The Conquest of Westeros XL
The Empresses of the Empire.
As different as they were in personality, Rhaenys and Visenya Targaryen were exactly the same when it came to determination. While Visenya concentrated on the martial aspects though, Rhaenys was the more diplomatic of the two. Not that she was not averse to riding atop her dragon and laying waste to their enemies, more it was that she knew that words, as well as actions, could be powerful.
It was Rhaenys who negotiated with the Iron Bank of Braavos, she who brought the House of Black and White to heel. Where Visenya or Aegon would use threats to do so, the words spoken by Rhaenys Targaryen are lost in time. All that is known is that an accord was reached and that two institutions that could very well one day threaten the very fabric of the Empire that was being built, took very different paths.
When the accords were to be struck it was Rhaenys and not Aegon or Visenya who negotiated such accords. It was she who brought allies to their side and who turned enemies into friends. Empress Rhaenyra ruled through the power of her words and the might of the Dragonknight and his red dragon and few would be able to say which of the two was more effective. Many years later it was the Beloved Empress Alysanne who served a similar role and though High Emperor Rhaegar wished for one of his own two wives to do likewise, the loss of the Empress of the Ice put paid to that. Lyanna Targaryen had a way of bringing people to her side, a way of making enemies see the benefit of being friends. So instead of allies for the Empire, it was allies for her son that were to be her legacy, plans made, and diplomacy of a more personal sort that was to be remembered and spoken about long after she passed.
A history of the conquest of the Dragonknight,
Marwyn the Mage.
Tumbleton 300 AC.
Rhaenys.
After breaking their fast and tasking Daario and Aurane to see to Dany's guard, they made their way to the rooms that had been put aside for their meeting with King Gwayne and the Tyrells. Aemon was dressed more casually after she'd denied him leave to wear his armor. Yet no matter her words that this was a negotiation, a parley, Dark Sister was still on his hip. Other than when he was completely relaxed and unconcerned about safety, hers or his own, Dark Sister was always close at hand. Be it on his hip or by their bedside, it was rare not to see the blade and Aemon in the same place.
Behind them, Arthur, Torgho Nudho, and Ser Barristan were all armed and armored. As were the three Unsullied that walked with them. Her husband was keen to give off a certain image as they walked through the small keep and Rhaenys had left that in his hands, just as he would leave the talks in her own. He was in an amused mood, almost smirking, and for once she knew not the reason for it. The night before after they'd made love and lay in bed, he'd spoken to her about how little he intended to say at this meeting, and his reasoning for it and she'd found it sound enough. Yet there was something else in his mannerism that made her think that he wished for her to show off, that he almost wished to be entertained in some manner.
When they reached the room it was to find their guards outnumbered the King's and Queen's and as they were bid enter, Arthur, Barristan took their places at the door while Torgho Nudho followed them inside. She saw the looks on the Tyrell's faces, the looks on the King's and Queens when they saw that both her husband and Torgho Nudho were armed. There was concern in their eyes as they were greeted and bid to take a seat and so she decided to assuage those concerns a little.
"My husband trusts few people with his sword, your grace. It and Blackfyre mean far too much to our family to ever take the chance of it being lost, and so over the years it's almost become a part of his clothing." she said as Gwayne looked to her and then Margaery who nodded.
"And the guard?" Olenna asked.
"Even swords need guards, Lady Olenna." Aemon said almost jokingly.
Whether they had bought her excuse, something she doubted, it mattered not as not one more word was spoken about the fact that Aemon was armed and Torgho Nudho present. They were instead offered refreshments, wine which she rejected, and juice which she and Aemon accepted. Both she and Aemon found it to be most pleasant to their tongues.
"Orange and cinnamon, your grace, it's one of my own recipes." the queen said when she saw the look of enjoyment on Rhaeny's face.
"I must get it off you before we leave, your grace." she said to a smile from the queen and then bid them use their names as they would theirs "We would spend more time calling each other by our tittles than actually discussing what needs be discussed otherwise"
Lady Olenna seemed pleased by that as did Queen Margaery, the king however very much did not and she noticed how Aemon looked to him. Other than those three, the Tyrell contingent was made up of three other people. The queen's father, her brother Willas and a balding lord who didn't drink and hadn't stopped looking at Aemon and her since they sat down. That Aemon hadn't looked his way seemed to have annoyed the man somewhat and she worried that the offense he may take at that could cause an issue with these talks, something proved a moment later.
"We heard what you did to the Iron Born, 5,000 men just burned away into nothing, you believe such intimidatory tactics serve you well, Aemon Targaryen." the balding man said and she wasn't the only one who held her breath.
"Kill one man, and you're a Murderer. Kill 5,000 of them, and you're a Conqueror. Kill them all, and you're a God. Westeros should be thankful I come only to conquer it, Lord Tarly, and not to be named as its deity." Aemon said and now he was looking at the man he'd named as Lord Tarly. No, he was glaring at him.
"You think you scare me, boy? That your reputation will force me to my knees?" Tarly said angrily.
"No, Lord Tarly. I'll force you to your knees! My reputation counts for nothing, just as your own does not. For a man such as you, I won't even need Gaelithox or armor. Just me and this sword here would be enough." Aemon said smirking as he patted Dark Sister "Care to test me or is it with just words that you fight your battles?"
"Lord Tarly, Enough! Speak no more lest you incur my displeasure as much as you already have our guests." the king said and Tarly rose to his feet far too quickly for Torgho Nudho's liking, his spear at his neck in the blink of an eye.
"You would break guest rights?" Tarly snarled.
"No, but Torgho Nudho would ensure that you would not. I suggest you leave my lord, lest I decide that Horn Hill is my next port of call and the Blood Wyrm does to it what he did to the Bloody Gate."
The king and the queen's brother both moved to the lord and then called out for a guard to escort him from the room. Rhaenys feeling the tension in the room had now reached levels that wouldn't allow for any true negotiation or even conversation. Torgho Nudho had put his spear away once Lord Tarly had left the room and Rhaenys looked to Aemon who seemed annoyed and yet calm, a dangerous combination in her husband, she knew.
"Forgive us your graces. We had no idea…"
"Did you not? Or was it not your intent to poke and prod a little to see a reaction?" Rhaenys said stopping the queen's words in mid-sentence "We are no novices at this, Margaery, nor are we newcomers to the way that court works, be it here or in Essos. Such games don't serve you well and you should be thankful that my husband finds them so amusing, else it would have been Dark Sister that was unsheathed and she has a taste for blood that's rarely sated."
"Mayhaps we can…" Lady Olenna said worriedly, Aemon interrupting her this time.
