The Dragons Realm, A House Targaryen AAR

[streaker77]

103-105 AC
The Dragons Realm
Chapter 53: Silent Sister


King Aurion and his Queen Alicent spent another week in Oldtown following their wedding in the Starry Sept, enjoying the hospitality of the city before returning to King's Landing, arriving back in the capitol several weeks later.

The new King and Queen wasted no time in endearing themselves to the populace of the city, with both of them jointly agreeing to fund the construction of a sickhouse in the city in celebration of their union , the Bloody Flux was over, yet there were many who were still crippled by its effects as well as other maladies or disfigurements, and soon a large building in a barracks style, filled with cots for both men, women, and children was built in King's Landing, with the King entrusting its running to a man named Septon Dermott, who was to serve as the realms first High Almoner. In time, the King and Queen would also commission the building of a soup kitchen, built in the poor district of Flea Bottom, and three times a week Septon Dermott would arrive in the district followed by carts laden with bread and vegetables, funded by the King and Queen themselves, and often times either Aurion or Alicent would accompany these deliveries personally, with a large escort of course. Alicent was also a common sight in the orphanages of the city as well.

Aurion also was faced with the prospect of having inherited his fathers large court. The young King proved to be just as generous with his coin as his father, and few were turned away or forced to leave, with the Red Keep being crowded and full of life and merriment, a sharp contrast to the small and gloomy court of the Queen of Skulls just a few years before.

King Aurion did not devote all of his time to merriment and trivial matters like his father had before him however, immediately upon returning to the capitol, the young King set to work with the help of his advisors to consolidate his reign.

Realizing that the pirates of the Stepstones posed a real threat to the stability and prosperity of the realm and had been allowed to cause much suffering on the realms frontier for decades, the young King declared that honor compelled him to clear the islands of the plunderers and raiders which infested the rocky shores, and instructed his advisors to begin planning a massive campaign to bring the Stepstones under the banner of the dragon. The King hoped to take multiple islands at once, as opposed to one by one, undeterred by his advisors warnings that the planning and justifications for the campaign could take years if not decades.

His second major decree was that a census of all the seven Kingdoms of the realm should be conducted, proclaiming that ‘’A King should know his people’’, a phrase which the young King would prove to live by in action as much as word in the coming years. Shortly after his decree, seven parties of Maesters from the citadel, selected by the Grandmaester and Archmaesters and funded by the crown, would depart Kings Landing to each of the kingdoms of the realm, as well as the Stepstones. Their findings would be put together years later and the tome, titled An Accounting of the Seven Kingdoms would prove an invaluable resource to both the crown and the local lords who gained a greater understanding of the population and resources of the realm, and by all accounts the population of Westeros had grown markedly since the days before the conquest due to fewer large wars taking place, though small conflicts were still endemic to the realm.

A final decree made in the year 103 AC saw mandatory saving of excess grain and wheat in the Crownlands. While the area enjoyed a temperate climate, it was not unheard of for winter frosts to hinder growing and harvesting, and Aurion hoped his diligent oversight of the harvest would prevent any famine. In addition, the excess wheat could be sold or loaned to areas of the realm which were in need of food stores.

The year 103 AC did much to consolidate the young King's reign, and he quickly earned a favorable reputation throughout the realm for his diligent ruling style, with the King holding court for several hours six days of every week, personally sitting the Iron Throne to hear petitioners and doling out justice.

As the year ended and 104 AC began, the crown was in a good position, with good levels of tax and income reaching the Targaryen coffers. Little of note happened in the first few months, with King Aurion staging a small tourney of local knights and nobility of the crownlands to celebrate the namedays of two of his younger brothers, with the day's honors being won by Ser Edmure Darry of the Kingsguard.

In Dorne, old Prince Gesmund Martell, the brother of the former hand of the King Rhodry, former conspirator of Jaerion the Brief and the man who had deposed Rhodry Martell, grandson of the Queen Laena collapsed whilst partaking in the pleasures of one of the establishments in Sunspear, with his land and title being inherited by his eldest daughter Helia Martell.

