Chapter 8: The Encounter at Dragonstone
Daenerys glided silently through the corridors of the Red Keep, her figure enveloped in the invisibility granted by her Valyrian powers. Her mind was focused on the task at hand: ensuring that her plans to neutralize the wildfire were underway and that the 'false' Targaryen royal family was acting as expected with Valyrian magic.
As she moved with slow and cautious steps, her senses alert, a soft meow caught her attention. She stopped and looked around, spotting Rhaenys's cat, Balerion, approaching her curiously. Daenerys smiled at the sight of the small feline and decided to take him with her to Dragonstone; after all, he was part of the family.
However, amidst her task, Daenerys felt reluctant to seek out her father or encounter Varys. Painful memories of the past crowded her mind, reminding her of the suffering caused by her father's madness and Varys's betrayal. But she knew she could not allow those emotions to distract her from her purpose.
Determined not to procrastinate any longer, Daenerys focused on her main objective: to speak with her mother and Elia about her true identity and mission. She knew the children were too young to fully understand, with Aegon still a newborn in arms and Rhaenys a three-year-old.
With the cat Balerion by her side, Daenerys prepared to teleport to Dragonstone. Though the animal was a bit restless, she used her powers to calm him, imagining that within that small feline body lay the spirit of a great dragon. Once she was sure Balerion was calm, she closed her eyes and focused on her destination.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in the vicinity of Dragonstone, the majestic fortress towering over the coast. The fresh, salty air enveloped her, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks echoed in her ears. Daenerys looked around, feeling a mix of emotions as she prepared to confront her family with the truth.
With steady steps, Daenerys made her way to the entrance of the fortress. The guards recognized her immediately and let her pass, surprised by her unexpected arrival but respectful due to her resemblance to Queen Rhaella.
Once inside, Daenerys headed towards the throne room, where she knew she would find her mother and Princess Elia. As she walked through the familiar corridors, her heart beat strongly in her chest. She knew this encounter would change everything, and she was ready to face the consequences of her revelations.
Finally, she reached the throne room and found her mother, Queen Rhaella, and Elia alongside her. The two women were conversing in low voices, but upon seeing Daenerys enter, they fell silent, surprised by her arrival. Daenerys released the cat Balerion onto the floor, and he set off determinedly to find food or his owner Rhaenys, letting his feline curiosity guide him through the room.
"Mother, Princess Elia," said Daenerys firmly, approaching slowly. "There is something I must tell you."
Rhaella and Elia looked at her with curiosity and concern, awaiting her words attentively.
"I... am your daughter," Daenerys continued, looking at Rhaella, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I am Daenerys Targaryen, but I am also something more. I come from the future, with the purpose of protecting our family and the Seven Kingdoms."
The two women looked at her in astonishment, their minds struggling to comprehend the enormity of her words.
"From the future?" murmured Rhaella, her voice full of disbelief.
"It's hard to believe, I know," admitted Daenerys. "But it's the truth. I am here to help you, to ensure that we have a better future."
Daenerys took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before beginning her tale. Aware of the delicate situation her mother and Princess Elia were in, she decided to share a soft and simple version of her story, omitting details that could cause unnecessary distress.
"Mother, Princess Elia..." Daenerys began softly, "I want to tell you about my life in the future, about how I got here and why I am here now." Her eyes met her mother's, seeking understanding and acceptance before continuing.
"Many years ago, when I was just a girl in Essos, I never imagined the path that would lead me to this moment," Daenerys continued, letting the memories of her childhood unfold in her mind. "I grew up among the crowds of Braavos and the Dothraki culture, surrounded by strangers and without a place to call home, with Viserys, but exiled from Westeros. But as I grew, I discovered a fire within me, a fire that burned with the promise of a great destiny."
She recounted how she met Khal Drogo and how her marriage to him led her to gain power that in the future allowed her to cross the Narrow Sea, to the Seven Kingdoms. She didn't mention Viserys's madness. "It was in the Dothraki Sea where my true journey began," she said with a mix of nostalgia and determination. "I discovered my connection with the dragons, a connection that had been dormant for centuries. With the birth of my dragons, I was reborn as the Mother of Dragons, a title that I would carry with pride and responsibility."
