A/N: thanks for the review Vandun! The material in canon doesnt specify exactly how the Houses of Westeros get their Valyrian steel swords. Its mentioned they were possibly trading with Valyria or they were gifts from the Targaryens. Considering the swords we know of are around 400-500years old they would have already been made before the start of this story. This story begins 12 years before the Doom of Valyria, in this story Westeros will have Valyrian steel just like in canon.
Chapter 16: Turning to the Future
It took weeks for the remaining Houses not destroyed by the volcano to be cleared and rebuilt. The Houses which were destroyed were mostly non magic wielding families. The only ones to survive from these Houses were children attending their lessons at House Valreon. The orphans were distributed among the remaining families to be cared for and their deceased relatives given proper funerals. The site of their former homes and their vaults cleared, a large portion being given to the surviving children and some to the city of Valyria to recoup costs. Assets were divided among the remaining families to control. It was an expensive time for the city of Valyria and several of the richest Houses donated workers and wealth to assist in recovery. Otherwise the Valyrian treasury would've been stretched considerably, the Governors were grateful for their assistance and were given proper thanks at the next quarterly meeting.
The High Governors face looked grim, he had lost relatives in the earthquake who had been visiting friends.
"After recent events and the tragedies which unfolded that day we, the council of Governors want to extend our gratitude. The Houses of high nobility, whom have come together in alliance, have bonded together in strength and generosity. I struggle to imagine where we would be without their unity, never before has a group of nobility worked together to help. I sincerely hope this tradition continues, as it's making Valyria stronger"
Everyone in attendance clapped in approval and gratitude for the help that had been received. It was the first time House Valreon hadn't been mentioned above all the others and this is how Alaerya wanted it to remain.
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Alaerya had decided on impulse to clear her schedule and post pone her meetings. That day she took Vaella and within a few hours of flying saw the islands arriving in the distance. Her heart felt joy as she saw the islands were now built up and looking ready to inhabit. Circling around each of the islands in turn looking down at everything Jaehserys had created in their name. Alaerya was astounded, even the natural rock bridges had been crafted into large bridges with two lanes travelling in each direction so people and carts can both cross in each direction. The fourth island was where she landed, and Jaehserys was directing the finishing touches on several temples. They resembled their counterparts in Valyria and Alaerya recognised them all and was impressed he was building them. There were also some she didn't recognise.
Dismounting Vaella, looking around in wonder Alaerya approached Jaehserys.
"This is a surprise my Lady" he bowed.
"I felt the need to visit and see the place for myself. Aeyrelis was right, you've recreated Valyria with some unique touches and executed it perfectly"
"Well I believe the island chose how it wanted to evolve and I'm just the vessel that enabled that to happen"
"Well whatever it is we will reward you. When we notify our allies those that choose to join us will be allocated domes based on their loyalty and service. And you will be included with them."
"My Lady that is an unexpected honour..."
"Also we will organise your wife and children to be here with you shortly..."
He cut her short, "Only bring my children"
Alaerya looked surprised at his comment, totally unprepared and without a response.
Jaehserys sat nearby and rubbed his head in his hand, "When I left Valyria to come here she told me not to send for her because she wouldn't come. I'd be surprised if she hasn't already declared our marriage over."
"I...don't know what...to say Jaehserys" Alaerya said uneasily, unprepared for this turn of conversation.
"There's nothing that needs to be said. I didn't get to marry my first choice and I don't think I was hers either. We never really grew to care for one another. We did somewhat when the children were younger but as they grew, well, we didn't feel much for one another. Both of us sought comfort outside the home and it has never really been a relationship you read about in the stories. I just don't want my children to meet the fate of Valyria, and as for her I don't truly care enough about her to save her. Because she'd be ungrateful for it anyway, she's not a very nice person"
Alaerya laughed at his brutal honesty and sat by his side on the steps of a Temple that was being built.
"Will she let her children go?"
He looked at Alaerya and laughed harshly, "she told me it would give her satisfaction to know I abandoned them and was unable to return to help them. I don't care what happens to her but please bring my children if you find them"
"I'll find them and I'll make sure she relinquishes them too. Whats the use of having powerful friends if you dont ask for help?"
"I appreciate it, I've been having a hard time dealing with the fact I physically cannot go back for them"
"Well you know I'm only too happy to assist you after the great work you've done here. I'll have them brought within the week and you'll be given a home for you all to live in."
"Thank you my Lady, you know them they attend your schooling system"
"Wonderful. makes them even easier to find"
"Enough about me, let me show you the progress on the island, seeing as last time you were here there had been no structures built."
Jaehserys spent days showing her the homes he had built, schools, temples, industry, farming and mines they could enter. Some of the forges were already open and manufacturing weapons and artifacts.
She looked around the island and pointed to the caves near the volcano, "Have you performed any excavations in the caves yet?"
Jaehserys shook his head, "We have been unable to enter those caves my Lady"
She looked confused, "How do you mean?"
"I sent a group of men in and they weren't in there long. The walls began shaking and rumbling and it became unbearably hot. Almost as if the volcano didn't want them in there. Have you been in there?"
She nodded, "Aeyrelis and I both have explored what's under the surface of the islands. We were given no trouble."
Jaehserys looked at her, "Well I guess the islands have spoken who they want in there. We won't re enter until your return and you decide what your plans are for those areas"
After a few more days Alaerya decided to depart, Vaella had enjoyed the islands and gave some screeches of approval.
Alaerya farewelled Jaehserys, "I will return soon Lord Jaehserys, I may have more people with me if all goes to plan"
"Are you talking about my children?"
