A/N: Apologies for the skipped week, a lot has been happening and I didn't have time to dedicate to the story! So I'll drop both chapters of the events around Valyrias destruction :)

Thanks for the reviews sircus and naruto!!! And to answer your comment sircus there are quite a few Valyrians who have names starting with A...just like in the Targaryen line that we know...but there are plenty others who have names starting with different letters. Some of those characters are the focus in this chapter...

This begins the two chapter arc of the Doom of Valyria, I was sad writing this because it officially ends the story line in this part of time. But there are some exciting things to come...enjoy

Chapter 21: Before The Doom

Outside of Valreon House the whole of Valreos had assembled to hear their leader's speak under a bright, sunny day. Banners of House Valreon flapped in the wind and were interspersed with the banners of allied families. The allies stood proudly alongside the Valreon's, looking on jubilantly as Aeyrelis enhanced his voice and addressed the crowd

"Good people of Valreos, thank you. You have chosen to continue the greatest civilisation the world has ever seen. Finding these islands ensured our lives were not lost to a senseless destruction, and we can continue to strengthen and grow our culture. For Valyria is mighty, but Valreos will survive and eventually, rule them all"

The crowd cheered and clapped in response, Aeyrelis looked back to his wife with a smile, "None of this would be possible without the Lady of my House, Alaerya Valreon. She found the islands we stand on today and she found the builders who created the cities we live in today. So please show your appreciation to the founder of Valreos"

The crowd cheered even louder this time as Alaerya stepped forward her hair styled intricately and dressed in a stylised Valyrian gown with the House sigil across her back.

"Thank you good people of Valreos, I may have found these islands but it was you who heeded the warning and chose to live alongside us. So we also thank you for your faith, and courage to venture to a new world. In the coming weeks we will finalise the last details of our new society and will hold some celebrations to mark the beginning of the New Age for Valyria, here on Valreos. We will also be naming the islands that make up Valreos and assembling the ruling council. Which will be made up of the allied families and representatives from industry and religion present on the island. This way all have a vested interest in ensuring Valreos begins, and stays, strong"

The crowd cheered for her prompting the dragons flying over them to screech and swoop.

The New Age in Valreos had begun.

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After addressing the crowd, and the hectic moments following, of speaking to many of the people who were now citizens on their islands, the Valreons were tired. The evening was reserved for the Allied families only as Aeyrelis was worried for the health of his wife. She had seemed slightly unlike her usual self following her last large act of magic and leaving Valyria. The banquet hall was lavishly decorated with elaborate golden candelabras, luscious bouquets of flowers and enchanted dragons flying overhead around the ceiling.

The food and wine was flowing, conversation was light and happy. Alaerya felt at peace with all the recent events and had some time to enjoy the moment, looking around the room. For a moment their new reality seemed surreal and she felt as if she was still in Valyria. Internally Alaerya was reflecting on recent events and the immense amount of planning to get here and she smiled at herself and how much of a huge feat it was to get here. Her husband arrived at her side wearing a concerned look at the faraway expression on her face. Aeyrelis had been very protective of her and only allowed the allied families to attend dinner with them. Had he have allowed it, the other surviving families would've gushed at an opportunity to be in their presence. But boundaries had to be set and be in place early.

He looked at her through the night, "Are you feeling ok? You've been quieter than usual"

She took his hand and held it lightly, "You're right I haven't been feeling myself lately. Everything is coming to a head and my work load has caught up with me."

She led him through the families who were socialising and toasting them as they moved by to dance in front of the musicians. Alaerya looked up at her husband and wrapped her hands around his neck, slowly dancing to the music.

"Is that all it is? I feel like there's more you're not telling me" Aeyrelis brow was furrowed one concern, the worry of Alaerya almost dying last time was still fresh.

"Feel me Aeyrelis, you know me well enough by now"

Aeyrelis pulled her closer and sent his magic out, he could instantly feel the change in her, a change he had recognised, four times over. They slow danced in the middle of the room to Valyrian classical music, his arms protectively holding her.