After recounting her encounter with Khal Drogo and her journey through the Dothraki, Daenerys paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. Rhaella and Elia exchanged looks of surprise and curiosity, and finally Rhaella spoke:
"Daenerys, are you saying that the dragons have come back to life? How is that possible?" she asked, her voice full of disbelief.
Daenerys nodded solemnly. "Yes, mother. The dragons returned to the world," she replied. "It was a miracle, one that even I cannot fully comprehend. But with their return, I was blessed with the opportunity to restore the greatness of our house and bring the fire and blood of the dragons back to Westeros."
Elia seemed equally surprised by the revelation. "But how is it possible that the dragons have returned after so long?" she asked, with a mix of astonishment and hope in her voice.
Daenerys offered her a reassuring smile. "I don't know for certain, Princess Elia," she admitted. "But I believe that the words of House Targaryen are not mere words; they require Fire and Blood. Thanks to these two ingredients, I have been able to awaken the dragons from their long slumber and bring them back to the world." Daenerys skillfully concealed her own resistance to fire.
Daenerys continued to tell her story, describing the battles she fought to reclaim her place on the Iron Throne, fighting usurpers and tyrants, seeking justice and freedom for the oppressed. "Each battle was a trial by fire, an opportunity to prove my worth and determination," she said with a spark of pride in her eyes.
However, in the midst of her tale, Daenerys felt the need to address a dark aspect of her history, something that had been a constant shadow on her path to power: her father's madness, King Aerys, and how that madness had left a legacy of destruction and suffering. This madness had hindered her efforts to help the people of Westeros; despite her attempts to provide support and be accepted, they were rejected. "But I cannot speak of my battles without mentioning the shadow that has always haunted me," she continued, her tone now darker. "The madness of my father, King Aerys, and how that madness left its mark on our house and the Seven Kingdoms."
She explained how the king's madness had brought King's Landing to the brink of abyss, how his obsession with wildfire and his cruelty had left indelible scars on the realm. "And although I fought with all my might to redeem the name of the Targaryens, I could not. The shadow of his madness was always present," she admitted with regret. Daenerys shared the truth about her father's death at the hands of Jaime Lannister, and how that act had marked the beginning of her own struggle for power and the perception the rest of Westeros has about the Targaryens, the death of Lord Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark forever marked the legacy of the royal house.
Daenerys, in a moment of deep reflection and determination, decided to make a crucial decision: to edit her story to hide the truth about her death and the events that led to that fateful point. The mad queen, killed by her lover and the ashes of King's Landing, were details she preferred to leave in the shadows, at least for now.
Aware of the pain and anguish that revealing the truth to her mother or Princess Elia could cause, Daenerys chose to protect them from that knowledge. She knew that speaking of the crime she had committed could sow doubt about her mission and intentions. With determination, Daenerys continued recounting her story, focusing on moments of triumph and hope while carefully concealing the truth she had chosen to protect. It was a burden she carried on her shoulders, but she was willing to bear it if it meant protecting her family and preserving their legacy.
"And then, I discovered something even deeper," Daenerys continued. "I discovered my connection with the Valyrian gods, a connection that granted me abilities that defied human understanding. With their blessing, I have been endowed with the opportunity to restore the greatness of House Targaryen, to bring back the fire and blood of the dragons to Westeros."
The room fell silent as Daenerys's words hung in the air. Her eyes searched those of her mother and Elia, hoping to see understanding and acceptance in their gazes. Because, although her story was incredible, she knew it was the truth, the truth she was determined to share with those she loved most in this uncertain world.
Rhaella frowned, sensing a shadow of reluctance in Daenerys's words. "How can I trust you if you're not sharing all the information?" she asked, her eyes searching Daenerys's for some sign of explanation.
