Pentos: 284 AC: 3 Days Later:
The midday sun beamed down on the magnificent gardens that encompassed Illyrio's manse. In a clearing in the center, Arthur and Barristan spared, as Rhaella and her son Viserys looked and cheered on. Around them all, were a handful of Targaryen household guards, who looked on in awe at the sight before them. Barristan and Arthur moved with a speed that they had never seen. As one of them attempted to gain an advantage, the other moved just as quickly to deny him. Their blades shimmered in the sun as if they were bolts of lightning, none more so than Dawn, which looked as though Lightbringer had come again. The sound of steel upon steel reverberated through the gardens, and birds took flight at the noise.
None were more excited than Prince Viserys, as he could hardly fathom that two of his idols were fighting in front of him. Each time their swords clashed, an audible gasp of excitement came from the young Prince. Above them all on a balcony, watched Illyrio, who was having his fill of the food that was brought to his side. He admired the skills of both men, and at times they almost frightened him to see what they were capable of. He doubted he had a man in his service that could match them. As he watched on, a messenger appeared at his side.
"Magister, the Lord Jon Connington has arrived." The messenger bowed.
"Ah, good, good. Let him in and tell him to make himself comfortable, I will be there with him momentarily."
The messenger bowed and quickly left the presence of the Magister. Illyrio made his way to the edge of the balcony and called out to his guests that Jon Connington has arrived, before lumbering his way towards the entrance of his manse. Arthur and Barristan watched the fat Magister make his way from the balcony, and they both wiped the sweat that had accumulated on their faces away.
"Well fought, Arthur." Barristan smirked, as he sheathed his sword.
"You too, Barristan. Though, I will best you one of these days."
"You may try."
Both men then quickly took their places at the side of the Queen as she walked with Viserys in hand. They made their way to the entrance and sat upon a destrier, was the fiery appearance of Jon Connington. His red hair and beard held all the dust and dirt from his travels, and his pale blue eyes never left the sight of the approaching Queen or her escorting knights. In front of him, stood Illyrio, who smiled at the exiled Lord with his crooked teeth.
"Lord Connington, I am grateful you could be here so soon." Illyrio said, his head bowing slightly.
"You sent me a note I could not ignore, Illyrio." Jon huffed, getting down from his horse. His eyes immediately transfixed on the Queen that now stood before him. Almost subconsciously he took a knee and lowered his head. "My Queen, I had not thought to see you alive."
"Rise, Lord Connington. I am happy to say I am healthy, thanks to my two knights here." Rhaella chuckled.
"Ser Arthur, Ser Barristan...I had thought you both dead at the hands of the Usurper." Jon smiled.
"Well, he certainly tried." Arthur laughed, as he embraced the exiled Lord. "It is good to see you, Jon."
"Likewise, Arthur." Jon mumbled.
"Shall we make our way inside? I have prepared some food and drink for you, Lord Connington."
Together, they followed Illyrio into his manse, where he then took them to one of his many halls and began to feast them. For the first few hours, they made small talk about Jon's life in the Golden Company and how it differed from his life as a Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Arthur and Barristan then went into great detail about their travels and how they managed to escape to Dragonstone, and then to Essos with the Queen and Prince. They found comfort in each others stories of Rhaegar and the man he was before Arthur brought up his last remaining son.
"I heard that the Usurper had all his children had killed in the sack of Kings Landing." Jon spat, his anger at the situation present.
"All but one. Aemon. The rightful King." Arthur announced.
"Aemon...But his mother...the stories...is he true?" Jon stammered.
"He is. We found letters of marriage between himself and Lyanna." Arthur assured.
"Where is he? Can I see him?"
"He is sleeping at the present moment, Lord Connington, though when you next visit, I assure you that you can see him." Rhaella smiled.
Jon rubbed his eyes in disbelief. After all this time, there was a glimmer of hope. "I will take your word for it. I imagine you'll want to restore him on the throne."
"We do. We have already held discussions on how to gather support. We were hoping for the Golden Company's support." Barristan added.
"I am sorry, Ser, but I have only recently joined with them, and although my name is well known, I'm afraid I don't carry that kind of weight yet." Jon sighed. "Also, their history with the Targaryens is...difficult at best. It will take some convincing to get them to support you. It will take time."
"Time is something we have plenty of, Jon." Barristan sighed.
"I wish I could resign my position, to be here by the Kings side."
"Nonsense, Jon. We need you in the Golden Company. If you rise the ranks, you can help us bring them to our side."
"I see...You speak truly, Ser Barristan."
