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icarusignite · 2 years

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An Eye for an Eye (part 1)

Pairing: Aemond x OC! Daenys Varyon-Targaryen

Summary: Daenys Velaryon-Targaryen is the oldest child of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, but she shares the same true lineage as her brothers Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. Having grown up beside Aemond Targaryen, she has become a friend, a companion, and eventually a beloved wife to him. But when the man she loves commits an unforgivable crime, she must choose between her beloved and her family.

parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / Future parts: MASTERLIST

A/N: I have seen so many edits of the scene where Vhagar chomps down on poor baby Lucerys and Aemond looks shaken and it got me in my feels so I thought I'd try my hand at my first fanfiction. Aemond is probably a bit OOC but I was craving regretful soft Aemond so here we are. This is also pretty canon divergent lol. This fic is also available on AO3

Word count: 1837

Daenys Targaryen walked the halls of the castle lost in thought. The past few days had been quite strenuous, with the death of her grandfather and the crowning of Queen Alicents son Aegon. Daenys yearned to return to Dragonstone to her mother, the rightful heir, and support her true claim. However, her access to the dragon pit had been forbidden and she was barely ever allowed to leave the castle unchaperoned. Someone was always watching her every move and she was beginning to feel stifled. Perhaps, she thought, a part of her stayed to try and convince her husband to join her mother's cause. It was a laughable thought really, because how could she of all people ever get Aemond to turn his back on his family?

They had been friends since childhood and when he had asked his father, the late King Viserys, to offer for her hand in marriage, Daenys was more than happy to accept, even if her mother was a little reluctant. Even her relationship with the Queen had once been one of companionship and tenderness, but the recent crowning of Aegon had placed a strain on their relationship. Daenys had once been Alicient's favourite of all of Rhaenyra's children, so much so that she had been the one to convince Rhaenyra regarding her betrothal to Aemond, speaking of alliances and powerful unions. It certainly helped that Daneys looked the part of a true Targaryen, unlike her beloved brothers whose parentage was always put into question. Perhaps, Alicent had taken advantage of Daenys's fondness for Aemond to keep her in King's Landing for a while longer as opposed to running off to Dragonstone to her mother. The royal family needed to present a united front during such a time of chaos.

As she reached the throne room, Daenys heard a commotion. There was yelling, a frustrated sigh, and then furious whispering. Daenys could barely make out the words but she could swear her name being said, along with her brother Lucerys's. Why would he be here, she wondered, but her heart raced with anticipation. Perhaps her mother had sent for her. The Hightowers couldn't very well keep her here if her mother officially summoned her and sent her brother to bring her back to Dragonstone.

With a skip in her step, she entered the throne room. However, her brother was nowhere to be seen and she was greeted by a strange scene. Otto Hightower and the dowager queen were engaged in heated whispers while Aegon sat on the iron throne laughing. Her eyes scanned the room and eventually landed on her husband. Aemond Targaryen looked lost. His eyepatch was missing, his eyes were wide in what looked like equal parts of disbelief and horror. His hair was mussed like he had just been out riding Vhagar. Something must have disturbed him while he was out, though Daenys couldn't think of a single thing that would possibly scare the mighty Aemond Targaryen. Worry gnawed at her either way as she rushed to his side to take his trembling hands in her own.

Her entrance silenced the entire room. Even Aegon halted his maniacal laughter. When the queen's eyes landed on her, they softened immediately. Aemond on the other hand froze and went pale. He refused to meet her eyes and pulled his hands away.

"Aemond are you alright?" she spoke gently, trying not to startle him further, "what's going on?"

At the sound of her voice, Aemond flinched. Aegon smirked.

"Tell her what happened. Go ahead. It is the best news I've heard in a long time," he crowed with pleasure.

At the sound of everyone's silence, Aegon laughed even louder.

"Daenys my dear, pay Aegon no mind. His majesty simply has too much on his mind. 'Tis nothing," Alicent said gently, coming over to put her hand comfortingly on Daenys's shoulder.

"Oh for God's sake, stop being such cowards. Tell her the truth. Why don't you tell her brother?" Aegon turned to Aemond. "Tell your beloved what you did to her brother!"

Daenys froze. Her brother? Is that why they were talking about him earlier? Had something happened to him? Her heart twisted as she tried to meet Aemond's eyes. Eyes that remained glued to the floor.

"My dear there's been an accident..." Alicent tried again before Aegon interrupted.

"Why let mother fight your battles against your lady wife Aemond? You seemed perfectly capable of fighting for yourself against that Strong Bastard. An eye for an eye was it then?"

Daenys's jaw dropped as she whirled towards Aemond with fury in her eyes.

"You fought with my brother? Why would you do that? Was that the accident then? Did you hurt him? Where is he now?"

"At the bottom of the..." Aegon stopped with a scowl as Aemond glared daggers at him.

"Your brother...uh he... he had an accident and unfortunately he didn't make it," Alicent whispered.

Oh.

All the fire went out inside of her and Daenys slumped to her knees on the floor. Aemond tried to approach her, speaking for the first time since she entered the room.

"Daenys, listen..."

She flinched away from his touch as he reached for her.

"Don't," she whispered, her eyes filling with unshed tears.

"Daenys please," he pleaded.

Aegon was clearly enjoying this. He grinned at his brother.

"We shall have a grand feast for you, Kinslayer. Finally rid of that bastard. As king perhaps I shall gift you the Driftmark seat. You may rule the seas you earned with your lady love," he winked.

Aemond's eyes remain fixed on Daenys as she slowly turned towards him.

"How... how did it..." she could barely get the words out.

"It was an accident, I swear it. I tried to stop Vhagar but she wouldn't listen. I promise it was an accident," Aemond insisted, still trying to reach for her, even as she pulled farther away.

"Oh quit being modest brother. Tell her how you earned the name Kinslayer. Finally going after the bastard who took your eye. You were even kind enough to give him the choice of carving out his own eye. A courtesy I remember he did not offer you. It was only after he so rudely denied you your repayment that you went after him. As king, I declare it to be a fair game to be sure," Aegon winked at Daenys, recounting the entire tale of how Aemond gave chase to Lucerys and his dragon in Storm's End. His grin grew wider as her expression grew more horrified.

"If you are too upset with my brother to warm his bed, you know where to find me, don't you? After all, it was his dragon that took a nice big bite out of your brother."

A strangled cry of horror and disbelief escaped Daenys's lips as she glared at Aemond.

"You are still on about that? After all these years, you still haven't let it go?"

"He took my eye!" Aemond protested.

"He was 5! A child!"

“And what of me? I was a child too. A child who lost his eye and had to live with this hideous disfigurement for the rest of my life!”

“I'm sorry for that. Truly I am. I even offered you my eye as retribution for what my brother did. He was a child and didn’t know better. That still didn’t give you the right to take his life.”

"I... I'm telling you it was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen like that. I just got angry and wanted to teach him a lesson. I gave chase only as a prank, to scare him a little. I didn't mean for him to get hurt."

"He was still a child Aemond! You chased my little brother and his baby dragon across Storm's End on that monstrosity you ride. What did you expect?" Daenys sobbed, tears now streaming down her face. "You killed him. You and your stupid giant brute of a dragon killed my baby brother!"

"Daenys, please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen," Aemond pleaded. He knelt next to her and tried to take her into his arms as her entire body seemed to vibrate with grief and rage.

It hurt him to see her this way, coming apart at the seams. She pulled away from him violently, taking deep shuddering breaths.

"Stay the hell away from me!" she shrieked.

Aemond lowered his hands, chest aching. He looked at his mother beseechingly until she knelt beside Daenys.

"Shhhh my darling. It's going to be ok. I'm sorry. He's sorry. We're sorry," Alicent soothed.

"NO!" Daenys screamed. "It won't be alright. My brother is dead. My brother is dead!"

Daenys doubled over, her insides burning. She pressed her forehead against the cool marble of the throne room and willed it to swallow her. Great sobs wracked her body and she pushed away the multitudes of arms that tried to hold her, to pull her up and carry her away. Then it became hard to breathe and when she started choking on her own frenzied cries, she allowed herself to slip into the darkness that hovered just at the edge of her consciousness.

Alicent looked at the girl who lay slumped on the floor in pity. First, by crowning Aegon as King and now by killing one of Rhaenyra's sons, her family had officially broken any and all bonds with Rhaenyra’s. This meant war to be sure. She did feel sorry for Daenys though. She cared for the girl more than she cared to admit. She was the only one of the ladies at court who didn't give her son Aemond a hard time over his missing eye, who wouldn't look at him with fear or disgust. She had always been kind to him, and Alicent knew her son's heart belonged wholly to the girl. It was a pity that it had come to this. While the girl herself posed no real threat to Alicent or the crown, especially as Aemond's bride, her family did.

"Take your wife up to your room Aemond. She needs to rest, the poor girl has worn herself out," Alicent gestured to Daenys's limp body that lay at their feet.

Aemond gathered her up in his arms as carefully as he could and made his way to their shared room. He looked at her with eyes full of remorse. He never meant to hurt her like this. He supposed the cruel part of him wanted to hurt Lucerys, but the part of him that loved Daenys was far greater and so all he was left with was a feeling of emptiness and self-loathing. He wondered if they could ever come back from this. If she would ever forgive him for this crime. He wondered if he even deserved her forgiveness.

As he gently tucked her into bed, he couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss upon her troubled brow. She whimpered in her slumber.

"I'm sorry Daenys."

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luxtout · 6 months

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Flames Unveiled (Chapter 7- Blue and Black) Aegon II Targaryen X (Bastard Velaryon) Reader X Aemond Targaryen

Summary: After six years living away from Kings Landing, you and your family are summoned back, for reasons unknown. Your mother, Rhaenyra, has different plans for you. You swore to always protect your family, but at what cost?

Warning: References to / semi/sexual content (18+), injuries, cursing, drinking, fights, angst

Tagged: @faesspace

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Y/N Velaryon was a very stubborn girl. Her tongue was as sharp as Valyrian Steel; once angered, she would spit fire like a dragon.

The night Daemon caught her outside the Keep, she knew she would be in trouble. She thrashed and bit, trying to wiggle out of his grip, but to no avail.

While she and Aegon were in the tavern in Flea Bottom, the gold cloaks alerted Daemon of their leaving, prompting him to rally enough loyal men to try and find her.

Daemon was genuinely relieved he found her before anyone else could, but he knew she would not listen to him. He awoke Rhaenyra before he left, and she remained in Y/N's chamber until Daemon brought her back.

"What were you thinking?" Rhaenyra grabbed her daughter's face, yelling loud enough everyone could hear her from Dorne to the Wall.

