with future princesses.

Visenya put forth her proclamation to all seven kingdoms to send their finest warriors to compete for the seven positions in the kingsguard. Over 100 men came forth and after a month of trials, tests and tournaments Visenya presented the Seven chosen champions to her brother.

Ser Samssen Tarly of the Reach

Ser Warren Manderly of the North

Ser Addison Hill of the Westerlands

Ser Bartimus Swann of the Stormlands

Ser Humphrey the Mummer from Dorne

Ser Griffith Goode of the Vale

Ser Robin Darklyn from Troyad

But now House Targaryen would face it's most daunting task. It was one thing to take a throne, now they would have to hold it. To do that they would need heirs. Aegon and his sisters would have to groom their heirs to continue their work. For if they failed at this vital task then House Targaryen's reign would end as quickly as it began.

Most sons look up to their fathers as both role models and inspiration. If the father is good then the son would strive to be just like them or better. But such a goal is hard for sons when their fathers are legends. Such was the tragic case for the sons of Aegon Targaryen and Dalton Blackreyne.

The sires of the Thestral were elder and people often remarked on that fact stating that Dalton can do in one year what Aegon couldn't do in ten. Though they had been married for over 12 years, both Rhaenys and Visenya failed to give the conqueror a child. Yet in 2 AC Rhaenys became pregnant by her second husband and two more followed quickly after.

The eldest of the three, Daemon took after his father the most. Black haired and Silvery eyed, the son of the Warlord seemed to be his father reborn. As he grew older he immediately took to swordplay and in his lessons he proved himself to be a boy of devious cunning. While he lacked the tactical brilliance of his father, Daemon soon found his talent in another mentality, Psychological Warfare. Daemon made it a habit to find a person's pressure points and exploiting it when needed.

In the opposite end, Daemon's sister Rhaenyra took after their mother in both looks and personality. With silvery gold hair and bright violet eyes and slender figure, she already showed the beauty she would become later in life. Rhaenyra preferred to sing and dance, both of which she excelled at. But her greatest love was animals, Rhaenyra kept an assortment of pets from common dogs, cats and birds to more exotic creatures most were gifts from her uncles and aunts. She would spend countless hours training them and it is said she could get a cat, a dog and a bird to share a cage without fear of them harming each other. Her bubbly and playful personality gave the impression that she was slightly airheaded, though she wasn't simple and proved able in her studies.

Finally there was Drayton. While his brother took after their father and his sister took after their mother, Drayton seemed to be a mix of both. Inheriting his father's eyes but his mother's hair Drayton seemed more like a middle child despite being the youngest. But Drayton faced a challenge greater than his siblings ever would from the moment he was born, for Drayton was blind.

When Rhaenys learned of this, she was distraught and constantly worried for his wellbeing refusing to leave his side almost at the expense of her elder children. In contrast Dalton's concerns for Drayton was minimal as he simply accepted his younger son' condition as fact that could not be altered. This caused one of the few conflicts between the two.

"How can you be so calm about this," Rhaenys shrieked, "your own son is blind." She sighed and stroked Drayton's head, "he will never know my face, or yours, or anyones. He'll have to spend the rest of his life being helped by servants."

"THAT will not happen," Dalton declared. "Just because he is blind doesn't mean he is some helpless, fragile baby bird. I will not treat my son like a crystal glass." He cupped his wife's face forcing her to look at him. "My beloved, I promise you Drayton will grow strong, he will be as great as his sibling because you and I will be there to guide him to teach him. We do this together."

Dalton's first course of action was to send Malgus to find a mentor who specialized in teaching the blind. He found such a person in Lorath whose people followed Boash the Blind God. Drayton's lessons would differ from Daemon and Rhaenyra but they would be no less informative or softer.

