She groaned aloud as she looked down at the piece of parchment that had been handed over to her from the spy master. Only needing to look at it for a moment to understand. Of course, pride was something many people needed to have a strong reality check with.

"What is it?"

She turned her head to see Lyanna, smiling softly and happily tilting her head so she could place her chin on her shoulder to read what was on it. The whole time, Elia stared at her, something she never thought she would tire of. Many places only saw Northerner's as barbarian's who were hard and cold people. Whilst true to an extent, they certainly had more than a few beauties amongst them.

"Wouldn't expect different truthfully, if he still hasn't accepted it after this amount of time, he never will."

All she could do was sigh in defeat, knowing the beauty beside her was right. Instead crushing the parchment in the palm of her hand and nodding to Varys who scurried from the room and leaving them alone. Rhaegar had left that morning to discuss with the Dallaeron's of what was revealed in the Temple the day prior. They had discussed late into the night and nothing had been agreed on yet. However, they were having a meeting with all Lord and Lady Freeholder's that afternoon.

"It could be worse, at least Oberyn likes me."

"Oberyn likes you because you helped teach his daughters how to fight and humiliated my son when he came back from spending two years in Dorne and came back hating yourself and your children."

A small smirk was on the others face at this. Despite the words coming out harsh, they knew each other too well. There was teasing deep within. It took a long time for the younger of her two brothers to warm to her husbands second wife, but he was won over within a few months of being within their inner circle. Doran on the other hand was a tough person to win over. Even tougher when his oh so precious pride and desires were squashed as he saw it as grievous insult. When Elia was younger, she had taken it on the chin. Ever since she became Lady Freeholder though that all changed. She was not a puppet to be manipulated for another persons gain and her eldest brother did not like that.

"If Doran refuses to come to the manse, that is his decision. But his scheming and sulking isn't going to help matters. It's not a secret he hates you because you stopped his plots."

"His plots being having a firm Rhoynar hold on the Freehold. By having Aegon marry Arianne and Rhaenys marry Quentyn. With his son becoming Lord Admiral and his daughter Lady Freeholder. Alas, he found out the difficult way politics work differently in the Freehold to what they do in Dorne."

That they do. It had been a hard pill to swallow for Elia. Her mother teaching her thoroughly and her brother pushing for the most beneficial match to get a firmer hold and influence for their House and their Kingdom. It had caused a massive rift in the family when Rhaegar took Lyanna as a second wife and even more so when she birthed Aemon. They were bordering on a revolt from the other families as well because as many would say- Valyrian's were not normal men, they were above the petty squabbles of normal men. By Rhaegar doing what he had done, it very much made House Targaryen look 'normal' in their standards which was almost an opening to be overthrown as the top family. The only thing that appeased them all was agreeing on the marriages as their custom dictated.

It wasn't a match she was pleased with, despite being Dornish. In Dorne partnerships were sacred and any babe born of any union was seen as a miracle. But she had bit her tongue when her husband had declared when they were of age Aegon and Rhaenys would wed one another as his parents had done and his grandparents before that. This ensuring that the blood of Valyria in their children would not be tainted more than it already was. The Targaryen's were Dragonlord's, one of six families who could say such left in the world. At one point they had almost lost such a status, but the use of blood magic a generation later prevented their dragons from dying out. Shadow had been the ninth dragon to hatch after such a thing, being hatched by Lord Freeholder Maekar when he was a babe himself. The man in question being the only one to successfully hatch two eggs when his own mount was still alive and the bond was strong. It had happened during the burning of his older brother after a fight gone wrong. In Valyrian custom, if an egg intended for a rider did not hatch before the rider died- the egg would be burned with the rider so they could fly through the skies as one in death. Heryx coming forth from the egg and immediately latching to Maekar's son Aemon.

"I guess I'd best go find my brother."

"You know just as well as I do where Oberyn is, dear."

