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keithsandwich · 2 months

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Seven Rooms

Pairing: Keith and Alter!Keith/OC (Maeve)

Word Count: ~4k

Rating: Teen and Up

Tags: Breastfeeding, Parenting, Past Trauma Mentions, Family Fluff, Domestic.

Prompts: Storge (Familial Love) mainly, but with hints of Pragma (Enduring Love), and a teeny tiny bit of Eros (Sensual Love) in the Seventh Room.

Summary: Series of drabbles showing Keith and Maeve putting their six children to bed before finishing the day together.

Notes: Written for the Shapes of Love Creation Challenge, hosted by the amazing @lorei-writes and @violettduchess. Thank you so much! And special thanks to Lorei for being the best beta reader!

Watch out for the little Beatrice cameo @bicayaya 💕

First Room —

It was a quiet room where a beautiful scene unfolded, one that Keith looked forward to watching every evening.

By the door, he could see their figures bathed in the dim light of the candles — Maeve rocking in the nursing chair slowly, with their youngest latched onto her breast. She was focused entirely on their baby, smiling and softly cooing, while the little one made little murmurs and stretched his round fingers as if responding to her.

It had been a while since they had a baby as shy as Cosmos. In front of others, even his siblings, he would always hide behind his parents’ legs or stretch his little arms to be picked up, curling up against their chests while avoiding eye contact with anyone. But when alone and enveloped in his mother’s warmth, he would look at her attentively, smile, babble, and move with no inhibition.

And Keith understood him. Dealing with people could be overwhelming, but Maeve possessed this comforting aura that could make anyone feel free to be themselves around her. It certainly worked its magic on him, as her husband. He could only imagine how much more magical it could be for their children, enveloped in her neverending motherly love.

Maybe this was why he enjoyed silently watching such scenes for a while before getting inside the room. The tenderness melted his heart, making all of the day’s hard work even more worth it. Granted, he loved Jade and would give all of himself to his kingdom and for the flowers of happiness to bloom all over the land. But his family were his own flowers of happiness, and witnessing his garden grow radiant and full of love was much more than he could have hoped for in this life.

He would never understand how he could be so lucky.

When Cosmos unlatched and gurgled softly, announcing his satisfaction in his own way, Maeve gently cleaned his little face before covering herself. Finally, she looked up to meet Keith’s loving gaze, offering him a welcoming smile.

“Just in time! His belly is full of milk, and now he’s ready to sleep!” Maeve said with gentle excitement, hoping to make the baby smile without causing agitation. She kissed his cheek before holding him against her shoulder. Meanwhile, Keith approached them, joining their little, perfect world with a delicate touch on Cosmos’ back.

Together with his wife, he would sing him lullabies and rock him to sleep.

Second Room —

The room belonged to a girl that was a bit demanding, nonetheless sweet.

“Dada, tell story.” Aurora squeezed the deer plush tighter in her little arms, hanging on to keep herself awake with her sluggish voice and heavy eyelids.

“But mama just told you one, flower,” Keith said softly, his fingers running soothingly through her olive curls as he gently tried to coax her to sleep. She was properly tucked underneath the blankets, the room was warm, and Maeve, standing on the other side of the crib, had already told her a little fairy tale. However, her mind remained stubbornly alert.

“Baby like story…” she murmured so heartfelt a manner that Keith felt a pang in his chest, tearing up. He blinked back his tears and looked up at Maeve. She seemed to be more prepared to handle Aurora’s pleas than he was, discreetly gesturing for him to just go on.

Trying to convince her to sleep would only make her start fussing and maybe even crying. His heart couldn’t bear to see her cry. Given her drowsiness, telling another story would certainly be more effective, and Aurora would probably drift off in the middle of it.

“Alright…” he said, trying to think of a story to tell her. “Once upon a time, in a mystical forest far, far away, there lived two tiny fairies…”

Aurora wasn’t fully focused on his gentle voice. Her eyelashes fluttered more and more as she battled to keep her eyes open, and she cutely yawned every now and then. Still, Keith continued with the story patiently until her lids finally shut, and Maeve leaned in to place a kiss on her temple.

She was asleep at last.

“Good night, little sweet,” Keith said gently and mimicked his wife, kissing her other temple. Aurora stirred a bit, worrying him for a second. However, she simply turned to her side, still hugging her plushie.

Now that the room was completely silent, Keith caressed her soft hair for a while longer. She was a lot like Mireille, not only in the way she looked but also in her demeanor. He couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the times when he used to look after his little sister, trying to be there for her since their mother couldn’t, and their father wouldn’t. Of course, he couldn’t really replace them, and eventually, he felt like a failure, which led him to distance himself from her, despite her own opinions about it.

Thankfully, a lot had changed since he found true love. Not only the one he shared with Maeve, although it was what opened his eyes and his heart to everything else. Self-love, loving his other self, and renewing the love for his family through his children by welcoming them with open arms, caused him to no longer feel like a failure when it came to caring for and protecting his loved ones. It had been a long journey, but one that had brought his sister, and surprisingly, even his father closer again — although the former king would always be a better grandfather than a father.

It all fell into place, and everything was flourishing as peacefully as Aurora was sleeping now.

“I promise I’ll always listen to you and never push you away,” he vowed to her silently.

Keith felt Maeve’s hands on his shoulders, and they brought him back to the present. He offered her an apologetic smile before moving on with her to the next room.

Third Room —

The room was… empty.

He and Maeve looked around to find evidence that Iris had been in the room, and that the maid had put her in her pajamas, but her robe and her slippers were missing, as well as the girl. Maeve huffed, placing her hands on her hips and turning to Keith with an exasperated look.

“I bet she’s on the training grounds, again.”

She wasn’t happy, for a good reason. Although Iris developed this habit only recently and had never gone farther than the training grounds — unlike two other little rascals — they couldn’t help but worry about her. Iris had way too much confidence and energy for someone so tiny, and they knew it could put her in trouble, something that definitely gave them a headache.

“She’s been getting a little too much into it, hasn’t she?” Keith asked Maeve with an apologetic tone as they rushed to track down their little girl.

“I wish she was into the discipline part of it as well,” his wife was starting to breathe in relief as they approached the training grounds and the sounds coming from there indicated what they expected.

Iris, in her pajamas and with a wooden sword in her little hands, was sparring with her big brother Helia. During the brief seconds between finding and interrupting them, Keith could see how fiercely the girl charged against the boy twice her size. Granted, Helia was most likely going easy on her. Iris had just started learning how to use a sword — a decision made not by himself or Maeve, but by him. She was younger than her brothers when they had started, but she had always been such an unstoppable force that he assured it was for the best for her to spend her energy in fighting rather than just studying and learning manners. Although it was unusual to have princesses joining in military training, there wasn’t anything official preventing them to. Keith and Maeve didn’t concern themselves with conforming to tradition anyway.

And Keith had to admit, Iris seemed so happy sparring that it warmed his heart and made him feel proud. But too soon him and Maeve had to intervene, and he knew the part each one would take.

Or the one he would not.

“Helianthus!” Maeve surprised the children by calling Helia by his full name. She would only do it when he was in trouble. Wooden swords dropped on the floor when the protective mother stormed in towards her children. “You’re her older brother, you’re supposed to be taking care of her!”

“But I am, mama! She was sneaking out to come here anyway. It’s better if I am with her, is it not?”

By the time the boy replied to Maeve, the other Keith had already surfaced, watching the little troublemaker start running around, yelling “I don’t wanna sleep! I don’t wanna sleep!”. He chuckled. He hadn’t switched because he didn’t want to deal with Iris, but because he knew he was better suited for it.

Each one of their children was unique, but he could also see something of the three of them blooming in their personalities. And Iris was the one who carried more of his heart within her. If Keith had had a chance to enjoy childhood, he could see himself being as free and full of life as she was. This is why what could be considered a challenge was delightful to him. He had fun chasing after the little one while Maeve was busy covering Helia with her cloak and chiding him over the risks of catching a cold. Then both his wife and his son would go inside, and in a more carefree manner, Keith would catch his daughter, throw her in the air, tickle her, and play tag again if it was needed to tire her out.

Because much like Aurora, Iris would only fall asleep when there was no energy left. But while Aurora’s mind was more alert, Iris was more physically active, and getting her to lie down in her bed to sleep was almost an impossible task. In the end, Keith would have to carry her to her room, wrapped snugly in his cape and curled up in his arms, deeply asleep.

Only then could he tuck her under her blankets and kiss her lids goodnight.

Fourth Room —

In the boy’s room, Maeve had already seen that Helia was in bed and with a warm mug of milk in his hands. Despite telling him off only a while ago, she was now caressing his soft hair like the doting mother she was while he drank his milk.

Being born the way he was, Keith had been free to avoid the King and only watch his demands and demeaning insults to his other self. He had never met his mother, and there weren’t good examples of a father around. When Maeve got pregnant for the first time, all he could do was promise to himself that he would be different — he couldn’t risk his children growing up believing themselves a failure. And it got even more important when they had Luna and Helia, twins to be looked down upon by the shitty nobles who still believed that nonsense about twins being bad luck.

In this, Keith ended up being too lenient with them, even more than he and Maeve could be, which ended up causing some problems. “They can’t always ask for fun dada whenever they do something wrong,” his wife told him one day. “Kids need space and encouragement to grow, but they need boundaries too; otherwise they’ll end up hurting themselves.”

And so he understood that being a father should be both fun and boring, at the right times.

“Everything alright there, buddy?” Keith sat on the edge of Helia’s bed and poked his nose playfully, making him giggle. “Did mama explain to you why you can’t train swords with Iris late at night?”

“Mama did, but…” Maeve pursed her lips when the boy said but. Sensing his mother’s disapproval, he leaned towards his father and proceeded more quietly, as if he could keep it a secret between both of them. “Dad, you know I can protect her if anything happens, don’t you?”

“Helia…” Keith understood him, with all his heart. He himself was born to protect, after all. This is why he meant every word when he said next, “I know ya can protect your siblings if you have to, but I don’t want ya to ever need it, especially not now. You’re a kid, shouldn’t be worrying about that.”

Maeve reached out to touch Keith’s hand. Only then he realized he had been tapping the edge of the bed lightly. There was a look in her eyes he was used to seeing when she dealt with him, not him. He turned his hand over hers and squeezed her fingers reassuringly.

Meanwhile, Helia, who couldn’t understand it, frowned.

“Only Aster is older than me! And Luna by some minutes, but it doesn’t matter…” he muttered in the last part. “I’m better than him with a sword, and he’s good with swords! And I always take care of him when we…”

“When ya both are out there sticking your noses where they don’t belong,” Keith finished the sentence for him and poked his nose again to make him stop frowning. “Gotta stop that, and gotta be a good role model for ya sister. I don’t wanna see any of you gettin’ trouble, gotcha?”

“Gotcha…” the boy echoed halfheartedly.

Some things take time to sink in, and Keith could only hope he would learn this lesson smoothly. Until then, he and Maeve would keep a closer eye on the three little rebels they had.

She took the empty cup when he finished his milk, and together they kissed their son goodnight.

Fifth Room —

The room was as peaceful as the girl who lived there. Luna was sitting by the window, a colorful picture book on her knees and a lantern by her side. Her green eyes lit up when she saw her parents by the door, and she immediately closed the book, set it aside, and blew out the candle in the lantern before rushing to meet them. Keith knew she had been eagerly awaiting their arrival, and had she been more outspoken, she would have complained about their delay.

But she was too sweet to say anything. Instead, she took Maeve’s hands and asked, perfectly politely, “Mama, would you braid my hair, please?”

“Why won’t ya ask me to braid your hair?” Keith asked with a playful tone before Maeve could reply to her. He knew his oldest daughter well; she was a reflective child, and he enjoyed teasing her with sudden questions to see her little face twist while trying to find an answer.

And without failing, the girl blinked in confusion a few times, trying to think of an answer to that question. The truth was, both Keiths had done her hair multiple times before, but for some reason she couldn’t quite understand — most likely sheer habit, or the memories of the fun girl’s slumber parties she attended with her mother — Luna always turned to Maeve first.

“Well, do you want your dad to braid your hair, sweetie?” Her mother asked with a smile. Keith could see that she was finding that little interaction funny.

Luna was still hesitating when she nodded in agreement. He clicked his tongue, crouching down to meet her eye level.

“Why don't we each do a braid, and then you can decide which one is better?” Keith suggested, and she paused again to consider.

“I don’t see why not,” she spoke like a true lady, graciously moving between them so she could take both Maeve’s hand and his, and walk with them to her dresser.

Luna sat down and her mother took the hairbrush, parting her long black hair in two so they could each work on one side. Keith still played with her hair a bit, messing it up to try to make her laugh. When he succeeded in amusing his shy and serious daughter, those cute little giggles were enough to warm up his heart. He could keep going just to make her laugh more, but it was late, and she was supposed to go to sleep soon.

“How was your day, flower? I heard you got a letter,” Maeve asked her when she caught her breath. That moment when she was relaxed and enjoying her parents’ company was the best time for conversation.

“Indeed! From godmama. She said Lianna remembers me, can you believe that? We haven’t seen them in two months!” Luna exclaimed joyfully.