"I shall leave this in your hands, my love. King Gwayne, Lord Willas, perhaps you'd care to show me some more of this wonderful keep." Aemon said kissing her softly on the lips.
"Your grace?" Gwayne asked confusedly.
"We should leave the negotiations to those not only more clever than us, King Gwayne but those who hold their temper and suffer fools more easily. I'm sure a spar or some other activity would be more suited to our own temperaments." Aemon said challengingly and that seemed to do the trick or that along with the look that Margaery gave her husband.
With that, Aemon, Torgho Nudho, King Gwayne, and Lord Willas walked from the room, and with a glaring look from Olenna to her son, Lord Mace soon joined them. It left Rhaenys alone with Queen Margaery and Lady Olenna and though she'd wanted to show off a little for her husband, that time had passed, and instead, it was time to get down to business.
"It was a silly game, Lady Olenna and Lord Tarly was the wrong man for such." she said, her eyebrow raised as she looked to the older woman.
"I wished to judge one of my lords, as much as I may have you or your husband, your grace." Olenna replied honestly.
"Rhaenys."
"Would you care for some food, Rhaenys. I know my grandmother is famished and would enjoy a snack."
"I am well, but some tea would be appreciated."
They spoke about anything but the reason she was here while they waited for the tea to be brought. Small probing questions from Margaery and her grandmother and some by herself, revealing little things. Margaery was quite fond of her husband if not in love with him and Olenna both wished to kneel without bloodshed and to get the very best deal she could for doing so. Something Rhaenys felt could be arranged.
"Lord Tarly, you wished to judge him and so I take it he's against the Reach accepting our terms?" Rhaenys said after the tea had been brought and poured.
"He's a military man, Rhaenys, he believes only in the power of the sword." Olenna replied.
"As do all foolish men." she said to an odd look from Margaery.
"I mean no offense but is not your husband similar?" Margaery asked a few moments later.
"My husband understands the power of the sword, Margaery, and he wields that power better than any man in the known world. You know what they call him in the Empire?"
"The Dragonknight?" Margaery said and Rhaenys nodded.
"There are many in my family who ride dragons, many who wield swords. In our history, there have been but seven Dragonknights. My husband is the first in over a hundred years." she said proudly "Dragonknights wield swords like they are an extension of their arms, they are the swords and shields of the Empire. My husband knows the power of a sword and yet we come to you with words, what does that tell you?"
"That you understand the power of words too."
"Indeed. Now shall we begin?" she said to a nod of Margaery's head and a small smirk from Lady Olenna.
Tumbleton 300 AC.
Daenerys.
She hadn't quite got the welcome she'd hoped for and had felt that her nephew truly wished she'd not come, at first anyway. That Aemon was worried about their family and what had potentially happened was something she'd not considered. His reaction then, once he'd found out her reasons for flying from Volantis to Westeros, was more true to the one that she'd wished for. When he'd shown his worries and concerns for her and told her that he was indeed happy to see her, she'd felt so relieved. The last thing she had wished for was to come for comfort and to cause an issue, though she knew she had somewhat.
Yet that had been put to rest by how Rhaenys had welcomed her and how Aemon had then tried to make up for his angered reaction to her presence. Her nephew had asked her more and more about the man who'd accosted her and Dany felt sure that had he been in Volantis at the time, Ser Gerold Dayne would breathe no more. Rhaenys too had said as much, her niece offering her the comfort she so desperately sought and allowing her to then begin to enjoy the fact that she was with them both once again.
It had made the feast and the dancing so much more pleasant and she'd spent most of the night enjoying herself greatly. There was something freeing in being who she was here, something she rarely knew in Volantis. There she was everybody's favorite princess, spoiled and protected and deferred to in so many ways and for so many reasons. Be it that her brother was the High Emperor, that her nephew was the Crown Prince or that her other nephew was the Dragonknight and a man feared by all, she could never truly just be Dany to anyone she met. She loved her life, truly she did, and she was well aware of just how privileged she was. Dany even welcomed the protective nature of those around her, but she longed to be treated somewhat normally too. To be treated how Rhaenys was or how some of her cousins were when they came to visit.
Last night at the feast she'd felt some of that. True they deferred to her greatly, but in the presence of her niece and nephew, she was the lesser dragon. So be it that or be it that protocol was different in Westeros, she'd found the feast to be a completely different affair than the ones held in the Grand Palace. While she'd danced with her nephew, Aurane and Daario, she'd danced with one of the knights of Westeros too. Someone who'd made her laugh as they did so and who she'd spent some of the morning hoping to run into again. Walking with Aurane and Daario through the small town she found it charming and most interesting. Yet what she'd not found was the knight from the night before.
"You look bored, princess." Aurane said taking her from her thoughts.
"Do I?" she asked with a giggle, one that Aurane knew all too well.
"You do. As if you seek some mischief." Daario said and this time Aurane chuckled.
"I just wished to see the town." she said, her tongue firmly in her cheek as they walked past what seemed to be some small stalls, Dany stopping to look at some of the wares and then realizing she had no coin to purchase any.
The look she gave Aurane was enough to solve that particular problem and she ended up buying some of the fabrics that were being sold, some ribbons and buttons too. They were not of a standard she'd usually look to, but they were from Westeros which made them interesting to her. As did the small candied fruits, though these she only bought once Daario had made the stall keeper eat one themselves.
"Had enough fun, princess?" Daario asked and she shook her head and stuck her tongue out at him, giggling happily when she saw him roll his eyes and heard him sigh loudly.
She'd known both men for as long as she could remember. Aurane was almost like a brother to Aemon and so almost a nephew to her, while Daario despite his brash exterior was always someone she could speak to in easy comfort. They both knew her so very well that they allowed her to be whoever she wished when she was with either of them. TRue she was their princess, just as Rhaenys and Aemon were now their king and queen, but they were and could be almost familial.
"We should go back, no doubt Aemon has grown bored with the negotiations by now." Aurane said and Dany looked at him curiously.
"For true?"
"Mayhaps. Come we'll go to the sparring yard they set up, mayhap there you can see this knight of yours." Aurane said, his smirk only growing when she replied and then when Daario chimed in.
"He's not my knight."
"Oh princess, they're all your knights." Daario said laughing as they turned to walk back to the keep.
They had barely made it back when the first group of men moved their way, Dany searching them out to see if Ser Garlan was amongst them and finding to her annoyance that he was not, though a man who looked almost his twin was.
"Princess, Lord Velaryon, Lord Naharis." the man said and as she heard Aurane about to reply and tell the man he was no Lord, she spoke first.
