A/N:
I'M BACK (for now at least. ….. ( -_-)
Life, AMIRITE?
Also, the site still isn't showing notifications ? Shit.
He ended the day right where he had first started it.
From light to dark.
From peace to turmoil.
Even under control, it still spreads like a disease. Through the streets of his kingdom, through the hearts of his people, through the overlapping of voices coming from behind him.
Viserys stood at Red Keep's tower; on the same balcony that he witnessed the chaos taking action, overlooking the city. Heavy shadows covered part his face by the night, as torch flames danced against the wind. They were the only available source of light against the darkness. The dammed rain had finally withered and died. Still, there would be no moon or stars for one's eyes to gaze upon at this day's end.
A sight as grimm as the weight on his mind. Tuning everything else out. Leaving the king in an isolated state from within.
He, along with those who lived in the city did everything there was to be done for now. As thankful and pleased as he was for the progress made on all fronts. Tomorrow it would start anew. Oh, he could already see it. The numbers, logistics and meetings. All awaiting. Ready to split his head open under the pressure.
A necessity, Viserys knew it.
For he will not leave those who needed him wanting. A king could be a man during peace. Now what they could use is a fixed point. Someone with assurance and focus against adversity.
Yet, even repeating it to himself again and again, it didn't stop the man desiring to lay beside his wife. To let go of the worries and uncertainties for a few precious hours. To rest and stand truly ready for whatever came in the morrow.
And, above all else, it didn't stop a father from being scared for his child.
In truth, one of the biggest roots of his state was Rhaenyra.
He stared beyond the city, into the pitch-black domain lying behind its walls. Knowing that she was still out there, somewhere. With a dragon, yes. Nevertheless, alone.
Had Ser Harrold not found her yet ? Viserys wondered. Thoughts near consumed. Was his daughter far from their reach ? Stranded ? Taking cover in a nameless place far away. It could not be notion to be ignored. With Syrax, Rhaenyra could be half-way toward the wall, and none would know better until it was days and weeks later.
In a very literal sense, Viserys bitterly reflected on that detail.
The storm did not limit its effects to the citizens. Although, none should be surprised by the total breakdown among the animals.
The ravens would not fly, as if fearing the skies themselves would smite them for daring to go above the ground. Many had perished in the opening onslaught. The same for the horses. The few that were up to follow a rider's command were treated like a valuable piece of gold.
Until their ways of communicating was re-established, King's Landing, by all means, was cut from the rest of the kingdoms. And vice-versa.
There could a foreign attack taking place at that very moment, at any part of the continent, and they would likely learn about it when it was over afterwards.
Damn it all. Viserys lost count of how many times he had said those exact same words.
Voices rose from inside the room. He blinked, pulled back to the present by them.
"And that is all you have to say ?"
He looked back over his shoulder. There on the table, face to face, were his brother and Maester Mellos. Close to the balcony's door, still as a statue, stood Ser Redwyne, overlooking those present. The other members had already taken their leaves for some time. Lords Beesbury and Strong had no real motive to remain with them so late in the night. However, Viserys would see the former a lot more in the incoming days. As for Lord Corlys, the man had earned his rest, along with Rhaenys and their children. Still, he stood ready to take action again should it be necessary. The same went for Otto, after dutifully following his orders throughout the afternoon.
With a reflection in hindsight, they were all exhausted. And should all have retired as well. Those in the chamber merely lacked the means to find in themselves calm and at ease. As much as they wanted to.
Viserys awaited his daughter's return. The Maester had to stay alert. The need for his skills and experience in the healing houses could arrive at any moment.
And for Daemon. Viserys had a layer of relief by Otto's absence.
Tired and wary they could be. None could say their lives were at risk for most of the day.
Caraxes' wild demeanor proved a more than challenging struggle.
No matter what the prince did, or said, the dragon would not stop in its acts of aggression. Towards the end, no one but Daemon remained in the pit's space. Anyone else would have fled. But not Daemon.
Viserys didn't enjoy seeing his brother avoid claw and fang. Dodging and running for his life. He also knew that a rampaging dragon on the loose would bright catastrophe. Especially one with a violent history as Caraxes. Even if Rhaenys, after securing Meleys, stepped in to try aid him, it would lead to nothing. The king privately always wondered if deep within his brother and the dragon were kindred spirits.