“You’re like a big sister to her too, see?” Maeve said with a smile, reaching out for a pink ribbon to tie off her braid.

“There’ll be a goodwill ball in Rhodolite in a few weeks, so we can pay a visit to ya godmama, sweetie,” Keith decided to cheer her up even more, and the gleam in her eyes were better than her giggling.

“Can I write to her to tell we’re visiting?” Luna turned to her mother to ask her.

It was Keith’s turn to fetch a ribbon to tie off the braid he had done.

“Of course, dearest! Beatrice will be so happy to know,” Maeve leaned closer to see her reflection on the mirror, and Keith followed her. “But now tell us. Which braid is the best?”

“Mine, naturally! Isn’t it a perfect braid?” he said with a smug smile.

“I don’t know… Mama’s braid is more neat, but yours got style, papa!”

Keith chuckled. She was way too sweet.

With that matter settled, they tucked her in bed where she talked a bit more about her day before starting to yawn. It was time for their goodnight kiss, and Luna, being the affectionate child she was, returned the kiss on their cheeks every night.

“Papa…” she murmured drowsily. “I wanna give the other papa a kiss too.”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

He would do anything for her.

Sixth Room —

The room wasn’t as cozy as the previous ones, with too many candles lit as if the boy who lived there was still fully active, rather than getting ready to sleep. However, the truth was that Aster was deeply asleep, his head resting on open books as he sat by his desk in an uncomfortable position. He probably had dismissed his attendant earlier that night to study, but had eventually become so tired he dozed off while doing so.

Maeve silently brushed his curls away to reveal his closed lids and flushed face, confirming his slumber. She nodded at Keith, signaling that he could pick Aster up and place him in his bed.

His little boy was growing taller and heavier by the day, Keith thought as he carried him in his arms. Being his first child, he clearly remembered how it felt holding him right after he was born, when everything was new and made him so scared. He was so tiny that Keith felt safer holding him in his hands, where he fit better, rather than in his arms. Now he knew Aster would easily grow as tall as him in some years.

It was magical how a small and fragile sprout could grow to be a tall and strong tree. And Keith knew he would become really magnificent. Sure, he had his share in his parents’ headache when he joined Helia and Iris for some mischief, especially the former, when the boys’ need to explore took them too far into the woods, mobilizing searching parties just to find them. “If I am to be king, I need to know every inch of this land, papa,” he would try to explain himself. And studying how big Jade actually was never made him fret. There were no efforts he wouldn’t make to meet the expectations people had over the prince heir.

Keith placed him in his bed, and he and Maeve gently removed his shoes, belt, and vest to help him feel more comfortable through the night. As Keith tucked his son under the blankets, Aster stretched his body a bit, and his eyelids opened just slightly, revealing unfocused golden eyes that looked straight at him.

“Dad… Will you help me with politics?” His voice sounded distant, and his speech was groggy and slow. Aster wasn’t quite awake, but he echoed a request he likely had been thinking about before falling asleep. “It’s… So hard to get…”

Maeve, who was ceremoniously extinguishing the candles of his room, turned to stare at father and son with a worried look.

“Don’t worry, bud. We will study together in the morning. Now sleep tight.” Keith ruffled his hair softly and reassuringly. The boy didn’t answer, but he smiled before closing his eyes again.

“Isn’t his tutor pushing him too hard?” Maeve finally expressed her concerns in a quiet whisper, moving closer and taking Keith's arm. They watched their son sleeping together. “He’s just a kid.”

“He’s the future king of Jade, love,” he kissed her forehead and brought her a little closer. Even after all those years, he knew many things about the royal life were still new to her, or just hard to accept. “I’m ensuring that his tutor isn’t overwhelming him, and I’m assisting him in every way I can.”

Maeve sighed, but ultimately she smiled and nodded. She trusted Keith would always take the best care of their children, no matter their responsibilities as little princes and princesses. With time, he had learned to accept that he had done the best he could for Mireille and Tio — no matter how painful the memory still was to his heart. Now, he and his other self could do a lot better to nurture, protect, and work side by side with Maeve and their children as he intended to with his brother.

His family, for Keith, was a chance to start over. And together, they would ensure that the flowers of happiness were always blooming in Jade.

Seventh Room —

Every night felt like Heaven. After so much work, and so much love, Keith still could snuggle with his wife, laying his head against her breast and intertwining their legs together. He would never be able to describe that feeling. Maeve had become even warmer and softer over the years, so naturally it took a while for him to realize that all of that comfort he felt whenever they were alone in their bed, right before sleeping, emanated from her. And from the neverending love, support, and acceptance she gave him.

Keith closed his eyes and let himself dive into those delightful sensations. The flowery and herbal scents of her, mixed with the milky one on her skin, filled his mind so deeply he was sure it reached the forest in his head, and his other self was likely indulging in it too.

Maeve was his safe haven; the one who showed him what true love was in many of its shapes. She had taken them — him and his other self — as lovers, as husbands, as the fathers to her babies. She had changed her life to embrace the title of princess and of future queen out of her immense feelings towards them and their land, and she would always be the symbol of that eternal bond between Jade and the spirit of nature. The Goddess she served, he saw, felt, lived and loved in her. For there was no other word to define Maeve to him that wasn’t sacred.

“I love you…” Keith whispered against her skin, pressing their bodies together even further. He wished he could simply melt into her.

“I love you too…” She murmured so softly and earnestly in return that he felt like it could be possible.

They could melt and become one forever.

Or at least until next morning; when the sun would bring their children barging into their room and jumping on their beds so they could live it all again.

Happily, and full of love.

Tagging: @bicayaya @olivermorningstar @queengiuliettafirstlady

#shapesoflovecc #ikepri #ikemen prince #keith howell #ikepri oc #my maeve #oc children #fanfic

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itsgameofthronesimagines · 1 year

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Two Roads Diverged

(Gif not mine)

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Relationships: Rhaenyra Targaryen & Sister!Targaryen!Reader, Daemon Targaryen/Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen/Niece!Targaryen!Reader, Daemon Targaryen & Niece!Targaryen!Reader

Summary: Rhaenyra and Y/n Targaryen were born in this world together, but whether by the will of the gods or the fire and blood running through their veins, the twin sisters would walk down two very different paths.

Warnings: Incest, death, grusome depictions of a dead body, family drama, daddy issues, etc. (to be added)

Words: 8,852

Request by: @ivy-targaryen

Taglist: @gruffle1 @borikenlove

A/N: Another beautiful and creative request by the same one who brought us the inspiration behind 'the Strong Dragon' series! This will be a long one so strap in!

(I do not consent to my works being reposted/copied)

~~~~~~~~~

Viserys Targaryen, son of Prince Baelon and Princess Alyssa Targaryen, wed his cousin, Aemma Arryn, daughter of Lord Rodrik Arryn and Princess Daella Targaryen in 93 AC. In 97 AC, the young couple was blessed with not one, but two twin daughters. The first to scream and cry and kick was Little Rhaenyra, soon followed by her sister, Y/n. Little did the new parents know that their family would be completed after the twins' birth, and a legacy for many tales to come, both good and bad, was set in stone that day.

In 103 AC, Viserys is crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms after his grandfather, King Jaehaerys, passed away in his sleep. The realm was thrown into a new generation of Targaryens and would eventually hold the most living dragons in recorded history. The twin princesses were the first to ensure that legacy when hatching two dragon eggs of their own from their cribs. Rhaenyra, once she was old enough to speak, named her she-dragon Syrax after a goddess of Valyria. Y/n, always trailing after her sister, decided to name her dragon after the Targaryen who foresaw the Doom of Valyria, Daenys.

With the throne secure and Viserys' reign inherited with a full treasury and blessing for his late grandsire, the Wise King, both the new king and his queen held a splendid court with the promise of peace and prosperity. The realm was the brightest and most fruitful during Viserys' reign as he was optimistic and eager to please the people he ruled over. In many eyes, Viserys' had a secure succession. With his brother Daemon at court with him, two daughters to bear him grandchildren one day, and the hope of Queen Aemma to soon bear a son, Viserys was not short of heirs and he did well to teach his daughters the way of ruling a kingdom, not to mention seven of them.

Princess Rhaenyra was always the Realm's Delight. As for her younger twin, Princess Y/n, no one bestowed her with an honorable title or put her on a pedestal. After all, she was not the eldest and certainly not the heir. Even though she gained and rode a dragon at the same age as her sister, Rhaenyra will always cast the largest shadow. Rhaenyra was quickly named King Viserys' cupbearer at the age of eight and was always by her father's side at feasts, balls, and tourneys. Y/n, on the other hand, tended to her mother and was rarely seen without Queen Aemma.

Despite having different passions, the twins were still just that: twins. They still did practically everything together. As they grew, so did their boldness and ambition. Rhaenyra and Y/n did hunting, hawking, singing, and riding together. And oftentimes, their favorite companion was none other than their uncle. Daemon did many of these activities with the young princesses. At first, he did so to chaperone them at the request of his dear cousin, the Queen, but then he grew to love his little nieces more than anyone and anything, so he gladly joined them without complaint. He spent plenty of time with them, either to tell them stories of his travels, gift them with foreign treasures, or even rode his dragon Caraxes alongside their flying beasts between King's Landing and Dragonstone.

As history plays out in the coming years and when people read the books, it didn't come to much of a shock to learn just how much both of the princesses loved their uncle. Scholars tell us and most agree with each other that Y/n loved him first, but was only bold enough to admit this to her sister. Mushroom, King Viserys' fool and later an entrusted ally to Princess Rhaenyra (or so he claims) tells us that Rhaenyra kept her sister's secret. He says that the eldest twin did so for the same reason why Y/n was always taking the fall for Rhaenyra's misgivings whenever they got in trouble. The sisters loved one another and would do anything for each other. Y/n would take the blame for Rhaenyra's faults, and in exchange, Rhaenyra would keep Y/n's faults a secret.

So yes, Rhaenyra remained the Realm's Delight in the public eye while Y/n appeared to be the nuisance of the pair. Over the years, as she got older, the People had grown to name Y/n many things, but we will get there in time. First, let's return to the story. The twins' dynamic never changed even as the worst of a child's nightmares came to fruition. Queen Aemma dies in childbed and her son, Baelon, only outlives her by a day. The following events are what transpired. Daemon is banished to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra is officially named Heir to the Iron Throne, Alicent Hightower becomes Viserys' new queen, and as a result, she bore him four children. Aegon, the eldest son, Helaena, the only daughter, Aemond, the second son, and Daeron, the third son and youngest.

Princess Y/n was ecstatic to have younger half-siblings, though Rhaenyra didn't share her enthusiasm. Given that Queen Alicent was once her most loyal, entrusted friend, Rhaenyra felt betrayed by her father's new bride and therefore found little love for her half-siblings. The twins continued to confide in one another before anyone else until the time came when Rhaenyra was ordered by their father to find a husband. For once, Y/n was unable to get her sister out of her predicament and thus could not take the fall for what was about to happen.

Rhaenyra made her journey across the realm in search of a prince consort and when she returned, Y/n was rewarded with the return of her sister and her uncle all at once. Daemon had been busy fighting a war in the Stepstones and returned with a crown on his head that he later surrendered to his brother as a sign of love and good faith. King Viserys, therefore, welcomed Daemon with open arms and a celebration transpired. Daemon made time to acknowledge his brother's new queen before taking the time to reacquaint himself with his nieces. He drank and dined with them and even danced with Y/n when she asked. Viserys was drunk and jolly, delighted to see his brother among his family again. All was well.

The following day happened to be the day that solidified the future war known as the Dance of Dragons (or Dying of Dragons) and no one other than a chosen few had the eye to see it.

Y/n was awakened by Ser Arryk and her handmaiden in the earliest morning when the sun had not yet risen. Confused and equally worried, she dutifully got dressed and followed the Kingsguard down the hall. Barely anyone was awake at this hour, she had only noticed a handful of servants beginning to stir and scramble into their morning duties before she had been led to the throne room. As Ser Arryk stepped aside and allowed her through the doorway, Y/n quickly observed her father sitting high upon the Iron Throne with two other silver-haired individuals standing at the base of the stairs, backs facing her. Y/n quickly recognized her sister, Rhaenyra on the left, hair loosely braided down her back, and her uncle, Daemon, standing on the right, hair cut short and wearing only pants and his nightshirt as if he had been dragged out of bed. Confusion was still evident on her face, but dread had begun to thrive in Y/n's stomach as she slowly drew nearer. Even as she got close to the foot of the stairs leading up the Iron Throne, neither her sister nor her uncle turned to greet her. They kept their backs to her, heads lowered as if afraid to even acknowledge her presence.

Y/n finally looked back up at the King and quickly remembered her manners, bending her knees and bowing her head to Viserys in a graceful curtsy. "Father."

"Listen carefully, daughter. Treason has been committed this past night. Word has reached my ears about a certain child of mine seen with my despicable brother at a brothel in the late hour of the wolf. Unfortunately for us, those who had seen this child could not recall which one. Tell me, what do you know of these events?"

Y/n's eyes widen a fraction, though there is doubt Viserys could see it from his high throne. The princess' heart dropped to her stomach as she replayed her father's words in her head. She turns her attention to the backs of Rhaenyra and Daemon, but neither of them turns to her and Viserys speaks again.

"Do not look to either of them for help, child. I have forbidden them to aid you. You will address me and me alone. You will tell me the truth and only the truth."

Y/n wasn't entirely sure how to feel. Grief and betrayal clenched her stomach in a vice grip... but passionate emotions, such as love and rage were set aflame in her breaking heart. She wanted to scream and cry and demand an explanation. She wanted to burn the truth out of her once devoted sister and her uncle who she loved dearly.

Unfortunately, her loyalty as a sister eventually took over, despite the conflict of emotions running in her mind as she lowered her head to the ground, "... It was me, Your Grace."

"Are you certain, Y/n?" Viserys eyed her suspiciously, "You do not have to defend your sister. This is a vile and unforgivable act as you understand. There is no going back if you choose to claim your guilt and her innocence."

"I am certain, Father," she speaks more boldly, "I would not wish for my sister to be punished for my sins. I would not wish that on anyone I love."

Her words are like stone and ice, piercing Rhaenyra's heart. Guilt ebbs and slides deeper into the older twin's skin, her bottom lip trembling as she comes to terms with what she has done to her sister. Unable to see the torment on Rhaenyra's face, Y/n continues confessing a crime she did not commit.

"I crept away from the castle with Daemon last night... I wanted him to show me true acts of love--"

"Enough," Viserys demands, disgust evident in his tone. His hand grips his sword handle, conflict written all over his eyes. He sits in silence, letting it linger throughout the entire room as his brother and two daughters await their King's justice. Eventually, he sighs, exhausted as he decides to lay down the law as a king instead of a father.

"Then you have forfeited your virtue as a maiden and your reputation as a princess. You must travel to Oldtown and surrender your names and titles to become a woman of faith. You will learn to be a septa under the Faith of the Seven. You will never marry and never carry children."

Y/n's heart completely shatters as the two people who had just betrayed her quickly spoke up in rebuttal, trying to defend her.

"What-- no! No, Father! You can't just--"

"Brother, please think before you send your own child--"

"SILENCE!" Viserys slams the tip of his sword against the step below his throne, his booming, enraged voice echoing across the vast room, "Whether or not Y/n confessed, all three of you are guilty in one way or another for this heinous crime! And this will not leave any of you clean of punishments. Y/n will travel to Oldtown. You, brother, will return to the Vale and finally consummate your marriage to Lady Rhea Royce! And you, Rhaenyra. Your time for choosing a husband is over. Whether you like it or not, you will now marry Ser Laenor Velaryon and the two of us will travel to Driftmark to propose this alliance to my cousin and her husband. Tomorrow morning, we will ALL travel to our respective destinations. Your king demands it."

Knights of the Kingsguard emerge and two surround Y/n, taking her by the arms. She wretches one arm away from them as a thought crossed her mind, "And what of my dragon?" One look from her father and Y/n's face falls, the blood in her veins turning cold in realization, "No... No, Father, please!"

The knights now forcefully grab Y/n, having to fight in order to drag her out of the throne room as she fights back, all the while screaming and sobbing, "You cannot part me from Daenys, please! PLEASE!"

He made them each separately return to their chambers so they could not speak amongst themselves. Two knights guard the door outside Y/n's room but it was questioned whether or not the effort was worth it as the princess didn't appear to have the will to leave her chambers. Y/n had completely shut down, refusing to eat or sleep that evening. She sat quietly on the edge of her bed as a handful of servants came in to pack up her things. The one time she spoke, she had whispered for one of her maids to cut her hair.

At one point, Grand Maester Mellos entered her apartment and gently placed a hot tea in her hands. According to Mushroom, Rhaenyra had also been given a special tea, the fool dwarf implying it to be moon tea. He speculated that despite Y/n's confession, Viserys doubted her tale and to be certain that all memory of this night's events will be erased, he had ordered moon tea to be brought to both of his daughters. Whether or not the princesses drank it was not recorded in history, but Mushroom reported that both of the cups were empty by the following morning, regardless.

Said morning was greeted by pouring rain. Daemon was long gone and Viserys had already taken Rhaenyra to Driftmark by the sea at the time Y/n was brought down to the courtyard. Dressed in traveling clothes and a warm cloak, Y/n held her head high with her newly cut silver hair now sitting just a little past her chin. She climbed into the wheelhouse provided to her and waited for her traveling companion to join her. Before long, Otto Hightower climbed inside as their small company departed from King's Landing. The former Hand had been dismissed by King Viserys and was rumored to be replaced by Lyonel Strong, who had disappeared and was likely traveling with His Grace at the moment.

Y/n thought the travel would be mostly in silence, but Lord Otto proved her wrong as the wheelhouse finally left King's Landing, "I didn't believe it was you."

She kept her eyes focused on the road rolling by outside her window as she spoke, "I'm afraid it no longer matters what you believed to be true, my lord."

"I believe in many things, princess. I believe you have been wrongfully accused and I believe that you and I have something in common."

"And what's that?"

"We're both second-born children without the promise of lands or titles. We have both been banished to Oldtown for what our king believes is a fitting punishment. Perhaps he means well, and perhaps this is for the better... but when it is your own father who carries out the sentence, I can't imagine it feels as though this is all for the better."

Y/n's vision instantly warmed and blurred, her voice beginning to shake as she spoke, "He took my dragon from me. I understand stripping away my Targaryen rights in all but name... but my dragon?"

"He means for you to swear into celibacy under the Faith of the Seven. There isn't a septa in history who owned a dragon. You are no longer a Targaryen in the eyes of the gods, therefore you have no need for a dragon. Your father knew that... but he is not here right now... and perhaps he should have stayed in King's Landing a little longer if he wanted to be sure your dragon was properly chained up."

Y/n finally looked away from the window to stare at Lord Otto with a puzzled expression. To answer her silent question, a loud roar broke through the sky, and Y/n's heart soared with hope. Staring back out the window, her eyes eagerly searched until she caught the shadow of a familiar silhouette. Her precious Daenys was dutifully following her.

Turning back to Lord Otto to bless and thank him, she was met with a small smile and a gentle voice, "Your dragon will keep you safe in the sky and I will keep you safe on the ground. You still have allies, Princess. Remember that."

