The Riverlands ― Above the Gods Eye…
The hour had long surpassed midnight, shrouding the world in an impenetrable darkness that seemed to swallow all light. Dense clouds obscured the heavens, their heavy, roiling forms blotting out the stars and rendering it nearly impossible to see anything nearby. Aemond tightened his hold on the saddle's handlebars, his knuckles white against the leather as he maneuvered Vhagar through the night sky over the Gods Eye. The massive dragon's wings beat steadily, a rhythmic sound that resonated in the stillness, yet it felt like a heartbeat in a world that had fallen asleep. With one remaining eye narrowed against the wind, Aemond searched his left and right flanks; his senses heightened in the oppressive darkness. The world around him was a tapestry of shadows, and he could feel the weight of the night pressing down, thick and suffocating. Occasionally, he peered downwards, alert for the threat of a potential ambush.
The vast expanse of the Gods Eye stretched beneath him, its waters dark and unfathomable, reflecting the muted glow of the moon that struggled to break through the clouds. Suddenly, a flicker of movement grabbed his attention—a dark, fleeting shadow that stirred the clouds, coaxing them into a gradual, undulating dance. It was evident that something was coming. Anticipating the imminent arrival of Aeonar and his dragon Vaelor, Aemond braced himself for what lay ahead.
However…
From the ominous clouds below, three grand spheres of condensed dragonfire were unleashed, shimmering with a deep black hue and intricate swirls of menacing red. With unerring precision, they surged forth, hurtling directly toward their target.
"Dīnatan, Vagar! (Move, Vhagar!)" Aemond exerted his command as he strained against the reins, compelling his dragon to veer sharply to the left to evade an imminent strike.
"*RRAAAAAAOOOOOHH!*" Vhagar roared and turned as much as she could, barely dodging the three fireballs in the nick of time, though she felt the flame's heat. "*RRRAAAAAAAOOOHHH!*" she growled, her nostrils flaring to pick up the Swiftrunner's scent.
Aemond could scarcely feel that. The searing, intense heat and sheer power of Vaelor's concentrated dragonfire would wreak far more significant damage to Vhagar than the ones Arrax and Gaemon inflicted above Shipbreaker Bay. Still, even their combined might paled compared to what Vaelor could unleash. Dragonfire of that scale, concentrated and focused, was not just an attack; it was a force of nature, and the sheer scale of destruction it could unleash upon impact was unfathomable.
As Vhagar flapped her massive wings to stabilize her flight, the air around her crackled with energy, echoing like distant thunder. Below, the vast clouds swirled and churned, a tumultuous sea of white and gray. Suddenly, Vaelor burst forth from below with great speed, his large body slicing through the clouds like a shark breaching the ocean's surface for a surprise attack. The coloration of his deep obsidian scales, the night skies, and dense clouds allowed the Swiftrunner to blend seamlessly with his surroundings. Vaelor's keen crimson eyes locked onto his target as he closed the distance. He could see the subtle shifts in Vhagar's posture, the way her muscles tensed as she prepared for the next phase of her flight. It was a moment of vulnerability, and he spears his head upward, huge jaws with blade-like serrated teeth opening wide.
Vhagar, with her extensive battlefield experience, quickly recognized that Vaelor was aiming for one of her most vulnerable areas: her soft underbelly. Memories of her fight against Vermithor and Silverwing at the Battle of Rook's Rest flooded her mind, each a vivid reminder of the stakes in protecting her weak spots. While the hardened scales and bony plates that adorned her epidermis provided formidable protection against most attacks, she was acutely aware that the skin on her abdomen was notably thin, almost fragile in comparison; a powerful bite from the Swiftrunner's jaws or well-placed strike from his razor-sharp claws could lead to devastating disembowelment causing a torrent of blood loss, a grave threat to her life. It was a grim reminder that even the mightiest dragons could fall if they were not careful. With a moment to spare, the Queen of All Dragons deftly adjusted her position mid-flight, her massive wings beating with a grace that belied her size. Instead of retreating or attempting to evade, she chose to confront the threat head-on. With a beat of her wings, Vhagar adjusted her position, angling her body to face Vaelor's impending assault directly, her night vision allowing her to see and lock onto him.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!*"
As if engaged in an aerial dance, Vhagar and Vaelor violently collided, their massive forms twisting and turning in the sky. Vaelor darted in with a burst of speed, aiming for Vhagar's underbelly. However, his strike was just a fraction too late; instead of grabbing onto her belly, his jaws clamped down around her sternum instead, his teeth sinking deep into her ribcage with a sickening crunch. A low growl of frustration rumbled from the Swiftrunner as he violently thrashed his head from side to side, tearing into the Queen of All Dragon's flesh. The sound of tearing sinew and cracking bone filled the air. Vhagar responded with a thunderous roar that reverberated through the clouds, a sound that was both a mix of primal pain and fury. The very sky seemed to tremble at her wrath as she retaliated, raking her foot claws across Vaelor's flanks with a ferocity that matched his own. Her claws, sharp as daggers, raked across Vaelor's sides, leaving deep, searing gashes that would mark him for the rest of his life. Vaelor let out a roar of his own, a mixture of anger and agony, forcing him to let go as the sharp claws tore through his scales, the taste of his mother's blood mingling with the bitter tang of frustration.
