Dragons of the Wise

by LordEvans

What if Aerys had never gone mad and all their children had survived? How would Westeros look if King Aerys had a stable reign? How would Westeros face the Night King with the Targaryens at full strength? How would having Dragons change the political landscape of Westeros once more? And lastly, how mad are the Targaryens? In this AU Aerys and Rhaella have eight healthy children,

1. Golden Festival Arc

Foreword

The War for the Dawn, The Second Dance of Dragons, Before and the Aftermath.

Written by Arch Maester Vaegon of House Targaryen

Fore note:

As both warrior and later Maester during the War for the Dawn and the Second Dance, alongside bearing witness to pivotal events both prior and after, I feel it my obligation to document all that occurred between the years 299-325 AC, and recount them as truthfully and unbiasedly as I may. All that I shall transcribe are either events I witnessed first-hand or events that have been recorded and corroborated from reliable sources, ranging from Lords of Great Houses to the peasantry.

I dedicated this book to all Westeros, so that we may remember our past and the sacrifices made by all to ensure the prevention of the Long Night, and the many horrors that would have ensued. I pray to the Seven that we may learn from the folly of man through the reading of this tome and reap the rewards of the Great Conciliators Reign as we enter a new Golden Age of Westeros.

I, Arch Maester Vaegon, formally of the Green Targaryen's of Dragonhall, hereby recount the events preceding, during and after the War for the Dawn and the Second Dance of Dragons.

Chapter One – The Golden Festival Arc, PT 1

Shaena

Jousting spears smashed together like thunder cracking of the tilt. The two knights of minor houses bowed to the royal box and walked their horses away, the winner unknown to Shaena, she did not care. The herald dressed in red and black called forward the last two riders of the day.

Shaena watched as her husband, a large man covered in armour of yellow and black stags and a helm of horns stride onto the dirt jousting floor. Riding a large black stallion, he towered over a knight in green and roses upon a white mare. The beautiful late winter sun warmed overhead. Birds around the immense marble jousting arena sang over the crowds of peasants and nobles alike. Thousands had gathered at Dragon Garden for the Golden Festival. Banners of the scores of houses flapped in the light breeze but overshadowing them all was the great three headed red dragon upon the field of black night.

"Yes, Father!", called Alyssanne, Shaena's eldest daughter, "Mother, Mother, do you see that? Father shall unhorse the Knight of Flowers in the last joust. Ser Loras was nearly unhorsed by Robb Stark in his last tilt, he is still tired, you can see it", she clutched her mother's yellow, red and black gown. Alysanne watched the young knight dreamily, her beautiful violet eyes were alive with teenage obsession. She whispered something to her aunt and Shaena's far younger sister, Princess Daenerys, and her cousin Joanna Goldfyre, all three of the girls giggled.

The two men reeled their horses around and prepared for the next tilt, collecting their jousts off squires. Ser Loras opened his visor and picked a flower from the long cape that covered the mare's hind. He sniffed the rose and investigated the crowd, before calling for Alyssanne.

"Lady Alyssanne Baratheon, would you do me the honour of granting me your favour in the next tilt against your father?", Alyssanne looked to her mother and blushed. Shaena plucked a yellow dandelion from her daughters' flower crown, sitting in her thick black hair. She placed it in Alysanne's hand with a wink and a smile. Alyssanne walked to the edge of the Royal Box over the Jousting Areana and threw her favour to the Knight of Flowers. In return he threw back his flower. A loud deep, bellowing laugh echoed over the Arena, "Already choosing boys over your father? I will teach this boy a lesson!", Lord Robert of Storms End boomed. The crowds followed suit, adding their own laughter to the storm. King Aerys rose from his seat in the Royal Box and walked forward, leaving his pregnant wife, Queen Rhaella, on her seat behind him. Rhaella took a long drink from her goblet, freshly poured by one of the attendees. Aerys raised his long, clawed hand and called for silence.

"Before this last tilt of the day, I would like to call attention to something beautiful, family. In seven days', time we shall enter a new century. A new Golden Age of Westeros. 300 years since my great-sire, Aegon the Dragon and his Queens united Westeros.

For the next seven days we shall prepare for the bright prosperity of the future with feasts, dances and tournaments! This celebration of the new century has brought together many families who are separated by distance, but thanks to the freshly completed canal system, the repairs and extension of the Kings Road and the generosity of my son, Prince Aegon, for hosting this event here at Dragon Garden, we may all be a family once more!" roars of the crowd supported the Wise Kings speech, "and now before we conclude the first day of the Golden Tournament, I wish luck to both competitors and all competitors of the day. May the Warrior guide your arms, may the Smith keep your armour and shields strong and may the Father bestow victory on the truest knight!", he clapped his hands, his long finger nails glinted in the sunlight, and the two horses walked to their starting positions. The Wise King pushed back his long silvery hair from his face, placed a clawed hand on his wife's stomach, and yelled, "Begin!". Rhaella took a long laboured breath.

The two horses raced together. Their hooves echoed over the claps and cheers. Hand flags waved and the words "Baratheon", "Tyrell", "Knight of Flowers" and "Laughing Storm" repeated hundreds of times. Alyssanne and the girls glued their eyes to the tilt, while Shaena looked back into the Box. All her siblings, their partners and elder children sat in tight packs. Rhaegar and Elia, Dareon and Cersei, Maegella and Edmure, Aegon and Margery, Jaeheryes in his grey Maester robes, Viserys in his Septon garb, sulking, while Daenerys sat with her and Alyssanne. They were the nearly same age, Dany only a few moons older than her sweet Alys. Her siblings' children either sat beside their parents, or were too young for the tourney like Aemma and Edric, Shaena's other children. They remained in the castle under the watch of nurses.

She lingered her gaze on her elder brother, Crowned Prince Rhaegar of Dragonstone. He sat holding his Dornish wife's hand with his small newborn daughter, Visenya, on his lap. He clutched her as if he would never get her back if he let go. Their other two children, Aegon and Rhaenys, sat patiently, bored. Shaena's eyes stayed on Rhaegar, fatherhood and time had changed him in the seven years since they'd last met. His purple eyes lacked their usual gleam, his hair did not shine, he seemed taunt and tired, Elia looked no better. The Maesters had said Visenya should have killed her, and that she and the babe still may not survive.

A wooden crack brought her attention back to the tilt. Ser Loras hit the ground with a large thud, his joust splintered and his green shield knocked far away. He cried out. His white mare stood over him and picked the dandelion from his collar, munching it. The crowd laughed, alongside Shaena and Alyssanne, Joanna most of all. The Herold walked out with his horn and banner of House Targaryen and tooted for silence.

"I proclaim, by the power vested in me by Good King Aerys, that the winner of today's tilt be Lord Robert Baratheon of Storms End, the Laughing Storm!", he called, "Tomorrow, we shall finish the jousting, alongside the start of the Maiden's Pageant! Long Live House Targaryen, Long Live the...Queen!", the Herold joked. Queen Rhaella blushed elegantly, sweat dripping from her silver brow. The crowd laughed and slowly started to filter away, Ser Loras threw more flowers to the maiden's and married women alike, causing swoons.

"I told you Lord Robert would win, Alys", Joanna Goldfyre mocked her cousin while playing with her long golden hair. Although her father was Lord Dareon, Shaena's younger brother, she bore the looks of her mother, Cersei "the Last" Lannister. A lion, not a dragon, but still beautiful in the special way the blood of Valyria made women.

"For once, the girl is right. Robert is of the dragon, even if it has been...diluted. His grandmother was kin. Dragon's blood is blood above man, even when impure. The Gods gave him the strength to win over the man, as Robert has more of the Gods in him", Maegella appeared behind Shaena like a snake. Her purple and black gown covered her near head-to-toe and stretched over her heavily pregnant stomach. Her younger sister, Maegella, was always different even as a child. She spoke like her thoughts didn't match her words. She had eyes so purple they were almost black, hair so silver it turned white in the sun, face so sharp it could cut harder that Valyrian Steel. Behind her, her husband, Edmure Tully, stood silently like in a trance. He never spoke unless spoken to, with Maegella's permission. Goosepimples pricked at Shaena's skin. She placed a hand on her daughter's and stood.

"Come now girls, let us go and see your Grandmother before supper", she pushed the three towards the back of the box.

"Maegella", she said softly, "How do you fare? You look the image of the Mother". It had been years since she had spoken with her sister, it was her wedding to Edmure.

"Hush now, Shae. Can you not feel this?", she opened her arms out, long and proud, she closed her eyes while facing the sun, "The Gods are with us, they are always with the Blood of Old Valyria. They will always favour Dragons over men, even now we are thinning out", an austere smile covered her timeless face. She spoke in High Valyrain, her preferred tongue.

"Maegella, what do you mean? Are you well? Should I call a Maester?", she took her sisters shoulder and placed a hand upon her pale forehead. She felt like ice.

"Perhaps you should call a maester, but not for me", she smiled once more. Shaena tried to speak but heard a cry. She spun around to see their mother, Queen Rhaella, clutch her stomach. Jaeheryes, a maester, dropped to meet his mother upon the wooden floor of the Box. He pulled her into his lap and felt her stomach and her pulse. King Aerys called for Maesters and help. Aegon, always a leader, ushered people from the Box while his wife, Margery Tyrell, helped Queen Rhaella and Jaeheryes on the floor. Rhaella began to cry and convulse. Shaena rushed over to her mother and held her close. Father paced around the Box, muttering under his breath and calling for the Maesters to hurry. Margery ripped off some of her green floral gown and dunked it into a goblet that she had called for. She wiped it on Rhaella's brow as Mother cried. Mother shook and foamed at the mouth. Jaeheryes shouted a curse while trying the stop Mother from biting her own tongue. Blood stained the area between her legs. Shaena ripped another part of Margery's gown and cleaned the blood off Mothers hands. She whispered words to her mother in Valyrian, comforting her. Rhaella closed her eyes, fading in and out of consciousness, muttering.

Time passed at a snail's pace. A Maester appeared, followed by Dareon. The old Maester looked at the three women on the floor and Jaeheryes, once to King Aerys and once to Dareon. He nodded at the prince. Dareon pushed through his sister and grabbed Mother off the floor like she was a bag of feathers. Shaena stared at Margery, her huge brown doe eyes full of concern. She let out a huge exhale and pulled in Shaena for a hug. They looked at each other, knowingly. Jaeheryes ran after his brother and mother. The rest of the Box emptied, following the Maesters back into Dragon Garden, the huge green and white marble palace built on the ruins of Summerhall. Next to them, still in the Box, Maegella began to laugh lightly under her breath. She spun with her arms extended, in a trance. She repeated a phrase in High Valyrian over and over, dancing alone in the setting sun of the box. Margery rose and wiped Mothers blood onto her gown and excused herself, leaving Maegella and Shaena alone.

"Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma", Maegella dreamed, "Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma'.

Chapter 2 – Golden Festival Arc, PT2

Jaeheryes

Jae had seen his first person die at age twelve. It was his first week training at the Citadel, a woman had been brought in from Oldtown. Her pregnancy had begun to fail, the baby was killing her, the husband said. The father had emptied his life's savings, pleading with the Maesters to save his baby. They brought the woman in and preformed a surgery, they saved the babe, but the mother died immediately. He held the woman down as the Maesters cut her open, she was the last thing he saw, her blood stained his face in his dreams.

