Chapter Text
“Bodhi?” I ask stepping forward as he along with nine others are literally dragged into the throne room in the middle of Uncle Daemon relinquishing his crown to father. His head snaps up when he hears me, however one of the kings’ guards slams his fist into bodhi’s cheek. “Enough!” I scream rushing forward only for Luce to grab hold of me, stopping me from getting too close to the strangers.
“What is the meaning of this?!” father demands.
“We found them at the dock my king,” the leader announces kneeling to father. “They are armed for battle and do not speak our tongue. We could not tell their intentions. Nor if they have more allies waiting in distant waters.”
I struggle against Luce who has a death grip on my arms. “Unhand me!” I finally snarl stomping on his foot making him let go. Bodhi twitches again but doesn’t raise his head as he and the others are forced to their knees. “By the gods of old and new,” I snarl gathering my dress and approaching them.
Daemon stops me with an arm outstretched and I glare at him. “We know not who the foreigners are nor their intentions,” he cautions me.
“I know them!” I announce to the throne room and turn back towards my father. “I declare responsibility of the foreigners!” I call out shrugging Daemon off when he tries stopping me. “Their actions are of my own! I will pay for any wrong doings they commit! They are guests of mine and I will not allow any further harm to befall them!”
Father stares, unsurprised, and mother has to take a small step forward. “Very well. They are yours,” she announces as murmurs ripple through the room. With that I turn around glaring daggers at the guards still holding them.
“Release them,” I hiss shoving between Aemond and Daemon. They’re dropped, a few of them falling on their faces and I drop to my knees in front of Bodhi. “Bodhi? What has happened?” I ask slowly and clearly. He slowly lifts his eyes to look at me and eyes the guard nearby.
“I have come asking for aid. Asking you help us stop our parents from making terrible mistakes,” he tells me calmly before grimacing and turning his head away to spit out a mouthful of blood.
“Bring a maester!” I order of the guards. “Before I have the harm you gave them done unto you tenfold!” I demand when no one moves. I turn back to Bodhi who gives a soft smile. “How did you arrive? Why come here? When we last met, I recall telling you I may not even make it back. And you spoke of a dangerous enemy in your lands.”
He nods carefully and then we turn our head seeing one of the other boys with Bodhi offering a hand to help us to our feet. I take it with Bodhi carefully standing making sure he doesn’t fall or become dizzy. “It was worth coming here. Althea, you recall how I spoke of our kingdom and the neighboring one? Away from the Isles?” he asks and I nod recalling clearly as well as picturing his map. “What we hid, the enemy,” one of the boys grabs his arm but he shrugs him off not looking away from me. “They are called venin. We have magic on our lands. Different than here. Than what you spoke of. We channel the power through our dragons or griffins in their case; the Venin take it from the earth. They become unstoppable. They cannot be killed unless by a specific dagger embedded with magic. The Poromish kingdom has fought them for centuries. Navarre has buried their heads in the sand hiding behind wards the Venin cannot wield their magic behind. They grow closer every day. And soon we’ll be surrounded. Tyrrendor, our province, aids the Poromish as much as we can without Navarre finding out of our treason however our parents grow tired. They wish to start a war with Navarre for our freedom of the kingdom. So we can aid Poromiel in the fight, we cannot ignore the issue any longer or we will die,” he tells me pleading for me to listen and believe him. “They drain the earth of life itself, there are the barren lands, lands no creature has returned to for over six hundred years, please, before they kill us all, because they can, they take and take and take. We cannot fight on three fronts, we cannot win against Navarre, the venin and the Poromish that do not believe we wish to help. We just cannot. They will fail and all could be lost. Please Althea, I plead of you,” he drops to his knees before me grasping my hands in his own as he stares up at me. “Help me.”
“Get up,” I tell him pulling at his arms but he just goes to bow more so I drop to my own knees pulling him into a hug. “Oh Bodhi,” I whisper holding him as he sobs clutching me. “You should never have had to bear this burden,” I whisper holding his head to my shoulder and look up at the others that came with him. All looking shocked as they stare at us. Like they’ve never seen this side of him. Like they couldn’t imagine he could break this way.
“Althea?” Lucerys murmurs making me turn my head toward my nephew. He has a maester with him. I nod but simply motion for the maester to wait a moment as Bodhi cries his heart out. When he begins to quiet, I pull away a little before forcing him to his feet.
I don’t say anything but wipe his tears away and straighten out his jacket. “let’s get you cleaned up Bodhi, no, you have said your piece, now. You will accept our maester’s aid, you will eat, you will bathe, and you will rest. Let me speak with my father the king,” his eyes widen at this and I give a soft smile to him. “Yes, I am the daughter of the king. But I will always be Althea as you will always be Bodhi, my first and closest friend from a land I’ve yet to learn everything about and expect to teach me. I yearn to see the view you so cherish of your home. The beauty you speak of.” He nods and I smile turning to the maester seriously. “You will heal him. And any of his companions that need aid. They’ve traveled from far unknown lands to ask for my aid. And I will return the favor they granted me when I washed upon their shores during my travels. Am I clear Maester?” I command.
“Yes, your highness,” he bows before approaching and I now move standing before my father. Before the court.
“We cannot aid in a foreigners war,” he declares making me frown and our family turn to him. “We have just ended a war thanks to your Uncle’s aid. We cannot lose our people for them.” I nod and look at everyone. Mother standing to his right, Rhaenyra, Jace, Baela, Rhaena, Daeron and Aemond near her. Alicent is to the left having dragged Helena and Aegon with her. Harwin, Joffrey, Rhaenys, Corlys, Laenor and Laena all waiting watching.
“These foreigners saved me.” I begin staring up at my father standing tall and proud, my crown growing heavy upon my head. “When we first set sail when you entrusted me to Vaemon Velaryon’s care. We took separate ships as he was at the front to fend off any attacks.” Father shifts in the throne and I hear the people shuffle as well. Though only Bodhi may be able to understand me not of my family line. “a great storm threw my ship off course for weeks. We were so low on rations, on food, that we would not have lasted even a day more. The crew and I but skin and bones at that point. We were lucky to find them. They docked our ship with their own, guided us to their shore. Nursed us back to health. Helped us create a map between us. I would be dead and lost to sea if not for them. Bodhi guarded me personally. If the Crown refuses to aid the people that saved it’s daughter,” I say snarling up at my father, my king I have not seen in ten long years, “Then I will aid them without leave of the crown. I will take what allies I have personally gathered and save those that aided and saved me. If this means giving up my crown, my place in this family,” I say before reaching up and grabbing my crown as he stands to his feel and Helena meets my eyes. “Then I relinquish my ties to House Targaryen and declare myself a traitor to the crown.” I drop the crown and listen as the court gasps in shock. Rhaenyra and Mother both cry out but don’t dare approach me.
“You would abandon your family for them?” he demands exhaustion clear in the way he struggles to breathe. “You have no dragon, no army, what chance do you have against their enemies?!” he roars at me furious with my decisions.