Elia couldn't stop the small laugh at the response. There was only one place Oberyn would be. They were escorted with a dozen guards each, more than their children got but their children had dragons. They did not. Lyanna wearing similar clothing to riding clothes much like Dany was prone to wear most often. The dress portion being a bright cobalt blue which almost glowed against her pale northern skin. Dark grey eyes only popping as a result. The thin trousers underneath being black with bronze patterns and with white lace falling from her sleeves. Blue had always been Lyanna's favourite colour- something she had found out quickly as had Rhaegar. When she had decided to remain after the rebellion, Elia had suggested having blue roses planted in the garden surrounding the Targaryen manse so she had something of her home with her at all times. She wore a deep maroon dress made of the finest cotton there was and with garnets, rubies, and sunstones sewn into the material. As for chains- both had opted not to wear them. Despite being Lady Freeholder's, neither were Valyrian. When there were events both happily did, but if there was no event neither bothered to do so.

The black stone of the largest sky tower was now directly in front of them. Both dismounting their horses and walking inside, trying her best to ignore the moaning sounds of the many whores of said pleasure house. Dragonstone's only pleasure house. With more than fifty levels and more than two hundred whores working here, it was a firm favourite of Oberyn's. It would be difficult to get him away from here, but she needed to know where Doran was staying. Doran should be the one coming to her whilst here, instead he wanted her to come to him. It was an insult at best and plain disregard of her position at worst. The title of Lady Freeholder held much more weight than Prince. When Rhaegar found out he would be dragging Doran into the Temple to apologise to her in front of everyone without question. They found Oberyn on the twelfth floor, in a bed that could easily fit ten people side by side surrounded by five women and two men.

"Please do close the door, dearest sister- "

"Why must every time we see one another you are in a pleasure house?"

"Because life is a pleasure. It should not be wasted."

The look she gave him was all that was needed to get him to sigh heavily and get up from the bed. Not even caring to cover his manhood as he done so and Lyanna turning away from the display out of respect. One of the women followed him in doing so and only now did she recognise Ellaria. Her brothers paramour and mother of many of his daughters. Sliding on a dark purple dress made of Volantene silk from the looks of it. She'd seen enough of the material in the years she had been Lady Freeholder of Dragonstone to immediately recognise it. Once they were ready they headed down to the bottom floor where there was a separate room for private meetings. The owner of the establishment widening her eyes and allowing them all entry and offering to bring wine and food.

"It is good to see you again, brother. Last time we did was three years ago I believe?"

"Aye, it was. A sad time, that dark orange beast truly was magnificent."

Heryx was indeed magnificent. Overtaking Shadow in size quickly and with horns that twisted like a rams and being a completely solid colour much like Dawn. He'd been bonded to Aemon for eighty years, and when the dragon lay down for the last time broke a part of the eldest Valyrian alive. It took weeks for him to lose his sight afterwards but when Rhaenys was born he snapped out of it. There was still intense sadness there, but he never showed it. Instead putting his mind to good use. As he would say- a person could still see even without their eyes.

"Where is our wonderful brother?"

Oberyn began spinning a knife he had pulled from his pocket, noticing out the corner of her eye that Lyanna was looking at the blade in wonder. A gift Rhaegar had given him as a name-day present. Made of Valyrian steel. It was rare they allowed someone who was not Valyrian to own anything of the material and the few who did it still cost more than a pretty penny. Hence why outside of the Freehold it was bordering on being considered priceless.

"In the largest manse on the northern coast beside the castle."

She knew where that was. The manse in question had been built long ago, before Lord Freeholder Aenar and his wives and children had left Old Valyria. Built of black stone and each wall carved with runes in an ancient language that had been lost but was widely believed to be the language their prayers were in whenever they had to go to the Temple. With numerous towers climbing so high they were almost the same height as the Dragonmont itself. Of course he would go there, wanting to show off his wealth to the residents of the city.

"I will take my leave for now then, I needs must speak to him directly."

"I would expect no less. Now, your Holiness, I believe we have a little game unfinished?"

Elia rolled her eyes at the byplay. Lyanna was competitive as was Oberyn. Every time they saw one another such a display occurred with neither wanting to acquiesce to the other and admit defeat. Leaving them to whatever game it was. Probably knife throwing, or perhaps archery, or who was the better rider. No doubt whoever won this round would be cheering and teasing the one who lost whilst the one that lost would be pouting in annoyance. It was a long ride, taking almost two hours to reach her destination. Jumping from her horse and ordering her guards to remain outside which they protested against initially before backing down. Whilst it was dangerous for her to step in here, she knew her brother would not harm her. At best he would throw her out but that would only be a reason for Rhaegar to banish him from Dragonstone much like he had done with the Baratheon's after what King Robert had done. No doubt that oaf was ranting in Storm's End at the insult of not receiving an invite to such an event. Apart from Renly and Shireen that is- one hadn't even been born at the time and the other a toddler. Whether they would come was difficult to say.