Daenerys took a moment to respond, her gaze reflecting genuine concern for her mother and Princess Elia's well-being. "I understand your reservations, mother," she began softly. "But I need to choose my words carefully to avoid causing unnecessary distress. Rhaegar survived the battle at the Trident against Robert Baratheon thanks to my intervention."
Rhaella nodded, recalling the news that had come during the war. "Yes, I thank you for aiding Rhaegar. My heart rejoiced when I heard the news of the victory at the Trident," she said solemnly.
Daenerys continued, her tone taking on a darker note. "But Rhaegar did not survive the battle at the Trident in my timeline. That was the final blow for House Targaryen. At the end of the war, only three survivors remained..."
"Three survivors?" Elia asked, her voice full of disbelief as she absorbed the shocking revelation.
Daenerys nodded solemnly. "Yes, Princess Elia. Only three: my brother Viserys, myself, and a bastard we know as Jon Snow."
Elia's demeanor darkened at the news. "And what of the others? What happened to Rhaegar, to Lyanna, to our children?"
Daenerys lowered her gaze for a moment, feeling the weight of the tragedies she had witnessed on her journey through time. "Rhaegar died at the Trident, fighting bravely for what he believed in. Lyanna... Lyanna died in childbirth, giving birth to a son who would later be known as Jon Snow. And your children... Rhaenys and Aegon were murdered by the hands of Tywin Lannister's men, and you, your mother, died in childbirth, giving birth to me."
Elia felt a lump in her throat as she heard Daenerys's words. "I cannot... I cannot believe it," she murmured, her voice trembling with anguish. "How can it be that everything ended like this?"
Tears filled Elia's eyes as she absorbed the information. "I can't... I can't believe it! So many dreams, so much hope, all lost in an instant!" she exclaimed, her voice full of anguish.
Daenerys approached Elia, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Princess Elia. I'm so sorry. But I want you to know that I have come here to ensure that does not happen. I have acted to stop that future, to first ensure the safety of House Targaryen and all those we love. I will not allow the tragedies of the past to repeat."
Queen Rhaella listened to Daenerys's words with a look of profound pain on her face. Her eyes reflected sadness and anguish as she learned of the tragedy that had befallen her family in that alternate timeline. Her hand trembled slightly as she clung to the edge of the throne and with the other her belly, seeking support amid the whirlwind of emotions.
Daenerys was concerned. "Mother, are you okay?"
"Jon Snow?" Rhaella asked with a trembling voice, noticing the omission of the Targaryen surname. "Why does he not bear our house's name?" Her voice broke slightly, unable to contain the sadness that overwhelmed her as she faced the loss of more members of her family.
Daenerys took a deep breath before beginning to recount the painful events that led to Lyanna's death and Jon Snow's birth. "Eddard Stark, accompanied by his men, finally found them in the Tower, protected by the Kingsguard loyal to Prince Rhaegar."
"As you may know I suppose, among those loyal guards was Ser Arthur Dayne," Daenerys added, aware of the impact the next revelation would have on the women before her. "It was a fierce showdown, but ultimately Lord Eddard and his men managed to defeat the Kingsguard, albeit not without suffering significant losses."
"When Lord Eddard arrived, Lyanna was in her final moments, her body exhausted from childbirth," Daenerys continued, her voice trembling with sadness as she recalled those events. "She asked her brother to protect the baby from Robert Baratheon, fearing for his safety. It was then that Lord Stark decided to raise Jon as his own bastard son, hiding his true identity to protect him."
Daenerys paused for a moment, reflecting on the difficult situation Lyanna Stark had found herself in at the Tower of Joy. "I imagine it was many emotional blows for Princess Lyanna," she began, her voice full of compassion. "The loss of her Stark family, the conflict with the Targaryens, Rhaegar's death, and then the loneliness and fear in the Tower of Joy. She had no one but her loyal Kingsguard and thinking that her brother was facing her husband."
"Even when she needed it most, Lyanna did not have the proper assistance from the maesters," Daenerys continued, her tone taking on a note of indignation. "Everything had to be quiet and discreet, so that no one would discover her whereabouts in the Tower of Joy in Dorne. And this, to a lesser extent... I don't really know, I believe that there has always been a certain degree of betrayal from the Citadel and the maesters' organization, who have forgotten their duty to serve the people and have become accomplices to injustice and oppression."
