YEAR 128 AC

Driftmark ― High Tide…

Two years later, the skies above Driftmark had remained unchanged. Every day was the same, yet things changed routinely. But peering through the clouds at high speed, Vermithor soared in a deep, guttural growl as he led his rider to their prime destination: Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon. Keeping his wings spread out, the elder dragon maintained a steady course before gradually beginning his descent near High Tide. They would be arriving soon. As the castle's visual imagery grew closer, so did Vermithor as he flapped his wings to slow down and eventually land in a spacious location accommodating a dragon his size.

"Dragon incoming!" a Velaryon household knight announced.

"*Guuuuuuuuuurrr!*" Vermithor growled deeply, his bronze eyes glaring at the humans before him. The Bronze Fury tolerated humanity's presence but bared his teeth to warn them to keep their distance from him out of respect for his rider.

Landing on his feet upon dismounting, Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen soothed Vermithor's fearsome nature. "Lykirī, Vērmithari. (Be calm, Vermithor.)" he instructed patiently. "Sȳris. (Good.)" Jaehaerys was fifteen years old, almost a year from legally becoming a man-grown. His long Valyrian silver hair was tied in a low ponytail, minus a few bangs hanging near his face; the young prince had grown in height, now standing approximately six feet tall. Clean, handsome, and well-groomed, Jaehaerys closely resembled his father in his youth.

"Welcome back to Driftmark, Prince Jaehaerys," one of the Velaryon knights greeted.

"Very well met, Ser Rydan."

"If you've come seeking an audience, Princess Rhaenys is in the Hall of Nine. She's been expecting you. We've arranged a proper escort to take you there. May we accompany you?"

"Yes, I believe that will be for the best. First, however, I must remind everyone to be mindful of Vermithor. He may tolerate people, but please don't get too close to him when I'm not around," Jaehaerys accompanied the group into High Tide. In the following two years, he had been exchanging letters with his cousins Baela and Rhaena via messenger raven, building a rapport with them and getting to know them more personally. While each appreciated the letters, Jaehaerys felt that seeing them in person was a preferable method of familial bonding. So, on one of few occasions, whenever his daily duties were fulfilled or when he had time to spare, he would visit Driftmark to see them, as did his siblings when they were available.

"We've heard no word from King's Landing, my prince, only rumors. Is it true that… His Grace…"

"Grandfather has been unwell for quite some time, but I assure you His Grace is in capable hands. My father has called upon the realm's finest maesters and healers to treat him."

"But what of the word surrounding the Blacks and the Caltrops?"

Jaehaerys shook his head. They still have no idea. "I'm afraid I cannot comment on the current political climate in King's Landing at this time," he declined. "I can share, however, that we're doing everything possible to resolve the matter peaceably. What comes next, I cannot say. Everything else has been deemed classified. Even so, the court is confident that calmer heads may yet prevail in the negotiations."

"When has that ever been the case?" Alyn of Hull remarked.

"I'm an optimist. Just ask Aemma."

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As the Lady Regent of Driftmark, Princess Rhaenys took charge of managing affairs in her husband's absence while he led a naval expedition against the Triarchy in the Stepstones. Lord Corlys departed with 300 longships and war galleys; declaring their support for House Velaryon, House Targaryen sent an additional 100 ships and 1,200 troops to aid them. However, there were some disagreements regarding the petition to recall Jacaerys from the ruins of Hollard castle to learn the art of governance at High Tide, as opposition arose from accusations of illegitimacy made by Lord Corlys's younger brother, Ser Vaemond, and his sons Daemion and Daeron. Nevertheless, as a fair and capable Lady Regent of Driftmark, Rhaenys dismissed their petitions and awaited her husband's return from naval warfare to make his decision officially—only Corlys's voice they would heed, regardless of their doubts or not.

"Princess Rhaenys," Rydan reported. "I present Prince Jaehaerys of House Targaryen."

"Send him in," Rhaenys instructed. The Queen Who Never Was dismissed the remaining household knights as the young prince entered. She observed him closely, analyzing his movements, body language, and intent. Having encountered her fair share of greedy sycophants seeking to curry favor with her or her brother-in-law, Rhaenys relied on her intuition. She sensed that Jaehaerys had come to see her granddaughter, Baela, whom she had taken as her ward. Rhaenys watched him bow politely, paying attention to his mannerisms. "Prince Jaehaerys, you've come quite a long way. I bid you welcome into my husband's hall," she remarked analytically.