She'd walked by this manse on dozens of occasions, but this was the first time she had stepped foot inside it. Taking in the ancient architecture which was seen in the castle itself. The walls being black but with large windows from floor to ceiling with pieces being stained to depict certain victories. From the Ghiscari wars to the first dragon bond being formed to Valyria at its height. Whilst the Freehold was well and truly alive, everyone knew it would never be what it had once been. There had once been forty families who rode dragons, more than a thousand dragons if tales were to be believed. Yet now, only six families could claim dragons and there was less than seventy. There were many flying the skies that were not bonded, but it was normal to them. A guard in Dornish armour pointing a spear at her as she got close to the door.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Areo. Threatening a Lady Freeholder is a grievous thing in Valyria."

Her voice had dropped low, letting him know that if he dared try anything even if it was on orders, he would face a fate worse than death.

"Prince Doran has given strict orders he is to have no visitors."

"If my brother does not wish to speak to me he can leave the island and never return."

He opened his mouth to say something back but she simply shoved his chest to give her enough room to pass. Walking into the central room of the manse. Valyrian manses of old were always laid out the same. A large central room and all other rooms branching off of it. Immediately noticing an orange banner hanging from the banister of the staircase to the upper levels beside House Targaryen's banner. It was subtle, but Elia knew what her brother was playing at. He'd always believed their House to be of an equal station after her wedding, and he was showing this openly now. In itself such a thing was treason, but there was no use in telling him no because she didn't doubt he would start something with Valyria out of sheer spite.

"Areo was ordered not to let any visitors inside."

"And Areo is your guard, and a guard holds no power of a Lady Freeholder. You should know such a thing by now as you have been reminded of such every time you visit."

He would never learn, that was obvious. Due to their large age gap he would only ever see her as his little sister and not simply sister. Such a small difference, but one that was felt by her all the same. She was a pawn to him, and he did not like she would not dance along to his every whim. Prior to becoming Lady Freeholder she had done so, but Rhaegar had brought a fire out in her. One he jokingly would say must've come from her own Valyrian ancestor.

"Must you defy me such- "

"Why must you defy even the most basic of decency? Whether you like it or not, Valyria is not Dorne. Valyrian's are not Rhoynar. Nor will they ever be."

"They would be if your husband wasn't so easily bended like he were only silk."

That fire erupted deep within her as she walked over to the desk. Looking down at him with such hatred. Such a pitiful thing he was. Being confined to a chair thanks to his rotting gout that he had yet to find a cure for. If he ever would find one. At best being able to walk a short distance but even then he needed canes.

"In other words you're still pissed that my husband did not allow you to bend him to your will. Why must you insult me so by being driven by greed and hatred?"

He had no words to that, staring up at her with a deep hatred. Where their relationship had fractured she could not say. Perhaps it always had been but his last scheme to drive a wedge between herself and Lyanna had been the final straw.

"If the Northerners are not in the manse I will happily come- "

"Tough luck, because Lyanna is my wife just as much as she is Rhaegar's. Her children call me mother and my children call her mother. Her brother is King of the North, it would anger the North against Valyria were they not to be invited and treated with the highest respect."

"One day you will see, El- "

"Don't call me El, you only ever done so to make me think you cared about me. Lets not dance around one another, you don't care about me or Oberyn or your children. You care about your own position. The last time a Prince of Dorne attempted such a thing almost ended in our kind being exterminated. Do you really want to risk such a thing for something as little as position?"

She didn't remain to hear his response. Instead walking from the manse and mounting her horse again to ride towards their own manse to prepare for the meeting. They were rare, considering it took some families weeks or in the Vaelaleas' and Caeniar's case- months- to arrive. But Elia hated them all the same. Every time there was one, other families weren't as subtle as they thought they were with their side-eyes or flowery words. She'd long made peace with the fact she would never be an equal in their eyes, but it took a long time and many nights crying over how she was not accepted.