Before him on Aegon's bed, his mother writhed in pain. He listened to Jon, the Maester of Dragon Hall and attended him. The old man of greying hair prepared a drink, a mix of Milk of the Poppy and herbs. Dareon, always the mother's boy, held their mother's hand, while Aegon talked with a midwife. Servants ran around the room preparing sheets and baths of water.

"The babe is five moons early. She is barley into the second trimester, the babe will not survive this", Jon said to Jaeheryes as they prepared mixes. He thought back to the woman he watched die.

"And what of the Queen?", Jae grinded his herbs in the small bowl.

"The Queen should never have been with child again. Princess Daenerys should have been her last. The Queen is beyond her birthing age, her body is too weak to carry a baby to term", Jon heated the mix over a small sustained flame on the dressing table, "bleeding of the womb, aggravated temperature, stomach cramping, is a miscarriage. Her body needs to expel the foetus".

"The convulsing, the foaming at the mouth, deliriousness-" Jaeheryes began to list.

"The body may display differently while miscarrying. The foaming and seizing can be from underlying health issues of the Queen, triggered by failed pregnancy".

Jaeheryes walked to his mother and pushed some of his mixture into her mouth and made her swallow it. For the pain, mother, he said in High Valyrian. He betrayed himself, he thought. His mother was knowledge and since, his father the chain, robe and weight of understanding the mysteries of the world, his siblings were the books and tombs he spent his childhood with. But this was his mother.

The moon had begun to rise through the grand window of the bed chambers marble window, filled with glass from Lys. Candle light illuminated in the room, decorated in reds, blacks, golds and greens of Tyrell-Targaryen. Queen Rhaella convulsed again, foam spilling from her mouth.

"Dareon, watch she does not swallow her tongue", Jae commanded. Daeron smiled weakly with dazzling sapphire eyes and nodded. The midwife left Aegon and starting checking the queen. She told Jon what she thought and they began to debate the right course to take. Mother called out weakly and Jaeheryes knelt beside her and Dareon.

"My boys, my sweet boys. I had a dream none of you lived, only Rhaegar, Viserys and Daenerys. Rhaegar was stupid, your father was madder, they tried to burn them all. They ran to Essos and hid. The Horse lord and the witch. And then a long night came and went like that, dragons flew and were shot down-" she rambled in High Valyrian. Jaeheryes hushed her and wetted her head with a cloth. She groaned and hold her stomach.

"Mother, we are here, we are alive and well here at Dragon Garden. Mother you need to take some deep breaths and try to relax. Your heart is beating too fast", Jaeheryes replied.

"But they did it. They are coming, they all are, you need to be careful", Rhaella began to weep, "they did this to us, to star-" she took a deep breath and reached for Jae's face. Her blistering hot hand caressed his cheek and he held it tightly. A single tear fell from his face and landed on her.

"Valar Morghūlis", the queen whispered.

"Valar Dohaeris", the two princes replied. The queen closed her eyes and exhaled once more. Her chest stopped moving and her hand fell from Jaeheryes' face. The last thing she saw was her son looking down over her. He kissed her forehead and thanked her for his life. Daeron stood and began to weep openly, Aegon cursed his father, blaming him for their mother's state.

"Stupid, cock-for-brains. Seven smite him. If he had loved her, he would have left her alone. Were eight children not enough for you, Aerys?! You couldn't even be here to watch her die, all to make you happy?! Seven Hells, they call you wise but you killed your wife", Aegon threw a candle stick at a wall. It thudded onto the floor; it drowned out the silence of the room.

"Go and prepare the cellar for the Silent Sisters. If you call for them now, they can begin their process in the morning. We will be able to burn Mother after seven days, on the first day of the New Year", Jaeheryes said calmly. The Stranger was no longer a stranger to him.

"I will begin an autopsy, if you would desire it, Prince Aegon, you hold authority here", Jon stated, "for scientific purp-"

"Seven Hells is all what men think of is using women to further themselves? Science, bloodline, lust, what is the purpose if it ends in death?", Aegon grabbed the Maester and pinned him against the wall. Although the smallest of all the sons of Aerys, Aegon made up for it with a loud voice and strong will. Jaeheryes stood beside his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder, their mothers blood touching his green shirt.

"Brother, do not act harshly. It is common practice at the Citadel to examine all bodies after...passing. We shall leave Mother alone, if you wish. Or if you would prefer, I could perform the autopsy. Brother, I hate to say it but I suspect foul play", Jaeheryes stated. Aegon let the Maester fall to the floor. He clutched his throat, gasping, and the midwife checked him over.

"Out, all of you out, now! I am the lord of this hall, you do as I say", Aegon fumed. The servants, Jon and the midwife all left the room. The three sons of the dragon and their mother were left in the room.

"Jae, what do you mean? Foul play? Do you think mother was murdered?", Dareon asked, wiping his tears and walking to the bed. The Green and Gold dragons stood by the one in brown robes.

"Yes. Aegon you are right, mother should not have been with child again, but her symptoms, before death? Poison. I believe it is poison. If it is the one, I believe it to be, the only way I can confirm is by checking Mother' kidneys".

Excerpt 1

During the years of 284-285 AC, referred to as the 'Lannister Rebellion' or 'The Lions Folly', Lord Tywin Lannister, who had been thought mad since the passing of his wife, demanded he be made Hand of the King. He also demanded the new bank of Westeros, The Dragon Bank, which had begun construction alongside the Renovation of Kings Landing, be built in the Westerland's and owned by the Lannister's.

King Aerys denied all of Tywin's advances he was in no need for a new hand, and the bank was to be royally owned. Using this to prove the Royal House had too much control of Westeros, Tywin began a rebellion to free the lands of Targyaren rule. Tywin rebelled against the Crown alongside many houses of the Westerland's, Riverlands, Stormlands and the Vale who left the Targaryen's held too much control of Westeros.

The Realm, which was already in a state of weakness following the Northern Draught, a sickness that originated in White Harbour that wiped out many, lords and low born alike (including Lord Stark and is heir, Brandon and the Lord of Storms End) , a series of marriages were arranged to secure alliances and bind major houses to the crown:

Shaena Targaryen to Robert Baratheon, Lord of Storms End, to ensure the loyalty of the Storm Lands.

Prince Aegon promised to Margery Tyrell, Prince of Dragon Hall, to ensure the loyalty of the Reach.

The First Borns Sons of Houses Arryn and Stark to wed members of House Targaryen, to ensure the loyalty of the Vale and the North.

Following the "Lions Folly" which lasted half a year, the extermination of the Lannister's of Casterly Rock and Lannisport, Prince Dareon Targaryen wed Cersei "The Last" Lannister and was raised to Lord Paramount, Prince Dareon Targaryen, Warden of the West, to begin the first cadet branch of the Golden Age, the Goldfyres.

Princess Maegella was wed to Edmure Tully, son of the rebel lord Hoster Tully. As the whole of the Riverlands had sided with the Lannisters, Hoster and Tywin were both executed, however Edmure was pardoned, swearing feality to the crown and marrying Princess Maegella to ensure good behaviour.

(For a more detailed recount of the Lannister Rebellion, see "The Lions Folly, the Fall of the Mad Lannister", by Maester Otto).

Chapter 3 – Golden Festival Arc, PT3

Daenerys

Mother laid the stone table, covered in a huge banner of the Targaryen's. The cellar was cold, in the late autumn months, their breaths frosted as they left but Dany did not feel the chill. The seven Silent Sisters dressed in grey robes walked around Mother, bowing and swinging incense. Viserys, dressed in his Septon-in-training robes oversaw the Sisters, he insisted upon it. All the elder members of the House of the Dragon, those who were over fifteen, more adult than child, were gathered to watch the Queen; Alysanne Baratheon, one year younger that Dany, Rhaenys and Aegon, Rhaegar's married heirs of twenty and eighteen, Father and all her siblings and their partners, save Maegella. Viserys forbade her from joining the vigil, saying those with child should not meet the Stranger. Jaeheryes, the tallest of the Sons of the Dragon, kept his light purple eyes on the door. A bead of sweat trailed down his face. Black bags stained his pale, kind face, making him look far older than his six and twenty years.

"The Blood of the Dragon runs hot and strong. It blesses those who veins it runs, and brings them closer to the Seven Above. But as we are closer to the Gods than man, they call us to their Heaven's sooner. Queen Rhaella Targaryen, sister-wife to King Aerys the Wise, Lady of the Realm, and a true Mother of Dragons has been taken too soon to join the Seven. Her spirit now flies, light as a feather, in the Seven Heavens, alongside Prince Baelor, taken before he could breathe. We shall mourn our mother, the Mother of the Realm, and the incarnation of our Holy Mother in this mortal Realm. Her sacrifices to the Crown and the Realm shall be known for decades to come... For the next seven days to honour the Gods above, Mother Rhaella shall rest, and then given to the flames to rest forevermore", Viserys spoke in High Valyrian. His white and purple robes glinted in the soft candle light. The flames danced on his face, licking his short silver hair, tied back into a bun, and casted a maniacal light in his lilac eyes. He bent over and pressed a kiss upon Mothers forehead and whispered words to her that none could hear. Hot tears-stained Dany's eyes, she pressed her hands to her face. Her head starting swaying and she lent onto the nearest thing to her to steady herself. Alyssanne, her closest companion, grabbed her upper arm and held her close.

"Daenerys, you are so warm, are you well?", Alys said softy in the common tongue., her breath frosting in the dark cellar. She pressed a hand to her aunts' forehead and recoiled. Alyssanne turned to Shaena, dressed in black and red mourning attire, and whispered something urgently.

"Daenerys, Daenerys, my dear", Shaena grabbed Dany as she swooned, "Dany, Dany, Daenerys, can you hear me?", she held Dany and guided her to the stone floor. Daenerys' eyes closed and her breathing became rapid.

"Sister, I am so cold", Dany said softly in High Valyrian. The rest of the gathering stood back. Jaeheryes rushed over and looked over his small sister.

"Get her out of here now, to her rooms. I will be there shortly", Jae said urgently. Robert, the big black bearded man of eight and thirty years, five years his wife seniors, grabbed Dany in the bridal style and strode from the dark basement. He carried her through the long, marble white halls of Dragon Hall, covered in carvings and dragons and vines.

To Dany the dragons moved and roared. The white pillars adorned in wyverns and wyrms moved and wriggled. They peeled off the marble and followed her through the air. Shaena followed closely behind her husband, yelling for the path to be cleared. Servants parted and whispered; Shaena hissed them to be silent. Dany looked around; the great tapestries of the Targaryen Reign that decorated the halls spoke to her. Her ancestors were disappointed. From Aegon the Dragon, Maegor the Cruel, Jaeheryes the Conciliator, Viserys the Peaceful, Rhaenyra the First Queen, Aegon Dragonsbane and so many more all chanted at her, "Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti", "Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti". She replied in turn, "Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti", Robert looked down.

"Shaena, she is talking Dragon. What is she saying?", the Laughing Stag asked. Shaena repeated the phrase to herself and stopped in her tracks. Robert halted and spun around to meet his wife's amethyst gaze.

