Rhaelithox had flew off to only His Almighty and Their Holiness knew where again. Her dragon never remaining in the same place for long as he got bored very quickly. He'd always been like this, even when he was still a hatchling which resulted in a lot of things being set aflame when she caught him and he would throw a tantrum at being stopped in his ventures.
At least he never breathed fire on a person. That was some closure for Daenerys.
It took her almost a year of rigorous training until Rhaelithox began obeying her commands out of want and not out of need. Being pulled aside by her brother who'd had the difficult job of taming Shadow. Most Dragonlord's opted to go the choosing an egg and forming a bond from the hatch, but her brothers opted not to do so. Rhaegar (rather recklessly) chose Shadow who hadn't been ridden for nearly a decade when he claimed him. His previous rider being their grandfather Lord Freeholder Jaehaerys and ridden even further back by Lord Freeholder Maekar who had also hatched the massive black and grey mount. Viserys on the other hand had claimed their mothers dragon after her death. Unlike Rhaegar though, he had a better time of doing so. Dawn was ridden only four years before Daenerys herself was born. People confirming her mother always said none of the eggs dotted in the many caves around Dragonstone or the Dragon Arena resonated with her. That was until she came across one of a pale orange shade and feeling a bond immediately. Dawn had been devastated when her mother died in birthing bed, as was Viserys. The two seeking solace with one another and a few weeks later her then eight-year-old brother took to the skies for the first time on her back.
"What's got you so annoyed?"
She turned her head to be faced with Aemon. Feeling her cheeks heat up slightly before quirking an eyebrow his way. Her betrothed immediately knowing what she was saying.
"Rhaelithox has disappeared again?"
"I wish he were like Ellaron or even Guēsin. I swear yours and Rhaenys' dragons may as well be oversized dogs with how calm they are."
"All dragons are calm in comparison to Rhaelithox, dearest aunt."
This was the game he wanted to play then? So be it. Pushing her betrothed onto the bed and climbing atop him to keep him still. Not that Aemon would move anyway, but she enjoyed looking down at his handsome northern features that were only accentuated with the Valyrian blood running through his veins.
"I beg to differ, nephew. You forget Baenyra Tarennis' dragon."
Aemon tightened his lips at the quip, knowing he had no comeback to such a thing. The Lady Freeholder of Lys' bright yellow and golden mount was feared across the Freehold. With a temper said to be hotter than even Balerion's had been and almost as large. Although no one could say with certainty if this was the case as Balerion had died two hundred years before. People had tried for years with glass candles to get more information on their history, but only snippets were ever found.
"Point taken. No one in their right mind would willingly anger Tyraxes. The last time someone done so ended in a destroyed fleet."
It had indeed. House Tarennis had aided them with helping put an end to the Greyjoy Rebellion. Something which got a lot of turned up noses from the other families. But they were family, and family helps family. Whilst it was not by blood (yet anyway), they would eventually all share blood once Rhaella and Jaehaerys were old enough to wed and had children of their own. In one detrimental swoop, Baenyra had descended from the clouds after using the sun to keep herself hidden from view and eradicated much of the Greyjoy fleet that were raiding the North.
"Arrax is quite the little spitfire, isn't she?"
"Aye, he is."
"She. Arrax is a female dragon."
"We don't know with certainty yet. You can't sex a dragon until they're whelps."
That done it. Daenerys grabbing one of the many pillows on the bed and promptly smacking her nephew across the face with it. She would've continued were it not for a gentle knock on their door breaking their time.
"If you two are done fucking we're taking a tour of the city with our Stark and Dustin cousins."
The door opened and Rhaenys peeked her head in. Not having enough time to duck before Aemon threw a pillow towards his older sister which caused Aegon to let out a bark of laughter at the exchange.
"Aemon and Rhaella have been back for less than a day and you're both already causing a ruckus."
Aemon muttered something under his breath to Aegon but it was too quiet for anyone to make out. Her betrothed leaving their shared room to allow her to dress in peace. Pulling on a pale blue dress that had a slit down the centre of the skirt which would expose her legs fully were she not wearing thin trousers underneath. Unlike the rest of her family, she always preferred the comfort of riding clothes and so Rhaegar and Lyanna had worked to create garments that both tied in with Valyrian fashion, showed her status as sister to the Lord Freeholder and future Lady Admiral, and was the style she preferred. Chains of Valyrian steel woven into the braid in her hair and dangling down over her shoulders. The top with sleeves which hung at the side of her shoulders made of the finest silk available. Stepping out to see Rhaenys wearing clothing similar to herself but instead of a pale blue her dress was a shocking shade of orange which seemed to glow against her dark skin.