After making some more small talk and going over future plans, Arthur and Barristan escorted the Griffin Lord to the entrance of Illyrio's manse, where he mounted his destrier. He wanted to stay as long as he could, but he did not want the Golden Company thinking him up to no good as he told them that he was only visiting Pentos to see an old friend. He wasn't sure what their reaction would be had he told them the truth about who he was actually meeting. Jon said his goodbyes to Arthur and Barristan and promised he would see them again as soon as he was able. The pair of knights watched him ride off through the streets of Pentos.
"He's a good man, that Connington, and a good leader of men." Barristan spoke, as soon as he was out of sight.
"He is. Though I am unsure about him being a good commander, Barristan. The Battle of the Bells comes to mind."
"Oh come now, Arthur. There was nothing more he could have done."
Arthur grunted in reply, before turning to walk back inside Illyrio's manse. Barristan stood there a moment more, and gathered his thoughts. He understood why Arthur held resentment towards Jon, as if he had won the Battle of the Bells and killed Robert there, then Rhaegar would still walk this day. It would take something to mighty for Arthur to fully believe in Jon's ability and lots of time. Though, if he brought the Golden Company to their side, he could see Arthurs attitude changing.
Kings Landing: 284 AC: 7 Moons Later:
Robert awoke, the sun shining through the drapes of the royal chambers over his muscular body. He outstretched his arms and sighed, knowing today was the day for his crowning. To him it was a bittersweet affair, as he had gained a crown in a war where he had lost so much. How he wished that Eddard and Lyanna could be here with him to share in the joy of the moment that was to come. At times, he wished it were him that fell before Arthur Dayne and not Eddard and if he could trade places with his long departed friend, he would.
The past was the past though wand what's done is done, he thought as he made his way from his bed and to a wash basin, where he washed his rugged face and black beard thoroughly. He then drank some wine that was left from the night before, the taste making him recoil slightly. Although his drinking habits had gotten better as the moons have passed, he still had trouble quitting altogether and he doubted he could ever go without it completely.
He had his servants called in and had them dress him in his finest raiment, the mustard yellow and black of the outfit making him look every bit a Storm King. His black hair looked as silky as a midnight river and his garment served his muscular form well. A far cry from the old, decrepit look of the former King, he thought. Making his way from his chambers to break his fast, he was immediately joined by his soon to be Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, though the old man was already doing the duties of the Hand, he just lacked the title.
"Robert, I hope you are ready to be finally crowned." Jon smiled, as they walked together through the Red Keep.
"I am, Jon. The Realm needs a King and I am more than happy to oblige, I suppose." Robert spoke, his melancholy coming through.
"You suppose?"
"I sometime wonder what the point of it all was, Jon. How can I enjoy my crown when I have no one left to enjoy it with."
"Sometimes that is the price of power, Robert. You must lose to gain."
"I fear I have already lost more than I have gained."
Jon never said anything to Robert. He knew that Robert often struggled to come to terms with the deaths of the Stark siblings, and Jon would be lying if the death of Eddard did not have any affect on him. He often thought of the young boy that used to play with Robert at the Eyrie, the thought gave a lump in the throat of Jon, but he swallowed it down lest he embarrass himself in front of his peers. As they arrived at Roberts private dining room, they took their places and began to eat what was on offer. Robert particularly enjoyed the cold cuts of meat and he piled his plate high with them.
"What time do we start, Jon." He asked him, his mouth half full.
"In around two hours, Robert. We will make our way to the throne room and there you will be crowned before the Gods and men."
"Good, I hope it does not take too long, I wish to attend the feast as soon as possible."
"It should only take a few hours. There are things you need to do before you go to the feast, Robert. You'll have to officially pardon those who served Aerys, and welcome them back into royal service. Especially, Ser Jamie."
"Ha!" Robert laughed. "Welcome back a man who killed his former King, into the Kingsguard. You see the irony, no?"
"I do, Robert, but you must be seen as a just and merciful King. Besides, the boy did you a favor in killing Aerys."
"He did, you're right."
After making some more small talk and jests between them, they both left the dining room and made their way to the throne room. Roberts thoughts were filled with anticipation of what was to come. He knew after his coronation, he was to wed Cersei Lannister. Although he had no desire to be wed after the death of Lyanna, he agreed with Jon that the Realm needed an heir, lest the dragons come back and reclaim their stolen throne. His thoughts turned to the throne room itself, as he knew he had to do some redecorating before the wedding to ensure that the air of the Targaryen filth did not linger.
