A/N: appreciate the new followers the story gets every week :) seeing those follow notifications keeps me going so thank you!! To respond to your comments sircus it seems you and I share differing needs from a story. I LOVE the details, I don't like mystique, I want to know exactly what was happening and what people were thinking when major events happen. I'm the reader who always wants more of what's missing, I wanted more about Asshai from GRRM and I always wanted more on Valyria! Hence why this story...I'm portraying things in as much detail as I can without dragging the story out too much. This was never going to be a story where "then the doom happened and we invaded Westeros" as in real life, things take time to spur into action. People don't always agree or want to move into action instantly, and that's where I'm basing the events of this story on. Please keep commenting and enjoying, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment sircus!

We now move into the events directly after the Doom and how Valreos moves forward before we time jump ahead to Westeros. I actually cut out a whole heap of material for this section because I didn't want to drag this out too much. And it wasn't really relevant to the end game, enjoy the last few chapters from this time point in the story!

Chapter 23: The Lost City

The sickly and weak children from the voyage arrived at the Temple of Healers, an expansive temple with multiple wings for various healing purposes. Aeyrelion ordered them there from the docks after looking over the children with gaunt faces and trauma behind their eyes. Aeyrelion had spoken with Oryon and instructed them not to leave the Temple unless Aleyssa or Syraela, another head healer, had authorised it. The responsibility to care for the last arrivals from Valyria had been tasked to him by his mother who was bed ridden with child. He along with Krysaella had taken an active role in ruling Valreos on the ruling council and had jumped at the chance to ensure their classmates were safe. Aleyssa reported to Aeyrelion directly on the children's progress, providing him with details of their journey and their recovery. He felt the need to pass on this information to his mother who was fretting about her students wellbeing, something he knew but she had never said. Aeyrelion admired his mother's deep caring for the children she helped educate and he understood her grief for the ones she was unable to save. Despite being a small number he knew inside that number weighed heavily on her daily. Alaerya was shaken when news of the ships arrival and who it contained reached her. She lay in bed sleepless for the first few nights following their arrival thinking of how she could've done more, saved more, even forced more people to listen to her. Her days she felt incredibly tired and her healers worried for her, but she waved them away knowing it was her own fault she couldn't sleep. After wallowing in this energy for a few days she resigned herself to return to the present and do what was best in the moment. First, she wanted to see the ship for herself to ensure the accounts of its shocking state were correct. Approaching the ship at the docks walking slowly as the weight of her swollen stomach encumbered her she felt waves of shock at the sight of it wash over her. Only by powerful magic could this vessel have continued sailing, the mast snapped, sails torn and mostly gone, the deck splintered in places. It was a wonder it hadn't sunk. Seeing it for herself, knowing those children, her students, had been on it in a desperate attempt to reach Valreos shook Alaerya deeply. Boarding the ship gingerly with help from servants, she wandered through the ship and noticed discarded items left behind by the children. Small bags with beloved toys from Valyria, some books and even a few family photos were strewn around, forgotten in the excitement and prospect of land. Alaerya gathered them all knowing who owned which bags and took the time to soak up the realisation these children left behind everything and risked their lives just to find them. Before disembarking she sat where Vrysella had spent the last of her life energy working incredible magic to save them all. Vrysella was one of Alaerya's personal students, they shared many cherished moments together during their lessons. Alaerya remembered how fast she grew her skills and interest in working with the air element. She would never forget the look of pride on the youngsters face when she began to master advanced concepts of Valyrian magic. Skills which she would've relied on in order to give her life for the others. Alaerya placed her hands on the deck and saw flashes of Vrysella sitting where she was, she felt her internally praying and relentlessly working magic even when it become painful to do so. Shedding tears as she watched the visions of Vrysella focusing on Alaerya and willing the air to push them faster towards the islands, Alaerya's heart broke at the moment of Vrysellas death. She felt the relief and release of Vrysella's spirit from her body, but also the sadness they would never see each other again. Alaerya decided she wanted to dreamwalk soon and find Vrysella to thank her, she knew that was all she could do. Exiting the ship, Alaerya looked over the inventory of what had been unloaded from the cargo and gave the order for the ship to be destroyed. She watched from the dock as it was led out to sea and destroyed by dragon fire, turning to ash and broken pieces to finally rest on the sea floor in the bay. Alaerya issued further orders to build a new ship to her port master, "Make a beautiful ship to replace what we had to destroy. As intricate as you can in our style and bigger than this one was"

The port master bowed his head and departed to begin works and Alaerya left to meet with Aeyrelion and Krysaella. Despite how ill she felt it was time to visit the children, the baby in her stomach squirming as she slowly plodded towards the carriage. Aeyrelion helped his mother into the carriage as Krysaella made her seat more comfortable, Alaerya smiled at the pair fussing over her. She thought with wonder and deep love in her heart how amazing it was they had grown into the people they are, and how she loved them together. Because of her pregnancy and ill health they didn't go to the Temple by dragon back, instead they took the Valreon carriage controlled by magic to drive them through the islands. Along the way the people of Valreos stopped and bowed taking the chance to greet them, waving to Alaerya and the children as they passed. Even though she felt incredibly ill she smiled and returned the greetings. Often she knew people by name and their shocked happiness at her recognition felt rewarding to Alaerya. Reaching the Temple of Healers at last the healers rushed out thinking Alaerya needed urgent help. She smiled and waved them away as Aeyrelion helped his mother from the cart.

Aelyssa came bustling through her young healers surrounding Alaerya, "My Lady!" She exclaimed in mock anger, "I gave you strict instructions..."

