A/N: Here is a new chapter. I feel like the story will be picking up now, I did a lot of background and some world building. If you are enjoying the story, please leave a review!
Gathering at Rainhall
The warmth of the light touched her face, waking her. With a light groan, Riannon turned away from the intrusive light and covered her face with the blanket. She opened her eyes and watched as the light filtered through the sheet she sought refuge under. Sighing, she reached for the chain that always hung around her wrist, even in her sleep. Holding her arm up slightly, her fingers caressed the bracelet. Made of Valyrian steel, it was strong for such a delicate looking piece of jewelry. In the center was a ruby, vivid and bright. On either side was a round piece of dragonglass. Smiling, she remembered when it was first given to her on her nameday when she turned ten and three. Her father had presented it to her, telling her that it had been given to every lady of Rainhall since his grandmother, Arwyn.
A knock interrupted her thoughts and she dropped her arm down at the loss of her peaceful moment.
"My lady, it is time to rise!" came the voice of Tyana called from the other side of the door.
Sitting up, Riannon tossed the blanket off and stared up at the ceiling, "A moment, Tyana!"
Rising, she pushed her long locks over her shoulder and reached for her cerulean robe that lay at the foot of the bed. Slowly, she pushed her arms through each sleeve, admiring the clouds that were delicately etched into the material with silver thread. She reached back and pulled her hair from beneath the robe and shook her head lightly to adjust the strands.
Standing, she called, "I am descent, Tyana!"
The door opened and a young woman entered. She was older than Riannon and had been her companion since she returned to Rainhall five years ago. Originally from Tyrosh, Tyana had a slight accent when she spoke. Her skin was rich like honey and her hair was a vibrant blue-green that she dyed regularly.
Tyana gave Riannon a teasing smile as she entered and held her hands behind her back, "Today is the day, my lady."
Rolling her eyes, Riannon rose from her bed and walked barefoot to the vanity and sat, reaching for the brush aggressively, "Do not remind me."
Giggling, Tyana came to stand behind Riannon and looked at her in the mirror, "Are you not excited? All those men coming just for you?"
Running the brush through her hair, Riannon complained, "I would rather remain left alone, if you must know."
Tyana took the brush from Riannon's hand to reach the long ends. Riannon sat silently, thinking of what the day would bring. She was to remain in her room as guests arrived later in the day but she was not about to remain there, stewing in her anxiety.
"I think I will do a bit of riding before all the excitement," Riannon said as Tyana began two braids.
Tyana smiled knowingly, "I see."
Pulling the braids together, Tyana bound them to the rest of her hair before twisting it up into a coiled bun at the base of her skull to keep her hair out of her face for her ride later. A few whisps of curly golden red escaped the braids near her eye and she brushed it away.
Stepping back, Tyana asked, "Do you need assistant dressing later my lady?"
Turning, Riannon raised an inquisitive brow, "Will I need it?"
Tyana giggled, "It is a beautiful gown. Your father has spared no expense."
"I suppose I will then by your manner, " Riannon reasoned.
Tyana reached out and laid her hands on Riannon's forearms, shaking her playfully, "Do not be so glum! Tonight, shall have dancing, you love dancing!"
"In private, with my family," Riannon protested, pulling her arms from Tyana, smacking her playfully as she walked around her companion.
Tyana followed, automatically pulling out her riding clothes; tight midnight blue leggings that would be covered by a long dark gray leather riding coat, a stripe of blue running down the center to reflect the house colors. Across the middle, a belt would keep the coat closed and formfitting. She pulled her riding boots and set them next to the bed for Riannon to pull on.
"There will be music! Talysyn is entertaining, you love his songs!" Tyana tried to excite Riannon, wishing her some happiness that evening.
Riannon peered up at Tyana as she sat on the bed. Shaking her head with a light smile, Riannon muttered, "Fine. I shall try to enjoy myself."
"That is all I ask, my lady," Tyana said, looking victorious, "I shall leave you and will inform Jeris."
As Tyana turned to leave, Riannon called out, "Please, do not! I do not wish for a shadow today."
Furrowing her brow, Tyana said, "But your father-"
"I know what my father said," Riannon protested, slapping her hands on her knees in frustration, "I wish to be with my own thoughts for only a little while. Jeris can follow me all he likes tonight at the feast."
Tyana sighed, her hands going to her hips, "My lord will not be happy."