And so they were, the sires of Dalton and Rhaenys were all educated in all important matters to rule the next generation. Though they would have many mentors throughout their lives they all came second to the Blackreynes themselves. They were not alone as there were others who shared lessons with them, the children of Dalton's siblings

Daala had two children, a daughter named Carise and a son named Rexxar. Malgus fell for a 7-foot tall sarnori woman called Zannah and from their union was born a son Gravid and a daughter Jadis. The Blackreyne twins Cora and Tara each birth twins, Cora had Cade and Eleena while Tara had and Talon and Shira. Like their elder sister, the father remained unknown either they were being defiant, or they truly didn't know since they entertained as many comely men as women. Veiga was the only one of Dalton's siblings to not have a child owing to the fact that she was sterile. This did not bother her however as she didn't like the prospect of having to raise a child.

For the Blackreyes, siring the next generation was never a competition. But for Aegon's sisters it was basically a War of Wombs. Though the sisters got along famously, Aegon's favouritism towards Rhaenys caused a strain in his relationship with his elder sister. All the same, both strived to give their brother children, eager for their line to be the next heirs.

Finally in 7 AC Rhaenys finally succeeded in her goal and gave birth to Prince Aenys. It was easy to forget that Aenys Targaryen was the first born son of the Conqueror, from birth he was small, thin and very weak. Many even doubted that he was even the son of Aegon who was a powerfully built man. The moment he was born his good uncle Dalton named him a Philosopher a sign of recognition that he would not be a warrior, but he could become a man of thought if properly educated. The doubts of his parentage quickly faded however after Aenys was presented with his dragon hatchling. It seemed the dragon improved Aenys condition and as the Dragon grew so did Aenys.

Aenys was Rhaenys youngest child and sadly he would be her last. The dornish attempt on her life in 9 AC did not leave the young queen unscarred and ceased the aspect of her having future children. Learning this left Rhaenys inconsolable for days. Only when her children came to her chambers and embraced her did she finally recover. She may not have any more children, but she had four that needed their mother.

It would be another three years before Visenya was able to respond with a son of her own who she named Maegor. Aenys and his younger brother Maegor were as different as their mothers in both personality and physique. Unlike Prince Aenys, Prince Maegor was robust, healthy and very energetic. Also, unlike with his elder brother not one person questioned Maegor's legitimacy since unlike her sister, Visenya was not known to fornicate. Despite spending a great deal of time with Dalton, no evidence could be found to suggest that their relationship was anything but professional.

Five years after the birth of Maegor, Visenya surprised the realm by revealing that she was once again with child, this time it was a daughter which she named Jaenara. The birth of Jaenara caused stirrings in the realm since it was widely known that the Valyrians often wedded siblings. Now the question was on everybody's mind. Would they continue the old tradition? And if so, who would the princess be married to, Aenys or Maegor? Whatever the case, the Faith of the Seven pressed to the king that such a union must not happen and for once the Faith and House Blackreyne agreed on something. Though the Blackreynes had often practiced incest it was only under consensual circumstances and never forced upon. Dalton once again pressed the importance that House Targaryen create ties with the houses of Westeros if only to prove that the Targaryens were one of them.

To formulate a bond between the two families, Rhaenys arranged for the children to live together in the Red Keep. The relationship between the children of the Dragon and the Thestral was mixed. Aenys was not too fond of his in-laws since most of them intimidated him save for the twin sisters and Jangus. Though Dalton offered to mentor the boy, Aegon refused to allow his son and heir to be influence by the man he hated the most.

As his eldest son, Aenys was usually at his father's side and rarely left it so Rhaenys took every opportunity she could to bring Aenys to visit his half siblings in order to get them to bond. During his time there Aenys did he was often in the company of Jangus Blackreyne. Jangus became a second mentor to the boy teaching him to expand on his strengths. It was from Jangus that Aenys developed his interest in alchemy, astronomy, astrology and philosophy. Seeing this Rhaenys urged her brother to allow Lord Jangus to court to mentor her son. Aegon reluctantly agreed and Jangus began tutoring Aenys in politics to better equip him for rule.

At first glance Aenys seemed to be growing into an able ruler. He was courteous, charming, clever, and a good speaker. His charisma brought him many friends and drew in young maidens. As the heir apparent, Aenys wore the finest garbs ranging from silks to velvets. He loved music and dancing and surrounded himself with men of 'wisdom' such as maesters and septons. However, he still has a timid nature and held a desire to make those around him happy. It was this trait that would cause problems for him when he ascended the throne.

