Driftmark, High Tide - 126 AC
The first year at Driftmark was a challenging one, filled with new experiences and rigorous lessons. Lord Corlys, true to his reputation, was a relentless teacher. Three times a week, he would take Lucerys and me sailing, instilling in us the art of navigation and the ways of the sea. Each outing was a test of endurance and skill, but I found myself thriving under his tutelage, eager to prove my worth.
When I wasn't sailing, I was in the training yard, honing my combat skills under the watchful eyes of my Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Lucerys was taking her womanly lessons with her ladies-in-waiting, Ellyn and Maris Baratheon. Unlike my strained relationship with Cassandra, I had no issue with the younger Baratheon girls. They were good company for Lucerys and brought a lightness to her life that made her happy, which in turn made me content.
But it was during Princess Rhaenys' visits that our lessons became truly intense. As the acting Master of Ships in King's Landing, she could only visit High Tide for a fortnight at a time. She made the most of her limited stays, packing our days with politics and strategy lessons. Maris and Ellyn, destined to be the ladies of their own castles one day, joined these lessons as well.
It was during these sessions that I began to see the broader political landscape more clearly. The tension between my mother and my half-sister, which had always been a murky undercurrent in my life, became starkly apparent. My mother wanted to crown my older brother Aegon, despite Rhaenyra being the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. The realization hit me hard. My mother's insistence on us always wearing green—the color the Hightower in Old Town is lit when House Hightower calls for war—was a clear signal of her intentions.
The more I learned, the more horrified I became at the treasonous actions my mother was grooming us for. The idea of standing against Lucerys, whom I had come to love deeply, was unbearable. My relief was palpable knowing that Aegon's marriage to Cassandra meant their children would only be a fourth Targaryen. Their diluted dragon blood meant they wouldn't be able to claim dragons, nor would they have a strong claim to the Iron Throne. This diluted lineage was a safeguard against my mother's ambitions.
I loved my mother, but my loyalty to Lucerys and her family outweighed any duty I felt towards my mother's schemes. House Velaryon was staunchly allied with Rhaenyra, and I had no intention of betraying that bond. The thought of raising a sword or flying my dragon against Lucerys was unthinkable. My heart belonged to her, and I would protect her and her house at any cost.
As the year progressed, I became more and more resolute in my decision. I would stand with Lucerys and the Velaryons, come what may. The lessons I learned at Driftmark weren't just about sailing or politics; they were about loyalty, love, and the strength to make difficult choices. And I was prepared to make those choices, for Lucerys, for Driftmark, and for the future we would build together.
At the moment, however, I joined Lucerys, Ellyn, and Maris in their lesson. Normally, I wouldn't care about the womanly arts high ladies of Westeros were expected to master. But if there's one thing I loved to do, it was listen to Lucerys sing. She was truly talented, so much so that the instructors Lord Corlys had brought all the way from Essos kept saying they had nothing left to teach her. As I made my way to the music hall, I noticed many servants lingering close to the door. Normally, I would scold them for their lack of decorum—they were servants of the noble and ancient House Velaryon, after all. But I also understood why they were slacking. Lucerys' singing was enchanting, like the sirens Lord Corlys' sailors often mentioned, luring in anyone who caught her melodious voice.
Lucerys only sang at banquets in High Tide or for the orphans at her orphanage, so the servants didn't get the chance to hear her sing outside of her practice sessions. People had started calling her voice the Silver Voice, for the high harp with silver strings that Prince Daemon had gifted her as thanks for the dragon egg Lucerys had given Rhaena. The high harp was beautiful, crafted in the shape of a dragon with silver strings. Of course, Lucerys had mastered the high harp as much as she had mastered her singing.
A bear there was
A bear, a bear
All black and brown
And covered in hair
Three boys, a goat
And a dancing bear
They danced and spun
Up to the fair
How sweet she was
And pure and fair
The maid with honey
Up in her hair
He smelled her all
On the summer air
The maid with honey
Up in her hair
As I entered the music hall, Lucerys had just started singing "The Bear and the Maiden Fair." I quietly joined Ellyn and Maris, who were already seated and enjoying the performance. Lucerys' voice filled the room, pure and clear, each note resonating with a beauty that was almost otherworldly. Her fingers danced over the strings of the high harp, producing a sound that was both rich and delicate.
From there, to here. From here! To there!
All black and brown and covered in hair!
He smelled that girl on the summer air!
The bear! The bear!
The maiden fair!
Oh, I'm a maid, and I'm pure and fair!
I'll never dance with a hairy bear!
I called a knight, but you're a bear!
All black and brown and covered in hair!
