Disclaimer: This narrative and its characters are inspired by the incredible worlds of Harry Potter and A Song of Ice and Fire, which belong to their respective copyright holders.
Aspirant
Hearing a familiar, grating voice, I couldn't help but feel a longstanding disdain flare up. "I hoped you'd restrain yourself this time," the voice chided, a sentiment I knew all too well.
"What brings you here?" I asked, unsurprised by her presence, fully aware she anticipated this.
"You've already taken his parents from him once, and yet, you've done it again, blatantly disregarding your promise of a fresh start," she accused.
Initially, I paid little mind to her fixation on a seemingly ordinary human. But her obsession, unjustified from my standpoint, has piqued my curiosity to a degree.
It's commonly understood that attracting my attention often leads to unfortunate events, a fact she seemed willing to ignore to aid him. Humans generally fear death, and Peter Pettigrew epitomized this fear, making it all too easy for Harry Potter to lose his parents without my direct involvement.
The irony that the infant survived the encounter that was meant to end the Dark Lord caught me off guard.
"He fulfilled his role, and you had your amusement. He was supposed to be dead," she stated.
But that's where she is wrong.
"I fail to see what more you want from him."
Entertainment, naturally. She's aware of this.
"And now, you've sent him off without his memories, subjecting him to yet another of your tests," she deduced.
Indeed, but I hope this time it won't be as cumbersome.
"Do you intend to interfere?" I inquired, already anticipating her participation.
That's the way she is.
"No, I have complete faith in him. You underestimate him greatly," she retorted, her voice laden with indignation.
Our dynamic has been constant since our inception, there is no reason to change now. The irony is that despite everyone being aware of how she acted, it doesn't stop her from contradicting it. I'm quite aware of her intentions to influence this human's new journey.
Of all entities, she has always been the closest to humans, likely because of her pervasive influence in their lives. That notion has given her an assertion of superiority over the rest of us.
While irritating, is an old jest best left forgotten.
"Then you have nothing to worry about," I replied, concealing my amusement at the situation. I look forward to seeing how she plans to shape his life.
Let's see, Harry Potter, if you can evade Death, can you also evade Fate?
Malon I
Seven days have passed since we departed from my master's estate, with two days spent reaching Lys. I've maintained a low profile, changing inns daily to avoid detection.
My mornings are spent gathering information in the market, and meals provide an opportunity to converse with innkeepers. A tavern visit was out of the question without a caretaker for my young master.
Bringing someone of his distinction to such places was unthinkable.
Thankfully, the urgency to eliminate Valyrian lords seemed to have subsided on the island.
The Lyseni were quick to act, knowing the folly of confronting a dragon's wrath directly. With the "Doom of Valyria," only three dragonlords remained in Lys, the last confirmed dead two days ago.
Now was the perfect time to establish my young master's new identity amidst the chaos.
We needed slaves.
In Lys, the wealthiest families boasted numerous slaves, necessitating a significant purchase with my master's legacy.
However, we lacked accommodations.
Lys, with its fertile lands, attracted traders and farmers alike. Many Valyrian estates, now ownerless, presented a unique opportunity for new claims.
I decided to visit the port, seeking an escort for negotiations with a prominent family interested in selling land.
"Good day," I greeted a slave merchant. "I need young, strong, obedient slaves."
Quality was paramount for a strong first impression.
"You've come to the right place," the merchant boasted, offering slaves from Astapor and Tyrosh suited for protection.
I sold bits of treasure for local currency, ensuring efficient transactions.
"These are the finest slaves for your needs," the merchant said, presenting ten robust young men.
"I'll take six of them," I decided, prioritizing loyalty and discipline would always be the right choice.
I overpaid, preferring to avoid undue attention, and handing over a generous payment might expedite future transactions.
The merchant's glee at my next order was palpable. I needed slaves for farming, domestic duties, and possibly fishing if the land was coastal.
The merchant's reaction to my lavish tip confirmed my strategy. I left with my new escorts, ready to pursue land and elevate my young master's status.