"Good morrow, Ser?"
"Ser Loras Tyrell, my princess." the man said looking to her hand and Dany reached it out and let him place a kiss upon it, something she'd seen Empress Elia do at times.
"Any relation to Ser Garlan Tyrell?" she asked and she knew behind her both her companions were doing their damnedest not to laugh.
"My brother, princess." Loras said warmly "May I introduce my companions. Ser Jon Fossoway my gooduncle, Ser Humfrey Hightower my goodcousin, and Ser Dickon Tarly."
"You're not good?" she asked confusedly.
"We are not related, princess." Ser Dickon said.
"Oh, forgive me, Ser Dickon."
"There is nothing to forgive, Princess." Dickon said and the way he looked at her soon had Aurane move a step forward which in turn made Loras notice how uncomfortable she was beginning to look.
"We were just heading to spar, princess, no doubt your presence would encourage us to put on a more enjoyable performance."
"I…"
"Loras." she heard a voice call out and as she looked to see Ser Garlan standing with three other men, his eyes widening when he noticed her there and she found she enjoyed seeing the look of interest in them, something she'd not a moment earlier with Ser Dickon.
A moment later she was being greeted by Ser Garlan and when Loras mentioned they were going to spar, she was glad to hear him say he'd join them, her own decision was then made as she too joined them in walking to the sparring yard. Behind her, she heard Daario's amused tone as he and Ser Dickon had a war of words almost, a verbal jousting. Daario continually named the knight Rickon and the knight grew more and more annoyed as he named himself properly to no avail.
"Will you spar, Ser Garlan?" she asked when they reached the wide-open space that had been set up for the activity.
"If one of your companions would do me the honor, I'd be most delighted to, my princess." his reply and use of the word my caused some butterflies in her belly.
"You're sure it would be an honor, Ser Garlan? To be defeated so soundly and so publicly?" Daario said and Dany rolled her eyes before giggling at Ser Garlan's reply.
"Mayhap you can tell me after I've beaten you, Ser."
She found herself watching on eagerly as Loras beat the pouting Ser Dickon and Ser Humfrey beat Ser Jon. Aurane looked to Daario who was just about to move forward when he suddenly stopped in place and Dany turned to see her nephew and Torgho Nudho walk through the yard. The King of the Reach along with a man who could only be another brother of Ser Garlan and Ser Loras walked with them and the look on Aemon's face was one that both sought trouble and entertainment. The latter of those she found him soon to focus on.
"Aunt." Aemon said kissing her cheek and looking at Daario and Aurane over her shoulder.
"Nephew." she said softly back and as he moved so that she could look in his eyes, she was glad to see the mirth that was there in them which showed Aemon to be in good humor.
"I seem to have interrupted something?"
"Ser Garlan and I were about to spar, my king." Daario said and Aemon turned to look at Ser Garlan and then back at her.
"Hmmm. Mayhaps Ser Garlan would accept a different opponent, Daario? What say you Ser Garlan, fancy crossing blades?" Aemon said and Dany shivered slightly wondering what lesson her nephew wished to impart.
"I'd be honored, your grace." Ser Garlan said with a bow and Aemon chuckled.
"I'm here to beat you, Ser, not honor you." Aemon said and Dany was relieved at the laugh that came from Aemon a moment later.
"Mayhap that in itself is an honor, your grace." Garlan said forcing that laugh from Aemon's mouth.
"Mayhap." Aemon said as he moved to walk with Ser Garlan and take up their positions.
All her nervousness went from her when her nephew looked at her and winked, his mood may have been unknown to her when she'd first seen him enter the yard, now it was anything but. Whatever lesson he intended, it would not be a painful one and Ser Garlan had somewhat earned a small bit of her nephew's favor. Looking around at some of the others in the yard as they readied to watch the spar, she wondered if it was any of them he'd be fighting would they receive the same lesson or would theirs be much harsher.
Tumbleton 300 AC.
Margaery.
Her grandmother had laid out her plans for their negotiations with the Targaryens very carefully and precisely. Margaery did her part with her husband and explained to Gwayne why it needed to be done in such a manner. It had taken her far longer to explain it to him than she would have liked and she'd needed to soothe his ego afterward. Her husband wished to be the one that was used to poke and prod at the dragons and Margaery told him that he could not. It had to be Randyll Tarly to do so, both because her grandmother wished to test out the Lord of Horn Hill's true feelings and so they could quickly move past any problems he may cause. A lord was not a king and was it to be Gwayne, then they may not be able to get the talks back on track.
Aemon Targaryen was not a man to be trifled with and while they could afford, and maybe even wish for it in her grandmother's mind, him actually killing Randyll Tarly should things go truly badly, they had no wish for him to kill her husband. So they had done as her grandmother had ordered and it had gone almost how they'd wished it to. Randyll had poked, the dragon had responded and then things had taken a turn they'd not expected. Neither Margaery nor her grandmother had actually believed that Rhaenys Targaryen held so much sway. That it was her and not her husband that they'd end up dealing with hadn't entered their mind and she knew without looking to her grandmother, that she was kicking herself for not realizing that could be what occurred.
It had been Rhaenys and not Aemon who'd answered the request sent to them by her grandmother, she who'd arranged the parley. Her grandmother had put it down to Aemon being elsewhere, her spies having told her that he was off dealing with the Starks and that Rhaenys must have been left on Dragonstone and so had been the one to receive their raven. Now it was clear that was very much not what had happened. Rhaenys and Aemon were far more of a partnership than Margaery or her grandmother had given them credit for and given she knew the true nature of the game they'd just tried to play, Rhaenys Targaryen may be just as formidable as her husband was.
"How have you found Westeros thus far, Rhaenys?" she asked as they sat and drank tea, negotiations on pause for a few moments.
"My husband quite enjoys these lands, Margaery, and they've grown on me since I've arrived. Though I've not seen as much of them as I'd have liked nor how I'd have liked."
"You should come to Highgarden, we'd be most pleased to host you and though I may be somewhat biased, there is no place quite like it in all of Westeros." she said genuinely.
"We've heard tale of the keep, of it and Storm's End, the Eyrie and Casterly Rock, my husband were he given the choice would wish to see Winterfell and walk the lands and keep his mother was born in. Mayhap when we've put the rest of the kingdoms to right we'll do some traveling for pleasure rather than…"
"Conquest." her grandmother said and Rhaenys smiled as she nodded.
"Speaking of which." Rhaenys said and Margaery sighed, as she found she had been quite enjoying a far more simple conversation for once.