"I thank you for taking a moment out of your busy schedule to meet with me, Princess Rhaenys, and I do apologize for the inconvenience I might have caused," Jaehaerys acknowledged. "How fares Lord Corlys?"

"My lord husband remains in good health, though I cannot speak for what occurs in the Stepstones."

"I understand. From all reports, the remaining Triarchy has resorted to crafty tactics to keep their numbers afloat. But I digress. We are confident in Lord Corlys's leadership and pray for his safe return."

"Your words speak well of your character, but I know you did not come all this way from King's Landing just for that alone. Instead, you've come to see my granddaughter, Baela Targaryen."

Jaehaerys blinked. She's… good. I pity whoever tries to get on her bad side. Perceptive and astute but as intimidating as a dragon. Best tread carefully and be on good behavior in front of her. "I… yes, princess. I was hoping to see her this morning. If Lady Baela is unavailable, I can come by later," he suggested.

"And miss out on all the fun, tough guy?" a feminine yet tomboyish voice called out.

Jaehaerys turned the corner toward the upper stairway to see Baela coming down. When they first met at Laena's funeral two years ago, she was slim and short of stature; now, at twelve years old, Baela was tall, lean, and quick for her age. Not one for decorum, Baela slid along the railing and leaped onto the floor, catching herself as she approached without a care in the world. Usually, traditionally conservative lords would be appalled with Baela's disregard for protocol; according to the Citadel's archmaester, Gyldayn, Baela was more boyish than ladylike, which didn't bother her. She reveled in it.

"Baela," Rhaenys scolded her granddaughter, "how many times have I told you not to resort to such wildish antics in your lord grandfather's hall?"

"Sorry, grandmother. It's just it gets so boring sometimes," Baela rolled her eyes. She then redirected her attention toward her cousin. "Seven hells, Jay! What have you been eating?"

"Umm, I beg your pardon?" Jaehaerys asked, confused.

"You're like a giant now!" Baela remarked. Eyeing him up and down, she circled him examining his physique. "Hmm. Let me see… Not a speck of dirt or revolting filth, that's good; you smell nice – tells me you bathe regularly, and your attire is neither wrinkled nor torn… Whatever you've been up to these past two years has worked well for you."

"B-Baela?"

Rhaenys raised an eyebrow. "Young lady," she reminded in her grandmotherly tone.

"C'mon, grandmother. Jay knows I'm only messing with him. It's all harmless! Don't you think so?"

"I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised. My brothers have a habit of doing that to others."

"Hey! At least I never dumped buckets of water or paint on passersby. Even I have standards."

"That's… true."

Baela raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did that mean you just now compared me to Aegon and Viserys? Were you insulting me?" she feigned accusatively.

"What? No!" Jaehaerys shook his head. "No, that's not what I said! It's not what I was insinuating! I only implied that such familiar behavioral patterns, as are the gestures and tomfoolery among siblings, are common in certain households– No, that sounded even worse!"

"Pffft! Hahaha, oh, the look on your face, Jay! I was only joking. No need to get all worked up about it."

"Joking? You… did it on purpose then." I'll never understand why Baela would get a rise out of me. Such an enigma. This woman is going to be the death of me, I swear. "Ah, Sīkudi nopāzmi… (Seven hells…)"

"Well, what are you waiting for? Ha, come on," Baela beckoned. Not waiting for a moment longer, she was already out the door.

Jaehaerys felt relief as he slowly regained his mental composure after dealing with his troublesome brothers at home. He made sure to check in with Rhaenys to ensure that everything was alright before closely following Baela. Despite it only being two years, Jaehaerys somehow already knew that he would have his hands full with her. Nevertheless, he cherished every moment that he spent with her. For Jaehaerys, family was the cornerstone of everything, and his sisters were at the core of his being. A stable home, a good upbringing, and a strong bond were all significant to him, and he hoped to forge these same values with his cousins.

Driftmark ― Along the beaches…

Jaehaerys and Baela spent quality time together strolling along the beaches of Driftmark, feeling the wet sand beneath their feet or hearing the waves crashing against the shore. What felt like a few hours instead resembled an eternity as the two Targaryen cousins enjoyed each other's company. Whereas Baela was wild, willing, and fearless, Jaehaerys was well-behaved, intelligent, and rational; each filled in the gaps of the other to complete the two halves.

"You really said that to him?" Jaehaerys asked.