I pondered the challenges ahead, including securing a wet nurse in a city not known for its child-rearing capabilities.
Everything hinged on acquiring land. Once settled, we could focus on cultivating the land and establishing a new haven where my lord could freely spend his early days.
The Maltanis family valued skilled slaves, training them over generations, some as guards and others in different trades. Lys favored beauty, breeding attractive slaves for different purposes.
Bowing deeply enough to express my thanks, I exit the shop with my escorts following suit, echoing my gesture.
Now, we are off to purchase land for my young lord.
However, before that, my new guards require a touch of luxury. Their appearance needs to be flawless.
They serve my esteemed young master, after all.
Lotho I
Change is on the horizon for Essos, its future uncertain as conflicts loom. The fall of Valyria, once the glue of peace, has left a vacuum. I would be very surprised if no part of Essos claimed its newfound independence.
Lys, with its extraordinary riches, now draws dangerous attention from neighboring cities. While abundant in resources, Lys is unprepared for warfare, traditionally focusing on other pursuits.
The disbelief surrounding Valyria's sudden collapse, an empire unrivaled, vanished in a day with mysteries remaining. Fear pervades the streets, the threat of a similar fate looming over Essos, yet this new era ushers in opportunities for House Rogare to capitalize on.
Our family's origins trace back to the empire, but it's in Lys where we've thrived, earning a respected name. I, Lotho Rogare, aim to elevate our family's prestige to unprecedented levels.
As I ponder the future, a servant, her beauty accentuated by Lys's standards of allure and dressed in fine silk from Myr, informs me of a visitor seeking business.
Lys values beauty as a form of power, a principle I uphold through my servants to reflect my family's wealth and status.
Curious about the visitor's intentions amidst the influx of various proposals post-Valyria's downfall, I instruct her to bring him in. In these changing times, I seek not just wealth but influential allies to build a new Lys, recognizing the potential in fostering relationships with emerging powers.
In Lys, the battleground is set not with swords but with subterfuge and venom, a place where loyalty to fallen rulers remains unshed.
As I'm informed of my guest's arrival by one of my attendants, a striking figure steps into view. Clad in dark blue with meticulously detailed gold trim, his appearance commands attention, a fact not lost on those around him, including my servant who seems captivated by his presence.
He steps forward with a respectful demeanor, introducing himself as Malon, the steward of House Naeliar, seeking an audience with me, Lotho Rogare, the head of House Rogare of Lys.
Accompanying him are six escorts, distinct in their attire—four in gleaming silver armor that masks their identities, suggesting military discipline, and two in civilian garb of exceptional quality, a testament to their lord's high standing. Their entry, devoid of weapons, implies a peaceable intent, their conduct exemplifying the strict discipline befitting their roles.
The armored quartet bears hefty chests, hinting at riches or secrets within, while the others manage a small, ornately decorated carriage, its regal red and gold suggesting nobility, perhaps too petite for an adult, possibly intended for an infant.
With a commanding gesture, Malon directs the procession, revealing the carriage's precious cargo—introducing Galeon, the progeny of House Naeliar, thus marking the beginning of what promises to be a significant exchange.
Observing the newcomer, I can't help but ponder the significance of his meticulously prepared introduction for today's meeting. A flicker of recognition stirs within me as I regard him, suggesting a past encounter whose details escape me.
The name House Naeliar doesn't ring any bells, a fact not particularly surprising given the current era's flux.
This vague familiarity lends a certain weight to Malon's propositions, with the presence of the young heir hinting at a deeper narrative—a noble child potentially seeking refuge from turmoil.
The reasons for their flight are not hard to surmise, with the recent calamities in Valyria likely playing a pivotal role in their quest for a fresh start.
Aligning with the descendant of a Valyrian noble house, possibly even a dragonlord's lineage, presents a gamble with high stakes for my family, promising either unparalleled prestige or perilous downfall.
"It's an honor, Malon," I respond, expressing House Rogare's longstanding tradition of supporting Valyria's esteemed families. "We welcome to House Naeliar." Yet, my greeting is met with no discernible reaction, adding an air of mystery to the proceedings.