Arriving through the great metal doors, Robert was almost awe struck to see how many Lords had come to see his coronation. Around the room, the skulls of the dragons were still present, and they unsettled Robert as he felt as though they were looking directly at him. As he walked towards the throne, he saw the High Septon standing before the steps. In his hands he held a crown of pure gold with twisting stag antlers encircling it. He walked slowly but assuredly, and knelt before the High Septon on a silk red pillow that was placed at the feet of the man. As he knelt, he noticed everyone in the room turn their attention towards him, their gazes almost burning through him. Firstly, the High Septon began anointing him with seven oils, before finally he placed the crown on top of Roberts head.
"I proclaim Robert of House Baratheon, the first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." The High Septon announced.
Robert rose to the cheers of the crowd present. None were more happy than Jon who stood at the front of the crowd, his smile beaming around the room. Robert slowly climbed the steps and looked at the Iron Throne before him. So much death for such an ugly thing, he thought. Carefully he lowered himself down into the throne and looked at all those before him. In that moment he looked every inch a King, as his black hair ran long down his shoulders.
One by one the Lords came before him and offered him oaths of fealty. It drew on and on as each Lord, minor or powerful, said the same thing over and over again, before finally, Varys, Grand Maester Pycelle and Jamie Lannister were all stood before him. As a group, they fell to their hands and knees and begged forgiveness from the new King for their roles in serving the former King.
"Rise, all of you. Your crimes are forgiven." Robert chuckled, not appreciating the seriousness of the situation.
"Thank you, Your Grace." They all bowed, before returning to the crowd.
"Jon Arryn, step forward!" Robert announced.
Feigning humbleness, Jon made his way towards the steps of the throne and took a knee before the new King. "I am yours to command, Your Grace."
"Get up, Jon. I don't want you bowing to me like everyone else." Robert laughed, as Jon got to his feet. "Here, this is yours. I would name you my Hand of the King."
"I am not worthy of the honor, Your Grace."
"I'm not trying to honor you. I'm trying to get you to run my Kingdoms for me." Robert laughed, as he pinned the Hands badge on Jon, who quickly took his place at the side of Robert.
"I thank you all for coming. I will do my best to repay the trust you have all placed within me and I promise I will rule justly and honorably. Now please, go and enjoy the feast and festivities."
Robert sat on the throne and watched the great hall empty. He wondered, how many of these huge gatherings he would have to attend. He enjoyed commanding men and leading them into battle, but he doubted he would ever get used to having all the Lords of the Realm staring at him.
"Jon." Robert spoke, as the old man shuffled towards him.
"Yes, Your Grace?" Jon asked.
"I want these Dragon skulls taking down, before I am to be wed. I feel as though they are staring down at me."
"Of course, Your Grace. I'll see to it immediately."
Robert eventually left the throne room and made his way towards one of the halls where they were feasting. Opening the doors, he saw everyone take a slight bow towards him, and he thought that having everyone bowing to him was something he could get used to. Making his way towards the high table, he sat down and declared the feast to begin, as he himself began to dine on the finest foods the Realm had to offer. Be neath him, on the lower tables, sat the Lannisters. With them, he saw his betrothed, Cersei.
Her beauty was striking. With her golden curls and emerald eyes, Robert almost believed he was looking at some foreign goddess. He had, of course, heard tales of her looks, but to see it for himself, he was almost happy that Jon recommended that he be wed to her. Next to her sat her brother, the recently pardoned, Jamie Lannister. For a moment, Robert could hardly tell the twins apart as Jamie looked more a girl than anything else. His long golden hair almost matching his sisters own. Robert chuckled himself, as he took in the sight, knowing that Jamie was to be his Kingsguard, he wondered if he might take offense to him wedding and bedding his sister. His opinion did not matter, however, as he was King now. As King he will get what he wants.
Pentos: 284 AC: The Same Day:
Arthur and Barristan stood outside of Rhaella's private quarters with Viserys sitting worriedly on a bench beside them. Barristan was the essence of calm whereas, Arthur paced impatiently back and forth. They all could hear the sounds of heavy breathing and the occasional moan of pain that came from within. Inside, Rhaella lay with her legs spread and her silver hair clung to her sweat filled forehead. In front of her were some of Illyrio's servants and the midwife they had brought from the Tower of Joy. The pain was excruciating, she thought. She had given birth many times before, but none were as painful as the one she was going through. She felt as though her insides were being pulled out of her, and the amount of blood that was present on the hands of the Midwife concerned her mind.
"A few more pushes, my Queen." The Midwife reassured.