Daenerys looked at Rhaella and Elia, sharing her frustration and indignation at the lack of support Lyanna had received in her darkest moments. She knew it was important to acknowledge the failures and injustices of the past in order to build a better and more just future for all the inhabitants of Westeros.
Daenerys continued. "The bastard stigma hurt Jon too much," she added with regret, her words resonating with compassion for her love. "It condemned him to live with many insecurities, always trying to prove that he
was not just a blot on the honor of the perfect Lord Eddard Stark. Despite being a brave and noble man, Jon carried the weight of that label all his life, fighting against the expectations and doubts of those around him."
"He tried to find his place in the world, trying to earn the respect and acceptance of those who saw him as a bastard son," Daenerys continued, her voice reflecting the compassion and empathy she felt for Jon. "But even when he proved his worth time and time again, the stigma of his birth was always present, haunting him and marking his path."
Daenerys looked at Rhaella and Elia, hoping they understood the burden Jon had carried throughout his life. She knew it was important for them to understand the truth about their nephew and the difficulties he had faced.
Queen Rhaella staggered slightly, her face pale and her gaze lost in the void as she absorbed the shocking revelation. A barely audible whisper escaped her lips, filled with pain and anguish for the tragedy that had befallen her family.
Elia, for her part, clenched her fists with contained rage, her eyes filled with tears as she faced the cruelty of the fate that had robbed her beloved wife-sister Lyanna of her life and condemned her son Jon to a life of suffering and marginalization. Impotence and despair were reflected in her face as she assimilated the injustice of the situation.
Both women clung to the hope that Daenerys, with her knowledge of the future, could prevent such tragedies from recurring and ensure a fairer and safer destiny for her family and the Seven Kingdoms.
Rhaella observed the scene with sorrow in her heart. "Daenerys is right, Elia," she said softly. "We must trust her and her words. She has come here with a purpose, and we must support her in any way we can."
Elia nodded slowly, feeling a glimmer of hope rising within her. Although the news was devastating, there was also a glimmer of hope in Daenerys's words. Perhaps, with her help, they could change the destiny of their house and prevent the tragedies that had marked their history.
Daenerys listened attentively to her mother and Elia's words, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She knew there was much to do and important decisions to make, but she also understood the urgency of acting quickly.
"We must act swiftly," Daenerys said with determination. "First, I need to ensure your health, mother," addressing Rhaella with evident concern in her voice. "It is crucial that you are well so you can care for little Daenerys and ensure her safety at all times."
Rhaella nodded weakly, recognizing the importance of her own health for her granddaughter's well-being. "I understand, daughter," she responded softly. "I will do everything I can to stay strong and healthy for the sake of our family."
"After checking on your condition, mother, I will proceed to help Princess Lyanna," Daenerys continued, her mind already plotting a course of action. "I need to bring back the Kingsguard accompanying her to Dragonstone and ensure they are safe. Their protection is crucial for the future of our house."
Elia nodded in agreement, knowing that the safety of Lyanna and her child was a priority. "It is important that you act swiftly and decisively," she said, showing her support for Daenerys. "We will trust in your judgment and your ability to handle this situation."
Daenerys nodded in response, grateful for her mother and Elia's support. "I also need to consider how to transport the wildfire to a safe location," she added, recalling the importance of protecting that invaluable resource. "I have placed a protection around it, but there is a risk of others discovering it. It is crucial that we keep it out of reach of those who would use it for malevolent purposes."
The three women fell into deep reflection, assessing their options and considering the possible courses of action. They knew that the future of their house and the Seven Kingdoms depended on the decisions they would make in the coming days.
Note: This story is based on the universe created by George R.R. Martin in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of novels, as well as the HBO television adaptation "Game of Thrones." The characters and the world in which this story takes place do not belong to me and are the property of the original author and the television network.