"Robert I must check something. Take her to our room, not hers. Let no servants in to see her. Stay with her, let only Aegon, Daeron, Jaeheryes or I in", Shaena paused at Roberts expression, he raised a thick black brow.

"Lady, I don't understand, what is going on?", he asked, voice rising.

"Robert, my knight, protect my sister, promise me this. Swear it to all the Gods. I promise I will explain", she gathered her skirts, "I love you, please, do this for me", she ran down the hall. Robert took a deep, strong breath.

"Seven-dammed Dragons, I should have married Lyanna instead", he ran down the hall as fast as he could, while Dany faded into a fever dream.

Daenerys flew upon the back of a great black dragon. She looked over its scaly black neck, two horns like rams curled back towards her, shiny black like onyx. The landscape below was tall spruces, covered in snow as a fine powder. The cold winter air embraced her like Mother. A winding river came into view, then a large city, the freshly built Winterton, the first true city in the North. Beside it, the ancient Castle of Winterfell loomed, the sight was familiar to her. She had been here once before to celebrate the completion of the Kings Road from Landing to Winterfell, she had been two and ten. It was also when she was promised to Robb Stark, heir to the North.

The dragon circled thricely over the castle and city. Cheers from below echoed up, Dany smiled and commanded her beast to let go a torrent of flames. It obliged without a word from her lips. Above her, many shadows loomed. She looked up, six other dragons danced in the sky. A myriad of colours, shapes and sizes, but her Black was the largest of them all.

Two people entered Roberts and Shaena's chambers but no doors opened. They spoke quietly and observed the body on the grand bed.

"She was not meant to get ill. She cannot die", a feminine voice said from the darkness beyond Dany.

"All of the wells had been spiked. If she had drunk water from them in the past two days, then she would have taken the spoiled drink", the masculine voice shot back, "unlike everyone else at this feast, she prefers water to wine. She will be fine if she drinks no more from now on. I will personally make sure she only drinks the pure water". Silence followed.

"Two of them are gone. The others will soon follow. We are doing the Realm a service. We must not stray from our path. It will be difficult but the world will thank us when we are done, my love", the feminine voice replied, "I do not worry for Daenerys, she is stronger than most. But the rest shall fall like flies...". The voice trailed off, followed by the sound a kissing.

"Not here, my queen. We cannot risk it. Jaeheryes will be here soon, he will make sure she lives", the man said. Quick feet upon the wooden floor echoed across the room, and Dany fell back into darkness.

Seven funeral pyres lined the amphitheatre of Dragon Hall, all in different sizes. Dany saw they were all different bodies from adult to babe. Great banners hung from the wooden standard poles, Green dragons on black for Dragon Hall, Golden dragons on black for Goldfyre, Red on black for the Royal Family, the Baratheon Stag and Fish of Riverrun, Wolf of Winterfell, Spear and burst of Martell, Rose of Tyrell and many more lapped lightly in the breeze. Dany walked among the pyres, in each arm, an egg was placed of the deceased, save for the smallest. A voice droned on in the background, one she knew. Hundreds in mourning black sobbed. Smaller pyres wrung the edge if the amphitheatre, carrying many dead nobles. Dany felt flames lick at her feet, she looked down but nohting was there. From above voices chanted once more, Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti", Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti", Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti", she covered her ears and screamed.

Excerpt 2

King Aerys the Wise and his sister wife Queen Rhaella had many children from the years 259-300 AC. The following chapter recounts the marriages of his children and grandchildren.

From the marriage of Princess Elia Martell (256 AC) to Prince Rhaegar (259 AC) Targaryen of Dragonstone came Princess Rhaenys (280 AC) and Prince Aegon (282 AC), who were promised to one another from near-birth, followed by a miracle child, Princess Visenya in late 299 AC.

From the union of Princess Shaena (267 AC) and Lord Robert (262 AC) 'the Laughing Stag' Baratheon of Storms End came Alyssane (285 AC), Aemma (288 AC), a miscarriage in 289 AC, Edric 'Storm Chaser' (291 AC).

From the union of Prince Daron (269 AC) and Lady Cersei Lannister (266 AC) came the twins Gaemon and Joanna (286 AC), Baelon (290 AC) and Tygon (292 AC). From this couple came the first cadet branch of the royal family, dubbed the Goldfyres of Casterly Rock, the Golden Dragons of the West.

From the union of Princess Maegella (270 AC) and Edmure Tully (267 AC) came no living heirs, but three miscarriages and two still births. From her later marriage to Prince Viserys in 301 AC came the twins, Gael and Rhaena (303 AC).

From the union of Prince Aegon (272 AC) and Lady Margery Tyrell (280 AC) of High Garden, came Aemon (299 AC), a still birth in 303 AC, the twins Vaegon and Vaella (306 AC) and Olenna (307 AC). From this couple came the second cadet branch of the royal family, dubbed the Targaryen's of Dragon Garden, the Green Dragons.

Prior to their marriage, Prince Aegon sired a bastard, and in 288 AC a girl was born. Prince Aegon claimed her as his natural daughter. He gave her the name Aerea Flowerfyre, in 300 AC she was legitimised by King Rhaegar as Aerea Targaryen.

Prince Jaeheryes (274 AC) and Prince Viserys (276 AC), being fourth and fifth born sons, were given to the Citadel and Faith at age twelve, respectively, to show gratitude from the Royal House. Prince Jaeheryes completed his chain in 290 AC, specialising in Valyrian History, Dragonlore and Herbology. Prince Viserys, although devoted to the Faith, was released from his vows in 301 AC and wed his sister-wife Princess Maegella.

Lastly, in 284 AC, after Queen Rhaella was thought infertile, came Princess Daenerys 'Storm born' born upon a visit to Dragonstone. Princess Daenerys, also known as the "Mother of Dragons", wed Robb Stark (284 AC) in 304 AC, after escaping her imprisonment in Essos. Together they had three children, Eddard, Rhaelle and Baelor Stark in 305 AC.

Chapter 4 – Golden Festival Arc, PT4

Shaena

"My captain of the guard, Stevan Harlad, has found something he wishes to share. Harlad, speak freely", Lord Aegon the Green said. All the children of Aerys and their partners, sat in Aegon's private solar; a large circular room on the second floor, beautifully decorated with green velvet furniture, tapestries, carvings, fireplaces and windows. From the large wooden table by the balcony window, they talked late into the night. King Aerys was nowhere to be seen, so Rhaegar took the head of the table with Aegon the younger, a mix of Dornish eyes and Valyrian hair sat besides, while Elia was bed bound, ill.

"M'lords, m'ladies, a few 'ours ago, while on pa'trol one of me boys found someth' odd" the middle-aged captain of the guard played with his helmet in his hands, "the lad was thirsty, an' no booze on the job, so 'e went for a drink at the well near the 'theatre. But 'e noticed a funky smell, there wa' a 'hole swine in one o' the wells, long dead by the looks. 'e alerted me an' we pulled it out an' sure 'nough, a 'hole pig. Its meat 'ad rotted into the water", the guard pushed a hand through his salt and pepper hair. The Dragons looked at one another.

"I sent ma boys to check the other six wells an' sure 'nough, pigs and sheep in all them. Then as me and the lads checked the camps an' such, everyone was sickin'. They all 'ad the water, m'lords. Everyon' sickin now. The boys said some o' the oldin's and youngin's have died too, the sickin spoiled their stomachs. Lord Aegon sent the Maesters into the camps and to the 'igher borns, they checkin' everyone now, aye".

Shaena stomach turned; she had been choosing water over wine since the start of the tournament, she had missed her moon sickness and wanted to be safe. She held Robert's hand under the table, he squeezed it firmly. Jaeheryres pulled a notepad from the many folds of his grey Maesters robe and scribbled something down. He muttered under his breath in High Valyrian.

Rhaegar folded his hands on the table and took a long deep breath, "What we say in this room cannot leave. Swear it on all the gods, New and Old", he commanded.

"I swear it by the Gods, Old and New", they replied.

"Fathers spies have been altered to suspected rebellions in the West and Riverlands. We have not found much, but they are old Lion sympathisers. Those who believe the Targaryen's hold too much power". Dareon drew the attention of the room with a cough,

"Reports from my men in the West and Maegella's from the Riverlands suggest treasonous behaviour. The Freys in particular. They are spreading foul rumours about our family", Dareon looked to Rhaegar for support.

"They claim Father is going mad,that he is dappling in dark arts. For the last few moons he has spent hours in the library, requesting tomes of the long gone past. I do fear for the state of our Father. But that was not well known. There are spies in Whitekeep". Shaena looked puzzled at her elder brother. When she had visited last, Father had seemed fine. A bit odd, obsessed with their heritage, yes but no more than usual.

"Recently, he thinks his enemies are everywhere; he will not let his hair be cut nor his nails be filed. I have heard word he even suspects me as an enemy, plotting his downfall in secret. That i am in ally with the Lion sympathisers. The passing of Mother was the last straw, he has not left his room. For the last few years, he has rarely attended Council meetings. He walks among the ruins of the Old City as it has been razed, often spending days in the Dragon Pit before it was destroyed", he looked at his Aegon and nodded his head.

"At the end of Golden Festival, the Small Council and I were going to force Aerys to abdicate to me", gasps broke the silence of the room, "he has done much for Westeros, the Dragon Canals, the Renovation of the Kings Road and the others, the standing army, the Dragon Bank, New Kings Landing, last year the start of the Water Wyrms in Dorne to terraform, but he rambles of Darkness. He started pestering Mother and saying things about my children that I thank the gods they never heard. He thought Baelor was not his, although Mother had only ever been faithful. The man we knew is gone, it is my time to become King", the words lingered on the air. Eyes slowly trained to the far side of the table, where Cersei and Dareon sat, alongside the silent Edmure. Their families were tratiours and now Targayerns were dropping like flies…

"Do not accuse me of this. I see you looking. I may be a Lannister but have I ever been disloyal to the Crown? Who helped Shaena through her labour? Who housed half of the Dragon's brood during the construction of Whitekeep in New Kings Landing? Whose gold paid for it? You may have killed my family, but they were stupid. They started a fight they could not win and paid the price for it. My children will rule Casterly Rock. My line will continue, one way or another. How you play your game of thrones is of no concern to me", the Lioness roared, "may I be excused, your grace?", she said to Rhaegar, mockingly. He shook his head and denied her leave.

Shaena thought back to her first child, Alyssanne. She had been at Casterly Rock for a visit of her brother, Dareon and to celebrate his marriage to Cersei, near sixteen years ago. The ladies of the court had gathered to sip wines and eat rich cheeses from the Arbour while the men hunted and hawked. She would have rather been with them, but she was near full term and could not risk it. The day was beautiful, gulls from the seashore cried above head their picnic. Queen Rhaella sat across from Shaena, holding a baby Daenarys. Soon, Shaena began to feel sharp pain in her stomach and her water broke. Cersei leapt to help while the other women panicked. A few hours later, a beautiful babe with thick black hair and dazzling purple eyes was born, her sweet Alyssanne.