"Today my friend I must come and visit the survivors. They have been here long enough I won't have them feeling abandoned. Can you please prepare me a large pot of that strengthening tea you made for me last time? I enjoyed it"

Aelyssa bowed her head slightly but shook her finger, "If I catch you doing magic, or anything else"

Alaerya laughed softly and looked to the ground, "I'll be good. I only have strength to grow this child at the moment. Magic can wait."

Aelyssa nodded once in approval and ordered all the Healers away except one who was to show them to where the children and crew were recovering.

First Alaerya visited the crew, who were all in various stages of shock. The Captain was in the best shape and he was helping look after his crew. An older man but tall and strongly built his name was Derron, Alaerya noticed with curiosity that was not a Valyrian name.

Derron didn't know who Alaerya was so he didn't show any recognition or bow out of respect. He was sitting helping one of his crew eat a healing soup when she came in.

"I must say I've never seen a captain nurse his crew back from the brink of death"

He glanced over his shoulder at her, "That makes two of us" he said gently and softly chuckled with a sigh, "Seems I haven't forgotten how to be a father after my own sons have grown and become men"

She sat next to him, "Sounds like you have recently been on quite a journey. Now you're on my islands, I'm interested to hear your story"

His face was surprised and he hastily put the soup down and bowed, "Please excuse me my Lady"

"Never mind I've never been one to make every person I meet bow for me. Most people do it because it's what we are taught to do as children. But you're not from Valyria, your name is not Valyrian and you don't have our features. Where do you come from sir?"

"I come from lands not far from this place called Westeros dear Lady" he said as he gently fed his crew member the soup again.

Alaerya recognised those lands from her visions and conversations with the young boy by the name of Stark.

"Do you know of Westeros my Lady?"

"I know of it, but very little, I only know of one name from those lands. The name Stark"

Derron looked shocked, "How do you know that name?"

"I don't know what you know of me but I am able to wield powerful magic. I have spoken with a member of the Stark family using magic."

"After what I saw on that voyage I don't doubt you have. We don't have much magic in Westeros but the Starks are known for being different than the other families. I'm from the area the Starks rule over, Edwyn Stark is King in the North."

"I must admit I don't know Edwyn, but before you leave I'd be interested to hear all about your homelands."

"I'd be happy to oblige my Lady"

"Now tell me about your voyage sir"

Derron's cheeks flushed and he put the empty bowl down and looked at her evenly, "That boy saved our lives when he put that dagger to my throat. Without those children we would have perished in Valyria and without that dragon we would have surely died on the seas"

Alaerya looked interested, "You were forced to leave?"

Derron looked troubled, "Yes my Lady, at knife point by the young Oryon. But I was surprised to find that boy wasn't threatening or vicious the rest of the journey. He helped keep us all away from death with his strengthening potions and healing. Without him we might have died from the stress of the voyage."

Alaerya's face remained expressionless, she placed a hand on Derron's shoulder and said softly, "We are glad you all made it. I'm sorry to tell you though your ship was not so lucky"

He nodded and looked full of emotion, "That was my family ship, will you allow us to stay here? Seems we have no passage to leave for the time being"

Alaerya smiled and sat back, "You are currently being built a new ship sir for the thanks in bringing those children here. You'll also be paid for your time in recovery. Now rest and relax you're safe here and we will honour you"

He looked overwhelmed, "Thank you" he stuttered. She smiled kindly, "I'll leave you all to rest, thank you men"

She spoke to the room and the men who were awake nodded in acknowledgment, she left them to recover.

Oryon had always intrigued Alaerya, he was the son of one of the most abrasive figures in Valyrian nobility after Braeyon Ballaer. Those two men had been responsible for much misery and pain, and yet Orys son's seemed to be the polar opposite of him. It caused many rumours to swirl they weren't his children however they bared his resemblance and their parentage could not be denied. She made her way to the next wing of recovering patients. The difference between the two groups was immediate, the children were recovering much faster. Mostly due to their magic and the bond they all shared from their days together in school. The older children were supervising looking more relaxed and healthier than when they arrived. The colour had returned to their cheeks and they had gained some weight from the diets they had been put on by the healers.

When she slipped into the room the eldest children noticed and immediately stood, bowing their heads. The younger children rushed towards her and wrapped their little arms around her legs, the babies now old enough to crawl, clumsily made their way over to touch her feet and stare at her toes. The young children all hugged her and rubbed her pregnant stomach. She felt her eyes prick at the thought they very nearly all died in the destruction of Valyria. She lead them all to the middle of the room and crouched down, "Can you all show me how you play while I talk to your brothers and sisters?" Needing no excuse to play they squealed and run off to their favourite toys and resumed their play. She watched them for a moment and turned to the older children who waited for her patiently.

"Come sit, tell me how you're all going"

Oryon spoke first, "As you can see we are doing well under your Healers care. Thank you for taking us in Lady Alaerya"

The others all murmured their gratitude as well.

"I would never turn away a surviving Valyrian ship, one that carried my students and other young children. I'm still astounded you survived at all, those conditions were not survivable. How did you manage that?"

One of the girls, Bryaella spoke, "We had help, from who we don't know. This dragon appeared out of the sky and carried the boat away from the worst of the waves. Then it disintegrated into the air and sent us sailing away with gusts of wind. We have never seen anything like it..."

Alaerya felt her emotions rising and tears stung her eyes, "I know who it was"

"Was it you? Is that why you're sick from all that magic?" asked Bryaella.

"No dear I've been reducing my magical practices a lot of late due to the baby. It was my Aunt Vhaerya from the Temple of Flames. She saved all of us by helping Valyria detonate, which is a story for another time. Seems one of her last acts in the form of that dragon was to save you all."

The children were silent not knowing what to say, finally one of the boys spoke, Oryons brother Orelleon.

