King's Landing ― Dragonpit…
Nettles had silently gathered all her belongings in her bag, preparing for the arduous journey ahead of her to unknown lands. She had loved Prince Viserys with all her heart, and his death had left a void in her soul that would never be filled. With her lover dead, the dragonseed felt she no longer belonged anywhere among the pureblooded Targaryen dragonlords. Nettles had noticed the disapproving glances from the older, traditional lords of the royal court: a lowborn commoner, a bastard, possessing a wild dragon. She had to seek refuge elsewhere, where she could live freely without fear of persecution or betrayal. Otherwise, how much time would pass before one of them saw her as a danger and chose to end her life?
"Leaving so soon, are we?"
Nettles glanced over to find Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince, leaning against one of the stone columns by the entrance. She knew he was a dangerous man with a reputation for ruthlessness and cunning, one of the best swordsmen of House Targaryen's generation, and an experienced warrior. Nettles knew that she had to tread carefully, for one wrong move could mean the end of her. She had expected Daemon to try to arrest her at first, presumably by order of Aeonar the Deceiver. Still, upon noticing his gaze, she detected no ill will in the older Targaryen prince. Despite being 52, the creases on Daemon's face and under his eyes made him appear older than he looked. Lately, the prince had a camaraderie with this brown-skinned girl, admiring her fearlessness and disregarding protocol when addressing the other highborn lords. His dragon, Caraxes, was also nearby. It would be prudent for a wise lord to eliminate one while the other was away, lest the prince unleash his wrath and burn almost everything in sight. "I can't stay here any longer," she admitted.
"Because of what some cunt said or done? Or is there more than you're not willing to tell me?" Daemon asked.
Nettles didn't answer.
"It was Viserys, wasn't it?"
Nettles flinched, averting her eyes. Seeing her abrupt shift in her posture, Daemon uncrossed his arms and approached her. His intuition had been spot on. Nettles was unmistakably still mourning Viserys's death. She had been putting on a brave face, trying to appear strong and unaffected by the loss of her lover, but Daemon could see through her facade. He knew she was struggling to accept that Viserys was gone and that she was feeling lost and alone without him.
« I don't hate you because you're a bastard; I'm annoyed because you keep asking me so many ridiculous questions like that over and over again! »
"He was named after my brother, the King Viserys. But he and Aegon were always mischievous when they were children, always making jokes. Gave the gold cloaks a run for their coin when they eventually gave chase, but they somehow seldom caught them. But I guess when enough time passes, at least Viserys eventually learned to grow out of it." Daemon glanced at her. "After Driftmark, he took his training more seriously. He even took up learning medicine and poison. Old Otto even tried to convince my nephew to send Viserys to the Citadel in Oldtown for training under the archmaesters, but Aeonar refused. He needed every heir he could sire."
« Oh, trust me, Netty. I'm very tempted… but we wouldn't want anyone asking questions, hmm? »
Nettles, her cheeks stained with tears, gave a small chuckle. "Sounds like the bloody bastard," she choked. Wiping her nose, she gathered the rest of her belongings. "Why…? Why'd he have to die?"
"Every man meets his end in war, one way or another. If not in battle, then due to other senseless reasons. Sickness, getting mugged on the streets, being involved in a drunken fight in a local tavern, or even while sitting on the chamberpot. However, the way in which he died… Viserys fought for our family. He believed he was protecting them in the best way he could. Despite everything, he cared for you, girl. I truly believe he did. I know that's how my brother lived his life before he died."
« Take care of Nettles for me. »
Oh, Serys…
"Is that why you feel like you can no longer stay?" Daemon raised a brow.
"I…" Nettles stuttered.
Daemon took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, knowing the weight of his words. "You know, if you do leave, you'll be forever labeled as a turncloak," he spoke bluntly. "But, if you're insistent on it…" With gentle solemnity, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a carefully chosen memento. Placing it in Nettles' hands, he adopted the role of an attentive father figure. "Then take this with you," he urged, his tone tender yet firm. "So that a part of Viserys will always be with you wherever you go."
