He felt drained.

That was the easiest way to put it.

It was supposed to be a day filled with joy and excitement which it was right until the bitter end. Bloody Dallaeron's. Aemon had never liked them, believing themselves to be better than everyone because like House Caeniar their blood was purely Valyrian. Not once had it ever been diluted since the Doom. Whether that be within the family or with the Caeniar's or the Vaelaleas'. Even then with the latter matches were only considered for those whose lineage was pure as they did marry non-Valyrian on occasion to. For the House's who were not Dragonlord's, there was no risk of anyone else who wasn't Valyrian to claim a dragon which could be used against them, so they didn't care much on that. Heck, his little sister was betrothed to Jaehaerys who was only a Tarennis in name but not by blood.

Two days had passed since, the entire time he had not been made aware of anything. Nor had Aegon or Rhaenys and it was their wedding it had happened. Instead spending all spare time they had with Dany who was understandably still shaken with what had occurred. Both from the push, and from the discovery fire could not harm her. Something that had never been recorded as being possible. Whilst true House Targaryen had deepened the magic in their blood with ancient rituals on occasion which allowed them to tolerate extreme heat, no one had ever been completely resistant to fire. At first, they had thought it was perhaps a one off. Yet when his betrothed was taken back to their shared room and scholars and healers entered they tried again with a torch. Aemon had not been pleased by the request, but Dany had agreed to try and much to everyone's surprise her fingers danced within the open flame for a few minutes and when she removed her hand there wasn't even so much as a mark on her pale skin.

Then the scholars had left, likely to pour through the tomes they had to see if there was ever any mention of such a thing in their ancestry. Mayhaps before the Doom it was something that came up on occasion, but so much had been lost. Some things that were lost he was glad for though, the experiments that were carried out were enough to make anyone's skin crawl. Their blood had been merged with blood of the dragon, it was how they kept their bonds to their mounts strong. Guēsin had roared in anger when it had happened as had Rhaelithox, the two dragons being a bonded pair just as much as he was bonded to Dany.

"How is she?"

He came out of his thoughts as he turned to Robb. His betrothed still in their shared room as they came down to eat. His father and mothers not being here as they were likely trying to damage control what had occurred. Especially now that Taherys, Jacaerys, and Malaelar had disappeared. That was an insult at worst to them, for it meant they did not respect his siblings who would eventually become Lord and Lady Freeholder of Dragonstone and it also showed they had no respect for the ways of their city.

"She's doing better, still shaken but getting there."

"You sure it's not just shaken from your activities the night prior? We could all hear it."

Aemon kicked his leg towards Monterys who grimaced in annoyance as Aeressa and Maela fought to hide their laughter at such a thing.

"But you're not married yet- "

"No little wolf, things are different in the Freehold. It's not a taboo to be with your betrothed here."

Sansa's cheeks reddened in embarrassment at his blatant response. He and Dany had first spent a night together a few days before himself and Rhaella had travelled for Winterfell to foster. In fact, they spent every night together until they left. To say they had both been ravenous in their reunion was putting it lightly.

"But what if she is with babe? Is that not dishonourable to your gods?"

Aeressa was the one to reply to his cousins curious words.

"We have poralikas. It's a type of tea that prevents a seed from taking root. Similar to moon tea I think is what you call it? But much more affective."

Food was brought out then, knowing he would not be able to stomach much so he simply took a small bowl of soup and a freshly made roll of bread burned to be crispy just as he liked. Heads snapping up as the door opened and in walked his father and mothers.

"Malaelar and Jacaerys are back, still no news on Taherys though. Jacaerys flew off in anger and his father went after him to return him here."

From the roll of his fathers eyes, Aemon knew he felt the same as he did. Those words sounded rotten to the core.

"Are Aegon and Rhaenys settling in well?"

"They're still moving their belongings to the Heir Freeholder manse but should be done by the end of the week my boy."

His mother replied to him before sitting down beside him and taking food for herself.

"When are we heading to the temple then?"

Aurane asked, Daera remaining quiet as she didn't want to incriminate herself as her cousin Gael was married to Taherys. They were bound in blood, and to go against ones own blood was a great sin in their eyes.

"This afternoon. Jelaerya and Baemala are with Daeron currently so he looks somewhat presentable. I'm wholly expecting Jacaerys not to show up."

That wouldn't surprise him either, agreeing with Elia on her words.

"Will we be coming too or?"

His oldest uncle asked, turning to him and his aunt Barbrey who didn't have her usual smirk on her face as she was plotting something. Wondering to himself where his other uncle and aunt were as they were not in the room currently but that was something that could be answered later. It wasn't just them either, Arya and Bran were who knows where as were Alys, Cregan, and Rhaella. Knowing the lot of them, likely running riot through the city which may explain his aunt and uncle's absence to keep the peace.