It took years for the blood wyrm to accept a new rider after prince Aemond's death. Others who tried almost paid with their lives. Until Daemon came along. Surprising many by getting the fierce beast to see him as its rider.
Only he would be able to get it to relent.
Gods be praised, it happened.
It seemed that whatever had possessed Caraxes had run its course. With a final blast of flame to the pit's roof, the rage and frenzy left him. And he was soon back to himself. He shared his rider's heavy and loud breaths. Making Daemon feel safe enough to approach without the fear of being ripped in half by his maw.
He took much time caressing Caraxes scales, to ease any energy it may have remained. Only then, did the dragon return to his confinement willingly.
The situation settled, but Viserys saw that his brother was shaken and troubled by it behind his exhausted expression.
Normally, he would no doubt find Daemon dealing with the experience by emptying cup after cup. Or finding comfort with whatever mistress that accepted his gold. But wine tasted bitter on his lips. And no pleasure would be found in offer this night.
Leaving only his third and final means of making his blood stop boiling.
And Mellos was at the receiving end of it. He lightly curled onto himself under Daemon's hard and unmoving gaze.
"Prince Daemon, forgive me, but I have no other answer to give." The man reluctantly responded.
Viserys saw the smallest of movements in his brother's jaw. Poor choice of words.
Mellos retreated so far into his seat that it was a wonder it did not fall. Daemon rose, banging a fist against the table, the sound going through the room loudly.
The king turned fully. There it was.
Now his brother was Caraxes.
"From Dorne to the wall. You and your order of geriatrics and celibates claim to hold all the knowledge that there is." Daemon hissed to his teeth. Viserys knew there the depths of his fury. "And yet, here you are, offering nothing!"
He would not let the matter rest for hours now.
The storm.
The cause for it all.
Daemon was looking for someone, or something, to lay the blame for his near-death experience. And the cataclysm was that. He would have an answer no matter how long it took. No matter how unreasonable he would need to be.
Viserys already felt a new wave of fatigue.
"I swear on my father's grave." Mellos tried to go through him once more, in a submissive gesture. "There's nothing else to my understanding. Nothing that would not be outside of pure speculation."
A vain attempt.
"Truly ?" Daemon spat. He leaned forward with a tilt of his head, right hand slowly sliding towards dark sister. He did not move to grasp the sword. But Mello's eyes were locked in it, face paling at the implications. Tensions grew stronger. Ser Redwyne's own hand wrapped around the pommel of his sword. Ready to intervene should the prince finally lose his composure. Viserys also readied himself.
"Perhaps we would all benefit from a change. Wouldn't you say ?" The maester would be long dead if it depended solely on his brother's stare. "You, free from your duties to this city. And us, with a maester that would actually be worth the price."
Viserys had enough, seeing Daemon's hand get closer to the sword.
"Daemon!" He shouted in warning. The prince held his actions. He was not lost in anger just yet. But his gaze remained steady on Mellos. At least until he finally moved it to the king. "That is enough."
Daemon looked ready to say something back. A subtle pleading look from Viserys seemed enough to make him reconsider such an act, even if just by a little. Wordlessly, he sat back down in his chair, downing the forgotten cup in one go, pouring himself another one, and scoffing audibly while looking away to some corner in the room.
Viserys signed. At least he could stop one catastrophe.
Still, following on the example, he went inside the room, taking his seat at the table's head.
"Forgive my brother, Mellos." Viserys first said to the, rightfully, terrified maester. "This day has taken a heavy toll on us all."
The man breathed deeply to calm his nerves. "It's…understandable, your grace." He said, avoiding looking at Daemon's general direction at all costs.
Viserys gave him a nod. He said no more for some time, letting silence set in the room, elbows over the table, hands joined.
He did not voice his own interest in the storm to the maester. The man himself would probably like to hear a mention of it for now. No, Viserys instead pondered about other unnerving matters.
Rhaeny's words about the dragons.
Another root.
Since the times of old Valerya, few in this world could hope to match their magic and might. Fire, which could melt even stone. Speed that no mortal eye could follow. Strength unmatched. Sizes that could cast a shadow over entire castles.