Each dragon left their mark on the other; Vhagar suffered a grievous wound from the mauling, her blood oozing and curling into wisps of smoke as it met the cool air. Meanwhile, Vaelor bore the scars of three deep claw marks raked along his sides, the wounds raw and seeping, his blood spilling forth and hissing as it met the air, steam rising in ghostly tendrils that danced around him. As they circled one another, each dragon poised to strike again. Whether fighting each other through the skies or down on the ground, the two dragons seemed to be evenly matched, their strengths and weaknesses balancing the scales of their confrontation. Vaelor's speed and cleverness allowed him to dart and weave, evading Vhagar's powerful strikes with a grace that belied his size. In contrast, Vhagar's combat experience and raw strength lent her the resilience to withstand his relentless assaults.
"Grrrrr!" Aeonar growled in exasperation, the sound rumbling deep within his chest like distant thunder, as he realized that Vhagar was a greater challenge than he thought. His gaze met that of the Queen of All Dragons, and she returned his stare with unwavering intensity. Vhagar is a seasoned veteran of a hundred battles, but Aeonar refused to back down; no, not when he's this close to revenge. Gripping the chains of his saddle, he secured himself more firmly, feeling the familiar weight of his ancestor's armor pressing against him like a second skin. The leather creaked softly as he adjusted his stance. Aemond had taken Daeron from him, and Aeonar would not rest until he had his revenge. He will not stop until he's killed Aemond, avenged his son, and taken Vhagar down. "Angōs, Valor! (Attack, Vaelor!)" he commanded.
"*RRHHAAAAAAAAAOOO!*" Vaelor roared.
Aemond, eager to finish this, leaned closer. "Dracarys!" he commanded.
Vhagar unleashed another searing torrent of dragonfire, her breath expanding like a fiery storm, engulfing both Aeonar and Vaelor in its wrath. The flames illuminated the night, casting an eerie glow across the battlefield, flickering shadows that danced ominously on the ground below. The heat was palpable, a living entity that crackled and hissed as it consumed the air, creating a tempest of swirling embers that spiraled upward into the darkened sky. Yet, amidst the inferno, a fierce counterattack erupted as Vaelor unleashed his own fiery breath, a brilliant conflagration that erupted from his maw like the very heavens had ignited. The two torrents of flame collided in a spectacular explosion, sending shockwaves through the air and illuminating the night with a blinding light. Regardless of the searing heat surrounding him, Vaelor surged through the flames, undeterred by the scalding steam and heat that enveloped him like a shroud. His wings beat powerfully, propelling him forward as he charged directly at Vhagar in a frontal assault. Vhagar, sensing the challenge and undaunted by the oncoming threat, beat her mighty wings to meet him head-on in a clash that reverberated through the very fabric of the night. The two titans collided mid-air with a force that echoed like thunder, their claws extended, engaging in a brutal dance of fangs and talons, a deadly ballet of power and fury. As they roared and twisted erratically through the sky, their fierce aerial battle became a chaotic dance, threatening to plunge them toward the earth. Vaelor and Vhagar savagely bit and tore at one another, their massive claws tearing deep gashes into their flesh, each wound a testament to their ferocity. The air was thick with the metallic scent of scorched flesh and the acrid tang of smoke, mingling with the cries of the wind as it whipped around them.
The two dragons exchanged brutal bites and fierce scratches in a relentless cycle of entanglement and disentanglement. Vhagar targeted Vaelor's right leg with predatory precision twice – her claws raking at his thigh and kneecap. Vaelor shrieked in pain, but he was not one to back down easily. In retaliation, Vaelor unleashed a series of savage bites upon Vhagar's shoulder and face, his teeth seeking any vulnerable spot he could find. Each bite was fueled by ferocity, and he intensified his attacks the more pain he endured. The taste of his own blood only fueled his rage, and he fought back with wild abandon, his claws raking across Vhagar's flanks, leaving deep, angry gashes in their wake. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the sounds of their battle—a cacophony of growls, roars, and the crackling of scales against scales.
