Notes

This is a story based on the Game of Thrones books and TV series, but be warned, it's a very AU (Alternate Universe) story. If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a story that deviates a lot from canon, where certain characters may act out of character, or if you're not a fan of romance with a good amount of fluff, and a story that ultimately has a happy ending, then this may not be the right story for you.

Chapter 5: family ties and first encounters

Valyria 284 AC

Elaena's heart raced as she heard the news from Baesenarr. The arrival of the ships, bearing the emblem of her family, filled her with both excitement and apprehension.

"Elaena, join us at the command center adorned in your ceremonial Dragonsteel armor, mounted atop your largest dragon," commanded Baesenarr Valitheos, his voice firm and unwavering. "Aelora Balaerys and Balemond Aekylosh are already on their way. We will ride on our mightiest dragons and make a grand entrance at the port. Let the visitors bear witness to the true power and splendor of the Valyrian Freehold."

With a sense of pride, Elaena donned her ceremonial armor, feeling the weight of the metal settle around her shoulders. The armor was adorned with intricate designs and patterns, each one telling a story of Valyria's rich history. As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she felt a surge of confidence and strength.

Though her heart was heavy with the weight of leaving her daughter behind, Elaena entrusted Alysanne's care to her most trusted servant. Taking a deep breath, she summoned all her courage and made her way to the command center.

As she approached, she saw Aelora Balaerys, Baesenarr Valitheos, and Balemond Aekylosh waiting for her with their respective dragons, all of which were covered in Dragonsteel armor. The sight of the dragons, symbols of power and strength, heightened the anticipation in the air.

Aelora Balaerys spoke with a serious and solemn tone. "As the spokesperson of the Triarchy, I will initiate the negotiations," she announced. Turning to address the group, she continued, "I have brought with me four truth candles, one for each of us. This will help us determine the veracity of the visitors' claims." Balemond Aekylosh nodded his agreement, showing his approval of Aelora's proposal.

The main ship of the small fleet approaching Valyria.

In a small meeting between Jon Connington, Myles Toyne, the Captain-general of the Golden Company, and Doniphos Paenymion, member of the Volantene Triarchy, it had been decided that the latter would initiate the conversations with the Valyrians. Being part of the Old Blood in Volantis, he could trace his ancestry back to Valyria, making him the most suitable candidate. Doniphos cautioned, "I must remind you, my friends, that while in Volantis those of us who are of the Old Blood are considered nobility, our ancestors were not Valyrian nobles but rather mere merchants seeking their fortune in the newly founded colony of Volantis."

The three of them observed the bustling activity in the port with great curiosity as their ship advanced. They noticed that the shipyards were busy constructing strange vessels that lacked sails.

While discussing these peculiar ships, they suddenly spotted three enormous dragons among the hundreds that flew through the air. The sight left them fascinated and somewhat frightened. The three massive dragons were accompanied by a smaller one, and they all descended to the ground.

"Quick, bring the children," Jon urgently requested. Shortly after, the children dressed in clothing bearing the symbols of House Targaryen were brought forward. The little ones looked scared and confused, not understanding what was happening around them. Jon offered them words of comfort and took them in his arms, trying to calm them down.

Jon held the Targaryen children close as he watched Myles Toyne scrutinize the three dragons clad in Valyrian Steel armor. "Valyrian Steel," Myles whispered in awe. "Three damn dragons in such armor! To hell with the Iron Bank and those damn Lannisters and their gold. Each of those suits could be worth more than all the wealth in the Seven Kingdoms."

Myles turned to Jon, his eyes shining with greed. "We haven't even started negotiating with the Valyrians yet, but just look at the wealth and power they possess. We need to be a part of that, Jon. The Golden Company, which I lead, should ally itself with the Valyrian Freehold. It's the only way to secure our future and ensure our place in the world."

As the ship approached the shore, the group made their way towards the Valyrians. Doniphos Paenymion led the way, speaking in High Valyrian, "Volantis, the oldest daughter, greets Mother Valyria," he said while bowing down. Jon Connington, Myles Toyne, and the rest of the crew followed his example and bowed as well.

Upon hearing Doniphos' greeting, Aelora Balaerys smiled and responded in High Valyrian, "And Mother Valyria welcomes her oldest daughter with maternal love." Her tone was warm and inviting, but there was also a sense of caution in her words.

"So this is how High Valyrian is properly spoken," Jon Connington heard one of the scholars they had brought with them on the ship say. As Jon Connington listened to the scholar, he couldn't help but smile, knowing that he too had struggled to master the ancient language.

Doniphos Paenymion, still bowing, took a moment to gather his thoughts before he asked his question. With a hint of reverence and trepidation in his voice, he said, "With all due respect to Mother Valyria," he paused briefly, trying to calm his nerves, "it has been nearly four hundred years since her disappearance, and suddenly we are in her presence in all her glory and magnificence. Could it be an act of the gods?"

Aelora's expression turned grave, and the intensity in her eyes added weight to her words as she took a moment to gather herself before responding. "No act of the gods could have brought Mother Valyria back," she began, her voice low and deliberate. "Thousands of years ago, powerful Valyrian sorcerers foresaw that the fury of nature, with its fiery, abyssal depths, could eventually turn against us. Faced with this dark omen, they decided to create a spell that could protect us in the event of such a catastrophe." Aelora paused for emphasis, scanning the faces of her listeners before continuing. "And so it was that when the fury of the volcanoes finally erupted, the spell was activated, sending us into the future where we are now. It was the ingenuity and wisdom of our Valyrian forebears that allowed us to survive."

Doniphos Paenymion and all the others present who understood High Valyrian were deeply impressed by her response. A spell of such magnitude only proved that the stories and legends about the Valyrians' mastery of magic, which were told throughout the known world, were true.

The brief silence that followed was broken by a gasp of surprise from one of the Valyrians, a woman riding the smallest dragon, who had clasped her hands to her mouth and was staring at Jon Connington with intense focus.

As he studied her more closely, he observed the armor she wore, and his eyes widened in shock at the emblem upon it. "A Targaryen in Valyria!" he exclaimed incredulously. "Our history and legends must have been mistaken. I thought Aenar had relocated his entire family to Dragonstone."

Jon noticed that the woman was gazing at the other lady who had spoken earlier, and they exchanged some words that he couldn't make out. The other woman nodded in agreement, and the Valyrian dismounted her dragon with impressive agility. She approached Jon Connington, who still held the Targaryen children in his arms.

As she drew closer, Elaena gestured for Jon Connington to stand up, and as she looked at each of the children still held in his arms, tears began to well up in her eyes. "Blood magic and family ties," she said with a smile, before embracing a stunned Jon Connington tightly.