But while his relationship with his in-laws was tenuous, he got along well with his siblings. He admired Maegor and Daemon's skills in arms and had for a short while, developed a crush on his half-sister Rhaenyra, who in turn liked listening to him sing. Sadly she didn't seem interested in him as she herself was attracted to her elder brother Daemon. But the one he was closest to and became his best friend was Drayton who shared similar interests.

On the other hand, Maegor held his Blackreyne relatives to a high esteem often reading about their history and accomplishments. Aggressive and temperamental Maegor quickly developed a fearsome reputation. As a Prince, Maegor had many companions, but there was only one he ever considered a friend Daemon Blackreyne. The two were inseparable and did most everything together, sparring, training, and studying. Due to Daemon being older, he was advancing ahead of Maegor.

The Children of the Dragon and the Thestral were given the best education possible. while there were the Maesters and Septons, they were few among many. Rhaenys also summoned arnorian scholars to which gave Aenys access to records that could not be found in the Citadel of Oldtown. Before the time of the Andals the Citadel of Oldtown had been the bastion for knowledge in Westeros. It welcomed wise men, teachers, priests, healers, apothecaries, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerors from all over the world to share and collect knowledge. After the andals tok over Oldtown the worldly scholars that had once been welcom were now shunned. This caused them to turn to Arnor where they establlished a Great Library were they would continue Peremore the Twisted's pursuit for knowledge. Adding to the scrolls, records and manuscripts that the Blackreynes manage to secure when they sacked Oldtown to prevent the andals from destroying them.

The lives of Dalton's children were serene enough in the beginning and Rhaenys herself feeling content. That illusion ended once Daemon turned 6 and the Targaryens bore witness to the lively hood that forged the Blackreyne family.

It started innocently enough with exercise courses, running with bare feet, jumping hurdles, rope climbing, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Daemon was given his first training sword and made to hack at a practice dummy. One odd practice was chasing chickens and catching them which proved to be harder that it sounded. He was also put on a strict diet which mostly comprised of meat and grain products.

These courses lasted hours with only meals and short breaks in between and by the time it was done Daemon was spent. However, as he got older, the training intensified. Daemon was made to do more, and new things such as balance, weightlifting, practicing punches and kicks. Soon, it wasn't long before Daemon began sporting bruises and cuts on him as a result much to his mother's anguish. Rhaenys pleaded with her husband to go easier on their son, but Dalton was adamant.

Daemon would be joined by his cousins and eventually, his brother. Though to Rhaenys' relief, Drayton's own training was lighter but no less demanding. Drayton proved adept in fighting and became a master of wielding his staff, but his true strength lay in his intelligence surpassing his older siblings by a wide margin. Of the girls Carise and Jadis would volunteer to participate, and their trainers were none other than the Valkerans.

At eight, Daemon went from practicing on dummies to fighting older boys usually trainees for the Stranger's Sons. The Cuts and Bruises had expanded to blisters and gashes as they were beaten and whipped constantly. Courses ranged from trampling thorns with their bare feet and plunging your fingers into hot sand to rock climbing and striking wooden boards. All of these meant enhance what the Arnorians considered the cornerstones of human physique. Dexterity, Agility, Constitution and Strength.

Aegon and Visenya had gone through intense training in their youth but even they admitted that their own training had nothing on the Blackreynes who seemed to take it to a whole different level. Throughout their training, the two sole constants were their training in arms and sailing. Watching her son train gave Rhaenys a new perspective of her husband's family. "Of course my brother was defeated, what chance did he stand against a man who goes through all of this."

Visenya on the other hand observed this with fascination and awe. Once his preference to arms was known Queen Visenya decided to start her son's training and she could think of no one better than The Blackreynes. Maegor's mentors were none other than Dalton and Malgus Blackreyne and by request from Visenya, Maegor was put through the same harsh military trials that all Blackreynes males endured. In the physical part of his training Maegor excelled and performed the tasks set upon him beautifully. But when it came to the educational portion, his progress was slower. he had no interest in these matters save for battle tactics and strategy. Still, he remained determined to prove himself to his in-laws and did the best he could since they were part of the trials and the one thing Maegor promised himself when he started this. "No matter what I will not fail these trials."