"Aye, you're family to us. You were there to witness what happened and therefore by our culture are expected to be there to witness the result."

There appeared to be some confusion on Brandon's face as even now he still did not fully understand their ways but he opted not to say anything about it. Viserys entering now with Aeranor and Wynafryd close behind chatting so rapidly only a few words he could pick up on. Dismissing himself from the table as Robb done the same and began following him to where Dany was.

"This has been a rather eventful few days."

"You can say that again."

Robb chuckled at his words as they were finally at his own room, knocking to make sure she wasn't changing before entering. Dany wearing a gown of a deep burgundy which only made her silver hair pop even more than usual, eyes such a bright shade of violet they looked like amethysts. Noticing she wasn't wearing their customary chains but she answered the silent question.

"I'll put them on for when we're leaving but I can't be bothered currently."

That explained things. Noticing then that Arianne Martell was in the room too and wasn't exactly subtle in the way she was ogling his cousin. Not that anything would occur. His cousin was noble to a fault, he would not shame Wylla in such a way.

"Daeron came by."

"He what?!"

Aemon seethed, gritting his teeth as his wolf began to emerge. Ghost walking over beside him and taking comfort in the soft white fur.

"Aems, don't. He came to apologise."

"Like that makes it any better, he could've killed you Dany!"

"But he didn't, and I am unharmed. I know you're protective over me nephew- "

Robb made a noise of disgust at that.

"I forget you're aunt and nephew."

The look Aemon sent his way was unamused. Now was not the time for japes as such. Plus, it wasn't that uncommon a pairing. King Cregan had decreed his sons marry his granddaughters only a few generations prior, plus King Rickard and Queen Lyarra were first cousins.

"As I was saying. I know you're protective over me nephew, but I can't be protected everywhere. I'm a dragonlord too and I do have the second largest Targaryen dragon. That and the fact that when Aegon and Rhaenys become Lord and Lady Freeholder we will be Lord and Lady Admiral. We will be in charge of everything coming and going, managing the armies, ensuring stocks are up to date, and numerous other things. Plus, Viserys already got a punch in on Daeron."

So that was why his uncle walked in with Aeranor and Wynafryd smiling. Had he been born a girl then Dany would've been betrothed to Viserys as per Valyrian custom.

"It's strange seeing Maela so quiet on something big, isn't it?"

"What is wrong with Maela?"

Gods, at times Robb really was an idiot. Arianne shaking her head in amusement at the face he must've made.

"She's pregnant, I'm to have a new cousin by the end of the year."

"Fourteen help Viserys. Maela is a handful enough never mind moody and pregnant Maela."

A small wince left him at this. She was someone not to be messed with. Whether that be from her incredibly sharp tongue, lack of holding back, or just generally doing things she should not be doing. He'd overheard her talking the day prior that the moment the babe was born she wanted to sail around Ulthos to properly map the continent out. They had a decent idea on Sothoryos, but not the fourth continent that lay to the far east of Essos. A knocking on the door breaking them from their talks as he turned to see Rhaenys standing there. Wearing a gown coloured burnt orange adorned with citrine (her favourite stone), with gold chains crisscrossing from her shoulders to either hip.

"You had all best get dressed as we are heading out within the hour. Arianne, you can borrow one of my dresses, Robb I'm sure something of Aemon's or Aegon's will fit."

They all nodded her way as Aemon gestured to the metal pole he kept his own clothing on. Robb picking out something grey and black which was wholly expected and clipping on a chain which went from shoulder to elbow. Aemon however, took his time. Wanting to look the part and a part of him wanted to outshine the Dallaeron's to further rub salt in the wound. Choosing his most elaborate red and black outfit he had which already had chains built into it so there was no need to add more on. Turning on his spot to see Dany had attached them but where she had attached him caused him to gape.

"Dany, they'll take that as an insult."

She shook her head in amusement, chain which was attached and dangling from her ear with a large ruby at the end of the chain.

"Let them be insulted."

Despite nerves eating at him, a part of him could not hide his amusement. Walking over and taking her face in his to stare into her lovely violet eyes.

"Don't do anything rash, please?"

"They'll be pissed enough at me for this."

Oh they absolutely would. It was Dallaeron custom to pierce their ears when they came of age. The women expected to wear gems which matched the colour of their jewel-toned dragons but the men would slowly stretch it up until they could wear raw stones which were expertly carved by the jewellers who apprenticed under the master jewellers of Mantarys. If anyone else wore a gem in an earring it was considered an affront to their familial custom. By Dany wearing chains in her own with a gem it was two insults in one, and he wasn't going to deny imagining Jacaerys' face was incredibly amusing. They walked out together not long after, meeting up with his siblings and cousins as they took a large wheelhouse which housed them all with ease. Other than Viserys, who had opted to travel with Maela's family.