Riannon smiled impishly, "As he never is when I escape."
Tyana shook her head and giggled, "Very well."
Pointing at Riannon firmly, Tyana stressed, "Do not make me regret this."
With that, Tyana left the room and Riannon began to dress. Once she was ready, Riannon made her way through the castle until she reached the main hall. There she saw her nephew breaking his fast. It was not unusual for her father to not eat with them these days. He spent many a night drowning in his cups inside his solar and would remain there the following day, sometimes to midday. There were days he did not even leave his chamber.
Smiling, she walked up behind where he sat, hidden from his view. Silently, she reached around and wrapped her arms around her nephew's body, pulling him close, "Good morning!"
Gasping in surprise, Rhyon jumped initially but began to laugh and reached up to hug his aunt's neck from behind, "Morning, Aunt Rian!"
The nickname caused her to smile. Only one other person had called her that and it reminded her of a happier time. The image of Helaena flashed in her mind and she smiled fondly, but it fell when she remembered she had not spoken to the princess since before.
Falling into the seat next to her nephew, she looked him over. He looked just like Edred except for his eyes, which were from his mother. He gave her a bright smile when he caught her staring and she reached out to brush her fingers through his curls. He groaned and pushed her fingers away, "Don't!"
She giggled and rubbed her thumb against his cheek, "I'm allowed!"
He rolled his eyes at her affection but remained silent, continuing to eat. Reaching out, she pulled some bread and cheese to a plate and began to nibble.
"You're going riding?" he asked, looking at her attire.
Nodding, she finished her bite before saying, "I am."
Rhyon grinned, "Grandsire does not like it when you go alone."
Leaning in, she poked his belly, "Then we must not tell him."
Rhyon smacked at her hand and she smiled. Finishing her meal, she rose and kissed her nephew's crown, lingering a moment before stepping away from the table, "I will return before anyone arrives."
Rhyon rose to his knees in his seat and called out after his aunt, "Can I come?!"
Turning on her heels she walked backwards towards the doors, saying, "Not today! You have lessons!"
Rhyon groaned and fell back in his chair to finish his meal, causing Riannon to smile before turning back around and continuing on her way through the doors.
She greeted those she passed on the way to the stables and made her way straight to Valonqar's stable. The destrier had grown into a powerful horse, well-muscled and powerful. His temperament had not changed over the years. He still only allowed Riannon to saddle and ride him, biting and kicking any other who approached him.
Reaching over the stall door, she reached out her hands lovingly, speaking softly to her steed, "Hello my love."
Valonqar walked over to his rider and pressed his nose against her hand, snorting softly. Rubbing the soft velvet of his nose, she smiled and rubbed between his eyes with her other hand, "Ready for a ride?"
She saddled him and easily raised herself up, throwing her leg over the side and took hold of the reins. With a click of her tongue, Valonqar began to trot towards the open gate. Once outside the walls of Rainhall, she gave a gentle nudge with her foot and Valonqar took off, kicking up dust as he flew further and further from Rainhall.
Eventually Riannon guided Valonqar towards the forest where they walked a familiar trail. As she rode, her mind fell back to the conversation she shared with her father two nights ago. What he revealed was a surprise to be sure, but the more she thought on in, it made sense considering what had happened to her as a child.
But why keep it from her?
The sound of the waves caused her to look up and she saw that she had reached her destination. Pulling the reins back gently, she slowed Valonqar until he stopped and she climbed down. Petting his neck, she gave a kiss to his nose before guiding him to the familiar tree. She came here so often that a ring had formed from where she would tie Valonqar's reins around the tree.
"I'll be back, eat some grass," she told Valonqar, giving him a final rub.
Reaching behind the tree, she opened the sack she kept there for these occasions and pulled out a cloak. Wrapping it around her, she raised the hood over her head to hide her hair and face. Stepping further away from the forest, she came to the sandy hills. Sliding down with ease, Riannon began walking towards the cave.
She reached up as a gust of wind nearly blew her hood off. Looking up she saw that the sky was cloudy and it looked like rain. A perfect cover.
Stopping outside the cave, she felt the tug at her soul and smiled. He was awake and was waiting. He had felt her anxiousness and she had to reassure him through their bond that she was coming, to wait for her.
Lyki sīr
Lykirī jeva perzys
Ziry iksos ao
Ziry iksos issa
Jeva prūmia iksos ñuhon
Se ñuhon iksos aōhon
Silence.