"No I'm hoping to organise an expedition with the nobility from our alliance. But rest assured your children will make it here safely"
"Thank you again it's a great relief"
"While I'm gone think of your House name and Sigil, you will be receiving an elevation in social status soon"
He looked at her and scratched his head slightly, "That will take some getting used to"
Alaerya laughed as Vaella lifted off the ground, "You're Valyrian Jaehserys! We enjoy taking power!" She shouted over the beating of her enormous dragons wings as she flew off towards Valyria.
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Alaerya loved spending time with her classes watching the children developing their skills. The school had expanded quickly into different levels of classes to meet the demand of the children's development. The school was a constantly fluid project she needed to remain on top of. She'd located Jaehserys children in their classes, he had two boys and a girl. Alaerya called a servant, "see those children?" She pointed them out and the servant nodded.
"Instead of returning them home they'll be departing on my personal ship this afternoon to join their father where he is working. Summon their mother to meet me in the dragon dome"
The servant looked at her pointedly and nodded, accepting the task without question. Shortly after a woman appeared in the dragon dome escorted by a servant, her face was the a picture of less than impressed.
Alaerya approached her and as she did the woman lifted her chin haughtily.
"Who do you think you are to summon me?" she emphasised the last word as if Alaerya should already know her.
"Excuse me have we met?" retorted Alaerya in amusement.
"Why would we have? You're social circles never bothered with mine"
"Do you want to sit?" Alaerya ignored her previous comment.
"I feel whatever you feel the need to tell me will be better if I stand"
Alaerya was quickly losing patience with this person, "Understood, I'll get to the point then your children are leaving today to be with their father. After his service to my family he requested them to join him and I agreed"
As she spoke the woman's face exploded in angered expressions, at her last words she lunged at Alaerya. As soon as she lunged at her she was thrown across the room by a force so strong she was dazed for a few seconds.
"He can't have them, he can't take them...they're...they're...they're mine!" she raged
"They're children and he has a right to raise them. You can't keep them from their father"
"He can't have them" she repeated as if it would matter.
"And why is that? Please give me a reason otherwise"
"He chose to leave us, he chose to leave them to their deaths. They're supposed to be here with me until the end"
"So you believe the destruction of Valyria is coming and you want your children to die? You realise how insane you sound right?"
All social graces and pretences were gone replace by outrage from Alaerya.
"I brought them into the world I will take them from the world. I carried them, I birthed them he doesn't get to choose"
Alaerya listened absolutely disgusted in this being standing in front of her.
"Tell me, I didn't catch your name and I don't care to, what talents do your children possess?"
"I'm not really interested in your school or what they do there"
"Why is that? Is it because you have no power of your own and they do? Are you jealous of your own children?"
The woman refused to budge, she just lifted her chin up high again. Alaerya realised his was her coping mechanism to put on a mask of strength.
"If you take my children I will make your life miserable. First I'll start spreading rumours to ruin this pathetic alliance you created, then I'll give away the location of your islands to anyone who would be interested in raiding them surely you have wealth there. I will make it my mission to pick apart anything that makes you appear strong. It'll make me happy to see your house in ruins"
Alaerya found this hilarious, she began laughing in disbelief at the stupidity of this person, this only made the woman angrier.
"I will ruin you! You think you're better than me! I'll tell your allies you're leaving them here to die after they leave all their wealth on the islands, I'll start a war here in Valyria! You won't make it out of here alive"
Alaerya found her threats hilarious, "First of all if you were actually going to do anything you wouldn't tell me what you're doing. You aren't very smart, whatever your name is"
The woman flushed with anger again.
At this point Aeyrelis walked in to see what the commotion is about.
"Who is our guest my wife?"
The woman rolled her eyes, "Oh here comes the Master of the House to scare me into line."
Aeyrelis looked at her in shocked amusement, "Who is this delight?"
"This my husband is the wife of Jaehserys, I haven't bothered to catch her name. I visited Jaehserys and he asked me to leave his wife in Valyria and only send his children. Now I understand why, imagine what it'd be like married to this all these years"
Alaerya looked her up and down scathingly as she spoke.
"This...woman" said Alaerya, "believes it is her right to dictate when and how her children die. She refused them passage to join Jaehserys until he requested I intervene and I've just had some interesting threats directed our way"
"I'll ruin you..." snarled the woman, "take my children and I'll"...
"You don't actually know any of the high nobility or the people you say you'll turn against me. You have no power in this situation and you have nothing to offer us in return for your safety in leaving this house. You've shown nothing but contempt for not only myself, my House but your own children. You're absolutely despicable, I can't think of a person walking around in the world is as terrible as you"
"And we know some terrible people..." contributed Aeyrelis.
She seethed on the spot realising she had lost this game, her anger and rage wouldn't get her anywhere here. And her foolishness had caused her more trouble than she realised.
"You leave me no choice," Alaerya said quietly, "and it's not something I choose to do to someone very often..."
The woman felt suddenly scared looking for a way out of the dome, she turned to run and as she did a force hit her and she fell to the ground and slid across the room. She stayed there for many minutes.
Aeyrelis looked at his wife, "She's not dead husband. Have her taken to the Temple of Flames they can use her there" said Alaerya quietly, her eyes glued to the womans crumpled form.
"That's a nasty way to go my dear"
"She's a nasty woman, and she's going to die anyway"
Alaerya looked at the woman one last time and left the dome, the woman remained on the floor. Aeyrelis went to her aid, 'you must've really pissed my wife off' he thought as she rolled over.
Her eyes were wide with shock, she was breathing but she was blank.
"We are going to get you to the Temple now" spoke Aeyrelis gently.
"Who am I?" she said simply, voice small a shadow of what is once was
"Sorry what did you say?" questioned Aeyrelis, unnerved by her demeanour.