If she couldn't be accepted, then she could be respected.

That was words Lyanna had spoken to her. Words she had initially took as insult but over the course of a few months realised there was merit to such an outlook. That was something refreshing to hear. One thing Northerner's were was brutally honest. They would say it as is, no matter how harsh or cruel their words were. Something that had shocked many Valyrian's when Rhaegar had wed Lyanna and chuckling in amusement at remembering Queen Lyarra dragging a Velraenos guard by the ear for calling her a savage. A roar from above caught her attention, looking up to the sky and seeing Rhaelithox and Aerithor playfully snapping at one another. Her smile widening as she spotted Rhaella's hatchling try to keep up with them and failing miserably.

It was said when a bond was formed with dragon and rider they became a part of one another. Depending on how strong the bond was- even having personalities that matched. Whilst there were accounts where a hot-headed person took a docile dragon- they were much fewer to the other option. Her children's dragons certainly had similar personalities, having been bonded since cradle and growing up together. Out of them all, Ellaron had hatched soonest- when Rhaenys was only three name-days. When a babe was born and was old enough to take in everything around them, they were taken into the caves where the hundreds of eggs were. The egg that was either touched first or caught the babes attention most being the one taken to be placed in the cradle.

Her daughter took the sky for the first time on her eighth name-day. Elia remembering fondly how terrified she had been when guards told her that she had ordered them to take her to the arena. Something that was not allowed by herself or Rhaegar due to the fact dragons were not tame beasts and anything could happen. Mounting Shadow behind Rhaegar and flying there themselves to see her daughter just finishing strapping a saddle to Ellaron's back. When her daughter had spotted them, her dark eyes had widened but instead of bowing to her parents will had clambered onto the magenta and purple dragons back and flew off.

One thing was for certain there. She may be Valyrian, but she was Rhoynar too. Her blood ran hot with magic and she was not scared to show such a thing.

Rhaegar was waiting for her when she entered, seeing members of other families speaking to one another rapidly. He only needed to take one look at her to know where she had been and where Lyanna was if she had not gotten back from whatever competition she was having with Oberyn.

"Prince Doran is a prickly man."

"I know, husband. He is my brother. He still believes Lyanna showing up Aegon was a huge slight against Dorne."

Which it would be, were the reason for such a thing not what it was. It was agreed when their children were young they would foster for a couple of years with their non-Valyrian relatives to learn the culture of their ancestors and their ways. When Aegon was ten and Rhaenys thirteen, they had travelled to Sunspear to foster with her brothers. Tension had already been brewing between them, but it wasn't until they had come back that the tension boiled over the edge. Aegon coming back and treating Lyanna like she were lesser than him and referring to both Aemon and Rhaella as savages. For a while her fellow leader had put up with it, but when Aegon had pushed Rhaella to the point she had been hurt, the wolf had come out in force. Ordering her son outside into the courtyard to spar. Aegon had believed he would win with ease but instead he had been the one who ended up eating dirt and had been forced to apologise. Not only was he forced to apologise, but he was forced to tell them what he had learned in Dorne.

"He will not be permitted the highest station. I'm sorry, my love, but I will not take an insult as such anymore. Your brother needs to learn his place and that the decision is final. He is getting both a Lord and Lady Freeholder from us, he is not getting any more."

In itself receiving said titles was enough for many. But prideful men reach too far on occasion.

"He won't like that one bit."

"His children can have the positions. It's not their fault their father wanted to have a heavy Rhoynar influence in the Freehold. In fact, I wholly expect for him to come to me to consider having the betrothal of Aemon and Daenerys called off in favour of having Arianne betrothed to Aemon and Quentyn betrothed to my sister."

Elia wanted to deny the thought, but it had merit to it. Whilst not the matches wished for, it would still give Doran a strong hold on Dragonstone.

"Any agreements on that wedding?"

"After the wedding we will be travelling to White Harbour for the northern ceremony of Aeranor and Wynafryd. I believe Aemon will wish for a northern ceremony as well. Not just for propriety sake so the marriage is valid in both customs, but because my son does not appreciate the flashier things. Nor does my sister. It wouldn't surprise me if the pair of them take off on their dragons and wed in secret with perhaps one or two witnesses."