She rested her head on his shoulder, "Yes I should've known you'd feel it too. Seems I am with child, again. How my body has done it I don't understand. I've not been kind to my health of late"

"Well you will be from now on. No more crazy schedules, I mean it. I won't lose you and neither will this child" he whispered fiercely into her ear. Alaerya smiled at his passion and simply replied with a slight nod of acknowledgement, she was too tired for much else.

He placed a hand over her stomach and kissed her cheek, "You could've told me earlier"

"I didn't know until recently, I've been consumed with organisation and relocation. I missed all the signs myself. Aelyssa broke the news to me the morning we sailed to Valreos, I haven't had much time to process it either". Aeyrelis continued dancing with her his mind ticking over.

"I think it's time for an announcement, what do you think?"

She smiled tiredly, "If you wish husband. I am too tired to deny you"

"Perhaps that's how this happened in the first place" he said in a low voice with a mischievous grin.

She smiled at him knowingly and squeezed his arm as they made their way to the front of the room. With magic Aeyrelis created the most beautiful ringing sounds in the air to get their guests attention.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Valreos, our allies and closes friends, thank you for this small gathering tonight. Although with our partners and children the gathering is not so small. We are all going to be family and very soon we will be joining Aeyrelion and Krysaella in marriage. The date has been set for one moon from now" Aeyrelis paused to smile at his son and the crowd whispered excitedly. Valyrian weddings were massive affairs of opulence and grandeur, even more so when two rich families come together like in this marriage.

"What better way to celebrate the coming together of our families with a marriage" the crowd clapped and cheered at the idea of a Valyrian wedding on Valreos, "And another way to celebrate is with the birth of a child!"

The crowd quietened and looked at each other with confusion, Alaerya stepped forward her tiny stomach noticeable now.

"Please everyone rejoice in the news that House Valreon grows by one more"

Their children looked surprised and shocked, but after a moment clapped loudly and cheered.

The crowd cheered and clapped in their wake, there was much toasting and celebration, the dragons overhead roared copious sparks of golden light which showered down over the guests. Alaerya was surrounded by her children and wards who were excitedly talking to her and Aeyrelis was pulled away by the men who pressed a drink to him and toasted enthusiastically.

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Vhaerya watched the announcement in the flames and felt a stab of sadness that she would never meet this child. That sadness was replaced by anger and she filed that away for use later. She watched as the vision of Valreos faded and she was pleased that relations between the families remained high. It would be important moving forward for the success of what Alaerya had been building all this time. She sighed internally and continued her flame practices as part of her daily contribution to the Valyrian Flames. Approved members of the Council of Flames each had a responsibility to contribute time and practice to the magical energy feeding the volcanos of Valyria. To give thanks for the magic that built them up from nomadic herders to the super power they are currently. She sits in the flames and feeds the magical energy until the room pulses with power and flames periodically erupt and dance around the room. Every element has a light and shadow side, every element can be used for positive uses and negative uses. The Flame Council uses the flame magic for building and contributing to Valyrias power, helping everyone in its cities grow and develop. Feeding the fires of the world and giving life. The fanatics however want to wield the dark shadow aspect of the flames, the power which takes life away, the power which consumes and doesn't give in return. The power that is greedy, always hungry and never satisfied with what it has. This energy attracts individuals who exhibit these characteristics of greed and insatiable desire for power. Vhaerya can wield the flames in light and shadow, something not even Alaerya has attempted to do. Which makes her the most powerful member on the Council of Flames, yet not one of the fanatics knows of her prior knowledge with the Flames of Darkness. She knew this force would never remain hidden, although she had hoped it would. She knew this force brings darkness and death, she knew this is the force that created the shadow lands near Asshai. A place that had once been a seat of power and great magic, which fell to the illusion of grandeur and power this force projects to unsuspecting and weak individuals. There had once been great cities in this region and all that remains now is Asshai on the outskirts of the fallen civilisation. The Flames had devoured them all and moved on to the next susceptible civilisation. It craved to consume great power and great magic and it had found that in Valyria. How it moved and survived she did not know but she knew this power was hungry to consume it all, and not stop. Vhaerya contemplated her options for destroying her remaining enemies as she used her fury to feed the Flames burning under Valyrias volcanos.