Then the rumble of massive steps grew louder and louder as they departed the cave. A shadow fell over her as she remained standing before the cave, looking up with calm in her eyes. Reaching out her hand, she felt the scales of coal and felt the worry radiating off of him. Stepping forward, she laid her cheek against the side of his enormous face, "Nyke sȳrī, Syndorion." I am well.
Pulling her face away and stepping back, she admired the dragon. Her savior. Syndorion. Shadow was appropriate for him. Wherever he stood of flew, a shadow always was cast by his presence. He let out a low purr and laid his head down for a scratch. Laughing, she reached out and rubbed between the two large horns that sprouted from the top of his head, angled outwards. Small spikes surrounded his large head and down his jaw. A singular horn stood up sharp at the tip of his nose, making him look all the more menacing. His eyes were a shade of green that were calm and gentle when he was with her, but she had seen that calmness turn to a baleful viridian when angered or in the act of hunting.
He was her secret. A gift from the Old Gods. Without him, she feared what her life would be now. Closing her eyes, she laid her head against his and let her mind take her back.
She was running, stumbling over the jagged rocks of the island. Her feet were bare and her hair was tangled. She was naked, blood flowing down her back and legs, the pain radiated like fire. Falling, she cried out as fear consumed her, knowing he was right behind her. Scrambling to her feet, she continued to run as a flash of silver caught the corner of her eye. She could hear him getting closer. Her body hurt so much; it was hard to move, to breathe.
Pain hit her as fingers tangled into her hair, pulling her back. She screamed and reached up to try and release the hold those long fingers had. She could feel his breath on her cheek as he gripped her face from behind, holding her body against his larger one, lifting her from the ground. His lips pressed against the side of her face as he growled in her ear.
"You disobeyed me!"
"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she screamed, begging for mercy as he turned to carry her back.
"You're mine! I was promised!" he screamed, tossing her to the daggered rocks at his feet.
She screamed as the broke obsidian stabbed into her flesh. She pushed herself up to look up at him, her lip trembling as she waited for his rage to temper, as it always did when he became angry. His eyes were like the glassy obsidian surrounding them, so different than what they could be.
He looked down at her and the rage began to leave his eyes as she cried. He shifted his feet back and forth before he pointed down at her with a firm finger, "You made me do this! I wouldn't have hurt you if you just obeyed me!"
She glared up at him, tears streaming down her face. Her fingers curled into he sharp rocks beneath her and she grasped a handful before hurling them at him, "I hate you!"
He shielded his face from the blow before he growled and reached down to thread his fingers through her hair and yanked her up, "I'll teach you!"
She kicked out at him, trying anything to get away from him. He grabbed her leg with his other hand and wrapped it around his waist. Instantly she felt ice trickle down her spine as his hands gripped her thigh, pushing his body between her legs.
"No! No! I'll be good!" She pleaded but he didn't listen.
She heard the buckle of his belt and began to cry.
But then a roar erupted from behind him. It was so powerful that the rocks shook on the ground around them and the pressure sent him falling over, scurrying to his back to see what creature could make such a calamity. There, climbing down the dangerous rocks with ease was a dragon so large a shadow cast over them.
The dragon let out another roar and fire filled his throat, poised to release as his hateful eyes locked on them.
But she was afraid. She felt something in her soul call out and she reached out a hand towards the dragon. But it was snatched away as she was lifted from the ground.
"Get back!" he cried, pulling her behind him.
The dragon quickened his gait as she was taken from him and he let his fire erupt with a roar. She felt the warmth on her skin and heard his cry of pain as the fire kissed their skin. She felt her body fall and her vision became black.
Opening her eyes, she felt her eyes water at the memory. Sniffing, she reached up and wiped the tears away, refusing to let the pain consume her. Syndorion remained as he was, letting her find peace in his presence. Kissing his scales she whispered, "Ao issi issa lyks." You are my peace
Patting his skin, she stepped back and gave a smile, "īlon sōvegon!" we fly!
Syndorion let out an excited trill and shook his wings before lowering one for her to climb. She latched her legs tightly around him the best she could and felt him rise. She had a simple rope to keep herself secured while flying. She tied it around her waist before running her hand up and down his neck, " sōvēs!" fly!