"Where is my brother?"
"He stepped into the adjoining room to allow me privacy to change, dear niece."
She nodded at that before they began walking through the manse. Many more people than usual walking through the corridors and eyes temporarily widening at seeing the ornate crown of the High King of Sarnor. Or what remained of Sarnor- she thought bitterly to herself. That had been a war with a devastating turnout, the neighbouring Kingdom to the north of the original Freehold being burned and many of the towns and cities put to the torch by the Horse Lord's of the Dothraki Sea. For hundreds of years Valyrian's and Dothraki were amicable at best. Neither side ever attacked the other, but neither side would ever say they were friends or even accomplices.
"Have you spoken to either of the Stark's or Ryswell's yet?"
"Technically mother Lyanna is a Stark- "
Daenerys shot her niece a look at the remark, the older simply shaking her head as she fought to contain a laugh.
"Apart from sup last night? Nay, not really. However, my father wishes for us to create bonds with them. Whilst they're not blood to myself, they are family through marriage. I'm worried, aunt. Of what some of the other families will say. Princess Arya was not exactly pleased when my mother confirmed many Valyrian's call Aemon, Rhaella, and mother Lyanna Andals."
"Can't say I blame her. The First Men were settled in Westeros thousands of years before the Andals, and they don't hold the same beliefs. The North is a vast Kingdom, but it is a Kingdom shrouded with mystery as they keep so much to themselves. I doubt the other Kingdom's know some of the things they can do."
Rhaenys could only hum in agreement. When word had been sent to them a year earlier that Aemon had claimed a direwolf for himself and that he could enter the mind of the wolf at will, they had all scoffed at the absurdity of the claim. Yet her betrothed had proved it true the night prior. King Eddard mentioning something called Greensight which she had never heard of before. Knowing it was something she would have to ask.
"Finally dressed then, baby brother?"
Daenerys turned to see Aemon heading her way. Dressed head to toe in black and grey, wearing their customary chains on his shoulders to his elbows.
"I am sixteen, dear sister."
"You're still my baby brother. Egg is little brother, and you are baby brother. That is something that will never change even if you spent two years in the North with Rhaella. Speaking of our sister, where is she?"
"Running around with Arya and Bran. Thick as thieves they are. You'll almost never see them apart from one another."
"And are you a rider now too?"
His cheeks reddened which was all the confirmation needed. His dragon was much smaller than Rhaelithox was, even though they had hatched from their eggs less than a day apart. Then again, Rhaelithox had grown at an astronomical rate. Her brother japing with her that she must've inherited some abilities from her mother practising rare forms of magic whilst pregnant with her. Whether that was true no one could say with certainty. To her knowledge, she didn't have any strange abilities. A white wolf with bright red eyes trotting up to stand with his familiar and immediately accepting ear scratches.
"I'm surprised Rhaella didn't claim one."
"Please don't. The last thing Rhaella needs is a direwolf. Arrax is enough for the time being."
The siblings shared a laugh but Daenerys herself just shook her head.
"Why are you travelling into the city anyway?"
"My father wishes for Aegon and I to be the ones to greet all arrivals to the city for the wedding. Believing it will be good practise for when we take over as Lord and Lady Freeholder of Dragonstone. Although I'd imagine he also wants us to give our cousins a tour. Speaking of them, what are they like Aemon? It's not difficult to tell Arya and Bran are like Rhaella, but the others?"
They fell into step at this. Aegon appearing not long after. Rhaella sitting on his shoulders with her tiny dragon flying alongside.
"Rhaella, you know father does not like dragons within the manse."
"Father does not know, sister."
She shook her head fondly at her youngest niece. Rhaegar had sent her to the North alongside Aemon to try and tame her somewhat. If anything, she'd come back even wilder than when she had left. Entering the room they all supped in the night prior to see many more seats than she was used to, and if she was counting correctly more than what was needed. Frowning a little but taking her seat beside Aemon and Rhaella as order dictated. Lord and Lady Freeholder- or Freeholder's, sat at the top. Followed by the eldest child, working down towards the youngest child, followed by siblings. The doors opening and seeing King Eddard and who could only be Lord Brandon considering his similar looks to her sister by marriage and his younger brother. It being explained to her why he did not have the Prince title. King Rickard stripping his eldest son of royalty status after he had called his plans to join in on the Third Faith Rebellion a fools errand. Which it had been, considering they had been defeated again. Valyrian's did not hold anything against the Faith themselves. The Faith Militant on the other hand... that was a different story.