Nettles observed her hand, examining the item Daemon presented to her. It was a pendant made of jade and connected by silver chains. According to him, it was a present from her deceased lover, Prince Viserys. Given her status as a lowborn bastard, she hadn't anticipated anything to be left for her. She traced her fingers over the intricate carvings on the jade pendant, feeling a rush of emotions welling up inside her. Viserys had always been kind to her, treating her with a respect that few others did. Despite their difference in status, he had seen her for who she truly was, a kind soul deserving of recognition. However, Nettles couldn't take her eyes off the gift Daemon placed in her hand. Nettles closed her eyes, allowing herself to be swept away by her memories of Viserys. She remembered his warm smile, his gentle touch, and the way he had looked at her with such adoration, a love that had been forbidden by society and torn apart by fate. The pendant now felt like a connection to him, a tangible link to the past that she could hold onto. Knowing that Viserys had originally made it for her made her miss him even more.
"Are you ready?"
Nettles gave a slow nod. "Yeah…" she shuddered. I'll never forget you… Viserys. With everything all packed up and sealed, she had to disembark on whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that Viserys was watching over her from beyond. The pendant may have been a bittersweet reminder of the past, but it also served as a beacon of light for the future.
As the first light of day began to break, they emerged side by side near the back entrance of the Dragonpit. Prince Daemon assisted Nettles in preparing Sheepstealer for their journey, a routine they had performed countless times before. Nettles always made sure to feed her dragon before taking flight, knowing that a well-fed dragon was more compliant with its rider's commands. On that particular morning, she offered Sheepstealer a black ram, the largest one in the pens, and slit the ram's throat herself. The crimson stains of blood adorned her riding leathers as she mounted her dragon. Without a single word of farewell exchanged between them, Nettles and Daemon watched as Sheepstealer spread his leathery brown wings and soared into the sky, while Caraxes let out a deafening scream that reverberated throughout King's Landing.
Take care of yourself out there, girl. For Viserys's sake. Daemon watched as high above the capital, Nettles turned her dragon toward the Bay of Crabs, and vanished in the morning mists, never to be seen again at court or castle. But the Rogue Prince knew that the Dance was far from over. No, Daemon had seen the look in Aeonar's eyes when they all returned to King's Landing.
« If I must suffer, then the realm will suffer with me! »
Even by Daemon's standards, even he knew that this was going too far.
Call it what you will, nephew. But you and I both know that killing Vhagar is no easy task. Even you cannot face that hoary old bitch alone. It'll be suicide.
Turning back around, Daemon took one last glance up at the sky before motioning Caraxes to gorge himself and get plenty of rest. They would need the energey to embark on a treacherous mission.
Red Keep ― Courtyard…
Gripping his Valyrian steel longsword known as Dark Sister, Daemon dedicated countless hours to honing his skills through rigorous training sessions and meticulously studying and improving on various military tactics for the upcoming battle ahead. Although renowned as one of the greatest swordsman of his era, Daemon understood the immense challenge of facing Vhagar, the largest dragon in the Seven Kingdoms and the last of the original three from the days of Aegon's Conquest. He knew that facing Vhagar would require more than just skill; it would require cunning, strategy, and a deep understanding of the ancient dragon's behavior and weaknesses. Daemon spent hours poring over ancient texts.
Hmm… 'Vhagar; born 62 years before Aegon's Conquest on Dragonstone in the Century of Blood; ridden by Queen Visenya, Prince Baelon, Lady Laena, and Prince Aemond; current size 330 feet in length, wingspan 660 feet across, a hardened survivor of a hundred battles – including Aegon's Conquest of Westeros, said to be almost as large as Balerion the Black Dread… Vaelor; born 38 years after Aegon's Conquest at the Dragonpit in King's Landing; ridden by King Aeonar; current size 310 feet in length, wingspan 620 feet across, fastest dragon alive known for his accelerated growth rate, adept in battle and intelligent…'
From Daemon read from the reports from Jaehaerys' and Aemma's own battles with Vhagar, the only thing that can defeat a dragon is another dragon; overwhelming numbers and a well-coordinated attack can overwhelm one almost as large as Balerion himself. However, when it comes to a potential battle between Vaelor and Vhagar, the outcome remains uncertain. Both dragons are known for their immense power and skill in combat, making it difficult to predict who would emerge victorious in a face-off between the two. Factors such as the environment in which the battle takes place, the presence of any external threats or distractions, and the mental state of the dragons can all impact the outcome. Additionally, the relationship between the dragons and their riders can also play a significant role, as a strong bond and effective communication between dragon and rider can give them a strategic advantage in battle. Furthermore, the individual personalities and fighting styles of the dragons can also come into play. Some dragons may be more aggressive and relentless in their attacks, while others may be more strategic and calculated in their approach. These differences can greatly influence the dynamics of the battle and ultimately determine the victor. Ultimately, the outcome of a battle between two dragons is a high-stakes and unpredictable event, with numerous variables at play as the victor would undoubtedly establish themselves as the alpha dragon in Westeros.