"Let go!" Y/N slurred. "Aegon is still out there."

Rhaenyra pinched her cheeks, glaring daggers at her eldest child, while Daemon spoke, "He was found moments after you. It doesn't make going out to Flea Bottom any less dangerous. You saw how quickly you two were separated."

Y/N bit her cheek, unable to speak. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes as she finally croaked out, "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry? I have half a mind to cancel everything!" Rhaenyra snapped but then took a deep breath, holding her stomach. "But... it is far too late."

Y/N beamed, "Thank you, Mother. I will never do it again."

"You are right, you won't. You are to stay in your chamber until the guests arrive. You will remain here, and the guards will watch over all passageways," Rhaenyra said, smiling and softly rubbing her daughter's hair.

During that same night, a drunken Aegon was cornered by his brother. His personal guard found him, luckily without alerting his mother, but he was thrown into his chambers and locked in.

He sat muttering to himself when the door to his chambers opened. He didn't move, only poured himself another goblet of wine and downed it in one go.

"Aegon," Aemond's voice was flat, noting the blood on his hands. "What has happened?"

Aegon sucked in air through his teeth. "Who else knows?"

Aemond didn't speak for a moment, taking in the state of his older brother. "No one. I was... out when I heard the commotion."

Aegon tilted his head back, "Did they find Y/N?"

At the mention of her name, Aemond froze, his face burning after hearing her name from his brother's lips. "Y/N?"

Another sip of his wine, Aegon licked his lips, "We were down there. The crowd... we got separated."

Aemond stood frozen, "They must've found her."

Aegon nodded slightly before feeling a strike behind his head, "What was that for?"

"You took her out there. Did you not think if someone were to see? Did you consider the scandal?"

Aegon chuckled, pointing his finger, "Scandal. What exactly happened in that carriage earlier today? Or were you just trying to make a big show?"

Aemond clenched his jaw, smirking slightly before backing out of the room, but not before adding, "You're lucky I showed up and not Mother."

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘

Lyrax roared as he soared around the Keep, the town teeming with carriages. Despite the nearing midday sun, you showed no inclination to land.

On the day your confinement ended, you left without a word early in the morning. Aware of the impending trouble with your mother upon her discovery, today was a day you chose not to care.

"All those people down there," you pointed, "Are here for me. I won't be able to see you for the next few days, Lyrax."

Lyrax cooed in understanding as you spoke, comprehending every word. The roads leading to the Keep were blocked from Kings Landing to as far as Lyrax could fly.

A glint of light seized your attention, someone reflecting the sun's rays on your dragon.

"Gīda, Lyrax." You steadied his body, sitting upright, trying to locate the source of the light. Squinting, you found the reflection originating from a tower within the Keep.

Seizing the reins, you leaned down to guide Lyrax toward the Keep. Lords and ladies gazed skyward in wonder as Lyrax roared while passing them, circling around the Keep.

Everyone gawked at Lyrax, understanding the honor of being the first to see the Princess before the celebrations.

"Lyrax, Dracarys." You smiled, feeling him vibrate, turning away from the crowd as he spewed flames into the sea. The warmth on your cheeks hinted at the impending stern talk your mother would have upon your return, yet the crowd below cheered.

Observing the overhead sun casting its rays, you realized the stress had taken its toll. Your plans upon landing involved bathing, donning fine silk attire, perfecting your hair, and behaving as a proper lady. Your head spun, compelling you to rest against the saddle, shading your eyes with your arm. "Gīda, Lyrax. I'm going to... rest my eyes."

As you awoke, the sky was awash in pink and orange hues. Lyrax continued his steady flight, circling Kings Landing multiple times. Panic surged as you realized how late you would be.

"Shit! Shit, Lyrax. The feast should start within the hour, and I'm... shit!" You cried out, seizing the reins and guiding Lyrax to the dragon pit. Despite your urgency, Lyrax seemed to prolong his landing, circling the pit, much to your dismay, perhaps reveling in a bit of torment.

Thankfully, a carriage stood nearby, guarded by a sentinel. "Princess, shouldn't you be at the Keep by now?"

Your glare could cut stone. "I should be, but that won't happen if this carriage doesn't move." You took a seat, feeling the sudden jolt as it began to roll along the cobblestone road. Your leg bounced harshly against the seat until the carriage abruptly stopped.

"What's going on? Why have we stopped?" You peered out the window to see a line of halted carriages. "No! Shit, shit!"

You clambered out of the carriage in haste, ignoring the guard's shouts to return. Waiting would make you horribly late. Adrenaline surged as you leaped over crates, stumbling against walls, and unintentionally startling horses. Your legs carried you from the Dragon Pit to the Red Keep within minutes, a feat you could scarcely believe you accomplished without becoming ill.

Hurrying up the Keep's stairs, you were met with smiles and murmurs from lords and ladies alike. "Princess."

"Sister!" Jace's voice echoed through the halls to your chamber. "Why aren't you ready?"

You let out a shaky breath, turning as you continued walking towards your chambers. "I lost track of time."

Jace chuckled, "Well, you'd better hurry, you only have-"

"I'll see you in the Great Hall, brother!" You called out anxiously, swiftly finding your doorknob and slipping into your chamber.

Mara stood near the tub, her arms crossed, and her hair secured under a scarf. "Where have you been? The bath's gone cold, and we don't have enough time to do your hair! Seven hells, you smell of dragon!"

You began to discard your clothes. "I understand, Mara, and I'm just as anxious as you are."

On your bed lay your dress. You eyed it briefly before sinking into the frigid tub. Mara secured your hair to keep it dry, then meticulously scrubbed you with lavender soaps and oils, almost scrubbing your skin raw. After helping you out of the tub, she gently applied lavender lotions before assisting you in dressing.

The dress, adorned in House Velaryon's signature colors of silver and aquamarine, was a sight to behold. As Mara slipped it on, deftly tightening the back, you examined its front. The off-the-shoulder design featured tight sleeves cascading into a flowing cape-like effect. Its sweetheart neckline and the intricate silver and white embroidery on the sleeves and bodice added a regal touch. Image at the bottom of page, just ignore the crown)

Seated for your hair brushing, Mara skillfully twisted the front strands, forming them into a braided bun while allowing the rest of your waves to fall gracefully down your back. As she placed earrings in your ears, a tear formed in her eye.

"You look like... a true princess."

You managed a smile, though the realization of being late made your heart dip.

In the Great Hall, everyone was seated, engaged in conversations, their eyes periodically shifting towards the imposing wooden doors. The King, with a smile alternating between his table and an empty chair beside his daughter Rhaenyra, observed the room. Rhaenyra leaned in to whisper to Daemon, her face etched with worry as she tenderly rubbed her swollen stomach. Across the table, Aegon was nearing tipsiness, swiftly downing another glass of wine. Aemond, nursing his drink, leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the door. Despite his confusion over the grand event being thrown in your honor, he bit his tongue and waited.

The music softly played, serving as a background to the anxious ears and eyes that awaited the commotion behind the door between you, your handmaiden, and the guards.

"Yes, I know I'm late! The dress is fine, I'm fine. Hands, hands!" The door creaked open, revealing you clutching your skirts, finally releasing them. The room's collective gaze made your stomach flip, prompting you to briskly make your way toward the table by the Iron Throne.

The Queen smiled down at you as you approached, as did your mother. Rhaenyra rose from her seat, followed by Daemon and your brothers, Jace and Luke attempting to conceal their smirks, albeit unsuccessfully.

On the opposite side, you noticed Aegon and Aemond. Aegon stood, raising his glass with a tormentor's smirk plastered on his face. Helaena stood beside him, clapping and smiling as you drew near. By this time, everyone was standing, yet Aemond rose to his feet last, wearing a smirk that differed greatly from his brother's, though you couldn't quite decipher it.

Moving around the table, the silence felt oppressive; your heels clicked as you approached your grandsire, planting a kiss on his cheek before turning to your mother and doing the same to her. As you settled into your seat, everyone followed suit, leaving only the King standing.

"Let me express my gratitude to all of you for traveling great distances to join in these celebrations. We are truly blessed to have Princess Y/N back with us after her prolonged stay on Dragonstone. Today, on her nameday, my daughter Rhaenyra, Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, plans to honor her daughter by naming her after Princess Y/N, thus recognizing her as the heir once she and I have passed on."

Your cheeks flushed as applause filled the room, accompanied by a reassuring squeeze from your mother. Observing the table, you noted various reactions: your aunt's joy, your uncles' apparent lack thereof, and an unexpected shift in the Queen's demeanor. Her expression turned grave, her eyes darkened momentarily as she struggled to put on a smile.

"May these upcoming days bring us joy and excitement! Let the feast commence!"

Steaming platters of ham, chicken, goose, duck, along with an assortment of potatoes and vegetables were served. You filled your plate, though your appetite didn't match the eagerness in your eyes. The music filled the room with life, yet it lacked the raw vibrancy of the music in Flea Bottom.

"You look stunning, my dear," Rhaenyra smiled, her hand resting on yours.

"Thank you, Mother. I'm truly grateful for this." You moistened your lips before spearing a piece of meat with your fork. Shifting in your seat, you turned to your grandsire. "Thank you, Grandsire. This exceeds anything I could have expected."

He smiled, revealing missing teeth as he spoke, "Anything for the future heir."

Not 'granddaughter,' but 'heir.' Your breath caught, and you hastily reached for your glass of wine, draining it in one go.

"Princess," a lord ascended the stairs, bowing before addressing you, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

You returned the smile, "Likewise..."

"Arnold Arryn," he introduced himself with a wry smile.

"Arnold Arryn," you echoed, maintaining your smile. He was a handsome man, with dark brown hair and fair features.

"It would please me greatly if, during my stay in King's Landing, you would accompany me for a stroll?"

"That would be delightful," you replied, hoping for a moment's peace to enjoy your meal. However, more men began lining up behind him. The next hour felt excruciating as you continued smiling and were introduced to lords of the realm and their sons. People gathered on the dance floor, laughing and cheering as the dance continued. You remained seated, sipping your wine, smiling as an elderly man tried to flatter you with compliments.

"Excuse me, sir." You rose from your seat, pacing around the table toward the outskirts of the dance floor. Men and women whirled around, their faces lit up with joy. You smiled along with them, content to stand aside and observe rather than join in the festivities.

"Princess..." A man appeared at your side, his voice gruff yet inviting.

"My lord." You smiled, keeping your gaze fixed on the dancers.

"Would you honor me with a dance?" He offered his hand, his gray eyes meeting yours. You noticed his height, his muscular build, his shoulder-length hair pulled back into a half-up ponytail. His neatly shaved face sported a hint of stubble.