After some time she looked out from the flames and saw Vaeris, Valyrias High Governor waiting to speak with her. She scowled and let the flames die and retreat into her arms

"What are you still doing here?" she snarled at him.

"I'm ensuring things go to plan, just like you" Vaeris replied shortly.

"Your life threads don't need to be here Vaeris and you're leaving it too late to leave by sea. That ship sails tomorrow"

He approached her and sat across from her, "I'm aware of that"

"Tell me how you being here helps anyone"

He laughed and looked her in the eyes, "I'm stopping attacks on the boats going to Valreos, some of the remaining nobility are discussing raiding the ships and killing those on board and appropriating the wealth transporting with them. And Orys supports it, only I stand in their way"

Vhaerya conjured a flame and verified this by gazing with contempt at Orys.

"They'll make a move with or without you, plans are in motion regardless. You can still get out of here and protect the ships"

"How is that possible?"

"With a good exit strategy both can be achieved"

"So you won't tell me" said Vaeris in exasperation.

"No and you should know by now when I warn you to do something I have good reasons. You obviously have some death wish if you sent all your dragons to Valreos with your family" she replied hotly.

"What are the reasons you want me out of Valyria?"

"You're needed on Valreos..."

He interrupted her harshly, "Dont be cryptic cousin I have no patience for these games. Tell me what you see"

Vhaerya conjured the flames and showed him, he peered into the Flames and watched Aeyrelis announce their pregnancy. Then the scene changed and his daughter in law's stomach was growing also. She was further into pregnancy than Alaerya.

He glanced at Vhaerya the pain evident in his eyes, "I will think on it"

"Don't think too long, your window is closing"

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Alaerya watched the sun setting from their terrace overlooking all of Valreos. The islands were now a hub of activity, she could see people and priests moving around on their business. Dragons were circling and dancing with one another in the sky and children laughing as they played in the streets. She sat overlooking their home with her hand over her growing stomach and felt at peace with everything that had happened so far. Krysaella had just been sitting with her discussing the plans for the wedding. Her dress was being created now and she was discussing Valyrian customs and plans for the feast with Alaerya. It made Alaerya swell with pride her oldest was getting married to a beautiful and talented young woman. She realised ruefully that very soon her youngest child will have a niece or nephew close in age. After Krysaella had departed she sat and closed her eyes aligning with the vibrant energy of the islands which had been brought under some control by her mother in the new Temple of Flames. Her blood was singing and in response she felt her dragon Vaella singing also. Her cries could be heard all over the island as she was easily the biggest and most powerful dragon now. Small flutters showed Alaerya her child was responding to the magic in the air and she enjoyed the moment of feeling her baby inside her. She looked over to the Ports and saw Valyrian ships preparing to dock, anxious faces looking up at the islands. New citizens, they will need to be spoken to and allocated housing, she thought to herself.

There was plenty of time to organise this as the docking process was rigorous, checking their identities and unloading the possessions, putting families in groups so they don't get seperated. The process had been streamlined and had considerably improved from the first rounds of ships that had arrived. She had kept a keen eye on the arriving ships noting that people had been steadily following her warning. She had also noticed the absence of certain members of Valyrias nobility she had hoped would not take her warning. The right people had taken the opportunity to relocate for now, stroking her stomach she also realised Vaeris the High Governor had chosen to remain also.

"You are deep in thought my dear" said Aeyrelis as he kissed her head from behind. Alaerya had been so deep in thought she hadn't heard him.

A slight breeze had started, causing the scents from the flowers to intensify and the vines to sway slightly in the breeze.