Meanwhile, his nephew Aeonar's reckless pursuit of vengeance seemed to consume him entirely and worsened by the day, regardless of the consequences or obstacles in his path, even if it meant staring death in the face. Despite the distractions, Daemon remained steadfast in his dedication to his training. Each day, he pushed himself harder, honing his skills with Dark Sister until they were razor-sharp. He would need to be at the peak of his capabilities. Every swing, every parry, every thrust was a step towards mastering his craft.
This would be insufficient.
He needed a real target.
The sound of metal meeting wood echoed through the training yard; his muscles tensed and flexed with each strike; his breath came in steady, controlled bursts as his movements were fluid and precise, a deadly dance of steel and skill; his eyes were sharp and focused, never wavering from his target as he moved with an efficiency that left no room for error. Each strike was calculated and executed with a grace that belied the violence of his Targaryen nature and decades of combat experience. With precision and determination, Daemon relentlessly struck at the training dummies, effortlessly slicing through each one with Dark Sister. And as he sheathed his blade, the Rogue Prince heaved with exertion. Daemon might be old in the eyes of the younger knights and squires, but he had proven once again why he was considered one of the most dangerous men in the Seven Kingdoms. But for Daemon, this was just another day of training.
"My prince."
Daemon looked up to see Ser Willis Fell standing in front of him. As the lone remaining Kingsguard knight who had faithfully served both his brother and now his nephew, the task of rebuilding and filling the vacant positions within the order to reach the full quota of seven now fell on his shoulders as the newly appointed Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Once a proud and revered order, the Kingsguard had been decimated by betrayals and the civil war plaguing the realm. "What is it?" he said almost irritated.
"The king's knights inquisitors have taken to the streets," Willis reported. "Ever since Prince Aegon's scuffle with a mob of religious fanatics, we've seen an increase in rumors that His Grace has gone completely mad."
"Be mindful of how you choose your words before your superiors, Ser Willis," Daemon warned. "I will speak of my nephew as I wish. You, on the other hand, will not." Oh, Viserys, how I often wonder how you handled these rabble when you sat the Iron Throne for almost 30 years. "People should obey their liege lords… whatever their condition."
Willis averted his gaze. "I… apologize if I offend, my prince. The people are concerned, is all."
"Aren't they all," Daemon rolled his eyes.
"I would like to give my report on the court's selection of candidates for the Kingsguard to replace those who fell in battle or betrayal."
"Yours, or that old cunt Ser Otto?"
"My prince?"
"Was it you who invited these knights to court or was it the Hand?"
Willis didn't answer. But that was all that Daemon needed to hear. "Still the self-serving leech picked those men himself," he huffed in annoyance. "Weren't their backgrounds checked thoroughly before being brought to court?"
"Prince Jaehaerys has seen to them, yes, often under the supervision of Ser Otto, but he was rather insistent on cross-examining them individually before considering them suitable for the white cloak. His Hand doesn't always agree with the decision, but…"
"Ha, so the boy does have some balls." Daemon found it amusing to picture his longtime rival, Ser Otto Hightower – the Hand of the King, being spurned by his own favored grandson of all people. He but chuckle at the irony of the situation. Then, out of the corner of his eye, the Rogue Prince spotted Jaehaerys, who stood before a group of prisoners outside the Red Keep's gates. "What's he doing?" he asked.
Willis noticed. "Ser Simon Strong and his grandsons have agreed to bend the knee to the crown on the condition they're placed under Prince Jaehaerys' protection," he said.
"Oh?" Aeonar would've never approved of this since House Strong betrayed us.