It was because of them the Targaryen dynasty stands at high of its power. Why many say the family is closer to gods than it is to mortal men. They were the triumph and the doom.
And they were a power that none should have ever been trifled with.
Viserys taught himself a difficult lesson for any Targaryen. To let go of any illusions of control over that power. His ancestors would call him a fool for daring to say such a thing. But it was the truth. A truth, an epiphany he first learned when standing before Balerion himself.
In the presence of such a larger-than-life creature, who could easily kill him in many different manners, the king learned who was truly in control.
A rider does not get to choose the dragon. The dragon does.
Orders weren't followed in the true sense of the word. It is the great beasts humoring their riders. Or, at the very least, both share a deeper understanding of each other.
Otherwise, the moment they decided to not be commanded, what could a mere human do to force them to obey ?
Absolutely nothing.
The dragons in the pits and in Dragon-Stone could easily one day decide to wipe out both from this world. And none could stop them.
It was that outlook that made Viserys feel even more dread.
What could drive them so close to the brink of blind rage ?
What could aggravate power incarnated?
A challenge, Rhaenys had said. To who ?
A wild dragon perhaps ? They had their fair share of those.
Sheep-Stealer. The cannibal. Grey Ghost.
Viserys shook his head, scowling. No, it could not any of them. This would have happened sooner if it were. Moreover, all three rarely drew attention to themselves. Preferring their isolation somewhere in Dragon-stone. Where no one would be a bother.
It had to be something else. Something, somewhere across the vast ocean.
.All.
"If I may, your grace." His eyes shot towards Mellos upon hearing the man's voice. Daemon also turned.
"Yes ?" Viserys prompted him.
Mello seemed to take a moment to gather his thoughts. "I was born in the Storm lands." He started. "I have seen all manner of tempests a man could see throughout my younger years. Small and those who would make you believe they could lift a castle from its very foundations."
Both Targaryen brothers did not interrupt. Yet, they shared the same doubt about what the maester was getting at. Viserys could guess Daemon was considering drawing his sword once more at the same time.
"And, as I said before, there would be only speculation on what happened today." Mellos now looked worried for a new reason. "But there's one thing I'm certain off." The king and his brother paid more attention now. "The storm we lived through ? Was not natural. I dare say it was something that should not even be possible to exist. Believe me on this."
As the maester was finished, there was a new wave of silence in the chamber. Viserys and Daemon shared a look from across the table, taking in his words, and working on their thoughts on them.
There was not much to dwell on it, however.
The chamber's doors were pushed aside. Those inside flinched and jolted at the sound, heads turning to the new arrival. A white cloak went in, his face hidden by his elm and shadows.
"Your grace, my prince." He bowed, armor clanking. "Forgive my sudden entrance."
Viserys waved the concern off, despite the short scare he suffered. "What brings you here, my good man?"
His answer brought the king's heart to a burst of speed.
"It's Princess Rhaenyra, your grace." The man revealed. "Ser Harrold has returned with her to the keep. She's currently in your chambers with Queen Aemma."
It took much effort for her eyes not to close. A primal urge. The soft material beneath a tempting promise of rest.
But a amalgamation of sounds and movements prevented such.
Rhaenyra was sat at the end of her parent's bed. She could feel the warmth of her mother's embrace as the queen held her close on one side. Gentle touches and comforting words from Alicent on the other. Her head was turned side to side carefully by one of the Maester's young acolytes. An initial evaluation for any wounds.
Many moments went by with a blur. Her mind struggling to make sense of it all. And her body ready to shut down at any moment.
It should not come as a surprise. The travel back to the city was a slow and grueling one.
After Ser Harrold and his man had found her, they were on their way to King's landing shortly after. Had it been any other occasion, it would be just a matter of climbing on Syrax and flying home. Her dragon's wounds did not allow it.
Thrice Rhaenyra and Syrax tried, but could not stay in air for long before the latter had to come down from the pain.
For that, they had to go on land, along with the knights.
Half the time they had to keep their mounts calm in a predator's presence. And the other, Rhaenyra had to keep Syrax from making a meal out of them.
They never felt more relieved when arriving at the city's gates.