“This is not the family I once left,” I call out looking at my half siblings, at my elder sister’s children. to Aemond, the one I thought once I could always count on to protect and defend me. “You have let betrayals go unchecked in our home, you have let house Targaryen begin to crumble king Viserys. Your mistress spreads lies of your grandsons being bastards, for being fathered by your first born’s husband! She has spread lies of Rhaenyra being unfaithful and frivolous since before I could walk!” I scream back at him approaching the bottom of the steps but not daring to go closer. “Your hand pushed for his blood to sit upon that throne,” I scream point to the throne he stands before. “They push to make Rhaenyra be disinherited. They bring strife between your brother who has been nothing but loyal to you, not your throne or your kingdom or your crown but you, his brother. They fear him. As they should! You are a king of Valyrian blood! Your faith is of the fourteen Flames! You have dishonored both. You have disgraced both!”
“You will—”
“You toss aside your blood for a peace that does not exists. Look at your family, father! Look!” I demand and he does. “Your whore even now glares at your heir, at me for speaking a language she has had every opportunity to learn and yet turns up her nose as if we are beneath her. Daeron was fostered in oldtown, before he left with Lucerys. And now they are as close as Baela and Rhaena are. As close as you and Uncle Daemon once were. And the one difference?” I ask him. “They were away from the crown, away from the poisonous seven. We allowed them to continue on. You allow them to spit upon your family. My mother the true queen!” I roar at my father, “has stepped aside at your command as you bed the whore of a second son in her marital bed!” Aegon is five moons older than my brother Baelon would have been had he survived! You are weak king and you are lucky I have not called you out in front of your people in a tongue they understand. I may not have a dragon father as is my birth right, but I do have an army. And I will not sit idly by as I watch my allies perish as you have just to swop in last second to say I was there aiding and supporting since the beginning.”
He's red with anger but his shoulders fall in defeat. I turn towards Alicent now who glares at me with such hatred. “If harm befalls my sister the Crowned Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, or my mother the Queen Aemma Targaryen if any harm befalls any of my family, your life will be the first forfeited Alicent Hightower,” I swear making her pale.
“Althea,” father hisses down at me. I then look over to my family.
“I pray to the fourteen you all live long and fulfilling lives, I wish peace for our blood,” I say looking at Helen and Aegon as well. “May we meet again in Balerion’s realm,” I say and bow to my family before turning back towards Bodhi who is staring at me.
“You can’t,” one of the females cry out pushing her way to the front. I take in her brown hair with silver tips much like my own red and silver hair. She looks up at my father. “you’re her father. You can’t just let her go, you can’t leave in anger, you might die Princess Althea.”
“She’s made her choice Sorrengail. As you made your when you left with us knowing your mother’s feelings,” the male standing next to Bodhi declares and I look up at him my breath catching at his beauty. Bodhi slowly steps towards me before pulling me into a hug.
“I never meant for you to lose your family. I was just desperate not to lose mine.”
“You are not responsible for my actions. Come, I must pack my things. We leave first thing in the morning.” I soak up his affections and then begin to lead them out.
“I will go with my sister!” Aemond shouts making me pause. Turning back, I see him standing before Father. “I have protected Althea since the day we could crawl! I have no dragon, I am a second son, nothing to the house of Targaryen. I will go with her,” he declares and kneels to father.
“As will we,” Lucerys and Daeron announce as Rhaenyra reaches for her son. “We are warriors of our blood line. We have dragons, but we are not in line for any heirship or duties. We would have set sail to explore one day anyways. And I stand with Althea as I always have.” Luce states and comes to stand beside me. “We are of Valyrian blood. You preach that we are strong together, that we will only fall from within. That nothing is stronger than us. Let us prove that.”
“Lucerys,” Jace tries but Luce shakes his head no backing away.
“May your journey be kind and your battles end swift,” Rhaenyra calls out silencing everyone and then slowly goes and grabs my crown. “You need not distance yourself from house Targaryen because you fear you may not return. You, are of old Valyrian blood, daughter of King Viserys,” she calls looking back at our father, “And Queen Aemma,” she looks to our mother daring either of them to protest as she stands before me. When she looks back at me, I see the pain and worry in her eyes. “You are the third in line for our kingdom. Come back to meet any new nephews or niece I give you little sister,” she tells me crowning me again and pressing her lips to my temple.
I close my eyes soaking in her love. “I’ll try,” I whisper back to her. She nods and pulls away before looking at my guests. She nods to them tears welling in her eyes as she hugs Lucerys close.
“Trust in Arrax,” she tells him. “he’ll keep you safe, come home to me Lucerys.”
“I will mother,” he promises before leading the party out of the throne room. Bodhi stays right next to me.
“Third in line?” he asks me when we reach my door.
“Rhaenyra is crowned Princess; she is father’s heir. The lords of Westeros have sworn their fealty to her. Jacarys is her chosen heir. Luce and Joffrey are both Harwin’s babes and so have no claim to the throne technically. Should something happen to all three of them I am the next in line.”
“You risk everything for me?” he asks and I turn towards him as Luce and Aemond go around gathering my leathers and weapons I have stashed everywhere. “Why?”
“Bodhi,” I say taking his hands in my own. “You are my first friend, true friend. As I said in the throne room. I am just Althea with you. I have no obligations to you as you have none to me. And I like that I’m just Althea. I hope to always be Just Althea.”
“Just Althea,” he whispers and then leans our foreheads together closing his eyes. “Just Althea, don’t think I didn’t see you eyeing my cousin like you wanted to climb him like a tree,” he grins. I gasp before flushing and smacking his chest.
“Bodhi Durren!” I hiss and he throws his head back laughing before pulling me in pressing his lips into my hair. “Honestly, I try getting myself disowned and this is how you repay me.”
“You love that about me, I’m your favorite,” he grins.
“No,” Aemond states standing before us arms crossed and eyes narrowed. We both look at him and I worry for a moment he’ll hurt Bodhi. “I’m her favorite. You can be second.” He then snatches me out of Bodhi’s arms and rests his chin on top of my head and I laugh as Bodhi pouts at us.
“Nuuh!” Luce cries out joining in. “I am! She loves me!” he grins forcing himself to be smaller to turn into my arms.
“Yes, little baby, you precious boy,” I say carding my fingers through his curls and he pouts at me. “You’re the one curling in my arms. Got help Daeron find room accommodations for our guests.”
With a huff he leaves. Turning back to Bodhi I nod and then look at his companions. “We can leave in the morning. Will the ship carry Arrax and Tesserion? They aren’t fully grown but they are quite large still. From the glimpse I caught of them they’ve thrived outside of the dragon pits.”
“Dragons?” Violet gaps and I nod before looking at each of them.
“Do you wish to see them? We can visit the pits just don’t look them in the eyes and don’t approach them.”
