A/N: As it was said, another back-to-back chapters.
Enjoy it my beautiful people.
(LINHA)
It was not until three days later that sun broke through the clouds. Light found its way back to King's Landing. A sign of a good tidings approaching. Spirits were raised, from the Red Keep to the flea bottom. With such, there was a boost for the continuing work.
As expected, there was much to do before they could truly begin. However, her father, uncle and the others lords looked more confident, hopeful even now.
Although slowly, a return to form for the city was becoming a stronger reality.
It was a motivator for her also. To double the efforts.
Sitting on one of the many corridors on the higher floors of the Red Keep, a table set at her side with a couple of items, Rhaenyra was deeply engrossed in the current book in her possession. The fifth in her streak, or perhaps the sixth, she was starting to lose count. Judging by the number of pages inside of them, some reaching close to a thousand, it could've been two-in-one in those. She most definitely would not start with them.
It came as a surprise for many her sudden interest in reading. Not she was uneducated or anything close to it. After being made to read the same texts about history, the great and minor houses of continent, over and over, it becomes a dull affair. Besides, she always had an away to memorize fairly quickly. Which made it even worse.
As Daemon had said, after the surprise dwindled, and the simple reason of why, her requests were placed at her disposal. With a few other recommendations made the young apprentice for other similar materials. She would look into those later.
Father showed a level of happiness over it. Mother always said, had the crown not fallen upon his head, Viserys would have gone to be the Keep's chief historian. Forging links in the citadel, instead of holding the realm together and being deep in the labyrinth of politics.
Speaking of her.
The queen also found joy, most of it because it was keeping Rhaenyra from thinking about dragon flying as much as she was before. She rolled her eyes at that. It just a matter of time, then she would return to that discussion with a vengeance. Alicent was of a similar mind with the queen, in a lesser degree. Mostly she was just glad to have some reading they were equally interested. Not just her laying down with the young Hightower solely bothering to look at counted inside.
Today she found herself reading alone. It took a great effort, but she managed to convince Ser Harrold to guard her mother for the day. Coming close to swearing to not go anywhere away from the Keep's limits. Had Alicent been present, it would've been an easier task, but alas, she had other duties with Lord Hightower occupying her. It left the princess in the company of an occasional maid or some of the Keep's staff passing by with a quick greeting before going on their way. As well as the large garden below. Unlike the one hosting the weirdwood tree, this one was vast and open. Smooth stone paths leading to all parts of it. Large trees, thick bushes, symmetric cut grass, fountains, and decorative vases and statues, which she had walked past countless time, distributed in various spots.
It was good to see it again in more uplifting mood, instead of the gloomy one it had during the storm. A serene sight to contemplate whenever Rhaenyra had to take some time to rest her eyes.
One of which, had come to an end.
Licking the tip of her finger, she pulled the page, continuing with the work. Part of her wished for something meaningful this time. The other books were mere breadcrumbs of information and tales. Very few of it of use to build a foundation of her objective.
As sun graced King's landing, it seemed some of the grace fell to her too. Reading the first paragraph, she came face to face with writing that spoke of her desired topic.
Rhaenyra leaned forward in her seat, her eyes hard and fully sited on the words.
It spoke of a time where magic was at it is high. Where one the greatest legends of the age of heroes was born.
The grey king.
A ruler of an unknown name, from the iron islands of old, said to have held his seat for over a thousand years. Outside of being the supposed ancestor of many of the great houses that now exist in the region, the ancient king's most valued feat came from glory in combat.
Out of stone his halls was made. However, not from the ordinary stone. Nor the hands of men constructed it.
His halls were built by the work of a god.
And the stones made out of bones.
The bones of the sea dragon - Nagga.
Rhaenyra could've sworn she had heard the name before. A long time ago. Another thing to look after on a later time.
Continuing, she went through a section speaking said creature.
It described her as the first of her kind. With overwhelming ferocity and power. Her hunger so great that only Krakens and Leviathans could satisfy it. Her body measured in miles of length. Her fangs scales piercing like sword. A maw that could crush a battleship in a single bite, not even stone could withstand it. Small wings that allowed her to glide over long distances. And her wrath sufficient to drown entire islands into bowels of the ocean.
A mighty beast. Brought down by a worthy foe.
Day and night, the grey king and Nagga fought. It was in the fourth rotation of the sun that the former came out victorious. With the help of the called 'drowned god', he stuck his lance against the beast's eye, puncturing its skull cleanly.
Afterwards, besides the bones, all of her parts would go to become the materials used to the king's designs. One which being his throne, made out of Nagga's jaws. A crown out of her teeth. And his halls warmed by a seemly eternal fire born out of her blood.
Turning the page, Rhaenyra next saw an illustration. A guess of how Nagga could have looked like. It matched itself nicely with the words, though the wings looked less like that of the dragons, and more as if Nagga's ribcage had opened itself and grew a layer of skin between the bones. Where once she would praised the artists for his imagination, and the writer for a tale that would entertain many a children, and left it at that, now her mind conjured a living and breathing vision of the dead monster. Picturing it rising out of the water as the other one had.
With a flinch, she pushed the image aside. Reaching in the table, Rhaenyra took a tied bundle of blank pages. Pulling one out, she picked a pencil, dipped the tip in the small inkpot, and began scribbling. Memorizing may come at an easier pace for her, but some details always ended lost, and for this, she could not take any chances. By now there were probably a dozen small notes she taken. Each organized in order of her reading. This one turned out to be of most importance until now. Not fully accurate, but it possessed the same idea she wished to present later.
Perhaps a physical one too?