"Allow me to introduce my brother, goodsister, nephews, and niece."
Only then did Daenerys notice the woman and three children that had followed them inside. The woman being strikingly beautiful with fair skin, dark hair, and light freckles dotting her face. The eldest son looked just like Robb Stark, the only difference being the colour of their hair. The younger son looking a lot like his mother as did their daughter. Taking their own seats at the table as servants brought food out. Yet there were still some open chairs, and only then did she realise Maela Velaryon was not seated beside Viserys. This was answered not long after as members of said House entered alongside Daera Rhaentheon who was wed to Aurane Velaryon. Most eyes turning to them and widening ever so slightly.
Despite being brother and sister, Maela and Monterys did not look much alike. Monterys taking mostly after their father and Maela taking mostly after their mother. Not that either sibling had known their mother as she had been killed during the rebellion in such a brutal way even the name Salaera Galaelor caused a hush. She had been the daughter of Triarch Haegon Galaelor, not an uncommon match. The woman had been well loved and her death had silenced the Freehold for days afterwards in mourning. Aeressa was close to her mother, standing out with her curly hair that was just as bright as Maela's alongside her striking eyes. Out of everyone in the Freehold, Aeressa Velaryon was unique in that aspect with one eye being lavender and the other being icy blue. The last time there had been someone in the Freehold with mismatched eyes had been Shiera Targaryen- youngest daughter of Lord Freeholder Aegon and only daughter of Lady Serenei of Lys. Half sister of Daemon Targaryen and Daeron Targaryen. Lady Freeholder Daena had tried to convince her second husband to send all of his children not by her or Naerys away, but he had refused on the reason that Daemon's wife had been Tyanna Tarennis. Believing it would insult the House that had stood steadfast by them for nearing three hundred years by this point.
All seats were filled now and neither wasted time in filling their plates with food. Daenerys helping herself to smoked fish soup with a freshly made stick of bread filled with cheeses and spices and pepper. The scent of it causing her mouth to water. Unlike sup, they did not help themselves in rotation. Wasting no time in using the bread to soak up the soup and when there was no liquid left eating the smoked fish left over. One of the Ryswell boys questioned about the amount of seafood they ate but sister Elia explained they were on an island. Seafood was an integral part of their diet.
"Who are we waiting on arriving, father? I know the Caeniar's and Celtigar's are here already."
"The Rhaeleris' arrived through the night. Everyone bar these three are expected to arrive today."
"We'll need to keep a close eye on House Velraenos and House Dallaeron though as they're not exactly on good terms currently."
Aemon looked confused at this as he cocked his head to the side. His mother sighing deeply and answering the silent question.
"Rhaenyanne wed her brother Maevon two months prior, breaking her betrothal with Viserys Dallaeron."
Her betrothed's eyes widened more at this.
"But they were sworn in the eyes of His Almighty and Their Holiness."
"Aye, they were. No one knows what happened between them, but something did. Lord Freeholder Jaemon and Lady Freeholder Jaenyx are adamant Viserys was the one at fault but Jacaerys and Lord Freeholder Malaelar believe Rhaenyanne wanted to be Lady Admiral."
"We could just ask Jelaerya Caeniar what happened. She is wed to Jacaerys and she is Viserys Dallaeron's mother."
There was a light hum at this because that was a good point. Not that they'd have much time to speak to the woman one on one today as there was a lot to do. Whether that be greetings, meetings, touring, and general planning of the upcoming wedding- they would be lucky to get longer than thirty minutes to themselves. Finishing their food not long after and all standing up to begin their duties. Wondering to herself when Vyserya would arrive. She had grown up with Vyserya Rhaentheon and Maela Velaryon. Whilst they themselves were not blood, Aeressa and Vyserya were cousins, which tied House Rhaentheon close to House Velaryon and as a result tied them close to House Targaryen too. Something which was needed because as the top House of the Freehold, they needed to have every other family united behind them.