“Oh please, we’re not allowed to see them unless we enter the Rider’s quadrant,” a blond girl begs with Violet hands clasped together and eyes big like little puppies.
I laugh and then turn finding Daeron, Lucerys and a few maids have brought in bedding a many guards carry beds. “Do you mind staying in the same room?” I ask my guests.
“That will be fine but I refuse to share a bed with my cousin Drake. He kicks,” Syrena agrees narrowing her eyes on one of the men. With a nod the guards start to spread out the beds and the maids make them quickly. I go to my closet and pull out a pair of trousers and a riding jacket. Lucinda comes with me behind a partition and Lucerys and Daeron hold up blankets blocking me more while Aemond hisses at everyone to turn away.
“Relax, I’m sure they’re all very respectful and have no interest in me, brother,” I call letting Lucinda help me out of my dress.
“I wouldn’t be so certain,” Luce grumbles. With a sigh I shimmy into my pants and then lift my arms so Lucinda can bind my chest in place. Once she’s done, I put on a soft to the touch black shirt tucking it into my pants and step out holding my jacket. Lucinda is behind me trying to keep me still long enough to pull my hair up.
“It’s fine Lucinda, we’re only going to watch them,” I laugh waving her away.
“Princess, I might not have laid eyes on you for ten years,” she tells me placing her hands on her hips with a stern look, “However I do know you will absolutely not just observe! Now hair up,” she demands and I kneel allowing her easier access.
Aemon laughs at me. “You still listen to your wet nurse?” he scoffs.
“Lucida his hair is as long as mine why can he keep it down?” I pout but smirk at my brother who pales when Lucinda finishes my hair and then jumps on Aemond to gather his hair up. Bodhi laughs once he realizes what’s going on and I feel a flood of smugness. Aemond does not get a high ponytail like mine but a fishtail braid down his back that he glares at me for.
In the Pits Lucerys calls on Arrax who slinks out and whines at his human. “I know my heart,” Lucerys calls patting his snout. “But I bring new friends of Althea.” Arrax snaps his head to me and then suddenly I’m on my back and Arrax is sniffing me as if I’m his favorite meal before letting out a calling trill. I laugh holding on as he nuzzles into me. When I hear wing beats of more dragons, warmth floods my chest knowing I have many more dragons to answer to.
Teraxes gently, for a dragon, bites Arrax’s neck pulling him away to get to me just for Syrax to snap her jaws and crowd around me. “Yes, I’m home for a little while Syrax. You’ll continue looking after Rhaenyra, won’t you?” I ask her and smile when she coos almost pushing me on my back again. Caraxes lets out a piercing wail and I sigh before standing up and reaching out. he wraps his long red neck around me whimpering. “Oh yes you big baby. Wait til I rub this in your rider’s face. Uncle Daemon would love if you were this affectionate with him you know?” I ask him digging in my fingers as if I can relieve any itches on his scales. I do find sand everywhere. “Ugh,” I sneer pushing him away. “Didn’t he wash you?” I demand and Caraxes just cries flopping on the floor in despair.
“Okay yeah, of course my new best friend just has a hoard of dragons as her friends. Why not?” Bodhi mutters from his place.
“Wait til Vhagar tells Vermithor the Bronze fury and the Cannibal the Black Dread that she’s back. I swear, I never thought I’d be terrified of my sister but Althea…she can turn a dragon THE cannibal into a little puppy. And I know Vermithor and Cannibal both want her as their rider, and she is the one that is saying no. She claims there’s something tugging at her chest telling her she cannot ride another dragon or rather take another dragon as her bonded. I say she’s crazy. Two of the largest most feared and largest dragons the world and she says no.”
“Cogah is bigger,” one of the men states. “He’s the leader of the Empyrean, the leaders of each dragon den. I think he’s also the oldest.”
“Not much is known about the Cannibal. He’s had no rider before, eats the younger dragons and eggs at the hatching grounds. The only reason he hasn’t in the last thirteen years is because Althea at just three yelled when she caught him about to kill some other wild dragon when visiting Dragonstone. He stopped and did not let her leave his side even after trying to forcibly move her to his back.”
“Wait….don’t…wyvern have two legs and two wings?” Violet suddenly asks and I stop petting Seasmoke and Silverwing to look at her.
“Wyvern?” I question rising to my feet. Dreamfyre trills as she lightly brushes against me before wondering off.
Bodhi looks to his cousin. The male sighs and looks down before meeting my mismatched eyes with his own onyx eyes flecked with gold. “Wyvern are the mounts of Venin. A dragon without a rider is a tragedy, a rider without his dragon is dead. We bond with a dragon and our very lives become intertwined. The rider literally dies if the dragon does. It’s said the bond is so strong the rider’s soul leaves with them. Wyvern…we don’t know much on Venin, only one way that can kill it. And a million that can’t. Dragon fire doesn’t affect them it’s like they’re immune, but we know Venin create Wyvern. Dragons are four legged two-winged, Wyvern two legged and two winged,” he explains not once looking away. “They’re bigger and faster than dragons, and but they don’t seem…”
“Alive, not truly. I’ve battled a few. We never win but we hold them off long enough to flee. They seem to follow command but they feel no pain it seems,” Syrena finishes. I look back at a furious roaring that shakes the very walls. With a sigh I watch everyone except Vhagar and Caraxes cower and scurry deeper into the caves. When a bright toxic green eye surrounded by inky black scales cuts off the entrance, I cross my arms to look at him.
“You know where to enter Cannibal. You want my affection you come to me,” I tell him, “And you leave the little ones alone,” I stress watching him. He grumbles and moves so he can blow hot air at me. “Very mature, truly a dragon hundreds of years old. Honestly,” I scoff and hold back a grin as he slinks around Vermithor shoving his great horned body into the large cave. He sways much like Caraxes likes to before me and waits before nipping at Vhagar who refuses to move. Vhagar moves her head snarling back at him.
“NOT AROUND FRAGILE HUMANDS!!” I shout and point to where Cannibal waits to enter. Vermithor baits Vhagar playfully and leaves the cave Vhagar stomping after shaking the ground. When Cannibal enters I have to keep my eyes on the silent beast. “Every time you surprise me by your sheer size and incredible ability to be silent Canny,” I say raising my hand to his nose. I could use his nostril as a hand hold to climb him. He moves so he’s level with the cliff I’m on. “You know you are not my dragon Canny, your rider is out there somewhere. But they are not me,” I tell him caressing his scales. He whines and brings his eye back to me.
“He’s definitely larger than Codagh. By Amari he’s massive,” Bodhi utters in horror. Cannibal swings his head to Bodhi and moves his head so close I worry for a moment he’ll eat him. “Fuck.”
“Cannibal,” I hiss and step in front of him. “Bodhi is my friend. All here are my friends. My family. Do not harm them.” He sniffs.
“May Malek greet us,” the brown-haired male beside Xaden breaths and Cannibal swings his head towards him.