~~~~~~~~~

And thus it was. Upon arriving in Oldtown, Y/n joined the clergy of the Faith of the Seven as a novice and quickly rose in her ranks to become a septa. It didn't hurt that she had friends in high places, such as the lords and ladies of House Hightower. Y/n was no fool. She understood that Lord Otto was using her as a chess piece, but after he had given her back Daenys, she could have cared less what his motives were. She had a feeling that he had spoken with his brother, the Lord of Oldtown, Hobert Hightower, after she had been sworn into the Faith of the Seven so quickly compared to most septas. It was clear to see that most of House Hightower appreciated or at the very least respected her, so she couldn't complain. Other than the Hightowers and her dragon, the former princess didn't converse with many others. There was a moment when she caught a glimpse of someone who could be none other than her great-uncle, Vaegon Targaryen, son of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne. If he had recognized her, he didn't show it. In fact, the old man didn't even appear to acknowledge her, let alone acknowledge her as a distant relative.

Other than cordial conversations, Y/n mostly kept to herself, even praying silently instead of verbally. It was clear to most that the princess did not thrive here and even though she has dutifully done everything asked of her, she did not flourish like a true septa. When she wasn't praying or healing, she was flying or reading. Occasionally, she would be summoned to the Hightower to dine with its lords, usually seated beside Lord Otto himself. Even he could see that the child (now technically a young woman) was miserable. A dark shadow passes over her face whenever her royal family is mentioned, but otherwise, she doesn't say a poor word against them. She remains courteous or, at the very least, says exactly what she is meant to say. Otto had spent enough time around Targaryens to recognize that deep, fiery rage within, although Y/n was far better at controlling it compared to her uncle. With that rage was also betrayal and grief. Lord Otto never asked the princess why her heart cries, but he knew, deep down, that it will someday come to light and, hopefully, to his advantage.

That day came years later when a letter arrives from King's Landing. Queen Alicent greets her father before addressing Septa Y/n, inviting her to the capitol in order to become Princess Helaena's septa, who will soon be wed to Prince Aegon. Whatever thoughts were running through her head, Y/n kept them to herself and honorably accepts the invitation. She bid Lord Otto and his family goodbye and her undying gratitude for the hospitality before she climbed up her dragon and flew home.

She descended onto the Dragonpit and was met with a wheelhouse outside, along with a crowd of smallfolk, cheering and welcoming the former princess home. Y/n, dressed in her humble septa robes and hood to dutifully conceal her hair, refused the litter as a means of transportation and instead took to the streets, greeting all who touched her and only smiling when someone addressed her as 'septa'. Her escorts followed at a distance but otherwise didn't disrupt the peace as Septa Y/n carried a toddler on one hip and held another child's hand as she walked the cobblestone streets. It was nearly dusk before she was forced to part from the smallfolk and finally walk through the gates of the Red Keep, her feet blistered but her smile unwavering.

Queen Alicent and her children were there to greet her, and even Y/n was surprised when Alicent welcomed her with open arms. Y/n was reacquainted with her half-siblings and all were quickly reminded of the years growing up when Y/n was completely devoted to them. They remember the twin who loved them and the twin who barely acknowledged their existence. Aegon and Aemond were polite, whilst Helaena smiled and Daeron kissed Septa Y/n's hand. She didn't ask, but Y/n noticed that her father wasn't there to welcome her. That evening, she dined alone with the Queen. She didn't ask, but Alicent could see what her stepdaughter was asking in her eyes and told Y/n that Rhaenyra had moved her family to Dragonstone and would not be returning to court anytime soon. As for Daemon, he had since married Laena Velaryon and their family currently travels around Pentos. Y/n visibly sighed in relief, but she still felt a deep ache in her chest at the mention of those she once loved so dearly. It was clear to Alicent that even after all these years, Y/n still felt the betrayal. Alicent thinks back to the last letter her own father sent her and how Lord Otto wished for her to send an official invite to Oldtown for Y/n to return to King's Landing. Now that she saw the former princess, Alicent understood why her father wanted the young woman back here in court. Y/n clearly was no friend of Rhaenyra.

The day finally came when King Viserys is forced into the same room as Septa Y/n, the day they all gathered to bid Young Daeron farewell as he travels to Oldtown to be fostered by his maternal grandsire's family. Neither father nor daughter acknowledges each other, only speaking to one another when courtesy compels them to, and even then, they only address each other as 'septa' and 'Your Grace'. After that first greeting, they avoid each other as much as possible, the hurt and the betrayal still evident between them.

It was a breath of fresh air for Y/n when the royal family was invited to Driftmark in order to pay their respects to House Velaryon after the death of Lady Laena. The king, queen, their children, the reappointed Lord Hand Otto Hightower and the royal guard had all left, leaving the Red Keep empty. Without the fear of running into her father while he is gone, Y/n roams the palace freely and even takes to the skies when time permits it. Upon the royal family's return, however, so do the dread and horror. Prince Aemond returned with only one eye and Queen Alicent returned with guilt in both of hers.

Scholars tell us of a time when the Queen became devoted to the Seven after shamefully attacking Princess Rhaenyra with a knife in Driftmark. Mushroom said she was so ashamed that she confessed her sins to Rhaenyra's sister, Septa Y/n, the moment she returned to King's Landing. The fool dwarf would have us believe that Y/n forgave the Queen in exchange that Alicent would commit herself to the Faith. The Queen graciously accepted, according to Mushroom, but some sources are not entirely sure if his telling of history is accurate, given that he wasn't in King's Landing at the time.

Nevertheless, only some can be confirmed true. Alicent did indeed confess all of her sins to Y/n as a way to cleanse herself in front of a servant of the gods. She admitted to attacking Princess Rhaenyra in the grief and injustice she felt for the loss of her son's eye. She admitted to conspiring and influencing her sons into believing that Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon were all bastards without any proof except physical. Septa Y/n listened patiently and intently, bidding Alicent to rise as a new, true servant to the gods.

Alicent rose, albeit on shaking knees. She gulped back a sob trying to escape her throat, her eyes red and cheeks wet, "How can you have so much faith after everything that's been done to you? How can you pray when the gods have yet to give you the justice you deserve?"

Y/n only smiled, holding the Queen's face in both her hands, as gentle as Alicent remembered her to be when they were children, "I believe the gods will give me my justice in time. I am a patient woman. I still have a whole life of devotion ahead of me. They will grant me my prayers when they believe I deserve it."

A little time passes and Aegon and Helaena were wed. Twins must run in the family and Helaena soon bore a twin son and daughter, Jaehaerys, and Jaehaera. Septa Y/n secretly doted on her niece and nephew and often cared for them more than the wet nurse did. As much as she was overjoyed by them, they also reminded Y/n of the sour fate her father bestowed on her. With no children of her own, Y/n took to Helaena's, who of which had no quarrel with it.

Viserys was also reminded of this punishment, every day when he sees Y/n with the infant twins. Every time, it is a stab to the heart to be reminded of the shame he brought to his own child, a woman who would have loved her own children if her celibate vows allowed her such miracles. Some say the King's health only worsened after the birth of his twin grandchildren, some tales spreading to suggest that the pain he felt whenever he looked at Y/n was the gods' way of punishing him for forsaking his daughter.