Not that it would remain such were their plans to succeed. They'd not told anyone yet, not even her brother was aware of what she planned to do. Daenerys knew Rhaegar would not take kindly to it even if he agreed with such a thing. Things were rocky currently. Not much she had been clued in on, her brother taking council with their spy master, his wives, and eldest two children more often than anyone else in the family. Understandable, because unlike many places Lady Freeholder's held just as much power as Lord Freeholder's. They ruled equally. It was one of the main reasons her brother got more than a few side glances of disgust for taking wives who were not Valyrian. Elia they had somewhat accepted as she did have a Valyrian ancestor. Lyanna however, did not.
She shook her head to rid herself of such thoughts because this was going to be a week of celebration. Valyrian weddings were extravagant affairs. With tens of thousands in attendance and festivals in the streets and people coming from all over the world. Hence the High King of Sarnor being here. What was his name again? Sakarin- she remembered now. Only inheriting the crown the year prior after the sudden death of his father.
"How do you even find your way around the city? It's massive."
Daenerys jumped a little as she forgot she wasn't alone currently. Her betrothed being the one to answer the question.
"Unlike cities in Westeros, Valyrian cities are highly organised. Dragon roads are solely for people travelling by horse or carriage, regular roads for trade, and then the streets. Normal streets never cross dragon roads and the dragon roads connect every building of importance in the city. So long as you know roughly where something is, it is simple to work out where to find where you are looking for."
Aemon's cousin quirked an eyebrow up at that, showing he didn't fully understand. Once they all saw it though they would. All buildings of importance were much larger and taller than those that were not. There was the Heir Freeholder manse- which Aegon and Rhaenys would move in to when they were wed finally, the Triarch's triangle as it was jokingly called where three massive manses stood on the south-west of the island and city where each one was occupied by one family. Dragonstone castle itself which was occupied by their family for decades. It was only when Lord Freeholder Jaehaerys and Lady Freeholder Alysanne ascended did they decree to build a new manse for them to reside. Instead keeping the castle for state visits. To the dragon arena far away from everything else for obvious reasons. The largest buildings by far though were the temples. One for the Fourteen, and one for the Lord of Light. In the Freehold, dozens- maybe hundreds- of religions were practised. But those high up in the hierarchy were expected to follow either R'hllor or His Almighty and their Holiness.
"We'll be paying a visit to the dragon arena and the harbour then?"
"Alongside the Temple as custom dictates when all families are together."
Of course, how could she forget such a thing? Hundreds of years prior when they had lived in Valyria and cities very close by, they had met one another regularly to discuss everything that was going on. If what was written in the few tomes which survived Lord Freeholder Baelor were to be believed, it was where her own ancestor Daenys had proclaimed what she had dreamt. They had once had a vast collection of their history on the island, but all it took was a few Septa's and Septon's sworn to the Militant to corrupt them with their ways. This leading to a bloody war where two House's that had stood so close to one another after the Doom were almost ripped apart at the seams.
"Will we be entering the Temple too? Or is it solely for Valyrian's?"
"Normally it is solely for Valyrian's, but as you are my wife's family you will all be permitted in."
A few eyes darted to the Velaryon's and Daera at this remark, all of them nodding to confirm this was acceptable. Well, to them at least. There was no doubt some members would take an issue with such a thing. But they were on Dragonstone, the city was ruled by House Targaryen and therefore her brother and his wives made the rules. No one could go against their orders whilst in their city as it was an affront of the highest order. Not following a rule would simply land a person in humiliation of some form- the most common being made to walk naked through the streets. She didn't agree with it, nor did many others, but it was their custom. It was written in the Godly Flames that His Almighty and Their Holiness agreed this was suitable punishment. And who were they to go against their Gods?
Valyrian's were closer to the Gods than men.
A saying that was spoken commonly amongst the families. Rhaegar didn't believe it, Viserys only partially, but she didn't believe it one ounce. By now, all had broken their fast and began getting ready for the relatively busy day ahead. It not escaping her gaze that Jonathor Ryswell seemed almost besotted with Aeressa. Many were, the same as Maela and the Caeniar girls. Eyebrows furrowing lightly as she realised something. Why had Jelaerya not arrived with her husband and children? Had she simply been with her family when the invites were sent out and had opted to remain? Or had something else happened there? Either way they'd need to ask the woman of what happened between Rhaenyanne and Viserys so they could prepare for any ensuing fights that could sprout from the ground. The last thing they needed was another war.