He launched into the air and she felt the wind in her face. Syndorion always steered clear of Rainhall and away from the nearby villages as she commanded but out over the water, he was free to do as he wished. He soared higher and higher and she let out a shrill of excitement and let Syndorion take them where he wished.
If Riannon had been paying attention, she would have taken notice of the figure that emerged from edge of the forest, watching with a violet eye as she disappeared above the clouds.
Aemond had reached his wits end with his brother's rambling.
He refused to finish the journey inside the wheelhouse, watching his brother drown in wine. He would take a horse for the remainder. Aegon had looked surprised when Aemond all but jumped from the wheelhouse, "Where are you going?"
He growled, "To save my sanity!" and slammed the door behind him as he took his horse from one of the guardsmen.
Riding ahead, he recognized the area from his time there as a boy. The forest was sprawling and green for miles. He stopped the horse with a harsh pull and it let out a neigh, shaking its head as it came to a stop. He peered towards the familiar boulder that sat just on the cusp of the tree line. An invisible smile itched on his lip as he remembered his sister discovering a beetle and had shown Riannon excitedly. Unlike most girls, she was not afraid of it and asked Helaena questions.
The thought of Riannon caused him to move the horse in the direction of the forest and urged it on into the wooded area. He soon found a trail and followed it, searching for the clearing he found solace in as a child, where he could just be. With her.
He did not know how long he rode through the trees, but he did not find the open field. Instead, he found where the ocean met the forest and another memory entered his mind. Dismounting the horse, he walked to the edge of the sandy hill and looked down. Remembering.
That night.
He sat at the table and was determined he would do it. As he looked at her from across the long table, he felt his heart beat like a hummingbird. He barely ate, his mind consumed with how he would say it. Her smile was so bright and warm, her eyes were like stormy waters that he found himself staring into often, drowning.
When he took her to the beach, he shared how he lost his eye and she felt no pity for him. He wanted to know if she could accept Vhagar and she did. She was not afraid of his dragon. But it was not the only reasons he brought her to the beach.
He had wanted to tell her he wished for her to come to King's Landing as his sister's handmaiden, not for his sister, but for his own selfish reason.
He would have said the words had her brother not found them. The words had been in the tip of his tongue, "Come with me. Stay with me."
It was the sound of a roar that broke the prince from his thoughts. Looking up sharply, his violet eye widened at the sight before him. A dragon.
It was massive, not quite as large as Vhagar, but close enough for him to realize that this creature was ancient. It was the color of coal, with a crown of horns atop its head. It danced across the sky and as it turned away from him, he stood rigid.
A rider.
There was a dragonrider in the Stormlands.
He turned and reached for the reins of the horse to ride with haste to Rainhall but stopped at the sight of the horse running into the trees. Cursing, he kicked at the ground and turned back to see that the dragon had disappeared into the clouds, along with its rider.
"Fuck!" he seethed; teeth clinched.
With a final look towards the ocean, Aemond ventured into the forest to make his way to Rainhall on foot, but stopped short at the sight a few feet away. There, tied to a tree, was another horse. As he approached it, the horse became agitated and started pawing at the ground, swaying side to side as he eyed the prince.
Holding out a hand, Aemond soothed the horse with his voice, "Calm."
But the horse lifted its lip and tried to bite at his hand. With a growl, he yanked on the reins and pulled them firmly as he demanded, "Calm."
He stared into the horse's eyes and placed his hand on the bridge of its nose, "Who do you belong to?"
He walked to the side of the horse, his hand remaining on its body as he walked, searching. He studied the saddle and saw it was finely made of rich leather. A sigil lay bare for him to see in the middle; three storm clouds and a bolt of lightning striking down the middle.
"Rainhall?" he asked, looking back at the horse, studying it.
It was pure black and strong, a destrier, and had an affinity for assaulting strangers. Could it be?
Tilting his head slightly, he called, "Valonqar?"
The tips of the horse's ears twitched at the sound of the name and his eyes flashed with recognition. This was Riannon's horse.
Stepping back to the horse's front, he looked at Valonqar with curiosity, "What are you doing here without your rider?"
A sudden fear struck him. Releasing the horse, he turned back and ran down to the beach, searching and yelling out, "Riannon!"
His eye flickered across the beach, searching for her as the thought of the dragon consuming flooded his mind. He saw nothing. No fire, no ash or corpse. He looked back up at the sky, seeking the dragon but could find nothing.