If there were a chance of Nagga's supposed skeleton, or what is left of it, still be around, it could do her a great service.
Would the Greyjoys accept her making a tour over to their keep?
….
….
….
….
Rhaenyra snorted to herself.
As if.
She knew very well places there where off limits, even if she was the princess of the realm.
Finishing the note, she went back to the pages. If this one book already gave her a big boost in material to go with, maybe it could have way more to offer.
"Send word to my brother. We cannot wait while they are in silence."
As she started reading the following text, Rhaenyra perked at steps and voices from her right. To her surprise, it was Lord Velaryon. The Sea Snake walked looking over his shoulder, talking to a man, who, judging by the color of his clothes, was part of the lord's party here in King's landing. Their conversation crucial, as none of the two noticed her staring at them.
"I will not promise we will receive a quick answer, my Lord." The man said.
"Even so." Lord Velaryon stated. "Anything will do as of now."
"Yes, my lord." With a sharp bow, the man turned himself around, leaving to do whatever was asked of him.
As for Lord Velaryon, the master of ships came to rest his arms over the railing, overlooking the garden with a sigh. Rhaenyra guessed she was not the only one to make use of the view.
Deciding to leave him to his peace, her eyes swept to the book once more.
And for while both princess and lord stayed side by side, in worlds of their own.
Their harmony was broken when she movement again.
"Princess?" She meet the Sea's snakes gaze in lifting her own.
"Oh." She faked surprise as to not appear as if she was eavesdropping. "Lords Velaryon, forgive me, I didn't notice you."
He seemed to have taken it as truth, waving off her explanation. "You could say I was also guilty of the same." He put it to her, before politely asking. "How is your recovering going?" For all the times he and her father disagreed during the council meetings, some more intense than others, the lord of tides never held negative in regards to her person. For that, she took his question as honest.
"I feel almost like myself again." Rhaenyra replied. "The maesters recommended more days of rest, however. A precaution, they said."
Lord Velaryon nodded. "That's good to hear." He then reflected. "I'm sure most of us will need those for ourselves in some later time. Be it after the city's reconstruction. Or for what may come next."
Rhaenyra could take a guess of what he meant in the last part. She still had not return to her role as a cupbearer in the council, only getting a summarized notion of what was discussed from her father and her uncle. The sea snake was focused on the current endeavors lined up. Yet he would bring up the topic of the step-stones occasionally still. Her father stated that they were like ghost haunting the man's mind from dusk until dawn.
In a twist of fate, right now, she could share in Lord Velaryon's feelings. Dealing with her own ghost in the mind.
Yet, hers was one of imaginable propositions, easy to scoff at for those unaware. His was happening at that very moment, and from how the topic was mentioned, few, if not none were willing to pay it attention.
It was not her problem to deal with. Nonetheless, she had someone who listened to her at least.
Offering an ear may go a long way.
Feigning ignorance, she asked. "Next?"
"It's a matter that is causing me concern." He bought into her act. "Don't let it worry you, princess."
She pressed on. "When there are matters of your concern, they rarely are of no importance, my lord."
Both his brows raised. In surprise, in amusement, Rhaenyra could not say. Nor if she had stepped beyond the lines. When Lord Velaryon did not speak for a few moments, she went in to apologize.
There was no need.
Silently, but visibly, the sea snake laughed in what seemed to be good humor. Rhaenyra breathed in relief.
"You pay more attention then you let on, princess." There was hint of praise in his voice.
She would not claim that fully. Many a times she had tuned out the voices in the councils meetings, depending on what was being discussed. There so many reports of bouts between petty lords that she could take in daily bases.
"I do try." She replied with a meek shrug of her shoulders.
"Hah" Lord Velaryon tittered, then casted his gaze back to the garden. Rhaenyra believed there that would be the end of it. And he would go to ignore her for the rest of his time there. "I believe you have heard about the occupation in the step-stones?" Until, without turning, he said.
She now fought to keep her own eyes from widening.
"Just from gossiping in the halls, my lord." She answered.
Lord Velaryon bowed his head in understanding. "And I believe you know the importance of those islands?"
"I do." Rhaenyra then asked. "You think they mean to use them against us?"
"It won't be a question of if, but when." Lord Velaryon confirmed. "And it is one of the simple's ways of war-fare. Why risk direct confrontation, if you can undermine your foe indirectly, almost unseen."
How will the enemy ready itself when they are busy trying to keep stability within. Rhaenyra saw the logic of it.
"And now, due to our state." He continued, gesturing beyond the garden. "They will have all the time needed to establish themselves."
She tried to look at a possible bright side. "I'm sure you, my father and the others lords will find a solution when the time comes."
While he seemed to appreciate the confidence, Lord Velaryon snorted lightly, looking back at her. "With them, I have my doubts, princess. Except, maybe, prince Daemon."
Why was she not surprised by that?
"But, I shall put, small as it is, faith in your belief." He stated.
Maybe if it is her talking about it, her father would at least be more willing to listen on taking action on the step-stones. When the time comes to focus on the creature, the realm deep in crisis was the last thing needed.
Rhaenyra came close of saying such to Lord Velaryon. Yet, she was interrupted when he pointed at the book in her hands, a glad realization in his eyes seeing the cover.
"Ah! I remember this one." He stated, approaching, holding out a hand. "May I?"
Taken aback, Rhaenyra handed the book wordlessly.
Lord Velaryon's smile grew as he ran turned it front and back, a hint of reverence in his eyes. "Nothing out of place."
Lightly shaking her head, Rhaenyra said. "You have read it before."