Aemon remained close to her the entire time. Agreeing that they would travel to the dragon arena and the harbour first. Then Aegon and Rhaenys would take the many visitors to the Temple to pray before taking them back to the Targaryen manse to get settled. Whilst this was happening, they would tour the rest of the island. Numerous horses already awaiting them alongside a carriage so there were options to travel. To her surprise, all opted to take a horse and soon they were riding north-east towards the dragon arena through one of the many dragon roads. They were almost always empty, which was a good thing. A large shadow appearing and she turned her head to see Daerax flying alongside Dawn. It was a running jape within the Freehold that Daera's lilac coloured mount had a similar name but it had solely been coincidental. The dragon in question around seventy years old but nowhere near as large as Shadow was. Then again, Shadow was almost twice Daerax's age so that was understandable.
Numerous questions were asked by their party, the sky towers taking most of their breaths away as none of them ever thought it was possible to build so high. Buildings being a mixture of polished black stone, marble, white stone, sand stone. If they could build with it, they built with it. Some appearing taller than the rest but not because they were taller, they were simply on a higher raised area. Knowledge that was passed down from the few slaves Lord Freeholder Aenar and his wives escaped the Freehold with. Slavery had been outlawed in a few of the cities, others had slaves but they were paid somewhat which was better than nothing, and three that were dead set on keeping to the original way of how the Freehold was ran. Those being the Vaelaleas,' the Dallaeron's, and the Caeniar's.
If she had it her way, slavery would be abolished across the whole world. It was a disgusting practise but who was she to do anything? She was future Lady Admiral, not future Lady Freeholder. When Aemon and herself would take the mantle it would be their job to ensure trade ran smoothly. Mayhaps if they were in one of the cities where slavery was still a thing it would tie in with their future position. Alas, Dragonstone was truly a free city. Claw Isle was the first, followed by Braavos (that they knew of- no one had ever accurately dated how old the city was), the others slowly phasing out the practise over many decades. They rode over a particularly high portion of the road, Bran being the one to ask the question.
"Why are the roads not perfectly smooth? Isn't that what dragon roads were famous for in the Freehold?"
"It's a little difficult to build perfectly smooth roads with no bumps on a volcanic island, cousin."
Sansa noticeably gulped at this, looking around her and it didn't take long to figure out what she was searching for.
"The Dragonmont is on the opposite side of the island from where we are. It doesn't erupt often and when it does there's never much damage. It's the ground shakes that cause the most damage."
There was no lie in her tone because they did cause the most damage. When the Dragonmont erupted and lava would flow down, it would harden and expand the island more and more. Dragonstone had not always been as large as it was if it weren't for the volcano. There was a saying in their family, the volcano creates and the ground shakes destroy what was created. A perilous balance between the two and one of many reasons some members of their family practised fire magic. All of them could handle extreme heat in comparison to other Valyrian's, and some even had the ability to manipulate the fire with their blood. Daenerys herself had never witnessed such a thing, but her brother spoke their mother could bend fire to an extent. Alas, her mother had perished in birthing bed with her. For a long time, Viserys had blamed her for such a thing and didn't always treat her as a sister. At least, until Rhaegar got wind of it and pulled their brother aside for a prompt lecture. It took almost two years before they were able to properly reconcile as siblings and until he moved into the Admiral's manse after wedding Maela they were almost joined at the hip.
The dragon arena was up ahead now. The massive building that was commissioned by Lord Freeholder Aenys and completed by Lord Freeholder Jaehaerys standing more than one hundred feet in height and more than three hundred metres wide. Made of polished black stone inlaid with numerous tiny crystals which when the light hit off it made it almost appear to be shimmering. There had once been a dome on it, but a rogue dragon broke through it and they had decided not to rebuild that section. Instead keeping it open for their dragons to come and go as they pleased. A flash of black and red caught her attention then as she snapped her head around, almost rolling her eyes in annoyance at finally spotting her dragon.
"Well, there is your answer as to where Rhaelithox went."
If they weren't stop horses she would've punched her betrothed in the arm. Aemon knew it too, wearing a grin on his face filled with smugness.
"He's massive. And he hatched the same day yours did?"
That was Arya that spoke, her voice being high pitched showing how excited she was. They sent letters to one another often, and Aemon was pretty vocal on how obsessed his younger cousin was when it came to their dragons.
"Aye, mine own hatched in the morning, Rhaelithox hatched that same evening."