"She must have been very powerful" he said quietly

Alaerya nodded proudly through her tears, "She was the most powerful Valyrian woman, she mastered great acts of magic we might never know. Magic I haven't begun to attempt"

She took a deep shuddered breath, "Now children, I need to ask. You all come from families not known for their kindness or caring natures. Were you sent here by your parents to cause issues here? It is known they did not support our decision to relocate"

There was silence and the children looked troubled, Oryon spoke for them, "No," he said definitively, "They thought other families relocating was a chance to grab for wealth and power. They looked down on you all and planned to find and execute you. We planned to stow away with the group who ended up on your ship, but we had trouble getting hands on all the children without raising suspicions. We didn't want to leave anyone behind"

"You surprise me most of all Oryon."

He looked taken aback, "Why is that Lady Alaerya?"

"You look the most like your father, you have his same fierce look and fierce attitude. Yet you are complete opposite, Orys would never have helped others survive. And he wouldn't have been drawn to healing and potions either."

"I never liked my father much my Lady. He said and did foolish things because of power. My siblings do not share this streak, our mother was kinder to us we tend to take more after her."

Alaerya nodded quietly, "Now we need to decide where we will House you all. Housing is not a problem, but your ages are. We can't give you your own homes, you will need to ward with other nobles for the time being. Until you come of age, which won't be long for you older children. At which time you'll be given family homes and will take on the care of your younger siblings. Are you in agreement on this matter?"

They all looked at each other and nodded amongst themselves, "Seems fair" said Bryaella, her sister Laeyra smiled to her sister in relief.

"For those of you who have no males in your family line present you will be betrothed to another noble family and housed with them until your wedding. The boys will get their own Houses for their family name, agreed?"

This was not a new tradition to keep family lines going and marry off daughters of other family lines. It was considered a great shame if a family didn't have male heirs to continue it on.

Knowing they had no choice the girls nodded.

"Lady Alaerya, can I offer a suggestion?" Spoke Oryon.

"Please. I'm interested to hear your thoughts"

"I know it's not usually something we get to have a say in, but there is an equal amount of us in the room. Can we arrange marriage amongst ourselves present here? We have all been through a lot together and have already formed strong bonds of friendship. That could blossom into love potentially"

She looked at them all, and found no reason why it would be a terrible idea to allow this.

"I'll allow it Oryon, make choices to strengthen your Houses and each other. Don't just join based on attraction." She warned, "And I'll expect the list of betrothals to be given to us by the end of your time in the Temple here"

He smiled in relief, "That will be no problem my Lady"

He caught the eye of his potential wife, Karaelle and smiled.

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Aeyrelis listened to Alaerya recount the story and looked astonished.

"We had seriously thought no one could survive, should we have done more?"

He asked in between bites of dinner.

"I've thought the same myself, but no there was too much turbulent energy present it would've been hard to control. My aunt didn't even try in her dragon form, she just picked up the ship and flew. And because they were far away the gases didn't reach where they were. If they hadve left port any later the outcome wouldn't have been so successful."

Alaerya ate hungrily, her appetite had increased greatly this pregnancy.

"What next for them then?" said Aeyrelis simply.

"They'll need to be housed with noble families for a short time until the eldest ones come of age. Then they can have their own Houses. I announced the intention to betroth them and they requested to arrange betrothals amongst themselves"

"Is that wise?"

"They have all formed strong, deep connections on that voyage. And those children do not possess the characteristics of their relatives. They've given me no reason to doubt their intentions, I only saw young children eager to get on with life."

"Right well if you've accepted this then I agree with you"

She smiled warmly she loved how he always stood by her decisions.

"Are you ready for the coming trip to Valyria?" she asked him feeling dread in the pit of her stomach.

He looked up and shrugged, "We have planned the trip but it's hard to say what needs to be done until we see the city and how damaged it is"

"You won't recognise it, most of it is gone"

"How much have you seen?"

"Enough to know you need to be careful. I can't go this time for obvious reasons"

"Careful of broken buildings?" He laughed carelessly, "nothing there is a danger to me, don't worry my dear"

She felt troubled inside but after all they had succeeded in she pushed her worries aside.

He noticed her worried expression, "What is wrong Alaerya?"

"I have a bad feeling about returning to Valyria"

"Why?"

"I don't know, and the fact that I don't know and have no warning makes me even more concerned. Maybe I should come"

Aeyrelis looked at her in horror, "You want to fly on dragon back pregnant and risk both your lives? We can't have that"

Alaerya finished eating and looked at him desperately, "I'm going out of my mind here, I can't fight, I can't work magic and I can't fly. Plus I know something will happen in Valyria, the flames and dream road shows me nothing. I want to be there, we wait until I've birthed our child otherwise we can't go at the moment"

Aeyrelis began to feel irritated inside, he clenched his hand around his cutlery and tightened his jaw. He had felt agitated since the fall of their former home, he was hoping to get there as soon as possible. Despite knowing Valyria would fall it had affected him greatly when it actually happened.

"I don't agree with you, you don't have to be at every mission we do. Sometimes it's enough that you stay behind and take care of the many other things we need to do. You really need to learn to stand still sometimes Alaerya" he replied hotly, anger flushing his cheeks. Internally he didn't know why he was saying these things but his emotions seemed to be in control at this time.

Alaerya flushed angrily, "I'm telling you something is wrong back in Valyria and I need to be there! What if unleashing that power has left darkness around the city? You don't know what has been left there..."

Aeyrelis violently slammed his cutlery down making Alaerya jump, "Fine we will wait for you...but this is the last time I give in to these requests. We need to be the first to explore those ruins, there is much to recover from there. The Houses that remained didn't empty their vaults! If we lose it all..."