"Indeed." Lord Velaryon confirmed easily. "It was a favorite of mine, when I was boy." He explained. "I would spent day and night going through it over and over." His gaze turned upwards in consideration. "Thinking back, It can be said that it was the inspiration for my voyages. Legends and myths do stir up one's imagination."
With his words, Rhaenyra's heart went through the motions of freezing and instantly racing right after.
Idiot! She cursed herself for not even considering it right away.
There, standing before her, was a man who knew about the known world possibly more than anyone else did. Years spent on the sea. From the Far North, to the Far East. To cities and cultures so alien and distant from the borders of their continent.
Maybe he could have….
Gathering and focusing her thoughts, Rhaenyra first calmed herself.
"D-Did they live up to what you imagined?" She tried to make the question as casual as she could.
"In parts yes, in others, not as much." Lord Velaryon revealed. "There was greatness and wonder to be seen and discovered. Books can either not make justice to them at all. Be an exaggeration, leaving the truth an underwhelming thing. Or just an outright lie."
There was her chance.
"So I take you stopped believing in monsters?" She asked.
Lord Velaryon frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
She gestured to the book, hoping her leading questions would bare results. "There are suggestions and mentions of some in there. And in others I have read." A half lie to test the waters. Forcing a jesting smile, she added. "You had to largest chance of seeing if any of them was true. And still…"
The lord of ties fell silent, humming as if considering his next words carefully. That Rhaenyra did not imagine that would occur as an initial reaction. Could it be ?! She held hope at bay.
"Monsters…are a curious thing to me." He eventually said. "Many can say that a Kraken is a monster. Or a dragon for that matter. Yet throughout the years, most of us have come to see them simply as animals. As outside as they may be from the ordinary. A notion that was strengthened as I learned more."
Hanging at every word, Rhaenyra leaned forward, a move that he took as a sign to elaborate.
"It is easy to think the best or the worst of anything when it is unknown, princess. In the places I traveled to, I would occasionally met those who spoke of great beasts that once walked free across the world. Saw murals and paintings depicting them. Each one with a story and name of their own, like the ones you might have already read. One could think that, with so many of them, there could be a chance they are real. However, for me? I'd say, they could have been, when we did not know better."
Rhaenyra tilted her head. "You think them a speculative belief."
"Precisely." Lord Velaryon nodded.
Once she would have shared in the mentality. Now…
"But, what if, one day, those beliefs were real?" She wondered, to see his reaction.
"Well, to this day there hasn't been such an occasion." He put it. "And if, by any chance, it does come to happen…Then the world is be a bigger mystery then we can ever hope to comprehend. And more dangerous than any can imagine."
On that, Rhaenyra was in complete agreement.
A new arrival put an end to their conversation. Both turned, seeing a girl, a few years younger than Rhaenyra, come into view. White-haired, light blue dress, a beautiful gold necklace with an also blue emerald at its center.
She was walking with a purpose, stopping abruptly when noticing them. Or, more specifically, Lord Velaryon.
"Father." Laena Velaryon, first born of the sea snake and the princess Rhaenys, said happily, approaching. "There you are."
Lord Velaryon's face brightened at the sight of his child. "Is there something wrong, Laena ?" He inquired.
"No." She replied. "Mother has sent me to find you." Her gaze turned sideways, and she lightly jumped of her feet. "Princess!" Bowing quickly in greeting, Laena stated in apology. "Forgive me, I was distracted."
Rhaenyra's smile was a true one this time.
"It quite all right, lady Laena." She replied.
In her first years of childhood, Rhaenyra would say that, before Alicent, her first friendship was with Lord Velaryon's daughter. Both had a shared boldness, a sense of adventure, a love for dragons, and didn't had much care for court business. Outside circumstances saw the potential of their connection never being fully fulfilled. Unlike the most lords in the council, her father had a great seat of his own, to rule and maintain, and could not remain in King's landing consistently. Many years went between, and letters were a poor substitute for what they once had. Even so, Rhaenyra's appreciation for Laena could never fade. And there always joy in their meetings.
"I interrupted something ?" The girl asked.
"No, no." Rhaenyra assured. "Lord Velaryon and I were just talking."
"Of books and monsters." The Sea snake showed the tome to her.
Laena's reaction was similar of that of her father's. "Ah! I know this!" She said.
From his look of surprise, this was unknown for the man.
"You did?"
"I stole it a couple of times from the library." Laena admitted easily.
"…Stole it?" Lord Velaryon raised a brow.
"Yes."
"Why not simply ask for it?"
To that, Laena only shrugged her shoulders, as if saying. Where's the fun in that?
The clash between the carefree attitude, and the non-amusement from both caused Rhaenyra to snicker behind her hand. In addition, it seemed all fathers had the same 'we will talk about this later' expression.
Laena, outright ignoring it, turned to Rhaenyra. "I have a few others, princess." She first said. "If you'd like, we could read them together some time." The offer came with an easy and sincere smile.
Rhaenyra return it. "I would enjoy it very much, Lady Laena."
She hid it well, but she saw the excitement oozing from the girl at the acceptance. Perhaps, she thought, the appreciation was reciprocal.
Lord Velaryon also took his joy, casting a pleased gaze at his daughter. He then cleared his throat, stating. "We should get going, Laena. Your mother's patience is often that of a dragon's." He said, handing the book back to Rhaenyra. "Do enjoy the rest of your reading, princess. If you may excuse us." Were his parting words to Rhaenyra.
"Lord Velaryon." She inclined her head in reply.
Watching father and daughter make their way out, Rhaenyra leaned back in her seat. Still holding the book, she took a moment to go over their conversation.