You lifted your hand, which he took, leading you to the center of the dance floor. The musicians began a new tune, and everyone readied themselves for the first beat. You struggled to recall the dance steps, focusing on where to place your feet, how high to hold your arms, where your gaze should wander... but you couldn't overlook your dance partner.

Aemond quickly noticed your absence. His eyes trailed the flow of your dress as you danced, noticing your smile, your radiant smile as you twirled with your partner.

Aegon sat immersed in his cups, his head resting on his left hand while he held a wine glass in his right, his gaze fixed on the dance floor. Unwillingly dragged into the event by his mother, he seethed silently. Helaena sat beside him, observing the cheerful crowd until Jace approached and extended his hand to her, leaving Aegon isolated.

Downing another glass of wine, he surveyed the dance floor, catching sight of you. He watched with a mixture of amusement and a suppressed laugh, unsure of the source of his amusement.

"So, who do I have the pleasure of dancing with?" You hummed, meeting the man's stormy grey eyes.

"Cregan Stark, Princess. It is a pleasure," he smirked, causing you to misstep slightly. "Did that surprise you?"

Flustered, you attempted to hide the blush on your face. "Stark... you've come all the way from Winterfell?"

Cregan chuckled. "Indeed. It was quite the journey. I've never ventured this far south." He placed his hands at your waist, executing a dance move before stepping back, concluding the sequence.

"Then I hope you enjoy your stay," you turned to face away from him, speaking over your shoulder. "I'd be delighted to show you around."

"I would be grateful for that, Princess." His eyes locked onto yours as the song neared its end. Bowing, he kissed your hand. "I will let you enjoy your feast. Until tomorrow, my Princess."

Your cheeks blushed a rosy color when he walked away. Turning back to your family's table, you sought a glass of wine to ease your nerves. As you sipped, a voice drew your attention.

"Are you enjoying yourself, niece?" Aemond hummed, circling the table to stand behind you.

You swallowed your wine. "Of course. Everyone seems to be having fun..." Your gaze shifted to Helaena and Jace dancing, their laughter faintly audible.

Aemond nodded. "You had the pleasure of meeting many lords in Westeros."

Another gulp of wine caused you to cough. "Some were pleasurable, some not so much. There were quite a few older men who attempted... The night is still young."

"Indeed, it is..." You felt his gaze linger on you, slowly scanning you from head to toe. Goosebumps formed on your skin as you placed your glass down, turning to face him.

"What of you? Are you not having fun?" Your voice was laced with amusement, walking closer to him, playing into his game.

His voice was barely a whisper, "More than most."

His comment made you tilt your head, following his gaze to his brother. Aegon, by this point, had indulged far too much, nearly slumped over the table.

"Oh, Seven Hells. Did you not think to take him to his chambers?" You glanced at Aemond, waiting for a response before sighing, "If he stays here, he'll cause a scene. If you won't take him, I will."

Aemond attempted to intervene, but you had already marched over to Aegon's side. His lips were stained a pinkish red, his eyes darkened, his hair a mess. "What?"

"You're drunk," you stated matter-of-factly, trying to help him up from his chair. "I'm taking you somewhere else."

Aegon snorted, "Somewhere else. And where might that be, dear niece? A quiet hallway? The courtyard? My chambers? Yours?"

Your hand slid under his armpit, feeling his weight bearing down on you. Despite the scene, no one seemed to pay attention, the King and Queen observing from the sidelines, while your mother and Daemon danced at the center.

"Do not make this difficult," you muttered, scanning for Aemond, but he wasn't in sight. You had to handle this yourself. "Aegon, walk."

He stumbled under his weight, gripping onto your shoulder and waist, the smell of wine heavy on his breath. "You'll miss your festivities."

There was no denying you'd miss out, but staying in the room was becoming suffocating. After dancing with Cregan Stark, you craved solitude, yet here you were, escorting your drunken uncle to his chambers.

"Please, Uncle, walk up the stairs. I can't carry you," you huffed, as he dropped to the ground with a thud.

"You dropped me," he said flatly, pushing himself up unsteadily. You stood behind him, making sure he didn't tumble down the steps. Once you reached the landing, he leaned on you again.

Silence filled the corridor, the distant strains of music from the Great Hall vibrating through the floors and walls. You sighed as Aegon slumped against the wall near his chambers.

"Aegon, just a bit further..."

"Why are you here?" Aegon finally spoke, venom spewing from his lips.

"You were drunk—"

"No. Why are you here?" Aegon's drunkenness turned to anger. "You have hundreds of people down there, yet you are here with a drunk."

"Yes, I am here with a drunk. I chose to get you out before you did something that would—"

"You are not my caretaker. You do not need to take care of me like I am a child." Aegon sneered, walking to his room while clutching the wall.

"Then stop acting like one!" You slammed him against the door to his room; your annoyance with him reached its peak. Aegon glared at you as if you had lost your senses. Maybe you had, but his violet eyes turned dark, and his hands gripped your shoulders, spinning you around. Your back collided with his door, and you reached for the doorknob, opening it as he stumbled in.

"Go to bed, Aegon," you demanded, glaring at him as he struggled to stand.

"See, you're a natural," he pointed his finger at you, "Named the heir to the throne, and you're already so good at demanding people to do things."

You let out a pathetic laugh, "Is that was this is about? You're jealous?"

"Jealous?" He laughed, almost too loud, "I will never, be jealous of you. This is just another weight lifted off of me."

Your jaw clenched as he spoke. "I think you are jealous. Jealous that my mother, a woman, surpassed you. That I surpassed you." With each word, you walked closer, your voice carrying a cruel and hurtful edge. You watched Aegon's face contort when you finished.

His fists clenched and unclenched, "You're right. I was surpassed by a whore and a bast-"

Your hand stung from the force of the slap as you watched in horror. Aegon merely tilted his head to the side before advancing closer. You swung again, but he seized your hand, gripping it firmly. Thrashing and shoving him to the ground, both of you exchanged curses and obscenities, the music from below masking the escalating altercation.

You swatted at him, straddling him on the ground, angry tears filling your eyes as your slaps slowed down and Aegon's resistance ceased. Panting, both of you remained there, disheveled with hair awry, Aegon's cheeks now reddened from the slaps. Your body trembled with anger as you peered down at Aegon, his hands resting at his sides after freeing your wrists.

The silence between you was oddly calming, both attempting to catch your breath, eyes fixed on each other. Suddenly, in a swift movement, Aegon sat up, and you braced yourself for another strike, but instead, his lips forcefully met yours.

Without hesitation, you responded, your hands finding their way to his face and neck as his grasped at your hair and neck. This kiss differed from the one with Aemond; with him, it had been soft and gentle, but with Aegon, it felt as if both of you were starved, clinging to each other for survival.

Aegon's left hand rested at the back of your neck, while the other slid to your waist, squeezing gently. Your fingers tugged at his hair, eliciting a muted groan that vanished into the kiss. Eventually, you both pulled away, a thin strand of saliva lingering between you.

You didn't understand this feeling, different from what you felt with Aemond. Was it anxiety or just raw desire? All you knew was that it felt wrong, yet it also felt oddly right, despite both of you being intoxicated.

"Y/N..." Aegon's voice was slow, almost disbelieving, his hand leaving your neck to graze your lips.

"Aegon..." Your cheeks flushed as you felt something twitch underneath you, "I... I must go..."

You slowly disentangled yourself from him, both feeling a sense of dissatisfaction, trying to compose yourself as you staggered in your steps. Aegon stayed on the ground, watching you leave and close the door behind you.

Leaning against the door, you exhaled in frustration. Hot tears streaked down your cheeks as you punched your legs, aggravated by your actions. It was more upsetting that it had felt so right.

You didn't want to return to the Great Hall, but you knew you had to. Wiping away your tears, you descended the stairs, the music growing louder as you walked past the hall that led to the room.

A hand seized your arm, dragging you into a corridor. "Skoriot emagon ao issare, niece?" Where have you been?

Looking up at the one-eyed man, you exhaled. "Nyke jorrāelatan naejot gūrogon nykeā jelevre." I needed to take a breath.

Aemond hummed, lowering his head as he spoke, "I thought you left for good..."

Your heart quickened as he approached. "I was going to come back..."

"Good... I was starting to worry Aegon might've done something to you..." He paused before leaning in to kiss you. You hesitated, your mind racing. Just moments before, you had been with Aegon, his touch lingering, and now Aemond was here.

He pulled back, his expression unreadable. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing…” Your voice faltered, “It’s just…”

Before you could finish, Aemond leaned in again, but you pulled away, your lip trembling as his eye darkened. “What?”

The music drowned out the sharpness in his tone, but you caught the undertone of his upset. His grip on your bicep was tight enough to convey a message, but it wouldn't leave a mark.

“I just… I want to go back inside,” you lied, a terrible attempt, but Aemond didn't seem interested in contesting it. He kissed your forehead before turning away, his footsteps lost in the rhythm of the drums.

You paused before stepping through the grand doors, your absence unnoticed amidst the lively crowd. Everyone was either dancing or engrossed in conversation. Finally among them, you took a breath and made your way into the crowd.

“Daughter…” Daemon's voice emerged from behind, "Skorkydoso iksos aōha bantis fairing?" How is your night fairing?

“Wonderful, Daemon.” You smiled, attempting to mask your concerned look. It seemed to work, as Daemon didn't seem to notice your flushed appearance or the disheveled state of your hair.

“You know, your mother has been looking for you for some time…” Daemon chuckled, prompting you to turn. “She is at the table.”

Across the Great Hall sat Rhaenyra, absently picking at the array of fruits before her. With a nod to your stepfather, you made your way toward Rhaenyra.

You plucked a grape from the table, popping it into your mouth before speaking, "Mother."

Rhaenyra hummed in acknowledgment. "Your brother was looking for you."

Your gaze flitted to the dancefloor, where Jace was still engrossed in the dance with Helaena.

"Not that brother," Rhaenyra chuckled before a kick at the back of your kneecap sent you stumbling. Luke emerged, laughing like a madman.

"Luke! You nearly made me fall!" You attempted to lunge at him, but your mother intercepted, pulling Luke away from your reach.

"Luke, why don't you dance with your sister?" Rhaenyra suggested, earning a groan from Luke.

"What? You don't think I'm a good dancer? I'm way better than you," you teased, playfully shoving him onto the crowded dancefloor.

Luke's face drained of color as the music began, causing him to stumble over his feet and accidentally step on your gown. You grinned, unbothered by the mishap, grabbing his forearm and starting a series of side jumps as the music intensified. Luke joined in, laughing as both of you nearly tripped, his hands flailing while laughter filled the air.