At last, in a moment of calculated aggression, Vhagar seized the opportunity to launch her own attack, her instincts honed by countless battles. With a sudden, powerful lunge, her jaws snapped shut around one of Vaelor's curved charcoal-grey horns, her grip unyielding and fierce. The Swiftrunner let out a piercing shrill, a sound filled with both rage and desperation, thrashing wildly and beating his wings against the air in an attempt to break free from the Queen of All Dragons' iron grip. But Vhagar was relentless, her determination unwavering as she tightened her hold, applying crushing pressure with her powerful jaws. Vaelor's struggles only seemed to invigorate her, and with a fierce growl, she focused all her strength on that one decisive moment. Ultimately, with a resounding snap that echoed like crunching bone, she severed his horn from his head.
"*RREEEEEEEEOAOAAOAO!*" Vaelor lets out a piercing shriek of pain and anguish after having one of his horns bitten off by Vhagar. Momentarily disoriented, the Swiftrunner shook his head from side to side.
Aemond offers a fleeting smirk, a brief flicker of amusement that dances across his features, but it vanishes almost instantly as he notices Vaelor redirecting his gaze toward him and Vhagar. The Swiftrunner's lips twisted into a threatening snarl. His serrated, blade-like teeth glinted at them menacingly, sharp enough to rend flesh from bone, while the low growl that emanated from his throat reverberated through the air.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*" Vaelor roared, his crimson eyes glaring at them. He was very, very angry.
Aeonar experienced a profound wave of euphoria coursing through him, a sensation that was both exhilarating and disorienting. It was as if the very essence of the world around him had shifted, igniting a fire within his soul. While he was acutely aware of Vaelor's pains and thoughts—feeling them as if they were his own, as if their souls were intertwined in an unbreakable bond—this was something entirely different. The overwhelming sensations of anger, rage, and fury surged within his dragon like a cyclone. He could distinctly perceive that Vaelor's blood haze had reemerged with an alarming and exhilarating intensity. It served as a catalyst. This phenomenon had not occurred since the dragon's metamorphosis on Dragonstone, which had significantly accelerated his growth and evolution. "Angōs, Valor. (Attack, Vaelor.)" This is yours by right, Vaelor. Take your rightful place as the alpha dragon!
Driven by his blood-hazed aggression, Vaelor launched himself back into the fray and renewed his attack. His singular focus was on killing Vhagar; he would not stop fighting until he saw her die, just like he did with Grey Ghost. "*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*" he roared a guttural cry of pure primal rage and fury.
The attack came as sudden as a thunderbolt. Vaelor dove uponVhagar with a deafening roar that could be heard from miles away and sent flocks of birds scattering in panic, physically slamming into the older dragon with terrible force. In retaliation for Vhagar biting off one of his horns, the Swiftrunner unleashed a flurry of vicious bites upon the Queen of All Dragons. His powerful jaws snapped with a feral intensity, each bite aimed with precision before clamping down on the sagging flesh around her neck. Vhagar, taken aback by the sudden ferocity of her opponent, retaliated with a fierce bite, sinking into Vaelor's left shoulder with a vice-like grip. Yet, even as pain coursed through him, he pressed on, fueled by a primal rage. With a surge of determination, he sank his teeth deeper into Vhagar's neck, feeling the warmth of her blood as it began to flow. Once he had secured enough of her skin in his grip, Vaelor employed his serrated teeth to rend into Vhagar, shaking his head violently from side to side. The sound of tearing flesh filled the air, mingling with the roars of battle, as he ripped away loose pieces of her hide, increasing the flow of her blood cascading down her scales and marking the sky with the evidence of their brutal struggle.
"*RRAAAAAAOOOOOHH!*" Vhagar roared. Although wounded, she was not one to be easily subdued. With a fierce growl, Vhagar twisted her massive body, attempting to shake off the relentless Vaelor. Her wings unfurled as she sought to gain the upper hand. The two dragons danced a deadly waltz, each seeking to outmaneuver the other.