"I can't remember my name, where am I?"
She looked around blankly, "how did I get here?"
She reached up and put her hand to her head as if she had a headache.
"You were just leaving, you live at the temple we are taking you back there now. You had a fall"
"Oh, ok yes that makes sense" spoke the woman shakily, obviously confused and with no recollection of the events.
Aeyrelid was bewildered what Alaerya had done to her but it seemed this woman had no recollection of who she was.
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After the woman was escorted by priestesses to the Temple of Flames, Aeyrelis finds his wife in her practice room. He approaches the place in the wall he knows the door to be although it just looks like a wall. As he approaches the doorway shimmers and allows him passage, returning to a solid wall after. Alaerya is intensely reading an old book that's ancient and making notes. He stands behind her and rubs her shoulders.
"You wiped her memory?" he asked simply.
"I wiped her memory and the ability to form memories. She will forget who she is every day she wakes from sleep" replied Alaerya curtly.
He spun her around, "I've never known you to inflict that kind of damage with magic. What did she do?"
"She is absolutely the worst person I've ever met. She felt it was her right to let her children die in the flames and she spoke of them like they were her property. There was no love there in that woman, just jealousy and hate. She deserved what she got."
"Remind me never to upset you, really upset you"
Alaerya looked serious, "Sometimes swift and severe action has to be taken to keep people in line and prevent the wrong person interfering with plans. I thought about the consequences, she's from a low class family with no magic of her own. Her family would do anything to climb in status and that is a dangerous kind of person. She would've tried to enact her threats had I been too weak to eliminate her. There is no room here to play nice, fuck her"
"Am I losing my nice wife? You've been more brutal lately" smiled Aeyrelis lightheartedly but with a seriousness behind his voice.
"Almost being murdered on dragon back made me realise I can't save everyone. When I see a lost cause I don't try to save them anymore. I tried with Rylla and nearly died for it."
"We never really spoke about how you felt about her betrayal."
"It hurt, a lot Aeyrelis. I thought our friendship meant more than what it did. Turns out I was wrong"
"I think she was just jealous because of us"
"Whatever it was could've seen me wiped from this family. I've never been weak and I won't be weak again"
He kissed her softly on the cheek, "Dont let it turn you into someone else my dear. I love the caring side of you"
Alaerya returned his kiss, "I will show you how caring I am later if you like"
He kissed her harder, more passionately and she wrapped her arms around him.
"Come find me when you're done here, I want you to be present and not thinking about your musty old books..."
"I'll come for you shortly..." she whispered as she ran her hands down hjs body.
Aeyrelis hugged her and left her to make notes. He knew her well, she was in the middle of important work. Alaerya looked back to her book and re read the only paragraph in the book she could find that vaguely mentions what she's looking for.
"The Game of Faces, a mythical practice from unknown origins whereby the wielder of magic can change their appearance at will. Most unusual is the ability of the wielder to adapt to the stature, posture, mannerisms and voice of the person they become. They maintain total control of their own thoughts, and identities. There is no written knowledge on how this is learnt or practiced."
That was the total sum of available information to her on the skill she possessed. Flustered she closed the book with a snap and it returned to its place on the shelf. She thought hard to remember how she came to begin this skill and when she started using it. She wrote down, dreams, multiple faces at once, assassin.
The purple flame in her workspace appeared and she conjured a magical pastel cloud into her hand. Surprised, she had never conjured a cloud before, she let the cloud float into and become one with the purple flame of intuition. It threw her into a powerful dream walking episode...
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Alaerya fell with a thud onto the deck of a ship, bodies of slain Valyrians lay all around her. She looked around for clues as to their identity, they were horrifically wounded and most unrecognisable. She could tell by their wounds this was not a well executed attack it had been conducted by untrained people. And conducted in a frenzy, she continued to check their faces and eventually found one she recognised. She recoiled in shock, it couldn't be. She looked around again up at the sails and on those faces not terribly marred with wounds. She came to realise she had found the lost fleet of House Qahraera, the slave merchant family who went missing with their fleet many years ago. They never arrived at their destination Sothoryos and their ships were never found again. It had always been a mystery, no one had been able to find them magically or otherwise, she made a note to ask her mentor about this.
Alaerya noticed a group of men covered in blood, they were obviously the killers, they looked at her and right through her. She felt ice in her veins as they stepped towards her, she looked behind her and a woman was standing dressed all in white. Her hair dark brown and her skin brown, her eyes were milky white, she smiled at them. The vision changed, the slave survivors sailed at the woman's direction, she guided them through a passage of islands until she declared they had arrived. Time lurches forward to show a city develop and grow, they made efforts to hide amongst the pine trees and used magic to cover their city with fog. Alaerya saw dragons flying overhead but they couldn't see through the fog, 'the search parties' she remembered hearing of this when she was a little girl. The whole society was up in arms at their disappearance and concerned a whole family could disappear like that. It made many Valyrian Lords uneasy. Over time the city grew and she watched as a watchman was placed guarding the city. A huge towering statue straddling opposing head lands for boats to sail under. Then Alaerya was on an island in this strange city in front of a large temple of some sort. It had a black door, and a white door. She approached it, she recognised the wood, she placed her hand on it and knew it straight away. As in her mind she saw the tree with the bleeding face and red leaves staring back at her. Her hand still on the door it opened and a man stood there staring at her, not through her. His face changed to a woman, then a child, then to a man with darkened skin, then she was staring at her own face.
'Why has no one come to the House of Black and White?' his voice boomed.