"...I fear for the entire Festival if the water crisis is not solved. Hundreds will be sick from the putrid water. Dehydration will be a lethal to those who are ill. Luckily, the lake can be used but all water must be boiled before usage. But that is not my only worry. After examining Mothers body, I believe she was poisoned. A solution made from the flowers of the Trident River Lily, called Curse of the Trident. A highly potent toxin that causes seizures, foaming at the mouth, kidney failure, vomiting and hallucinations. In small quantities it is non-lethal, save for old, young or weak, in larger doses, death is certain. I tested water samples from the wells and my hypothesis was confirmed, Curse was poured into the wells alongside the decaying corpses to hide the poison, but I believe a higher dosage was used on Mother, and we as Dragons, are the next targets", Jaeheryes read from his notepad.

"Daenerys?", Shaena asked.

"She should be fine. She only drank the water, i do not believe she has taken any Curse. She may be young but she is strong. The Blood of the Dragon runs through her. And I do not believe she was a target like Mother. I have told Maester Jon to not leave her unattended while I am away. After this meeting I will personally attend her and make sure she drinks no further spoiled water", Jae replied. Shaena let her shoulders relax slightly, while Rhaella had recovered from the birth of Dany, Shaena took her into her home at Storms End and warded her once she turned ten. Dany was a daughter to her as Alyssanne was.

"What of the others, Elia, Edmure, the entire Hightower host, Sansa Stark, Lady Selyse Baratheon, the Redwyne twins, the Arryn boy and Lord Jon Arryn, my brother Loras and Grandmother? They have all taken ill. Were they poisoned too? What of our children, my Aemond?", Margery asked sitting up in her chair, Aegon grabbed her arm softly, his sapphire eyes full of concern. Jae shook his head.

"My love, we have placed all the children in their rooms with two guards to each door. They are fully monitored. No one can reach our childr-", Aegon was cut off.

"Not unless the Gods above will it. They control all our fates. They give as they take. Before we enter a Golden Age, the Gods must have their due, dragons must die", Maegella looked at her stomach, large and swollen, she laughed once.

"Maegella, what are you raving about? What do you mean 'dragons must die' are you mad? Maegella what have you seen?", Aegon boiled. Before Maegella could reply Rhaegar raised his hand.

"Maegella came to me privately before the start of the Festival. Alongside the unrest in the Riverlands due to the building of Dragon Graden, she has had dreams. Many in our line have been dreamers, and i trust what Maegella says. She has seen what will happen if Father continues to sit the throne. He has plans. New Kings Landing would burn in torrents of wildfire. Another dream, she does not know what it means, but Mother dying will not be the last dragon to. Before the New Year we must prepare, there is an assassin among us, we are not safe", he stood and left the room.

Robert and Shaena returned to their chambers on the left wing of Dragon Hall guarded by four men. They had two rooms that shared into a sitting area, one for she and Robert, the other for their three children, Alyssanne, tall and graceful, a white-haired blue-eyed beauty named Aemma, three and ten, and Edric, black haired with one lilac and one blue eye, nine years old. Shaena opened the door slightly and peered her head it. Relief flooded her when she heard three discant snores, "little monsters", she uttered in High Valyrian. She left the door open, the noise comforting her. The moon shone brightly through the great window of their solar. Shaena sat on a green chair and sipped mulled wine that had been brought for her and Robert. Robert started the fire in the hearth.

"I do not like Maegella, that woman scares me and I've faced battle. Id rather fight 100 Lannisters than that woman", Robert took a long drink of strong wine, his favourite nightcap.

"Maegella may be odd, but that is her. She is my blood. We are blessed by Dreams, Robert. We see things that others do not", she sipped lightly, aware of her own stomach, "sometimes the Dreams take their toll on the mind".

"Lady, what do you mean? What do you dream?", Robert placed his silver goblet down and stared at his wife.

"Once, as a child, I dreamt I flew on the back of a dragon. She was yellow and black, the colours of your house. We rode through the sky, and a child with black hair sat before me. The dream was so real I could taste the clouds, Robert. We touched down by Storms End, a man I now know to be you and a white-haired girl stood side by side. I... I fell off the dragon. The dark-haired child stayed on and flew off into a storm that gathered over head... and then I felt cold. So cold, Robert, the chill sank into my bones and I thought I would never be warm again. I told Rhaegar when it happened, I thought he knew everything as a child. He wrote down my dream and forbade me from speaking of it. You are the first one I have told since", the cold seeped into her bones once more, not even the mulled wine warmed her as it travelled down her throat. The lie she told burned even more.

"You only mentioned two children, from your dream", Robert said hesitantly, "what do you think it me-".

"Nothing, nothing will happen to our children Robert. I will not allow it. I am Blood of Old Valyria, I do not fear men", she cut off. Silence hung in the room over the sound of crackling fires.

"Robert, would you join me in the bed, tonight? Perhaps we can prove my dream wrong", Shaena placed her goblet down on the small table and stood above her husband. She led him to their bedroom and began to undress, a thousand emotions mixing at once. Greif, sadness, loss, passion, lust.

Once they had finished, both satisfied, they laid in their bed, green and gold covers dressed their naked bodies. Shaena ran her hands through her husband's thick chest hairs.

"If we make a girl, I want to call her Rhaella, for my mother", Shaena said softly. Robert laughed lightly.

"Funny, I find that, my grandmother was called Rhaelle. In a way, the girl could be for both of them", he laughed again, "Lady, when we get back to Storms End, I want to take you all to the Vale, to see Jon Arryn, that man was more a father to me than anyone else. I want you to relax in the place I grew up, and perhaps we can make the daughter you want, and another son for me!", he laughed again. He placed a kiss on her lips and began to move onto her once more.

"You want to try again, at this very moment, Robert?", she asked happily, he nodded with another laugh, "very well then, do your duty, my lord". The door opened with a crack and Robert quickly rolled off Shaena. She pulled the covers to her naked chest and they both sat up. Shaena's heart sank. Aemma stood at the door weeping, Edric stood behind her, clutching the tails of her nightgown, frozen.

"Alyssanne is not breathing", Edric said.

Chapter 5 – Golden Festival Arc, PT5

Daenerys

A strong midday light filtered in through the window of her bedchambers. By her bed she heard a soft song being sung.

"And they never wanted to leave. Never wanted to leave. Never wanted to leave. Never wanted to leave. High in the halls of the Kings who are gone, Jenny would dance with her ghosts, the ones she had found, the ones she had lost, and the ones who had loved her the most", the voice carried over the room. The song was a common one, but it sounded odd on Danys ears as she realised it was in High Valyrian. Dany's body ached; her muscles tired, eyes heavy, she tried to sit up but fell short.

"Water", she choked out, her eyes closing. A goblet was placed to her lips, it tasted sweet on her tongue.

"Good, drink. Gather your strength. This drink will help heal you. You need to rest as much as you can, the New Year approaches", the voice said.

"Mother?", Dany asked.

"No, sister, here take another drink". She swallowed deeply, a fire filled her body, giving back her consciousness, "Shaena?", she asked. The voice said something in common, followed by footsteps and the sound of doors working.

"Shaena has locked herself away. Another dragon has fallen, she mourns Alyssanne", Maegella replied, a venom in her voice. Dany blinked away the sleep from her eyes in disbelief. Tears slipped from her eyes, Mother, Baelor, Alys, who else? she thought. Maegella wiped the tear from her face with a cool, soft hand.

"Princess Daenerys, do not shed nears for the girl. The gods have called her to the Seven Heavens above. She is with Mother and Baelor, all my seed who did not live. Our pure ancestors. She has fulfilled her purpose in this mortal world. She will not be alone forever, we all come back eventually", Maegella caressed her cheek. Dany began to cry even more, she muttered Alyssanne's name repeatedly. Maegella pressed more drink to her lips. The fire inside her lit and she pulled herself up, the colours of the room danced in the fire light of the hearth, she shivered.

Maegella stood and added more logs to the fire, and pulled a brazier from the back of the room. She muttered about flames and dragons as she began to sing again. The doors opened once more and a few people walked in. Maester Jaeheryres, Prince Rhaegar, her cousin Aegon, the bastard of Aegon the Green, Aerea Flowerfyre, a tall man with a sullen face and grey eyes and another boy with auburn hair.

"Maegella, you may leave now", Prince Rhaegar commanded. She bowed deeply. Dany felt cold and wrapped the blanket around her tightly, shivering. Aerea Flowerfyre, a child of two and ten, from before Aegon and Margery were wed, jumped onto the bed. Silver haired and purple eyed, she looked more Dragon than their cousin and future king, Aegon of Rhaegar. The two familiar men stood at the back while Rhaegar and Jaeheryes came to her bedside, asking how she was and checking her over. They told her of Alyssanne's passing while Aerea hugged her tightly.

"Daenerys, I present to you, Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and Robb Stark, heir to the North", Rhaegar said formally. The two men bowed deeply. Dany did her best to greet the men in turn, she reached for her goblet that Maegella had prepared, but it was empty. Jaeheryes passed her a glass bottle of water, it tasted odd, clumps of powder gathered at the bottom of the vial.

"Princess, we did not mean to interrupt. We can return when you feel well", Lord Eddard spoke, his voice cold and flat but not unkind. Robb, a boy of her age stood tall behind his father, he tried to bear the same seriousness as him, but his blue eyes were too kind, and his smile was warm.

"Following the recent events, Lord Eddard and I have decided to hasten our plans. After the Golden Festival you shall return north with the Starks and await the rest of your betrothal to Robb Stark at Winterfell. You have been there once before with Father, so the place will not be unfamiliar to you. Lady Aerea will travel and stay with you until you become comfortable, alongside Lady Joanna. You will also have Sansa and Ayra, Robb's younger sisters, to make friends with, they are of age with you, too", Rhaegar continued. Jaeheryes held a weird contraption of glass and silver to her purple eyes and made notes in his pad. Dany looked at the men, she knew this day would come. She had been promised to the first-born son of Winterfell since before she was born, to for fill the pacts made in the Lions Folly.

"My son has brought you some gifts, Princess. Robb", he gestured the boy forward. Rhaegar and Eddard stood back.

"I will leave you under the chaperone of Maester Jaeheryes and Lady Aerea. Come Lord Stark", Prince Rhaegar walked from the room followed by the northern lord. Aegon lingered by the door for a moment, looked back at Dany with hungry brown eyes and winked, then followed his father. She grimaced.

"Um, Princess Daenerys. I have two gifts for you. From the greenhouses of Winterfell, I bring you dried and pressed Winter Roses, my aunt Lyanna and sister Sansa, are quite fond of them. I am told they make a sweet perfume that all the northern ladies wear. But they also look nice on display", he placed the bouquet of dried roses in her lap. Aerea sniffed them and pushed them into Dany's face.

"They do smell sweet, aunt. Can I make them into an oil? Please, oh please, may I?", Aerea asked in Valyrian, she had always struggled with the common tongue, speaking Valyrian or not at all. Dany nodded and thanked Robb for the flowers. He then bent over and picked up a medium sized wooden box from the floor. He opened it and placed it on the bed. Aerea and Dany gasped, alongside Jaeheryes who near dropped his medical instrument.

"From the crypts of Winterfell, princess. My sister, Ayra, was playing with my brothers, Rickon and Brandon. Deep at the bottom they found them...four dragon eggs. Father told me it would only be right to return them to your family. Your far off relative, Jacereys Velyaron, upon his visit to Winterfell-", he started.