"We don't need it!" yelled Alaerya not caring who heard, "we have enough bloody wealth so our descendants in eight generations will still have enough. And that's without setting up trade and economy. What is your obsession with getting there first?"

Aeyrelis remained silent, this conversation had unexpectantly turned into an argument. Their first argument in a long time, most likely a combination of pregnancy hormones and being stretched too thin with setting up everything on Valreos.

Standing abruptly from the table he left the room wordlessly, anger clear across his face, Alaerya pushed her plate away and sat back. Feeling uneasy and like she was missing something important she remained deep in thought. Frustrated at having no way forward Alaerya tiredly rose to her feet, the weight of her stomach making movement difficult, and retired to their chambers.

That night she couldn't sleep going over what had been said in the moment, Aeyrelis had left and not returned. She hated arguing but knew it happened from time to time, it had been the longest time since they'd argued. Knowing how close they were Alaerya wasn't worried for her marriage, she knew this could be resolved tomorrow.

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Aeyrelis stormed from the house knowing he should listen to his wife, usually he had no issue with Alaerya's advice but he was restless to get back and see Valyria. He wanted to empty Valyria of anything that was left, he didn't want any of the other provinces to have time to venture there. He headed to House Jaedra, and found the other heads of Houses there waiting for him.

Standing around drinking and playing Valyrian dice games, he huffed into the room and was handed a drink which he emptied. Looking around impatiently, everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves, while Aeyrelis was hot with emotion. His anger didn't abate and he felt action needed to be taken now, he strode into the middle of the room.

"Who's coming to Valyria with me tonight to plunder those vaults?" he said with his voice booming.

The room stopped and looked at him stunned, once they processed what he'd said they smiled and cheered. Always up for a ride on dragon back and always wanting to gain more wealth they jumped at the chance. Especially if it was at the expense of the families who were too stupid to join them and survive.

The men summoned their servants and made preparations, dragons arrived screeching and restless. Ready for a long flight and some fun, the dragons launched up into the sky flying high against the light of the moon. They soared around the islands screeching and playing, their half drunk riders yelling and cursing at each other in jest.

They were all armed with various weapons and skilled in magic, they all felt invincible.

The flock of dragons screeched loudly in unison as they flew towards Valyria.

Alaerya woke at the sounds of the screeching and came out to watch them fly over Valreos. They looked beautiful the whole group flying together against the stars and the moon. She watched as they soared and then circled away from the islands, her heart sinking as she realised where they were going. The pit of her stomach churned in angst as they disappeared into the darkness of the night.

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The cool air of the night and the feeling of the dragon underneath him was freeing. He knew he had unnecessarily caused an argument with his wife triggered by feeling the loss of their home. Even though Valreos was a city that paid homage to Valyria it wasn't his childhood home. He was devastated it had fallen and had to see it for himself. The group flew through the coolness of the night underneath the moon. Every now and then the dragons would swoop and play, clicking and screeching to one another. As the sun rose slowly behind them, the outline of land ahead came into view. Getting closer the cries of disbelief over the sounds of the wind got louder as Valyria came into view.

The landscape had completely changed, smoke covered the entire area of what was once a great city. The port had completely disappeared as had the parts of the city close to the old shore line. The middle of the former city was now just broken parts of land, most of Valyria was under water. They circled around and noted some Houses of former nobility lay in ruins not completely torn apart by the explosion. Only distinguishable by their location, they appeared to only be piles of rubble. All the grandeur and splendour of Valyria was gone, the lava from the volcano had burned and melted every spectacular monument and building. Those that were left were irreparable. Aeyrelis had a tear in his eye as he looked out over where the massive volcano used to stand. It was all gone, now just a smoking ruin and rubble. The dragons flew above the ruins and the men looked on silently, before they came back together and looked at Aeyrelis.

"What is the plan here?" said Kaeryon

"We go down and find what we can recover, then get out of here" replied Aery

"I get the feeling we shouldn't be here" said Vyselis looking at Aeyrelis

"Let's go down recover what we can and leave as quick as we can. There's nothing much else we can do, we flew all this way" said Aeyrelis tightly.

"Let's get down and get the dragons to wait away from here that smoke won't be good for them" said Rhaegon looking down at the smoking ruins below them.

It was hard to believe this had once been a great thriving civilisation, it was now a smoking graveyard. And would have been the place where they had died too had it not been for the islands and their alliance.

"Let's go" said Aery and dipped his dragon down sharply towards the ground.

They followed his lead feeling the lurch in their stomachs as they hurtled towards the broken and ruined city. As it came closer to them the devastation became more real, they barely recognised their own former home.

They quickly dismounted and watched as their dragons exited the smoking ruins, and then began to climb over the rubble. Much of the city was inaccessible due to the state of the devastation, even with magic to shift and move that much crumbled earth would quickly tire them. They explored what they could by land and found numerous artifacts in the ruins, a few swords they recognised from certain families. But nothing else, it was all ruins and dusty rubble.

Aeyrelis moved towards a crumbled home, they recognised the sigil on a piece of rubble, the House was known for its reputation of dabbling in acts of magic verging on the dark side.

"Let's be careful going in this one" warned Kaeryon, "they didn't mess around with security"

They all looked at him and Aeyrelis surged forward, "Looks like we can access their vaults though from here" he said as he looked into the rubble.

And without a thought he entered the building, the others looked in waiting for him to come back out. He stepped cautiously through the rubble and the darkness, he almost reached the vaults when he was knocked to the ground as it surged under his feet. Aeyrelis conjured a light in time to see a wall of unearthly flames surging towards him and he scrambled hastily back to the entrance. Fire wasn't his strength but he knew some basics to protect himself, summoning his magic desperately trying to escape as the fire engulfed him.