"Has Taherys come back yet?"

"Aye, went straight to Daeron and Jacaerys."

Of course he would, Leeches always follow one another to hunt for their next meal together. Arriving at the temple and not even taking anything in and just walking to the central chamber and taking his spot. Whilst spots weren't official, everyone typically remained in the same seat every time they had to come here. Dragonkeeper's (their head guards) entering this time just in case things turned ugly which would not be surprising. The room rapidly filling up until only one person was missing. Two Dragonkeeper's entering on either side of Daeron as he took his seat beside his family. Eyeing the other Dallaeron's but it became obvious they weren't so much as attempting to hide the fact they were not looking at them. But not in shame, for they were not a shameful House. His father beginning the initiation before speaking.

"Dāeron Dallāron, ñuhus hāedus perzyy inditia. Yydrās." (Daeron Dallaeron, you pushed my sister into fire. Speak.)

"Hen aōhe hāedar ñuhe hobrenke usōven, Āeksios Ezīmillius Rhaegus." (I must apologise for your sister on my idiocy, Lord Freeholder Rhaegar.)

"Skoro syt?" (Why?)

Daeron didn't speak much for a bit, not knowing what to do or what to say. After a few moments though, he did.

"Dohaeriros qilōnarion gūrotis pastis, pirtus iksan." (I believed slave deserved punishment, I am wrong.)

It didn't do much, but it was something at least. His father gesturing for Jacaerys to come down alongside Jelaerya as they would have to make a blood vow of the change that was about to occur. Turning his head to Sansa and whispering she didn't need to look if she didn't want to but his cousin nodded assuredly which was all the confirmation needed she was going to watch what was occurring. Shards of frozen fire being handed to them, Jelaerya wasting no time in filling her own cup but Jacaerys was taking his sweet time. The insult making his blood boil and judging by the way Aegon shifted ever so slightly he got the blatant insult too. Droplets of lakoriks being added to help disguise the taste of the blood. A growl was heard then, not having any time to react as Nymeria bounded down from where Arya was as she yelled aloud for her to stop. But it was too late. Daeron and Jacaerys had already drank from the cups but Jelaerya's and his fathers had been knocked from their hands, blood spilling from them along the floor as Nymeria began snarling at the blood. Chaos ensuing as everyone stood up, Arya running directly for her wolf but he caught her before she reached her.

"Let me go Aemon!"

"Arya, no!"

Then two thumps were heard, heart hammering as realisation dawned on him. Gulping loudly and looking to where the thumps had come from to see both Jacaerys and Daeron had blood spilling from their mouths and ears, not moving at all.

"Poison."

The word left his lips without thinking, turning to his father in shock as it could've been him. Jelaerya letting out a shriek as she took in the sight in front of her and running to her eldest boy as did Nesaemera. Rhaemon and Viserys seemingly frozen on the spot. The temple was a holy place, blood could not be shed within the walls unless a blood vow was being made, yet blood had been spilled, he could feel it beginning to seep into his shoes.

"Nymeria!"

Arya's yelp of pain caught his attention as he looked to where she was, seeing Malaelar holding the young direwolf down as the other wolves began to circle them all to protect their pack.

"Āeksio Ezīmillior Malaelar ziry dāeremilā!" (Free her Lord Freeholder Malaelar!)

His uncle now stepped forward, his usual calm nature now gone. Aemon knowing deep down the wolf had just been awoken at the blatant disrespect towards House Stark. Brandon was making sure his other cousins remained out of this.

"Bony ñuho talo zokle issa. Ziry dāeremilā." (That is my daughter's wolf. Free her.)

"Aōho talo zokle ñuhe trēsi idakos!" (Your daughter's wolf attacked my son!)

"Ziry iksos daor. Nymeria idakvos daor." (She did not. Nymeria is not attacking.)

Now, Eddard and Malaelar were face to face, noticing Arya was tucked behind him and he was using the strength in his arms to keep her still. Without thinking, he walked over to snatch her, fighting her off as she frantically tried to get to her wolf. The atmosphere growing tenser than ever before in the room. Even Jelaerya's cries were not heard anymore, all he could hear was his own blood rushing through his earsDany touching his arm and soon they noticed what she was wearing and all that was in their eyes was red.

"Zokla qilōnarion eminna- " (I will have the wolf punished.)

"Daor. Kelītīs Āeksio Ezīmillior Malaelar!" (No. Stop Lord Freeholder Malaelar!)

This was about to get ugly. Now that his father had stepped in and was standing directly beside his uncle, Taherys walking down as a show of unity and not even so much as showing an ounce of hurt over what had happened. Something rotten was in this room, and they had intended to kill Jacaerys, Jelaerya, Daeron, and his father. Two of which they had succeeded with, the other two not thanks to Nymeria.