"His dragon laid a clutch of eggs for Sara Snow, his lover. He later died and Sara Snow was never heard of again. Gone to the histories and stories. It was true, after all?", Dany interjected, "I am sorry, my lord. I did not mean to cut you off", she blushed. Then a sadness overfell her, tears flooded her eyes. Alyssanne loved stories of forbidden love and romance. Aerea picked up one of the eggs, a black with swirls of purple, misshaped and crooked compared to the others, she knocked it with her knuckles.

"Dany, they are made of stone. Listen. May I have one? Please? I'll even take the wonky one. Please, Dany, please, please, aunt", the girl pleaded. Daenerys took the egg from Aerea and looked it over. Even broken it was beautiful and felt warm to the touch. Another stream of tears fell from her face.

"I am sorry, Princess...Daenerys. I did not mean to offend you. I can take the gifts away. I am sorry, your niece, mother. I am so sorry".

"It is fine, Lord Robb. I thank you for your gifts, they are very handsome. I feel ashamed, I have nothing to offer you" she tried to smile. Aerea played with her silver hair and pulled out another egg from the bed of straw, yellow and black.

"A smile is all I could ask for, my princess", he bowed deeply and left the room. Dany wanted to be happy, but all she felt was a darkness inside her. She had lost so much. The world felt dumb, and the voices from her dream lingered in her mind.

"May I?", asked Maester Jaeheryes. He took the other two eggs and laid them on the bed. A white one swirling the colours of the rainbow, and one of red and pink. He muttered words and pulled a fresh notebook from the folds of his grey maester robes. He sketched the eggs crudely and marked their colours and size. Dany picked up the one nearest to her, the one of yellow and black, the heat under her fingertips danced like the fire inside.

"Come now, Aerea. Leave Daenerys to rest. I have prepared you a sleep drought, if you need it, sister", Maester Jaeheryes said.

"Wait, Maester Jaeheryres, brother, what was the drink I had?", she asked.

"It was a solution of my own design. Mixed with herbs and cirtus fr-"

"No, the one Maegella made for me. The one in the silver goblet", she pressed. Jae picked up the goblet and held it in the sunlight. He narrowed his pale purple eyes and scratched his short cut blonde hair. He dipped a finger into the goblet then spat it out.

"Ānogar", he said, puzzled. Dany grabbed the drink from his hand and looked inside. Red stained the metal. She grabbed a mirror from the medical kit Jaeheryes carried and opened her mouth. Her teeth were stained with blood.

Excerpt 3

In the event known commonly as the "Tragedy of Summerhall" that saw the birth of Prince Rhaegar and the death of many Targaryen's, all the dragons' eggs in Westeros were thought to have been destroyed. However, during the construction of Dragon Garden, on the ruins of Summerhall, the seat meant to house the Tyrell-Targaryen's (and the site of the Great Library of Westeros, built in 301 AC), three of the seven eggs were found to have survived the flames, one pure black, one silver and blue, and another of green and gold. These eggs were housed in Dragon Garden as prised possessions and studied by Maester Jaeheryes in his tome "What Remained of Valyria".

The "Tragedy of Summerhall" has been speculated to be an attempt to restore the Dragons of old Valyria and early Targaryen rule. A mixture of blood magic, the Red Faith and the Faith of the Seven in a crude and barbaric ritual. As it is now understood, to hatch a dragon from stone, one must be of Valyrian decent and a woman. Although these are only theories as the Citadel has yet to reach solid conclusions on the nature of dragons. More research will have to be conducted in this field.

For further reading on Dragons and the current dragons of the realm and those recently deceased, see "Dragons reborn: Of Wyrms, Wyverns and Dragons", a remastered tome based of Septon Barth's lost book, written by Aerea Targaryen, Lady of Riverrun.

Chapter 6 – Golden Festival Arc

Shaena

Shaena sat in her bed, staring at the wilted flower crown. No tears formed; no sobs escaped her mouth. Hollowness consumed her, it ate her soul. Her girl was going to give the crown to Loras when she saw him again, ask him to dance and the Final Ball, now she would never do that.

No food had passed Shaena's lips, no drink had been taken since that day, she had not even spoken. After she was killed the whole Festival was placed into lockdown. No one was to leave or enter under penalty of death. Five peasants and a lesser lady with her lover had been hung so far, more were expected to try to leave. For once in her life, Shaena did not care for a single other soul. All she was left with was a seething, burning rage. She twisted the flower crown in her hands, the dandelions last petals fell from their buds to the floor, and she screamed.

"Lady, lady what is wrong!", Robert burst in through the door. His blue eyes dulled; his face flushed red with wine blush. Shaena stood and screamed again, she through the crown to the floor and fell to her knees, but no tears left her eyes.

"Why? Why would the Gods be so greedy. She was five and ten, Robert. Five and ten, she never had a life! She will never know the love of another, never hold her own child, never grow old. I will kill the man who took her from us, Robert. I will rip him limb from limb, I will feed his family to flames and watch him burn, too. I am blood of the Dragon; they shall know my pain", hot red fury flowed through her.

"I swear to all the gods, I shall not cry until her killer is dead by my hand", she vowed in Valyrian. Robert came to her and wrapped her lithe frame in his large arms. He stroked her messy silver hair, unwashed for days. The stink of wine left his lips as he muttered nothingness to her. Shaena stared forward, the dragons rage eating her alive.

You have woken the dragon, she thought.

Shaena opened the wooden doors, guarded by six men, to the grand nursery of Dragon Hall, a large hall-like room, long and rectangular. The walls were painted with children riding dragons and horses, hawking and hunting in vibrant colours on the marble. All the children had been gathered to be checked over by Jae and Maester Jon; her Aemma and Edric, who smiled weakly with empty eyes when she entered, Dareon's kids: the twins Gaemon and Joanna with golden hair and green eyes, and their younger brothers, Baelon and Tygon who looked more dragon like. The babies: Rhaegar's Visenya and Aegon's Aemond, both silver haired and purple eyed, and the Bastard of Aegon, Aerea Flowerfyre. The two maesters conversed quietly, making notes and using odd equipment to make numbers. Jae turned when he noticed Shaena enter the room, rings coloured his light eyes, sleep illuded him, too.

"Sister", he said softly, he reached out and held her tightly in embrace. She held back a sob, remembering her promise. She thought back to their childhood and youth, the endless nights in the libraries, the evening missions to the kitchens to steal sweets, their first-time hunting with Rhaegar when they both failed to catch anything, the night he was promised to the Citadel and their secret vow on the day he left. He said her name but she did not hear it, it fell deaf on her ears.

"How are the children? The adults, are any sick? Do you need assistance?" she asked cooly. Jae ran a hand over his short cropped hair and shook his head.

"None are showing any symptoms associated with Curse, the twins and Visenya were vomiting yesterday, but they are stable, just weak and tired. We all are", he sighed, "Elia has made a recovery, Jon believes it was her fragile health and the stress, Edmure has going missing, not that we noticed until Maegella mentioned it and Father still has not left his room". Maester Jon stood and bowed at Shaena, he said words of apology but she refused to hear them.

"Daenerys' condition has stabilised but she cannot remain conscious for long. Jon and I are struggling to know what ails her, the water would have passed through her system by now, if she had been poisoned by Curse then she should already be dead, or in a far worser state. We do not know how to cure her", Jae continued, "After we finish checking the children they'll be returned to their rooms. Rhaegar does not believe it is smart to keep them all in one place, easy picking for the assassin". Shaena raised a brow; Jae shrugged his wide shoulders under grey robes and chains.

"Maester Jon, would you please go and check if Princess Daenerys is awake, I would like to speak with her if she is", Shaena said to the Maester, he objected then agreed, scurrying off with his aged hobble.

"Sister, what do you intend to do?", Jae asked.

"Brother, I will speak plainly. Mother and our unborn brother were poisoned, my daughter was poisoned, Dany was poisoned, our children are sick and Maegella still believes the worst is yet to come. This festival was meant to bring the Realm and families together yet our House is weakened, we have invited enemies to our doors with open arms and served them supper" she paused and took a deep breath, looking at the children, her heart filled with heat, "Brother, you do not know what ails Daenerys but I think you do, Dragon Dreams. The gods are showing her what is to come. Don't you feel it, brother? Feel in your bones, in your blood? Something is coming, the new is only two days away, there we shall see the climax of this event in history".

Shaena took supper that night at Daenerys bedside. It was the first she had eaten it days. A simple meal of pigeon pie, gravy and a soft cheese with bread. The silver haired youth stayed asleep, her chest rising and falling softly under the heavy green blankets. She placed a fresh wet rag on her soft forehead. It blazed with a scorching heat. Shaena knew there was no point in trying to break her temperature, she was amid a fever dream. The near full moon light entered through the huge window above her bed, it would be full on the New Years Eve. The thought of that sent goosepimples up her body, Jaeheryes had also said it would be a blood moon.

"Beautiful", a voice in High Valyrian said as the door opened. Shaena spun around on her wooden seat by the bedside. Maegella, dressed in her signature black and purple gown waddled in, heavy with child.

"Some say the moon and sun are married, the Maesters believe the moon was once a part of our planet, cast off while it was still volcanic and hot. Others believe there was once two moons in the sky, but one went too close to the sun and broke, from it one thousand thousand dragons came forth and drank the flames of the inferno", Maegella continued, walking over to the bed. Her shadow in the candle light cast long, looming shapes on the wall with a long snaking neck. She picked up an egg from the box at Dany's feet, the one of yellow and black, and placed it in Shaena's hands, while she picked up the broken one of black and purple. She placed it against her cheek, and breathed in its stone breath.

"These are our kin, Shaena. Our brothers, our mother and father, sons and daughters. We are dragons, fire made flesh. Our blood runs hot and we see through the veils. We do more, have more, deserve more than mortal men", Maegella placed her lips on the purple stone and gave it a kiss, like a mother to child. Her dark purple eyes alive with fire.

"Maegella. What have you seen? What have the Dreams told you?", Shaena looked the egg over in her hands. Its stone warm under her hands. Maegella let off a small laugh, relief-like.

"Last night, as I slept, I saw the Stranger walk through the castle, under this moon. It visited two rooms, then left. Three dragons followed it, one was small, one large with clear purple eyes and the other had a hundred horns crowning its head. The Stranger now held a spear in its hand, and a misshaped fish in the other. That was my dream.

Earlier today, as I tended to Princess Daenerys, I saw seven funeral pyres bearing the mark of the Dragon. Around it many more pyres from different houses laid full", Maegella placed her egg back in the box, "but the dream was not mine. It was hers", she held a hand on Dany's foot through the blanket. Shaena raised a brow.

Dany muttered words under her weak breath. With the eggs near her, her heart strengthened and her eyes fluttered. Shaena placed the yellow by her and grabbed the others; the misshaped purple, the white and rainbow, and the pink and red and laid them around her small body. The words she uttered cleared. Shaena opened her mouth to speak but was shushed by Maegella, smiling.

"Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti. Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma. Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti. Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma. Sīmonagon se zaldrīzoti. Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma!", each time Daenerys's voice grew until she yelled the last time.

"Brother!", Dany cried out, shooting up from her bed. Across the courtyard, in the Fathers Tower, the seven-story tower made of white marble, a large scream echoed from the window. And a body fell from the balcony to the paved stones below.