In a breathtaking display of power and aerial combat, Vaelor and Vhagar once more hurled themselves at one another, their massive bodies twisting and turning in the air as they sought to overpower one another. With a primal roar, they extended their foot claws, each dragon intent on seizing the other in a deadly embrace. Akin to that of two predatory birds engaged in a mid-air struggle for dominance, each dragon clutched the other's leg and locked their talons together. They spiraled through the sky, beating their wings with relentless vigor to maintain altitude, the sound of their powerful wingbeats echoing like thunder amidst the chaos of their battle. The Queen of All Dragons arched her long, curved neck, her eyes narrowing with fierce determination. She attempted to unleash a torrent of dragonfire upon the Swiftrunner. Still, her aim fell short, the flames licking outwards and only managing to scorch his pelvis instead of the intended target of his head, causing Vaelor to snarl. The heat of the fire seared the air, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake, but Vaelor was quick to retaliate. With a roar that echoed through the skies, he sought to blast his fiery breath at Vhagar's face but found his target also veered off course, striking the gaping tear in her torso instead, igniting the surrounding scales and causing Vhagar to hiss. The air crackled with the heat of their fiery exchanges. Amid their fiery exchange, Vhagar's claws slashed at Vaelor's body, raking across his torso and the upper part of his underbelly. The sharpness of her talons drew deep, crimson lines across his scales, but Vaelor was not to be outdone. He countered with his own assault, raking his claws down her ribcage and underbelly in a retaliatory strike, the sound of tearing flesh mingling with the roars of battle.
Their riders, Aeonar and Aemond, both strained and clung to their saddles with white-knuckled grips, their muscles taut with effort as they clung on for dear life. Each jolt and twist of their dragons sent them reeling, forcing them to shift their weight to evade the searing flames that erupted from their adversaries' mouths. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, blood, and singed scales, a testament to the ferocity of the battle unfolding in the skies.
As the two dragons continued their dizzying descent, the sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of fiery hues, the moonlight's rays refracting through the smoke and flames, creating a surreal backdrop to the battle. With a sudden twist, Vaelor leveraged his good leg to hurl Vhagar away, using her own size and weight against her before launching himself at her once more. The maneuver was daring as he sought to regain the upper hand in this deadly aerial ballet.
"Gah!" Aemond grunted, the impact force causing him to grip the reins and handlebars tighter. "Vilībari arlī, Vagar! (Fight back, Vhagar!)" he shouted.
"Sēnagon pōntā, Valor! (Kill them, Vaelor!)" Aeonar shouted.
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"*Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaah!*" Caraxes screeched.
Mounted on his dragon, Daemon raced urgently towards Harrenhal, the wind whipping through his hair as he urged Caraxes to fly faster. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him; his nephew, Aeonar, had set off to confront Aemond and his dragon, Vhagar, alone without so much as a word to anyone at court. The wind whipped through his hair, and a wild rush mirrored the fierce look on his aged face, reflecting the realization that Aeonar had already gained a considerable advantage by decisively acting on his own. Though his nephew's dragon had grown considerably larger over the years, Vaelor was renowned for his incredible speed, making him one of the fastest dragons ever to grace the skies. Despite the long-standing rivalry between Daemon and Aeonar over who better deserved to be King Viserys' heir, Aeonar was still his nephew by blood. This bond still tied them together. They were both Targaryens, the blood of Old Valyria bound by the same fiery lineage that had forged their ancestors into legends during the Conquest.
Yet, as fast and agile as Vaelor was, even he couldn't face Vhagar alone. From his twenty-eight years of experience as a dragonrider, Daemon concluded that neither Vaelor nor Vhagar would emerge victorious; instead, they would simply end up killing each other.
Assistance would be required—whether they were willing to accept it or not.
I'm sorry, brother. You needed me back then when you were at your lowest. But I'm here now, for Rhaenyra… and yes, even Aeonar.
ooOoo
Flashback: 28 years ago (105 AC)…
"I sometimes find myself wishing I could go back to that day and pass it all to Rhaenys. To be just another Targaryen prince… To be able to hunt, and read, and enjoy life's simpler pleasures."
"Give it up, then. We're both in our best years, but they are being wasted at court."
"You think I should abdicate the throne?"
"Leave those burdens to your council. You were the last Targaryen to ride the Black Dread. Claim Vhagar, like father did. We could fly to conquest, together."
"And who would we conquer?"
"Anyone we wish. We can do as Aegon did. Write our own history – in fire and blood."
"The dragons are gods made flesh. If we treat them as tools for our gain, they will deliver our end."