It had been a joyous occasion that day. As a hatchling, her own was smaller than Aemon's, but the moment they could no longer be considered a hatchling Rhaelithox grew at an alarming rate. If he continued to do so, there was a fair chance he would take over Shadow in size within the decade. It was not common for more than one egg to hatch on the same day and Rhaegar had said it was a sign of greatness according to their laws. What that greatness was, she knew nought. Ellaron appeared after this, being seen to many as the most beautiful of their dragons with her brightly coloured scales. Body being mostly magenta but with deep purple swirls and golden coloured wings and under belly.
"Where is Aerithor?"
She asked Aegon, curious to where her nephews cream and gold mount was.
"Probably hunting, he likes to feed around this time."
That made sense, Aerithor always preferred fish to other meats. He'd be out in Shipbreaker's Bay or the Blackwater hunting. They got more than a few angry letters from King Robert about that, but Rhaegar always burned them and did nothing. They were cousins to House Baratheon, yet King Robert had been the one to order their father struck down alongside his own dragon. How her father had died no one could say with certainty. Some say he was hit atop Pyraxon's back; others say he was crushed when Pyraxon fell, and some whisper he survived the fall and was killed. This being one of the many kickers for the Third Faith Rebellion. If only the grey rats in the Militant would be disbanded- it would save the Freehold a lot of trouble. At least they were given back his body so he could be burned in their custom and his ashes placed in a jar buried deep within the Dragonmont. If anyone wanted to visit, they needed explicit permission from at the least a Triarch beforehand.
More shadows appeared now, snapping her head up to see numerous dragons up ahead. The black and gold one being all that was needed to know which family this was. Daera would be pleased to have her family here. If the colouring wasn't what would determine which family it was, the fact neither had spikes on their bodies and only a few horns on their head and the fact their wings were disjointed from their legs like their own would do the job. Whilst House Rhaentheon's mounts didn't have very large bodies- only a little larger than Dawn actually- they had the largest wings. The red one catching her eye and a smile came onto her face as she knew who was atop that dragon. All landed within the arena then, only realising then they were still outside. Dismounting their horses and tying them up and walking within.
The arena had been built atop a network of caves, and the arena itself had a lot of caverns carved within for smaller dragons to take residence in. Eggs littering the walls of every colour from a pale glittering white to a shocking shade of green similar to the colour House Rhaeleris went by. Some solid in colour, some metallic, some with upwards of six different colours swirling together. There had to be nearing seventy eggs in this one section along. Noticing Bran, Arya, and Cregan pointing to them in awe. Six people were awaiting them within, Laera already having arrived with her husbands family the day prior.
"Kirimvose hen māzisi, Āeksios Ezīmillius Taevus." (Thank you for coming, Lord Freeholder Taevar.)
Unlike the other House's, Lord Freeholder Taevar was not wed. Not even betrothed. By their custom, he should've wed his sister Daera or maybe even his younger sister Saelara. Alas, he had agreed for Daera to wed Aurane and for Saelara to wed his brother Aerylon. There was talk he had his eye on someone but no move had been made as of yet.
"Skoriot aōhe kepe muñī?" (Where is your father and mothers?)
Daenerys immediately picked up on the confusion but soon she felt two arms wrap around her and being spun around on the spot. It had been a while since she had seen Vyserya. The other being three years older than she was and niece to Lord Freeholder Taevar through Saelara and Aerylon. Ignoring the talks currently going on with Rhaenys, Aegon, and Taevar.
"Aemon Rhaellā syyz avy urnē, skorkydoso Jelmor issa? " (It is good to see you Aemon and Rhaella, how was the North?)
"Drējī qape. Sīr zokle eman; zyyhi brōzi Gīs issa." (Very cold. I have a wolf now; he is named Ghost.)
Her eyes widened in surprise at this. Sister Lyanna had never claimed a wolf herself; her father never having let her do so unless she obeyed his every order. But she spoke often about the direwolves and that unlike their wolf cousins, were much more ferocious. Ghost was already the size of a normal wolf and he was only a little over a year old, wondering just how large her betrothed white wolf would actually grow. More dragons appeared in the sky now. Yellow and gold confirming which family this was and seeing Rhaella roll her eyes a little. Her youngest niece making it known she wasn't pleased about being betrothed but she had accepted it. At least herself and Jaehaerys were good friends, there had been much worse matches made.