The dishes were removed and once again she and her grandmother sat across from a much different Rhaenys Targaryen. This was a queen, a ruling one, and Margaery felt somewhat jealous of the other woman because of it. All her life it had been what she and her grandmother had wished for her, to be a queen, and for her to rule as much as her husband did. If it was not for the arrival of Aemon and Rhaenys Targaryen, then that may very well have been the life she knew. As it was she'd never be named such again or at least she wouldn't if they came to terms on their surrender.
"The North, Vale and the Riverlands have learned the benefits of kneeling to my husband and myself without conflict. King Robert Baratheon to his cost found out what it means to go face to face and toe to toe with my husband and yet we can be generous in victory too. You've reached out and so have earned our goodwill, Olenna, Margaery. Now let us speak on what it is you wish for and whether our goodwill extends that far." Rhaenys said, her eyes on Margaery's grandmother as she spoke.
"I sought a crown for my granddaughter and for my house to rise as far as it could. I'll not lie and say that I had considered making your husband such an offer before you were wed." Olenna said as Margaery bit back her surprise and Rhaenys did likewise though with an emotion she couldn't quite place, the small laugh catching them both by surprise.
"My husband denied our father, Olenna. He went against the High Emperor and risked his wrath because of the love he felt for me. Had you offered such it would have been denied and you'd have earned his displeasure as much as Tywin Lannister did by sending his son to negotiate such a match. No doubt a part of you still considers it, still thinks that Aemon like our father may seek two brides." Rhaenys said looking to Margaery who shivered under the gaze "I'd advise you not to bring it up in front of my husband even in jest, for you'll find that the good humor he showed earlier would not be found again."
"Indeed." her grandmother said and Margaery let out the breath she was holding "However there is another in your party who is unwed is there not?"
"You seek my aunt's hand?" Rhaenys asked with a chuckle "Then I'd suggest you make an advance to my father and the Empire for it's only he who could decide such."
"I believe a marriage alliance could be a good way to tie us even more firmly to your family, your grace." her grandmother said politely "And in Westeros, it's how most accords are reached." she added.
"While that is no doubt true, Olenna, we have no need for such. An alliance with us is not the same as one with any of the former kings and queens. Mutual benefit may seem to be our goal, but in truth, it's not. I could walk from this room and tell my husband that we seek to bring you to your knees, that a lesson must be sent and I can assure you that my husband would be more than willing to let the Reach learn that lesson." Rhaenys said and Margaery gulped while somehow her grandmother did not "We seek an alliance only because of convenience, not out of necessity."
"And our benefit in such an alliance? Other than forgoing the need for battle." her grandmother asked.
"What know you of the workings of the Empire, Olenna?"
"Some small things."
"We seek a kingdom that runs similarly and yet is more suited to Westeros than Essos, Lord Paramounts instead of Governors, Wardens instead of kings. We would name King Gwayne as our Warden of the South, he, along with Lord Denys Arryn and Lord Eddard Stark being the only ones that thus far would be named as such. As Warden and Lord Paramount he'd have dominion over the Reach as much as he would as king, only he'd need answer to my husband and I and he and his men would be obligated to come when called."
"So we'd be like a Bannerman?" Margaery asked and Rhaenys shook her head.
"Not quite, but it's a close enough comparison. You'd be in a stronger position than your strongest Bannerman is compared to you and have the freedom to run the Reach as you see fit. As I said, King Gwayne would be a king in all but name."
"Taxes?" her grandmother asked.
"We are not greedy nor is it coin we seek. In the Empire each governed city pays twenty percent to the High Emperor, we'll settle for ten percent from each Warden and twenty from the other Lord Paramounts. We would also offer a place on a council to those we deem most worthy. A council that shall help my husband and I rule over the realm and that will be made up of seven positions." Rhaenys said and Margaery could see the wheels turn in her grandmother's head, no doubt Willas would be sought to take a position in such a council.
"My grandson, Willas, you'd name him to this Council?" her grandmother asked proving Margaery right.
Rhaenys seemed to be considering it for a moment or two and yet Margaery felt she was performing a mummery of sorts. That she had already decided to offer them this and had instead allowed her grandmother to be the one who made the offer.
"Agreed." Rhaenys said a moment later.
"There is just one last thing, your grace. One final request I have and one that will ensure our loyalty is to your house and your house alone from this point forward." her grandmother said and Rhaenys bid her continue "You'll appoint King Gwayne as Warden and Lord Paramount and should he and my granddaughter be blessed by children, it would be one of them who'd take over the role in time?"
"It would."
"What if they were not so blessed, your grace? Should the gods not gift them children or should something happen to my good grandson, what assurances can you give my house and myself about the future?" her grandmother asked and Margaery somehow bit her tongue to stop from speaking up.
"You wish it to be your house that benefit's the most, not House Gardner, Olenna? That should things not work out as planned, then it would be to House Tyrell that we look and not some offshoot of your goodfamily's?"
"I do."
"Then I shall name it so. Should events conspire to rob you of a great-grandchild or fate rob Margaery of a husband, then it shall be to House Tyrell and only House Tyrell that we look to for our Warden of the South and Lord Paramount of the Reach."
"Then we have an accord, your grace. I'll make the arrangements for a public kneeling and swearing of oaths and we look forward to a beneficial relationship in the years to come. Who knows mayhap one day our houses may be joined more truly as well." her grandmother said and Rhaenys smiled before she answered.
"Mayhap. Margaery, I believe our husbands will by now be showing off their prowess on the sparring yard, what say you and I join them?"
"I'd like that, your grace."
"Rhaenys, Margaery, I'd like us to be friends." Rhaenys said and Margaery felt she was being truthful in that.
"As would I, Rhaenys." she answered and she certainly was speaking truthfully.
As she rose to her feet she looked to her grandmother who looked most pleased by how things had turned out. Later she'd need to speak to her and find out what she meant regarding Gwayne and was it just her protecting their house or was there more to it. For now, she found she most looked forward to spending some of the day watching spars with her new queen, and though she would miss being one herself, little if anything had truly changed when she thought about it.
Tumbleton 300 AC.
Ser Garlan Tyrell.
He'd been well and truly beaten, Aemon not even really breaking a sweat when he did so and Garlan hadn't been the only one who'd taken note of just how good he was with a sword in hand. All the tales he'd heard, the stories that those who'd been to Essos had brought back had just been proved to be true and he wondered then if the other tales were true as well. If they were then he hoped that his grandmother and sister were indeed finalizing an accord that didn't lead to war.