Alaerya smiled up at him, "new arrivals"

She pointed out to the ports and smiled, "People are choosing to come"

He rubbed her shoulders and they watched for a while together as the boats docked and the process begun. As the sun began to dip below the horizon he drew her by her hand to their bedroom, at his touch her dress fell to the floor and he carried his love to their bed.

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Orys pored over the maps trying to find where these islands would be that some Valyrians were relocating to. Finding them and crushing them would show Valyria he was stronger to lead them into the New Age of Greatness. So far every location he had scouted had been unsuitable or incorrect. He had considered flying out himself to look on a daily basis, the goal of finding and attacking them had become an obsession for him. And thankfully of the remaining nobility, almost all of them were willing to assist him. His crusade to remove Vaeris as High Governor would succeed and he would rule Valyria soon. He could feel it was happening, he had support of the Houses, and the remaining Governors had lost faith in Vaeris. The hatred he felt kept his momentum going and kept his eye on the prize of becoming the next Valyrian ruler. After hours of gazing and planning scouts to visit potential sites he made plans and began to tire. Noting down he wanted to further explore the lands close to a large land mass to the west of Valyria. And to the south west a group of islands called the Summer Islands drew his attention also. He mused that those who left couldn't have had time to store or put defences up for their possessions. He wrote groups of dragon riders to scout and organised ships and Valyrian forces to attack and plunder. Satisfied with his machinations he was confident he would sweep through this pretend Valyrian country and take it all for himself. He would enjoy watching the Valreon family be annihilated. He pictured their deaths in graphic detail with particular emphasis on Alaerya.

Vhaerya watched him in her flames, his face smug as he gloated over his plans with a drink in his hand, as he prepared to attack her family. She smiled, she enjoyed watching the arrogant fall, especially after his imaginations about her niece.

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Vaeris went about his business as usual acutely aware of the departing ship that had left the dock earlier today. There had been issues at the port, with certain citizens of nobility seeking to stop people boarding and seizing their possessions. This group of extreme Valyrians believed Valreos was weak, and could easily be invaded and seized. They had begun their incursions on people seeking refuge on Valreos to test the retaliation that might occur. Today's shipment was the last, and people had rushed at the last minute to leave. This group hadn't counted on a powerful group of priests being among the last to leave and had felt the wrath of their attacks being returned in kind.

Vaeris read through reports from the Port Officials outlining the attacks, who was present and what the damage was. Mostly they did not damage, and did not delay the ships leaving, but they had grown in number and intensity due to their failures. Today would be no different and he knew tomorrow would bring a fresh delivery of reports from around the city. Looting and burning of abandoned Valyrian residences had occurred also, mostly in response to a mysterious lack of any wealth left behind. Everyone had simply emptied their vaults, and yet no one had sighted large stores of wealth leaving the city. He smirked as he recognised Alaerya's magic all over that and remembered his own family emptying the vaults using her magic bags. He looked at his schedule and noticed that a week from today was the supposed ritual of the Flame fanatics. He knew he needed to decide what to do and quickly, and a plan formed in his mind. He moved one meeting he was not looking forward to for the day prior to the destruction. And the second meeting he did not want to be present for, the day of the destruction. He glanced out his window at the volcano large and foreboding next to his office. He stood and approached the window, it's reflection across his face as he looked sadly at what awaited his home. Anyone who would be in the office at that time would not have time to evacuate and would surely perish a most painful death. He looked back at his schedule and was satisfied, he called his assistants to send out the details for reschedule. Knowing those attendees would seek him out, he left his office, warded the door and decided to enjoy a few days of Valyrias existence from his dome. His plans could be revisited after he enjoyed some time alone.

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Orys raged at this change of timing but he had no way of reaching Vaeris to vent, so he waited and bided his time until his meeting. He had it all planned and would finally have one over his rival. It would be the sweetest victory of his life. His dragon riders had gone out and returned with reports of being unable to find the islands of Valreos. The only ones left to leave would be the group heading to the summer islands. He would send that group out once he had control of Valyria, which he would get through words or spilling blood whatever seemed right in the moment.