His health would never get better, mainly because he would never truly get enough peace in order to heal. Vaemond Velaryon challenged Lucerys Velaryon's right to rule Driftmark should the Sea Snake fall and therefore, a hearing of rivaling families was to take place in King's Landing. Queen Alicent warns Septa Y/n ahead of time that Rhaenyra will be arriving shortly along with her family. Y/n has been preparing herself for the day she and her sister cross paths again, and nothing, time nor god, could prepare her for when she caught a glimpse of Rhaenyra.

For you see, no one told Y/n of Ser Laenor's death and no one told her that Rhaenyra had quickly remarried and it was to none other than Daemon Targaryen. When Y/n saw her sister and uncle again for the first time in years, the healing wounds reopened and Y/n's breath was taken away when she saw silver-haired children and the round shape of her sister's belly. Y/n could feel her heart and throat tighten, the overwhelming sadness threatening to take over. Luckily, she was observing her sister's family as they arrived in the courtyard from a small perch up on the overlooking balcony, so they had not seen her. Once they were out of view, Septa Y/n was able to breathe again and quickly retreated to Helaena's chambers under the false excuse of wanting to see if the princess had finished a book she was studying under her septa sister's guidance.

She had successfully avoided Daemon and Rhaenyra and purposefully did not attend the court hearing in the throne room the next day. She heard whispers about the King making his sickly appearance and Daemon killing Vaemond for the accusations against Rhaenyra and her children's true parentage. Y/n could only scoff, gripping her hands tightly to refrain from rolling her eyes.

Whether or not Daemon truly loved Rhaenyra is up for debate. Perhaps he only married her because she is Viserys' heir and the only way to get close in his brother's line of succession again was through marriage. Y/n wasn't sure what was worse, that her uncle loved her sister, the woman who betrayed her, or her uncle only married her for political schemes. Either way, both her uncle and sister betrayed her in one way or another, and now, for the first time in years, Y/n could see that they have reaped the benefits of their betrayal... and Y/n was left with the scraps.

The thought struck her with anger and jealousy so she decides to lead in prayer in the royal gardens, sitting down once she was alone and closing her eyes, bowing her head to recite a lovely new prayer she read recently.

"Y/n?"

Her eyes shoot open and she staggers to her feet, stunned and panicked when she spun around to notice Rhaenyra standing before her. Her dress was beautiful, radiant, and complimentary to her pregnant stomach, a lovely, long embroidery of a dragon aligning her collarbone.

Y/n's anger peaks and she quickly shuts it down, turning her face into a blank canvas as she respectfully bows her head and evens her voice, "Princess Rhaenyra. You must be relieved to be home again."

Rhaenyra's eyes flashed in confusion before she smiles what only could be out of relief, "I scarcely recognized you... what are you doing here?"

"I have been graciously invited by the Queen to teach and guide Princess Helaena and her children to devote their ways to the intention of the gods."

The monotone in her sister's voice made Rhaenyra pause. The blank expression and the reciting of words only made Y/n appear more... foreign. A puppet with tight strings. "What... what did they do to you?"

Y/n's eyebrows slightly furrow, "They didn't do anything to me, Princess. I have repented and devoted myself to become the image the gods have always envisioned for me."

It was like talking to a stranger and Rhaenyra refused to admit that. Her sister is not dead. Denial would not be her first stage of grieving when her sister is standing right in front of her. Rhaenyra stubbornly pushes through, determined to see a small hint of the girl she once knew. She forced herself to smile brightly, reaching out to grasp Y/n's hands, "Daemon will be relieved to see you again. And the children would love to finally meet you."

Like a spark of flame, Y/n snatched her hands out of Rhaenyra's reach, stepping away as if the princess burned her. To Rhaenyra's horror, the mask had slipped and all she saw in return was fire and blood behind those eyes identical to hers.

The shadow darkens over Y/n's face, voice lower in feigned respect, "Then I shall see them when they come to prayer in the evening."

Rhaenyra froze, unable to move or form words under her sister's glare. They stood that way for some time before a servant girl approached them, innocently unaware of the stand-off as she bows in respect to Rhaenyra before turning to Y/n, "Septa Y/n. Princess Helaena has asked for your presence."

The spell breaks, and suddenly Rhaenyra recognizes the sweet face of her twin, but it was not directed at her. Y/n turned to the servant girl and smiled kindly, "Tell my sweet sister I will be there shortly."

The words burned Rhaenyra, Y/n could tell out of the corner of her eye, and the hurt on her twin's face almost delighted her in some aspect. The dragon has slowly appeared behind her shield of faith, so she tries to cut this meeting short in order to tame it before it did anything rash. Y/n bows her head, "Beg your pardon, Princess Rhaenyra, but I must go."

Unfortunately, Y/n wouldn't be able to avoid her sister's family forever. The King had ordered all of his direct family members to attend dinner together, but for some reason, this dinner excluded Princess Rhaenys and Septa Y/n, the King's own cousin and daughter. However, Otto knew he had the upper hand with Daemon on this and knew when and where to flaunt. So, the Hand waited until the King was too exhausted to dine any further and when Viserys retired to bed, Otto waved his hand and a servant moved to open the door off to the side. Septa Y/n stepped through, hands folded in front of her and she glided into the room, her entrance silencing everyone at the dinner table. Y/n smiled obediently, nodding to the Princess Helaena as she breaks away from her dance with Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.

"The children are sound asleep, as promised."

"Thank you, Y/n," Helaena smiled.

"Won't you drink with us, sweet sister?" Aegon grinned mischievously, raising a goblet to her, "Plenty of wine to go around."

Y/n allowed a smirk to grace her lips, carefully lowering the cup in his hand away from her person, "As I've said time and time again, my prince, it is against my vows. And if you love your sister, you will value her virtue and refrain from drinking yourself to death in her presence."

Aegon's jaw visibly tightened, rolling his eyes but notably setting his goblet down on the table. Y/n beams at her little brother's obedience and only smiles more when Alicent nods to her in thanks.

"So this is what you reverted my niece into during her imprisonment in your ancestral home, Otto?" Daemon's words were poison, to be sure, but he bore no anger or emotion of any kind when staring down the Hand of the King, feigning curiosity, "A meek little servant girl who follows your orders?"

"You will not speak of my sister that way, Uncle," Aemond stood abruptly and easily stood tall beside Y/n, "She is a loving, caring, faithful servant to the gods and we are proud of all her accomplishments."

"I had no idea Lord Otto has been going around believing to be a god," Daemon scowled, leaning back in his chair.

"Lord Otto had always been kind to me and had every intention of keeping my life in Oldtown comfortable," Y/n spoke up, keeping her voice calm and gentle in the presence of Helaena whilst also staring her uncle down, "He ensured that my dragon would be kept with me so that I may feel safe in a foreign place filled with strangers," she spares a glimpse in Otto's direction, smiling when he met her gaze with a measured fondness, "Daenys kept me safe in the sky while Lord Otto kept me safe on the ground."

It appeared forced, but Rhaenyra smiled at the Hand of the King from down the long table of food, regardless, "We thank you for the protection you provided for my sister, Lord Otto. You have shown her such kindness. It's a debt I am not sure we could ever repay."

"It was my pleasure, Princess."

"It better not have been for pleasure," Daemon's eyes darken, trying to scout out the hidden meaning behind the old man's words.

"Daemon--" Rhaenyra warned.

"I will not have my virtue be questioned in front of the Princess Helaena and the Ladies Rhaena and Baela," Y/n sternly interrupted, holding her ground in front of the dinner table, "My virtue has already been questioned enough in your presence, Prince Daemon."

Daemon had the gull to look down in shame for half a second before correcting his posture, straightening up as he reached to grasp Rhaenyra's hand when Y/n's words clearly distressed her. Y/n watched the act, feeling her nose and eyes warm with a wide range of emotions. Her hands tighten again and her throat closes, only allowing a brief whisper towards Queen Alicent to excuse herself from the room. Septa Y/n darted out of the feast and escaped to her chambers, crying her eyes out as everything boiled over like a volcano. She collapsed into her bed and cried herself to utter exhaustion, her eyes swollen and beginning to close.

Sleep would not find her, however, as her chamber doors opened, and in its wake stood Prince Aemond. Septa Y/n wanted to scream at him, to question why he would shame a septa by coming to her room alone when she is vulnerable. Had he no fear of the gods? Instead, she lay in silence and shook from head to toe, trying to regain composure. Aemond moved out of the doorway and Aegon followed him into the room. Eventually, Helaena entered, but she stood awkwardly by the door, holding her arm in the opposite hand. Both of her brothers decided to let Y/n have her space and sat on the furniture surrounding the hearth on the opposite end of the room.

They all bask in the silence, just listening to Y/n's soft cries and the crackling of the fire. Eventually, Y/n was able to control her breathing again, wiping her face clean of tears before she tries using her breaking voice, "Did your mother dismiss you?"

Aegon huffs with mirth, "No, but I doubt we were welcome to stay. Aemond subtly insulted the Velaryon boys and it earned us a toss-up."

Y/n's accusing glare turned to the one-eyed prince watching her from the hearth, his smile unwavering even under scrutiny, "Aemond."

"Forgive me, Septa Y/n."

It was a jest, clearly, and she barked out a laugh, unable to control it. Both of her brothers laugh in response, while Helaena softly smiles. As they all laugh, Alicent emerges from the doorway and beelines for Y/n, gathering her up in her arms, "Oh, my darling girl."

Y/n sniffs, trying not to appear so small, "Forgive me, Your Grace. I was out of line."

"There is nothing to forgive. Daemon was the one in the wrong. That conversation was hardly one to have at dinner."

Y/n felt like a child again, being coddled by the Queen after her emotions got the best of her. Instead of comfort, however, she only felt shame. As a septa, being comforted by those she had been in charge of felt as though she was a failure of a guardian. On the contrary, having the touch of a mother for the first time in years felt... nice. It could not compare to the ghost of her own mother, but Alicent was gentle and squeezed just right for the touch to be secure. Y/n did her best to peek around her room for each of her half-siblings, all three of them smiling warmly at her. For a moment, Y/n felt as though she was a princess again instead of a septa, and perhaps in their eyes, she was. The thought struck her to a point of realization. Perhaps the royal family didn't see her as a septa first. Perhaps they saw her as their sister first and septa second.

Y/n was a proud septa, but just for a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the comfort and support of the family. Gods be damned.

~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, she woke alone in her room, but she felt lighter than she did yesterday. Rising in the early hour before the sun rose, she got cleaned and dressed before going out to start her morning duties. She didn't get far before she spotted Ser Criston Cole down the hall and the knight saw her in turn. He turned to her, his voice booming in demand, "Septa Y/n, I'd advise you to join Princess Helaena in her chambers and stay there until someone can fetch you."

The order confused her, Criston's stiff posture screaming all signs of wrong to her, but Y/n dutifully obeyed and retreated to her half-sister's apartments. Helaena was already there with the twins and the wet nurse, embroidering what looked to be one of her favorite insects while the nurse and children played on the floor. Y/n joined her on the furniture and read out loud some passages of the Seven-Pointed Star as the morning sun rises further in the sky. Before long, Queen Alicent and Lord Otto storm into the bedroom, demanding the whereabouts of Prince Aegon. No one had seen him, so Lord Otto retreats back outside and Alicent sits and informs the septa and princess that their father was dead.

Helaena pushed away her mother after stating 'there is a beast beneath the boards' while Y/n sat still, face hard of any grieving expression. Her teeth grind together, eyes focused on a spot on the wall as she addressed the Queen, "Has the King's brother and heir been informed?"

"No. They left last night."

She nods. "May I see the body? I would like to pray over the deceased."

"Of course."

Alicent had Ser Criston bring Septa Y/n to the King's chambers. Incense was burning when she arrived, making her way around the large diorama of King's Landing towards the bed. The incense was not strong enough, unfortunately, and Y/n's nose scrunched up when introduced to a vile smell she could only identify as a rotting corpse. She's dealt with death before when tending to the sick in her studies to be a septa, but it's still overwhelming for the senses. Viserys' body was small, frail, already the proper size of a skeleton. There wasn't enough flesh left of her father to decay, the right side of the face already decomposed and skeletal. He had been a walking, rotting corpse for some time now, and at this point, Y/n could no longer remember her father's face from when she was a child. She had only known this limp form for so long.

Lighting seven candles, Y/n says her prayers under her breath, hardly shedding a tear as the Silent Sisters are summoned to properly cleanse and wrap the body. Queen Alicent, now properly dressed in mourning clothes, fits herself beside Y/n as they both stand over the wrapped body, his crown placed on top of it. Alicent wept, but Y/n remained neutral. Once the Queen had composed herself, she turned to Y/n and grasped her hand.

"Y/n, you must listen to me. Last night, before I retired to bed, Viserys spoke to me. He wished for Aegon to be crowned instead of Rhaenyra and therefore we must find my son before we can send word to Dragonstone. We must plan a coronation for Aegon before Rhaenyra has a chance to react. I know she is your sister and you may not believe that Viserys said this to me--"

"I believe you," Y/n interrupted, her words strong and unwavering as she looked up at Alicent with a stone face, "I believe the King would want his firstborn son to be crowned over his daughter. If you fear my response, there is no need. My place is beside your son and his family as the gods have intended. You have my full support for whatever it is you're about to do."