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Her dream walking left more questions than it gave answers. One thing was clear the Valyrians were overthrown and the survivors had formed a city. Hiding for years from the dragon lords and thriving without them, she wrangled with the idea of this. Unsure if she should do anything about it and she eventually decided to leave this city be. There was a place there she wanted to visit in the future, in her mind she saw the door of black and white. Her servants helped her dress for the upcoming meeting and she worked magic to style her hair and make up. Aeyrelis arrived to take her to the meeting, he interlocks his arm in hers and takes a moment to really look at her. They share a charged moment of looking at each other, "I am just marvelling at you and how far we have come together..."
She smiles but is quiet and pretends to look over her dress. A stunning Valyrian dress of dark green with golden accents, her servants had embellished her with Valyrian diamond chokers and earrings. Alaerya had been dressed rather extravagantly for the meeting but was happy with her appearance.
"My Love are you feeling yourself? We have been through many things as a family and you have recently..."
"Killed people in hand to hand combat, ordered the slaughter of two rival families and almost been assasinated?"
"Well not to put it delicately but yes...it's been eventful. I'm worried about you, these things can have an impact on people"
"I'm struggling with some aspects of it I will admit"
He looks at her in a way that urges her to continue talking as they walk through their home to the meeting.
"I never did anything to either of them to deserve the way they planned to kill me. What happened with Auraelia and I years ago it wasn't...planned murder. I didn't seek her out to...to..."
She felt the hurt begin to overwhelm her, he stopped walking and brought her into an embrace. She rested her head on his chest and just breathed in the presence of their shared energy for a few moments.
"There have been tough decisions made on this path we have chosen, " he looked her deep in the eyes, "and more tough decisions will need to be made before this is over"
Her eyes tear up and she cries silently, the weight of some of her decisions welling up to the surface. He spends a few moments with her with his arm around her talking gently to her and stroking her face. She composes herself and looks at him, "Thank you, I can always count on you to be there"
"You're the best woman I've ever known, well including my mother..."
She smiles a teary smile at his joke, "Come we need to convince the Lords of our plan. It's now or never". She resumes her air of strength and power, the tears disappear from her eyes and the fire returns.
He looks at her proudly linking arms again and they continue walking to the meeting.
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The doors open and they enter the meeting, looking strong and powerful. All hint of her show of emotions gone and there is nothing but confidence and charm coming off her. The allied houses, the High Governor with his family and their children are all present. The room they were in was filled quickly and everyone was talking amongst themselves.
Alaerya and Aeyrelis floated between tables as dinner was served and drinks were flowing. Food and enjoyment before business was Aeyrelis mantra and that's how it was tonight.
"See everyone is happy with a drink in their hand and food on their plate" he beamed at his wife while looking around the room.
"I hope it's enough of a good feeling, Ive had no help from my practices to see how this will go"
He smiled at some of his guests and raised his glass, "What will be will be"
She looked around quietly still with the images from her vision floating in her mind.
"Where are you? I've lost you for a moment" said Aeyrelis as the touch of his hand on hers jerked her back to the present.
"Sorry Aeyrelis was just thinking over a
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"Tell me a little now while people are eating, you also need to take me to meet that strange boy who wants you to invade a whole continent" said Aeyrelis lightly as he sipped Valyrian fire whiskey. They were walking the perimeter of the room observing their guests enjoying themselves.
"You're right I had forgotten about that but I'll take you dream walking with me next time. Today I saw what happened to the ships from House Qahraera, the slaves turned on them killed them all and set up a hidden city"
Aeyrelis remembered that family one of his childhood friends had gone missing on that voyage. It was the first voyage his friend had embarked on with his family, he looked at her sharply.
"I definitely want to hear more about that, is it a place you could locate?"
"I didn't see him. I don't know if he died there but it's a high possibility. From the looks of it no one survived"
Aeyrelis mask of happy high Lord had momentarily dropped, "Let's talk more about this later" He said to her quietly haunted by the memory of his lost friend. He regained his composure remembering where he was and walked off as another drink floated to his hand, he went to join some of the men laughing and chatting after dinner. Alaerya enjoyed some social time before it came time to discuss business with everyone involved. She spent some time talking with the High Governor and his wife who she hadn't seen in a long time. Her children were also mingling with their betrothed families and the families of the other wards. Everyone seemed to be getting along, the first time Alaerya remembered this much peace between the families of nobility.
Suddenly a tingle of glasses singing filled the room and everyone sat down as Aeyrelis stood in the middle of the room. He beckoned Alaerya to join him, the children all sat and everyone looked interested.
"Families and friends, tonight we continue our discussion that began just prior to the recent earthquake that has shaken our homes and city"
Alaerya produced an orb from her gown and it floated around the room, "We didn't have the chance to finish showing you what we know of what's to come. You all remember our last meeting, but we didn't show you the reasoning behind why." she contributed.
She showed the prophecy again, then the orb with Kinvara broadcast and finally the orb with the islands before and after building had begun. The reactions of the viewers was predictable, shocked in the right places and scared in the right places. When the extent of the islands and the four small scale cities was revealed they looked impressed.
"Where are these islands Aeyrelis? Are they far away enough from the impact of this destruction?" said Kaeryon Xaeryris.
"The islands are roughly a week away by boat or a few hours away by dragon back. They're between this land mass, and this grouping of islands called Summer Isles." He floats the map up into the room showing where the islands are located. Alaerya mentally places memory charms on everyone except her and Aeyrelis, to prevent unwanted visitors in case of an information leak.
"What is your proposal Aeyrelis? We can't all pack up and move. It will raise questions and it will create a power vacuum in the city. This can create more chaos" contributed Aery Traellar.
"So are you saying you believe this?" said Vyselis from House Jaedra to the other houses. His tone was incredulous.