"You are wrong, brother. It's said that Valyrians created the dragons. If dragons are gods… what does that make you and I?"
"I can't abandon my wife or our young children. Aeonar and Rhaenyra need Aemma and me in their lives. What kind of Targaryen – no, what kind of man – would I be to abandon them for the pursuit of recreating a civilization that had its chance?"
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Flashback: 21 years ago (112 AC)…
Daemon couldn't forget the day he learned about the deaths of Viserys's wife, Aemma, and their newborn son, Baelon. As the news sank in, the Rogue Prince solemnly walked over to his grieving older brother, offering a reassuring hand on his shoulder while the Silent Sisters prepared Aemma's and Baelon's bodies for cremation. "Brother," he spoke softly.
"D-Daemon," Viserys sobbed mournfully, emotionally distraught, "she… she's gone! She's gone! I…! I, ah…!"
ooOoo
As Daemon was lost in thoughts, his attention snapped back to reality when he looked up to see clouds and skies lighting up with dragonfire. So bright did their flames burn that fisherfolk below feared the clouds themselves had caught fire. Ah, there you are.
"*Hissssssssssssss!*" Caraxes hissed.
"Hepās, Karakses,vēzot! (Climb, Caraxes, upward!)"
Chapter End
Author's Note: As the Battle Above the Gods Eye continues, it seems that both Vaelor and Vhagar are still at a stalemate - whether it's in the air or on the ground. It's a contest of speed versus strength, cunning versus experience. These two dragons are just tearing each other apart; teeth, claws, and fire. You name it. While that's going on, Daemon and Caraxes have finally caught up and saw the carnage ongoing. How do you think this all plays out as we proceed to Part 4? Let me know.
C.E.W: Aeonar on Vaelor and Aemond on Vhagar are tearing each other apart in what appears to be the biggest showdown between dragons in history of the Seven Kingdoms. Each struggling to gain advantage over the other. Aeonar wanting to avenge his son Daeron's death, Aemond wanting to prove himself the best and worthy to be king, Vaelor and Vhagar wanting to become the alpha dragon. Its kinda sad that Vaelor and Vhagar, son and mother wanting to tear each other apart, then again they are dragons.
Daemon is on the way on Caraxes and he appears to be getting close. Wanting to save his brother's son, despite the years of rivalry and their differences.
Questions:
Is Aemond and Vhagar by far the greatest challenge that Aeoanr and Vaelor ever faced?
―Yes
What wounds have Vaelor and Vhagar suffered so far?
―Neck, torso, shoulders, underbelly, thighs, wings and face; all covered with bite marks and lacerations from their foot claws going as deep as they can
Did Daemon see any ghosts or visions while in Harrenhal in this story?
―A little
Besides Aemond and Aegon, what other Caltrops supporters are left?
―None
rj7677304: I know this may be kinda bad but Aeonar either needs to die or get heavily injured because i think after this war Aeonar cant be the king he wished and have a happy ending he went to far already
―I have something in mind
randomdude24: The battle continues to escalate, Vaelor and Vhagar are both worthy of being Alpha dragons. Vaelor's young age and speed rival Vhagar's old age and experience. They are equals in every way, but against each other are destructive and might kill each other should the battle continue on. However with Daemon arriving that should tip the scales enough to get a victor, while it might cost alot for this to be a black victory.
Questions
Daemon knows what Aeonar has become, so why is he risking this to save him?
―He's doing it for his late brother, that's it
Should this end with Aemond's death, this will destroy what's left of the caltrop cause. Will the remaining caltrop council be put on trial for their crimes, eventually?
―Yes
The black council knows what Aeonar has become his tyranny might get worse. Where do each of them stand on his descent into madness? Excluding Otto have any begun to plot aganist him?
―Bartimos Celtigar and Farrier are still loyal, others are leaning towards a solution to get it to stop
rogerlopez88: The battle of the gods is still going as both Vhagar/Aemond and Vaelor/Aeonar fight in the clouds as dragons rip, bite, claw and breath fire at each other as both are at a stalemate, Daemon and Caraxes have arrived and the battle could turn however death waiting to claim a soul, and I fear that Aeonar will pull a Aemond move, both Vhagar and Caraxes are lock to each other as Aeonar could burn both of them, let's not forget that Aeonar is mad at Daemon for having Jaehaerys Aegon the second, son killed
Question
1. Do you plan to watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdom
―I'm still debating on whether I'd want to or not
2. Does Aeonar still remember what Daemon did to Jaehaerys (Aegon the second son)
―Yes