Alicent visibly sighs, smiling out of relief even behind the mournful tears. Squeezing Y/n's hand, she turned back to the corpse of her dead husband, "Would you like Daenys to burn the body?"

"No. Have his rightful heir use Sunfyre. My father once tried to take my dragon from me. I will not do him the honor of being burned by her."

Aegon is eventually found by Aemond and Ser Criston and is immediately brought to his mother before anything else could be done. Alicent attempts to influence her son into not plunging the realm into war with the Blacks, claiming that negotiating terms with Rhaenyra and Daemon first would be the best thing for all of them. Septa Y/n agreed with Alicent, and that seemed to fully convince Aegon after he had been properly cleaned and sobered up. Septa Y/n stood beside Aemond and Helaena in the Dragonpit as Ser Criston crowned Aegon with none other than the Conqueror's crown and sword. Alicent crowned Helaena and bowed before her, addressing her as 'my Queen' before Aegon raised his sword before the masses and they loudly cheered in celebration. Unfortunately, the celebration is cut short when Princess Rhaenys bursts from the floorboards of the Dragonpit with her large, mighty dragon, Meleys, the Red Queen herself. For a moment, it appeared as though the Queen Who Never Was had every intention of putting a stop to all this, having her dragon roar at the royal family before swiftly escaping.

The royal family retreats back to the Red Keep and Aegon sat on top of the Iron Throne. Lords and ladies scurry into the throne room to pledge their allegiance to him, but the most surprising appearance that drew whispers among the court was Septa Y/n herself, having been summoned by the new king.

"Sweet sister, you have done a great service for my queen and our family," Aegon proclaims with a wide grin, "And it would be an honor to have you as an ally more than a servant. I bid to return all land and titles to you, the same titles our father had once unfairly taken from you. In exchange for your loyalty, I would now pronounce you as Princess Y/n Targaryen once more and name you the Princess of Dragonstone until my heir, Prince Jaehaerys, comes of age to inherit our ancestral home, should you accept to carry my banner."

Y/n's heart soared and her face warmed as if a curse had been broken and a veil had been lifted from her eyes. Slowly, gracefully, the once former Septa Y/n bent the knee before the Iron Throne, beaming up at King Aegon with an uplifting smile, "It would be my honor, Your Grace. I, Princess Y/n of the House Targaryen, First of My Name and Princess of Dragonstone, promise to be faithful to King Aegon of House Targaryen, Second of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. I pledge fealty to him and shall defend him against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new."