"I believe them, they've never steered us wrong before or done anything to show us they're lying" Rhaegon from House Aelleron stood.
The others all seemed indecisive, after a prolonged silence verging on uncomfortable, the High Governor stood.
"May I speak?" He said seriously as he approached them.
Alaerya and Aeyrelis nodded and stepped back to give him the room, he joined them in the middle of the room.
"It might interest you to know I have given counsel to the Valreons regarding this decision. I believe them. I know they are telling not only the truth but they have seen the facts. There is an undercurrent changing in Valyria, the high families wouldn't know it but something is shifting in Valyria. And it brings death and destruction with it, I cannot order the evacuation of Valyria. It would be the end of my career and logistically be a nightmare as well as waste time in arguing. But I have secured something else which is a testament to the trust I have in these people"
He turned and looked at the Valreons, "I'm giving my grandchildren and one of my sons as their wards to take with them when the time comes. I entrust my family to them because I cannot leave, but you all can. Save yourselves because the downfall of Valyria has begun you just haven't seen physical evidence of it yet"
"High Governor all respect but what are you talking about?" interrupts Kaeryon.
He looked troubled and reluctant, "What i say cannot leave this room otherwise my life and my family's lives are in danger. There is a small group, a very small minority, of priests attempting to awaken and wield an ancient and extremely volatile force that lays dormant in our lands. It was their attempt at reviving this mysterious force that created the devastation you all experienced and witnessed recently. That was from a volcano eruption in the north of our territory, imagine the devastation if that occurs here in the Great Volcano. We won't survive and escape will be impossible once the chain of events begins."
Alaerya stepped forward, "Lords think on this, it's much to take in. However I propose Aeyrelis and myself will take you there and show you the islands ourselves. You're all aware now of the instability this group of priests brings. If they're planning to attempt this again we need to get you all to safety"
"I'm working on a staged evacuation of the families, we begin sending our vaults and possessions there and then each family evacuates in stages. One family a week will leave"
"Do we have time to do such a plan?" spoke up one of the wives
"I'm not sure how long we have left but if the Lords all agree we can all send 4 ships a week until we are physically evacuated. Last we will send the families and hopefully make it out in time."
"From the limited information I have on this group they're planning another ceremony in a few months time. Here in Valyria, if they succeed they will bring nothing good to us. If they fail it will be our destruction. Please people follow the Valreons, they have proven to be powerful and to have everyone's interests at heart. Who better to lead us forward?" spoke the High Governor firmly and gravely.
There were many murmurs of agreement but also many remained silent, indecisive.
"When can we see these islands?" spoke Kaeryon.
"Anytime you like Lords, we can go tomorrow or any day you please" Alaerya bowed her head respectfully to her allies.
Aeyrelis spoke, "Lords let's do this while the events of the last upheaval to our society is fresh. We leave tomorrow before first light, let's not lose any more Valyrian nobility to these foolish experiments"
The Lords agreed and shook hands with the Valreons and the High Governor. Everyone looked solemn, the drink trays reappeared and everyone enjoyed more drinking after the seriousness of the meeting.
Alaerya looked to the High Governor, "We couldn't have done that without you"
"I will do anything to help your venture succeed my dear"
She stepped closer to him, "I hope you'll rethink the option to evacuate before it's too late. The offer will remain open to you, could be a nice place to spend after many years in office"
He squeezed her hand, "I'll consider it but for now I foresee being needed to remain here and keep peace until the end"
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The skies were still dark it was hours before sun up, it was decided to make the most of the trip to the islands to leave as early as possible. The Lords of the Allied families gathered in the Valreon dragon dome, they all had on their riding armour and were prepared to leave. Alaerya and Aeyrelis mounted their dragons.
"Follow Alaerya she has ridden to the islands a few days ago" directed Aeyrelis.
The men all nod solemnly, and follow her lead into the dark morning sky. They flew for hours before land came into view ahead of them, and as the islands came into view she heard several shouts of surprise. She led them on an aerial tour of the four islands, they could see the extent of the development best by air. The designated areas were clearly viewed, the agriculture and livestock areas, the schools, other industries and the temples. She chose to leave the best until last, they landed on the volcanic island. She gave them a tour into the underground caves and the gold and gem caves. The astonishment on their faces was amusing but she kept matters serious. She wanted them to join her family here and build a new, better Valyria. After emerging from the caves Jaehserys came to join them and answered questions they had about the design and structure of the buildings. He went through details of where he changed Valyrian design to accomodate things more effectively and why it was better. They then went and inspected the homes that had been built for the nobility. Alaerya had already allocated the homes to the families and had their sigils placed throughout their residences. They were much more modern and luxurious than in Valyria. Jaehserys had gone above and beyond at designing their homes.
To end the tour they gathered in House Valreon to discuss their thoughts.
"So gentlemen, please divulge your thoughts. As you can see we have put a lot of thought and genuine desire into making this work. We allied with you because we value you, so please don't hold back"
"We would have to be extremely arrogant and stupid to not take heed to these messages. We have a Temple of Dreamwalkers for a reason, they provide us sound counsel and advice about future matters to all the families. We heed their advice then, I don't see why we stop now" spoke Aery Traellar.
"It'll be uncomfortable to relocate but not impossible thanks to magic. And with the presence of this group of fanatics in one of the Temples it seems even more likely we are in danger." continued Aery.
"I don't like it, I hate the idea of leaving Valyria its where we were all born and became who we are today. But this place...this surpasses what we have now in Valyria I can only begin to imagine where we go from here" Kaeryon spoke.
"My House has and always will stand by you" smiled Rhaegon Aelleron.