Everyone took an interest in both of you, all smiles as the siblings danced sloppily, laughing and spinning each other around. Jace and Helaena joined closer, and as the night wore on, everyone smiled while the children and grandchildren of the crown danced, thus concluding the first night of your name day celebration.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘

#aegon targaryen x reader #aegon ii targaryen #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #jacaerys velaryon #lucaerys velaryon #rhaenyra targaryen #alicent hightower #game of throne #daemon targaryen #slow burn #aegon x you #helaena targaryen #aemond x you #enemies to lovers #house targaryen #house velaryon

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redwolf17 · 10 months

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Olyvar/Sansa are both wholesome AND deranged and I love them

Olyvar, 5 seconds after meeting Sansa: sure why not risk my life for her that’s totally normal EVERYONE should volunteer to defend innocent maidens who verbally annihilate Tywin Lannister to his face so what if I’m just a squire and secretly Aegon Targaryen nope don’t think about that

Olyvar: promptly almost dies fighting the Mountain

Sansa: accidentally saves his life by summoning attack birds

Sansa the next day: my unexpected champion has barely survived his trial by combat with the Mountain! I’m gonna try eldritch song magic that I barely understand to heal his crushed arm

Olyvar: has a violent nightmare

Sansa: flees

Olyvar: does not notice his suspiciously fast healing

Olyvar: it is extremely normal to have a marriage proposal be my ONLY idea to save this helpless child from Cersei

Olyvar: EW I’m not going to deeply kiss her at the wedding, that’s a BABY why does everyone think this is a love story??? Also let me make terrible puns to try to comfort the terrified bride NO we are not doing a bedding?!?? drags Sansa to his rooms

Sansa: starts to strip

Olyvar: NONONONO flings cloak over her uhhhh if anyone is listening I’m too drunk to consummate we’ll do that uhhhh never later BYE BYE *flees*

Sansa: …..

Sansa: okay, so, rather than flee my unwanted and possibly a pedophile husband the instant we’re out of the city and I smell Brienne nearby, what if I COME OUT OF THE WEREWOLF CLOSET AND THREATEN HIM WITH A PACK OF WOLVES

Olyvar: 😳🥺 oh wow she’s scary and cool and justified tbh, if she murdered me she’d have a point too bad I can’t tell her my secret, nope, don’t blab, don’t blab —*immediately blabs*

Sansa: wait you’re ELIA’S SON?!?!?

Olyvar: … oops

Olyvar: doesn’t tell ANYONE about the werewolf revelation because that is Sansa’s secret

Brienne: SO. Time to flee north, yeah?

Sansa: no Brienne I’m not going home to Robb, I gotta meet Princess Elia because WTF

Olyvar: okay so my baby wife is just another sister. Clearly that means I gotta watch over Sansa night/day, make sure she’s properly fed/protected from sunstroke, comfort her with lullabies when she has trauma nightmares

Sansa: oh no he makes terrible puns, why am I laughing??? Mmm citrus and blithely sharing my heinous trauma whilst being confused when Olyvar goes 😨😳

Elia: so yeah my son needs to go on a mission to Daenerys, claim a dragon if he can, Sansa should probably stay here

Olyvar: excuse me that’s up to HER

Sansa: uhhh, well clearly I can’t go home rn, I gotta go to Meereen to serve as Olyvar’s dragon translator even though it’s unclear skinchanging will let me do that

Elia and Meria: wait serve as his what

Sansa: … he didn’t tell you??? I’m a werewolf and I can talk to animals no big deal

Elia and Meria: ?!!?!?!?!?!!!!!??

Robett Glover: Sansa is clearly being held in Sunspear against her will despite her apparent freedom and good humor. I shall break into her rooms to rescue her and carry her away!

Gilly: oh no 😱

Olyvar, sleeping in a chair on nightmare duty: oh NO 😳

Sansa, seeing Robett threaten to kill Olyvar: OH NO 🤬

Sansa: turns into a direwolf and tackles Robett before shifting back so she can yell at him for not believing her

Robb, receiving letters from Robett and Sansa explaining she’s going to Meereen: ….. wtf is happening

Sansa and Olyvar in Meereen: wow, what an amazing friend/partner who supports me and balances my strengths/weaknesses. Too bad we can’t stay married

Olyvar and Sansa: … UNLESS

promptly fall in love

spend 3 years openly pining and angsting over the political implications

Dornish retinue: drop constant hints that are less and less subtle

Dany: gives Sansa a sheer muslin negligée

Aegor: gives Olyvar a Yunkish Kama sutra

Olyvar and Sansa: still refuse to have sex

Olyvar: Sansa is my closest confidant, of course she will come with me on a dragonback road trip to track down Drogon. NO we’re not gonna do THAT whilst we’re alone and unchaperoned come on it’s not like we’re deeply in love

Everyone: deep sigh of frustration because they actually believe him

Sansa: falls off Viserion

Olyvar: leaps into the Rhoynar from dragonback to save Sansa from drowning

Sansa: I am literally BEGGING you to join me in bed 🥺

Olyvar: WHOOPS look at the time goes to sleep with Viserion instead

Olyvar to Deziel: goes on about his love for Sansa at length, rather poetically But we can’t consummate the marriage, what if Robb Stark is mad??? What if our love is a political disaster like that of Jaime and Cersei???

Deziel: dude, you’re a fucking moron

Several months later, Sansa to Brienne: but what if Olyvar is right???

Brienne: my lady, you’re a moron

Sansa: …

Sansa: goes to yell at Olyvar

Olyvar: escapes being yelled at by being knocked overboard by a sudden squall

Sansa: is terrified of falling and drowning

Also Sansa: turns into a wolf, leaps off a ship into the Narrow Sea to save Olyvar from drowning

The next morning: Olyvar and Sansa wake up naked together because she cuddled him in wolf form to prevent hypothermia and no other ulterior motives. Sansa puts on the negligée and reads him the riot act. Olyvar gets on his knees to pledge his love by saying wedding vows again. They FINALLY have sex, only to find out the crew was placing bets on when they’d bang and Gilly won.

… they shrug it off and have sex 24/7 for a week

—————

*art of our beloved weirdos by @ohnoitsmyra

#the weirwood queen #Olyvar/Sansa #olyvar sand #sansa stark

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dragonbanexxi · 1 year

Text

Soul of Bronze; Blood of Fire

****Not canon compliant!!!!****

Helaena Targaryen x OC Targaryen Royce

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Heir of Runestone would often joke that he should be referred to as Rhaegar Stone. Seeing as his father (Prince Daemon Targaryen) had no want for him and his mother (Lady Rhea Royce) was long dead. All jokes end when he and Ser Gerold Royce are summoned to the capitol by none other than King Viserys the First of his Name. The King wanting nothing more than to bring his estranged nephew into the fold, Viserys offers Rhaegar his so called Targaryen Right. A betrothal to the Princess Helaena and the chance to claim a dragon. Will Rhaegar be able to claim such a beast? Even if his valyrian skills were lacking? Prince Aemond seems to think so. Though he’s mostly is just thrilled to finally have someone around who’s willing to be his friend. Also the court begins to notice that the Princess Helaena seems to have taken a liking to the new prince. Much to her mothers dismay, who’s fighting tooth and nail to have the girl be given to Aegon. Something neither sibling wanted. To Rhaegar everything was going smoothly until the news of Laena Velaryon death had dampen everything.

Chapter 16: Rhaegar Driftmark PT. 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the dinner fiasco, the whole of Driftmark’s court was summoned to the great hall. Rhaegar’s anger had not completely died down. Yet he would act civilly and try not to have another lapse in character. He had dishonored Runestone greatly and had dishonored himself even more. Though a small part of his ego terrified him that the sound of his sires bones cracking had pleased him immensely. It felt good to get vindication. Even if it a small amount.

The tension in Driftmark’s great hall could be sliced with a dagger.

Rhaegar stood next to Aegon and Helaena. The three of them staring in horror at Aemond. He’s been mutilated by the hands of Lucerys Velaryon. The maester inspects the young prince diligently with skillful fingers.

“Jace?” The Crowned Princess voice is heard entering the hall, “LUKE!” She yells as she sees that state of her second born son, kneeling down to his level. She mutters at him to show her his nose. “Who did this?” Rhaenyra asks out in the open.

“They attacked me!” Aemond responds.

“He attacked Baela!” Jacaerys yells back.

The hall erupts into chaos. The blame flicking back and forth from the two parties of squabbling children. The King looks down at his feet with a defeated sigh while his brother leans against the door.

Rhaegar locks eyes his with his sire. The Rouge Prince smiles cockily at his son causing Rhaegar to sneer.

“Enough” the king says. Neither Rhaenyra nor Alicent pay any heed.

“Enough” he says a little louder.

“It is my son who should be telling the tale!” Alicent screams out.

“He called us-“ Jace begins but couldn’t finish because the lost his patience.

“SILENCE!” Viserys roars.

All eyes fall onto their monarch, staying quiet as he hobbled down to his son.

“Aemond I will have the truth of what happened, now.” The kings second son stays quiet and his mother interferes.

“What else is there to hear? Your son has been maimed and her son is responsible.”

“It was a regrettably accident” Rhaenyra counters back.

“Accident?” The Queen’s voice filled with incredulity. “The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son”

Aegon and Rhaegar share a look of reluctance.

“It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves” The Princess put a protective hand on Lucerys shoulder.

“Vile insults were levied against them!” She snarls slightly.

“What insults?” The King asks his daughter.

“The legitimacy of my sons birth was put loudly to question”

“what?”

“He called us bastards” Jacaerys says quietly.

The whole room grows eerily silent. Rhaegar felt his blood run cold. If that was the truth Aemond could face serious consequences for speaking brashly. Rhaegar doesn’t think he could be able to win against a seasoned knight in a trial by combat. But he’d certainly try. If it meant Aemond was kept safe.

“My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne your grace this the highest of treasons.” The Princess says clutching her son. “Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders.”

The Queens eyes fill with unshed tears “Over an insult? My son has lost an eye”

“You tell me boy” the King looks down at his mutilated son “where did you hear this lie?”

“The insult was training yard bluster. The lot of boys. It was nothing” the Queen stales, and is ignored by her kingly husband.

“Aemond I asked you a question”

“Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder the boys fathers… perhaps he might have something to say on the matter” the Queen glares at her stepdaughter and husband.

“Yes where is Ser Laenor?” The King asks as well.

Rhaegar notices the small panic cross his cousins Rhaenyra’s eyes.