Raising my arms I place myself in front of them both. “Is it the Valyrian?” I ask Cannibal who puffs out his breath once the sulfuric scent burning my nose. “No, okay is it…is it that they are not of this land?” I ask him.
“Malek,” Bodhi breaks and catches Cannibal’s attention.
“Their gods,” I say catching it. “They have their own gods. Like the Faith of the Seven. As we have the fourteen flames” I explain. He huffs slow this time, not agitated. “Do you know their religion Cannibal?” I ask him. He grumbles in agreement. “Bodhi tell me of your gods, I think Cannibal misses them. Perhaps in old Valyria they were spoken of?” I suggest and Cannibal lays his massive head on the cliff watching us all.
“Amari is the queen of the gods,” Violet speaks up from the back. I watch Cannibal hone in on her shifting so he can easily watch her. “Said to be kind and just goddess.” She shuffles until she’s beside me Cannibal watching her lazily. “Malek,” she continues calmly though she trembles like a leaf, “Our god of death. Uncaring who he takes as long as he gets his soul. He doesn’t like the souls to wander, is firm in his command watching the dead. Dune is our goddess of War and strength. Zihnal, God of luck. Loial Goddess of Love and Hedeon God of wisdom. The gods care not what us mortals do but do not incur their wrath or they will strike you down.” Cannibal huffs before he opens his mouth and I stop breathing as he breath at the pair of us. covering Violet’s mouth with a second to spare her.
“You know I hate it when you do that. Your breath is rancid Cannibal, chew on more rocks to loosen the food caught there,” I scold him as he watches us. He then presses against violet pushing her into me. “Yes, she’s very frail like I was.” He rumbles and then pushes her head knocking it against mine.
“I believe,” Syrena calls out slowly, “He speaks of your hair. Though you have red and Violet brown your hair each fade into an unearthly silver.’ I look at Violet really taking in her hair.
“Natural?” she asks me. I nod. “Same.”
“Odd, my family has the golden white hair but not often the silver hair. Its what has set me apart. And the red of my hair. No one can explain it.”
“My mother believes it’s from when she was fever stricken while pregnant with me. I have…weak joints,” she whispers glancing at the others she traveled with.
“My mother was also sick when she was with me though mother often was. Rhaenyra was her healthiest babe both in and out of the womb. I have weak joints, easily breakable bones, I get sick easily and used to tire fast. But I have not let that rule me. I learned to fight, to take precautions, to learn my limits so I can push them without incapacitating myself. My one strength I’d say is my bond with the dragons. They love me as I them though I cannot bond with any of them. It just…there is this pull in my chest. Something tells me if I bond with Cannibal or Vermithor, or even hatch my own egg,” I say shaking my head making her head snap up to meet my eyes, “That feeling will vanish and I’ll never feel the warmth that feeling of completeness my ancestors have given us with our ability to bond the dragons.”
“You know-can hatch your own eggs?” Violet asks and Xaden is also next to us, the blond boy looking eager. “Like actually see them? The dragons let you?”
“Of course, how do you help them care for their eggs? Keep them warm and safe from cannibalistic beasts,” I tease Cannibal who huffs but just closes his eyes.
“We don’t even see them before they’re full grown,” Bodhi calls out. “And let me tell you the largest of ours is still smaller than your green one that chased out the bronze one. And you don’t have set color dens it seems like our dragons have.”
“Perhaps they’re different breeds, like your wyvern and Dragons, maybe a continental thing?” I suggest before looking at Cannibal. He grumbles but lets a huff of agreement fall past him lips. Grinning I hold my hand out to Bodhi and Xaden first. Xaden stares untrustingly but Bodhi takes my hand. When Xaden still does not I move it towards the blond who looks giddy being so close to Cannibal. He slowly takes it glancing between Xaden and Bodhi who rolls his eyes at Xaden. I step back until I turn pulling them with me towards Cannibal. When we’re close, he opens his eye again but just watches as I press their hands to his scales.
“Wow,” Bodhi breaths and Liam speaks, most likely, similar sentiments in their native tongue. Laim actually giggles and looks down at me in excitement before snapping his eyes back to Cannibal as he gently strokes his scales and leathery skin of his face.
“Would any of you like to fly?” Lucerys offers from the end of the walkway. Cannibal has tried taking a chunk out of Arrax and he doesn’t want to risk anything.
Now Xaden shakes his head no. “We will not fly before a dragon bonds us,” he states looking at each of his people.
“I’ll go with you,” the girl that looks like a younger Syrena purrs approaching Lucerys.
“Arrax,” he calls barely glancing at her. Arrax calls back but refuses to come into the cave further. “Arrax it is safe. Althea is here, remember, Cannibal will not attack us before her.” Carefully he slinks out giving cannibal a wide berth before approaching Luce as he trills his discomfort. I keep Cannibal distracted with Liam and Bodhi who are showing him all the love and awe. “This is my dragon Arrax,” he introduces. “I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name.”
“Catriona, you can call me cat though,” she purrs. I pull back my lip as I look at her. Then meet Aemond’s eyes as he stares with longing. Aemond’s always loved Lucerys. However, he can never be with him. Not here. Even with our ‘weird customs’ as Alicent would say. Luce turns to Arrax. “Arrax this is Catriona, will you allow her on your back?” Lucerys asks motioning to towards the woman clearly not understanding she’s coming onto him. Arrax whines shaking his neck back and forth. Luce tilts his head as if confused and I pull Bodhi away letting Liam stay and love on Cannibal. I offer my hand to Xaden but he gently pushes Violet towards me. Once she looks at him, she grasps my hand, mouth dropping in an o as she stares.
“You are….beautiful Cannibal,” she whispers and leans in close to Liam before they lean in towards each other giggling and Violet lays her head on his face. Cannibal lets out a purr as she does so. “You’re a big softy at your heart aren’t you you big grump?” she asks closing her own eyes.
“Arrax? What…hey hold on,” Lucerys calls and I look over at the sound of claws on the rough rock. I watch as Arrax moves and then opens his maw before anyone can react and taking Aemond’s jacket in his teeth lifting him and depositing him between Syrena and the other male that I assume is her cousin. Arrax moves behind them and lets out a cry to Lucerys.
“I think he’ll only let one of them three on his back nephew,” Daeron laughs at the frazzled look on Aemond’s face.
“Arrax, he’s not a….you know what, you do you Arrax, I’ve got Cannibal,” I declare turning back to the huge dragon literally purring under Violet’s sweet words and Liam’s gentle praises. I back away watching as I listen to Lucerys argue that it’s rude to ignore Catriona who asked to fly but Arrax physically moves away from her when she approaches and pushes another of the group at her.
“Hey,” I call scolding him making everyone but the three in front of me freeze. And Xaden. “You can be rude all you want Arrax but you will not endanger nor push around the other people here. I didn’t scold you for Aemond because he’s a Targaryen and has been carried as such before but they are not us.”