Technically, Jaehaerys was not a Tarennis, but a Vaelaleas. Only having the Tarennis name alongside his brother and sister because his mothers House did not have any heirs and they needed to keep the line going. House Vaelaleas did not have any heirs either but they had only wed a few years prior. Haenys Vaelaleas had wanted to wed his family into other families but no opportunities came up other than the agreed one with Helaera Tarennis and his nephew Jaeremon. Eventually agreeing to wed his daughter to his youngest son and his oldest son to his cousin Rhaenara- Jaeremon's sister. Heirs would come soon no doubt between them all. In the case they did not, then Jaehaerys would take his fathers name and carry on the line this way. Tyraxes snapped angrily at Rhaelithox and Rhaelithox snapped angrily back. Both dragons having hot tempers but with a simple command her own bowed his head and slumped away from the yellow and gold dragon. Remembering words spoken to Aemon that morning. No one in their right mind would go against Tyraxes.
They were not waiting for much longer when all other dragons appeared. It not missing her gaze when Malaelar Dallaeron shot her nieces and nephews a hateful look. Whilst it was common knowledge many disapproved of her brother taking two non-Valyrian's to bride, many did keep their contempt to themselves. Not him though, never him. The last time they had met he had made an Andal comment at sister Lyanna and her sister had pinned him against a wall and had to be pried off of him as a result. He had left through the night after that. This was not going to be a good meeting when they are taken back to the manse. Seeing some dragons fly around the city, some lying down in the caverns even if they didn't fit, and others burrowing down into the many caves underneath their feet.
"What crawled up his arse and died?"
Aemon snorted aloud at Robb's remark, Sansa shooting her older brother a surprised look at the crude language.
"He called sister Lyanna an Andal- "
"I'm surprised he still has his cock."
As much as she tried to hide it, she couldn't hold the smile coming onto her face. Mounting their horses again and heading for the harbour after arranging multiple carriages to collect those who had arrived on their dragons to take them to the Temple. Sticking solely to the coastline as they did so to avoid the busy eastern markets of the city. Markets which were busier than normal with the impending wedding of her niece and nephew. It was a peaceful ride, not much being said and simply enjoying seeing the city in all its glory. King Eddard had come to Dragonstone twice beforehand, but the rest of his family had never done so. It was quite the change from Winterfell or the small towns in the North. White Harbour was the only city in the North, and it was perhaps a tenth the size of Dragonstone at best. Then again, Dragonstone was an eight the size of Volantis so they weren't ones to speak.
The harbour was littered with hundreds of ships. A mix of their own, Velaryon ships, and some northern ones as a thanks for building dragon roads in the North which had been a massive boon to them as it made travel so much simpler. Numerous colours of sails there confirming the others had already arrived. A few carriage drivers following them to take the other families to the Temple too. Heading towards the dragon road that led to where the three manses the Triarch's and their families lived as their destination was on this road. It was impossible to miss the temple. Being fourteen floors in height, of the brightest white marble it seemed to glow in amongst the buildings surrounding it. With gargoyles of numerous species that had been lost in the Doom but had once roamed the original Freehold proudly. The entrance being lined with two rows of seven pillars carved to look like a dragon was wrapped around them.
Inside was just as grand as the outside. Flooring being the finest Myrish carpet around in a deep red colour that reminded Daenerys of blood. The walls all being intricately carved and tapestries draping down from the ceiling depicting numerous achievements. Arya jumping in excitement of seeing the one that had been stitched to show the final war against the Rhoynar- Aemon confirming she had a lot of admiration for Princess Nymeria of Ny Sar- even naming her own direwolf after the woman. Something Rhaenys clearly liked from her smirk as she was proud of her Rhoynar heritage even if it got her more than a few side-eyes from some members of families who were adamant Valyrian blood should remain Valyrian blood and never be tainted in any way.
Once the main section was opened, those with them who had not been in a Temple before widened their eyes in shock. Fourteen pillars carved with the faces of their Gods. His Almighty Baerax in the centre and having a much larger statue than the others as he was the God of their Gods. The statues of their Holiness surrounding equally spread apart and directly behind a circular row which separated them from the centre of the room. Behind this row were almost three hundred seats which were sectioned off so each family was in one section. Her brothers were already there as were her sisters. Rhaegar seated between his two wives. Aegon and Rhaenys taking the seats behind them which were slightly higher so they could see everything happening. Then Viserys and Maela behind them, herself and Aemon after this. The King and Queen behind them alongside Lord Brandon and Lady Barbrey, the remaining children behind them. The room slowly filling up and she felt a small tap on her shoulder. Turning around to see it was Alys Ryswell.