Once their reached the 'teen' years they would begin their survival courses, they were sent to numerous regions of Westeros to learn how to live in any kind of condition. So that no matter where they might find themselves, they would know what to do. Here, the locals gave them lessons like make a fire, making tools, trapping, hunting, fishing, foraging and scavenging. Once the year of lessons had ended, they had to spend a full year there with only the bare essentials. Daemon and the other initiates learned to survive in the frozen wilderness of the far north, the deserts of Dorne, the woods of the Stormlands, the mountains of the Vale, the plains of the Reach and the Islands of the Iron Islands.

The final part of their training was the part Rhaenys despised the most, the Venom/poison trial. Like the soldiers in the Arnorian Army, the initiates ingested foods laces with harmful substances ranging from venomous animals, to poisonous plants to even a number of manmade poisons. This was done in order to prevent assassination attempts or being bitten by an unexpected animal. The initiates endured hours and sometimes days of agony with no pain medication. But by the time it was over the initiates found themselves with high venom tolerance.

Aegon's reign continued peacefully, and the realm prospered, but it was far from perfect. A king may be master of millions but as with all people even he was prone to making mistakes. Several events would occur that would sow the seeds of discontent among the people. The first controversial act was when Aegon named Aenys his heir instead of Maegor. Many were enraged by this since in their minds Aenys was illegitimate since his parent's marriage was annulled.

Among the most outspoken voices was of course Visenya Targaryen who felt that Aegon was shunning her son of what she believed was rightfully his. Though the king and queen raged against each other for days Aegon refused to rebuff his declaration and left his sister wife fuming.

Sadly, not even the Blackreynes who had ever been her staunch supporters could do little to help her case. According to Blackreyne Law, Aenys was legitimate. "A Bastard is only such if their parents were never wed before his birth," Jangus Blackreyne told the Queen. Since Aegon had legally married Rhaenys in a Valyrian right, then any children they may have would be legitimate even if the marraige was annulled. Often women are set aside after going decades without a child only to end up giving birth after their husbands took another wife. It didn't help Visenya in the fact that Aenys was the elder of the two boys which played right into House Blackreynes succession by seniority.

But as always Rhaenys stepped in to play the peace maker and offered a compromise to her sister. After discussing it with Aegon, he agreed to adopt the House Blackreyne's Agnatic Seniority method of succession, this meant that Aenys was the heir but Maegor would come before all of Aenys sons. This calmed the realm somewhat though many still disliked this method of succession.

Another issue was that while Aegon had publicly converted to the Faith of the Seven, his children were raised with the gods of Valyria. This infuriated the High Septon who travelled to King's landing to voice his outrage.

"You swore to convert to our gods if we supported you," The High Septon protested.

"I have," Aegon replied, "but my children made no such promise. In any case, you swore to me that the seven would ensure my victory against the Blackreynes. Not only did they fail to deliver but your Faith Militant proved useless against Arnorian soldiers."

"The Seven didn't grant you victory because of your heathen ways," the High Septon replied. "How else do you explain how Lady Rhaenys conceived one healthy child after another in Dalton's bed while giving you only one sickly boy?"

There it was, that one elephant in the room and always pricked Aegon. He loved his eldest son, he was also all he had to show for his decades long affair with her. Thinking about it he should have had a child well before the his conquest even began. He had tried often enough. After the birth of Drayton, Aegon was beginning to fear that he may be sterile. But he refused to be cowed by the Faith. "The Blackreynes are notorious adulterers and yet your Seven seems fit to bless them with many heirs. The way I see it, you are the sinful ones and the Blackreynes are a punishment from the Seven. Surely if your people were not sinful, then they would not have sent a punishment like the Blackreynes upon you."

After the conversation Aegon began thinking to himself that perhaps the High Septon was on to something. and decided to consult apothecaries and healers about it. Sadly, none could give him a clear enough answer, so he turned to Jangus.

When asked about it Jangus merely shrugged, "it seems that despite your practice of incest your people have managed to retain good looks and avoided the usual physical defects associated with the practice such as extra fingers, crosseyes, and reduced of elongated chins. So, it seems that incest affects Valyrians in a different way.