They heard his shouts from outside and began to enter the House, as they did they saw it coming for them. The flames and the forceful magical energy causing them to turn and run.

The House exploded with fire and collapsed upon itself violently moments after they had made it outside, Aeyrelis was still inside.

The group stood back a distance from the house looking at each other troubled, Aery stepped forward and used his magic to calm the fire down.

"What's going on here?" said Kaeryon shielding his face from the fire and fumes.

"There's some kind of wild magic here still, all our houses were connected to the underground mines maybe some of the magic has been trapped inside" said Rhaegon as they stepped forward

"Did Aeyrelis make it out?" said Vyselis as they crept forward

"No he's still in there" said Aery softly with sadness.

"Alive?" said Kaeryon, "surely not after that" He shielded his face from the smoke and heat.

"There's only one way to know" said Aery as he stepped closer and moved the rubble with magic.

Despite moving the rubble they were unable to find Aeyrelis, the men converged on the rubble and quickly started moving it with their hands.

Before too long Kaeryon shouted, "Here!! he's here come on, let's pull him out"

After a time they pulled Aeyrelis free of the rubble, he had burns over half his body and a nasty wound on his head.

They all looked at each other knowing this was grim, Kaeryon raised him up magically and they moved to an area with some space around them.

"Let's get out of here, something doesn't feel right" said Rhaegon looking around at the eerily quiet rubble surrounding them.

The dragons screeched above them, Vhaeryon, Aeyrelis dragon was the loudest, sounding frantic. As the dragons prepared to land the buildings around the men shook violently and began bursting with flames. The ground began heaving and moving, they all lost their footing. A huge chasm opened up and Kaeryon nearly fell to his death had he not thought quickly and held onto a huge stone. Underneath him the ground turned to angry boiling lava threatening to explode. His dragon swooped under him and he jumped on his back, he raised Aeyrelis body into the air and Vhaeryon clutched him in his claws.

The ground settled but the roaring of fire continued to build, the others vaulted on to their dragons and flew away as the place they were standing on began to crumble into the lava underneath. They looked back as they flew away and saw the city erupting into violent explosions. Flying on in silence they each knew this could've been prevented if they had've waited and dreaded returning with Aeyrelis body.

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Alaerya didn't sleep or eat the entire time they were gone, she was exhausted with grief and worry. She knew something had gone wrong, she'd felt pains in her body and burning sensations. She begged the gods for Aeyrelis to come back safely, when she heard the screeches of the dragon riders she felt relief roll through her body. Running out onto the terrace and looking up at the men her relief turned to horror. She saw Vhaeryon clutching Aeyrelis in his claws, and knew dragons only carry their riders like that when there has been death.

Aelyssa was with Alaerya, she came out to the terrace with some tea in her hand. When she saw the dragon carrying Aeyrelis she quickly put down the tea and guided Alaerya to bed. Trying and failing to prevent Alaerya leaving, her face was knitted with worry.

"You are not to go down there, Aeyrelion can go and see what's happened. You are not in the right shape for this my Lady. Do not kill your self with worry"

Alaerya pushed past her weakly and made her way out of the room, "I can't just sit here". Aelyssa let her go knowing nothing she said would contain her, she followed dreading what they came across.

The men had gathered and looked at her approaching apprehensively, as she drew closer they parted and she saw him laying there. Half burnt and badly injured, she cried out and fell to her knees by his side.

She touched him and knew, he was gone and had been for a few hours. She looked up at the men through her anguish, "What happened?"

They told her about Aeyrelis entering the House and hearing him shout out before the House had exploded into fire and rubble.

She nodded quietly and looked down at him, what a fool he'd been to go when he didn't have the same strengths as her.

She began to cry and laid her head on his chest, her lover and best friend was gone. Her cries turned into screams of anguish as the men shifted uncomfortably around her. Feeling him lifeless underneath her, Alaerya's heart shattered into pieces.

The men continued shifting uneasily around her not knowing what to do feeling grief themselves, they parted for Aelyssa to push through them with Aeyrelion. Aeyrelion saw his father and his face hardened in grief, he looked to the men and they bowed their heads.

Alaerya was still sobbing on the ground angry at herself for arguing with her husband the last time they spoke. She touched him and recoiled at the smell and sensation of burnt flesh on her love.

After a while Aelyssa signalled to Kaeryon to help her and Alaerya was lifted up still crying and forcefully given sleeping potions. She resisted heavily but eventually Aelyssa gave her enough of it to sedate her, the potions immediately forcing Alaerya into deep sleep.

"Take her to bed, Aeyrelion, you need to take over here. You're Master of the House now" said Aelyssa brusquely trying to hide her tears as she began to look over Aeyrelis.

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The men gathered in Aeyrelis office, Aeyrelion looked at them expectantly.

"What happened?"

They relayed the story of Aeyrelis death, and he listened passively looking to the ground and not speaking.

"We had no warning the city was still a danger. We explored the surface for hours and collected what we found, it wasn't until we went inside..." started Kaeryon.

"You weren't to know without someone like my mother there, actually come to think of it why didn't you wait for her to go there? She could've stopped the worst of those flames"

"We don't know that son, the magic was strong, wild and angry. She might have been able to stop the worst of it but we don't know about controlling it" answered Aery quietly still processing what had happened.

Aeyrelion didn't argue he was too numb for much else. The room was quiet verging on uncomfortable, Vyselis spoke first.

"You're now the Master of the House, what are you going to do first?"