For a moment, after going through them, Rhaenyra relaxed. It was some-what amusing guiding Syrax down through the roads on foot, as one would with a horse, for the first time. However, the princess's feelings soon turned to confusion of how dark and empty Kings landing looked. Even well into the late hours of the nights, the streets boomed with life, activity and entertainment. What she saw was akin of a ghost town. Those feelings grew she came to notice literal pieces of the ground torn apart, and several buildings with enormous holes in them.
Ser Harrold told her what had transpired while she was away. And dread bloomed anew within Rhaenyra.
It reached all the way here. She grimly thought to herself.
Could that monster be more powerful than she had imagined ?
She had to see her father, and quick.
Of course, it would require much patience from her. Flying for most of her life, Rhaenyra never fully noticed how far the dragon pit was, or anywhere in the city really. It was, humbling, to say the least. Until they finally arrived and she left Syrax at the care of the dragon keepers with a partying caress on her snout. Keeping to herself to ask just what caused so much damage inside and outside the pit's vault.
It was there the world became a dizzying blur. Her vision tunneled. The figures around her dissolving into indistinct shapes moving as shadows. And Rhaenyra only regained her senses upon the desperate call of her mother reaching her ears, cutting through the clouding fog in her mind. Alicent's and the attendants soon after.
"She's shivering!"
"Ready a bath, now!"
"What happened to you?!"
"Is that….Gods, your ears!"
How much time had passed?
Many hands pulled her. Stripped out of her drenched clothes. Held straight with warm water all around and poured on top of her head. Flinching in pain when her ears were touched. Lastly feeling new and dry clothes put on her.
It must have been long, for she heard some talking of the King and prince's patience running thin just as she sat down on the bed.
"Let them in."
"Yes, my queen." The acolyte hands left as soon as her mother ordered. Along with Alicent's weight at her side. Yet the queen's arms remained wrapped around her.
Hurried steps echoed in the room. Rhaenyra immediately saw her father enter, quickly followed by her uncle and their maester, moving towards her.
"Rhaenyra." Her father's voice is a breath as he knelt; his hands envelop her own like an embrace. "My child, are you…" His words die, eyes moving lightly to the side. "Is that blood ?!" Ah, he saw it.
"We had it cleaned, Viserys." Her mother spoke, drawing his attention. Rhaenyra could see the commotion of emotions in his face. And how her uncle's frown seemed made of iron. "It was…much worse before."
He looked back and forth between, before finding her sworn protector. "Ser Harrold." He said firmly. "Speak. How did this happen?"
The knight looked uncomfortable. "I…I do not know, your grace." He revealed. "We found the princess, with Syrax at a lone beach, leagues away. She was already hurt when we arrived."
"Your grace." The young acolyte, with his head bowed, spoke before Viserys could. "If it will put you at ease. I conducted a cursory examination on the princess. The bleeding was not from any physical cause." He then approached by Mellos, and both moved back, conversing in low voices.
Viserys mouth opened and closed. Confusion in clear in his face, then he looked at Rhaenyra again. "Daughter. Tell me. What did this to you?" He calmly asked, getting closer, words with a soft coating of a command.
There was a cold grasp in her heart. All eyes in the room soon locked on her. Ready to hear it. But she left them waiting. For now, it came the critical moment. Where she would tell of the horror, which rose from the sea. This was it.
Yet, she faltered. Pausing to consider her next words carefully. The same dilemma from before returned. It's weight heavier than she imagined.
Could she really tell the truth ?
Would she stand the looks of her family, from her closest friend, and all of those present, to turn from worry and care, to disbelief ? For them to quickly turn away at her warnings as if she was wasting their time ? Use any and every excuse known to call her words madness and ridiculous ?
Rhaenyra found herself leaning towards a no. Not in that moment at least. Maybe…just maybe, she would have a good chance to say it afterwards. Without much risk. Without so many eyes to spread rumors behind her back.
Her mother's arms shifted, rocking her lightly.
"It's all right Rhaenyra." She said softly. Rhaenyra fought off a scoff from escaping her. If she only knew. "Tell us what happened."
"Please." Alicent took a single step forward, her eyes pleading.
None would leave without an explanation, that was clear.
For them, Rhaenyra would give a half-truth.