"After thinking on this House Jaedra follows also" smiled Vyselis Jaedra
They all raise their glasses in the sumptuous dining hall with natural light streaming in and a beautiful breeze warming the room.
"Aeyrelis how much of House Valreon has been relocated here?" questioned Aery.
"Almost all of it" he replies sipping his drink
"And it's all accounted for?" asked Kaeryon.
"First trip I accompanied them to be sure but Alaerya has magical protections in place to prevent thievery. All the wealth was disguised in inconspicuous packages, and it's placed under protection in our vaults. You will each have vaults of your own"
"There is more room than just for us, do you plan on making more people aware of this place Alaerya?" questions Vyselis.
She bowed her head, "Of course my Lord but you can understand we want to leave behind those who brought us to where we are now in Valyria. People who come here will need to be picked with care"
"So gentlemen I'll draw up plans to begin relocation of your belongings and Alaerya will give us the approval when to begin evacuating families. Does everyone agree?"
"Sorry Aeyrelis I'm not saying this to imply I don't trust you but shouldn't we have some of our own people or family members here to ensure our belongings are safe? You're asking us to pack up our lives and secretly put them onto boats. That leaves us exposed to robbery or treachery. If we lose everything..." said Kaeryon looking concerned.
Aeyrelis put up his hand as Kaeryon spoke, "I would never ask anyone to put their families wealth and legacy into my hands and mine alone. I wouldn't do it and I do not expect you to either. Nominate your most trusted to oversee the first shipments or every shipment if it pleases you. We can even discuss partial family evacuations now and have our families here and in Valyria. I'm open to suggestions, this is not a one sided proposition. I would not seek to make anyone feel pressured to do something that makes them worried for their wealth. Does that proposal seem fair?"
All men nodded in agreement, "We will return now, nominate your people along with family members and they can accompany as you see fit gentlemen. I'm glad we came to an agreement on this" finished Alaerya.
Alaerya's comments concluded the discussion and after they finished eating the were shown through House Valreon.
Krysaella's father Aery marveled at the homes and came to speak with Alaerya, "My Lady I noticed each island has a noble house larger than the rest. Who will be inhabiting these?"
"Our children and their betrothed will be rulers of an island each my Lord" smiled Alaerya.
The men all stopped and looked at her in disbelief and she smiled at them, "As reward for your alliance, trust and loyalty your children will be rulers over these islands alongside House Valreon"
The final comment had signed and closed the deal, when they saw the wealth that was here and the potential for growth that was one thing. But their children in equal power, the New Age of Valyria had truly dawned. They embraced Aeyrelis and gratefully shook Alaerya's hand, pledging vows of allegiance for the new Valyria.
Kaeryon looked at Alaerya in amusement as they approached their dragons to mount, "I suppose you'll need to name these islands my Lady. Seeing as you found them"
She looked around at the islands, "Well each island will have their own names but collectively they will be named...Valreos"
The Lords gave approval and in unison they mounted and soared into the sky away from Valreos returning to Valyria.
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The leaders of Valyria's Temples gathered at a meeting room in the High Governors building so they all fit comfortably. Alaerya had suddenly appeared materialising out of the air. Many of the leaders were visibly shaken by her magic, as no one had ever mastered a talent like this. She stood in front of them and emanated power but also grace. She did not look down on them rather she looked at them fondly. No one knew why this meeting had been called.
"We have been working together for a common goal, educating the children of Valyria and making Valyria stronger. I would like to think we have all managed to collaborate respectfully and worked well together."
She opened her hand and an orb appeared in her palm. She looked down at it momentarily, "We know Valyrias days are numbered..."
Murmurs broke out, "Dont deny it. To do so would be to treat the talents we all possess as useless and to deny the power we have within us"
The room was quiet, she looked at them all
"Many of you have seen this future that's unfolding but what many of you don't know is within one of your temples a group of fanatics is planning to unleash the fury which will kill our civilisation"
Cries of condemnation and outrage were sparked, she allowed them space to vent their anger and waited patiently watching over them calmly.
"This is not an accusation, it's only a fact. I do not begrudge these people, what is in motion is unfolding and we need to find a solution. For our continuation."
A priest from the Temple of Storms stood at the rear of the meeting, "What is your proposal? We have seen the coming of darkness in our temple but the immediate future is unclear. What do you see?"
Alaerya paced at the front of the meeting and looked out over them all, "I will show you what I see"
The orb expanded silently and filled the room with familiar images of the prophecy, and images of the islands before they were built on.
It contracted when it finished and disappeared at her touch. She looked at them, "I have something in motion that can continue our traditions and culture. But not all of you will agree with what I have planned. So rather than tell everyone my plan I'll give you a choice, come to me by the end of this week and pledge your trust to me and I'll reveal the details. From there arrangements will be made. For those of you who do not like me or do not wish to follow me, you are given the freedom to make a choice. But just know no one else in Valyria has a plan like mine. No one else will succeed even if they try, but I will not force anyone to do anything. Despite having the abilities to do so, I want people to join me of their own will. If I don't see you by the end of the week I'll know your choice and it will be respected and honoured. We will part ways from then"
She smiled and respectfully bowed and disappeared, after her departure many of them looked at one another in fear and bewilderment. She had certainly made a compelling case for them to follow her.
After her departure discussion broke out amongst the priests, the room was divided and it began to get heated.
The First Dreamwalker stood silently sighing that he always had to reinstate order among them.
"Quiet!" He boomed loudly drowning out the sounds of the room, "No wonder we are where we are! Look at us! Supposed to be the greatest civilisation that ever lived. And yet we are too busy squabbling amongst ourselves to actually do anything! If you don't want to listen to her then don't! But when the fires of Valyria burn us all to ash don't be surprised."