While not certain, she now knew that the lord of tides was very open minded about such ideas, that ranked him high on the would be allies list, should she provide him solid proof. Laena also had the markings of being one as well. Hells, she would undoubtedly love a chance to see the monster first hand. The memories of how she would proclaim for all to hear, that one day, she would be the one to ride Vhagar were some Rhaenyra recalled with ease.
Going beyond the realm of possibility, entering hope, Princess Rhaenys and Laenor. Those two she would have to take a measuring first. Assess their acceptance and belief.
It lead to the blooming of an idea.
Should she continue, strictly focus on writings, Rhaenyra ran into the matter of potentially limiting herself. She would bet that nothing Daemon had spoken of what truly was in Valyria's shadows would be found in any tome in her possession. If it was, someone went to great lengths to hide it away from the public eye. Even the royalty. No, it was a secret he kept to himself for years on. Only revealing it when finding other who lived through a similar experience.
What if, there more people like this out there?
Gods, it could hundreds of thousands of them. From all corners of the realm. Even beyond it, as she had just been told.
People, from no matter what kind of walk of life, who had seen such beings and lived, never getting to speak about it. Holding a weight that they did not know they could share, in doubt, perhaps fear. Never had someone who would bother to believe in them. Scoffed, ignored, scorned. No doubt the topic of many a jest behind their backs.
Following in what Lord Velaryon said, now Rhaenyra knew better.
She'd like to hear those stories.
Each and every one of them.
Around her was the perfect ground to start. If the capital of the seven kingdoms did not someone else, or at least one person who could point the way, then all hope might as well be lost.
Rhaenyra looked down on the book in her hands, with the decision made, and set firmly in her mind.
And she already had a clear idea of where to start.
(LINHA)
He did not miss the irony of it.
A jest higher powers made at his expanse for their own amusement, it sure was.
One that he endured and went along for his own sake.
Not even they would ruin his hours of peace now.
Viserys stood in his private solar, the last beams of the sun disappearing on the horizon. With nothing but the blowing wind entering the windows, and the flickering and crackling of fire so make him company. An hour or two of solitude until the king would supper with his family.
He walked in circles, slowly going through the details of the newest addition to what was at the center of the room.
Like many in the Targaryen house, or any with the smallest hint of interest in history, Valyria was always a topic of great interest. A near obsession in his younger years. And he was one few with the means to indulge it in more expensive ways.
Down to as many details possible, a great stone model of the ancient capital of the lost land was fully in display. Large bridges connecting to higher and lower levels. Structures said to have reaching the very skies with their height. The biggest of them all, in the shape of a dome, right at the center. The seat of the dragon lords. All of the highest nobility. Built into a volcano, much like Dragon Stone was. Surrounded by many towers, each with a dragon statue on top.
How he wished for the opportunity to take one single glance at the past. To witness what might have been the greatest empires ever recorded in its full glory. It's strengths and flaws.
However, those dreams would stay as they were.
And the wondrous model would have to satisfy the desire.
To this day, it served that purpose well. Those who see the built for the first time always praise him for it. But he could never take the credit. The stone masons were the ones who poured hours of work in it. Viserys only ever provided sketches and plans for them to follow as a guide. He saw them well rewarded each time. This one was no different.
Almost complete. And he held the last piece.
A dragon. Its stance one of battle. Wings pulled close to its body, ready to charge against an unseen foe.
His fingers absently tracing, going over the smooth stone while he took in the details. It was a good piece.
But it also reminded of a new concern.
Just today, in the council's chamber, the envois he had sent to Dragon-stone had returned. They were tasked in reporting the state of the island after the storm. Being so close to King's landing, it was clear it would also suffer as the capital did.
They started by saying their apologies for the time taken to complete their tasks. Seawaters were still rash and wild, turning their travel a struggle. Viserys would be a fool to put blame in them for such. After offering his assurances that there was no offence made, he requested their report.
As expected, the ancestral home of his house and the island both had been damaged by the storm. The villages nearby suffered with floods as the sea level rose. Already he imagined more plans of reconstruction to it, and sending rations and aid. If the pile kept getting bigger, soon he would have to call upon the iron banks for deal. Loath it as he did.
Thankfully, in terms of loss of lives, it was near non-existent. Only a man caught unawares by the initial lightning bolt barrage. The population had been offered shelter inside the keep itself; it had enough space to host them for the mean time. The sturdy rocks suffered damage, but they held on strong until it all passed.
Next and the one he was waiting with the most apprehension. The dragons.
Yet, for all the disasters, Viserys had imagined they would have wrought upon the island, came the greatest surprise.
They did nothing.
Not even Vermithor, the dragon his grandfather Jaehaerys rode over his life, one the most ferocious dragons they possessed living in the dragon-mount.
Relief and doubt swarmed Visery's mind. Relief that none had suffered a storm made out of fire, for he knew no even an army of dragon keepers would be able to tame the bronze fury in the state he saw Meleys and Caraxes.
And doubt of the why?
Had they not sensed the supposed challenge Rhaenys spoke of?
The answer came moments after.
Then it all made sense.
They most likely felt it as the others. However, dared not to answer it. In fear of another.
As the men had then detailed to Viserys what he had learned and seen, Dragon stone suffered more than the storm.
On the furthest side of the isle, a large piece of it was missing. Big enough to house hundreds of people inside. Completely broken, not from the lighting. But by brute force, from within.
Viserys learned as the man did from one of the keepers.
That coast was what used to be the cannibal's lair. Away from any who dared look for it. Keeping to itself, submerged in the depths of the very island itself.