With a breath, she started. "Syrax and I were going over the sea, way past the bay, the storm had not broken yet."
There was a disappointed sign from her mother. "You know I don't like you flying on times like this. Even more now in condition, when I'm in staying mostly in bed during the day."
"You don't like me to go flying in any weather. Nor while you're in any condition." Rhaenyra replied.
"That is something no one can be blamed." Viserys stepping in before both could get in an argument. "I doubt any of us was expecting today's storm." With a nod, he added. "Continue, Rhaenyra."
She did. "It was getting hard to see with fog. So, I ordered Syrax to fly up. Maybe reach above the clouds, to a clear sky." A small re-write of the events, but it seemed convincing enough. "But, as we rose, it suddenly began. There was lightning everywhere….Syrax was hit by one. And we fell."
A unification of gasps, harsh intakes of breaths and wide stares came. Followed by whispers and murmurs.
"Gods."
"A lightning?!"
"How high was she ?!"
The arms around her were close to crushing. Aemma pulled her head close, joining it with her own. Viserys's face paled, his grip momentarily slipping. Daemon's eyes were wide. Alicent crouched, touching her arm. And the maester had a revelation.
"Your grace." He spoke respectfully, getting the king's attention. "It would explain the bleeding. To fall in the water surface from great heights as the princess said…well, it is safe to say, it is nothing short of a miracle that she is with us now. No mention the fact she still has her eyesight from being so close to a lightning strike."
"The same could be said for Syrax, your grace." Ser Harrold added in support of Rhaenyra's words. "We saw her wound, a horrible thing. The keepers say it will take some time for her to be air-born once more."
"They can start finding her a new rider for all I care about." Aemma stated.
While exasperate, Rhaenyra could understand her mother's feelings, raw and fresh as they were. She could only imagine how much worse it would be if she had proof of the complete truth. Yet her blood ran cold, at the true possibility of those same feelings being the reason she would never get to fly on her dragon again.
"Mother!" Rhaenyra quickly protested. "It was just accident."
"The breaking of a jar is an accident Rhaenyra." Aemma replied.
"We are both safe now! I would have drowned in the ocean if it wasn't for her."
"You shouldn't have to not be safe, nor drowning in the first place!"
"Peace, peace." Viserys went to grasp both in the shoulders, giving them a small nudge. It was enough to ease heat inside, but it remained. "Daughter, Aemma, the last thing any of us needs now is be in conflict with one another." He darted his gaze between them. "What we, all of us really, could use, is a good night of sleep." It was a veiled order. The queen followed without any protest, arms relaxing at last. Rhaenyra nodded in agreement. Not wanting to end the night with bad feelings, she leaned further into her mother's embrace. Glad when the act was reciprocated. And giving Alicent a quick smile.
Seemly satisfied, Viserys stood, addressing the maester. "What would she need for bleeding ?" He asked.
"A small dose of milk of the puppy for any pain she might feel. Warm compress. Rest, avoiding loud noises. And observation in the upcoming days." The man listed.
"See it done, please."
"Of course. However, I may not be available for most of the time, your grace." Mellos pointed out, before gesturing to his acolyte. "I shall instruct my apprentice for every step he should take with the princess health."
"Very well." Viserys nodded in understanding.
"I would like for Rhaenyra to remain with us tonight." Aemma requested. To which the king concurred right away. Before moving on to address those in the room.
"You are all dismissed. Go and rest." He stated. Each of them bowed in reply, soon leaving the chambers.
Rhaenyra saw Alicent following suit, wishing her family a kind good night then taking her leave.
Her uncle was the last to go.
He stopped in front of her. The princess noticed a subtle but strange look in his eyes when meeting his gaze. Daemon didn't held it for long. Reaching over, he tapped her arm gently. "I'm glad to see you safe, dear niece. Have a quick recovery" Were his words to her.
"Thank you, uncle." Rhaenyra responded.
Daemon gave a short gesture with his head. "My queen, brother." And, like that, he was gone, the guards outside the doors closing it right after. Leaving the family to their own.
On that night, for the first time in years, her parents tucked her in, sitting on both sides of the bed. Their presence a comfort and a strong anchor she embraced fully. And, without nothing to stop it, she buries herself in the pillows, allowing exhaustion to wash over her and falls asleep.