Rhaella did what she was told and pushes with all the remaining strength she had. Breathing deeply, she pushed for one final time and screamed loudly enough to wake everyone in Illyrio's manse. However, she felt a sense of relief as the midwife pulled from her a crying babe, covered in blood. Rhaella laughed lightly through the tears that were forming in her eyes, as the midwife wrapped the babe in a white cloth bundle and gave it over to Rhaella.
"Its a girl, my Queen." The Midwife smiled, as she gave her over.
"A girl...I can hardly believe it...Please call them in." Rhaella said breathlessly.
The Midwife rushed to the door and opened it to bid the three men in. They rushed in and Viserys quickly made his way to the side of his weakening mother, and he took her hand in his own, looking upon his newly born sister. Arthur stood back slightly and watched the frantic work Illyrio's servants were doing on Rhaella's most private of parts. The amount of blood that was present gave him unpleasant memories of the Tower of Joy. He prayed to the Gods that this time the mother would live.
"Viserys...Its a girl...You have a baby sister." Rhaella smiled weakly at her son, as she brushed his hair from his face.
"A girl...I had always hoped for a sister." Viserys grinned, looking into the purple eyes of his sister. "Have you thought of a name, Mother?"
"Daenerys...I like the name Daenerys." Rhaella smiled.
Arthur looked to the midwife who was working tirelessly with Illyrio's servants. "Will she live?" He whispered.
"I cannot say at this time...we have stemmed the bleeding, but she has lost more blood than I would like to admit, Ser." The Midwife murmured, taking another cloth which had an unknown remedy poured onto it.
"A beautiful name, my Queen." Barristan smiled, as the baby in Rhaella's arms began to stop crying.
"Thank you, Barristan."
"My Queen, we must take the babe and check it to make sure it is healthy." The Midwife interrupted. "Sers, my Prince. I must ask you all to leave, as these moments can be critical for the survival of the mother and the babe." She spoke, turning to all three of the men in the room.
As one, they made their way from the room and began the long wait yet again. Arthur leant against the wall and rubbed his temples. Over the last few moons, he allowed his black hair to grow to his shoulders, but he still tied it back lest it get into his face. His beard was neatly trimmed though, as he hated the wiry feeling off it whenever it brushed his neck.
"Be calm, Arthur. Everything will be alright." Barristan reassured, as he sat beside a nervous looking Viserys, placing a calming hand on his shaking leg.
"I envy you, brother. How you're able to remain so stoic in situations such as these, I'll never know."
"It comes with age, Arthur." Barristan chuckled.
"Do you know if my mother will be fine?" Viserys asked, his eyes full of sadness.
"She will be, my Prince. I have no doubt." Barristan smiled, rubbing the knee of the young boy.
The hours then dragged for what felt like eternity, as the day dragged into the dusk. The quietness that came from the room was almost frightening, as the men outside had no indication to what was happening. Finally the Midwife opened the door to all of them, her face one of peace, and Arthur could not make out whether it was sadness or happiness she portrayed. He grew concerned however, as her hands were still covered in dried blood and her hair was matted as if she had been fighting a battle.
"The Queen, my Lady?" Barristan asked.
"Is alive and well, Sers. Please when you enter be quiet as the babe is sleeping and the Queen needs her rest soon." The Midwife beamed.
Arthur almost jumped out of his skin at her words, but he kept his composure unlike Viserys who pushed past the Midwife in a bid to see his Mother first. As Arthur entered, he again saw Rhaella, resting on the bed, her skin much more pale than usual. In her arms she held the now sleeping Daenerys.
"Mother!" Viserys exulted, running to the side of his Mothers bed. "I was so worried for you."
"Shush, Viserys, your sister sleeps." Rhaella chuckled. "Ser Arthur, Ser Barristan, I am happy to see you both."
"We are happy to see you healthy and hale, my Queen." Barristan answered for them both.
"We were worried for you, my Queen...the blood..." Arthur attempted to explain, before Rhaella interrupted him.
"Its fine, Arthur...All is well." She smiled. "Now, please, Sers, could you escort my son to his chambers and leave me to my rest."
"As you command, come, my Prince." Barristan said, holding out his hand for Viserys to take.
Viserys kissed his mothers cheek and took Barristan's offered hand, as they followed Arthur out of the room. Once outside, the young Prince heard Arthur breathe a huge sigh of relief, as he rubbed his eyes. The sight made Viserys amused, as even the greatest of Knights can become overwhelmed, and it made Arthur seem much more human to him, rather than the hero that Viserys often mused about.
"Are you happy you have a sister, Viserys?" Barristan smirked, looking down on the Prince who walked with him.