It happened just as the rain first started. First, all of dragon stone heard it. A roar so grand it dwarfed the thunders themselves. The very ground shook beneath their feet. Finally, they saw it. Flying over their heads with gigantic wings, creating waves of strong winds at each flap. Leaving behind a trail of light of its path in the sky. The same, the envoy added, was still visible by the time he arrived. None saw it again afterwards.
Viserys would admit he had very limited knowledge of the wild dragon. He never even seen it. Only the words passed through generations of keepers kept him aware. If any were accurate, they painted a frightening image.
It was said that it arrived on dragon-stone even before the doom. That its size rivaled, or even surpassed that of Vhagar's. Its tail had thorns compared to the sharpest of swords. The fire it spilled could burn on top of water itself, and would stick to one's very flesh like pitch. And of course, it was given its title by preying on others of its kind for food.
With just the last part, Viserys could understand why no Targaryen has ever dared try form a bond with the wild beast. Moreover, why it could terrify even the fiercest of dragons.
In a way, Viserys reflected, he could almost thank it for making its presence known and stopping more chaos from spreading. Just as he would curse it, when the very news of a rampaging wild dragon reach him. And there were few doubts it would.
Grunting, the king placed the small statue in its designed slot, on top of one of the towers in the model.
Once more in this day, did he wonder the dragon's whereabouts.
It could be anywhere at this point.
Had it fled to somewhere else? Or did it go out to meet the challenger head on?
He guessed only time will tell.
A quick glance at the window showed he had gotten lost in his thoughts. No light could be found on the horizon at this point.
Viserys rubbed both of his eyes. Even in his peace, the responsibilities haunted him.
With a deep sigh, he stepped back. One last look at the entire model marking the end of his time there. He would hope his thoughts would leave him be at least as he tried to enjoy the time in dinner.
There was a series of knocks at the door, drawing his attention. It creaked open, and in stepped Ser Redwyne, the pommel of his sword in hand, his helm under his arm. The aged knight's fierce iron gaze remain as it was in the years Viserys had him as his guard. His posture quite alike. Viserys often believed only death would make the man be at ease. At the same time, he also saw a dedication to his duty few could match. To him, or in the command of the order.
"Your grace." The knight said.
"Yes?"
"It is the princess Rhaenyra. She wishes to speak with you." He revealed, motioning to the door. "Shall I grant her entrance?"
Visery's head tilted in confusion. Rhaenyra?
It was not uncommon for her to seek him out. More so during her childhood. Yet nowadays those visits were few and far in between. Which he understood, they already spent hours together with her role as cupbearer. And for one so sudden? He naturally wondered if something had happened.
"Of course, bring her in." He said simply.
Ser Redwyne gave him a curt nod. Turning around he opened the door wider, revealing Rhaenyra standing in waiting, before moving aside to allow her passage.
She walked inside, giving the knight a low thank you. He bowed in reply, before going outside and shutting the door behind him, leaving both father and daughter to their privacy.
"Father." Rhaenyra greeted him first.
"Rhaenyra" He return it. "Are you well?"
"I am." She nodded.
"Has something happened?" Viserys followed with.
His daughter looked at him with amusement. "Do I need a reason to come see you?"
Viserys slightly narrowed his eyes at her, holding a smile in good humor at the same time.
She did not held on to the facade, her expression turning embarrassed. In the midst of a low laugh, she grasped the sides of her dress. Noticing it, Viserys frowned. Wondering for a brief moment. He only seen her do such when nervous.
Again, he thought something had happened.
"Don't worry, it is nothing, truly." She said before he could ask. "I just on my way to mother. Ser Ryam told me you were still here, and I thought we could go together."
Visery's brows rose, mildly taken by surprise. There was still a small touch of unquiet in Rhaenyra, yet her tone was firm and certain. The king allowed his smile to grow, appreciating the kind gesture. A few more moments in the company of his child during the day, especially on these days, would do well.
"Well then." He stated. "Your time was good. I was ready to take my leave."
Rhaenyra seemed close to a reply, when she stopped, looking over his right. Following, Viserys saw that the model had gotten her attention.
"Some of it it's new." She pointed out, walking around him, going towards it.
"Oh, yes." Viserys confirmed, coming to stand by her side. "They were delivered to me today. My biggest commission until now." He gestured from center to left in the assembly.
Rhaenyra's gaze went over them, and like himself, she took in all the details at display, drawn in to it.
"Is wonderful." She said afterwards.
Viserys agreed. "All worth the wait." He then looked from the model to her, and back again. A simple interest grew inside him. Outside of Daemon, most of those who had seen the model knew close to nothing about the lost kingdom. Rhaenyra had always shown a larger degree than they had. Could that be true this? "Tell me." Drawing her attention, he asked. "Can you say what they are?"
Her eyes widened briefly in surprise, before she turned her attention back to the sections.
Viserys waited patiently for her to reply. He almost could see the cogs in her mind working. Thoughts going back and forth, searching for the correct answer.
A breakthrough soon was made. She pointed at a specific part. A large building, second largest in the whole built, with sharp edges at its top, giving the semblance of a fortress.
"The Anogrion." Rhaenyra said. "It belonged to the old mages, right?"
He smiled contentedly at her. "Indeed. The blood mages. Where they worked all their craft." Not helping himself, he added. "It is said that, while they served the dragon lords dutifully, none were ever allowed to enter it, no matter their rank or standing. One has to wonder what they were doing behind its walls."
"Many would say something dangerous." Rhaenyra commented.
Oh, he had no doubts about it. Yet, he could never say he would not want to find out either way.