He apologetically trills at the tall black-haired man who laughs and pats his snout. “It’s alright.” His words are stilted, and slow. “I would not want the girl on my back if I were you either, her sister is much agreeable.”
“More agreeable,” Xaden calls out and I turn watching the man repeat it a few times as Arrax moves hiding behind the three he chose.
“If Arrax does not wish her upon his back Lucerys then you respect that,” I tell my nephew turning to him. “Caraxes would simply burn you for asking.” He sighs before looking at them and then nods.
“You choose then Arrax, I’m sorry for pushing so hard,” Lucerys state and Arrax happily chirps before laying his head on top Aemond’s making him bend with the weight of his head.
I smile fondly at them but Aemond begins to blush. “Ae?” Luce asks holding out his hand. Slowly he takes it and Arrax moves so he can easily be mounted. As soon as Lucerys is on sitting behind Aemond a little awkwardly Arrax jumps and scurries out of the cave to Lucery’s laughter and Aemond’s shrieks.
“Perhaps I will pass on the opportunity,” Syrena states.
“Really, Tesserion wants to challenge him, you up for it?” he asks her cousin. He grins and nods. Tesserion waits until they are situated before hurrying after to both of their cheers.
Cat huffs glaring after, Bodhi wraps his arms around me stifling a laugh in my hair. “You’re such a mom,” he laughs. “Oh my god,” he gasps and pulls back. “Xay she’s the fun mom to your strict dad! Oh, mommy can I please ride the furious and powerful dragons?”
“Bodhi,” Xaden hisses warningly.
Laughing I pat his arms and look up at him. “Daddy said no,” I tease him and Bodhi cackles as I lean into his hug. It felt freeing just being like this. When I look back at Cannibal I see Vermithor and Vhagar return. Vermithor bounds over like an overgrown puppy. Laughing I throw myself out of Bodhi’s arms and fit still perfectly between the spikes going up his nose.
“Hello my Vermen,” I laugh and he lifts his head taking me with him grumbling and growling as he gently swings me from side to side in protest. “I know you’re much larger than the average Vermen but you’re my Vermen Vermithor,” I tease knowing anyone else would be reduced to a slowly melted pile of flesh if they dared speak to him this way. Cannibal huffs and I look over before turning back to Vermithor and pull myself up and straddle his snout. The most I’ve ever dared mount a dragon for fear of that bond snapping and leaving me cold. Vermithor talks to me as if I can understand him and I sit and smile and listen to him like I can as well as he walks in a circle just talking. He goes around Vhagar who watches the ones that came with Bodhi.
Soon I stretch as he begins to slow his rumblings and I see Cannibal has fallen asleep with Violet and Liam leaning against him talking softly to each other. Bodhi has his eyes trained on me with his cousin both not saying a word. Vermithor makes a noise of confusion before swiveling his head slowly towards the opening showing the dark skies.
“May you gather everyone?” I ask him as soon as he’s next to Cannibal and I slowly stretch out to catch myself. I feel Bodhi’s hands at my waist before I can even fully stretch out my legs. Vermithor coos his agreement before going down the cave and letting out demanding trills. When I can finally stand straight Bodhi has pulled me close and Xaden is there waiting, watching.
“You are…wonderous,” he tells me and I blush at his words dropping my gaze.
A hand not belonging to him appears in my vision and I feel it tilt my face up to meet Bodhi’s eyes but I look at Xaden as well having followed his hand up his arm. “Head up.” I nod once and look at Bodhi again. I don’t understand the look in his eyes but soon hear many answering cries from the caves. And I hear unfamiliar ones as well.
“Perhaps you should gather them out in the field.” I spin around finding Uncle Daemon and Aunt Rhaenys near the doors to the pits. Both dressed down but fully alert. Rhaenys is the one who spoke and she looks at each of us critically. “We all know all dragons will be coming. It’ll be good to know how many truly live in Westeros,” she says and turns to leave.
I look up at Bodhi who is moving me so I can lean against him as my legs try to buckle from sleep. Xaden is watching both of us critically and I worry that I seem weak to them all. I then look over and see Violet being gently woken up by Liam.
“I’m Imogen Cardulo, these idiots are horrible at introductions,” the pink haired woman states approaching us. I nod tilting my head at her hair.
“How is it pink?” I ask her. She pauses blinks and the glances up at her short hair.
“I dye it?” she states seeming confused by my reaction.
“Like cloth?” I question testing my weight again.
“No, hair coloring, do you not have that here?” she asks me glancing over at her companions.
“No,” I deny and look around. Aemond, Lucerys, Daeron and the cousin male are all still out. “is it a difficult practice?”
“No,” she grins and then turns towards her friends, “This is Garrick Tavis, you heard Catriona Cordella,” she continues looking at each. Garrick grins and waves a hand and Catriona just rolls her eyes at us. “That’s her older sister Syrena Cordella, over there, Liam Mairi and Violet Sorrengail, this little lady is Liam’s younger sister Solone Mairi. She caught us sneaking out and threatened to tell if she couldn’t come so, here she is. You know Bodhi Durren, his cousin Xaden Riorson. And the one with your short haired blond brother is Drake Cordella.” I can stand on my own again, however Bodhi refuses to remove his arm from around my waist even under Uncle Daemon’s watchful eye as he grips dark sister.
“Althea Targaryen,” I introduce looking at each person. Violet is accepting Liam’s help in standing. “The short haired blond brother is Daeron Targaryen; he is the son of mistress Alicent and our father King Viserys Targaryen. Aemond Targaryen is the other blond, and the curly haired mess is our nephew Lucerys Targaryen, my older sister Rhaenyra’s and Harwin Strong’s son.”
We slowly move forward Cannibal grumbling making Daemon shift his focus before Violet laughs as he nudges her again. Daemon clutches Dark sister face paling.
“Yes, should I ever return I shall come say hello to you Cany,” she states and I wait for him to huff in annoyance however Cannibal just whines and nudges into her before looking at me.
With a smile I nod. “Go to the field and wait for me. I have an announcement for all the dragons again.” he lets out a mournful whine knowing last time I left for ten years. He moves slowly and carefully, however, leaving the caves as Deamon snaps his head to me.
“You brought the strangers to our dragon pits?” he hisses striding towards us. I lift my chin at the anger in his eyes feeling confused.
“I brought my friends who are not allowed to even see their dragons to meet ours!” I snap back at him gripping Bodhi’s wrist when I try stepping forward only to stumble. He tightens his arm around me holding me closer to himself as Daemon approaches.
“You are a fool! You could have all died! Where is Lucerys? Daeron? Aemond, and there was a tenth stranger, where is he?” he demands eyeing each person in the room.
“Uncle Daemon,” he snaps his eyes back to me. “Why are you here? I denounced my name, only Rhaenyra’s words stopped the court from hearing that after I gave up my crown.”