The room was stunned, the Priest of Storms stood.
"Who else has begun having these prophetic dreams? I can't be the only one?"
Numerous priests and priestesses nodded
"So..." started the First Dreamwalker, "almost every wielder of potent magic in this room is having powerful dreams of prophecy most of you with no training in this area. And you still don't believe this woman? She has mastered aspects of magic which we have no written record of! She has mastered every single aspect of magic in our known world and still there are seeds of doubt? What is wrong with us? We are supposed to be intelligent"
"Who doesn't want to relocate? Don't be ashamed if you don't, the time has passed for worrying about how we appear. If you don't want to go stand up"
Several stood, some were undecided.
"If you can't decide now think on it but if you clearly want to stay we hold nothing against you. It's has to be a choice made free of coercion, but the cost of you staying is relinquishing your official written documents. Your temple knowledge cannot stay here in Valyria to be burned in the fires."
Those who stood bowed and swept from the room, "You will bring your documents to me tomorrow. In full" stated the First Dreamwalker directly to them as they passed by.
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His night had been a busy one on the dream road, he saw many images that he didn't understand that disturbed him. A woman with three dragons, four young babies with Valyrian features two with dark hair, a major explosion of green fire that leaves a crater where a city once stood, a weapon that destroys evil, a young man clearly with Valyrian blood with grey eyes and dark hair, and the whole time he can hear a woman's dying plea 'promise me Ned, promise me', he wakes when he comes face to face with a raven that has three eyes staring down at him from the branches of a foreign tree. His heart is heavy, he knows those who choose to remain in Valyria will be seeing him today and he didn't want to face them. They sought him out in the temple of DreamWalkers, their libraries of important texts accompanying them enchanted with basic Valyrian magic to float alongside them.
He stored them to be sent on the next shipment to Valreos and distributed to the Temples. Some just looked at him silently as they handed over their texts, he knew these were the originals because he checked their authenticity before giving them permission to leave. And he also knew these people had made copies to keep here, he knew to these people knowledge was the seat of their power and they clung to these books as if they gave them life. Rhaenar assisted him and saw to the organisation of books being transported to the docks. They were placed in magic chests which could fit almost the entire collection they had amassed throughout the day. He was disheartened so many willingly chose to stay, nearly half of the crowd Alaerya addressed last night had chosen against her. The last to enter broke his heart, his daughter, head Priestess of Temple of Shadows. This Temple despite its name was not associated with Dark Magic, they were wielders of Shadow magic enabling those who master it to transform themselves and objects. They were likened to shadows because they could be anywhere anytime and were sought after assassins in Valyria. When the shadows strike there is no hiding, they're incredibly gifted with their skills.
He looked sadly into her large bright eyes, "Why you?"
She was calm and serene, "I've seen the end. It's my destiny to remain and I won't alter the events that take place. I will try to wield some power to influence the events as they unfold in the end. Ill know what to do when the time comes"
He saw two little children peek out from their mothers skirt, a boy and a girl.
"And them?" He said indicating his grandchildren
"They will evacuate with Rhaenar, when the dreams call us. They need to leave, I'm entrusting them to your care from now on. It's breaks me apart inside but this is how it must be. I've seen it and this is the way it ends well. The other paths do not end in survival"
He knelt down and put out his hand to the children, they looked up at their mother and she indicated it was alright.
Apprehensively they approached him, he hugged them tight. Pain in his heart.
Rhaenar appeared and organised the library she had brought with her, he looked down and was surprised.
"Rhaenar these are my grandchildren, when the time comes you will leave with them"
Rhaenar was shocked and unsure about being in charge of children but accepted the request.
"Father you should leave too" his daughter said simply, "go when Rhaenar leaves, it is for the best"
"I can't leave while my child burns in Valyria"
She smiled tightly, "You'll see, its for the best"
She bowed and left the temple to return to her own, her inky black gowns swishing quietly as she departed.
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Since their return Aeyrelis had ordered daily meetings to plan and discuss the logistics of the Allies transition to Valreos. Alaerya joined in to be updated on progress occasionally amongst her other duties. Her first priority was the schooling of Valyrias children, she stood watching over them learning and laughing amongst each other and she realised most of them would be left to die. She felt guilt and pain stab in her heart. Even those who came from families with no known magical gifts had shown progress in wielding basic magic. Alaerya walked among the tables as they chattered amongst themselves and it intensified her sadness. She left to check on the men in their meeting, entering and not interrupting the Lords as they spoke. She listened quietly as they planned a staged evacuation of their family members and possessions. They had been working at it for days, and the plan had already been in motion, numerous shipments had already successfully been executed. Everyone's possessions and wealth had been settled and was accounted for, all were happy and had grown to trust one another a little more. Relations between these families was becoming iron tight, an important feature for times to come.
"My Lady you've been quiet since you came in. Are you troubled?" Said Vyselis gently.
"I've just come from the school, looking out over my students I've realised the whole time we have been planning our evacuation. And there are many young children we haven't begun to think of, they're all kind hearted pure Valyrian's who are innocent in this. Can we think of a way to save some of the others as well? I won't forgive myself for not trying"
The men all looked at her with various expressions on their faces, "Their families will be the biggest problem. Many of their families we didn't want to bring over for numerous reasons" said Rhaegon
"How did you organise the Temples to make their choice my Lady?" intejected Aery.
"I gave them a choice to join me and respected their decision to stay. After I left the First Dreamwalker spoke on his behalf and went from there. Just over half the temples will be relocating and will need to be included in the transition planning."
The men made note of this on their plans for inclusion later, Aeyrelis looked up, "Do you have any plans for the school my Love? What do you think of a school excursion that doesn't return?"