For as confident as some of those near him had been that they'd win, he could now see the doubts in their eyes and he wondered if that had been Aemon's intent in sparring with him. Watching as he faced off against Loras at least gave him the opportunity to truly judge him with a more discerning eye. His brother was not as good a sword as he was but was better than most, something you'd not believe given the lesson he was being taught.
He was not the only one either, to one side the blue-haired man, Daario Naharis, was beating Dickon Tarly as easily as Aemon was beating Loras. While the silver-haired Aurane Velaryon and the tanned Torgho Nudho both stood watching and waiting for their own turns. So concentrated on the spars in front of him was he that he didn't notice the princess had moved by his side and it was only the smell of jasmine that made him turn to look at her. All other thoughts soon left his head as he watched her as she cheered her nephew and his men on, Garlan feeling a little jealous when she clapped as Daario took his match and Aurane stepped forward to start one of his own.
"You fought well, Ser Garlan, though some say my nephew was born with a sword in his hand." Daenerys Targaryen said, her voice as light and airy as the silken dress she wore.
"He very well might have been." he said with a small chuckle which he was pleased she joined in with.
"Are all his men so accomplished?" he asked and saw the small frown on her face "I mean not to pry or seek some knowledge that can be used against him or you, it's just curiosity which makes me ask. I had thought myself an accomplished swordsman and…."
"Those with my nephew have been fighting true battles for as long as he has. As much as The Blood Wyrm gets called into action, they too have crossed blades and bled against those who wish my family harm. They've found out to their cost that yes, they are as accomplished as Aemon is." Daenerys said as Aemon finally put Loras out of his misery and Aurane took his match.
When Torgho Nudho stepped forward to face Ser Humfrey, he and everyone there looked on even more eagerly. The man wore little armor and wielded a spear and looked to be outmatched and yet it was this man who seemed to be always at King Aemon's back. Garlan had been disappointed not to see The Bold or The Sword of the Morning with Aemon, both men guarding the queen instead. It had though made him keen to see just how skilled the man with him was since he was who Aemon chose to guard his back. Not that the man in question actually needed anyone to do so, as Garlan had found out to his cost, but still he was now about to find out the answer to the question he'd pondered on.
"Torgho Nudho has been with my nephew from when they were both young boys. Almost as much as Aurane is Aemon's brother by choice, so it's true of him." Daenerys said as she saw how keenly he looked at the man.
"We've seen men who wield spears many times, but he does so differently." he said as the spar began.
"An Unsullied's spear is all he knows and trusts. It and the short sword and they have no match with either." Daenerys said assuredly.
"You watch the spars often, princess?" he asked and saw her smile, his breath almost taken away again as she then nodded.
"I long to see a joust, a true one." she said almost dreamily and he found himself longing for one too, almost as much as he longed to name her his queen of love and beauty.
"Mayhap you could visit Highgarden, Princess, I'm sure we could arrange a true tourney for you there."
"I'd like that Ser Garlan, I'd like that very much." the princess said and Garlan found himself looking more to her than the spar that was taking place.
Torgho Nudho took the day and he heard some excited voices as Gwayne stepped forward to face off against Aemon. Daenerys drew his attention to the balcony overhead where Margaery and Queen Rhaenys were now stood, the Bold and Ser Arthur behind them. Looking to the two men who were getting ready for the spar, he could see both men not only wore identical expressions but were focusing on anything but the spar itself. Aemon and Gwayne both looking to their respective wives and it was only when they received the nods from them that the spar began.
Whether it was his wife's presence or that he was simply so far ahead of Gwayne in terms of skill, Aemon it seemed had decided to put on a show. Something that did not go down well with his goodbrother. There was more than one time that he feared that Gwayne was about to do something dishonorable and beside him, he could feel the princess's nervousness. Yet it was as he was watching it that he noticed that Aemon was deliberately trying to provoke Gwayne and that he was leaving small openings in case that provocation worked. It made him wonder what would happen should his goodbrother decide to take one of them and what that would mean for the negotiations that were taking place.
So when the fight ended and Gwayne shook Aemon's hand, when Aemon spoke to Gwayne and both men seemed to be in good spirits, Garlan felt able to relax. He was not able to do so for long as the voice of Randyll Tarly rang out across the yard and the words he spoke angered Aemon, his men, and the princess beside him. Up on the balcony both Margaery and Queen Rhaenys looked on and Garlan swore he could hear the sound of a dragon roaring somewhere out in the distance.
"Speak of my wife in such a way again, Lord Tarly and they'll be the last words anyone ever hears you utter. I care not what your Septons and Septa's think and have no issue in sending you to meet your gods, so be forewarned and know I only do so once." Aemon said loudly, his voice ringing around the now silent yard.
"You've been warned once, Randyll, it's not only their grace's pleasure you've incurred but mine as well, see that you don't incur my wrath too." Gwayne said, his goodbrother was now as angry as Garlan had ever seen him.
As he and the rest of those in the yard looked on, Dickon moved to his father and both men glared first at Margaery and Queen Rhaenys and then at Gwayne and King Aemon, before turning and walking from the yard and allowing him and others to breath sighs of relief. Garlan looked to see the way Aemon looked at his retreating form and found himself almost sure that this would not be the end of it between them both. Randyll's naming of his wife and himself as abominations to the faith was not something the Dragonknight would let pass for long.
Were it not for having accepted Guest Right, then he had no doubt that Randyll Tarly would right now be spilling what's left of his lifeblood on the ground and that his son would soon join him. As it was, that had at least been avoided for now. Though he felt Randyll's fate was mayhap only postponed and not completely diverted. Still, he and the others relaxed as Aemon and Gwayne japed about something or other, his goodbrother seeming to be able to get the other man to forget about what had just occurred for now at least.
After some more sparring and then looking on as Aemon, Rhaenys, Margaery, and Gwayne along with their guards walked off together, his grandmother torn between looking at their retreating forms and bidding him join her, he was indeed called to his grandmother's side and so he said his goodbyes reluctantly to the princess.
"It seems I must depart, for now, my princess, If I may be so bold as to ask for a dance later?" he asked, and the way she looked at him and seemed to ponder it brought a smile to his face.
"I shall consider it, Ser Garlan, hmmm, yes, I shall consider it most keenly." Daenerys said as he kissed her hand and moved to where his grandmother and Willas had walked off to, thoughts of speaking about Randyll Tarly, not the ones he walked away with as his eyes were drawn again and again to the princess he'd left behind.
Tumbleton 300 AC.
Olenna.