“I do not know your grace. I… could not find sleep, I’d gone out to walk.”

The Heir of Runestone saw clearly through the Princess’s bullshit. Rhaegar saw that she and the Rouge Prick entered to the hall together. With disheveled hair no less. He feels Helaena’s hand squeeze his gently. And he engulfs hers completely in a protective manner.

Her grace the queen pursed her lips before saying “entertaining his young squires I would venture.” Off to the side an amused Ser Criston Cole snorts quietly to himself as his queens comment.

“Aemond look at me” the King begins his questioning anew. Aemond glared his sole lilac eye at his sire. “Your King demands an answer, who spoke these lies to you?”

The young prince flicks his eye at his mother causing the King to look back at his Queen.

Helaena digs her nails into Rhaegar’s skin painfully, but the juvenile doesn’t even flinch. Mentally preparing himself if Aemond is to be taken by guards.

“It was Aegon” Aemond murmurs.

“Me?” The firstborn son squeeks. Aegon’s face filling with fear.

“And you boy” the King makes his way to Aegon. “Where did you hear such calumnies?”

The prince stand stills, not daring to utter a word.

“AEGON!” The King yells in the frighten princes face. “Tell me the truth of it?”

“We know father” he says lowly “everyone knows. Just look at them.”

They dare not speak. Rhaenyra holds her father’s gazes. Rhaegar sees the hidden fire in the king erupt like a volcano.

“This interminable infighting must cease!” Viserys stomps his cane to the ground enunciating his point. “All of you! We are family!”

“Now make your apologies and show good will to one another. Your Father, Your Grandsire, Your Uncle, YOUR KING DEMANDS IT!”

Giving Aemond on last disappointed look, his grace makes to exit the hall. Rhaegar sees the queens gazes following the kings departing frame.

“That is insufficient” she says for all to hear. “Aemond has been damaged permanently my king, good will, cannot make him whole.”

The turns back to face his distressed wife.

“I know Alicent but I cannot restore his eye”

“no because it’s been taken”

“what would you have me do?” He says exasperated.

“There is debt to be paid” their eyes locked fiercely. “I shall have one of her sons eyes in return” The Queen gazes now landing on Rhaenyra.

Murmurs and whispers breaking through great hall in panic.

“My dear wife”

“he’s your son Viserys, your blood” her voice desperate.

“Do not allow your temper to guide your judgement.”

“If the king will not seek justice the queen will” Her grace stand up taller lifting up her chin “Sir Criston bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon”

“Mother” the little princeling panics. Rhaenyra shields her son, and Lord Corlys Velaryon puts a protective hand on the boys shoulder.

Rhaegar sees the White Cloak hesitate.

“He can choose what eye to keep. A privilege he did not grant my son”

“You will do no such thing!” The Princess Rhaenyra says authoritatively.

The King look at the knight “Stay your hand” he commands.

“No you are sworn to me!” Alicent says with a burning rage.

“As your protector my queen” Ser Criston says solemnly looking at his lord commander the whole time.

“Alicent this matter is finished” the kings hisses “do you understand?”

Finally the queens tears shed. Rhaegar feels for the Queen Alicent and for the Princess Rhaenyra. Both women stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“Let both the Prince Aemond and the Prince Lucerys squire in Runestone.” Rhaegar says loudly catching the attention of his Kingly uncle.

“Nephew-“

“Let them squire along side each other in a neutral place so that a brotherhood can be forged.” Rhaegar’s voice diplomatic.

Both the Queen and the Princess Rhaenyra begin to glare the Heir of Runestone.

“We will speak more of this tomorrow Prince Rhaegar” the king’s eyes softening for his only nephew. He walks away slowly. Yet turns around with harden eyes once more.

“And let it be known, ANYONE whos tongue dares question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra’s sons, shall have it removed”

That caused his heirs eyes to brighten. With a genuine relieved voice the princess says “Thank you father”

The kings begins to exit once more.

The Queen oddly quiet with small tears streaking down her lovely face.

With a shocking speed her grace unsheathed her husbands dagger.

“ALICENT” the kings yells.

“Hold your ground!” The Lord Commander yells.

The Queen lunges towards the Princess, with quick reflexes Rhaenyra was able catch on grip on the Queens armed hand. Prince Lucerys screams in terror.

“Stand down Ser Criston” the White Cloak had followed his Queens lead. Prince Daemon moves quickly to stop the Dornishman. Yet was surprised when he felt a push on his chest. Rhaegar had come in between the two men blocking them from each other. The two King’s Gaurd knight grabbed hold of their brother while Rhaegar and Daemon locked eyes. Prince Daemon smiled devilishly at his son enjoying the hateful glint Rhaegar’s eyes held.

“You’ve gone to far!” The Princess spits out glancing at the dagger pointed above her head.

“I? What have I done but was expected of me?” Alicent cries out “forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flaunt your duty as you please!” She accuses her once best friend.

“Alicent let her go!” The king says commands.

“Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again”

“Release the blade Alicent!” The Lord Hand orders his daughter to no avail.

“And now you take my sons eye and to even that you feel entitled.”

“Exhausting wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness.” She then whispers “but now they see you as you are”

The queen pushes her stepdaughter back roughly slicing alabaster skin in the process. Everyone staring in quiet shock as crimson blood runs down the Princess’s arm.

The dagger falls from the Queen’s hand. Aemond gives his mother a look of grief.

“Do not mourn me mother” all eyes fall the one eyed prince. The boy turns to face his eldest sister “it was a far exchange. I may have lost an eye but I gained a dragon”

“this proceeding is at an end” The king says once and for all.

Rhaegar pushed his sire back harshly. Both unsure of how to move forward.

Prince Daemon gives a mocking bow to his son makes his way to Rhaenyra. Putting a protective hand on her and her son.

The hall was split in two. With only Rhaegar left in the middle. Gods have mercy on them all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And we’re back!!! Thank you guys for your patience! ❤️ This meds I’m on are really fucking with me. I’ll have waves of productivity but then will crash in bouts disheartening lack of motivation. I feel like I need to get off them.

Comments are always welcome!! ❤️

#daemon targaryen x rhea royce #helaena targaryen x oc #targaryen royce oc #original targaryen character #helaena targaryen

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alecmg12 · 5 years

Text

GOT Season 8 revised: How I woulda done it!

Being one of a seemingly infinite amount of die-hard, disappointed, and opinionated fans, obviously my take is of great interest to you. Here goes it: We all know Season Eight was an unmitigated disaster. And so, for what’s its worth, I decided to brainstorm my own outline for an imagined Season Eight. It’s a conclusion I’d have found bittersweet, affecting, and most of all, worthy of the stories and characters we’ve known and loved for so many years.

Episode 1:

Dany remains stable, dependable, and committed to the just liberation of Westeros. Her relationship with Jon Snow builds slowly upon a quiet but intense passion. They spent an inordinate amount of time together planning the defense of the realm against the Night King with the small council, admiring each other for the loyalty and love each respectively inspires. In the time they share alone, Dany teaches Jon about fair governance, having had years of experience in Essos. Jon tells Dany all about Westerosi customs, (tourneys, lordships). They fall deeply in love. They temper each other. Jon is Ice and Dany is Fire. She shares her plan of liberation and liberty for Westeros. Jon is spellbound. He is optimistic for the future of Westeros, if they can defeat the army of the Dead. Jaime Lannister arrives in Winterfell. He makes his apology to Bran, who forgives him. He pledges his sword to the Targaryen cause. Jon and Dany are skeptical, but Bran vouches for his pure intentions.

On the High seas, Theon rescues Yara from her uncle. They go to Winterfell to pledge for Daenerys. They will give their fleet to her, and Yara will go back to recapture the Iron Islands. Theon will stay to help fight the dead. In King’s Landing, Euron plans the defense of the Capital with Cersei. He demands his reward for the imminent success of this upcoming battle. Euron must be made King to rule side by side with Cersei. Cersei tentatively accepts these conditions. She is assured by Euron’s total confidence in their victory.

Sansa grows bitter over her perceived lack of influence over Winterfell’s defense. Her experience has made her wary, she does not trust Dany, and she feels she is owed a debt of gratitude from Jon for saving him during the Battle of the Bastards. She and Dany swipe at each other during meetings, and she argues with Jon behind closed doors. She is resentful over Jon’s perceived betrayal of the North by bending the knee. Arya shares Sansa’s Targaryen skepticism, though not as vocally. Tyrion attempts to win Sansa over to Dany’s side but has a hard time reasoning past Sansa’s aggressive cynicism. Before the battle, Jon is told of his true heritage as a Targaryen by Sam and Bran. He is not asked to keep it a secret after he admits this newfound truth to Dany. She is shocked, but knows that Jon is sincere and trustworthy. She has faith in him. Jon admits his parentage to all at Winterfell and renounces any claim to the Iron Throne. He publicly re-asserts his loyalty to Daenerys. Tormund and the Wildlings arrive at Winterfell.

Episode 2:

The battle of Winterfell, Bran’s bait and switch plan is still in motion. The army is stationed outside the castle when the army of the dead attacks. The dead soon overwhelm the living and push them back inside the walls of the castle. Jon and Dany assist with Dragonfire. The Night King rides an undead Viserion, who rips Rhaegal’s throat in a sky battle. Jon is saved from a height-induced death by Dany and Drogon. Drogon’s wing is pierced and shredded by the Night King’s ice spear. Drogon crash lands. Jon and Dany, back to back, fight the innumerable dead on the ground whilst the Night King lands outside God’s wood. Beric dies fighting the dead and soon after The Hound is mortally wounded. The Hound collapses behind a closed door; a break in the carnage allows Arya to cradle The Hound and listens to his last regret: that he had not killed his brother, the Mountain. His lust for revenge lingers until his last breath. Arya goes on fighting. The Night King is attacked directly by a Squadron of Unsullied led by Grey Worm. The Night King raises Rheagal from the dead and has him burn the unit, killing Grey Worm and his men. Rheagal begins to burn sections of the castle down, Viserion shoots flame at the living soldiers. Melisandre summons fire to fight the dead.

All seems lost. Jon and Dany are nearly overwhelmed. Jon kills many with Longclaw, but can barely keep up with the onslaught. Drogon helps them by spitting fire at the hordes but is wounded and covered in a blanket of the dead. Jorah spots the Queen far away on the battlefield and yells for her. He sees the trouble she’s in and rides as fast as he can toward her. He is quickly overtaken, thrown from his horse, and is slaughtered by the dead. He calls out for Khalissi one last time before the end. Podrick pushes Breinne out of the way of falling stone and is crushed. Men fight bravely and (re)kill many of the dead, but many can’t withstand the mass of flesh that dogpiles and suffocates. Arya watches as scores of men are consumed, but can’t do anything. She is desperately fighting for her own life, dodging falling stone, dragon’s fire, and undead hands. Melisandre is overtaken and dies. Tormund and his men fight the dead sand many fall.