"I, Ser Simon Strong, Castellan of Harrenhal, pledge fealty to Aeonar of House Targaryen, First of His Name," Simon pledged along with his remaining grandsons. "I swear this by the Old Gods and the New."
"Rise, Ser Simon," Jaehaerys motioned.
Daemon observed as his grandnephew/son-in-law led Larys Strong's great-uncle, along with the young Strong squires and children brought to King's Landing from Harrenhal almost a year ago, into the Red Keep. The destination within the castle remained unknown to the Rogue Prince. Personally, Daemon would have had them executed as traitors to the Targaryen dynasty, however, he couldn't help but wonder about Jaehaerys' motives for showing leniency towards the defeated enemies of the crown. This uncertainty bothered Daemon, as he sensed a growing schism among the Blacks' leadership. What was Jaehaerys up to? With House Targaryen already embroiled in a civil war for the throne over the right to rule the Seven Kingdoms from the Iron Throne, the emergence of another political faction from within could spell disaster if not handled properly. Daemon suspected that Otto might be influencing Jaehaerys' decisions, or perhaps Jaehaerys could be acting on his own accord. "I'll never understand what that boy's up to," he said.
"Whatever the reason," Willis added, "the people love him. He's shown mercy to those who surrender."
"Only to those who deserve it, no doubt," Daemon scoffed. "But, then again, it seems the people are also blind as well."
"My prince?"
"They only see what's on the outside, not from within. Ever since Luke and his brothers died, Jaehaerys has been punishing himself. He's simply adept at masking his emotions in front of people."
"Meaning…"
"The more he projects the image of an ideal prince - calm and composed, in control of himself – he's actually doing more harm to himself. He's having a hard time forgiving himself over things he has no control over."
"You're not thinking he's actually―" Willis tried to speak.
"Ugh! Yes, Ser Willis, Jaehaerys is blaming himself for not being able to protect Luke, Viserys, or Daeron. And, by doing so, is hurting himself. Which is not healthy," Daemon eplained. "I might be old, but I'm not blind or senile. Spend enough time with the new generation and you'll know them more than they know themselves." He glanced up at his dragon Caraxes, who's screeches and growls grow increasingly anxious. "Which is why I, too, must take my leave."
"Where are you going?"
"To make sure our king doesn't get himself killed," Daemon mounted his dragon. "As long as Aemond and Vhagar are still out there, they'll always be a threat. Besides, King Viserys and Queen Aemma treasured their children more than the crown itself. I'd rather not have them haunt me if either Aeonar or Rhaenyra dies." Securing himself in the saddle, he signaled for Caraxes to soar towards the Riverlands. However, Vaelor, being the fastest dragon in the world, had already set off ahead of them. It would be a race against time to catch up to Aeonar and his dragon before the inevitable final confrontation unfolded.
"*Reeeeeeee!*" Caraxes screeched.
As Daemon and Caraxes soared through the skies, the wind whipping through his hair, it was a race against time. With every beat of Caraxes' wings, Daemon felt the greatest weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Despite the conflicts he had with Aeonar in the past, he couldn't ignore the fact that Aeonar was was still his nephew. His own flesh and blood. Recalling the encounter with the Cannibal in years gone by, Daemon understood that Aeonar and Vaelor would need help in their battle against Vhagar.
The question is…
…would they make it in time?
Chapter End
Author's Note: While both dragonriders leave, they each have different destinations in mind. One leaves to start a new life, the other continues to fight. While Daemon trains and strategizes in the courtyard, what are his motives regarding Aeonar and Jaehaerys? Do you guys think there's something going on from behind the scenes? And who remembers the fight with the Cannibal several chapters ago? And what was your take on HBO's Battle of Rook's Rest? How does it compare to mine? I'll let you be the judge while I try to hype you guys up for the Battle Above the Gods Eye.
Unit-Gojira: I don't think it will be the last will see Nettles but I'm still gonna ask...
1. Will this be the last we'll see her in the story or not?
―Presumably
2. If Jaehaerys ever becomes King if Aeonar dies, would he able to bring it back to its glory once again even though it's not gonna be the same as before?