The time came for his meeting and he dressed in a commanding Valyrian battle suit, as he planned to dominate and wanted his intentions to be clear. He stormed into Vaeris office and glared at him.

"I've come to-" he started with authority.

Vaeris looked up at him and an amused look came across his face, Orys burned inside with fury.

"You're late" said Vaeris softly.

"It doesn't matter because I'm here to-"

"I know why you're here" said Vaeris interrupting him, "You're here in time to sign some paperwork and have a run down of what's coming up in the calendar"

Orys stopped for a moment, confused, and his face must've shown it.

"Come sit Orys we have much to discuss" said Vaeris patronisingly.

Orys made his way commandingly to a chair, flung it out and sat, trying to maintain his strength and powerful demeanour.

Vaeris pushed some paperwork to him, "Sign these and you can have it"

Orys looked at him questioningly and noticed with a leap of happiness what these papers were.

"I quit as High Governor, clearly you think you're better to lead our people into the New Age and maybe it's time for a change of leadership. I can't think of anyone better than you to lead us into what's to come"

Orys was floored, he hadn't expected it to come to him this easily.

"You realise my first mission will be to attack and subjugate the traitors on Valreos, the allied families will all be executed and their wealth distributed among the high nobles here in Valyria" spoke Orys savagely.

"What you do as High Governor of Valyria is not my concern any longer. I've signed the paper work and had this agreed upon by the remaining members of Council. Starting tomorrow you are the leader of Valyria, now important to note are the meetings we have coming up and the direction I am taking them in"

"That won't be necessary old man," interjected Orys, "I can work that out for myself and where I want them to go. Just tell me who the meetings are with"

"Alright, tomorrow you have the members left of the pyromancers guild seeking fund allocation from the treasury, seems the pyromancers in charge emptied their vaults to relocate. The Guild was split over the decision and those in power left those who disagreed to carry on here, they'll need fund allocation. Mid morning you have another visit from the Temple of Shaerya to discuss strategies for strengthening the city's defences and reports from outside Valyria. After lunch, you will have the noble families all in attendance to discuss division of the assets left behind in Valyria and I was thinking to-"

Orys held up his hand, "Leave notes of what you allocated and I'll either agree or distribute as I see fit. Enjoy your last day in power, my friend" he said with the intended sarcasm at the end. Orys signed the paper work with a deliberate flourish and smiled winningly. Slightly disappointed inside, he had wanted Vaeris to put up a fight, but he liked to win all the same. Vaeris stood and extended his hand, Orys stood also looked at his outstretched hand scornfully, smiled and swept from the office.

Vaeris smiled after him, removing his hand his smile turning to a scowl, inside he was satisfied with his plans.

The rest of Vaeris' afternoon was tinged with sadness as he looked around his offices and removed the valuables he wanted, and the important documents from running the city. He took everything of importance which could help on Valreos, and make Orys only day in power difficult. He removed sentimental Valyrian artifacts and placed them in magic bags, he also took as many books on Valyrian history and governments as he could find. He basically plundered the entire building in his last few hours and left nothing of value or importance in there. Because of his position, no one questioned what he was doing and no one seemed to notice the missing objects. At the end of the day he looked around his office which looked very different being emptied of all items, shut his office door without bothering to ward it and left the building. The Governors building had a sweeping view over the city, as he left the building he saw down to the ports. He would have to find an alternative way to get to his family as the last ship to Valreos had left almost a week before. But he couldn't give Orys enough time to mobilise forces to attack Valreos, his resignation had to come the day before the destruction. That way Orys would waste time gloating and not get to do anything productive in time.

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Vaeris sat in his dome drinking the strongest Valyrian liquor he had left in his house, called Blood of Valyria, it was red and tasted like fire.

His blood was singing from becoming intoxicated as he reminisced about his days as the leader of the FreeHold. Some drinkers of this liquor report mild hallucinations after a certain amount. Which is why he jolted with surprise when Vhaerya materialised glowering down at him.