The day ends with a small feast among the King's family and council. Y/n sat with them not as a septa, but as a princess, having removed her modest robes and hood in exchange for a black dress to symbolize the mourning of her father as courtesy demands. Her hair is kept short below her chin and braided behind her ears so that no one could possibly mistake her for her twin ever again. From this moment on, Y/n was done defending her sister.

~~~~~~~~~

Otto Hightower sailed for Dragonstone with sails bestowing the colors of Aegon's new banner, the original Targaryen sigil but instead of red, the three-headed dragon was colored green. Y/n waited half a day for Lord Otto to reach her ancestral home before following close behind on dragonback, her mighty Daenys fitted back into a beautiful saddle before taking to the sky.

The wind was kind enough for the ship to make it to Dragonstone before Y/n as she spotted the ship docking at one of the piers upon flying overhead of Dragonmont. She could see how far Otto and his company of knights had gotten before being stopped by Rhaenyra, her dragon, and her men at the long, cobblestone stairs stretching far along the island and leading up to the castle. Syrax had purposely landed to block the Greens' only exit, trapping them between her and Daemon as Rhaenyra stood in front of the company. From a distance, Y/n easily recognized her sister's hair and then noticed Daemon's, her rage only brewing. And since she had been released from her vows as a septa, she gladly embraced her emotions instead of stomping them down with prayer. She let Daenys circle the stand-off upon the bridge once, twice, before finally landing behind Daemon's men, now trapping all of them between the two she-dragons. She didn't take the time to bask in everyone's expressions as she quickly descended from her saddle. Her feet hit cobblestones and Y/n slowly made her way through the sea of soldiers belonging to her uncle. They part for her with the looming beast behind her keeping a close watch on them while Y/n makes it to the center, being met by her uncle and sister.

This time, she gladly took in their expressions as they both noticed her riding dress was a dark, green, and black garb with matching riding pants underneath. Rhaenyra's expression was one of horror and disbelief, while Daemon's hardened into something unreadable. Y/n flashed a thin smile as she passed them, moving to stand directly beside Lord Otto. Only then did Y/n take the time to observe the situation. At the sight of Rhaenyra wearing their father's crown, a flash of anger spread through Y/n like wildfire.

"Sister..." Rhaenyra finally spoke, her disbelief still knawing in the back of her mind, "What are you doing here?"

"Assisting in negotiations," Y/n proudly stated, glancing between her sister and Lord Otto, "I assume that the Hand of the King has laid out King Aegon's terms?"

"King--" Rhaenyra's rage flashed before she reeled it back in, taking her time to breathe in deeply before tightly responding, "Aegon is no king to us. You were there, Y/n when our father named me his rightful heir."

"Our father was a fool," the harsh insult slipped easily off Y/n's tongue, lashing out like a viper with a rage Rhaenyra has never seen in her twin before, "Even a king must obey the laws... and the laws of the Great Council state that a male heir must be put first before the female and even a female's sons, regardless of who of which was firstborn. King Jaehaerys was wise in letting his people decide back in 101 AC, and our father was a fool for believing his word outranked the people who made the very decision that handed him the Iron Throne. King Viserys stabbed the realm in the back for going against the laws they had placed to prevent wars. King Viserys started a war by favoring you over his sons and naming you heir."

"You shame your father's memory by betraying your blood to these pretenders!" Daemon accused his niece from over Rhaenyra's shoulder.

Y/n's eyes dart towards him, the man she once wished to devote herself to. Instead of love, however, there was only hate and mockery as she tilt her head at him, "Are you not the brother he looked over in favor of his daughter? I see no other reason why you would marry her other than to finally have your brother's throne for yourself once you slice her pretty neck wide open."

"Y/n, enough," Rhaenyra's voice cracked under the power of her voice, "You don't have to do this."

The smile grows until Y/n shows her fangs, the sneer, and disdain pooling from her eyes as spoke in a harsh whisper, "Because of your crimes and sins against the gods, I was sent away to atone for them. For every step forward you took advantage of, I was two steps behind, taking the blame. The gods test my patience every time you draw breath or every time you bore a bastard son. You shame me, sister," Rhaenyra's face crumbled under the weight of Y/n's words, "And you shame the gods our dragons fly so close to. You can no longer walk over the laws the gods have placed for mortal men. You can no longer abuse the might and power of your station."

"Why are you doing this?" The Queen Pretender whispered breathlessly, a single tear running down her cheek, "Please, give me an honest answer."

"You're a fool if you think I haven't been honest with every ill word I speak of you," Y/n took one step forward and then another until she was close in proximity to Rhaenyra. Both sisters stood still, as did their respective guardians on either end of this battlefield of words. Y/n's eyes dart behind Rhaenyra to closely watch Daemon as she whispered into her sister's ear, "You have taken everything from me the day you followed the man I loved, the one person who ever made me truly happy, into a brothel. Because of you, I was never allowed to start a family of my own. Because of you, I was sent away from home. Because of you, I nearly lost my dragon. Because of you, I will never feel the love our father had that was bestowed on you. Every warmth I have ever felt, you sought to snuff it out to please yourself. You have taken everything from me, sweet sister... and now you will learn to know how that feels."

Better songs have been sung for twins like Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk of House Cargyll, whether they were believed to be true or not. Songs about Rhaenyra and Y/n of House Targaryen, however, were barely sung and were far from beautiful. Scholars and fools alike can agree years after the event that the sisters had parted from each other on Dragonstone as mortal enemies, vowing vengeance and blood for crimes they had committed against one another in girlhood. Men have fought wars for far less, and the twin Targaryen girls had more reason than most to wish their other half dead.

Rhaenyra had extinguished all memory of 'the Realm's Delight' in replace of 'the Black Queen', whilst others called Her Grace more colorful monikers that shamed her very existence, such as 'the Bitch Queen' or 'the Whore of Dragonstone'. None, however, would ring more true than 'King Maegor With Teats'.

Over the years, the People had grown to name Y/n many things. 'Divine Justice' was one of them, 'the Father's Maid' another... and the least popular title was 'the Winged Stranger', the one many would call her during the Dance of Dragons.

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: If you would like to support my writing, please feel free to donate at my new Ko-fi account here! Personal submissions can be done over there as well if you want something written up more to your liking :)

Otherwise, please like and support this blog! Leave and ask or pm for a request!

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destroyerofnations92 · 3 months

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Chapter one of up unto the overturned keel has been made public on my Patreon. If you enjoy Daemyra, are Team Black, or just really like the Rogue Prince and his Delight, go have a read.

If you're interested, I have several other multi-chaptered WIPs, as well as more chapters of the above-mentioned story. All of them are set in the wonderful World of Westeros (Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon).

up unto the overturned keel [House of the Dragon]: “Tales of great kings and mighty warriors are whispered with revery amongst the smallfolk, but how do things change when a peaceful king makes way for a martial one?”

a dragon’s wroth [House of the Dragon]: “Much had been written about Daemon Targaryen – brother to a king, husband to a queen and father to yet another queen – and even more had been said of him, but none could deny the devotion to his blood.”

i wake and feel the fell of dark, not day [House of the Dragon]: “Rhaenyra and Daemon’s rage would be whispered of for generations to come. As would the bloody trail of death and despair that followed in their wake.”

the girl in the green dress [House of the Dragon]: “Only fools wake a slumbering dragon. Let this fool not be wearing green as well?”

amidst salt and smoke [Game of Thrones]: “It has been seven years since Bran the Broken was named Lord of the Six Kingdoms, and Tyrion Lannister has rebuilt the realm, bringing forth peace and change. However, tensions with the independent Kingdom of the North and the Lords Paramount endanger the prosperity created by the Lannister lord’s Handship, as does the Hand’s own instability—for he dreams of those he has lost. What is real and what is not?”

You're in luck because there is also a one-week free trail before you have to commit to anything. 😉

For those interested, below is a short snippet of chapter one.

******************

The maesters murmured amongst themselves for days after the birth, with lesser courtiers chiming in at times, whispering about the queerness of the young prince: silent, yet according to the few maids that were allowed near him by the babe’s mother, he burned hotter than a Dornish summer’s day.

What newborn does not weep? Does not shed any tears at all? Instead just watches those that stand over his hand-carved dragon crib with those deep purple eyes. No smiles, no tears, just staring. And that damned heat.

The royal family must have heard the whispers. How could they not? Yet, it was only when the Prince of Dragonstone confronted Lord Rickard Connington about his gossiping and threatened to disembowel him in front of his young wife and children, that the overt speculation died down. Though Prince Aemon knew there was still talk of his beloved sennight-old nephew within the halls of the Red Keep, at least it no longer happened within his or his lady wife’s earshot, nor that of his brother and their sister.

When born, the prince’s eyes had been the darkest of purples, closer to black than anything, yet with an unmistakable shine to them. As expected, the few tufts of hair on the babe’s head were the traditional Targaryen platinum, but more silver than white. The maesters believed that both might change in time. His eyes could lighten up and his hair might to on more of a blonde or white hue, but decades later, both would remain the same.

The birth of any prince or princess of the blood was always a cause for celebration, and while the King was jubilant at the birth of his youngest grandchild, it was Alysanne who adored the newborn prince above all else. The Good Queen would spend entire days within the young prince’s chambers, just looking at him, while he stared back at her.

Daemon. A name the prince and princess had only settled upon a day prior and which would be formally announced to the court soon enough. While many would assume the newborn prince was named after the Conciliator’s uncle and former Hand of the King, or even the Conqueror’s first Master of Ships and his most loyal of supporters, those who truly knew the Spring Prince and his sister-wife knew better.

Prince Baelon and Princess Alyssa, more than any Targaryen since the sorceress queen had perished four decades earlier, had a deep-rooted admiration of the ancient Freehold and its near-mythical prowess. When dragons still roamed the sky by the dozens, grand buildings were erected, perfect roads lay with the magic of blood and fire, and Lords Freeholders were worshipped as gods come flesh, a great dragonlord sat as First Lord for more than half a century… Daemon the Blackhair.

The Blackhair, much like his name suggested, missed the famed Valyrian white hair. Born a scion of the House Volterys, many assumed he was a bastard born of his mother’s dalliance with one of the lower blood, a servant maybe, though his powerful father seemingly paid the rumours no mind. His ascendency to the parriarchy of his ancient house at the age of seven and ten would have been considered controversial if he had not yet claimed the dragon Ghidorax. Nearing her fourth century, the grand she-dragon was considered the mightiest mount in at least ten generations.

Though the Volteryses were considered traders rather than warriors or politicians, Daemon would make a name for himself within the Civic Legions, and be granted command of its most elite of brigades at the young age of one and twenty. There started his meteoric rise: from command of the First Brigade to the entire Civic Legions, Archonship of Mantarys and Consulship of the Gierūlnon – the ancient assembly of lords freeholders – and finally, to the vaulted office of First Lord. The most powerful man in all of Valyria, maybe even the known world. For three-and-fifty years, the Blackhair sat on the Blood Throne and in that time he brought Ghis to heel, forced the Dothraki from their borders, and even settled an outpost in the west.

Who better to name their son for?

******************

Also, check out my Linktree for all my social media and fanfiction accounts.

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cordoleo · 2 months

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hear ye hear ye — the riverlands welcomes LADY MEREDYTH RYKKER of DUSKENDALE. king matthos baratheon is glad that the TWENTY-EIGHT year old appears to be resourceful and he shall overlook that it’s said they are also detached, as long as they are glad to celebrate peace in the seven kingdoms. fortunately for them, matthos remains oblivious that they AREN’T happy with his reign.

i. background.

full name: meredyth rykker.

commonly goes by: mere, merry.

epitaph: lady nowhere.

official title: lady of duskendale.

occupation: translator, performer; previously a novice in the citadel (c. 287 - 293)

age: twenty eight.

birth date: 17th of june 270 ac.

gender + pronouns: cis woman + she/her.

orientation: bisexual + homoromantic.

allegiance: herself.

spoken language: common tongue, high valyrian, bastard valyrian ( several dialects ), trade talk, lhazareen, sarnori, enough dothraki.

religion: baptized under the faith of the seven but holds little attachment to the seven; instead, she has a fondness for foreign gods.

ii. appearance.

faceclaim: pooja hegde.

eye color: warm brown.

hair color: chocolate brown.

remarkable markings: n/a.

dominant hand: ambidextruous.

height: 5'9".

build: tall, "pear shaped".

iii. personality.

virtues: easy - going, vivacious, open - minded, adaptative, quick - witted, attentive.

vices: opportunistic, vain, unruly, chaotic, non - committal, egotistical.

weapon of choice: always carries a dagger strapped to her thigh and poison inside one of her rings.

moral alignment: tba.

inspired by: alexis rose ( schitt’s creek ), helene kuragina ( war and peace ), maria de padilla ( history ), nell gwynn ( history ), roman roy ( succession ), lydia bennett ( pride and prejudice ).

common tropes: tba.

iv. relationships.

parents: reginald and tba rykker.

siblings: desmera and tba ( older ).

relationship status: unmarried.

children: none.

pets: none.

other relations: tba.

previous relations: several.

v. biography.

last born of the rykker clan, mere was fed from the crib about tales she'd eat up eagerly: stories of the old valyrian world, the one that it developed into and survived in essos and the one that, just shortly after she was born, would crumble around in westeros. gifts and reminiscent items from the targaryen allegiance the rykker had were hidden away. instead, they focused on trade — duskendale may not be white harbor or oldtown, but the port city was lively, and yet another interesting thing for a child that was too curious to focus on.

she loathed going to king's landing when the ironborn rebellion knocked at their doors. while her sister may have taken to being a maid of honor with grace and keenness, merry would have rather stayed behind. as a ten year old, she didn't understand the dangers of new coming boats that have always treated her so well, but at thirteen, she would learn that the ironborn are not as merciful as foreign traders. it was also the first time she noticed that, sometimes, there is something more than family, than to be bound — when dessie prefers to give up their right as heir to play puppet to a queen that was, fairly, loathsome.

that didn't stop her from coming back to court at fifteen, though her stay there would be even shorter. the strong will she had could not be contained by the queen who would then advice (truly, almost demand) that the rykker's mother to deal with mere somehow. the method chosen was the citadel. the life of a novice was the last thing merry would care to indulge. the life of a maester seemed like a nightmare, certainly a punishment that mother wasn't even qualified to bestow upon her (hadn't her mother been just as bad of a hellion in her youth, sailing all the way from saath to westeros?), yet, she went. the convincing part of it was the knowledge she could pry from the teachers: you needn't take the vows, she was promised.

and truly, it wasn't all bad. she enjoyed some subjects — she would go on to forge four chains: black iron (raven), copper (history), bronze (astronomy), lead (poisoning) — and made some acquaintances she'd hold dear, but patience could only hold to a certain time. on the eve of the date of another chain test, she chose to board a ship out of westeros instead. if anything, that was on her mother, who had fed her such stories of success — she wanted nothing but to redo it, forge her own path the way she wanted to. it wasn't all nice nor pretty, not the way she would tell people later on. when the money ran out, she was ready to join a pillow house before she saw a performance of a traveling trope that would take her in.

with them, she went around most of the free cities until some three years ago, when she became the mistress of the magistrate of lys. it was around there that she first met aerys targaryen, though it would take her years to entirely leave her very comfortable position to follow a beggar prince — not until the dragons were born again and it was like mere was three again, eating up mistified tales of a family of old. she's always struggled to believe, but maybe in this — in this, she can find something that sticks.

#conquest.intro

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theyreiqnarchive · 1 year

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( 𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖉 𝖇𝖞 ; maddie ) ⸻ announcing the arrival of baela targaryen , princess of the seven kingdoms . known for being whimsical , the twenty three year old can also be very mystifying , but that's just the rumors of the south , they whisper that she reminds them of cryptic words offered with a far off gaze , as if one is looking through you . ( milly alcock + cisfemale + she / her. )