Alas, another piece of their history they would never recover. Although, Viserys could vaguely recall a supposed tome which belonged to one of the mages that served his family. It must be lost somewhere in Dragon stone.
"We can only imagine." He said, before gesturing for her continue.
She did. This time, it was the widest structure he had. An open dome like area close the volcano. Decorated and displaying a large symbol with the face of a dragon at its north wall. He saw her lean forward, head tilting, tapping a finger against the table. Not so easy, this one.
She turned to him. "It's a…arena?" Was her guess.
Viserys smiled. "Does give that impression doesn't it?" He said. "But no. That's not it." Next, he revealed. "This was the Pandorium. A holy temple."
From the look in her eyes, Rhaenyra had doubts.
"This." She pointed at it without looking, voicing them. "A temple?"
Viserys merely nodded in confirmation. He did not fault her. An entire life of just knowing tight and closed spaces for worship would cause a shock when seeing something like it.
"Why?"
Viserys was glad to answer.
"It is true that Valyria had its share of common temples. This one, however, was a most precious place." He stated. "The texts say it was the home one of our gods. The greatest of them all."
Astonishment took hold in his daughter's face.
"…Arrax, of the fourteen?" She asked.
Viserys was gladdened. By both her awareness of the topic, and the opportunity to teach her more.
"Arrax sure is a mighty figure. He was not called the ruler of the fourteen for nothing." He said. "Yet, daughter mine, there was one above him. Above all. The Valyrian god."
Rhaenyra turned her body fully in his direction, intrigued. "Who?" A hint of eagerness was in her voice.
"The name it's lost to time." Viserys lamented. There mentions a plenty in all he read. Never once he got close to finding out the true identity to such a grand being. So much that none dared to utter its name.
"I have never heard of that." She said.
"Not that it could be helped." He assured. "I found them years ago, and our library has stood for more than a century. Also, there is many contradictions about it. What the stories say completely is that the Pandorium received hundreds to thousands each day. That our people's prayers could be heard across the city itself."
She was quiet, lips pressed together in a thin line. "What are those contradictions?"
"Of the god itself." Viserys replied. "First I read that it had the form of a man. A mage, powerful and wise." He pointed at the symbol, adding. "Then, in another, it said that they were a dragon, bigger than any to ever exist. Hah! From the writings, it was as if it could hold Balerion in the palm of its hands like a babe. Wouldn't that be a sight?"
In his light jest, he failed to see Rhaenyra flinching, turning rigid next to him.
He kept on commenting about his findings, until an interruption came.
"Do you believe in it?"
"What?" Viserys turned his head.
"…Those stories." Her voice came out strangely hesitant. "This god. Do you think they are real ?"
Confused, he enquired. "What brought this on, Rhaenyra?"
Again, there was hesitation. "Just…curious. The books I have been reading all speak about myths and legends. And I…wondered…if they could have actually existed."
Oh! Viserys made sense of her hesitation. A girl of her age, asking about things like this? Many would use it to make fun of her. Well, he would not include himself in that lot.
Showing a calm and easy expression to show Rhaenyra he had no judgments against her, Viserys considered what to say.
"I supposed it depends on what it is." He settled as his answer for the question.
Her eyes were a request to explain. Therefore, he gave it.
"Let me put it this way. Do I believe our people held great influence over magic? Yes. Do I believe that they could control fire? That it could not even harm them, as the old tales would say? No. Such power is for the gods only." Nor should it ever fall into the hands of man. A thought left unstated. Arms crossed he went on. "Most, if not all of humanity can fall in the same idea, Rhaenyra. Legends tell us one thing, history another. And every person gets to decide what they believe in, and what they do not."
"Would you say that…monsters take part in it?"
"Monsters?" Viserys repeated, moving his gaze upwards and back. "That is oddly specific."
Rhaenyra shrugged, waving lightly in place. "There is no shortage of them in legends."
A fair point, the king admitted.
"Indeed, there is not." He nodded, rubbing his jaw. "As for you question…Yes, I'd say they do. And I would not brush off their existence entirely."
He saw surprise in his daughter's face, followed by…relief?
"And, is there a reason you…believe them?"
Viserys honestly imagined that she would wonder if he had seen one with his own eyes. While he never did, he held secretly close to his heart the familiarity with one. One that none, not even his child could ever learn. The burden of dream passed to him. With his brother being the single other individual to share its weight.
"That is another lesson you must know, daughter." He put it to her, a touch more severe, like a warning. "Every now and then, with history and myths, we may find something which belongs to both."
(LINHA)
The princess retired to her chambers after supper mentally exhausted. Yet a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled her. With great leaps of progress made.
More than Rhaenyra initially expected.
With Lord Velaryon, there was a first sign of hope. And now her father?
Just the two of them offered an amazing amount of influence at her favor. Almost none would dare to challenge their word. Thinking about it, there was also another benefit. The scouting she originally planned on the Red Keep's grounds could be left aside for now.
It was good most of the castle's staff and their shifts came to an end at that point. Making her way through the halls, guided by the torches on the walls, they would certainly wonder about the preening smile that threatened to split her face.
She could not help herself with it. Moreover, after the last days, it was something she needed.
Approaching her door, Rhaenyra saw Ser Harrold, standing guard, waiting for her arrival. The progress came in the right time as well. For she doubted the knight would follow her command to watch over her mother again.
"Ser Harrold." She greeted him when getting close enough.
"Princess." He replied. "I trust you enjoyed the day?"
"Indeed, but rather slow. Yours ?"
"The same." He gave a low chuckle, before saying in a tone conspiracy. "But, Personally? I would take a thousand of those given the chance."
She shook her head in good nature. "Not overly fond of lively days?"