She had created an issue with Randyll Tarly and it was one she now worried about. Not the man himself or even how much trouble he could cause, as for her and her family that was always something she'd had to consider. More it was whether or not he'd gone too far or was about to. His using of the Faith to call out the King and Queen was not something she'd expected or considered and now she found she had to do the latter more and more.
The alliance with the Targaryens was set and not even Randyll Tarly's death or the extinction of his house, something that the fool was in danger of bringing about, could change that. Should the Faith think as he did, should they decide to make it an issue that the Reach and its king and queen had knelt to heathens who were an abomination as Tarly had named them, that could cause problems. Their Bannermen would accept the need to kneel and to give up the crown that had been held for centuries. They could and would accept that the Reach could not stand against the dragons and that the time had come where they could no longer be a kingdom once more. Could they accept it if the Faith decided to name those they knelt to as Randyll had named them? That she couldn't be certain of.
"How do you think he truly took it?" she asked Garlan as he and Willas sat with her in her rooms.
"Badly grandmother. Given what we already knew about King Aemon and how he felt about his wife and just even seeing how they are together, it's clear just how truly he does love her. To me he seems a man who doesn't' accept insults easily when they're directed at him, direct them to his wife and…."
"Tarly is a fool." she declared to no argument "Do you believe he'll attack him or Horn Hill?" she asked looking to Willas who shook his head.
"No. I think he'd consider it, grandmother. As he may attacking Tarly and his men when they depart, but I think as long as Randyll speaks no more while here, then he's safe enough for now."
"For now?" she asked curiously.
"Randyll Tarly signed his death warrant today, grandmother, of that I've no doubt. When and how that death comes about, I know not, but it will come." Willas said and she found she couldn't disagree.
"The Faith, Willas, who have we close to the High Septon?" she asked as Garlan poured her a glass of wine when she looked to the bottle.
"I'll speak to grandfather and find who is best for us to deal with."
"You think they'll take issue with what Randyll said?" Garlan asked.
"They may. Most won't dare speak the words but don't think they've not thought them. A brother and sister being wed is not something that we in Westeros have ever considered and so the Targaryens very presence in Westeros would be enough for some to seek guidance from the Faith regarding them. Now that they've taken five of the Seven Kingdoms including the home of the Faith for themselves, mayhap only even more so."
After her grandsons had left, she waited for Margaery to come and speak to her and had to do so for some time. When she did enter the room she seemed to be in good spirits and yet a little put out too. Olenna found that she had wished to go and bathe and make ready for the night's feast and swearing of fealties and had not expected to be called to speak to her so suddenly. Given what had happened with Randyll, she really should have and it annoyed her a little that Margaery hadn't considered this.
"Their mood?" she asked even before Margaery could take her seat.
"Gods grandmother, at least bid me hello." Margaery said annoyedly as she took her seat.
"Forgive me, child, my mind is troubled and seeks comfort." she said and Margaery reached out her hand to touch her own.
"King Aemon is a hard man to read at times, grandmother. He was most pleasant and he and Gwayne seemed to get along well with each other and he dotes on his wife completely. But there was something in his eyes every so often, he'd look to the sky and at times Rhaenys would touch his hand or his shoulder and the smile would soon be back on his face."
"So he did take it badly." she said almost to herself.
"He did." Margaery said almost wistfully.
"You like them, both of them?" she asked.
"As does Gwayne, though he so wished not to. Seeing Aemon spar and facing him and being beaten so soundly, seeing how his interest is only in his wife and does not stray elsewhere." Margaery said smiling softly "It changed how he looks at them and knowing he'll be considered the same as Eddard Stark or Denys Arryn and above Stannis Baratheon and others, that helps greatly too."
"You told him?" she asked to another nod "Very well, go and make ready for the night ahead, I've much to consider."
"You are happy, grandmother? With the arrangement?"
"As happy as I can be, yes." she said truthfully.
The feast and the swearing of the fealties went off without a hitch. Even Randyll Tarly swore his oath and took a knee. She half expected Aemon Targaryen to make an example of the man, to shame him somewhat, and yet he did not. There was an element of surprise when after Gwayne and Margaery did the same, King Aemon and Queen Rhaenys rose to walk to them and spoke to them in such a friendly manner. Something that continued when they named Gwayne as their Warden of the South and Lord Paramount of the Reach. Olenna felt it was a show, that they saw them as slightly different than they may others or at least wished that impression to be made.
She looked on as Garlan danced more than once with the princess and found herself lost in thoughts of what such a union could bring them. Though looking to where Aemon and Rhaenys were speaking animatedly to Margaery and Gwayne, it was a different union that she soon found herself contemplating. Whoever proved themselves truest to the Targaryens over the next few years would reap more of the benefits than any other and those closest to them would be the ones in the strongest of positions. If not a current princess then perhaps a future one or a future prince. Her granddaughter and goodgrandson were of a similar age and would if the gods were good, soon be starting a family. Yes, that was where the greatest opportunity of all lay, Olenna smiling as she watched Margaery and Rhaenys giggle like young girls and Aemon and Gwayne speak as if they were true friends.
"Growing Strong." she said under her breath as she looked out to Randyll Tarly who was glaring at the High Table and doing very much the opposite.
The Conquest of Westeros XLI
The Battle of Ibben 292 AC.
At the age of two and ten, the Dragonknight fought in his first true battle. A skirmish that had been intended to be a trap and that would have led to the deaths of the men of the Second Army and would have, were it not for the Blood Wyrm and the Dragonknight. Had the rebels known what they had unleashed upon themselves, then they'd have stayed their hand, but they believed they were dealing with men and that the dragons were far away.
Had Prince Aemon not been so keen to join up with the Second Army then he and the Blood Wyrm would have arrived too late, but as it was fate it seemed had something else in mind, and on that day in 292 AC, both he and his dragon would announce their arrival to the world. On the hills outside of Ibben, the skirmish began in the morning, the commander of the Second Army, Belithor Valegrys ordering his cavalry to chase down the skirmishers on almost sealing his and their fates.
What had supposed to be a force of no more than one or two thousand strong and with few if any horses, was soon revealed to be a much larger army, and the men of the second found themselves outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Then from the sky came the roar and the Blood Wyrm flew overhead, the flames it laid down first to protect the men of the second and then to do anything but to the men who faced them. Wave upon wave of fiery death was visited upon the rebels that day and by the time Dragonknight was done, so was the rebellion.
In the years that followed there were many more Battles but none were as devastating to the enemies of the Empire as the first fought that day. There were those who named the Dragonknight the Butcher of Ibben and who said he went too far and amongst men of the Empire there were those who sought him punished for his actions. The men of the Second Army did not, the High Emperor did not and as for the Dragonknight, he never looked back upon it with any regrets.