“A crown you never should have let leave your head,” he hisses standing toe to toe with me now looking down on me as I look up at him. “Are you trying to be charged with treason Niece? Viserys is a foolish king but you,” he scoffs shaking his head. “You are the only one that can anger him so. Why?” he demands and I try to understand just why he’s so upset.
“You mean besides you, what upset your precious brother lets another of his blood speak to him so?” I scoff forcing myself to stand straight, even as every muscle in my body cries out in protest having been curled up on Vermithor’s nose so long.
Now Daemon grips both of my shoulders shaking me a little. “Because he will not!” he screams at me. “He will not tolerate it! I have seen what he has done to his precious sons, Althea, he cares only for his throne and his first-born Rhaenyra. You must see this. He loves us do not doubt that but that love…he almost sliced your mother open for Baelon. Baelon who lived but a night! If he can do that to the woman who had been faithfully by his side for two decades for a chance at a boy.” he shakes his head dropping it slightly as he breathes. And I realize he’s scared for me. Not angry. Well angry but not…not because of me.
Letting go if Bodhi I grab onto Uncle Daemon’s forearms instead. “I’m not the naive six-year-old that left Uncle,” I gently whisper and he lifts his head looking at me in my eyes now. “I’ve grown, I’ve learned. I’ve traveled half the world. I was in Dorne but not only Dorne. We were with them for four months. Four months I explored that little island with Bodhi. He protected me yes and translated everything he could. The world is dangerous; I know this Uncle Daemon. I know,” I say.
“You do not though, what they will do to a royal of our blood line,” he shakes his head.
“Daemon,” I say cupping his face and making him look me in the eyes. “I know.’ His face falls.
“Tell me no one has,” he pleads falling to his knees.
“No,” I say denying what I know he asks. “No no one has ever succeeded,” I tell him staying on my feet. “The first time was when I met Bodhi,” I explain.
“You were six,” he gaps.
“And in a foreign land. He helped me escape; we hid a full day. When we reached his…family? We were safe again. He swore to never leave me again, and I ensured to keep that little dagger you gave me on myself every second after.”
“Oh Althea,” he cries.
“I lost that dagger, when I was fourteen, when I first bleed and some noble of Dorne thought he could force himself on me. I took his head to their king that night and explained. They feed him to a pit of snakes and made sure I had their female guards patrolling my quarters more. They also punished the maids assign to me for their part. I know how cruel the world is Uncle. Unlike my father I will not turn the other cheek. I’ve seen it. And I will fight it. Perhaps it is the second born curse,” I say.
He lets out a pitiful laugh. “The second born curse?” he asks.
“Yes, you defy father at every opportunity, and Aemond certainly gives Alicent Hightower hell if today is any indication. And I will not allow anyone to turn me into a quiet, whimpering damsel,” I agree. He laughs now but stays on his knees before me. “Do you need help up old man?” I tease.
“Old man!?” he yelps rising quickly. “I’m only twenty your senior.”
“Old. Man.” I tease and stick my tongue out at him.
“Your family is crazy,” Catriona declares and I look over to her.
Turning away after looking her up and down I look back at my uncle. “Lucerys took Aemond for a flight. And Daeron took Drake as well to race them. Vermithor is gathering everyone.”
“Vermithor is gathering them,” he mutters to himself before looking around. “Bring him in!” he calls towards the mouth of the cave. Two gold cloaks, Harwin and another, bring in a stocky black horse whose ears turn every which way but doesn’t skitter.
“He’s unnamed, broken in but young. He is our gift to you,” Harwin tells me bringing him to me.
“Perhaps she’s right,” I say lifting my hand to pet his muzzle. “We are a crazy family. I don’t know if I can take him.”
“Corlys is sending you with four more ships, to house the dragons that will no doubt go with you, and for solely provisions in case you get lost again,” he tells me. I laugh and look up at Bodhi who seems rattled.
“Do you all always go from volcano to a creek?” he asks me.
“Welcome to Westeros Bodhi,” I grin.
“They understand us,” Daemon states as if truly understanding this now. “They heard…oh Althea, you sneaky girl.” He grins predatorily.
“They deserved to know what you had to say of them. And you so easily slip into Valyrian to make the people feel lesser,” I shrug and look all around my horse. “He’s not like the common brown ones,” I announce.
“He’s not. He’s a working horse, however, will follow into battle. We’ve helped desensitize him to Caraxes, Syrax and Vhagar with the help of Lady Laena, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon so should you find your dragon while you are away perhaps you can take a ride and then meet your dragon for a flight,” the second gold cloak states grinning. “He’s fast, and sturdy, disliked us riding him but was so gentle with Queen Aemma and Princess Helena. Perhaps he just does not like men.”
“He loved that stable boy, perhaps it was just us,” Harwin denies and then looks at me. “My favorite good sister,” he smiles softly.
“My favorite good brother,” I reply and then slowly shuffle so I can fall into his arms feeling warm and safe in his arms. “I will miss you Harwin Strong.”
“And I you Althea Targaryen. Swear you’ll fight, fight to stay alive, fight to live, fight until you cannot, until you know for certain you’re for the next life,” he asks of me.
“I swear it, I swear I’ll try my hardest to come home to your hoard of children with Rhaenyra. To the dragons I leave behind, to see my sister be crowned,” I agree crying now.
“Gods to be consort Harwin,” he huffs and shakes his head. “I’m telling my father tomorrow I’m giving Larys the lordship.”
“Talk to him first, your brother was discontent when I last saw him. Ensure it’s what he wants,” I tell him.
“I have, I took a lesson you gave Aegon on Aemond and have been in regular contact with Larys. He wishes for the lordship and has surprised me with how he’s grown to prove himself. I had feared for a while he resented me but now…our house will be safe in his hands. And he stated if he doesn’t father any children Lucerys can be his heir or any other child I have with Rhaenyra if he doesn’t wish for it.” He stops and then pulls back to look at me. I tilt my chin up to look up at him. A giant. He’s always been a giant. “Look after my boy? I know. You’re all nearly of age now but he’s…he’s my little boy.”
“I’ll watch after Lucerys, I swear if nothing else I will send him home,” I agree and then look at my steed.
“Up you go,” Bodhi declares, “Your legs are asleep, you sat too stiff for too long on that bronze beast you call Vermithor.” I laugh as everyone stares at me. Harwin grins and turns me and places me on the horse’s back. It’s wider than the average horse. Truly a beast in his own right. I stroke down his neck and sit tall, relishing in being taller than Harwin who smirks up at me knowing what I’m thinking.
“The rest will see you off tomorrow. Let’s get you to your dragons,” Harwin declares and leads the horse and everyone else. I look back seeing Violet limping.
“Violet,” I call out stopping. She and Liam look up. I wave her over and pat my horse’s back. “Come on, we both need it.”
“I’m not weak,” she declares stubbornly.
“We are,” I deny patiently. “You need to learn to work with your disability, not in spite of it Violet. I’ll teach you. First lesson, take the aid when you can.” Liam looks between us before he scoops Violet up ignoring her protests and then places her on the bare back behind me.