Baela nodded. "Mm-hmm," she affirmed with a wicked grin on her face. "He went stammering back to Hull, shuffling from side to side so much he looked like he just shat his breeches. Ah, that's what happens when some self-centered, arrogant, pissant tries to claim me like I'm a prize to be won. Bloody idiot forgot to remember that I'm a Targaryen like you. I'm no one's property! I'm not interested in little men who don't even come close to my father's standards."

"That… okay, that sounded a little funny. Still, I envy you for being able to speak your mind."

"Oh? Aren't you a prince who can practically have anything he wants?"

"Just because I'm a prince doesn't mean I'm entitled to abuse my power and authority with a snap of my fingers, Baela. I'd be no more than a tyrant if I did that."

"Really? Not even a little bit?"

"No."

"Well, I know what I'd do. I'd ban all those… disgusting beets the cooks serve from the kitchens in the morning."

"Beets. You'd prohibit beets?"

"Seriously, Jay, have you ever had one? Just one bite, and it's just BLEGH! Yuck! Nasty!"

"But they're good for you."

"Lalalala, not listening! Nope. Lalalala!" Baela stuck her fingers in her ears.

"You know what you want; I'll give you that," Jaehaerys remarked, somewhat amused. "Would you rather be out there? On dragonback seeing the wonders of the world?"

THAT got Baela's interest. "Ooh, I've seen plenty out there than you have here, Jay. There's the Free City of Pentos to the east, where I was born," she mentioned. "I still remember Prince Reggio Haratis boasting about the city-state's massive, decorative high walls with manses reserved for the wealthy and many square brick towers. Mother and father, Rhaena and I stayed in Prince Reggio's mansion as his honored guests. If anything, I think he wanted us to stay there permanently so he could keep the Triarchy from attacking the city." Baela seemed somewhat bleak at the mention of her late mother, Lady Laena. "I miss her, Jay," she admitted.

Jaehaerys placed a hand on Baela's shoulder, reassuring her that she didn't have to go through this alone. "I'm sure your mother would be very proud of you, Baela. And Rhaena, too," he sympathized. "The best part of her will always live on through you both."

Baela felt at ease. "Yeah. I suppose that's all we can do at the moment." She turned to her dragon, Moondancer. "Well, enough of that. Want to go for a swim?" she asked.

"Right now?"

"Yes, right now. Why? Don't you know how to swim?"

"Of course, I can swim."

"Well, then, what are you standing around for? The last one in is a rotten dragon egg!" Regardless of her leather hunting attire, Baela sprinted toward the ocean before diving into deeper water. Holding her breath, her vision underwater was blurry. She couldn't see well, but she could detect Jaehaerys had already taken a moment to change into proper swimming clothes before joining her in the water. "Pwaaaa!" Baela breached the surface. "Jay, what took you so long?" she teased.

"Ahem!" Jaehaerys protested. "Unlike certain people, I'd prefer to get myself properly changed before I even consider taking a dip. I'd rather not have my clothes get wet and shrink."

"Heh, you said 'shrink'!" Baela grinned.

"What the…?" She did not just… "HEY!"

"You thought of something dirty just now, didn't you? Lumieāgō! (Pervert!)"

"That's NOT what I thought about, Baela, and you know it!"

"Well, come and get me to prove me wrong, tough guy!" Baela swam away.

Jaehaerys, unwilling to let her teasing continue, took off in pursuit. He was not generally accustomed to the salty sea air, nor did it help that the water splashed in his face resulted from Baela kicking the oceanic surface to outpace him. His eyes were irritated from the seawater, and his hair was whipping about his face while swimming. Taking a deep breath, Jaehaerys dove underwater and went low to surprise Baela from beneath her. Sound traveled faster in water than on land; his ears, though blocked, could pick up the slightest sound of vibrations coming from the surface. A few air bubbles escaped his mouth and nose; Jaehaerys could only remain submerged for one more minute before coming up for air. Once the young prince detected Baela had stopped moving, he waited.

Above, Baela scanned the surface for Jaehaerys. The sun was going down, but she couldn't see him. She was confident he was behind her. Maybe she did outpace him. But why would Jaehaerys leave her alone? "Hey, Jay!" she called out. Humorously at first, but no response came. "Jay?" Again, no response. Now she started to worry. "Come on, now, Jay. This isn't funny anymore," she began to look concerned. Another look around, but no sign of her cousin. Then, Baela saw bubbles coming up. Shit! Is he drowning?! No, no, he said he knows how to swim. Unless… "Ja―" she called again until Baela was suddenly pulled beneath the water's surface by an unknown force. Overwhelmed by fear, she frantically struggled to break free, emitting gurgling sounds as she fought to stay afloat. After forcefully kicking against a solid object, she could finally break loose and quickly swam upward, gasping for air as she emerged to the surface. "Ack! Ack!" she coughed.