Bran is as reactive as ever during all this. The Night King dismounts his dragon and walks toward Bran with his army. The dead swiftly kill all the Iron-Born except for Theon, who is slain by the Night King himself. Speared-through Theon looks back toward Bran and with his last breath says that he is sorry. But Bran tells tells him that he has nothing to be sorry for. As the night king reaches out a hand to grab Bran, Bran’s eyes roll back and shake violently. The eyes of the dead Viserion turn from blue to white. Bran has warged into him. The eyes of the Dead Rhaegal also turn white. Bran has warged into him as well. Rheagal flies above the God’s wood, Viserion screeches, and both dragons shoot mountains of blue flame into the God’s Wood, destroying the Weirwood tree, killing the Night King, and killing Bran. (And OF COURSE the Night King isn’t immune to dragonfire, dragonglass is made from dragonfire! Dragonglass is literally called “Frozen Dragon’s Fire” FFS) The Living Dead dissolve into ash. The battle is over.

Episode 3:

The living mourn their fallen comrades. Many have fallen, including the leader of the Unsullied. Dany wants to reorganize and wait for her dragon and soldiers to heal before marching on King’s Landing. But Varys informs her that Cersei has reinforcements coming from the Golden Company of Essos. If Dany doesn’t end this war within a fortnight, all out civil war is guaranteed- many more will die. If she can take King’s landing before then, the great houses that yet stand against her may bend the knee. Tyrion agrees. After this last battle, they do not have enough men to fight a protracted civil war, and Dany only has one Dragon left. King’s Landing is still not yet fully fortified. This is their one chance. Dany struggles to get Drogon to fly again. His wing is badly hurt. Food has to be brought to him, so does water. She doesn’t know how to help him. He’s never been this injured before.

Sansa remains unconvinced of Dany’s leadership. She staunchly refuses to let Dany take any Northmen down to King’s Landing. The North is pledged to Sansa Stark, oldest living Child of Lord Ned Stark. She is sworn to protect the North and she sees Dany as its biggest threat. The North has bled enough, she claims, and the North will never bend the knee again. Jon tries to tell her that Cersei and her kingdom have maimed the North, Dany helped save it from the Long Night. Sansa would rather try her luck with Cersei. Dany has had enough of Sansa’s undermining behavior and sentences her to die for treason. While Sansa sits in the dungeon, Arya begs Jon to commute her sentence to something less harsh, or even, to betray Dany to save his family. Out of his love for Arya, Jon agrees to not mention Arya’s suggestion of treason to Dany. But he will not spare Sansa’s life. The Queen has made her decision, and Sansa has sealed her own fate. Sansa is executed by Drogon. She dies without fear. Before she burns, she looks into her sister’s eyes and reminds her that The North Remembers. Arya leaves Winterfell in the dead of night, alone.

Jon attempts to prepare the reluctant remaining men for battle. They are resistant. They want to stay home, especially the Northmen. They are sick of fighting wars they don’t see as theirs. Their Lady Stark has just been executed. Mutiny is in the air. Dany goes out to field to give an inspiring, passionate speech to her army. She recounts her origin as a woman sold to a warlord, her battles with Tyrants and slavers, and her freeing all those who suffered under the yoke of oppression in Essos. She promises that all her people will be able to do what she has done: raise themselves up with valor and purpose to conquer evil and create a new world. A better world. A world where women aren’t sold to abusive husbands, where children aren’t ripped from the arms of their anguished parents, and where men aren’t marched off to die for some disaffected lord. This world will be a world founded on justice and compassion. And it will be founded by Daenerys Targaryen, first of her name. The speech works, the men are roused into action. They are ready to fight. Tormund and the surfing Wildlings are free to go back North.

Episode 4:

Varys confirms that Cersei has a weak, poorly trained army defending her and is ripe for the conquering. Dany and her small council parley with Cersei outside the gates of King’s landing. Tyrion proposes a peace deal in which Cersei surrenders and is allowed to return to Casterly Rock, just like when Loren Lannister surrendered to Aegon the conquerer and was able to keep his seat. Cersei is arrogant. She’s heard that Dany’s dragon is injured, that her army has been halved, and that her Unsullied commander is dead. All she has to do is wait inside the walls of King’s landing for help to arrive. She outlines the defenses of King’s Landing, boasts the Greyjoys’ Iron Fleet, and claims to have enough food to last a month long siege. She makes quite a convincing case for herself, so convincing that even Tyrion is stunned into silence. But Dany is unintimidated. She leaves Cersei with a a single solemn vow- by the end of the day tomorrow, she will die. Cersei sees that her brother Jaime stands with Daenerys . She gives him a glare of death before turning away.

Jaime talks to Dany, asking her permission to enter the city in an attempt to negotiate her sister’s surrender and save everyone from fighting. Dany refuses. Either Jaime will fail and be killed, or he may be turned. It’s a lose-lose for her. Brienne has travelled with Jaime down to King’s Landing. She sympathizes with Jaime’s last-ditch effort to make peace. She knows that he is truly reformed, and only wants an end to all the bloodshed. But she also knows Cersei will never surrender. The only way they can stop the battle is if they sneak in unnoticed during the skirmish, ring the bells, and facilitate Lannister surrender. Jaime thinks this is a brilliant plan. She proposes to help Jaime into the Red Keep in the early hours of the battle to put an end to the battle in its infancy.

Dany puts Jon at the head of the vanguard. The Unsullied have elected another member from their ranks to lead them in this battle. Tyrion surmises that though Drogon still can’t fly, Dany can use his fire to break open the mud gate and allow a single point of infiltration. Once inside, a unit of men can open the drawbridge and allow an entryway for the main army. Jaime asks to lead this unit. Dany is hesitant but Tyrion vouches for his skills as a field commander. Davos Seaworth’s only concern is for the Greyjoy fleet. He has enough ships to take them on, but they’re not well outfitted (no scorpions and no backup from Drogon). Tyrion suggests they use the Lannister trebuchets as support once they’re inside the wallsx. Dany and the rest of the Small council are pleased with this plan.

Episode 5:

The battle begins. Jaime is leading the infiltration unit with Brienne as his second in command. The walls are all sealed shut outside King’s Landing and the buildings are all shuttered. Drogon walks by foot to the mud gate, but the Greyjoy fleet, outfitted with scorpions, fire on Drogon, a large target. They narrowly miss, but Dany decides she can’t get any closer with Drogon. She returns to the back of the army. They will have to ram the mud gate down. As the men begin to ram uncontested (which Jaime finds strange, they’re not even being fired at with arrows) the drawbridge opens on its own. Behind the massive door is a hidden army, the Golden Company, outfitted with thousands of highly trained men and dozens of Army Elephants. They charge straight into the Targaryen army, brutalizing the front lines.

Dany is aghast. How did her camp not know about these elements at all? She demands to question Varys, who is nowhere to bet seen. He is, in fact, inside the Red Keep with Cersei, having been snuck in through the catacombs by the Lannisters early that morning. Cersei thanks Varys for his service. Varys claims to want no thanks from the Queen. He works for the realm. He recalls how it was magic that brought the Dead to the land of the living. It was magic that had his manhood taken from him as a child. Now it is magic that fights at the gates of King’s Landing with Dragons and a man revived from the dead. Magic is evil, and must be defeated for the sake of the realm.

The Greyjoys chase down Davos’s fleet and catch up. Davos doesn’t have the trebuchet backup he was hoping for, and Euron has his Scorpions pointed directly at them. Davos realizes the desperate nature of the situation, and orders his men to aim their arrows. He asks the Lord of Light, if he is real, to see him victory in one last battle, and he’ll never fight again. The sea battle is begins, with scorpion bolts tearing up the sides of every Targaryen ship. Euron is ecstatic at the sight of men dying. He loves war.

With the Golden Company fighting alongside Lannister soldiers, and the War Elephants overwhelming the Targaryen army, the tide is strongly in favor of the Lannisters. Brienne wants to turn back to fight in the thick of the battle, but Jaime reminds her that all they need to do is get inside the city and ring the bell. They ring the bell three times, and the Lannister army will stand down. That’s their best chance now. They ram through the mud gate and do battle with Lannister forces waiting inside. Their unit defeats the first round of Lannisters, but they have to make it to the center of the city, to the top of the Red Keep where the city bell is.

Jon Snow and his men (along with Ghost) fight with all their might against the advancing Lannister/Golden Company forces. They are far from the city gates and are playing defense at this juncture. They are holding the line, but can’t for much longer. The archers are ineffective against the scores of fully armored elephants. Dothraki warhorses are a third of the size. Tyrion is at a total loss with what to do. He is in full panic mode. He theorizes on how to beat the Elephants by thrusting Longspears into their bellies. They don’t have any longspears. Dany shuts him up. She needs Jon Snow to retreat to the backline, to reconfigure the defense. She sends a messenger to command Jon’s retreat. The Queen traces the battlefield with her eyes. She sees the messenger fall as he gets to the front lines. She sends another. He reaches Jon Snow but is ran through right next to him. Tyrion volunteers to go. He’s ashamed of his failure to know of Cersei’s battle plans. He’s ashamed to have failed to convince Sansa. He’s ashamed to have been so useless these past two battles. He’s been a poor Hand of the Queen. He needs this chance to prove himself. If he fails, the battle is surely lost anyway, and Daenerys won’t be needing a hand. She nods. He puts on his helmet and runs.

Episode 6:

Jaime’s battalion is fighting inside the walls of King’s Landing. There are some Lannister soldiers left inside, but it’s mostly the City Watch that remains. They fight street to street, alley to alley, some of Jaime’s men die, some City Watch die. But Jaime’s squad continues to advance. It’s close quarters, brutal street fighting. Cersei looks down at the battlefield and is pleased. It’s going just as she had hoped. Qyburn suggests that the battle will be over within a couple hours. All they have to do is wait for the Targaryen forces to fall. Varys disagrees, he believes that the dragon should be taken care now in case of future Targaryen usefulness. Send a quick raven to Euron down below. Cersei laughs that off; the dragon can’t even fly, his wing is broken. Plus, Euron has his own battle to fight in the Blackwater. When the battle is won, Cersei wants to chain the dragon to the pit below the Red Keep.