A small snort left her at the words, knowing there was truth to them. That did sound like something Daenerys and Aemon would do. Neither were people who enjoyed ceremony or as Rhaegar put it- flashier things.

"Speaking of our children, where are they?"

"I sent them into the city with the other children. We need to discuss these new developments in peace. We will be speaking with heirs on the morrow and see if they come to similar conclusions."

Clever. Allowing the future Lord and Lady Freeholder's to decide on their own and see if it matched. It was an old method in the Freehold, and many agreements had been reached through such a tactic. Even if what heirs agreed did not match their parents agreed- it allowed for debates which prepared them politically for when they took over. They weren't waiting for long before Lyanna appeared again, wearing a smug grin on her face which was all that was needed to tell them who had won whatever cock contest the two had. Knowing her brother he had travelled back to the pleasure house and was sulking with his favourite whores and paramount to keep his mind busy. Rhaegar speaking loudly as the other Lord and Lady Freeholder's snapped their heads his way and making their way into the council hall. They would've gone to the Temple for such things usually, but right now that didn't matter. Neither sitting in their standard order from top to lower. This was not a formal meeting.

"Āeksio Ēzimillior Malaelar, Skoriot kesy Jazdan issa?" (Lord Freeholder Malaelar, where is this Harpy?)

"Kara pydīrot, Āeksios Ezīmillius Rhaegus." (On top of the great pyramid, Lord Freeholder Rhaegar.)

Wonderful, the highest position in Meereen. Many of them began grumbling in annoyance at the revelation and wondering how such a thing had been missed. However, it was Malaerion Mellarys who spoke up first.

"Skorī ūndetisi?" (When was it seen?)

Malaelar shook his head in the negative to confirm he wasn't aware when it was put up. Malaerion about to ask why because as his House was based in Elyria they were closest of them all to the Ghiscari cities. Or the slave cities as they called them, just the thought some Ghiscari still survived was enough to anger any Valyrian due to their history. At best they were cordial with one another but even that was putting it lightly.

"Hen Volantirri konīr hiōrtua, lanta hūri verdon." (It was not standing there when we left for Volantis, so two moons at most.)

This only angered them more. There only was one reason for such a thing then, the Wise Master's had waited until they were gone before putting the statue up. Likely as a slight for when they came back which the Dallaeron's had done to finalise some unfinished business in Elyria before travelling to Dragonstone. Likely another trade deal with Qarth or Asshai due to them being the leaders of the easternmost city. There had been talks to bring them all under the rule of Valyria again, but there was simply not enough dragon riders to ensure such. The families who did not possess enough magic had tried to do so by wedding into a house that did a few times- hence there being so many matches with the Caeniar's and the Dallaeron's through the years. Alas, only a handful of members could do so and it never passed on to their children so it was all for nought. If they were going to expand again, it would be to their previous colonies. Pentos, Gogossos, Norvos, Lorath, or even rebuild Qohor. Qohor was still inhabited, but much of the city was in ruins after their stupid war.

"Anni Pentot vamiot ūndetis." (Horses have also been seen near Pentos.)

This one shocked them even more than the Harpy statue. Turning to Jaemon Velraenos who had become Lord Freeholder only the year prior after the death of his father Gaelor. Seated beside Malaerion and with his sister Jaenyx beside her husband and nodding their heads in confirmation of the report.

"Parmon Teguni tolmiot?" (The Grass Lands are far away?)

No one had an answer for Lyanna's question, because neither could think of a reason they would go there. At least, until a certain bald head was seen in her peripheral vision. Anger boiling within because despite him seemingly working for them, Elia trusted him not.

"Khali ābrazyyrys jaelza, Āeksios Ezīmillius Jaemos." (A Khal wants a wife, Lord Freeholder Jaemon.)

"Anni mēre annī hobrenke, ūī rhēdetā." (Horses only fuck horses, it is known."

A snicker erupted at the last part of the sentence, finding the mockery of the Dothraki saying amusing.

"Mirror sylīlzi, embroti ilzīlzi. Daorys Valyrie idakosi." (If they try anything, we will throw them into the sea. No one attacks Valyria.)