"Do you ever have another way of looking at people cousin?" he slurred drunkenly at her thunderous face.

She snatched his glass and threw it across the room, "Why are you still here?" She hissed deliberately and menacingly.

"I needed to put some pawns in place before my departure and I've done that now, so now is the time to get-"

"No it's not the time for that, it's time to leave" she said forcefully as she dragged him to standing.

"I left it too long I'm afraid" he looked whistfully at the bottle of liquor wishing for his glass.

Vhaerya noticed the bags next to his chair, "What are these?"

He looked bleary eyes at them, "anything of importance or value from the Valyrian government. Orys will have a hard time without all of this stuff"

He patted the bags gently with his hand and chuckled.

"Fool! He can just come demand it all tomorrow when he takes office!"

Vaeris smiled stupidly from the liquor, "Let him come then..."

At the end of her patience Vhaerya sent flames shooting at Vaeris sobering him up, the heat from the flames burning away the alcohol as it passes through him.

"I was enjoying my last glass of that!" he said indignantly as he felt the haze of drunkenness replaced with plain tiredness.

"You can take a bottle with you, and they are already making it there" she hissed through her teeth.

"It's too late I can't get there now, I won't make it and you know it."

"Not by sea you won't make it, especially considering you never bothered to take your lessons seriously"

She was right, he never had really taken to practicing magic to great heights. He enjoyed teaching the children and his role as leader of Valyria. Now all of that was gone and he was just facing imminent death.

"Maybe that will change when you get there," she continued, "Alaerya will need you to regain your strengths..."

"What are you talking about? For one I can't get there and two it's too late to teach me anything"

She laughed, "Dont be a fool, I've seen what you can really do"

He had a look of mock shock on his face, "Have you spied on me?"

"Yes I have"

"Why?"

"I wanted to see if you chose to abandon your talents or you just didn't have them anymore"

He walked around his dome in disbelief, not long ago he'd been enjoying some Valyrian finest and then she arrives and he's sober again being interrogated.

He looked back at her, "I still practice from time to time"

"I know you do, and you will improve on Valreos..."

He put his hands out pleadingly, "It's too late for me Vhaerya..."

She smiles, the first smile he's seen grace her face in the longest time, and she explodes as fire emanates out of her. It doesn't burn him but it brushes against his skin and tingles as it touches him.

He stands back as he notices a huge dragon of fire forming from Vhaeryas magic. It appears real and living, breathing sulfurous steam and looking at him with fiery eyes. Suddenly the dome has become crowded at the appearance of the dragon, towering above them and rustling its wings.

Vaeris is astonished, Vhaerya walks up beside him, "If you leave tonight you'll arrive in time, take everything you need and don't look back. The end is near, you need to make it there before my demise. Otherwise your ride will disintegrate in the air and you'll surely fall to your death"

He looked at her in disbelief, "I've never ridden a dragon made of flames..."

"You will be tonight" she laughed.

She looks up at the dragon as a seat and harness forms on the fire dragon, and hooks to store the enchanted bags.

"Clear your house out as quickly as you can" she says, handing him more bags, "take everything of value and that's sentimental"

He takes them and runs into his house to empty the vaults of what remains.

She waits for him and admires the dragon created from her blood and fire magic. She places her hand on the dragon and feels the shock of magic up her arm, the dragon looks her in the eye and they share a moment.

She feels saddened that her power will go to waste in the fires of Valyria and thinks of a way to transfer some of her power to Alaerya on the island. Some time later Vaeris returns, Vhaerya directs his bags to be stored on the hooks.

"Well, climb up" she says indicating to the dragon. Vaeris grimaces, "I'm an old man!"

He tries and stiffly he gets to the seat holding the reins more intended to help him hold on.

She walks to the dragons face, touches it closing her eyes and summons flames. She thinks of Valreos, Alaerya and everything she's seen there.