Invitation to the new Princess of Dornes coronation was sent to King's Landing, and the young King decided to accept, eager to visit another area of his realm, and becoming the first Targaryen monarch since Aegon the Conqueror to visit the southernmost kingdom of Westeros. This would serve as the first unofficial visit of what would be many Royal Progresses made by King Aurion Targaryen.

During their first two years of marriage, it was quite apparent to all in the court that, despite the hastieness of their union, the connection between Aurion and his queen Alicent was genuine, with the pair being nigh inseparable, and thus it came as no surprise when the young Queen decided to travel alongside Aurion to Dorne.

The young couple were ‘’indisposed’’ for much of the journey to and from Sunspear, though they did manage to peek their heads out of the royal wheelhouse long enough to enjoy the rugged yet beautiful sights of the Stoneway, impressing both of them.

Following the Princess’s coronation, they also visited the tomb of Lewyn Martell, who had died fighting for the Targaryen cause during the Lion's rebellion as well as making a trip to the famed Water Gardens of Dorne, taking in the sights and new cuisine of Dorne before at last bidding farewell and congratulations to the new princess of Dorne, whom by all accounts would go on to rule the southernmost kingdom with honor, justice, and kindness.

Upon the royal parties return to the Red Keep, it came as no surprise when the Queen Alicent announced her pregnancy to the court, and in the final months of 104 AC she would give birth to a son, the first of their many children, a Prince whom would be named Maelyx Targaryen. The boy, like many Targaryen princes before him, was a large child, likely stemming from his Baratheon heritage, which made for a difficult first birth for the Queen, and there was some concern for her health, though eventually she would recover from the birth.

King Aurion did not remain in King's Landing long after his first son's birth however, after ascertaining his wife would recover and ensuring she had everything she needed, Aurion made preparations for his first official Royal Progress, with the trip being as much his wife's idea as his, with the goal of beginning to undo the harm his great grandmother Laena had wrought upon the unity of the realm and slowly bring the Kingdoms back under the crowns authority.

Due to it being his first progress, it was to be a rather short trip and serve as a sort of test run of the many progresses the King planned to accomplish. Unlike the progresses of his ancestor Aegon the Conqueror however, Aurion had no wish to travel with a huge entourage and thus strain his hosts, instead resolving to only travel with his dragon Vhagar and his Uncle, Lord Commander Aemorys upon Tridax, followed by a small force of retainers, servants and wagon masters led by Ser Maynard Arryn of the Kingsguard.

The first destination of the progress would once again see Aurion make another trip south to Dorne, to the castle of Skyreach, the seat of House Fowler. Aurion had much enjoyed the sights of the Stoneway on his earlier trip to Sunspear and was eager to travel through the Princes Pass, the second major entrance way into Dorne, this time around. The journey through the Princes Pass proved no less scenic and they spent several days making their way through the pass before the towering mountain castle of Skyreach came into view.

The King arrived just in time for the wedding of Lady Sybelle Fowler to a distant Fowler kinsman, who was to be her second husband, and spent several days admiring the view of the grassy highlands of the Red Mountains from the lofty towers of Skyreach, but before setting off for the next stop of his journey, some rather disturbing news reached the ears of the spymaster of Skyreach which was quickly shared with the King, fortuitously before he had departed.

Lady Fowlers spies reported that a small band of Dornish dissidents, mostly young men longing for an independent Dorne and resentful of Targaryen rule and recent visits to the Kingdom had gathered in the mountains north of Skyreach in the region of Kingsgrave, awaiting the Kings escort to stage an ambush. Lady Fowler explained the location of the ambush was likely significant as centuries earlier the Dornish had slain an invading King of the Reach, with lady Fowlers spies claiming that the dissidents used the rallying cry that the mountain passes of Kingsgrave would bury the bones of yet another invading foreign King.

Many advised the King to simply mount Vhagar alongside his Uncle Aemorys on Tridax, fly to Kingsgrave and give these would-be-assasins a taste of Dragonflame. Aurion was opposed to this for two reasons however. The first and most practical was that the terrain the assassins were on was very mountainous and there would be much cover, even from Dragonflame, and two dragons would be seen coming from a long way off, giving most of them a chance to escape. Secondly, King Aurion, remembering his history lessons, knew well of the brutality of the Conquerors Dornish war, subjecting these people, even deservedly, to Dragonfire would only further the notion that the Targaryens could only keep the Dornish in line with fire and slaughter, and the use of a dragon so close to the castle of Yronwood could further inflame the Dornish.