And there was the pride again. Despite not being anywhere near the level the Freehold had once been, some members still believed themselves to be such. Valyrian's. She almost scoffed at such a thing but then she remembered she had to appear as though she agreed with this or was at the least considering such. She was not one of them, and they weren't afraid to say it as is. Before she had been betrothed to Rhaegar, Lady Freeholder Rhaella had been eyeing a match between himself and Jaenyx. They were close enough in age and got along well enough. Alas, the match between themselves had greater value. Something which came in very useful during the Third Faith Rebellion. There was no doubt in Elia's mind the Freehold would've won, but the Rhoynar aid certainly sped things up a bit. The sooner a war ended, the better. Mayhaps this time the damned Militant would learn their place. Three times they had tried to bring them under their beliefs and had almost succeeded with Dragonstone through Lord Freeholder Baelor. Yet they would not. Andals had ran from Valyria before, and they would never let them forget such a thing.

The meeting seemed to go on for hours but from the height of the sun, Elia knew this was not the case. She was never one who could sit still for long or listen closely for long either. Alas, an ending was near as it was agreed Malaelar would send an emissary to Meereen under the guise of trading. The city in question had a lot to thank them for. A precious stone had been discovered on the ground surrounding the walls, something which brought them unimaginable amounts of wealth. By many, it was seen as a way to begin mending the pain of history between the Freehold and Ghis, but now that had been thrown out. It was a miracle in itself an agreement to not attack for such a blatant display of defiance was reached. However, if another show was made, then they would not be given another chance.

"Why can there never be a few months where there isn't a squabble of some kind?"

Rhaegar snorted in amusement at her quip. Pulling both herself and Lyanna into his chest and resting his chain atop their heads.

"Valyrian's have always had a knack for dramaticism. Either way nothing will come of this. The Dallaeron's have the largest dragons of the Freehold. Heck- their smallest adult is larger than Shadow which in itself is saying something. It wouldn't surprise me if their great pyramid becomes another Harrenhal."

"Harrenhal was burned in revenge though, there is quite the difference. And what would we do were we to press an attack? Have them submit to us? Bow to us? Vow to never take up arms again? Become a part of the Freehold?"

"It is not something that needs to be considered for a long time."

Dark wings, dark words. Something her mother had told her when she was only a babe herself.

"No, it is something we need as much time as possible to consider. If they were to come under Valyrian rule, who would lead them? Do we promote one of the Triarch families? The Archon? Maybe even Lord and Lady Admiral's? This is not something small, Rhaegar. This is preparing for a potential war."

"It's not really a war if one side is massively disadvantaged, Elia. We have forty dragons and forty riders. We also have wild dragons that if needed we could find some seeds with relative ease- "

Now, it was her turn to snort.

"I wouldn't talk of seeds openly, Lya. Many still remember the struggles such people caused. Much like the North, Valyria remembers too. A little too well thanks to glass candles and blood magic."

"It's not their fault whoever sired them couldn't contain their own satisfaction. Look at Lys, place is teaming in them. As is old town Volantis. They all boast on how they have blood of the dragon in their veins, yet do they really? Without having to trace back hundreds of years to before the Doom?"

There was no comeback to that, knowing it was a solid point. Pouting towards Lyanna but this worked wonders as the beauty leaned over to peck her cheek lightly. It took a long time for them to build up a relationship as such. Lyanna had come into their lives partially to escape a pending betrothal that had yet to be announced and had ended up wed anyway. She remembered that well, Rhaella almost screaming in fright at seeing the massive wolf that followed Benjen Stark around. Tales of the Stark's having direwolves was common, but many brushed it off to them simply breeding dogs to look like wolves. Instead, a wolf the size of a pony had gotten off the northern ship when Queen Lyarra had docked with her youngest son and only daughter to warn Aerys of what was coming. That was the only thing which had garnered Lyanna acceptance. Tenuous acceptance, but acceptance. That she was very vocal in being against what her father was doing as were her siblings but were ultimately tied due to King Rickard holding intense authority over them all. Sighing deeply and shaking her head. This was a joyous occasion, one many would empty their life savings to be considered for an invite. For the next week, they were not going to focus on politics. Politics could wait, momentous occasions could not.