"I am, it seems I have both a brother and sister now." Viserys giggled.
"You do, my Prince. But being the elder, you'll have to look after both of them as they grow." Arthur interjected.
"Will my mother not be raising them?" Viserys questioned, his childish naivety showing.
"No...I don't mean it like that, my Prince. Your mother will be there to help raise them, just that being the eldest sibling, they will look to you to teach them lessons your mother would not be able to teach." Arthur smiled. "Such as being honorable and honest."
"Ahh, I see. You'll be there to help them on their way, won't you?" Viserys asked, as they arrived at the door of his chambers.
"We will both be there for your family, Viserys. Always." Arthur grinned, looking to Barristan who nodded approvingly at him.
"Thank you and goodnight." Viserys mumbled as he hugged the legs of Arthur, who in turn knelt down and gave the Prince a truer hug, before letting him in his chambers and closing the door.
Barristan looked at Arthur, who looked as though his emotions were getting the better of him. "He likes you, you know. Thinks your Aemon the Dragonknight come again." He chuckled.
"I don't think I have the looks for it, Barristan." Arthur sniffed, as he wiped his eyes gently.
"You certainly have the skill."
"Maybe when I die, I can duel him in the Seven Heavens, see who comes out on top."
"I would pay to see that, Arthur."
Arthur smiled at his friend. "Come, let us see the King."
Both men made their way to where they knew Aemon was being kept. The last few moons he had grown exponentially, and was now just over a year old. Arriving at the chambers, Arthur saw Richard standing guard outside the door. Nodding to the man, he opened the door for the Knights to find Willem inside, reading a book on a table in the middle of the room, as Aemon slept in a bed, cradling the black Dragon egg. The room had been lavishly decorated by Illyrio in the recent months, and it contained paintings of Dragons and banners belonging to House Targaryen. Arthur wasn't sure why he did so, as if Aemon was able to figure out what all of it meant at his young age.
"The Queen?" Willem asked, as Richard followed the Knights in and closed the door behind them, eager to hear how his Queen had fared.
"She is well, Sers. She has given birth to a healthy daughter, Daenerys." Arthur sighed, as he took a seat at the table in the middle of the room.
"Thank the Gods. A daughter? I am happy to hear it." Richard smirked, as he too sat at the table.
"I say this is a cause for celebration, my friends, I assume no one is opposed to a glass of wine?" Barristan hummed, as he moved to grab four glasses and poured the wine before anyone had an chance to say no. Placing the glasses in front of the men, he too sat down. "To the Queen and the Princess Daenerys." He announced, raising his glass.
"To the Queen and Princess Daenerys." They all joined, raising their glasses and drinking.
"We have to be quiet, young Aemon is sleeping." Willem chuckled. "It took me a few long moments to get him to finally sleep."
"How has he been these last hours, Willem?" Arthur asked.
"Restless. Its like he seems to know that one of his family are in pain or danger, though I cannot say for certain. All I know is that the last few nights, he has been as good as gold, but ever since the Queen went into labor, he became upset."
"Strange. Perhaps its something to do with their shared blood. It is meant to be magical, apparently." Barristan pondered.
"What of Viserys?" Richard asked.
"The Prince is fine. He's overjoyed to find he has a sister." Arthur answered, his thoughts returning to when the young boy hugged him. "I believe he is coming of age when I can begin to train him properly."
"You mean to squire him?" Barristan inquired.
"I do. I'll do the same to Aemon, once he is old enough."
"Admirable of you. Perhaps they can be as good as you, Arthur." Richard hummed.
"You flatter me, Richard. I just want to impart my values on them really. If I can make them anything like Barristan, I will be a happy man."
Barristan let out a hearty laugh, before sipping his wine. "I'll help you tutor them, Arthur. Together, we can make them into even greater men than ourselves."
"A hard task, no doubt." Willem added.
The next few hours they spent making japes and jests, and reminiscing on the years gone by. The men were most interested to hear Barristan's never ending tales of the Blackfyre rebellions and his service to King Jaehaerys the second. Arthur often found it exciting when Barristan spoke of Maelys the Monstrous, despite hearing the story a thousand times before. Hearing it from the man who killed him, though, was another thing itself. After Arthur had drank perhaps too much wine, he excused himself and made his way to his own chambers. Arriving, he was happy to see Dawn still in its sheath against his bed, as he lay down. Sleep claimed him not too long after, and he slept with a heart full and his worries quenched.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Up next should be Robs wedding and we'll probably have to do more time jumping, we'll see. Again many thanks.