“It’s kinda hot how you can just sling her around,” Syrena states.
“Yes, it is,” Catriona grins.
“Stop being pests,” Solone snarls stepping up beside her bother.
“I’d not want him doing that to me but to have a man that can, I think every girl wants that,” Syrena states shaking her head. I tilt my own before nodding in agreement.
We leave heading out to the cliffs where Lucerys is in Rhaenys arms crying softly as he holds onto her. Aemond and Daeron are standing to the side awkwardly with Corlys who seems just as uncomfortable.
“It seems we all decided on tonight instead,” Aegon’s voice rings out. I turn finding him coming up the cliff with Everyone in the family bar father and Alicent. Helena comes directly to us gently stroking my horse’s neck as she hums.
“Spools of green and spools of black,” she murmurs and I hone in, “intertwine no longer strangled, they weave and wonder creating a story. Many strengths, tying in knots.”
“Thank you, Helena,” I answer her once she lifts her eyes to mine. “Look after yourself. Listen not to your mother but your heart,” I tell her.
“She listens to the green viper, poison drips of his lips,” she mutters.
“Don’t fall to his poison, I hope to see you again Helena.”
“She speaks in riddles,” Aegon scoffs before looking at me. “You’re stupid,” he tells me bluntly.
“You’re a drunk,” I answer in the same tone watching him sway even now. “
“Of course I’m drunk! Four of my family are leaving for war and I might…I’m not…Althea,” he says. I know he struggles to express his emotions but this is pathetic.
“Go hug our brothers Aegon. You don’t need to say anything. Just…hug them,” I tell him. “Stop being a Hightower for one night. Be a Targaryen.”
“I’d be a bastard,” he mutters.
“So be a bastard, or do you wish to part with them on such stiff terms?” I ask him. He looks over before stumbling over to them. He yanks Aemond down into a bear hug and then pulls Daeron in both looking shocked before Daeron buries his face in Aegon’s shoulder clutching his brother.
“I think…you’re the family’s heart,” Violet tells me gently.
“They need to learn to be the heart themselves. I might not make it home,” I tell her.
“For their sake,” Xaden states appear next to us, “I hope you do.”
Rhaenyra hurries over and I slip off using Xaden to break my fall before my sister yanks me to her. “Oh Althea, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry, father loves you he does I know he does, he asked for you every day when you were gone.”
“He can ask again then. Father isn’t here,” I tell her pulling back but the diving back in. “Watch after mother? And don’t let Alicent walk over you she’s just the mistress Rhaenyra. You are the crowned princess. She’s nothing! A whore that spread her legs on our brother’s death bed. Stop letting her win.”
“Such a foul mouth on you now,” mother whispers wrapping her arms around us both.
“And you should claim a dragon,” I tell her. “Remind everyone you are a Targaryen as much as an Arryn. They forget. It’s why they allow Alicent’s words to poison them as well. And don’t let her marry Aegon and Helena, they’ll both be miserable. Helena is a dreamer.” I say looking each of them in the eyes. “She is, listen to her words truly listen and don’t discount them and Aegon…he is a free spirit. He and Jace are good for each other. Teach Aegon how to be a hand because one day I know he can be Jace’s hand and he’ll keep him grounded. And yet help him be free at the same time. Each Targaryen has their Hightower child.”
“Jace and Aegon,” Laenor agrees, “Dareon and Luce, you and Aemond, and Helena and Rhaenyra.”
“Yes,” I smile relaxing. “Daeron and Luce have both forged their bond through their own travels, Jace and Aegon here while we’ve been gone, and Aemond…he’s always watched after me. From that first time when that rat catcher wished to hold me for ransom.”
“I remember. Daemon had him whipped for his insolence,” mother states look back at him. He and Laena are touching foreheads murmuring together.
“Come home to us Althea, come home with tales of victory and triumph. Come home,” mother asks.
“I’ll try mother. I will ensure my nephew and brother make however til my last breath, and I will fight with my very soul to return. I will see you be crowned,” I tell Rhaenyra.
“I’ll save you a place in my court,” she tells me kissing my head and she smooths my stray hairs. “Just come home.” When I nod she leaves me with mother and goes to Lucerys who cries for her but holds back as Rhaenyra speaks to him as well both have tears streaming down their faces as they speak.
“Such cry babies,” Rhaena states fondly.
“Yes, we’ll miss you Althea, even if we think it’s foolish you’ve always had your own sense of justice. We wish you safe travels and swift victory.”
“Well, they’ve been at war for centuries, I don’t know if we can end it now,” I say shaking my head.
“But you might, perhaps a Targaryen is what they need,” Rhaena tells me as they both take a hand each. “We’re decedents of warrior queens and kings. Our bloodline conquers Westeros, we claim dragons,” she tells me ensuring I can understand her awe. “Go conquer the enemy and help Poromiel and Tyrrendor with their independence and kick the ass of the Navarre king to get him to act.”
With a laugh I shake my head but agree to just that. They both pull me into a hug before letting me go to speak with others. Rhaenys looks at me just looking at me as she stands next to mother and I stand tall under her watch. Without a word she nods and comes forward hugging me tight. “You’ll do well.” She states. Closing my eyes I just listen to her heart beat strong and steady in her chest.
“Don’t let our house fall,” I ask of her.
“I’ll stop it til my last breath,” she agrees and pulls away. She nods and looks at Bodhi and moves to stand before him. “I’m entrusting you with my niece’s care, she knows and trusts you. She has weak joints, easily breakable bones, she gets sick easily,” she lists rapidly and pull off a rucksack that looks heavy and hands it to him. “In there is every medicine with what they do listed. There’s a book with instructions and descriptions in case the labels wear off. And the what the plant that’ll help if you run out. though the dried extras are on the last ship with plenty revisions for at least three years of medicine. And foods for about five months in case you all get lost. It can house the dragons; they can fish for their own food. Tesserion and Arrax were along waters for longer they’re fine no matter how they whine to Althea,” she tells him and Bodhi nods listening carefully. “She’ll hide her injuries as well, have a female help you inspect her after battle if she’s covered in blood because she will claim it’s all the enemy’s.”
“Venin don’t bleed,” Bodhi states calmly. “It’s one thing we’ve noticed; they just crumble like dust, we think it’s part of the price they pay to become so indestructible so I’ll know she’s lying right away if she has blood on her.”
“Good, if she stumbles check her temperature first, ensure she rests,” Rhaenys tells him.
“And ensure you all relax as much as you can,” Mother cuts in and cups Bodhi’s face startling him. “Rhaenys is the warrior between us but they all forget, life is not war, that is surviving, not living, make sure you live. Even if just for an hour a day,” she asks.
“I’ll try Queen Aemma,” he nods and she returns it patting his face gently before she leaves as well.
“Truly the heart of your family,” Violet tells me. “They care for you.”
“Do your family not do the same?” I ask, looking up at her. She stares after my mother.