"Go to Valreos, fly as fast as possible"

She looked up eyes glowing, "I hope you make it in time, there's a chance you won't"

The dragon lifts up into the sky and flies at unreal speed that only a dragon made of magic is capable of doing.

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A group of children slunk away from their rooms in the dead of night, placing magic over their rooms to give the appearance they were present. The illusions were life like and very real, only if someone tried to touch them they'd know. But that risk was low as their families weren't affectionate or touchy. Plus they had all been pre occupied since the discussion of asset allocation had dominated the social scene recently. Using this as a cover to operate, the remaining children plotted and schemed, they had already been unsuccessful once. This was when most of their group managed to stow away in a ship headed to Valreos. Mostly made up of older children who dragged their younger siblings along with them, they had been practicing and mastering advanced magic with Alaerya up to the point of her departure. And they had all been sad their teacher had left Valyria. The children's shadows flirted through the dark of night as was their plan, travelling to their agreed meeting point. Three girls met the large group cradling babies and with toddlers and young children in tow. They'd been successful at liberating all their siblings, but this would slow them down now. The leader, a tall silver haired boy with fierce purple eyes nodded at their arrival. He was most keen to leave and they had missed their opportunity on the last ship as the children couldn't all be secured. Hopefully it won't make a difference he thought, we will still make it with luck and magic. His name was Oryon, son of Orys, the newly appointed High Governor of Valyria. He had always hated his father and found him to be an aggressive fool, and after his father gloated all evening about forcefully removing the previous High Governor he sent out the signal to evacuate. It had reminded him of when Alaerya had returned the children of the remaining council members, he knew she'd done it reluctantly and Orys had gloated that she had shown herself as weak not to kill or kidnap their children. Oryon was disgusted in his father and vowed to get to Valreos taking as many as he could.

The group cast repulsion spells and made their way to the docks and looked around at the ships available. They found one relatively empty and boarded, the captain was sleeping and the crew were playing cards under deck. The group cast a shield and prevented the crew coming on deck as they quickly sprung into action and pulled up the anchor with magic and untied the ropes holding the ship to the dock. As the ship sailed away quietly in the dark the captain woke to a dagger at his throat and purple eyes flashing into his in the dark.

"Move or alert anyone and you're all dead" spoke the young man with steely determination.

The captain looked with shock at his captors, a large group of children from various ages looked at him. He looked amused, but the cold dagger against his neck made him wary, "What do you want?" he spoke with a Westerosi accent which stood out in Valyria.

"Take us to Valreos"

He stuttered, "I- I've never been there. I don't even know what direction it lays in"

Another girl spoke, "if we give the directions..."

He nodded, "Ill take you just don't hurt any of the crew otherwise you won't be going anywhere fast"

"How fast can this ship travel?"

"Provided the winds are fair, quicker than most"

"Is there any cargo on board?"

"A small amount of food and some items we were hoping to sell elsewhere"

"You're not going there now and that shouldn't hinder us. Tell the crew not to hurt any of us, we are high born Valyrians. We will hurt you without lifting a finger"

The dagger was removed slowly and the captain breathed a small breath of relief, "What will we do once we get to Valreos?"

"You will let us off and we will organise payment to you for your passage"

"How much will that be?"

"Whatever amount the Lady of the islands sees fit for the man who saved her students from death"

The sails quickly were thrown up after the Captain went to the crew and the children watched tearfully from the deck as their home disappeared in the dark of night. The lights and domes of the city passing by them and the Flames of Valyria dancing over the city. Their fear didn't disappear though, they knew their chances of making it through the coming fallout from the destruction was slim to basically none. But it was worth a try, the girls huddled around the youngest children and held the babies close. Some were due for feeds and would start crying soon, but the alternative of leaving them was unthinkable. They cradled them close as they discussed how they would protect themselves when the sea turned against them. Whispering spells and ways of working magic hoping to save all their lives amongst themselves, all of them holding down the extreme fear they all felt.