Aeyrelion looked up, "We will honour my father and then we will get on with business here. I will not let my House crumble, my mother will recover and we will move forward"

Days later, thousands of mourners from all over Valreos attended Aeyrelis funeral. Alaerya was heavily pregnant and dressed in a black Valyrian funeral dress. Her hair styled intricately and her eyes red and heavy with grief. Aeyrelion led his fathers service stoically and the priests from the Long Sleep Temple prepared Aeyrelis body. After the service the crowd stood back from Aeyrelis body as the dragons circled him and bathed his body in fire until only ashes remained. The priests approached after the dragons flew away and placed his ashes formed into the shape of an egg and presented it to Alaerya. She took her husbands ashes and looked sadly at them, Aeyrelion placed an arm of comfort around her. The dragons circled above them humming and keening to show their grief, and the thousands of people present minicked them. United in grief for one of the leaders of their new home they sang for their fallen founder.

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Alaerya followed Aelyssa's strict orders and remained in bed following Aeyrelis funeral. She was exhausted and too grief stricken to do anything else. She was nearing her birth time and was too tired to exert herself much. She was looking forward to meeting her last child but also sad too. Aeyrelis will never meet his child and she spent many days in tears over this. Aelyssa came and went as did Aeyrelion with updates on how the new society was unfolding and to seek her counsel on matters. He had taken on the role in his stride and was excelling as the leader of their House. His wedding was also drawing near, he had plenty to keep him busy enough to push through the wound of losing his father. Unlike his mother who had nothing but time, he left her to rest and she tossed and turned on the bed. Frustrated she rose and rubbed her body with oils, the only thing that would calm her frustration was to work a small amount of magic and walk the dream road. She settled on her bed and floated into the trance state as her eyes flicked to milky white.

She walked through the pastel clouds and saw images flashing by her. Places and faces she had to visit, people she would become, the door of black and white, the red castle again and the blue eyes. She stared at these dead blue eyes for the longest time and felt hatred boiling in her veins for whatever this being was. Her grief was turning to anger and she needed something to focus on and this was it. She focused on this undead self styled king and opened up the visions around him. To know the enemy means you can defeat them, her father used to say. He was a seasoned battle commander in the Ghiscari wars and strategy and intelligence was what he was known for. She became aware of being in front of a huge white bleeding face tree, small green beings were running towards the tree beside her. As she edged closer she saw him, tied to a rock under the tree struggling to be free. He was a man, a handsome man too, and she recognised his features he was almost familiar. She stepped in front of him and studied his face committing it to memory. She read his mind, once she got past the fear she learned who he was, who he loved and what he was afraid of the most. She stepped back as the magical creatures who were his captors plunged a black stone she recognised into his chest. The change was steady and quick, his eyes became unearthly blue and he became a whole other being. But something was wrong, once the change was complete he looked around at the beings watching him and smiled slightly. She could feel it pulsing off him, the fury and the anguish, the pain and the revenge. The ropes holding him in place froze and he broke free. He stumbled forward, not used to his new frozen body and he fell to the ground. He looked up and they all stepped back, one remained she edged forward and began to talk to him, "I am Leaf, we are desperate and created you to free our lands of these invaders. Help us be free of them and we will release you"

He grinned but it looked more like a snarl, and nodded once moving forward unsteadily alongside Leaf as they strode together from the clearing. The visions sped up from there and showed the undead Kings movements in his early days, wiping out these invaders and working with these small magical creatures. The invaders numbers had diminished greatly, they lost huge numbers in the battles and were mostly overwhelmed. It appeared the magic they worked had succeeded, but the undead King began attacking the magical creatures also. His human emotions of compassion and tolerance necessary for working with others had been frozen away. The creatures were being slaughtered and sought out hiding places where this undead man couldn't reach them.

She witnessed a truce between the invaders and the forest creatures. They United to fight their new common enemy, the fight was brutal and devastating. Thousands fell to him and rose again to began members of his army, hope looked lost, and then he came. An unidentified man with a shining sword, Alaerya watched this with interest as the undead army fell to the light never to rise again. The Undead King was blinded by the light and in that moment the forest creatures came together to use their magic and forced this creation of theirs into an icy magical tomb. They warded the tomb and placed in in the depths of the North of their vast lands, far away from settlements. Only a handful of these creatures knew the secret to keeping this creation of theirs entombed. And he remained frozen and furious there for a long time, until hundreds of years later one of these creatures freed him. And he unleashed his fury on these lands again, sweeping over the armies, killing everything in his path and continuing on to other lands. She saw Valreos a ruin, Braavos a ruin and other cities she recognised as Myr, Lys and Qarth in ruin. Populated only by the undead blue eyed army lead by this Undead King. She felt fury build inside her as the image faded and she was standing in a cave staring up at a man, a man living amongst tree roots his eyes milky white.

She looked around and saw these same small green creatures around her, they looked back at her with large fearful eyes. She looked around the cave further and saw him laying there holding onto the tree roots, eyes milky white and staring.

"Brandon Stark" she said calmly.

"He is training" said one of the creatures

Alaerya turned, and looked over this same all being, "You are Leaf, you created this monster and you released him again. Why?"

She nodded, "We were running out of time and hope, we were..."

"Excuses that leads to a poor decision weakens your stance and leads to poor outcomes" she mirrored her fathers words.

The creatures were silent, "Who are you?" She said to them.

"We are Children of the Forest. We lived on these lands long before invaders came. They cut down our sacred trees and killed us almost to extinction. We tried to fight back but we were losing..."

"And you couldn't seek help anywhere else?"

"We made a decision that would result in ending the bloodshed quickly, and we made a wrong choice"

"At least you can admit that, so why release this abomination again? Now you've put the entire world in danger and for what purpose did you see fit this time?"