He lifted her high in the air!
He sniffed and roared and he smelled her there!
She kicked and wailed, the maid so fair!
He licked the honey all up in her hair!
From there to here. From here! To there!
All black and brown and covered in hair!
He smelled that girl on the summer air!
The bear! The bear!
The maiden fair!
I watched her, completely captivated. Lucerys had an effortless grace about her when she sang, her eyes closed, a small, serene smile on her lips. It was as if she was lost in the music, and through her voice, she took everyone listening along with her. Ellyn and Maris exchanged glances, clearly as entranced as I was. It was moments like these that reminded me why I was so determined to stand by her side, no matter the cost.
And the bear, the bear!
The maiden fair!
And the bear, the bear!
She sighed and she squealed and she kicked the air!
Then she sang: My bear! My bear so fair!
And off they went into the summer air!
The bear, the bear,
And the maiden fair!
From there to here. From here! To there!
All black and brown and covered in hair!
He smelled that girl on the summer air!
The bear! The bear!
The maiden fair!
And the bear, the bear!
The maiden fair!
And the bear, the bear!
The maiden fair!
And the bear, the bear!
When the song ended, the room was silent for a moment, as if everyone needed time to come back to reality. Then, applause erupted. Lucerys opened her eyes and smiled, a light blush coloring her cheeks. She gave a small bow, looking pleased but humble.
"Aems, you made it," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "Did you enjoy the song?"
"I did," I replied, smiling back at her. "You were wonderful, as always."
Ellyn and Maris nodded in agreement, still clapping.
Lucerys laughed lightly, the sound like bells. "Thank you. I'm glad you all liked it. I was thinking of singing it at the next banquet. Do you think it's a good choice?"
"It's perfect," Ellyn said enthusiastically. "Everyone will love it."
Maris agreed, adding, "It's one of my favorites. You always sing it so beautifully."
I watched Lucerys as she spoke with her friends, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. Despite the tumultuous world outside, moments like these made everything seem simple and right. Lucerys had a way of making everything better, of bringing light into even the darkest places.
I finally started paying attention to the three girls in the music hall and realized that their conversation had moved from the song choice for the next banquet to Maris and Ellyn's betrotheds.
Maris was explaining how she and Selwyn Tarth had been exchanging letters and discovered they both loved reading and had similar tastes in books. "It's like we're meant to be," Maris said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We've been exchanging our favorite titles, and I'm actually reading one of his recommendations right now."
Ellyn, on the other hand, was gushing about how Ralph Buckler's letters kept her informed of every tourney that happened at King's Landing. "Ralph's letters are so detailed," Ellyn said, a smile playing on her lips. "He tells me all about the matches, who won, who showed the most skill. It's like being there without actually being there."
Both Maris and Ellyn agreed that Ser Laenor kept Selwyn and Ralph, alongside Prince Jacaerys, busy with their squire duties and training. I decided to join in on the conversation, saying, "It's to be expected. Ser Laenor earned his knighthood not because of his dragon, but because he is an excellent knight." I knew many underestimated Ser Laenor's abilities and thought he was knighted solely because of Seasmoke, but I would hear no ill speak about my future good-father.
Lucerys giggled and agreed with me, saying, "My kepa knows how to be strict when it's needed. From my letters from Jace and Daeron, it seems they've become good friends with Selwyn and Ralph." Maris and Ellyn were delighted by this news, their smiles widening.
I tilted my head, considering the implications. House Tarth and House Buckler would love the fact that their heirs were part of Jacaerys' household now. After all, Jacaerys was Rhaenyra's heir and third in line for the Iron Throne. What surprised me was that Daeron had also joined them. Then again, I could see the logic. Ralph and Selwyn were not that bad for being non-Valyrian. I could withstand their presence, and they were smart—especially Selwyn—and Ralph was good with a spear. Good friends for Jacaerys and Daeron to have.
Maris continued, "Selwyn writes to me about his training sessions. He says Ser Laenor is a tough master, but fair. He's learned a lot."
Ellyn chimed in, "Ralph mentioned the same. He admires Ser Laenor's dedication and skill. It's no wonder they're all so close now."
Lucerys smiled, "I'm glad to hear that. Kepa always wanted to make sure they were well-prepared, not just physically but mentally too. It's important to have a strong bond with your comrades."
I nodded in agreement. "Training together builds trust and respect. They'll need that in the future."
The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, as Lucerys resumed her practice, her voice once again filling the hall with its enchanting melody. As the afternoon turned to evening, the girls' laughter echoed through the halls, mixing with the soft light of the setting sun. I felt a sense of peace wash over me.