"You'll never get the families not in the room to agree to anyone taking their children anywhere" said Kaeryon, "They'll laugh at you, no matter who you are" he finished with a respectful bow to Alaerya.
"Alaerya", said Aeyrelis softly, "we will endeavour to save as many as we can let's prioritise what we have between our families first. We will come up with a plan for others in the near future, I promise"
The men looked uncertain but she trusted Aeyrelis and she agreed.
"So gentlemen fill me in on what the current plans are."
They indicated the scroll outlining the stages, "We are in stage one my Lady, we have almost completed transitioning our vaults to our respective homes. We have elderly family in our new assigned houses, currently we have extended family on a shipment there now. The ones who agreed to leave that is. Many are choosing to remain behind."
Alaerya looked over the plan, it was well planned.
"Next stage we begin moving furniture and the contents of our houses, this is where we might need your help" said Aery, "we can't live in empty houses, if anyone sees all our homes empty it will raise suspicions. Do you have any suggestions?"
"That is an easy solution. I'll create furniture from magic for you all it'll look as it did before the removal."
"This furniture can it be-?" began Kaeryon.
"You can sit on this furniture it will not disappear or make you fall through it. You will not know the difference"
The men looked relieved, this had obviously been a factor they couldnt plan for themselves. Everyone wanted to remain discreet due to the vulnerability of their wealth laying in another territory.
"Right, so our homes can be packed in ways to be fit into your enchanted chests. Relocation of our homes will be the next stage. Then we wait and make our preparations."
They all looked at Alaerya for what was to come next.
"I'm waiting for the last indication..." started Alaerya.
"Can you tell us what it is? We might be able to help..." offered Rhaegon.
"You can't because it involves one of our children, the priestess told me when my daughter walks the dream road we need to leave"
"Have you been keeping up to date with your daughters or have an indication which one it might be?" frowned Kaeryon.
"I suspect it will be Rhaellyra but there has been no development in that area yet. We should plan for what we will do once this occurs. I was given no indication how long after her dream walking the event will occur. The High Governor said last week we had a few months but I don't want to leave the planning until the last minute. Our family will be last to leave because we will attract the most attention. Decide among yourselves how you will depart in what order, but House Valreon and our wards will leave last."
"All due respect Alaerya, wouldnt it be in hour familys best interest for your children to evacuate with thekr betrothed families? What if you dont leave in time?" spoke Aery, he was obviously concerned for Krysaella his daughter. Especially now she will become a ruler of Valreos alongside Aeyrelion in the future.
Aeyrelis made some notes on the plans, "What do you think Alaerya? Begin evacuating the children with the allies?"
Alaerya begins to speak but is interrupted by a knock.
They all look up at a knock on the door as Tellerion enters. Aeyrelis motions for him to enter and Alaerya looks confused, "He's our friend we need to bring him in" Aeyrelis said quietly
"We should've spoken about this first. I haven't seen his family joining us in the transition..."
"We have children from his family as wards it's our responsibility to tell him"
She knew he was right, she acquiesced.
"Tellerion thank you for coming, we need to discuss some important plans with you" began Aeyrelis to a surprised looking Tellerion.
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Alaerya decided its was time to summon her daughters and ride together, the three Valreon's rode in unison out of their dome and rose together around the city of Valyria. They intertwined around one another, rolling and diving around. Alaerya felt so much joy at dancing with her daughters dragons. Rhaellyras dragon shone bright in the sun as she was shimmering gold and Allarias dragon was fierce but looked dainty as she was a dusty pink. They flew along the face of the volcanos which encircled the stunning city. They swooped and dived and raced up to the peak of the volcanos and looked into their fiery depths and out across to the shimmering sea on the opposite side of them. The city laid out at the foot of the volcanos and spreading out to the sea they looked out over it all. The three dragons flew on the spot as they looked out silently.
"I am going to miss this mother" Rhaellyra spoke first.
"Will we have anywhere to live when we leave Mother?" Said Allaria nervously.
"The islands we are going to have been fully built upon and you will come to love them. Possibly even more than here." replied Alaerya
"What about the others? Will they come too?" Said Allaria and Alaerya knew she meant her school friends.
"I'm working on it, their families won't make that easy I'm afraid".
Rhaellyra shot her mother a look,"Why wouldnt they want their children to be safe?"
"Pride and anger that theyre not in the alliance, it worries me that so much talent will die here"
Rhaellyra looked out over the city, and in the moment knew it was her responsibility to rally the children.
"Girls I need to know if either of you have been having...dreams" spoke Alaerya looking at them searching them for hints of this talent.
"What kind of dreams? We dream every night" said Rhaellyra, pulled from her thoughts.
"You'll know them when you have them these aren't like normal dreams. Normal dreams can be changed, they fade when you wake up and you don't...feel everything"
"Feel everything? I'm confused, what does that mean?" said Allaria
"When you dreamwalk you feel every sensation as if you're right there it can be traumatic and painful. When you first have them they can be dangerous because they put a lot of physical pressure on your body. People have died because of it"
"Why is this a concern about one of us doing this mother?" questioned Rhaellyra.
She looked at her daughters.
"One of you will begin to dream walk and I must be made aware of it immediately. That will mark the beginning of our evacuation, and of our allies. Our lives and the lives of our friends depend on it"
The three Valreons hovered on their dragons in silence momentarily.
"We will tell you mother when this begins" said Rhaellyra a heavy feeling in her heart.
"Thank you my dear, now let's do some more flying I don't get a chance to do this very often". The women swooped and soared around the city, their dragons extending their wings joyfully. Alaerya felt joy for the first time since returning from the islands.