In her dreams, fiery blue eyes haunted Rhaenyra.
It felt…wrong.
All of it.
Every landscape his gaze falls upon.
The earth, which he steps over
The waters that surround him.
The very air he is breathing.
Wrong. Unknown.
This is not his home.
This…was not his world.
Few, perhaps none, could say they knew it better than him.
He had walked the very ground where mountains were born millennia after. Had seen the world move and split itself apart. Swan its salted waters to their deepest depths. Bore witness when life first came to firm land. The cold turn hot. The once quiet then filled with song. Saw it grow and change. From the largest to the smallest. The voices, sounds, scents. Thirsts and hungers.
It was his territory. His domain.
It had embraced him, just as he did with it.
The rocks were his bones. The soil, his flesh. The oceans, his blood.
It gave him purpose, a reason. When he believed all had been lost.
To maintain. To protect.
But he was pulled from it. Not even the spiral hollows, the passages to the world beneath the world were to be found.
Now, under stars that were strangers to him. Out of a sea that he swam across for long since arriving, but could not name. And standing on a great barren skerry that he never saw. For the first time, in more time than could be counted;
He felt lost.
Daring to say, empty.
It bloomed into his very being, the feeling. The fire of triumph from his victory against his adversary extinguished. The confusion of the world swiveling long gone. The last spark of the peak of his power released into the wind.
It did not take him long to notice things were different. After rising out of the water. Surprised that he still lived. Exultant, of ridding the world of the golden invader at last.
That was, until he regained his surroundings, and he saw it.
Similar to the devil in color, but much smaller, enough that he could crush it under a finger. He had seen those winged beings before. However, they were gone from the skies now. Yet here one stood. Not the only one. He felt their cries through the air soon after the discharge, across long distances.
Irrelevant.
Mere cubs.
What really took by surprise was the little human on top.
Oh, the tiny ones. Young they were in the world's existence. They had accomplished much for it in their time. Destroyed much of it as well, in their hubris and greed.
However, their impact on him was equally great.
He had fought alongside them. And against them. They had welcomed him warmly. Tried to push him away from their great cities in fear. Had forgotten about him. And remembered anew.
They had built him a place he called home. They destroyed it too. To save him. Just as he had saved them before. Those he saw as worthy of saving. Those who stood by him against the demon. Their hopes of saving what they shared. His of reliving better days.
And those of the past, who he kept close and never forgot. Even if time itself did.
The emptiness grew stronger within. They were lost to him too.
Everything was.
He turned his gaze to the dark heavens, a grumble in his throat. Asking;
When it will be enough ?
How much more has to be taken from him ?
What else does he have to lose ?
He had just gotten to see her again, before the end. After a long wait for her return.
She gave her life to him.
He knew she would return, as she always did, no matter how long it took. But this time, he would not be there. Would not hear her song. Bask in her light. Her company.
His great tail swung onto the ground hard. Shattering it beneath his feet. His chest expanded and deflated.
Not even anger could help him escape.
He was just felt…Tired.
Rock shock underneath as he stepped forward, reaching for the middle of the Skerry. He turned about when getting to it, bending. His arms kept him in position. He shifted his weight to the side, now laying down. His tail followed, forming an arc around himself.
His breaths came deep and loud. Head touching the floor, his gaze went over the sea around one final time. Eyelids growing heavy.
Letting them close, he dived in the darkness.
Hoping the illusions of his dreams bring comfort reality could not.
In his slumber, the pale full moon shined as the clouds blocking it moved aside. Its light hovered over his body.
He stirred in his sleep, slowly making his eyes to open.
There was a whisper, in the air, deep inside. He recognized it.
He stared at the moon.
It was a calling, to him.
Not a unfamiliar sound. But now? It called, as it never had before.
He rose slightly off the solid ground. The whispers growing stronger.
The surface of the water used to divide his world like a mirror. Above and below. In that moment, they were one. He sees the world anew.
From it, come wings.
And, the melody of her voice.
"Old friend."
A/N:
Humans and and giant reptile alike: "This day sucks!"
Also reptile: Think of the angel, and she will appear when you need the most.
Won't speak much in here. Let's talk in the next chapter.
See ya, folks.