"My men, Marwyn, they were my men and my first duty is to them."
A history of the conquest of the Dragonknight,
Marwyn the Mage.
Harrenhal 300 AC.
Aemon.
How he held his sword he knew not, the anger he felt almost demanding him to end the man where he stood. Not even the fact he'd accepted Guest Right and what it meant to those in Westeros would have been enough to stop him from ending the fool and any who came to his aid and yet he'd answered in word and not deed. He'd looked up to the balcony and saw how she was looking back down at him, how her eyes implored him not to do what he wished and it had made the fire that begged to be let loose, retreat for now.
That Gwayne had spoken just as angrily as he had, helped somewhat. As did the walk that Rhaenys insisted they took with the former king and queen. Aemon actually found that he quite enjoyed their company and it allowed him to almost forget what Randyll Tarly had said about his wife, almost. The true forgetting had come a little later when they'd returned to their rooms and Rhaenys hadn't even given him a chance to bring up the man's words. His wife instead pushed him to the bed and made her feelings clear and just like always, he could refuse her nothing.
They'd spoken briefly about Tarly and how the Faith of the Seven was truly based in the Reach, Aemon barely listening as Rhaenys said they needed to move carefully when dealing with them. On this, he'd not agree, nor listen. He'd dealt with those fools while growing up and had listened to their poisoned words when they spoke of him and how he felt about his sister. His father may have allowed them to speak in such a way in the Grand Palace and in the Empire, they'd not do so in his kingdom, not without facing retribution for such.
The swearing of the oaths had gone well, even the fool had knelt and spoken words that Aemon was certain he'd not live up to. He could wait a little longer for Tarly to truly sign his own death warrant, he would give him time and space to do so, and once he had, then he'd face a Dragonknight's wrath. So he enjoyed the night as best he could. Something again made easier by his wife and surprisingly by Gwayne and Margaery too. Be it that they were of an age with him and Rhaenys and so saw things similarly or just that his wife sought a friend in this place and Aemon while not seeking likewise, would do all he could to see she found one, Margaery and Gwayne were treated differently than others had been so far.
Saying their goodbyes the next day was something that he noticed Rhaenys had some trouble with. The invitation to Highgarden from Margaery was quickly matched by Rhaenys inviting them both to Harrenhal too. When words were spoken of tourney's he could see how Dany brightened up and how her eyes looked to Ser Garlan Tyrell, his aunt somewhat enamored with the handsome older man. It was a match that could never be though. His father would never agree to it and while he'd go against him for himself, he'd not do so for his aunt. Was that the only reason it would be enough, but there were other more practical reasons too, reasons that were now landing just a little ahead of them.
"I believe we'll organize a tourney in Harrenhal quite soon, Gwayne." he said to surprised looks from Rhaenys and especially Dany.
"You will, your grace?" Gwayne asked.
"I believe so. It would allow those who've sworn to us to come together and Harrenhal is large enough to accommodate representatives from all the kingdoms, easier to travel to for most of them as well."
"It would be, your grace. I look forward to receiving word of when." Gwayne said as they said their goodbyes.
He watched as his wife's cheek was kissed by Gwayne and then moved to do the same to Margaery, again a liberty that he believed Rhaenys would allow few to enjoy and one which he knew was yet another message being sent by his wife. Then he, Rhaenys, and Dany, along with Arthur, Torgho Nudho, Barristan, and Aurane made their way to the dragons and were soon in the sky. Gaelithox, Meraxes, and Nightwing were eager for their company and to be flying with their riders too.
Daario would lead their army back and Lord Denys and the Knights of the Vale who'd joined them would be free to travel back to their own lands. The conquest was not yet complete but he had other things on his mind rather than the Westerlands and Dorne and it was thoughts of the North that he found himself thinking on as they flew over the Riverlands. They'd taken five of the Seven Kingdoms for their own, soon they'd be receiving taxes and would truly begin the work of integrating them into one true kingdom. For now, he wished to look North and to see the lands of his mother, to walk in the keep where she was born, and to see the Godswood and Weirwood she'd spoken of when she'd put him to bed at night.
As they landed in Harrnehal he saw Thoros waiting for them with Marwyn and both men were not looking best pleased, though they were happy to see them all the same. He didn't wait until they got to the keep, a look to Rhaenys to allow her and Dany to walk on ahead of them with Arthur and Barristan while he, Torgho Nudho, and Aurane stayed behind. He offered his wife a comforting smile and could see just how keen Dany was to explore the place they'd be calling their home from now on and once they were out of sight, he turned to Thoros and Marwyn.
"Things went well, my prince?" Thoros asked.
"The Reach has knelt and its king is now our Warden of the South and will be its Lord Paramount. I take it that things here have not gone so smoothly?"
"Here they have, my prince. However, we've received word from The West which does not bode as well."
"What word?" he asked and listened as Thoros and Marwyn explained all they'd found out while he and Rhaenys were adding another kingdom to their growing domain.
Entering his and Rhaenys's chambers it was clear she'd been crying and she had done so alone and without him. Aemon walked quietly to her as she looked out the window. He'd told her the news and she'd asked to be left alone and for once he'd gone against his instincts and allowed her to be. Now as he wrapped his arms around her, he cursed himself for doing so.
"I never thought." she said as she stifled a sob.
"Some men are fools, Rhae. Your uncle it seems is one of them."
"I'd hoped…"
"As had I with the North, but there was always going to be a fight coming and I'd have wagered it was the Lions who would bring that fight."
"I care not about the lions, Aemon." Rhaenys said angrily.
"I know my love." he said softly, kissing her forehead.
"I don't wish to go to war with my mother's family." she said her voice soft and almost broken.
He held her and said nothing, the words she'd spoken had been words he himself had uttered only a few moons earlier. The idea of fighting against kin, even kin you really didn't know, was not one that had brought him any great comfort. So he could understand Rhaenys taking it even worse than he had taken his grandfather's responses to his plans. As he held her, a part of him almost considered not fighting against Dorne. He thought to allow them and the West to keep their kingdoms, five was enough was it not? But it was a fleeting thought and not one he could ever truly consider.
Both kingdoms would need to be brought into the fold and if it took a war to do so, then so be it. For now, he had a wife to comfort and so the war to come would be fought on his terms and not on anyone else's.
"We should make our arrangements to travel North, it would give your uncle time to come to his senses. A final warning before we do what we must." he said and though he knew the time had long since passed for warnings and that it would have no effect, he welcomed the hopeful look she gave him.