"From time to time. Age does make you appreciate the calm."
Rhaenyra raised a brow. "You are not so old."
"I have been a knight my entire life, princess. We tend to feel older sooner, even if most tend to pretend they don't."
Now she laughed, going to open her door. "Then I make an effort to keep your secret."
"My gratitude." Ser Harrold nodded in good humor, before adding. "Lord Mello's apprentice is inside, waiting for you."
"Oh." She'd almost forget over her excitement. "I will see to it. Thank you Ser Harrold."
"Good night, princess."
She turned and went inside the chamber, closing the door behind her.
As said, the maester's apprentice was hunched over a small table next to her bed. Mixing the healing salve in consecutive slow motions. So focused on it, he was, that Rhaenyra was only noticed after some time, taking off her bracelets and rings.
Rhaenyra tried, and came close to failing to keep her laughter behind her lips, watching him almost jump out of his skin. And avoiding dropping the pot while at it.
"Ah, princess, forgive me, I was –"
"It's alright." Still smiling, she cut in before his apology was finished.
Visibly relaxing, the apprentice, Orwyle, she recalled his name, gestured in understanding, before going back to conclude his work.
Rhaenyra proceeded removing the rest of her jewelry. Leaving only her dress to be changed when she fell ready to sleep. Moving towards the bed, Orwyle patiently at ready on the side, the pot held in his hands.
Following the routine of the last days, she sat down, shifting her head up and to the side, giving a clear access to her ear.
"Have you felt any pain today? Any small bleeding?" Orwyle went through the questions.
"No. But there was some itching." Rhaenyra replied.
"Hmm. Do resist the pull of scratching them, princess." He pointed out.
"Of course." From corner of her eye, she saw him dip his fingers into the salve. She grounded her teeth when he applied the salve. The cold and the textured cause her to shiver. In the first application, it was also excruciating, almost like a burn. Thankfully, as the days went, it became bearable. Moreover, he was always precise and quick in the administration. Doing what he needed for the wound. Nothing more.
"The other side, please." She turned, the process repeated, and it was over.
Orwyle had a positive look in his face. "Grand maester Mellos will have the final word. But in my eyes, we could begin to use a lighter salve. You have luck there was no infection, princess."
"I glad to see she hasn't left my side yet." Rhaenyra commented off-handily. She looked at her bed, finding the pile of unread books she left behind.
"Indeed." He laughed quietly, walking over the table he had set up, putting the pot on top of it. He must have noticed where her attention was at first, by asking. "How are you finding the readings, if I may ask?"
Rhaenyra saw no trouble in feeding his curiosity. It would also with one of hers. "They are…enjoyable." It was not a lie. "You have a liking to them?"
"I do appreciate some of it. But my interests always lied in the more genuine readings." Orwyle said over his shoulder.
Right there she recognized where he stood in his belief. A pity. She should have expect it, however. Any of the maesters would sooner cut off a limb than to trust what could be seen as unnatural. Well, Rhaenyra thought guess I will have to continue on withou-
"But I'm sure Archmaester Lhermo would be delighted in talking with you about it."
She ceased moving.
"I'm…sorry?" She asked.
There was a pleased and found look of remembrance in the apprentice's face. "Lhermo Guidel. He was my history instructor in the Citadel in first years." He said. "I dare say you will not find anyone who knows better than him in that area. Probably knows entire tones by memory, back-to-front, and no matter the subject."
Rhaenyra grip tightened in the book. She looked away, and dared not turn to him again, if only as to not reveal her expression.
"Any, truly?" She hoped her voice didn't give anything away.
"Indeed." Orwyle confirmed, before adding humorously. "Sometimes in detriment to himself."
"Why?"
"He's a brilliant man, largely respected by the order. But he tends to believe too much in everything."
It was getting harder to mask her true emotions.
"A great admirer of myths then." She stated.
Orwyle laughed shortly. "Admirer is minimizing him, princess. No, he is a, I dare say, a devotee. In our times outside the lessons he would go on for hours and hours, about lost lands, the unknown, and monsters, especially monsters."
Rhaenyra fought against making a sound, and dropping the book from her hand.
This time he continued without a question. "He once asked me if I thought they were real. I said no, of course. And all he said was, and I quote; Oh, but you should. For they are. Trust me. Safe to say, I am remaining waiting for the day he proves me wrong. " He gathered all of his accessories in his arms. "Would you require anything else, princess?"
"N-no, this will be all." She forced out. Her mind running wild.
"Very well, princess, I will be taking my leave. Do remember to not sleep sideways."
"I will. Thank you."
The apprentice left, closing the door behind him.
Not knowing the thank you was not for salve.
(LINHA)
She laid in rest.
Alone in her solitude.
Faded. Forgotten.
The ages passed by. With the world beyond changing with them.
She remained as she always was. Untouched.
Once, she had raged.
Once she had been more. More than this discarded pawn. A last alternative. At the mercy of silence.
Proud and strong she had been. With countless broken and felled before her might in battle. In a contest of strength, she had nothing more to prove.
Yet, those days are long gone. Along with the anger.
She was eternal. And in that eternity, she found herself unable to hold on to the feelings. With time reducing them bit by bit.
Until it was down to a mere memory.
Her brothers surely could and would.
She had thought them alike once as well. However, in her new state of existence. In her lair, as she came to call it. She pondered. Reflected. Realized her truth.
She was through with it.
The conquests.
The wars.
The orders.
She had wiped the delusions of glory away. And old victories that felt hollow now.
For the first time in her existence, she craved for nothing but peace.