More bubbles surfaced, revealing Jaehaerys had resurfaced, and judging by the disgruntled groan, it was shown that Baela had coincidentally kicked him in the gut to free herself from his grip. "Easy, Baela. Settle down. It's just me," he reiterated.

Baela shook her head, wiping the strands of hair from her face. Once she saw it was indeed Jaehaerys, her face immediately flustered. "That was you?!" she shouted. "That wasn't funny at all, Jay! Mittys iksā! (You idiot!)" she reprimanded before swimming back to the beach.

Jaehaerys shook his head. Baela was mad. He had to make amends with her… if she would permit it. There was an awkward silence on the beach. Baela sat with her knees curled to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs, and she pouted silently. "Baela, I'm sorry for what I've done back there," he tried apologizing.

Nothing.

"I understand there is nothing I could say or do that would undo such a childish antic like that, but it was never my intention to cause you any distress. You can send me away if you wish never to speak to me again."

"That's not it…" Baela uttered under her breath.

"What?" Jaehaerys asked.

"I said that wasn't it," she reiterated. Then, Baela turned to face him. "You had me worried sick, Jay! I thought you genuinely drowned! What was I supposed to tell my grandma or your family if that happened?" she claimed. "Stupid, bubbly-headed, nincompoop little… Mittys iksā. (You idiot.)"

"Hey, hey, hey." Jaehaerys wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere, Baela." He waited until he sensed Baela's posture loosen and relaxed. "You know I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, your sister, or your grandmother in any way, shape, or form. But, by the Mother, you're my cousin. Whether tomorrow or sometime in the immediate future, we will always be a family no matter what happens. We'll always be together."

"I know…" Baela replied. "Jay?"

"Yes?"

"When Moondancer's big enough, and she's big enough to carry me, do you think we can fly together the next time you see us?"

"Of course, we can. As long as you promise to be more careful."

Baela rolled her eyes. "Please, when have you ever known me to be careful?" she reiterated. Her tomboyish nature had returned.

"That's… good point."

"Don't worry, tough guy. I won't do anything that'll make you lose your marbles. Because if you did, I wouldn't hesitate to kick you where it hurts."

"Sheesh! Have some mercy, Baela."

"For you? Nope." Baela then grimaced. "By the way, Jay… What is your gut made out of? Seriously, what exercises have you been doing? It felt like I just kicked a stone wall."

Jaehaerys blinked. "I… That was… training?" he replied. She doesn't know about the Lykirī Mēre yet. But I feel she'll know who they are sooner or later. And what they do. Two days ago, he recalled his recent training session. It included speed and agility tests, endurance training, studying human anatomy to identify vulnerable points in an opponent's body, and improving his reflexes and reaction time to avoid deadly blows. The lessons were becoming increasingly challenging, and he still felt the bruises. Sometimes, he wondered if his father intentionally made the tasks harder as he progressed.

"Well, if that counts as training, then I don't even want to know what you've been doing in your spare time if you don't have your nose buried in those books." Baela then remembered their previous conversations. "Oh, by the way, what did you want to show me?" she asked.

"Ah! I almost forgot," Jaehaerys reached into his sack. Digging around, he unveiled a model depicting a miniature dragon. Carved from marble and driftwood pieced to individual places before receiving a coat of paint, its body was given a slender pale green coloring with its horns, crest, and wingbones pearl. "It's for you. Had to wait for the paint to dry before bringing it over."

Baela was amazed at the detail. Taking it into her hands, she surveyed the model dragon closely. "Jay, is this… is this Moondancer?" she asked. "You made this yourself?"

"Yeah, I wanted to surprise you with it and ensure I got the details right. Do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it!" Baela kissed Jaehaerys's cheek. "Thanks for the gift, Jay. I wasn't expecting that. You surely caught me off-guard. Hey, do you think you can make another one for Rhaena? I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

"Sure thing," Jaehaerys nodded. "Just let me know, and I'll prepare the supplies and sculpting tools."

"You got it!" Baela replied cheekily.