"Do you think it could affect fertility?" Aegon asked.

Jangus frowned, "it's possible, the best comparison is crop rotation. If you limit the soil to only a single crop, then over time the soil loses its fertility and proper nourishment. By changing the crops annually. We learned that the soil not only retains fertility but also becomes resistant to local weeds and pests. Perhaps Valyrian blood works more or less the same way."

Tensions were rising slowly and steadily, especially in the question of religion. There were more First Men in Westeros than Andals. But with the Andals converting most of the densely populated south of Westeros to the Faith, this greatly swelled their numbers. While this made the Faith of the Seven the most widely practiced religion on the continent, one could hardly consider it the dominant religion.

Most First Men and Rhoynar still clung to the Old Gods and Mother Rhoyne but a growing following to the Titan Triumvirate had emerged. With the Valyrian Exiles came the faith of R'hllor. Who proved to be nearly as fanatical as the Andals. Between these other four religions. The Faith of the Seven made up only 3/5ths of Westeros' population. So, each pantheon usually kept to their own domains, to avoid tension

Because of this diversity Aegon promoted religious tolerance and declared that all religions were protected. This didn't go well for the faith militant, for years they had fought against the enemies of the Faith. Now they were ruled by a king who wanted them to live alongside people who didn't worship their gods. Westeros was divided between those who followed the Faith of the Seven and those who didn't. For the most part they did their best to stay out of each other's way to avoid conflict. Keeping to themselves allowed them to practice their own beliefs without persecution and thanks to Aegon neither side could attack the other without earning the wrath of the dragon.

To prevent a war with the Faith, Aegon was forced to look elsewhere to find brides for his sons, there were many candidates, as hundreds of nobles thrusted their daughters upon the princes. Aegon even considered a choice among the valyrian families residing in Kings Landing. In the end Prince Aenys was betrothed to Alyssa Velaryon, daughter of Aethan Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Ships.

For Prince Maegor, one of the strongest candidates was Ceryse Hightower, the daughter of Lord Martyn Hightower. To Aegon it seemed to be a suitable match. The Hightowers were one of the most wealthy and influential houses in Westeros with ties to not only the faith but also to the Citadel of the Maesters. But many oppose the match including Visenya and Dalton who saw it as a way for the Faith to dig their hands into the royal family and corrupt it from within.

But the most surprising opponent to the match was the High Septon. Due to Maegor's relationship with their most hated enemy, the High Septon rejected the idea of his blood intermingling with such blatant heretics. In the end Lord Martyn caved into his brother's demands and withdrew his suit and Ceryse was married off to Jonos Arryn.

With the best option off the table another wife had to be chosen for Maegor. Nevertheless that didn't discourage other houses from presenting their daughters to Prince Maegor. Prominent houses like the Lannisters. Starks, Tyrells, Tarlys, Royces, Daynes were all considered suitable candidates.

This dilemma was solved in 26 AC during a masquerade in which both princes participated. During the Ball Prince Maegor took notice of a young woman named Alys Harroway. Lady Alys' family was one of house Targaryens most staunch supporters having turned against the Blackreynes to join them. Since then, the houses of Harroway, Lothston, Towers, and Whents became known as the Troyad Turncoats and were shunned and looked down on by the Faithful of Troyad. Nevertheless, Aegon rewarded them for their loyalty with new lands and titles when they fled Troyad. Before their treason, these houses enjoyed the benefits of ruling over towns and large swaths of fertile land with dozens of vassal houses under them. Now they were left with a moderate castle and lands in the Stormlands and no vassals.

Prince Maegor began courting Lady Alys in secret, showering her with gifts of jewels and Valyrian style dresses, until finally after two months he married her in a Valyrian rite and later in an Andal ceremony to appease the Faith. Aegon was furious, not only had his son married without his consent but he also tied himself to a minor house that had little to offer the Targaryens. But by this point Alys was already bedded and wedded so an annulment was out of the question. One by one marriages took place and new pacts were formed. But only time could tell if these matches would bear fruit.