"Zokla eminna, tolī daor." (I will have the wolf, no more.)

"Ñuho talo zokle emilā, aōhys zaldrīzys emilzi." (If you will have my daughter's wolf, we will have your dragon.)

There was a collective hush over his uncle's words, his eyes widening in horror as he stared to the back of Eddard Stark's head. That was a bad move, a very bad move. Taherys' eyes blazing at what was ordered and shouting back.

"Zokla zaldrīzī iksos daor." (A wolf is not a dragon.)

But Eddard was not finished. The wolf had come out to play, and no on could do anything about it other than his father and mothers. His blood mother looking to her brother in surprise as clearly she had never seen him like this, Brandon was much the same. Elia was remaining out of it with her own brothers as if she were frozen in shock.

"Daor, zokli Lento Starko issi. Īlvon issi. Paktot emos daor." (No, wolves are House Stark's. They are ours. You have no right.)

"Dārys Edardi! Kelītīs!" (King Eddard! Stop!)

Thank you father. Albeit, a little earlier would've been better. His father demanding Nymeria be freed once more as he fought to keep Arya still. The other wolves slowly closing in on them all until they were all encased in a circle of snarling fangs.

"Daor." (No.)

The hush returned, the refusal of the order of his father hanging in the air above their heads.

"Skore?" (What?)

Maelon Caeniar spoke up now, finally getting over his shock of what was occurring currently. But Taherys like usual took extreme offense and began yelling back again.

"Valyry iksi, iksos daor! Vaogri Andali!" (We are Valyrian, you are not! Filthy Andal!)

"Hen Ēlī Vali iksan. Andalos daor. Hen avy īlvon ānogri sētenon ēza." (I am of the First Men. Not Andalos. Like you our blood has magic.)

He felt Ghost beside him now, taking comfort in his fur again as Dany looped an arm around his to keep him as calm as possible.

"Taherys, lykirī." (Taherys, be calm.)

Now Malaelar wanted to put an end to the madness. Finally letting go of Nymeria who bounded towards Arya who began crying over almost having lost her.

"Ñuha lēkia morghe issa! Ñuho lēkio trēsi morghe issa!" (My older brother is dead! My brother's son is dead!)

Oh what he would give to put an end to this by throwing a punch at Taherys Dallaeron's pretty face. But that would not be happening.

"Īlvon ondos ondosso daor- " (Not by our hand.)

His uncle started but he was cut off with a demand.

"Sparos?!" (Then who?!)

"Jemēla Āeksio Ezīmillior Taherys epilza. Lenton Starkon ezīmos emos daor" (Ask yourself Lord Freeholder Taherys. House Stark have no part.)

Now, Aemon was biting his lip hard, feeling his mouth beginning to fill up with blood but that was the last thing on his mind. Careful uncle, watch your words.

"Lēkia!" (Older brother!)

His mother yelled, accent ringing in the room at a volume which immediately caused them all to stop what they were doing.

"Lyka!" (Quiet!)

Surprisingly, everyone obeyed the command. Taherys' lips curling in before walking away with his father towards Gael, Viserys, and Rhaemon.

"Tolī daor, Dārys Edardi. Zaldrīzesdorot iksan, Dārios ñuhus." (No more, King Eddard. You are in Dragonstone, my Kingdom.)

"Riñus, māzīs" (Children, come.)

His aunt spoke, making to usher them all out when finally words left his own lips.

"Daor. Riñus ūbrililzi, velmus." (No. Children grow, aunt.)

He had a point, seeing some people nod their heads in acceptance.

"Bran, Alys Rhaellā, edrūgon." (Bran, Alys, Rhaella, go to sleep.)

The three names called by Elia caused groans from all but with a single glare of his fathers lilac eyes, the fight stopped. Being escorted from the temple towards the manse to do just that. His uncle taking a deep breath and speaking to Malaelar.

"Ñuhon lenton aōhe lēkie iā aōho lēkio trēsi sēniluty daor. Lenton Starkon rīglī ēza." (My House did not kill your brother or your brother's son. House Stark has honour.)

Malaelar spoke no further words to him, but a stiff nod of the head was partial acceptance. Remaining behind as the wolves finally left their circle and the Dragonkeeper's removed the bodies to be prepared for cremation.

"You will have to leave Dragonstone brother- "

His mother began but she was cut off.

"I know. I should not have spoke as I did but we are pack and we protect pack- "

"Take me with you."

Only then did Aemon realise Jelaerya was still here, and then he realised she was speaking common tongue which to his knowledge she did not know.

"What do you mean, Jelaerya?"

She shot a look towards his father.

"If you don't by honour I have to marry Taherys, I would rather be fed alive to a dragon than do so. Take me with you, please."