it didn't matter that she was the last born , it didn't matter that she was a girl , it was still a heavy burden to bear , that being the child of a woman who did so much , who achieved so much , who brought magic and dragons back to westeros .

magic flowed through her veins from the moment she was born , there was no questioning that valyrian blood , not with hair as white as her mothers and those shocking violet hues that so few valyrians head , she was a true daughter of a dragon . but like the day she was born , she was warm , brought into a world where she should beg for nothing , want for nothing , cry for nothing . she was a targaryen . a princess at that . she bore the beauty of her mother and the warmth of a loving mother at that , despite how busy she was .

and as tradition states an egg was placed in her crib , hand picked for her by the eldest targaryen children , a deep purple hue that shimmered in a blue iridescent gleam , that hatched only hours after the birth of the little princess , as if it were meant to be , a pale skinned beast that bonded with the baby the second she was spotted , something new and something strange .

as if life wasn't tough enough , images haunt her dreams , some are simply pictures of petals falling , but they signify something else , as if telling a tale of what's to come , it was a gift her mother had , a gift of others before her , but it came with great burdens , as very little could be shared .

her days were spent relatively the same , as she was a young child she clutched to her mother , begging for attention , as she did her eldest brother , the pair sharing a bond strong than most , as if they spoke in tongues , as if the spoke in riddles , they were in sync , spending so much time with her mother left her around jorah more often than not . as a young babe , it was uncommon to see baela without daenerys or jorah , and of course tyrion , the young dragon fond of the small man who was her mothers hand , often found in his chair at coucil meetings and tugging at his wild locks and as much as she pestered him and he complained , he loved her so .

as she got older , baela would wander off , curl up with her dragon , who continued to grow each day , reading tales of dragon warriors or she'd whisper her dreams , and when she wasn't seen with vaehra , she could be seen with her friends , or rather friend and other ladies at court . but it was a rarity to catch the young princess without either her best friend or her dragon .

growing up was a lot more relaxed , her days remained repetitive , lessons with septas and her siblings , days in the garden , days spent learning the realm , alongside her brothers , though she was never taught to wield a sword , she had no desire to at least , she was taught languages , fluent in every tongue of her mother from dothraki to westerosi to low and high valyrian , she knew it all . when she wasn't learning she was found in the dragon pit , causing mischief with vaehra and the older she got , the bigger her dragon grew , spoiled rotten the beast with pale skin was and soon enough , the young dragon was soring through the skies with her siblings .

the older she got , the easier her dreams become to control , she doesn't feel as if she's a slave to them , she flourish brightly like the flowers of the reach , she blossomed under the care of many and was whispered about being delightful , but as delightful as people claimed her to be , at time , her soft spoken words , omnious and mysterious , they set people on edge , causing them discomfort .

at three and twenty the last born targaryen lost her mother , while her brother gained a crown , she did not envy his road ahead , but she sat by her mother , legs folded as she held her hand , hoping and preying this day would never come , but it did and too soon , but as the dragon queen's last breath parted pale lips , baela kissed the womans forehead and said her goodbyes , she had known this was coming , and she had seen glimpses of what was coming and she assured her mother in her final days that she would protect her family.

#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ prose.#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ aesthetics.#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ edits.#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ tasks.#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ events.#𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍 ⸻ dynamics.

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gendryaweeklyupdates · 4 years

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All Updated Gendrya work this week (08-Mar-20 to 14-Mar-20)

Note: all dates are in dd-mm-yy

Redemption by LME ( 16/? as of 08-3-20)

Imagining Arya and Gendry's reunion when the Game of Thrones is finally over. This story is focused on the voyage of 'Arya the Adventurer' on her ship Nymeria, after she asks, "What is west of Westeros?".

Rating:M

Even the Darkest Night will end. by @lianria (12/? as of 08-3-20)

Arya reaches out to old allies for help, and the pack begins to reform. Pack doesn't always mean just wolves anymore.

Rating:M

Runaway With Me - Part 2 by @the-end-is-kigh (14/14 as of 08-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Arya Stark was not happy when her family was forced to move to King's Landing due to her father's promotion. But at the same time, it allowed her to escape her problems back home, allowed her to meet a cousin she'd never known, get a job doing what she loves and there's the issue of a certain mechanic.

Maybe the move would be worth it?

But the problems from back home follow her, her only hope is to keep running, until she can't run any more.

This is the reaction mostly to the letters Arya and Gendry send back home.

Rating:T

One for the road by @obsessivewriter (9/9 as of 8-3-20)

As a survivor, Arya always knew she was living on borrowed time, five years in remission she had done almost everything on her bucket list until her time ran up.

That time is up now and there is only one thing she never got to experience: falling in love.

Gendry will do anything for his best friend, and really how hard could it be to fall for someone you already love?

Rating:E

The Ghost of the Red Keep by TheDameintheRaininMaine (4/? as of 8-3-20)

Lysa never sent her letter. Bran was never pushed. Five Starks make the journey to King's Landing.

And one day beneath the Red Keep, Arya hears a voice she decides must be a ghost.

Rating:T

Evading Capture by @katlyn1948 (9/? as of 8-3-20)

Arya evades the brotherhood, but fails and Gendry can't seem to keep his eyes of their captive.

Rating:M

A Thunder In Our Hearts by hungerwolves (2/? as of 9-3-20)

In which Arya has to marry lord Gendry Baratheon, the legitimized bastard son of the King in the South, to avoid war between the 6 Kingdoms and the North.

Unrated

Heavy Lies The Crown by OneMoreNight1996 (7/? as of 13-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

When the truth of the Baratheon children is revealed, King Robert orders the execution of Cersei and Jamie Lannister and exiles the children to Casterly Rock. This leaves him without an heir so he is quickly forced to legitimize a bastard blacksmith brought to him by Ned Stark and, in the eye of the King, his heir is in need of a bride.

Rating:E

The Last Time by @yanak324 (14/? as of 9-3-20)

After a decade away, Arya returns home. Encountering the boy she left behind is not in her plans.

At least she’s always known the Gods have a funny sense of humor.

Rating:E

True Love's Kiss by @prettyyvacant321 (2/? as of 9-3-20)

Gendrya Sleeping Beauty AU with a few twists!

Based off the January (oops I'm late but what's new) prompt from @days-of-gendrya on Tumblr.

Rating:M

Head of the River by @everyl1ttleth1ng (13/? as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Gendry Waters, multiple Pan Westeros Games gold medal winning rower, has been the highly successful and well-loved Director of Rowing at the exclusive Riverlands Grammar School for six years now. Ser Davos Seaworth has very recently retired as school principal and been replaced by the much younger multiple gold medal winning fencer from the North, Dr Arya Stark.

One morning Gendry finds himself approached by his new boss. She wants him to teach her how to row.

(In which Gendry is still rowing AND Gendry and Arya spend time in a boat together.)

Rating:T

Gym Daze by @dragongoddess13 (5/5 as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

For years they worked out together. In high school he drove them to the gym every afternoon after school or after extracurriculars. In college, they went first thing in the morning before classes and after graduation, when they both moved down to King’s Landing, they found a new gym and a new schedule.

Or how Gendry and Arya learn to use their frequent trips to the gym in ways that were a whole new kind of satisfying.

Rating:E

I Wanna Be Yours by @sneetchstar (15/? as of 12-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Gendrya one-shot collection.

Rating:E

When Winter Comes by OneMoreNight1996 (2/? as of 11-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

Winter sets in after the Long Night is over leaving everyone stuck in Winterfell and unable to go south. This causes some tension within the group as secrets are revealed and promises are made.

Rating:E

The odd girl who smelled the rain by @blue-nebulae (5/6 as of 12-3-20)

Gendry noticed her the very first week of the semester.

Something about her caught his eye, he didn’t know exactly what it was, perhaps the fact that she was a very pretty short girl or the fact that she was carrying a bright yellow umbrella, and using it almost like a cane, on a perfect summery day and that was odd.

Rating:T

More Than Words by @keepitmovinshawty (6/? as of 12-3-20)

Arry and Steffon first meet on the beaches of Braavos while escaping their responsibilities. Both ignorant of their true identities, it comes as a surprise when they meet again on a more formal scale and try to handle a relationship while the world watches.

Rating:M

Bad Pick-up lines Work Best by JoPoGirlsKickAss (17/? as of 12-3-20)

Gendry's life is suddenly sprinkled with bad pick up lines--at first he ignores them, then he realizes they might all be from the same person and that person might just be the death of him.

In which Arya flirts hard and Gendry is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[Slow(ish) burn until chapter 15]

Rating:T

The Lost Prince by @psychvamp25 (37/40 as of 12-3-20)

The first Baratheon prince died in his crib, this is known.

Arya Stark comes to King's Landing when her father becomes Hand of King and her sister is set to marry the Crown Prince, Joffrey. Arya journeys to the street of steal and meets a handsome young blacksmith. Little does she know, that her relationship with this blacksmith could change the future of the Seven Kingdoms.

Rating:T

A Dance of Shadows by Faiseuse_d_Histoires (29/50 as of 13-3-20) (significant Gendrya with Jonerys)

It’s been one year since the death of Daenerys Targaryen, called by some "the mad queen", and the North and the Six Kingdoms try to rebuild all that was lost. Jon Snow had disappeared beyond the Wall, his wolf last seen near Hardhome. Queen Sansa "the Wise" is facing unrest in the nearby villages, which leads her to make questionable choices in the eyes of her people. In the South, king Bran the Broken fell seemingly ill and fear for his life makes people uneasy about the succession.

As once again instability risks to break the kingdoms, a hero reappears, with the name of a long-feared enemy, and an old song is beginning to be sung once again, with fire and ice meeting for one last dance.

Not mentioned, but coming: Some news from the iron islands and Dorne, trouble coming from Essos… oh, and some resurrection, perhaps.

Rating:M

The Prince That Didn't Come by @igitnothin (61/63 as of 13-3-20)

On an normal winter day, Hot Pie happily delivered two meat pies and a jug of ale to a waiting table.

There was no interruption from his ordinary work. No happy reunion, no thrilling tales, and no missing Stark girls to steal his food and change the world. There was nothing but another group of hungry mouths to feed.

Or Arya Stark does not visit the Crossroads Inn, and the world of ice and fire is changed forever.

Unrated

then we take berlin by @evax3 (14/20 as of 13-3-20) (equally Theon/Robb)

After Petyr Baelish tragically suffocated on a gigot before he was able to poison Jon Arryn, Westeros fought in united strength against the White Walkers and built up a diplomatic relationship with Queen Daenerys in Meereen after the victory.

So, the land was at peace, the winter was over and 2 years later Theon, Robb and Arya sat together in Winterfell, bored to fucking death.

Fortunately, distraction seemed within reach, as Theon discovered a book in Maester Luwin’s library, maybe solving their problem. Promising the opportunity to travel back in time and experience one of the big battles again, they’d fought in the past.

But mixing the ingredients, something went wrong and instead of arriving back on the field of the second Battle of the Dawn, they found themselves in Berlin of the 21st century, still wearing their thick furs and understanding not a single word.

Putting their hopes in a certain dark-haired goldsmith from California, who kindly takes them in, they tried their best to somehow find their way back home and find a lot more in the process.

Rating:M

Prompts by @psychvamp25 (9/? as of 14-3-20) (multiple updates this week)

A collection of any of the prompts I get. Will be standalone little ficlets.

Rating:G

Through the storms by @nikelaos87 (3/? as of 14-3-20)

The sequel of "An empty shell"

«I won't marry you»

«You can't»

Rating:M

You Feel Like Moonlight On My Skin by @randifrnz (3/5 as of 14-3-20)

After six months in the capital, it is time the future King and Queen of Westeros continue the envoy through the kingdoms of the lands to know and build relationships with their people. Throughout their journey, the crown prince and princess grow even closer and grow up as well. Arya navigates what it means to be a woman grown and what it means to want.

Rating:E

Masterlink for the week: here

#gendrya #gendryaweekly #gendrya weekly #gendrya fanfiction #arya stark x gendry waters #arya x gendry #gendryafics

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burnthemallmood · 7 years

Text

Quotes from Ep.3

These are all the quotes from episode 3, courtesy of DragonglassBenjen. If you want to read them, they’re the under the cut.

T: “The bastard of Winterfell.”

J: “The dwarf of Casterly Rock.”

T: “I believe we last saw each other atop the wall.”

J: “You were pissing off the edge, if I remember right.”

T: “At some point, I want to hear how a Night's Watch recruit became King in the North.”

J: “As long as you tell me how a Lannister became Hand to Daenerys Targaryen.”

T: “A long and bloody tale. To be honest, I was drunk for most of it.”

J: “My bannermen think I'm a fool for coming here.”

T: “Of course they do. If I was your Hand, I would have advised against it. General rule of thumb, Stark men don't fare well when they travel south.”

J: “True. But I'm not a Stark.”

MI: “You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. Rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains.”

DAV: “This is Jon Snow. He's King in the North.”

DAE: “Thank you for traveling so far, my lord. I hope the seas weren't too rough.”

J: “The winds were kind, Your Grace.”

DAV: “Apologies, I have a Flea Bottom accent, I know, but Jon Snow is King in the North, Your Grace. He's not a lord.”

DAE: So I assume, my lord, you're here to bend the knee.

J: I am not.

DAE: Well, that is unfortunate. You've traveled all this way to break faith with House Targaryen?

J: Break faith? Your father burned my grandfather alive. He burned my uncle alive. He would have burned the Seven Kingdoms—

DAE: My father was an evil man. On behalf of House Targaryen, I ask your forgiveness for the crimes he committed against your family. And I ask you not to judge a daughter for the sins of her father. (…) I am the last Targaryen, Jon Snow. Honor the pledge your ancestor made to mine. Bend the knee and I will name you Warden of the North. (…)

J: You're right. You're not guilty of your father's crimes. And I'm not beholden to my ancestor's vows. (...)

DAE: “I was born at Dragonstone. Not that I can remember it. We fled before Robert's assassins could find us. Robert was your father's best friend, no? I wonder if your father knew his best friend sent assassins to murder a baby girl in her crib. Not that it matters now, of course. I spent my life in foreign lands. So many men have tried to kill me, I don't remember all their names. I have been sold like a broodmare. I've been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing, through all those years in exile? Faith. Not in any god, not in myths and legends. In myself. In Daenerys Targaryen. The world hadn't seen a dragon in centuries, until my children were born. The Dothraki hadn't crossed the sea, any sea. They did for me. I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and I will.”(…)

DAV: “You don't believe him. I understand that, it sounds like nonsense. But if destiny has brought Daenerys Targaryen back to our shores, it has also made Jon Snow King in the North. You were the first to bring Dothraki to Westeros? He is the first to make allies of wildlings and Northmen. He was named Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, he was named King in the North. Not because of his birthright. He has no birthright, he's a damn bastard. All those hard sons of bitches chose him as their leader because they believe in him. All those things you don't believe in, he faced those things. He fought those things for the good of his people. He risked his life for his people. He took a knife in the heart for his people. He gave his own-- If we don't put aside our enmities and band together, we will die. And then it doesn't matter whose skeleton sits on the Iron Throne.”

D: “What was that Ser Davos said about "taking a knife in the heart" for his people? Did you notice that?”

T: “You must allow them their flights of fancy. It's dreary in the North.”

“I'm sorry for all that's happened to you. I'm sorry it had to happen here, in our home. It was so beautiful that night. Snow falling, just like now. And you were so beautiful, in your white wedding dress.” Bran to Sansa 7x03.

“Don't fight in the North, or the South. Fight every battle, everywhere, always, in your mind. Everyone is your enemy. Everyone is your friend. Every possible series of events is happening all at once. Live that way and nothing will surprise you. Everything that happens will be something that you've seen before.” Littlefinger to Sansa 7x03

“I'd hate to die like your son. Clawing at my neck, foam and bile spilling from my mouth, eyes blood red, skin purple. Must have been horrible for you, as a Kingsguard, as a father. It was horrible enough for me. A shocking scene. Not at all what I intended. You see, I'd never seen the poison work before. Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me.” Olenna to Jaime 7x03

“I've done my part. I've brought ice and fire together.” Melisandre to Varys 7x03

#jonerys #jon snow #daenerys targaryen #jon and daenerys #Jon and Dany #jon x daenerys #jon x dany #got spoilers #game of thrones spoilers #game of thrones season7 #game of thrones season7 spoilers #got season 7 #got season 7 spoilers #game of thrones 7x03