Euron uses more of his Scorpions to tear into the Hull’s of Davos’s fleet. He drags his ships body-to-body to the enemy ships. He prepares his pirate crew to board. Davos prepares his damaged fleet to defend itself. Gendry is on board with Davos. He pulls out his war hammer. Euron’s ships lay down the planks and soldiers begin to cross. Davos tells Gendry to fight like a Baratheon, because that’s what he is. The Greyjoys cross and they wade into each other. Gendry smacks the pirates with his war hammer, breaking their ribs, exploding their hearts. Davos cuts and slashes his enemies. Euron runs up and down the deck sticking his sword into anything not wearing the Greyjoy sigil. His smile is wide and his eyes are bulging.

Tyrion pushes and nudges his way to the front lines, where he dodges horses hooves and sword swipes. He hacks at some men who don’t notice him before reaching Jon Snow. He screams for Jon to retreat to the back line. Jon thinks this means a full retreat. He yells for a full retreat. The front line breaks and chaos ensues. Men are picked off one by one by the Golden Company and there’s no more formation to stop the march of the Elephants. Unsullied are crushed underneath the Elephants. Dothraki are picked off by Lannister archers. Northmen are being hacked to bits. Dany watches in horror. The battle is all but lost. Jon Snow needs to make it back to Daenerys. Tyrion follows him, but is knocked over by a retreating Dothraki horse. Jon Snow hears his scream and turns to help him.

Jaime and company fight off more City Watch soldiers. Brienne and Jaime fight back-to-back, cutting down knight after knight, solider after solider. There is a break in the fighting after the last City Watch is killed. Jaime’s unit is still intact, though their numbers have dwindled. There’s only a dozen men left. They run the doors of the Red Keep. There’s no one there, but the gate is locked. Jaime knows a way in through a dungeon latrine pit. They can climb through, and up the steps to the top of the Red Keep. That’s where the bell is. Just then, a squadron of Lannister soldiers appear. They outnumber Jaime’s unit four to one. Brienne insists that Jaime go ahead. He objects. Brienne forcefully and passionately kisses him, then commands him to go. Ring the bell. He runs, whilst Brienne and the men fight on.

Jon kills a solider about to kill Tyrion. He helps Tyrion up to his feet. Just then, a Lannister Solider slashes Jon in the chest with his sword. Jon crashes to the ground. Tyrion hacks the Lannister’s legs off and kills him. He stays with Jon while the battle rages. He slaps him in the face to wake him up, but Jon’s not responsive. Drogon is hurling fire at the advancing elephants, who are too scared to go near fire. However, he can’t aim very well because of the battlefield is too messy. party. He doesn’t want to burn his allies. Tyrion’s adrenaline is on full blast. He is hyper aware of the battlefield. He calculates movement, stabs at enemies, and dodges attacks in a state of near mania. Ghost assists him in defending Jon, biting necks and ripping throats. Tyrion has never been on a battlefield for more than 5 minutes before. Now, he’s in the thick of it. This is pure fear. Pure intensity.

Cersei smiles. She commands Qyburn to bring her some iced milk a nice bowl of raspberries. No wine while she is with child. She turns to see the battlefield, but hears Qyburn gargle on his own blood as his throat is cut. Jaime has made it to the top. Varys is shocked. Cersei is not. She knew that she’d see her brother one last time. She tells him as much. Jaime tells her he isn’t there for her- he’s there to ring the bell one floor up. Jaime drops his dagger and draws Widow’s Wail. Varys retreats and hides behind the Mountain, hands in his sleeves. Cersei looks to the Mountain, who draws his massive longsword. Maybe there was a time when Jaime could have defeated the Mountain in single combat, but not anymore, Cersei insists. Not with his one hand. Jaime will be damned if he doesn’t try. The Mountain is slow: Jaime’s one advantage. He’s able to parry The Mountain’s massive blows and dance around him.

The section of the battlefield where Tyrion and Jon are is overrun by Lannister men. The Targaryen soldiers that remain are retreating. Through the chaos, from atop Drogon, Dany can see Tyrion, and can see Jon. He’s down. She pushes Drogon to walk toward them, but the fighting is too thick, Drogon can’t walk past the depthless heap of fighting bodies. Dany watches Jon with fear. He’s not moving. She screams in High Valyrian, then in Dothraki, then in Common Tongue, continue to fight! She tears herself from Drogon’s back and runs toward him. Missandei yells after her to stop, but she won’t. She has to save Jon.

Episode 7:

Euron sets his sights on Davos Seaworth. He pushes other men out of the way and cuts down others. He has his target. Davos and Euron duel man-to-man. They clash steel, push and shove, punch and kick one another all across the deck. Euron throws pieces of broken lumber at him. Neither make any headway- it’s a draw. A Greyjoy Scorpion bolt blasts the deck and both men are thrown from the into the sea. Davos tries to climb aboard a floating piece of debris, but Euron grabs him and drags him down into the water. He laughs maniacally as he pushes Davos’s head again and again into the water as Davos gasps for air.

Men come from left and right after Dany, but her loyal banner men fight alongside her, killing and falling one by one. Drogon screeches at her mother to come back to him. He spits concentrated fire blasts at men he sees raise their sword against his mother. He can’t do much else. Tyrion sees Daenerys coming, and sees a Golden Company man running toward her, sword overhead. Tyrion drops his sword and picks up a spear beside him. He runs full tilt toward Dany. Dany sees Tyrion running and turns around. The man’s sword is about to come down on her. She covers her face with her arm and winces. She hears a scream, then another. She sees the Man has a spearhead stabbed through his throat. She looks down. The spear was thrust by Tyrion. But the man had time to swing. Down deep between Tyrion’s neck and shoulder, the sword found flesh. A fatal blow.

Dany catches Tyrion as he collapses. Tyrion struggles to breath. Dany tells him not to say anything as she cries and trembles. Tyrion smiled at his Queen and dies. She screams in agony. Drogon screeches in fear and pain. He sees soldiers about to crash down on his mother. He flaps his wings with furious strength and searing anger. He struggled hard, eyes on his mother. He is in tremendous pain, but with sheer will is Able to raise himself up off the ground. His range of attack grows ten-fold. He unleashes pure hell fire on the Lannisters and The Golden Company. The men after Daenarys melt inside their metal suits. Elephants and riders burn to a crisp. Soldiers are swallowed by fire and turned to ash. The tide of the battle turns suddenly and dramatically. The Lannisters turn and run back toward the Capital walls. They are chased down and butchered by the remaining Targaryen forces. Drogon’s screech shakes the walls of the Red Keep. His full power is unleashed.

Davos can’t breathe. As wood and men crash into the sea, he slips back underneath the water. Euron is cackling. Davos fights until he cannot. He goes lifeless under the water, drowned. Euron calls up to his men to throw him a rope. They oblige. He climbs back onto the hull of the Targaryen fleet yelling, miss me?! He has one of his men toss him a sword and her immediately returns to hacking as if he’s clearing forest brush. Most of the Targaryen fleet has been defeated. He has one more target before his victory, though. Gendry, who is bashing Greyjoy men into meat paste.

Jaime is losing his duel with the Mountain. He’s cut, punched, and thrown. He can delay the inevitable but the Mountain can’t lose to a one handed man. He slashes the Mountain a number of times, but the Mountain can’t feel any pain. Cersei comments how Jaime was never a real father, never deserved her, and doesn’t deserve their baby that she is carrying. Jaime is able to swim around the Mountain’s large swing, and find an opening. He cuts the Mountain’s right hand off. There, now they’re equal. Jaime swings his sword at the Mountain’s neck but the Mountain swipes his giant left hand and grabs the blade. He is able to bend and snap Widow’s Wail- Valyrian steel, with a single hand. Jaime is shocked. So is Cersei.

The Mountain gut-punches Jaime and he doubles over. He takes Jaime by the throats and lifts him high. He squeezes. Hard. Jaime chokes and gags. His blood vessels bulge. He turns purple. He kicks and claws at the Mountain’s hand. No use. The Mountain stares Jaime down. He enjoys watching him die. Suddenly his head is separated from his shoulders. It’s Brienne. She’s decapitiated the Mountain. Jaime falls to the floor and gasps for air. He can barely breathe. Brienne came alone, caked with blood and dirt and sweat. She points her sword at Cersei and Varys.

Drogon lands by Dany and Jon. Dany climbs on Drogon’s back, and Drogon picks Jon up with his Talons. Dany flies to the bay, where she sees the men killing each other. She unleashes dragonfire on the Greyjoy fleet, burning it all. Those who man the scorpions aren’t fast enough to land a hit on Drogon. The ones pirating on the Targaryen fleet are hit with precision blasts. Euron sees his fleet burned and sunken. He laughs hysterically. No matter. Gendry is still his. At the fire rages on deck, he sees Gendry fighting Greyjoy men. Gendry downs a pirate as Euron puts a hand on his shoulder to turn him around. Gendry turns fully, swinging his hammer so hard that he knocks Euron’s head clean off his shoulders. A geyser of blood shoots from Euron’s headless neck. His caved in head falls into the ocean.

The battlefield is clearing. The remaining Golden Company and Lannister soldiers are now outnumbered and dying by the bushel. The Lannisters are the first to lay down their arms, realizing their defeat. The Golden Company have been dwindled to their last handful of soldiers. They, too, surrender. The Greyjoys, the few that are left, realize their defeat as well. They lay down their arms and surrender. All soldiers on both sides watch in awe as Drogon hovers above them. This mighty dragon brought an entire army to heel. Dany turns Drogon back toward camp.

Brienne thinks it’s high time they rang the bells. Jaime agrees. Cersei looks outside and sees that her army has been defeated. She screeches at Varys, who can only guess that he was wrong. She taunts Jaime, telling him that at any moment now that reinforcements will arrive to liberate the siege. She need only wait a little longer. Jaime gestures for Brienne to climb the steps and ring the bell. She she sheathes her sword and begins to walk. Cersei rips Jaime’s dagger off the floor and runs toward Brienne, screaming. Brienne draws her blade and cuts Cersei down with ease. She lies on the floor, covered in her own blood, panting. Brienne is shocked. Jaime yells for Brienne to climb the steps. She does.

Varys remains standing with his hands in his sleeves. Jaime cradles Cersei’s dying body. She asks him if he loves that woman. He says he does. She asks him if he loves her. He says he did. The things you do for love, she remembers. She begins to choke on her own blood. She is in great pain. She looks afraid. Jaime takes the dagger from beside Cersei and begins to weep. She moans is pain. She is going to suffocate. He cuts her throat and cries into her. The bells ring three times. It’s over.