With a frustrated sign, he looked around the shore once more before returning to Valonqar. Removing the rein from the tree, he began to pull the horse along the trail back towards Rainhall.
Why was there a dragon in the stormlands? Who was its rider?
Thoughts plagued his mind as he walked towards Rainhall, eventually coming to an opening in the forest that revealed the outer walls of the castle. He looked over and saw that the wheelhouse had already arrived and Aegon stood outside, looking around. His eyes stopped when he saw Aemond and held out his arms with an inquisitive expression on his face.
"Hm," he hummed, making his way to the gate with the lost destrier trailing behind him.
Shit.
Riannon stared at the empty spot where she had left Valonqar. She had flew too long, long in the freedom of the skies. The sun was starting to fall lower. She had been gone all day. She bid Syndorion farewell and he returned to his cave. He would venture out in the night to hunt.
But now Valonqar was gone. Looking down, she saw footprints. Someone had come and taken him. Had Jeris come?
Dashing into the forest, she ran down the trails and made her way back to the castle grounds. She had to hurry if she was to return before the feast began.
As she came to the edge of the forest where it met the castle, she peered out slowly to see numerous wheelhouses and horses already present. Damn it.
She made her way to the back of the castle walls where she knew of a small opening that had yet to be filled in. It was near the sept, where no one would be at this time of day. She steered away from the great hall, where the guests would have arrived and ran up the spiraling stairs, taking two steps at a time. Very unladylike.
As she reached the top, she looked back to see if anyone had come up the stairs. Sighing with relief, she turned to make her way to her chamber. She walked and turned the corner and ran face first into something firm and warm.
Letting out a gasp, she stumbled back and lifted her eyes to see a pair of amused dark amethyst eyes. She felt warmth on her hips and looked down to see that a pair of hands held her steady. She pulled away and looked at the stranger in her home.
He wore a doublet of red and black, a three-headed dragon blazoned at the top left shoulder. His hair reached his jawline and was a silver gold. She recognized his features immediately and dipped into a courtesy, "My prince."
He lips turned up slightly as his eyes looked her up and down, "What have we here?"
She rose and held her hands at her sides as he stepped closer, "You look as though you've just ventured from a storm."
Chuckling, he reached out, causing her to flinch back slightly, but he continued and reached into her hair, pulling out a small twig.
"Excuse me, my prince," she said, moving to continue on her way but the prince simply stepped in her path and held his hands behind his back as he looked at her with curiosity, "What is your name?"
Taken aback she blinked and asked, "Pardon?"
"Your. Name." he enunciated, bending down slightly towards her face.
Panicking, she blurted, "Tyana, my prince, if it pleases you."
He grinned, "Tyana? Pretty name."
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Thank you. I must beg your pardon, but I have duties I must attend."
"What sort of duties?" he asked, twirling the twig between his hands, his eyes remaining on her.
She looked away from his gaze and he smirked before saying, "You speak quite well for a servant, girl."
Before she could say another word, he bowed his head and gave her a brilliant smile, "I hope to run into you again, Tyana. Perhaps somewhere more private."
The insinuation caused anger to build within her chest and she watched as he made his way down the spiral steps. With fake enthusiasm, she called out, "Perhaps, Prince Aemond."
He stopped short and turned to correct her but she disappeared from his view. Riannon ran around the corner and burst into her room where Tyana jumped from her place on the vanity and gave her a seething look, "Where have you been?!"
Riannon tossed her riding coat onto the bed and began undoing her hair, "Forgive me, I lost track of the hour."
Tyana let out a fuming breath as she gathered the clothes in her hands, turning around as Riannon undressed, "I ran out of excuses for your father and have been hiding in your chambers for the last two hours."
"I am sorry!" Riannon cried in frustration before walking behind the dressing screen where a bath had been prepared.
Sighing in relief, she dipped her toe in and gasped. It was freezing. Hearing her, Tyana called from the other side, "It would have been warm had you returned on time!"
Forcing herself into the cold water, Riannon bathed quickly, removing the smell of dragon and smudges of dirt from her skin. She rose from the tub and pulled the chemise from where it hung over the dressing screen. She dressed and nearly stumbled in her haste.
Quickly walking from behind the screen, Riannon approached Tyana, who was holding a midnight blue gown in her hands.
Tyana held out the gown and Riannon gasped, taking it into her hands, "This is beautiful!"