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typingtess · 7 years

Text

Tiptoeing through the guest cast: “Mountebank”

Vyto Ruginis as Arkady Kolcheck Our good friend Arkady was last seen in "Glasnost" in season seven.

Tembi Locke as Leigha Winters Was Alice Kent Staley in "The Searchers" season 12 episode of NCIS.

Played Lisa Dixon in Beverly Hills 90210, Kaylene in Claude's Crib, Dr. Diana Davis in Sliders, Vice Principal Liz Taylor in Raising Dad, Addie Townsend in Windfall and Grace Monroe in Eureka.

Appeared in episodes of Me and the Boys, Night Stand, Martin, In the House (LL Cool J's 1990's sitcom), Hitz, The Wayans Bros., The Jamie Foxx Show, Friends, The Hughleys, One on one, Touched by an Angel, The Division, The Bernie Mac Show, Like Family, Eve, CSI: NY, Quintuplets, Unscripted, The ½ Hour News Hour, House of Payne, The Mentalist, Bones, Castle, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Magicians, Animal Kingdom and Doubt.

Costas Mandylor as Abram Sokolov Mandylor is a familiar credit on NCIS: Los Angeles. Costas's brother Louis was the imprisoned serial killer Lucas Maragos in the "Little Angels" episode in season two. Appeared in the "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" and "Past, Present, and Future" season 11 opening episodes of NCIS.

Played Kenny Lacos in Picket Fences, Alphones Royo in Players, Monk in Secret Agent Man, Beau/Bill Brewer on 7th Heaven and Greek Vice Admiral Demetrius in The Last Ship.

Appeared in episodes of Tales from the Crypt, FX: The Series, Resurrection Blvd., Nash Bridges, Sex & The City, Flatland, Sacred Ground, Fastlane, Major Crimes and Once Upon a Time.

Was also in a number of feature films and TV movies.

Uriah Shelton as Finn Played Jack McGuire in Trust Me, Jeff Cargill in The Glades, Josh in Blue and Josh Matthews in Girl Meets World. Was in episodes of Ghost Whisperer, MADtv, Suite Life on Deck, Monk, Franklin & Bash, Last Man Standing, Justified, The Rev, Instant Mom and 13 Reasons Why.

Svetlana Efremova as Vladlena Sokolov Had guest roles in episodes of Gideon's Crossing, The West Wing, The Guardian, Thieves, Strong Medicine, Without a Trace, The Practice, Cold Case, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Joan of Arcadia, ER, Judging Amy, The Young and the Restless, Monk, Dirt, The Closer, The Whole Truth, Motive, Body of Proof, Work It, Shameless, The OA, MacGyver, The Blacklist: Redemption, SEAL Team and The Brave.

Played Zinaida Preobrazhenskaya in The Americans for a few seasons.

Jon Lindstrom as Phillip Nelson Lindstrom is familiar to soap fans. For years, he's played Dr. Kevin Collins and for a while his evil twin Ryan Chamberlain on both General Hospital and its spin-off Port Charles, He was also Mark McCormick on Santa Barbara and Craig Montgomery on As the World Turns.

Played Jacob McCandless in season two of True Detective.

Appeared in episodes of Voyagers!, Call to Glory, Rituals, Rocky Road, Baby Boom, 21 Jump Street, Baywatch, CSI, Everwood, Blue Bloods, Drop Dead Diva, Castle, Recovery Road and Gridlocked. Was Perry Davidson in the "Oil and Water" episode of NCIS in season 11.

Presilah Nunez as NCIS Analyst Dana Hill Nunez is credited as NCIS Analyst Dana (no last name) in the "Enemy on the Hill" episode of NCIS in season eleven but also appeared last season in the "Keep Going" episode as Lt. Commander Cheryl Stanley.

Played Carly Sinclair in Secrets and Lies and Erica in The Haves and Have Nots.

Had guest roles in Sugar, Rizzoli & Isles, Rosewood and Dear White People.

Amy Stewart as Jen Played Arlene Ross in the "Crash" episode of JAG's season nine and was Katie Happ in the "Lost at Sea" episode of NCIS in season ten.

Guest starred in the 1990 revival of Dragnet, Undressed, ER, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Wild Card, The West Wing, Las Vegas, Crossing Jordan, CSI, CSI: NY, Close to Home, Everwood, Cold Case, Private Practice, Without a Trace, Raising the Bar, the Starter White, Desperate Housewives, Dirty Sexy Money, Lost, Mental, Castle, Trauma, Rizzoli & Isles, Harry's Law, Bones, Backstrom and Code Black.

Was Sara Dolan in Glory Days, Nina Lombardi in Presidio Med, Brandy Rossi in The Lake and Peter's Wife in Dig.

Dan Southworth as Alika Hatch Southworth has worked as both an actor and a stunt performer.

He was Eric Myers/Quantum Ranger in a number of Power Ranger series, videos and video games, was Mark Leonard in Divergence and Kenshi in Mortal Kombat: Legacy.

Appeared in episodes of Martial Law, VIP, Charmed, General Hospital: Night Shift, Sketchy, Revolution and Kickin' It.

Rich Ting as Keith Ting was Lee Cheol-Min in season two of Iris and guest starred in episodes of Boston Legal, Beyond the Break, The Messengers, Rush Hour and Supergirl.

Mark Bloom as Victor Appeared in episodes of House, Windfall, Monk, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Law & Order: LA, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Event, Castle, Scandal, Jennifer Falls, Grimm, The Goldbergs, Major Crimes, Just Add Magic, Lopez, Black-ish, House of Lies, Silicon Valley, Grey's Anatomy, Days of Our Lives, Dr. Ken, Teen Wolf, The Mindy Project and Speechless.

Americus Abesamis as Tomo Abesamis is also an actor and stunt performer.

Plays Officer Kiko Puhinui in Amazon's Bosch.

He appeared in episodes of Strong Medicine, On the Cover, Monk, Heroes, Hurl!, Hannah Montana, The Mentalist, Chuck, MADtv, Without a Trace, Castle, The Office, The Suite Life on Deck, The Neighbors, The Client List, How I Met Your Mother, Kickin' It, Ground Floor, Skin Wars, Shameless, Conan, The McCarthys, A to Z, Grandfathered, Life in Pieces, Jane the Virgin, Cooper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life, Murder in the First, The Young and the Restless, Baskets and Insecure.

Written by: Jordana Lewis Jaffe wrote or co-wrote “Honor”, “Patriot Acts”, “Dead Body Politic”, “Paper Soldiers”, “Unwritten Rule”, “Big Brother”, “Iron Curtain Rising”, “Exposure”, “Savior Faire”, “Beacon”, “Defectors”, “Exchange Rate”, “Black Market”, “Payback” and "Battle Scars".

Directed by: Terrence O’Hara, who directed “The Only Easy Day”, “Brimstone”, “The Bank Job”, “Borderline”, “Tin Soldiers”, “The Job”, “Backstopped”, “Crimeleon”, “Blye, K.” Part Two, “San Voir” Part Two, “End Game”, “Paper Soldiers”, “Descent”, “Ascension”, “Fish Out of Water”, “Blaze of Glory”, “Command and Control” (episode 150), “Matryoshka” Part Two, “Belly of the Beast” and "Payback".

#tiptoeing #NCIS: Los Angeles #NCIS: LA #NCIS Los Angeles #ncis la

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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 10 months

Text

The Fisherman and the Mermaid

Pairing: Maron Grey x Maelstrom (fem. | mermaid )

Themes: Some danger | Soft ending

Warnings: Mentions of death | Mentions of storms at sea | Mentions of possible drowning | Brief mention of nudity

Summary: Maron, a poor fisherman from Pyke, makes use of a boat gifted to him by friends, and ends up lost at sea.

Word count: 2.2k words

Minors DNI

Long before the building of the Wall and the Battle for the Dawn, there once was a young man living on an island now known to all as Pyke. He was a poor man, with neither birth nor fortune to his name. He had no horse, and no lord to command his services. All he had was a shack, a tiny spit of land to call his own, and a boat.

He did not mind. He believed in carving out his own destiny with the strength of his back and the sweat of his own brow. Day after day he would put his boat to sea, and day after day he would return, his body worn and his catch meager. And still, he did not mind. This man was content, you see, for while he may have been poor in coin, he was rich in loyal friends: Blacktide and Botley and Drumm, Greyiron and Harlaw and Tawney, and so many more. They broke bread with him, laughed with him, and listened to him when he wove his webs of dreams, and one day, on his twenty-fifth name day, they all collected what they could and brought him a new boat.

It was no great beauty, that boat. It was neither large nor grand, but it was beautiful in his eyes, for it was a gift gladly given. He thanked his friends heartily for it, and the next day, at the break of dawn, he set off again.

The day started gloriously. It was all warm sunshine and vivid blue skies and great big puffy clouds. The young man cast his nets, and waited. And waited. The hours passed and the sun rose higher, and his nets were empty. He rowed further out to sea and cast his nets. The sun rose higher still, and his nets remained empty. The young man did not give up. He rowed further still, hoping a third time would bring him luck. He cast his nets and prayed. His eyes grew heavy, and he yielded to sleep, thinking he was still safe.

The sky turned orange and gold when the sun began to set, and still he slept. The stars started to rise, one by one, and still he slept. The winds grew stronger, the air grew colder, and still he slept. The sky darkened, his boat rolled from side to side, and still, he slept. It was only when thunder boomed and lightning split the sky like a white-hot lance did he open his eyes. The young man looked on, sweat dripping down his brow and the sound of waves roaring in his ears, while clouds as dark as sin obscured the light of the stars and rain fell on him like an angry beast. There was not an inch of land to be seen. He had gone too far out to sea. Fear sank its talons into his flesh, threatening to rip him apart. The young man held onto his boat while it listed from side and side, praying to any god who could hear, to save him from a watery grave.

That was not to be. No God heard him. The storm raged and the man wept, blaming himself for his wretched fate.

If only he had kept to safer shores! If only he had been content and gone back, he could have lived to see another day! Alas, that was not to be. The young man wept and held on while the wind and rain slashed at him, certain of his doom. The winds grew stronger, and the waves rose higher. He closed his eyes and mustered his courage to meet his end.

That was not to be either. The temper in the air calmed, degree by slow degree. The wind, once howling and raging like a living thing, began to die down little by little. The waves, once roiling and threatening to drag him under, slowly calmed and stilled. The young man wanted to shout and laugh. He was alive. The skies and the seas had unleashed their worst, and he was alive. Never had he been more grateful than just then. He wanted to turn back and try to find land. Some land. At least until he could gather his bearings and set out again. He picked up his oars, ready to row long and hard.

That was when he heard it, drifting over the waves like a mist. It was a song, but unlike any melody he had ever heard. It was rich and haunting and beautiful and bewitching and tender, like a sweet confession to a lover. The young man stopped for a moment to listen. That song grew louder and drew closer, and yet he listened. He had never heard such a wondrous melody before. He may hear its like again. He rested his chin on his hand and waited.

The waves grew as still as a looking glass. The young man listened to the song, paying no mind to the small ripple in the water or the silhouette beneath it. There was another ripple, this time louder. The singing stopped. The clouds drifted, revealing a bright full moon. There was a strange stillness in the air. The young man felt like he was being watched. He looked over his shoulder, fearful of what he might see.

At the bow of his boat was a woman. She was half out of the water, leaning on the edge with great ease. The young man was struck dumb by the vision before him. The woman’s skin was the color of a glorious moonlit sea, and her eyes shone brightly like twin stars. Her hair fell past her waist like molten silver. She looked on with barely disguised curiosity. The young man inched closer and closer, equally curious about this creature. He peered over the edge. A beautiful tail of black and silver swished beneath the water. He was taken aback to find he was in the presence of a mermaid.

"I am hungry," she said in his tongue. It shocked him. "Pray do you have anything to eat?"

The young man gulped in fright, but remembered his courtesies. "Just salted fish and bread soaked through, my lady," he replied, cautiously crawling over to the other end. "Will that serve?"

"Yes," she said as she swam beside him, her smile radiant, her voice like a song. "That will serve."

The young man nodded and dug around a worn oil-skin bag, wrinkling his face when he pulled out the wet food. Strange creature or not, he did not wish to serve anyone such pap. "This is all I have, my lady."

"It will serve," she replied again, her eyes filled with curiosity as she studied the man. Of men, she had heard of and seen plenty. The wretched tales the youngest among her sisters told her were enough to feed her nightmares. But this man… he seemed different. "Lost, are you?"

The young man laughed bitterly. "After a fashion, my lady." He unwrapped the parcels and presented the food, such as it was, to her. "I grew too bold, too greedy, and too desperate. Then I fell asleep. Now I am here." He looked around, his eyes widening at the endless expanse of sea. "Where is here, anyway?"

"You are near Lonely Light, sir," she replied, biting into the bread. It was soaked, just as he said, but she ate it anyway.

The name gave the young man the shivers. "I thought none but the dead may go there."

"My sisters and I are the judges of that," she said even as she helped herself to the salted fish. "And only those who come seeking things they should not meet their ends. Not those whose hearts beat true. They may stay for a night or two before leaving."

"Really? Then does my heart beat gentle and true?" he challenged, his lips tugging at the corners.

"Perhaps," she said, and finished the fish. "You seem decent enough. Tell me, sir, why are you here, so far away from your home?"

"The fish," he said truthfully. "I thought I would have better luck with a better boat."

"I see," she murmured, and studied the boat. "It is well made. Did you make it?"

"No. I do not have the coin for such fine wood and tools. My friends gave this to me as a gift."

"Loving friends indeed, to give you such a gift."

"They are indeed."

She studied him again. There was nothing in his easy manner and a ready smile that gave her cause for alarm, and unlike her younger sisters, she could peer into the hearts of mortals. It was a gift that was both a blessing and a curse, but Maelstrom was still grateful. She looked into his, and found it just as she expected it to be.

He has a good heart. And he has been generous with what little he has. A reward is in order.

"What is your name?" she asked finally.

"Maron," came his answer. "Maron Grey."

"My name means Maelstrom in your tongue," she said, before swimming away from the boat to sing.

Her singing was the same as before—utterly sweet and bewitching. Maron watched, his eyes widening, when more mermaids appeared in the water, each as beautiful as the next. They swam up to the boat. One of them tied a thick length of rope made of seaweed to one end. They all took turns swimming and pulling the boat along with them.

The stars were out in all their glory now. Maron could see them glimmering in the water like diamonds. The mermaids started to sing, their voices a glorious harmony filled with magic. He was content to listen, and his eyes widened once again when a strip of land appeared before his eyes.

Lonely Light. None but the dead may visit here, so the minstrels said. The creatures that lived here were of myth and legend. Each was thought to be as generous and cruel as the sea. They would bless whomever they chose, the songs said, and hinder whomever they chose. Maron hoped he was the former and not the latter. The wrath of a mermaid was a terrifying thing, the songs said.

The boat was guided to a sheltered cove. The air was so thick with salt that it stung the eyes, but the sand was soft and warm beneath Maron’s feet. The mermaids bid him to stay with rest and entertain them with his tales. Maelstrom joined him on the beach, shocking him even more when her tail turned to legs the moment they brushed over the earth. She was unclad, and he looked away, his cheeks aflame, humble words of apology dripping off his tongue. Maelstrom laughed merrily and said, "What gentle manners this one has! Come, eat. You must be famished."

Maron glanced at his feet. A woven platter filled with fresh fruit and roasted fish lay before him. He ate until he had his fill, before accepting a cup of mead so light and sweet that he sighed as in a dream.

"Now sleep," Maelstrom urged, moving to one side while one of her sisters brought a soft mat of woven reeds for him to rest on. "On the morrow, I will guide you home."

Sleep claimed him without a struggle. Maron slept and dreamed. What beautiful dreams they were. When he awoke at dawn, his boat gleamed under the sunlight. The other mermaids were gone. Maelstrom was all that remained.

"My sisters and I will help you find the way back," she said, her feet barely leaving a mark on the sand while she walked. "Now come. I will guide you home. Your friends must surely be worrying over your safety."

Nearly a day passed before Maron reached his home and friends, but he never forgot the maiden who helped him. He would take his boat to see her daily and was pleased to find her waiting for him. Maelstrom showed where to fish and how much to catch. She told him stories that were strange and too outlandish to be true. He listened still, and told her tales of his home. His hauls and income grew, but he spoke to no one of the cause of his good luck. Oh, he shared his good fortune and helped his friends, but he would never tell his secret. Even as a wealthy man, he would still take his boat to sea, to meet the mermaid that had captivated him and haunted his dreams. Their bond grew, and a spark flashed between them. A deep and abiding love soon grew from that spark. Maelstrom would swim towards the shores Maron called home. He would meet her there in secret and take her to his place, where they dined and laughed and share pleasures. Their love soon resulted in a child. Maelstrom gave Maron a son, but he could never stay with his mother. His blood bound him to the lands of mortals, and he was to remain in his father’s world. The laws of Maelstrom's kin deemed it so. There was nothing either one of them could do.

Maron crafted a tale where he claimed to have bedded a serving girl while trading on the mainland. Since the mother in the story was lowborn, no one questioned him. The child grew strong and came to know his true mother. Maron would take him to sea to visit with her, or Maelstrom would join them at night for supper. She taught her son all she could and showed him all the secret ways of the world. That child became the Grey King, the slayer of Nagga, the first sea dragon, and the founding father of House Greyjoy.

#crib-tales-of-the-seven-kingdoms #the iron islands #house greyjoy #fairy tales #a song of ice and fire #asoiaf #asoiaf imagine #a world of ice and fire #game of thrones #game of thrones imagine #house greyjoy imagine #GoT #got imagine #fanfiction #writeblr #creative writting #💫whimsy's plot bunnies #💫whimsy's shenanigans #💫a world of whimsy writes

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