The young man's composure could indicate his adeptness at concealing reactions, a testament to his refined upbringing and potentially enhancing his appeal for my assistance. Alternatively, his expectation for me to connect the dots on my own could be a calculated move, albeit fraught with risk.
His confidence might also suggest a historical amicability between our families, hinting that he trusts me not to jeopardize his lord's interests. This notion compels me to recall where our paths might have crossed before, under the guise of Malon.
"Thank you for your warm reception," Malon expresses, advancing slightly with a respectful nod.
In response, I gesture for him to make himself at ease, promptly cutting through formalities. "Forgive the directness, but time presses on both our schedules. Shall we delve into the essence of your visit?"
"Your pragmatism is appreciated, Lord Rogare," he replies, his smile genuine. "There are pressing matters awaiting my attention, as they are yours."
"Very well, let's proceed. What brings House Naeliar seeking the aid of House Rogare?" I inquire.
"In light of recent upheavals, my lord has chosen to establish roots in Lys," Malon reveals, his stance and gaze unwavering, signaling both candor and determination.
His demeanor suggests he's precisely the sort of individual I'd be comfortable engaging in business with.
"Therefore, his primary concern is securing vast, fertile lands befitting his rank," he elaborates.
"Could you specify the scale of land your lord is seeking?" I inquire, mindful of the significant chests he's brought along, suspecting a substantial acreage in mind.
Malon gestures, prompting his four guards to bring the chests forward, placing them between us.
"A minimum of two hundred acres is what my lord considers necessary," he reveals, unveiling the contents of the chests as part of his offer.
The display of wealth impresses me, indicating that the guards' strength matches the generosity of Malon's proposition, aimed at ensuring smooth and discreet negotiations.
Smiling, I respond, "Malon, your lord is in luck. I've recently come into possession of land that meets his exact needs."
Acquiring this land required a significant investment, yet the potential return from this deal promises substantial profits.
"The property is south of Lys, boasting seaside access and fertile plains, irrigated by a river that would make the Lyseni goddess envious," I describe.
Malon's reaction to my description appears approving, matching my own smile.
"If your claims hold true, then it's precisely what my lord desires," he says, his once warm smile giving way to a more measured expression, signaling his keen interest and the importance of honesty in our dealings.
"Rest assured, Malon, House Rogare takes pride in its dealings without compromising the true value of what we offer," I assure him, emphasizing that our conduct in business transcends mere trading.
" So, we have an agreement then, lord Rogare?" he inquires, visibly relaxing.
" Undoubtedly, under normal circumstances, you could assume that what we discussed meets what is necessary for it," I acknowledge.
However, the current climate demands extra vigilance.
"You're aware of the need for caution in these times, aren't you, Malon?"
"What would you have me do, Lord Rogare?" he asks, his tone reflecting a previous coolness.
"A few straightforward answers to my questions should suffice," I assure him.
Malon nods, his composure indicating he anticipated such a request, suggesting he's either well-prepared or genuinely open to transparency.
"Ever since your arrival, I've been trying to place where we might have crossed paths before," I mention, noting the absence of any revealing reaction.
"Forgive me if my memory fails, but have we met before, Malon?"
"We have not been formally introduced, Lord Rogare," he states, leaving me uncertain if his response conceals more.
"However, we have encountered each other previously, during my service to another lord," he adds, revealing a fleeting look that might suggest discomfort or reluctance to delve into his past affiliations.
Curiosity piqued, I gently probe, "Might I inquire about the identity of the lord you served?"
With a blend of pride and a hint of sorrow, Malon responds, "I served Galaenar, of House Maltanis from Valyria."
For a brief moment, I was rendered speechless, my astonishment so profound that my servants rushed towards me, mistaking my sudden pallor for a sign of illness.
Regaining my composure, I gestured for them to halt, needing a moment to grasp the revelation.
Maltanis? And the child...
"Sweet teats of Lys..." I couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief, overwhelmed, rising to my feet as I observed a triumphant grin spread across Malon's face.
A dragonlord!