Excerpt 4

Dragon Garden, the largest castle in the Realm, save Harrenhall, was built of the white marble of the Eyrie, coloured glass from Lys, and a rare green cobble from deep in the quarries from the Dornish Bone way. Built with 7 towers, a grand eating hall, an audience room large enough to rival that of White Hall in New Kings Landing, 3 kitchens, each for their own type of cooking, working plumbing and heated water, 300 bed chambers and accompany Solars, 77 sitting rooms, a ball room, 77 gardens and water terraces, all sporting 77 exotic breeds of flowers and trees, an immense Gods Wood bearing a young Wierwood tree and the Great Ampitheater for tourneys and training, made in the same style; Dragon Garden is often regarded as the most beautiful castle in all the Realm.

However, following the events of the Golden Festival, many considered the site to be accursed, or a site of religious significance as the origins of the Reborn. The Sept of the Dawn was built on the Dragon Garden grounds after the War for the Dawn, and to celebrate the new laws regarding gender inheritance in Westeros, created by the Great Conciliator, a new library, nicknamed, the Hoard of Books, or formally as the Dragons Library, was built as a new training grounds and hospital, where both men and women may earn their chain as a maester.

Chapter 7 – Golden Festival Arc

Jaeheryes

The climb to the top of the Father Tower was long and winding. A semi step ramp was implemented in place of a staircase to allow for wheeled chairs to ascend. Jae looked out the long glass windows, ringed in marble bricks and across the lake. The near full moon cast long light onto the rippling water. Guards patrolled the lake, preventing anyone from tampering with the water, their armour of green and silver glinted softly.

The top of the Father Tower held the Lord's rooms, which had been given to his parents by Aegon's for the visit. In the times when Jae had visited Dragon Garden before, like when Aegon personally requested Jae delivery his and Margery's firstborn, the Tower had been full of laughter, musicians and windchimes, Margery's favourite. Now the Tower stood in silence, mourning. He stood before the huge wooden doors, caved with vines and dragons, and knocked. The door swung open. No guards were posted outside, only at the base of the Tower as there was only one way to the top. Jaeheryes took a shaky step indoors and called out. Laughter echoed from the in the bedchamber, beyond the main solar. Jae pulled out his small dagger with a weirwood hilt, and approached, his arm shaking.

"And the great dragon Meraxes the bronze breathed fire all over Dorne. Ridden by Rhaenys the Kind, she and Meraxes brought the Seven Hells to the Dornish, those who resisted the holy conquest of the Dragon", Jaeheryes walked in the room and dropped the knife with a clash.

King Aerys the wise stood over a bloodied body of Elia, her chest moving softly, weakly. The orange and red dress she had been wearing was stained with crimson.

"Fa-father, what have you done?", Jaeheryes asked hesitantly, aware of the dagger in Aery's hand. The wise king spun around, in his other arm he held the small princess, Visenya.

"Jaeheryes, my wise boy. I was telling the dornish of their history. Elia tried to take her away before I could help her serve her higher purpose, to the gods", Aerys said calmy, his purple eyes alive with fire.

"Father, King, why don't you pass me Princess Visenya? I can carry her as you tell us what you mean by 'her purpose'", Jae walked towards the pair. Aerys shook his head, the crown of the king swaying wildly under his long unkept silver hair. Visenya wriggled in his grasp and the kings' long nails sliced her soft olive skin. The baby cried out, red flowed from her arm. Aerys yelled at the baby, demanding silence.

"Jaeheryes, we all know it to be true. We have all seen it. Some must die so that others may live. Rhaella, my wife, she knew this. Baelor told me in a dream he wanted to sacrifice himself, so I had Rhaella pass in the most peaceful way, the way of a queen. Edmure offered to do it, he knew his purpose, too", Aerys rambled.

"Father, you have not left your room in days, you have not attended any of your family. Who have lost so much...and you tell me you killed mother? She is dead because of your delusions. I had to hold my mother's hand...as she died...because my unborn brother told you he wanted to die?!", Jaeheryes choked out. Aerys looked away for a moment. The fire in his face extinguished. The harsh lines of his minicanal smile faltered, tears filled his violet eyes. He looked at the bloodied knife in his hand, and to Elia and the floor. He dropped the blade and began to sob.

"My wife, Alyssanne, Baelor, all the others who have died. It is all my fault? Did I do this?", Aerys asked. Jaeheryes walked towards his father and picked up his knife from the floor. He slowly took his niece from his father's grasp and check her cut. It was small, nothing to worry for. He stepped towards Princess Elia on the floor, her chest still moved slightly, but her eyes were closed and her olive skin was pale. Aerys held his head in his own hands and recoiled, muttering in High Valyrian. Elia groaned slightly; more blood spilled from a wound somewhere on her chest.

"King Aerys, Princess Elia is hurt and you are in a state. I am going to ask you to sit on the bed, and I will restrai-", Jaeheryes took a deep breath. A warm flurry spread across his chest. His head felt lighter than clouds, like he was soaring. It reminded him of when Rhaella would hold him close when he fell down the winding stairs of Whitehall. The baby in his hand was removed from behind him and the knife fell from his grasp. Did he drop it or was it taken, too?

Aerys looked from the bed, "Son?", he asked.

"Father", a voice replied from somewhere to Jaeheryes' side. That was odd, no one had entered through the bed chamber doors. But he heard two new sets of footsteps in the room, heavy and booted. How had they got in? He thought. More words were exchanged but they fell deaf on Jaeheryes ears. His chest was so warm, he touched it, trying to grab it. His pale hands-stained red.

"i-I have been stabbed, I believe", Jaeheryes whispered in High Valyrian. Off to his side, Father screamed and laughed. Jaeheryes could make out the fire on his face had returned. He walked to Jaeheryes and smiled.

"Edmure, pass me the knife", Aerys commanded. Jaeheryes eyes blurred and he stumbled. Harsh firm hands grabbed him. They held him in place while Aerys laughed.

"You told me in a dream that you wanted this, Jaeheryes. Always wiser than all others. You have known this was your destiny since the day you were born", Aerys embraced Jae, and kissed his forehead, It felt warm, too.

"We need to make this look like it was an attempt on Elia, the princess and yourself, Father. Jaeheryes came to save you and was slain in the effort", the brother said. Jaeheryes mind went empty, trying to pin the voice to a face. Aegon? Dareon? Viserys or Rhaegar? He fell into the arms, his legs weak. He looked up, Edmure's trance taken face looked dead forward, unwavering. Jaeheryes grunted.

"Throw him from the tower, fish, while I prepare King Aerys and Princess Visenya for their calling to the gods...", the voice said.

The strong arms of the fish of Riverrun picked up Jaeheryes and walked him to the balcony. Without a moment's hesitation he was thrown over the railing.

For the moments he fell towards the hard stone floor below, many thoughts crossed his mind. The words he'd left unsaid. The feelings left unfelt. And he screamed a name before he hit the floor.

Chapter 8 – Golden Festival Arc

Shaena

Rhaegar, sat at the Lords seat at the end of the Green Hall. He wore full black, shirt and trousers, gloves and boots. Upon his shining silver hair sat Fathers crown. King Rhaegar, Shaena thought, holding Aemma before her. Robert stood by her side; small black-haired Edric clung to his father's fur lined cloak. Rhaegar spoke solemnly, his eyes gathered bags darker than his clothes. Aegon and Rhaenys stood beside their father, dressed handsomely in black, too, but flourished with red and yellow accents. They were a strong couple, Rhaenys tall and slender, a true dornish beauty with thick black hair and striking purple eyes. Aegon was slightly smaller than his sister-bride, silver haired and brown eyed, but had the looks of a young god. Aegon the Conqueror reborn, many whispered.

Shaena looked down at her youngest daughter, her only daughter now, and wondered what her two would look like at eighteen, at twenty, at fifty. Her eldest would remain five and teen until the day Shaena died, perfect and delicate, like a dandelion.

"On the eve of the New Year, we mourn all that we have lost but justice has been served. The Father Above has seen the murderer brought to light. Aegon, Viserys, Dareon bring forward Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun, murderer", Rhaegar the King spoke. Aegon and Dareon brought in a bloodied Edmure, his lip was burst, eye black, behind Viserys held the heavy chains that ringed his feet and neck.

Edmure was brought before the dias, before all the people of Dragon Garden, before the King of the realm and the future rulers. Viserys pushed him to the ground with the kick from his boot. Edmure fell forward, trancelike, his eyes empty. Boos from the hall echoed. High born and peasants alike gathered inside, around the six great pillars of carved men, all to get a glimpse of the killer. Shaena could barely look at the man, the man who killed her sweet girl. A burning hot rage seeped into her bones and through her like wildfire. She wanted to rip him apart, to tear him limb from limb. How could a man take her child's life and sit there, unphased?

"Lord Edmure Tully, you are hereby accused of the murder of Princess Elia Martell, Princess Visenya Targaryen, Lady Alyssane Baratheon and Maester Jaeheryes. The regicide of King Aerys the Wise, Queen Rhaelle and their unborn child, Prince Baelor Targaryen. The attempted murder of Princess Daenerys Targaryen and many more members of the court, and the contamination of the wells of Dragon Garden. How do you plead, before gods, men and your king?", Lord Aegon spoke, taking his place on the dias by his brother. Edmure looked at the marble mosaic floor from his knees, mud staining the white tiles.

"Guilty", he slurred out. The crowd gasped and moved, some cried out in disbelief. Rhaegar shifted in his seat carved from the wood of a weirwood tree, inlaid with gold and dragon scale motif. Shaena looked her Maegella, to comfort her sister, but she was no where to be seen. With Dany? She thought. Maegella had realty left her side.

"And for what reason did you commit these crimes against gods and men?", Aegon continued. Edmure did not reply, keeping his eyes trained on the floor. Aegon asked again, a heat rising to his voice. Edmure remained silent. A pin drop would have echoed through the hall if it had dropped.

"Kill him! Kill him now! Hang him!", a voice broke through the crowd. Many more picked up the cry, calling for Edmure's head. The crowd began to pull towards him, guards held the masses back. Shaena held Aemma close and Robert picked up Edric. They pulled away from the front of the crowed and towards the dias, where it was safer by the king. Guards moved apart and let them past while the crowd heaved towards Edmure. Rhaegar stood from his seat with no affect. He called once, then twice,

"Stop, in the name of your king, stop this at once!" King Rhaegar yelled, his voice breaking over the mob. Silence fell and movement stopped.

"Ladies and gentlemen mind yourselves. Edmure has confessed, and he shall be surely punished but I am not a cruel man, allow Edmure to say his peace before he is condemned to death", King Rhaegar's voice was like iron, strong, but brittle, like it would break if spread too thin. Edmure looked up, opened his mouth to speak, then blinked hard, his voice gone. A new fear plagued his eyes, one Shaena has never seen before. The crowd broke into hysterics once more, calling for blood. Shaena thought she could hear words in High Valyrian, echo through the room.

Good, good, be afraid, she thought, be afraid of the house of the dragon, know what happens when you cross fire made flesh. Below her, Aemma cried softly, but it fell deaf on Shaena ears, her own thoughts of revenged were too loud.