"He has grown his powers while he has been dormant. He has powerful greensight and can manipulate visions. But only within a certain distance to him, we live in the far North close to him and he began manipulating us. We began seeing visions of the humans rising up and destroying us again despite our efforts at hiding. He showed us all the death of our race entirely and some of us who still mistrust humans chose to free him. Of the small group who freed him only I escaped, and now we have to defeat him."

"But you won't from what I've seen, you never had a chance to defeat him because you stupidly used magic too powerful. You didn't have a plan to contain him, you used a means to justify an end that was always going to turn bad. And now I have to risk my life and my lands to save you, I'm not impressed by your stupidity."

She realised her recent grief had made her angrier but she didn't care in this moment, they had acted terribly and needed to be told that.

"We cannot fight over what has and hasn't been done" a wheezy voice spoke softly

She turned to look at the man in the tree.

"And who are you?" she demanded, "and how can you help from where you are?"

Valyrians were always taught the incapacitated are useless in battle and strategy, and this man was more tree than man. And completely useless physically.

"He is the one who helped find you" said another voice, "and he told me to establish contact with you and get your help"

She recognised this voice, it was Brandon Stark. She turned to him and looked at him, "We knew with the death of your husband you would-"

"You knew Aeyrelis would die?!" She said furiously

"Sometimes difficult situations wake us up to our destiny" said the wheezy voice behind her.

She turned furiously, "Do not use my fathers words against me old man! I will cut you down from that tree and..."

"Please do Lady Alaerya, I do not wish to be part of this tree forever"

She stepped forward angrily.

"Wait!" said Leaf, "You came to find his weaknesses, well that is standing here in this cave. The weakness is you, he didn't find you he doesn't even know you exist. We placed magical wards over you so he can't seek you out or see you in his green sight."

"How can you do that but you haven't been able to defeat him?"

"We didn't know the extent of his powers. And we only just discovered after he has lured us several times and killed many people and our kin. When Bran and the Three Eyed Raven found you we immediately placed protections over you. So we can communicate and plan without being spied on or trapped."

She turned to Brandon Stark, "I thought you were the three eyed raven?"

"I am, I will be. Your intention to learn more about the Night King brought you here to meet Leaf"

She glared around the cave, feeling a mixture of emotions and feeling the air become freezing all around her.

"Did Aeyrelis make the design I showed to him?" asked Brandon Stark

"I believe so, I haven't checked his workshop and he didn't mention anything before he passed"

She felt tears well up again which she angrily pushed down internally.

"We are sorry about your husband but we couldn't tell you" said the Three Eyed Raven, "We can only meddle one..."

"The threads in your hands, I know. I've been faced with this dilemma before. I should've known when...I didn't see Aeyrelis in the future when I had these visions"

The cave was silent, she looked at them "What else do I need to know?"

"You'll need to understand the people who are in power here to know how this country works. When your family takes over these lands they will bring a new way, but they need to work with people used to the old ways too. Strength overcomes power."

Alaerya gritted her teeth are hearing more of her Fathers words, she was getting irritated hearing them.

"Fine, I'll dream walk more often and Brandon can help me understand what is important."

"Once your child is born you have much work to do, do not waste time" said the old man.

She looked up at him defiantly, "If you have seen my past and you know the possible futures you'll know I don't waste time"

The cave dissolved and she floated in the blackness, recovering from what she had seen. Shortly after she felt someone watching her, and she turned to see Aeyrelis.

She felt a range of emotions but mostly she was angry at him. She went to charge at him and fight him but she knew if she touched him the connection would be broken.

He looked at her sadly, "I'm sorry my Love. I was foolish and it cost me everything I cherish."

He looked at her swollen stomach, "He will be powerful and he will need you."

She put her hand on her stomach and began to cry, "You said you'd never leave me"

"I know, but you don't need me for what you need to do now. I made the weapon and that was my part to play in all of this. You have much to do and I was never meant to be there. Stop grieving me and go be powerful again"

She watched as he faded away, she wanted to touch him so badly, kiss him, hold him one last time. She knew that touching him would jolt her awake, she watched as he faded into nothingness and she let her tears flow freely. In her dream state she didn't feel the waters begin to trickle down her legs, but after a short time she was jolted back to her body painfully as her labour contractions begun.

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Alaerya cried out in pain as the baby begun to make his entrance into the world. Her cries were heard and Aelyssa came running into the room. Alaerya was sweating and struggling with the contractions, she rubbed pain relieving oils on her back and gave some calming herbs.

"Come my Lady you've done this before, this is the last time. You can do it"

Nearly a whole day passed as she battled through the contractions, Aelyssa began to fret the baby was having trouble coming out. She examined Alaerya, and looked grim.

"The baby is facing the wrong way my Lady, this can go either way. I might need to make a choice who to save if things go wrong"

Alaerya replied with a loud cry as the pain returned, determined not to lose her life or her child's she against Aelyssas wishes began to pull magic in to herself. The sensation of magic rippling along her skin calmed her and gave her a sense of control. She breathed better and the magic helped relax her body, the contractions became even and less erratic. The baby seemed less distressed, Aelyssa was happy.

"Whatever you're doing keep going. I can see a little head appearing"

Alaerya breathed and composed herself, not easy in the pain and the moment of contractions. But the magic around her assisted and she began to push. After a time of pushing Aelyssa exclaimed and held up a blue little baby.

"A boy!" she exclaimed, "What a blessing!"

She wrapped him in a towel and massaged his chest as he was silent. She massaged and massaged until he let out a small cry, music to Alaerya's ears. She reached out for him and when he was placed in her arms she cried with joy and grief at the same time.