―He'll try
3. How many dragons are left in the Dragonpit?
―I'm not entirely sure about the Dragonpit's blueprints, but I think there's about 6 or 8 dragons
4. Is Vermithor getting better or is he still injured from his previous fight?
―He's still healing
5. Did Rhaena finally get a dragon?
―Morning has officially hatched
randomdude24: Well I can't say I'm surprised with Nettles leaving. Viserys was the only reason she stayed they grew close and loved one another. Losing a loved one like that will never completely heal. No matter what it doesn't change the fact she will always be a lowborn dragonrider unwelcomed to court, while a few have accepted her its not enough.
Jay is starting to take a more serious role in governing the realm, judging traitors and showing some mercy. However, consistenly trying to be the merciful and aspiring prince while dealing with the loss of 2 brothers and his cousin will take a toll on his mental health if he doesn't do something.
Daemon is getting ready to venture out and deal with Aemond and Vhagar, as well as make sure Aeonar doesn't get himself killed. Given Aeonar attitude he's not wrong about him.
Questions,
Will this be the last we see of Nettles?
―Presumably
Its obvious that Jay and Aeonar don't agree with each other, but is another politcal faction starting to form within the blacks, supporting Jay as the next king?
―No, but it looks like it
As we get closer to God's Eye, how mentally unstable is Aemond? He's lost as Rook's Rest, abandoned his family to only get captured, his mother killed, his allies gone, and lost to his rival and nearly died because of it.
―He is very pissed and probably unhinged
C.E.W: So Nettles finally split, no doubt over the death of Prince Viserys and the bad mouthing of people behind her back. Daemon of all people saw her off, and even gave her something from Prince Viserys. Wonder where Nettles will go, on dragonback no less. If deemed a turncloak, I'm sure Jaehaerys might pardon her, especially if she turns out pregnant with Viserys' child later on.
Even Daemon is concerned about Aeonar's madness and reckless pursuit for vengeance. Daemon is following Aeonar to Harrenhal, Caraxes is smaller but slower than Vaelor which will make his intervene with the fight with Aemond and Vhagar late in the battle.
Jaehaerys seems to be ruling in Aeonar's absence with Otto Hightower by his side, he's keeping a good appearance in the face of the Black supporters. Inside however, he feels greatly guilty in not protecting his brothers and cousin Luke. It now falls to Baela and the rest of the family to help him bounce back, and his child could arrive at any day.
As for the Battle of Rook's Rest in the show? Well gotta say, I did not see Aemond burning Aegon II coming. I knew Aemond wanted to be king but, didn't realize he'd go this far. Killing Lucerys was one thing given they were on opposite sides of the conflict. But trying to kill your own brother and king is a greater offence. I was of course sad to see Rhaenys die with Meleys, but I knew it was coming.
Aeonar and Daemon on Vaelor and Caraxes were able to defeat the Cannibal by being smart and swift and use the wild dragon's own size and weight against him when they crippled his wing.
Questions:
Does Daemon know Baela is pregnant with Jaehaerys' child?
―Yes, he knows
Will Jaehaerys, Baela, Rhaenys, Aemma, Rhaenyra or Alicent get any Filler Arcs before Aeonar confronts Aemond?
―I'll try
I thought Aemond killed Simon Strong in chapter 119 Aemond's Fury? Was that Simon Strong a double or something?
―Doppelganger, yes
rogerlopez99: This was a really great chapter before the battle of gods eyes seeing the interaction between Nettles & Daemon Targaryen, Daemon giving Nettles a mementos of Visery so a part of him lives on so House Strong bend the knee to Jaehaerys, and I did like that Daemon can see that Jaehaerys blaming himself is killing him, and Daemon is now heading to harrenhal
1. In the show we saw Daemon hallucinations in ep 3 and 4 what your thoughts on it
―It feels like a self-reflection arc for Daemon after what he's said/done in the first season and how his actions affected Rhaenyra
2. Did nettles said her goodbye to Aegon if not why
―No, because (1) Nettles didn't feel like she belonged anywhere; and (2) Aegon and Viserys are identical twins so Nettles can't even look at him because Aegon will remind her of Viserys
3. Does Jaehaerys blaming himself going to affect his mental health as well
―His spirit is gonna be low, but he'll bounce back on his own terms