"Will we have to pray too?"
"Nay, sweet one. Prayer with us only lasts a few minutes. Afterwards it's a lot like court."
And it was, there was no lie in her words. The young girl nodding her head and sighing deeply which confirmed she was nervous about potentially messing up one of the prayers. Not that she could blame her, because their prayers were in a language long lost to time and only passed down from Representative to Representative. Speaking of Representatives, they came in now. Her brother stepping down and walking towards the statue of Baerax and lighting the candle then cutting into his palm gently and placing it against the stone. The numerous pyres lighting up now and being glad that there was a good couple of metres between the seats and the circular row so the flames weren't too hot. Not that it would bother them, Targaryen's liked the heat. What to many was bordering painful was only warm to them and nothing more. All joining hands and bowing their heads as the words were spoken in a tongue so familiar yet also unknown. These being the only sentences that were preserved to their knowledge and a direct translation had never been agreed upon. Once the words were spoken, all let go of one another and rose their heads as they awaited on who would be the first to speak.
"Kesy oktion, vīlībun emos daor. Ryptan?" (In this city, I will not have fights. Am I clear?)
A few grumbles surrounded them at her brothers words but no one dared to outwardly go against them. House Targaryen was the top House of the Freehold. To go against them in the Temple would be the biggest affront to His Almighty and Their Holiness. No blood could ever be spread here. At least, not on purpose. A few words were passed around but no one seemingly had anything to add. At least, not until Malaelar Dallaeron stood from his position alongside his eldest son Jacaerys. Noticing the younger was looking to Maelon Caeniar with hate which considering the man was his goodfather confirmed something bad had happened between the two House's. Which was not a good thing as there were three marriages and one betrothal between the two. Jacaerys to Jelaerya, Saerysa to Aenor, Daeron to Nesaemera, and the most recent between Malaelar's sister Daerya to Lord Freeholder Maelon after the death of his wife Maegana Rogare. They were tied together and strongly at that. For one to be looking at the other like that something bad had happened there. She wasn't the only one who noticed either when scanning the room.
"Mīrīn Jazdan hiōriros ēzi." (Meereen have a Harpy statue).
There was a loud hush at this, but soon the dam broke. Numerous shouts of anger being thrown around the room. Understandable, because the Harpy of Ghiscar was not a welcome sight to anyone of the Freehold.
"Mirros teta ēzi?" (Have they done anything?)
"Sīr daor, yn laes rāelilzi." (Not now, but we need to keep an eye on them.)
That they did. Whilst the relationship between the Freehold and the previous Ghiscari cities was tenuous at best, they had some accord with one another. But if what Malaelar and Jacaerys said was true and Meereen were proudly showing a Harpy statue especially so close to where they lived- it spelled trouble. They were on the opposite side of Slaver's Bay, depending on the size of the statue it would perhaps even be visible.
"Ghīska naejot sīr paktot emos daor." (Ghiscari have no right to come forward now.)
Rhaegar had the last straw at this as he stood up and demanded everyone remain quiet. Gesturing Malaelar and his wives into the centre so they could speak in private on what to do. After this, there wasn't much else to do as everyone was reeling at the news. They themselves remained behind for her brother and sisters, noticing Viserys' lips in a tight line as he fought to keep his anger within him.
"We should wait on what our brother and sisters say, Vis."
His lips tightened more but loosened when Maela gently touched his arm which seemed to calm him down somewhat.
"Can someone explain?"
That was Queen Catelyn asking the question. Daenerys sighing deeply and turning to the older woman.
"The Harpy is the leader of the Sons of the Harpy. A group of people who reside mostly in Meereen but are dotted around the eastern shore of Slaver's Bay. They wish to bring those who settled on New Ghis after the Ghiscari wars and to create a new empire rivalling what they once had- "
"And Valyrian's have a sour taste for such a plot considering the many wars between the Freehold and Ghis."
All she could do was nod to confirm Lord Brandon's quick assessment was true. No other words were shared as they all soaked in the news before Rhaegar appeared with his wives. Noticing her eldest brother was noticeably angry. Opening her mouth to ask but he simply shook his head no.
"We'll discuss later with clearer heads on what to do. I will discuss with all Lord and Lady Freeholder's in a council on the morrow. In the meantime, lets pretend we did not hear what we did."