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Time passed by as Alaerya dedicated time to her young son, Aeyrelix. She wanted him to have a name close to his father who he would never meet. Shortly after he was born Aeyrelion married Krysaella and soon she was with child herself. Krysaella and Aeyrelion were active members of the ruling council and highly respected for their efforts and maturity. Alaerya left them to rule and attended meetings when she was requested.

The coming meeting she was to attend, the first since Aeyrelis had passed and Aeyrelix was born. And the first meeting since the wedding also, she knew the agenda of the meeting was to arrange setting up trade routes. Everyone rose as she entered and bowed, their faces were serious they had all taken the death of Aeyrelis hard. Alaerya felt heavy in her heart and remained in Valyrian mourning dress. She chose to wear black Valyrian armour embellished with dragons and the Valreon symbol. It comforted her to dress like Aeyrelis had done and she had taken up her fighting practice again so dressing practically was beneficial to her.

Aeyrelion rose and pulled a seat for her to sit and resumed his place at the head of the table next to his pregnant wife.

He cleared his throat and stood, "This has been a difficult time for my family, for all of us. But we need to keep moving forward and finalise setting up our society and economy. Not very exciting things to do but it must be done, Mother you want to speak first?"

She nodded and prepared herself, she felt awkward with their eyes all staring at her so she stood and regained her strength.

"I have a number of things to bring to the council today, first I propose the weddings of the betrothed are planned and the wedded couples take up their ruling posts on the islands, I also propose that after the weddings I will leave Valreos. For how long I'm unsure, but the purpose will be for setting up trade for Valreos and to begin planning for another mission, a large mission that requires a lot of skill and allies to ensure its success. As I'm leaving I will put in place magic to hide the islands from pirates and raiders..."

The council members murmured to one another and looked unsure of what she's saying.

"That is a lot to discuss Lady Alaerya, but tell me how do you plan on setting up trade and hiding us from attack?" spoke Rhaegon.

She smiled and reached down, and placed a bag of artifacts on the table, "These were made in the Temple of Flames, they are created with the sole purpose when activated of hiding whatever is within its boundaries. Trade ships will carry these to allow them passage through the magic veil and will also serve to protect them from being attacked"

Kaeryon picked one up, it was an intricate spear with a point that spun into the ground, inlaid with dazzling gems and diamonds.

"Will this stop the ships being seen at all times?" he said looking up at her.

"They can be used to become invisible and allow them to be seen, someone will need to be trained in their magic and be present on the ship at all times. Their lives will need to be protected to ensure the ship can return. The spears on the ships will be recognised by the ones used to create the barrier and will be allowed passage. They can also be used to protect a ship from being seen if they're being chased or attacked. This will ensure they can escape, and cause much damage to their attackers on the way"

"Can they be used to attack as well?" asked Aery as Kaeryon passed one to him.

"Yes they can be armed with magic and when certain words are used from Valyrian language, they will be capable of sinking attacking ships"

The council murmured again, and when they stopped they looked to Alaerya and nodded.

"We approve my Lady, what are your trade agreement plans?" questioned Vyselis.

She walked around the table addressing them all, "I will go to every established city in the known world and set up our trade in each city. We will have certain ships to sail only to those ports and return. I plan to keep our identity secret by convincing our trade partners the goods come from and originate in other cultures and parts of the world"

"How do you plan on doing this mother?" asked Aeyrelion with his brow creased in concern.

Alaerya looked at him and smiled, the next moment she was a rich looking merchant, fat from years of over eating and drinking. Aeyrelion was startled, the man approached him and spoke, "Son we have the finest silks, you would never tell them apart from the finest fabrics to leave Valyria. They were known for their skill in making fabrics and gowns, shame those beautiful women in their gowns aren't around today" the merchant sighed and continued, "but one can only hope to manufacture to the same standards as before. You won't be disappointed in my wares, come and view what we have on offer. I can give you samples if you wish"

He smiled as the shocked look on Aeyrelions face flashed with amusement, "What do you say son? Do we have a deal?"

The merchant gave way to a fierce man, tall with dark hair and a hard face covered in battle scars. He pulled a dragons egg from under his cloak, "The dragons have always come from Asshai, these eggs come from the shadow lands themselves. I lost five of my best men in the shadows just to retrieve these..." His voice spoke rough and worn, it was believable what he was saying.

One of the men on the council clapped in approval, others followed suit.

"So mother you will be gone for how long?" asked Aeyrelion concerned.

The fierce man returned to her beautiful form and she placed her hands on the table and leaned forward, "For as long as it takes to ensure the economy is thriving and my plans are taking fruit"

"Did you mention an invasion before?" spoke Rhaegon.

"Yes, I did. It will take a long time to plan but there are plans for a large scale invasion and expansion of our territories."

The scrolls magically opened on the table and the men looked over them, Aery looked up perplexed.

"We know of these lands, the Valyrian war council had agreed to begin an invasion and conquest of these lands. But then we started relocating and they wouldn't have had the right strategy in place. And of course Valyria was then destroyed before they could enact their plans."

"What do you know of these lands Aery? You were a member on the War council, you must have had information on them?"

He looked over the maps and pointed to certain areas, "These lands are rich for crops and vineyards, here are the mineral, gold and diamond mines." He indicated to each territory.

"A large continent will need a large force to take, we will begin training up our forces here and put some strategies in place. Will you tell us more information when you have it Alaerya?"

"I will, when I return from these lands"

Aery looked amused, "I should've known that was your plan. I've known you long enough to know you like to do things yourself"

"It's the best way"

She changed faces into a soldier from the lands of Westeros, holding a sword in his hand, dirty from a battle. The soldier spoke, "To get the best results one has to do the work oneself"

The time had come to put her fathers words and wisdom to good use.