"Rhaegar, brother, kill him. Average your family", Shaena whispered to herself in High Valyrian, Aemma looked up, she had always been gifted in the Mother Tongue, she cried even harder. Rhaegar held his hands for silence. He stood and walked forward, taking a deep long breath.

"Lord Edmure Tully, tomorrow at dawn, as we consecrate the dead to the great fires, on the first day of the new year, the new century, I King Rhaegar, First of my name, King of the Andal's, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and the Protector of the Realm, hereby revoke all claim the Tully's have to Riverrun and as Lord Paramount of the Trident, and you, to death by fire, may the flames burn away your sins as my family burns, too", Rhaegar commanded, he walked through the crowd, accompanied by five Kings Guard in their white cloaks, and his two heirs.

For the first time in days, Shaena smiled, he would die, and she would make sure she was the one who lit his fire.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. With the killer caught and the lockdown lifted, many decided to travel home, to see the new year with the friends and family. Five peasants had been caught and hung that day, the ones who had poisoned the wells. In Edmure's personal belongings, three vials of Curse were found, alongside two already empty bottles. Maegella was surprised when they found the poisons and offered all she could to help the investigation. By midday Rhaegar proclaimed the investigation concluded, all that they lacked now was a solid motive by Edmure, but he refused to speak.

Over one hundred peasants had died from the putrid water, only the young and the old. Fewer than twenty high-borns had died, once again only the old, sick or young. Aemma and Edric had gone off to be with their cousins and mourn. So, Shaena spent her time by Dany's bedside, holding her hand. She had predicted Jaeheryes death then fell back into slumber, closer to the brink of death than she had ever been. Her forehead burned fire-hot, her breath rapid and erratic, she mumbled in Valyrian but incoherently, always about the number seven. She placed a wet rag on her forehead and heard it singe. Shaena prayed to all the gods above that she would wake.

"Let me help; I have something prepared for her. It woke her last time", Maegella appeared silently behind Shaena, speaking High Valyrian. Shaena jumped in her stool. Maegella slid like a snake to Danys beside and pulled a silver vial from her purple and black gown. She pressed it to Danys lips and sang a rhyme in Valyrian.

"What is it, Maegella?", Shaena asked in their mother tongue. Maegella held her pregnant stomach and sighed, her dark purple eyes alive with a fire unlike any other.

"A mixture found in an old Valyrian scroll. A tonic our ancestors drank to gain strength. Herbs, organics...some other things I cannot speak before such young ears", she cooed, sitting beside Dany. From the pillows, Danys head stirred and her eyes fluttered for a moment. Her breath steadied.

"A potion, a blood magic concoction?", Shaena guessed, "something the Maesters would not approve of? The reason the smallfolk fear us?". For a moment Shaena thought of Jaeheryes, he was a Maester, was. Would he have approved of blood magic and folklore to facts and science? Or would he have tried to find meaning in the magic? Jaeheryes had never feared the idea of magic, it's what he studied at the Citadel, their family's history and practices, what it meant to be of Blood of Old Valyria. But, using it to cure? She did not know. Daenerys murmured under her breath and repeated a phrase. Shaena shushed her and wiped her mouth with a cloth, red staining the green fabric. She chose not to question it. Deep inside she feared what it meant, Maegella and Jaeheryes were alike in many ways; smart, intuitive, driven, cunning, but where Jaeheryes was light and open, Maegella was darker and closed. She closed her eyes, "Can you fix her, sister?", Shaena asked. Maegella nodded.

"Then do whatever you can. Do not let another dragon die", Shaena said. Maegella nodded and looked down at her stomach,

"But seven must perish, so seven may be born".

Excerpt 5

As recorded by both Maester Jaeheryes and Lady Aerea of Riverrun, blood magic of Old Valyria is a fickle recourse. Little to no information on the fire magic survived the Doom, and what remains is heavily protected by those who possess it. The Dragon Hoard currently houses the largest collection of Valyrian scrolls post-Doom and are being extensively researched to uncover their hidden secrets. Of the three rituals that we know of post-Doom preformed in the Valyrian manner, only one could be called truly successful, the Rebirth of the Dragons, during the Golden Funeral of Dragon Garden (300 AC). However, with little to no real knowledge of blood and fire, whether the rituals were planned and successful or mere luck is up to debate.

However, by the Conciliators new laws, the practice of sacrificial blood magic has been outlawed to avoid such dire costs as the events of the Golden Festival from occurring once more, regardless of the reward's it may offer.

Chapter 9 - Golden Festival Arc

Daenerys

Lying in bed, the sun of New Years Day shone brightly through the large window of her room. Danys body felt beyond weak, her arms were lead, her head clouded like the storm off in the distance. But she was awake. Whenever the eggs were near her, or she drank the mixture Maegella made, she felt stronger than she had ever felt in her sixteen years. She wanted to be there when her family burnt, so she rested and saved her strength.

In a few hours she would have to leave this room, burn her family and face the man who had tried to kill her. When she awoke during the night Shaena told her all that had happened, the death of Jaehaerys, her father, Elia and sweet baby Visenya; how Jaeheryes had died protecting Elia, Father and Visenya from Edmure and his helpers. She cried tears of relief when she found out the killer had been caught, but felt conflicted. She wanted him to burn, to suffer, to feel the pain that he had caused her family, but she struggled to see how a man could do such a thing, what had they done to him?

The doors opened and in walked Aerea and Joanna, followed by a Mother Moranne, the head Septa of Dragon Garden, a middle aged woman with a body plump from a relaxed and privileged lifestyle of a highborn in the Faith. Joanna carried a black dress in her arms, Aerea a tray of food and Mother Moranne carried a small wash basin. They greeted one another and helped Daenerys wash and dress. When they spoke it was of nothing at all, or remianed completely silent, save for Aerea Flowerfyre, who could never shut up. The little girls focus kept shifting back to the dragons eggs, she picked them up and described their features to Dany. When the eggs came close to her, Dany's body flushed with heat and she felt faint.

"I think this one would be very beautiful, look the colours, Princess. See how the rainbows swirl on the shining white? I was reading a tome i found in Lord-Fathers private library, and if it is to be believed, i believe that the dragon that would hatch from this egg would be a pearlacent white, like the dominant colour of the eggs. The membranes, horns and accompanying colours would be a variety of rainbowed hues", the bastard girl said in High Valyrian. The Septa rose a brown brow, she spoke High Valyrian, like most of the workers of Dragon Garden, but could not understand much once Aerea began her rambles. Joanna seemed disconnected from all the conversations, the usually proud and talkative girl was now quiet.

"Joanna, what is wrong?", Dany asked, pulling her black gown over her head. Joanna shurgged her shoulders. A sick feeling settled on Daenerys' stomach.

"Mother and Father have barley spoken the last few days. They have been bickering about something but i do not know what. Father has spent all of his time with Uncle Rhaegar, Septon Viserys and Uncle Dareon in meeting rooms. And some of the other children have started whispering then stopping when i enter a room, i think they are talking about me…I wish Alys was here", Joanna stared sobbing, and Aerea hugged her cousin. Mother Moranne sighed and sat all the girls down in the small circle of couches near the fire place of the bedroom.

"Girls, what i will say to you will not be repeated but you have been through so much and you are not children. You deserve to know what is going on…Father forgive me.

As you know, Hoster Tully, Edmure's father, sided with Tywin Lannister during the Lion Rebellion to rid their lands of Targayern rule. Because of this, Hoster and Tywin were both executed following the war. Casterly Rock was given to Prince Dareon and he wed Cersei to pacify Lion loyalists. Although Edmure fought for his father he was allowed to retain his lands and titles if he swore feality to the Crown and Princess Maegella married him to keep a royal influence in the Riverlands. As the events of the last few days have unfolded, Lady Cersei has been placed under house arrest. Many believe your Lady mother and the traitor worked togther. Lady Cersei has motive to want your family dead; as revenge for her family, so did Edmure", Mother Moranne looked to the door, as if she was scared some one would hear her.

Joanna sobbed quietly, "Im not a tratior. I loved Alys, she was my sister. And baby Visenya? Uncle-Maester Jaeheryes gave me sweets when i broke my arm", she sobbed harder, Aerea held her close and patted her golden hair. Dany was hollow, her breathing started to become laboured. She looked back to her bed, none of the mix Maegella had made was left, she had drank it all. Her body craved the solution. Mother Moranne fell to her kness in her grey septa gowns and held the little lions hands in hers.

"Oh, my dear, i did not mean you. It is nothing to concern you. But that is why your lady mother and lord father are likely not speaking. There is no proof you mother has done anything, but King Rhaegar must look for answers, and your father must support him. His wife and daughter were also killed, he is looking for why", the old woman hugged Joanna, "Come now, let us finish getting ready". The great bell of the Madiens Tower tolled nine times, nine hours passed midnight. One hour until they burnt the dead.

They finished dressing in silence, for once even Aerea was quiet. The mood of the room had darkened like the storm that gathered outside. Although the fire of the room blazed away, Dany felt cold inside, her breaths laboured and her heart raced. She tried to lighten the mood, she walked to the egg box while the others sipped tea and nibbled on iced cakes. She open the weirwood box and looked at the eggs, beautiful, enticing and pulsing with heat. She picked up one that seemed to call to her, the misshaped one of purple and black. She wobbled back over and passed it to Aerea, sitting down quickly to avoid falling over. She nodded and asked the girl to describe it, Aerea's pure purple eyes narrow as she span the egg in her pale hands.

"This one, this one feels wrong. Balerion the Dread was black, the Cannibal was black and wild, the egg in Lord-Fathers study is pure black, too. But this black, it feels…dark. The purple is like venom, it stings my hands. The egg is colder than the others, too. See how it is shaped? Some of the scales have chipped off. I do not like this one. It wants something. The egg needs something. I used to like it, but now…" Aerea placed the egg back in the box. Mother Moranne dismissed Aerea and called her silly but Daenerys knew what she meant, she felt it inside her, the darkness the egg gave off. However, to Dany, it warmed her coldness from inside, like her body needed it more than the other ones. A voice filtered into Danys ears. She spun her heard around. No one was in the room save the other girls. The voices sounded old, commanding, like a disappointed teacher, or parent…

One more must go, Princess. So they all can wake. Who shall it be? One more must go, ONE MORE MUST GO, the voice from her dreams echoed through her mind. She shook her head and placed her hands to her ears. But the voices were inside her head. Mother Moranne asked if she was okay. Dany rose form the couch and stumbled towards the eggs, her body cold and on fire, head spinning. She reached for the empty vial, maybe a little drop was left. The voices yelled at her, and she fell towards the floor. The princess mouth foamed and her body convusled, just like her mothers had. Her body seized then stopped moving, her breath getting softer and softer.

"DAENERYS!", Aerea yelled. The world faded away.

The Targaryen family gathered around the bedside of Princess Daenerys wearing the black of their house, from small baby Aemond to the King, Rhaegar, all save Maegella, who had once again been withheld from seeing the dying.

The smaller children sobbed by their aunt's bedside, Aerea was held back by her father from climbing on the bed and shaking her awake.

Nothing could be done, said Maester Jon. She was not dead, but her body was dying. A sezuire had claimed her. Her brain had stopped working properly, it was only a matter of time before her organs shut down. He had given them the privacy to say goodbye. Shaena held her baby sisters hand, yet no tears fell from her eyes. She still refused to cry.