"You think he'd listen?" Rhaenys asked.
"I think it would show we tried, my love." he said and she nodded.
"And going North, we can risk it?" she asked worriedly.
"Us, a small party, and the dragons. We can risk it. If the need arises and we must act quickly then Gaelithox and I can do what must be done."
"I don't…"
"I know." he said kissing her softly, though what she wished for was not something he could promise not to occur.
Rhaenys may not want to see her mother's family meet their ends or Dorne burn, but war was war, and the only way to win it was to do what the other side could or would not. After all, a man's true delight is to do the things he was made for and he was made for war.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. sorry for the lateness. Up Next Aemon, Rhaenys, and Dany head North. Daario is sent on a mission and in Essos Rhaegar and Elia worry about Dany and rumblings are heard about the rise of a Khal of Khals. Tywin and the Lannister arrive in Dorne and Ser Gerold Dayne is sent on a mission of his own.
A/N2: A small note. I know some people may think this is going too easy and yes it is, that's the point somewhat, setbacks are coming, problems are coming. But unlike the Conquest where Aegon and his sister-wives were minor lords and so faced more pushback, Aemon is a Prince of the Empire. Those smart enough know that even beating him may not be the end of their issues, that were they to kill a dragon or two, they'd perhaps face the full might of the Empire, hence why Tywin is making the moves he's making. Personalities too are different and so we have Olenna running the Reach in all but name rather than a true Gardner king and so she's smarter than Harlan Tyrell was and he was smart enough to kneel to the Dragons anyway. Aemon will have obstacles to overcome, enemies that will cause him issues and setbacks, but they need to be set up so they're not forced which I hope people understand and accept.
Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.
Call me Author Boy: Jon won't marry Dany, he's too invested in Rhaenys and it's the main beat of the story.
Celexys: We'll be seeing many different views next chapter as we go North. LF I think can only be slimy lol.
Tashwang: As you see Jon/Rhaenys both have no intent or power to allow Dany wed anyone.
ClassicXD: Dany has her own part to play, so she'll be around for a bit.
Leonel Fallen: We're building up to it, there is one upcoming and then some big ones, but the big problem is to set up the conditions so a fight isn't just a one and done. Very much so with the sorrowful men, so we'll see how that goes. We'll see more of LF's back story soon enough, it's not going to be a complete copy of the Cat/Sansa thing, so it's more he sees Dany and wants her, rather than anything to do with Rhaella.
Guest: Considering that Dany kind of has that in the books a lot it's a funny thing to think about. She's incredibly beautiful, unbelievably so as all the Valyrians are and it's the first reaction that most men, and some women, have when seeing her. Garlan is no different than most in that regard as she's the first Valyrian he's ever seen. Dany is to be more than how it looks here at first glance though, she has a role to play but the fact that people are enamored with her is a big part of that too.
Realmirror: Life can suck at times, I finished a story that took up most of my time and assumed it would give me all this free time to update others, only for work and other things to eat up all that supposed free time I had.
We will see with Aurane and yes you're kind of on the right path with LF. In regards to the IB and the HOBW, you can see here and it's suggested much earlier that both have a deal of sorts in place with the Empire, they kind of keep out of its business and are allowed to co-exist. Now could they seek to get rid of the Empire, perhaps, but it's not likely. I have plans for Aegon and I'll just leave it at that for now.
That's an interesting idea with Obara, it's funny as well with Tywin/Doran, like you're spot on, how could either trust the other. Oberyn can see the dangers and has taken what Elia and others said to heart, so we'll see. In regards to a battle, it's coming, but the thing is that were one to happen now, it would end quickly. The thing with the dragons is that they really are that powerful and especially in the hands of someone who knows how to use them to their best effect. So while it may seem I'm skimping on the action, it's more to set up the conditions to make the fight a true one and not an easy one. As for the Reach, the thing is that with Olenna in charge they'd never fight, I know this may seem too easy, that there should be more pushback and there will be, but again it's timing, trust me it's coming.
Rhaenys is upset as you see, but anger is coming.
In regards to the Time Travel fic, that's the easy part funny enough, the bigger changes are kind of easy but one of the key things is that Jon in a way will seek to change the big things, but it's the smaller ones that matter even more. So for example, Jon could save Rhaenys/Meraxes and that's obviously huge, but what if he was to stop Aerys from wiping out House Darklyn after Duskendale, it's the little things like that which will in fact be bigger.
The way I've envisioned it in my head is that all these big changes will show up, but when you get to the endpoint you'll realize it was all these little ones that you should have been paying attention to, this man or woman living when they should have died, a different match here or there, etc.
Will give the fic a read and speak to you on it.
Dunk: I do like LF's povs, I think you hit the nail on the head, he thinks he's smarter than he is and even in canon a lot of his plans work almost despite of him rather than because of him. Both Rhaegar and Aegon would not believe it yes, anyone who truly knows Aemon wouldn't, but it's a chaos that LF thrives in. On the fight to come, one of the big things is that were to happen now it would simply be a field of fire and I don't really want it to be that easy. So I'm laying the foundation for it to be more complex than that, but for it not to be forced, if that makes sense. I do want to show Aemon lead from the ground, but I want it to make sense why he's doing so. Aemon has huge plans in terms of upgrading the Seven Kingdoms roads and rivers and with the Empire's know-how and craftsman, he is more able to achieve them so yes there will be some of that. It is me wanting to keep KL in it and Aurane will have control over Driftmark too.
Blackwidow: So be it, if it's not for you then it's not for you. Aemon's ego is a key part of the plot as is how he feels about Rhaenys. She's literally his reason for everything and without her, he'd still be in the Empire doing what he was which is why yes, it does have to be mentioned every single chapter. When you pretty much give a character a key defining characteristic, one that pretty much is who he is and what he cares the most about in the world, then you really do need to keep that front and center in the story. As for his ego, he's the most powerful warrior of the largest Empire of the known world, him not having an ego makes no sense whatsoever. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, and Aegon the Conqueror all had huge egos and believed themselves invincible, it's what drove them and what made them strong and weak in equal measures.
Of course, there is no threat, not yet. Same as there is no true threat to Dany in the show or there was to Aegon when he conquered. The forces as they stood in Westeros can't be, Aemon, which is why you need to change the game somewhat. Which we're in the process of doing. Again though, the things you dislike are the key points of the story and so this story is perhaps not for you, so be it.
Vwchick: So glad you liked it.
Xan Merrick: Thanks my friend, glad you enjoyed it.
Creativo: Sin embargo, no les importan los que están debajo de ellos