Episode 8:

King’s Landing has been liberated. The people exit their houses and see the battle’s aftermath. They’re surprised, but happy to have survived. Jon is laid up at camp. He’s treated by Maester Sam. Dany holds his hand at his bedside. When he wakes, she tells him that they’ve won, that she is Queen. Jon is relieved. When he asks about Tyrion, The Queen’s eyes alone tell him what happened. The Queen insists that he was brave. Jon agrees. The Queen wants to name Jon Snow the new Hand. He doesn’t understand. He’s not witty or politically savvy. But he knows right from wrong. He is a good man. Dany only wants good people ruling. Jon accepts graciously. Ghost nestles by Jon’s side. A portion of his left ear has been cut off, but he’s alright.

In the Dungeon of the Red Keep, Varys is chained to the wall. He is surprised when someone comes to visit him. It’s the Stark girl who left Winterfell. What does she want? What Varys wants. What every killer in every land throughout history wanted. Revenge. She asks Varys how she can achieve this end. Varys thinks for a moment before admitting that may have an idea.

Dany’s has a new small council. She names Missandei new Master of Whispers. She knows enough languages and is subtle enough to do the job well. Jon Snow is Hand of the Queen. Maester Sam is made Grand Maester at Jon’s suggestion. Yara Greyjoy comes from the Iron Islands to serve as master of ships. Gendry Baratheon, lord of Storm’s End, is made Master of coin. Growing up in flea bottom, Gendry knows how to pinch a penny. A new generation is now leading Westeros. Their first order of business: facilitating the surrender of the lords of the Vale and The Riverlands, who are resisting the new Targaryen rule. All other Kingdoms have bent the knee.

Robin Arryn and Edmure Tully are the two dumbest living lords in Westeros. A meeting between these great lords and Daenarys takes place outside King’s Landing. Edmure Tully demands to be given a seat on the small council as master of war in exchange for his cooperation. Robin Arryn demands marriage to Queen Daenerys. He claims to be the only man living worthy enough to be the Queen’s consort. He touts his ability as a lover. Dany patiently listens to their demands, and promptly counter offers: since they have disrespected their Queen and mismanaged their lands, they will surrender their titles and lands and live off their fortunes. Edmure refuses, and calls to his banner men in the field; Drogon bellows at them. The knights of the Riverlands throw down their weapons immediately and surrender. Edmure is burned on the spot for treason. Robin begs for his life and is spared.

Episode 9:

Drogon sleeps unchained below the Red Keep. An old woman enters the Dragon’s pit. She looks like a peasant. She wheels a cart with a dead horse on it. Dragon approaches the old woman and the horse. Is this who his mother sent to feed him? The woman bids Drogon to eat. He smells the horse. He burns it with one fiery breath and gobbles it whole. He sits down. Something is wrong. He belches fire, shivers, and screams. Foam forms at his mouth, blood pours from his nostrils, he chokes and he collapses, dead. The old woman looks at the dead dragon, unmoved.

Daenerys is confused, saddened, livid, heartbroken. Her last child, her last dragon, is dead. The dragon that saved her life. The dragon that won her the Seven Kingdoms. Jon Snow tries to console her, but she is inconsolable. Maester Sam deduces that Dragon was killed by poison. An examination shows Sam that the undigested horse was filled to the brim with The Strangler- the poison used to kill Joffery. Dany wants an investigation launched immediately. Who killed her dragon?

The council is sent away to investigate. Dany wants to be alone with Drogon. She thanks him for all he’s done, and swears justice for his death. She cries beside his body. Just then, the old woman returns to the Dragon Pit. Dany doesn’t notice her enter, she’s crawled up with Drogon. The woman stands over Dany. Dany questions who she is. The old woman is sarcastically surprised. After all, she thought she had a familiar face. The Old woman peels off her mask of a face. It’s Arya. She stabs Daenarys through the heart with Needle and reminds her that the North Remembers. Arya looks into the green eyes of Daenarys as she blinks her last. Dany dies beside the body of Drogon.

Night falls. No one dares disturb the mourning Queen but Jon Snow, who wants to talk to Dany alone. He is the first to discover Dany’s body. No. No. She can’t be. She is. How? Arya emerges from the shadows to tell him how. Jon Snow is dismayed. Arya tells Jon why. She’s the only Stark left. Her entire family, everyone she ever loved, has been beheaded, stabbed, murdered. Their throats cut and their bodies burned. All because one person or another wanted power for themselves. Arya is the only one able to exact revenge on behalf of the Starks. On behalf of her family. Anyone who who helped to spill Stark blood is deserves to die. Including Jon.

Jon draws Longclaw and Arya draws Needle- the sword Jon gifted her so many years ago. They duel as only two people who have loved each other can duel, with ferocity and anguish. Jon’s strength is limited by his injuries. Arya maneuvers around him, outpacing and outmoving him. She lands small blows all across Jon’s body. He’s cut on the legs, on the arms, on the torso. Jon can’t land a single swing. He can’t catch up. He’s breathing heavily. Arya has yet to break a sweat. He summons his strength to hurl a massive blow at her. She deflects him, and disarms him with a hit to the hand.

She points needle at his throat. Her eyes well up with tears. She accuses Jon of putting everyone else before his own family. Jon accuses her of putting her own selfish, unjust idea of revenge before the well being of all. She tells him he was never a Stark. He counters that he is a Stark. Same as her. His mother was Lyanna Stark, and he was raised by her brother, Ned Stark. He’s got more Stark in him than Arya ever had. He uses his left hand to push needle across the surface of his skin past his shoulder. He Punches Arya in the face as hard as he can and tackles her to the floor. He pummels her with punches and elbows. She headbutts him and bites a chunk of his left ear off. Still gripping Needle, she turns her arm to point it at Jon’s face. They are both bloodied and bruised. Jon hits her again, and takes control of the butt of her sword. She tries to buck Jon off of her but he’s not budging. He turns the pointy end toward Arya. He pushes the sword. She pushes back with all her might. Jon is stronger. The point of needle slowly enters Arya’s throat. She spits out a mouthful of blood into Jon’s face and dies. Jon collapses.

Episode 10:

There is a massive funeral pyre for Daenerys and her dragon outside the walls of the city. All of King’s Landing come to pay their respects. Daenerys is put in her Queen’s garb and crown. She and Drogon are burned together. The masses cry over their Queen. Many weep, including Missandei, Yara, and Sam. Jon is dead quiet. He’s battered and bruised. Ghost stands by his side. They have matching wounds. The smoke from Daenarys and Drogon’s body intermingle in the sky and become one cloud of ash. Mother and son leave this world together.

Jon shuts himself in his room. The only one he allows in is Ghost. He’s exhausted and he’s numb. Destroyed internally. He refuses to take any visitors but listens to Sam through the door. Sam tells Jon that Jon is Aegon Targeryen, Sixth of his name. He is the heir to Iron Throne. Jon Snow doesn’t want the throne. His lover, his Queen, his future. Gone. He wants nothing and no one but to be alone. Sam tries to comfort him and reason with him, but Jon will have none of it. He refuses the throne. Let the Lords of Westeros figure it out for themselves. He doesn’t care anymore.

Jon has been gone for weeks. There is a small council meeting without him. Without a uniting ruler, this newfound peace in the Seven Kingdoms will not last. Yara suggests naming a new king, but there’s no one both capable and unifying. Gendry thinks maybe the kingdoms can individually rule themselves, but that will guarantee a return to conflict, war, and greed. Sam tells the truth: The only way to preserve what Daenerys Targaryen achieved, and to complete her mission of justice, to honor what many fought and died for, is for Jon to take the throne. Sam doesn’t know how to get through to him. Missandei has been listening in silence the entire time before simply saying that she’ll speak to him.

Jon is ragged. His beard and hair uncut for weeks. He hasn’t even taken a bath. Missandei picks the lock to his room and barges in. He’s upset to see her, but she doesn’t care. She’s there to set him straight. He’s had his time to mourn. It’s time to take responsibility. Jon isn’t the only one to lose someone he loved. Missandei lost the person who rescued her from slavery and gave her respect for the first time in her life. The people of Westeros lost their champion of justice. The world lost its Queen. Missandei knew her Khaleesi, who she was and what she valued. She would have wanted Jon to be her successor. The best thing Jon can do for Dany now is to complete her vision. Jon is not stirred from his sadness, but he does understand.

Jon is crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms. His coronation is a solemn affair. He insists on keeping his name, Jon Snow. He rules with the same values that he shared with Daenerys Targaryen: Justice, Honor, Mercy. He keeps the same small council, and names Sam Hand of the King. The realm is forever changed by the initiatives started begun by Queen Dany and put into action by King Jon. There is no more indentured servitude, no more extra-judicial privileges enjoyed by the Highborn, and the justice system is reformed entirely. The punishment must fit the crime. And the sentencer must swing the sword. Execution is saved only for treason and murder. Varys is beheaded at the spot where Ned Stark lost his life. He is regretful, but accepts his fate. Jon names new rulers to all abandoned seats.

Jon is known as Jon the Mourner. He never laughs and he never smiles. His eyes are filled with a deep, unceasing sadness. Not a bitter or resentful sadness, more of a world weariness that makes Jon sympathetic to all who suffer. The scars he acquired from losing his love and entire family stay with him for the rest of his life. But he is loved by the common people, for whom Jon is a loyal advocate. The Night’s watch is disbanded, the free folk are allowed their freedom in the far North. Westeros enters an era of peace and prosperity under his rulership. Jon takes no wife and fathers no children. He introduces a new law of succession. Instead of Kings and Queen being born, they are made. The ruler of the Seven Kingdoms is to take on a steward, voted upon by the small council and approved by the King, from a young age to raise him or her with the virtues of a just ruler. The realm chooses the son of the Lord of Casterly Rock, Jaime Lannister, and his wife, Brienne. The next king of Westeros will be Tyrion Lannister.

The small council builds a statue honoring the Mother of Dragons in the city center. Jon spends much of his time there.

The rest is unknown.

I know a lot you might think Fan Fiction is a little cringe, but Game of Thrones was my favorite television show of all time, and I felt a little more than compelled to write this. There is a difference between an imperfect ending and a bad one. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss wrote the latter. I know some are calling messages like this disrespectful to those who worked on the show, but I disagree. All the actors and directors are incredibly talented people, and have given us stories we will remember for the rest of our lives. I must insist, however, that we as an audience deserved a more substantial, earned ending. Not presuming that mine gives that to you, but it does to me. And hey, if there’s something a little wrong with you and you actually liked the final season of Game of Thrones, more power to you. I (almost respectfully) disagree. If you took the time to read all this, thank you. BTW, this relates only to the television show, not the book. And finally, to you, all you GOT fans,

Our watch is ended.

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