As the sun descended behind the horizon, Jaehaerys knew it was time to depart for King's Landing. His parents had expressly instructed him to return. Only on his sixteenth nameday would he be permitted to stay out longer without parental supervision. Although Rhaena was visibly saddened by their short visit, Baela reassured her that they would see their cousins again soon. Jaehaerys, ever the thoughtful one, promised to make a model of Rhaena's request, eliciting a bright smile from her. She then asked if she could have a dragon replica, just like her sister, to which Jaehaerys readily agreed. After bidding his farewells, he climbed onto the back of Vermithor, preparing for the long journey back home. "Sōvēs, Vērmithari. (Fly, Vermithor.)" he commanded.

"*Grrrrrrrrruuuuuuuh!*" the Bronze Fury growled. Then, walking closer to High Tide's rocky cliffside, Vermithor kicked himself off the ground and spread his wings out to steady himself before gaining altitude. Then, flapping his wings, the Bronze Fury flew high into the sky and increased his speed, despite his old age, to ensure a safe journey home. "*RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!*" his roar echoed from a distance.

Chapter End

Author's Note: We begin the first series of the filler arcs, the in-between chapters that lead to the six-year timeskip. For the first part, our main focus was centered around Jaehaerys and Baela Targaryen. As the cousins interact more, we take a look into Baela's personality as she grows up. What do you think struck out the most between Jaehaerys and Baela? What will their future interactions be? Let me know.

Moran: Great way of showing Baela's character, while we got less of it in HotD. There's actually a deleted scene of episode 10 where it shows Baela's willingness to fight the Greens despite Rhaenys' concern for her safety. Shame it was cut out. It a good showing of character.

Question(s):

1. Has Rhaena claimed a dragon? Seasmoke or Tessarion?

―None yet

2. If not, is it because Rhaenys was overprotective of her granddaughters after losing her children?

―Yes

mpowers045: Something tells me that he and Baela will eventually become more than friends in four more years unless I'm wrong about it

C.E.W: Interesting interaction between Jaehaerys Targaryen and Baela Targaryen, both nearly complete opposite personalities from one another. Jaehaerys responsible, dutiful, whereas Baela is more wild and fearless. Interesting, how how different personalities, yet work so well with each other. Oddly its what one likes about the other. A balance of obligated work, and freedom which Jaehaerys and Baela can represent. They seem to be interacting very well, and it seems rather clear that they will marry in due time. Rhaenys seems to have been watching for some time, while she rules Driftmark in the absence of Corlys Velaryon whose fighting in the Stepstones against the Triarchy remnant who despite being weak is still formidable.

Jaehaerys has spent his entire life, training to be a worthy heir after his father and grandfather. To fight, to rule, to ride a dragon among other things. He sees ruling as a duty rather than a right, and aims to be an benevolent ruler. Baela spent most of her life in freedom, in Pentos, not understanding the true magnitude of her name and blood until after her mother passed. She might be wild, but she is fierce and protective of the people she loves and cares about.

There are so many things they could talk about, dispute between the Blacks and the Caltrops. King Viserys' condition, Daemon and Rhaenyra, along with Jace, Luke, Joffrey, along with other children. Vemond's opposition, Corlys' absence and what effect it has had on the family, on Rhaenys.

Baela is already twelve, and by the time Vaemond makes the petition for Driftmark, she'll be sixteen which is a year older than Alicent was when she and Aeonar married.

Questions:

Where does Rhaenys currently stand in the betrothal between Jaehaerys and Baela?

―She supports it.

When Corlys gets wounded, will Aeonar retaliate against the Triarchy? Corlys Velaryon has been perhaps Aeonar's strongest ally for twenty years since before Queen Aemma died.

―Yes.

Will Jaehaerys teach Baela any fighting moves he's learned? I'm sure he is aware that civil war is most likely to happen at that point.

―Debatable.

Will Jaehaerys and Baela dance together at the last feast of King Viserys?

―Yes.

Have there been any other matches for the other children, Aegon the Younger, Viserys, Aemma, Daeron?

―None yet, but there will be soon.

jojoboy914: Love the chapter about the son. He has a good heart and a strong body. The real test is if he has the mindset worthy enough to be the heir. Is he going to be given more responsibility from Aeonar? Will he be given the title of Master of Whisperers?

―He's been given more responsibility the older he gets; but the office of Master of Whisperers will be announced in a later filler arc chapter.