Maegella burst through the doors, tears streaming down her usually composed face. She cursed in High Valyrian.

"How could this happen? Rhaegar, Rhaegar you had said she would recover. You SAID SHE WOULD BE FINE, YOU SAID NO MORE WOULD DIE", Maegella pushed towards the bed and was held back by Dareon from ripping Rhaegar to shreds. The king took a long deep breath, a tear fell from his sad, tired eyes. Viserys tried to calm his sister while the others pulled their children away from the raging dragon.

"Dareon, Viserys, take Maegella from here and escort to her rooms. She is driven mad…by the actions of her husband. Inform the guards she is not to leave until i say, on the Kings orders", he took another deep breath and placed a hand on his forehead.

"Come, Maegella. Come, now. Don't stress the baby", Dareon said taking one of his sisters arms. Viserys took the other and they half carried half guided Maegella from the room while she kicked and screamed, "I will do it, i swear by the gods, Rhaega-", the doors slammed behind them.

Locked in her room, Maegella paced. She chewed her nails raw, until they blistered and bled. She looked out her window from her second story room in the Mothers Tower. Her dreams had told her Dany would live. Her dreams never lied.

If she jumped she would hurt herself or the babe inside her. She knew of the secret passages in the castle but none led to this room, not to her knowladge. She banged on the door, threw goblets and plates around the room, cleared the desk with a sweep of her arms. Her tomes of books of Old Valyria flew across the room. One scroll fell face up on the floor. A hot feeling flooded Maegella's chest. Her stomach fluttered, the babe inside her breathed a flame. She picked up the papyrus over her heavy stomach and read the words.

"Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma", Maegella dreamed, "Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma'. She raced to her chests she had brought with her from Riverrun, filled with her herbs and potions. She grabbed the dagger she had been gifted when she married Edmure, a blade named Catspaw of Valyrian Steel. She remerbed her wedding day like it was yesterday, when Father gave her the dagger.

"With this, remember your duty, Mae. Your duty to your family, to the realm, to me, your father and the Ancestors and the children of the future. Protect our family, keep the Riverlands calm for me and Rhaegar after me. Give Edmure sons that are Dragons, not fish. Do anything to bend him to your will, anything. We are fire and blood. We must keep the Realm for all days and night to come", King Aerys had said before she wed the fish, "promise you will do this", he had said. She had agreed. Anything for the betterment of the Family. Anything to keep the Targayrens in charge of the Realm. Anything.

She chanted in High Valyrain. Outside the thunder of the storm bellowed and rolled, like a great beast roaring. She stoked the flames in her rooms hearth. She threw herbs into the fire, the colour changed from red to purple, to black as night. She ran a hand over her stomach and prayed above. With the dagger in one hand, she cut her bottom lip, blood tasted her mouth. She smiled. Nothing cut as clean as Valyrian steel. Maegella continued to chant. With her bloodied lips she kissed the blade and held it over her stomach. With a smile she plunged it into her. The blade passed through her womb. No blood spilled, no skin tore.

Her babe convulsed but she felt no pain. Just a sweet relief. She pushed once from her womb before the fire, and something fell from her. A babe made of sclaes, with a tail, small mishaped wings and a snout. All of Edmure's sons are dragons, Father, like i promised. She sang in the tongue of old Valyria and picked up her son. She kissed his forehead once, and threw him into the flames.

"Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma", Maegella dreamed, "Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma'.

Outside the rain stopped, the Maidens bell tolled ten times, and a slip of paper bearing a diagram and valyrain runes slipped under the door.

Chapter 10 - Golden Festival Arc

Shaena

Hundreds gathered in the amphitheatre on the grounds of Dragon Garden. The once-coloured games grounds were now covered in black, for mouring and for the Royal House. The banners of Martell and Baratheon were the only others on display, for Elia, Visenya and her sweet girl, but they flew at half height. They whipped in the strong winds while the clouds spitted from above.

In the Royal box she heard sobbing, and the deafening sound of silence. Seven pyres sat in the middle of the arena, small to large. The crowns her parents sat on their shrouds, while offerings were given to the base of the wooden stands from nobles and peasants alike. Elia had been given a spear, like that on her houses banner. Visenya had toys and blankets, Jaeheryes had books and scrolls, his robes and chain, Baelor had a small dragon statute carved for him and other toys, her sweet girl had flowers and her favourite dresses and jewels. Daenerys had been given her eggs in their boxes.

Smaller group pyres ringed the arena grounds, for the highborns and lowborns alike, those who passed from posioing and sickness. Rhaegar stood from his seat in the Box and walked forward. He raised his hands to quiet the crowed. He looked so thin, so weak. The weight of the crown and the world weighed his narrow shoulders.

"Lords, Ladies, lowborn. I welcome you and thank you for being here. This Golden Festival, created by my father, King Aeyrs the Wise, to celebrate the New Century and a Golden Age for Westeros has been darkened by hate and old blood feuds. Edmure Tully, son of the tratior, Hoster Tully, chose to end the lives of so many, for nothing other than revenge. On this day, that should have been for celebration, we consecrate my family to the flames. And.. we punish those who are guilty", he gestured to the pyres.

Two guards in green and silver brought out Edmure, bloody and in heavy chains and collar. His clothes were in tatters, his brown hair shaven, eyes puffed and closed. Shaena heart skipped beats, Robert grabbed her hand but she pushed it away. She rose from her seat, and walked down from the box. A voice called her, "Mother", she looked back, Aemma with silver hair and tear-filled blue eyes reached out to her, Shaena looked away. A fire filled her heart.

Walking down the steps her feet echoed over the amphitheatre like drums. Some others called out but she did not hear it. She felt a hand grab hers, she looked down. To her surprise, it was not Aemma or Edric, but the bastard of Aegon, Aerea. The little girl, with the same eyes as her sweet daughter, ate her soul. A sob formed in Shaena's throat, she choked it back. But the little girl made her feel calm.

Together they walked to the pyres. Aerea opened the weirwood box and placed eggs in the arms of some of the dead, whsipering things in High Valyrain. The little girl moved like she was in a trance, but Shaena could not bring herself to stop her from her task. Shaena looked back to the box, Rhaegar looked down, he knew what she wanted, and he nodded lightly.

Above, the light spitting of the sky stopped. Some looked up and held out hands to feel for the rain. The wind stopped, too. Shaena noticed none of this, only the fire that ate at her.

"Many have lost. Lost mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters to this man, this traitor. His work has ended many lives. How many will never grow old because of a man so obsessed with the past. My sister, Shaena, lost … and for this, she has asked to light the flames. I granted her boon. Shaena, if you would", a guard passed a lit torch to her. Rhaegar began to recite his names and titles, and the sentence of the traitor. The torches wooden stem felt like pure power in her hands. The crowd called out for Edmure's head. The guards tied him to a poll at the centre of the pyres. He said nothing, only looked to the sky above.

Shaena walked forward, the crackle of flame like music to her ears. She heard nothing else. Her vision clouded, saving only the traitor for her eyes to behold. She lowered the flame towards Edmures feet. The torch kissed the damp straw beneath Edmure, covered in oil. The fire took like the straw itself wanted to be aflame. A laugh threatened to escape her lips.

"Burn in all Seven of the Hells", she said to him. She looked once to her daughters pyre as the flames spread from mound to mound. Like a mothers kiss, it enveloped the pyre, giving off warm, inviting heat. It seeped into Shaena soul. It felt... Right, good and powerful.

She walked from the mound of burning wood, her head away from her body. Aerea stood under the Box, watching her, wide eyed. Behind her stood a figure, a tall woman in a purple and black gown, with white hair and black eyes. In her arms she held three eggs of black, green and silver. The woman gave one to Aerea and held one out for Shaena.

"For the pyres, sister. They must burn, too, in this blaze", Maegella said with a bloody smile and shaken breath. Shaena shook her head. Her sisters stomach was gone, like she had none been with child only hours before. The black egg in her hands burnt with heat, like it had been in coals.

"We must. Haven't you felt it, Aunt? We have to. We have to", Aerea added, her voice sing-song. Her lip had been slit, too, fresh blood poured. In Maegella's hand she held a blade. One Shaena had not seen for years. In her heart she felt a drive, she nodded her head to the two Valyrain women. Maegella drew the blade and slit her sisters lip. Blood tasted in her mouth. She felt the most at ease she had been for years. Edmure screamed.

Togther the three silver haired women walked to the pyres, Maegella and Aerea chanted in High Valyrain, Shaena found herself adding her voice to the mix. Cries of disbelief came from the Box and the stands. Words like 'witch' and 'sorceress' echoeded over the crackled and spliitng of logs. Edmure's cries mixed with the flames. Rhaegar commanded they stopped.

"Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma", the three said, "Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma'. Shaena did not know why these words came to her lips, but it felt as natural as childbirth. They each placed an egg at the arm of a body which did not have one.

The fire should have caught the sleeves of her dress, burnt her flesh, the smoke should have clouded her lungs, but they only warmed her like a hug of a mother. She placed the black egg on her girl and stepped back. Edmure was quiet now while the flames raged around her. Trance-like she walked the fires and towards the Box.

With Maegella and Aerea they climbed the stairs and took their seats once more. The crowd roared in outrage, her family looked dumbfounded. But something was happening as their family burnt and the flames roared.

A riot threatened to break from the stands while the bodies burned, but the dancing reds and orange of heat turned purple...then black. And blue and green and white and brown. Hundreds of colours swirled while the flames grew hotter and larger. With unnatural speed the fire chewed through the woods and the corpses, the gifts and eggs while the colours changed.

When the fires died down, piles of charred wood, ash and twsited metal, half melted from the flames were all that remained; save for one pyre.

A figure covered in black ash hunched over. Shaena walked to the edge of the Box and looked over, words leaving her mouth.

A girl with no hair knelt, covered in colourful scales.

"ALYSSANNE", Shaena yelled. She raced from the Box and towards the kneeling girl, she fell to her knees and cast her eyes over the figure.

"Shaena, no", Maegella called out, following her, "it is not Alyssanne. It is…".

"Daenerys", her heart fell from her body. Tears formed in her eyes. But she heard her daughters laugh in her heart.

Dany looked up, her eyebrows and lashes had been burnt away, too. But she was unburnt. On her head, her shoulders, over her bare chest and her lap, beside her and in her arms, sat seven small reptiles, of colours matching the eggs.

"Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma", Maegella said, "Sīkuda zaldrīzoti morghūlis, sīr sīkuda zaldrīzoti kostagon sagon āzma'.

The one in her arms of pure black, unfurled its wings and lifted it's small head. It looked to the sky, and opened its mouth. The others on her sister did the same.

And for the first time in hundreds of years, the air was alive with the sounds of dragons.

Word from Me!

Kia Ora everyone. Thank you for reading this far. This fic was inspired by a post i read on Reddit and wanted to give it a go. I am mostly using it as writing practice but if people are interested ill defintaly keep uploading it.

This is meant to be a canon divergence, so i kept alot of the same characters and did my best to explain why some of them exist, like Robb Stark, and some don't like Jon. i am more than happy to hear feedback if you have it and any ideas!

Lots of love i guess,

Lord Evan