In the cycles that followed, she had it. And she felt…happy even.
It remained undisturbed. Until earth shook, and the waters around her trembled. She knew what cause it right away.
An arrival.
Yet her curiosity was a short span. Whatever would happen after is none of her concern.
Or so she believed.
It started as small nudge in her mind. A passing sensation. Not even close enough to mildly disturb her repose.
Next came the pressure. Pushing down slowly at her very being. Following into her dreams, every day. She fought against the hold, mentally straining herself each time. But in that manner of power, it was a matter of time before she would be dragged by the pull.
There was no doubt who was the responsible.
It was all confirmed. When the nightmare began.
She had long forgotten how it was, standing in the void. Just as she had forgotten how much she hated it.
And it's creator.
"At last." She heard him from every direction. The dammed voice like a thousand old wounds ripped open. "You have been trying to cut yourself away."
She would not entertain him. She would not even look at him.
"Ooh, defiance? That is new for you."
In that, she remembered, nothing could hide from him in this realm.
"Enter my domain and have the mind be laid bare under my eyes. Not even you could ever hope to escape it."
The endless dark rippled beneath her legs. He made his presence known, as a shadow swallowed the length of her body. Reality quaked in her field of sight, just by his guttural humming.
"Aaaah, that explains it all, then. The reason you resisted." He said with a mocking laughter. "Why daughter, a few centuries in this cave are all it took for you to a change of heart? Hehehe. A destroyer of worlds, now seeking peace. How…inspiring." He spat the word.
Of course, he would be the only being to stroke the ambers of her wrath anew.
"Better than continue being a piece in your board." She hissed.
"And you believe that knowing what you always were will give you freedom? My poor, naïve child." He stepped forward, but she still refused to look at him in the eye. "Everything that are, everything that you will be, it is all by my design. I created you, I own you. And you followed me, loyally, for my every whim and desire."
"And I was a blind fool for it."
"Don't act like you never basked in your rewards." He stated.
"Tricks. An illusion. Especially with how easy it was to discard me to this rock to rot out of sight. Disregarding all the times I called for you. "
"An instrument has its time of being suitable. You served your purpose, and no longer had any."
She breathed deeply, grounding her teeth. At the same time, she wondered.
"And what of my brother? Was he useful?"
Part of her rage bloomed when sensing the arrival of one of them in this world. No doubt to fulfill another of their father's biddings.
"That FAILURE! Would do me a favor by dying at once." It was the first show of anger from him. It seemed his plans had met with resistance. Again. Oh, even in her isolation, she was aware of some events transpiring. This conquest was proving to be a thorn at her father's side.
With great amusement and dare, she said. "What an entertainment you must be for the old ones, father. The drowned god, the lord of the abyss, can't even take over a simply speck of dust."
There was a bit of silence.
Then it felt like the universe fell upon her.
A pain and terrible pain in her head, tenfold the pressure from before. She roared and screamed, trashing side to side, trying to put it away. The action was interrupted. Her father's grasp was near unbreakable. He pulled her back, cutting off any sounds.
"Do control that mouth of yours." No emotion could be found in his voice. "Unless I do it for you."
She groaned a curse at him.
"Let us waste no more time with this." He declared. "I have found use for you again, daughter. Surely, you have noticed a sudden...visitor in this miserable rock. This one could…complicate things in the future. More than any other. It is imperative that any nuisance has to be removed. And it falls to you to see it done."
"…No!"
So this was what his call was about. She should have guessed.
"Stubborn."
"If you are all powerful, why not do it yourself?!" She manages to say.
A new wave hurt. As if his fingers were digging into her skull.
"Don't you worry, my time will come." He assured darkly. "Until then, I will make you a promise. Measures have already been taken to help in your obligation. Succeed and perhaps I will find another ditch to throw you in. Fail and…well, then hope that he kills you. If not, take what time that is left to summon whatever power remains in you and get out this world. Because after I'm done with it, YOU and your brother are next!"
She felt his grasp loosen right after. The ambers from before have turned into a great a fire inside her. Clouding the mind. Convincing her to not let him leave that easily. That he would not just appear asking her to do his dirty work because it suited him in the moment.
Gathering strength in her arms, she turned around swiftly, roaring like thunder. For a moment, she caught the sight of his arrogant face.
She attacked with all she had. A great exuberance cursed through her veins when feeling contact.
And in the madness of her fury, she failed to realize, it was not her father.
(CUT)
AAAAAAAAAAAND DONE!
Everyone can agree that Viserys belonged in a library better than in the throne, right ?. Raise your hands if you do.
Can't talk much here now, got to go finish another chapter because ARCANE IS BACK BABYYYYYY!
Also, have you seen the trailer and the behind the scenes of the HTTYD remake ? Man, they really did Toothless right, and the other dragons look pretty good too, and if there truly was a Rumble horn in the trailer, I'm gonna freak out in theater, lol, love skull-crusher. And, I know, I know, everyone here have their reservations about those kinds of remakes, I do too. This one I just cannot help it, I love the animated movies, and am curious to see how this one turns out. Fingers crossed that Dean delivers.
And I may have a…...idea…about a story involving the franchise down the line…just saying. It's has been growing on these days.
One last thing. About the ending of this chapter. The father is a character I really like from a certain mythology. Introducing him has me so happy. For his voice, I like to imagine the late and great Lance Reddick (RIP) in the role. Similar to how he voiced Thordak in Vox Machina.
As for the daughter, some of you may figure it out who she is just by Google ling the works of her official voice actress; Julia Andrews *Wink* *Wink*.
The brothers will have their moment in the future.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading.
See you next time.
Peace!