“My mother is the General and leader of the War College, she climbed her way up the ranks and she didn’t get there showing any mercy,” she tells me watching my mother. “What I wouldn’t…. just one gentle touch,” she whispers.
“Mom,” I call and she spins around. “I love you,” I say and watch as her face relaxes.
“I love you too Althea.”
I turn to Xaden. “Help her down,” I command and he lifts a brow at me crossing his arms. “Please?” I ask him. He waits a few moments before lifting a hand to Violet who takes it and moves to jump Xaden gripping her waist and helping her down. Mom is back and I shove Violet at her. “She needs a mother’s hug,” I say simply and mom wraps her up in a gentle embrace. “In fact,” I say looking at them all, “They’ve all been without their parents for weeks!” I call and Harwin grins before pulling Xaden and Bodhi into a bone crushing hug.
“Oh no absolutely not,” Catriona hisses and Laenor grins pulling Syrena into a hug she welcomes as Laena hugs Drake who is stiff until he just melts. Rhaenyra hugs Imogen as Rhaenys hugs Garrick and Corlys takes Liam and Solone. Daemon wraps his arms around me.
“You’re a menace,” he tells me holding me close.
“Go hug Catriona, she needs one even if she refuses. Look at them all. It’s as if they’ve never been hugged,” I tell him. He sighs but does so, dragging her into a hug holding her head against his chest as he holds her still.
“The longer you fight this the longer I hold on, little kitten,” he states dryly.
“Kitten!” she screeches outraged.
“Yes, your name is Catriona, kitten suits you. You’re young mischievous, a menace, and certain can defend yourself if that weapon at your arm says anything.” Catriona struggles a little more and Daemon curls around her and whispers into her ear. She listens and slowly stops until I see tears in her eyes and then she holds him back and he smooths her dark black hair down her back.
“Woah, didn’t think I’d ever see her calm,” Bodhi whispers as he tucks himself into Harwin’s hold. Xaden is still stiff so Bodhi wiggles out and Harwin holds onto Xaden instead.
“This is so weird,” Aemond states from my right and I look out seeing even Sheepstealer is here. He’s on the outskirts and shifty but he’s here. I slowly walk up to the rock so I can look over them all. Sixteen known dragons, bonded and un bonded.
A cry from the skies makes us look up and Cannibal trills back. I gasp as greyghost descends from the skies landing beside Cannibal rubbing his head against Cannibal side. Cannibal grumbles but just lays his head on top of Greyghost head as well for a moment before standing tall.
“Is that…greyghost?” Rhaenys asks standing behind me.
“Yes,” I say in awe, “I’ve never seen him before.” Cannibal rumbles and looks at the other dragons and I nod and look out realizing there are a few smaller dragons as well as two huge dragons as large as Cannibal along the back of the crowd. I look back at Lucerys who is in Rhaenyra’s hold again just watching me as Daeron and Aemond stand with Aegon between them both. Looking back, I meet the eyes of each dragon here. “I’ve missed you all,” I begin to them and a few rumble back, “And it’s a true pleasure to be introduced to the new ones I’ve never met before,” I bow towards them all as one of the two large ones roar in pride.
Cannibal roars back and they spat for a second before Greyghost grabs Cannibals attention again and Vermithor nudges him back to look at me. “I’ve been away for ten years exploring, being in Dorne,” Vhagar snaps her jaws at this. “I know, we were at war with them in the beginning but times are changing Vhagar, we need allies. And I’ve built the foundation of that with them while I’ve been away. We do not eat our allies,” I tell her. She grumbles and lays her head back down. “I’m leaving again,” I state calmly lower my head as I listen to many pitiful whines. “I know I’ve been back less than three days but…My friend needs help. He comes from across the great seas, from a different land and they are in trouble. We go to fight both man,” I say looking at them, “and their own dragons. Wyvern they call them that look like you, but different, they have no life to them, they obey their creators, the Venin, an enemy so dangerous they can only be killed by a weapon forged by man. Fire has no effect on their dragons. I’ve come because I know Tesserion and Arrax will come as Lucerys, Daeron and Aemond are coming with me across the seas. We may not return no matter how hard we try we are going to war,” I declare and Cannibal throws his head back and lets out a mighty roar.
Meleys joins and soon they all roar to the skies. Bodhi shifts as Cannibal slithers up to me. “I have no dragon,” I declare and stop Bodhi from approaching, “That bond is still there. Should I fall I beg of you, do not fight each other. House Targaryen is thriving. We are of Fire and Blood!” I scream to them stepping closer even as Cannibal stops before me. “Wild or claimed! We are of Old Valyria! Let no green tower or red hand come between us. not the unbowed, unbent, unbroken, not the one who lights the way, not the winter that is coming or the roar of a lion!” I call and they all rumble in agreement. “We are of Fire and Blood,” I say grinning out at the dragons, “Of salt and Sea,” I call. “House Targaryen and House Valaryon are of old Valyria, stand behind them against any foe and don’t fail them. They will not fail you,” I tell them. “They will aid your injured, nurse your sick, feed your weak, and free your strong.”
Cannibal turns towards the other dragons and roars as he stands before me and they roar back to him like a General with their army. I see fires light as their roars awaken the city. Cannibal lets out a stream of fire that slowly the others join in lighting the skies with their flames. I stand feeling the heat burn from where I stand but I don’t move away. I soak in the heat and let it burn my blood.
“I leave in the morning,” I say once their display is over, “I wish you all long lives, say your goodbyes to Tesserion and Arrax. It’s a few weeks travel by ship if any wish for a final goodbye in the morning by the docks. And Cannibal,” I say looking at him. “Don’t keep eating the young, we don’t eat our allies,” I tell him. He grumbles stomping his left wing into the ground as he looks at me. With a nod I look at them all before I bow again and back away a few steps. When I turn mother, Daemon and Rhaenys are there.
Mother steps forward standing where I stood. “Perhaps you cannot understand me,” she calls out and I watch her as she stands before them. “I am Queen Aemma Targaryen of the Arryn house,” she states and Greyghost trills at her tilting his head. Letting her know they hear her words. “My daughter leaves for war, with my grandson and stepsons,” she states looking back at us, “House Targaryen knows her bond with you is unprecedented,” she continues looking at them. “We’ve supplied ships as we believe a few may wish to go with, we know not how long a flight by dragon back it would be, if you wish to go know our largest ship is there for you to land and rest when needed, and know it’s an unexplored land. They speak an unknown tongue and have their own customs. We do not control a dragon, that idea is ridiculous, have safe travels and please, as a mother, I ask you watch over my family,” she asks them. Cannibal trills and nods just once before he takes to the skies Greyghost following. It seems like the answer for them to take to the skies the dragons flying over the city.
I mount my horse again Violet already on and begin leading the group back. Mother had brough carriage. I watch the dragons fly, more than twenty from my count circle the city before they branch off some going back to the caves others wherever they dwell.