Her companion smiled, "Thank you. It took me quite some time to finish."
The dress was made of the finest material, almost sheer. It was a deep midnight blue with long flowing sleeves and a plunging neckline. She looked up and looked at Tyana questionably, "Is it not to revealing?"
Tyana chuckled and took the gown, "Just enough for the imagination."
Riannon stepped into the gown and Tyana helped lace her up. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and her eyes glanced over the gown. It had golden flowers sewn into it, along with golden thread spread throughout the front, a series of small flowers were bundled at the center of the dress over her naval. It was long and covered her feet.
Tyana placed her hands on her shoulders, hugging her from behind. She placed her chin on her shoulder and looked at her in the mirror, "You are stunning, my lady."
Riannon looked down, but Tyana lifted her chin, "You are not a tender flower, this is true."
She felt her friend turn her and she looked up at the taller woman, who continued to speak, "You are a storm, powerful and unrelenting."
Riannon looked up at the ceiling, tears filling her eyes as the fear of the events to come consumed her mind, "I cannot be something I am not; I will shame my father I know it."
Tyana gripped her tightly and said, "Do not water yourself down so it is easier for others to swallow, that has never been your nature. They can choke!"
Laughing, Riannon wiped at her tears and turned to sit at the vanity, "Thank you, my friend."
Tyana approached and reached for the brush, "I am your loyal servant."
Riannon smiled as she watched her friend braid her hair into a lovely long braid, weaving in golden flowers into her hair. The flowers bloomed in the month of her birth, so it was appropriate.
A knock soon came to the door and Riannon nearly jumped. Tyana placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before approaching and opening the door. Jeris stood in his finest silver and blue tunic and dark trousers. He wore his sword at his side and had shined his boots for the occasion. His hair was freshly washed and his beard trimmed.
He entered and his eyes widened at the sight of Riannon. He grinned and said ,"You look like a lady."
She smiled and patted his arm. As she passed, she tilted her head to look at him and teased, "I can still whip you."
He chuckled and followed behind her. Tyana bid her farewell before retiring for the night. With her sworn shield, Riannon made her way to the great hall. The doors were closed but she could hear the sounds on the other side, laughter and music coming from the room.
Suddenly the music stopped and her breath hitched. Jeris stood behind her but stepped forward and placed a hand on her arm, "You are a Stryfe. You will endure."
His words steeled her and she straightened her back, posture perfect as she had learned. Her face became a mask of gentleness. She could hear her father speaking through the doors as the hall became silent.
" I welcome you to my home, honored guests! It has been too long since the sounds of joy and laughter filled these halls. You honor me with your presence. Tonight is a night of celebration indeed. It is my daughter's ten and seven nameday!"
She could hears cheers before her father continued,
"I know many of your wish to hear of the tournament beginning on the morrow, but first, we shall have comradery and enjoy the company of our countrymen as we celebrate my daughter's birth!"
The doors were pushed opened by two guards and her eyes widened ever so slightly, refusing to break her mask. The hall was full. She could not count the number of guests. Her thoughts were struck as she heard Gowen's deep voice resonate in the hall.
"Presenting Lady Riannon Stryfe, daughter of Lord Idrys Stryfe, lord of Rainhall, and Second Seat of the Stormlands!"
The hall was silent as Riannon walked gracefully down the steps of the great hall. Long tables lined either side of the room, leaving room for entry down the middle. The guests stood in attendance and she could hear whispers and gasps.
She is not burned.
The tales are false.
She is beautiful.
Her hair is like fire.
She looks of her mother.
Riannon made her way to the center of the room to stand before her father's seat where he stood, smiling at her proudly. She gave an elegant curtsy to her lord father and rose. He nodded and she gave her nephew a smile as he stood next to him.
Turning to face the hall of guests, she bent her knee outward and swept her other leg behind her. She lifted her gown out from her body and bowed her head deeply in greeting. Rising, she looked out into the sea of faces and became struck at the sight of a singular violet eye. Standing before her was a face she had not seen since she was nine years old. He had grown into a man, his face no long round with youth but strong and edged in manhood. Aemond.
His eye was solely on her, unwavering. He suddenly moved, placing one arm behind his back and the other against his naval as he gave a deep bow, his eye never leaving her gaze. Her breath hitched ever so slightly and she felt her mask crack ever so slightly.
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