The far better plan, the young King suggested was for a joint punitive expedition of his own retainers and Fowler men-at-arms to march to Kingsgrave, make their way into the mountains and drive off these rebels on foot, a plan which Lady Sybelle eagerly accepted, and she pledged a contingent of loyal Fowler soldiers to accompany the King, with her brother Ser William Fowler and her two cousins Ser Landon and Ser Lyonel also pledging their swords to drive off the outlaws, all three young and eager for combat.

With local knights in the party, which numbered some 60 men, most of them well armed and armored Fowler knights, they were able to make good time through the Red Mountains, taking small goat herding paths to Kingsgrave as opposed to the main Princes Pass.

The outlaws, who numbered similarly around fifty men were so focused on watching the main pass they had posted no sentries on their flanks, seemingly confident in the secrecy of their plan and the protection of the steep cliffs.

The King's party, Lord Commander Aemorys and Ser Maynard Arryn among them, were able to make the climb quietly and efficiently though heavier pieces of armor had to be discarded, their rear was guarded by a few men, including Prince Aelor, who had accompanied his older brother as his page, though he was not happy to be left behind.

Creeping to the wooded side of the outlaw camp they readied themselves before charging into the outlaws, taking them completely by surprise, where a fierce melee ensued.




2nd of Fifth Moon, 105 AC
Red Mountains of Kingsgrave, Kingsgrave Assassin Camp

Even though the sounds of combat had begun to subside, the adrenaline had not left the young King, whose ears were still ringing from the clash of steel, and he paced through the site of the melee, excitement still coursing through his body, the blooded sword Blackfyre still in his hand.

He gave another look to the assassin laying on the ground on the outskirts of the camp, the turbaned man with the thick black mustache had been one of the first to die, with Aurion running at the spearman after the charge began, delivering a blow to the hand, the Valyrian steel severing it instantly and causing both the hand and spear to fall to the ground before a slash to the stomach ended it.

It had been the first man that Aurion had ever killed, and as the young King looked at the mans lifeless body he felt a rather somber feeling, wondering how the two of them, who had never met or even seen each other had found themselves as enemies in a desolate mountain pass, he wondered if the man had a family, a wife, a father. He knew it was foolish to think of such things, he had always known he would have to kill and yet he had trained on how to give battle, how to parry and slash, but had never really thought about what came after the battle.

Bracing himself he gave a look to his second victim, the middle aged man with long oily black hair, but he pondered on this man for much less time, he had beheaded the man after all and it was not a pleasant sight.

Best not dwell on it He told himself, taking out a rag and beginning to clean the Valyrian Steel blade.

He quickly found his Uncle Aemorys, who had been fighting alongside him during the battle but had disappeared once it was clear the outlaws had been defeated and driven off to take an account of the melee.

He found the Lord Commander standing in the middle of the ragtag camp of lean-tos and tents, similarly pointing his own slender and bloodied Valyrian Steel blade Dark Sister downwards into the dust, watching as the bodies of the dead were arranged and counted.

‘’How much did this victory cost us?’’ Aurion asked, standing by his uncle.

‘’8 dead…..some fifteen wounded, a few wont make the journey back to Skyreach…but all things considered, it could have been worse, we are lucky we took them unawares.’’ Aemorys said, turning to his nephew.

‘’And the enemy?’’ Aurion asked.

‘’Twenty or so dead, six captured, the rest ran off, I'll have one of the Fowlers take some men down to Littlemill to make sure the survivors don't try anything in the village, desperation can turn men into beasts.’’ The Lord Commander said, though there was a tightness to his tone.

‘’What is it?’’ Aurion asked, the King knowing that look well enough.

‘’Best you see for yourself, your Grace.’’ His uncle replied, gesturing to the wounded.

As Aurion got closer he saw the reason for his Uncle's somberness, lying among the wounded was Ser Maynard Arryn of the Kingsguard, a cloth tied to the mangled flesh of his hand and one of the Fowler men holding a rag to the bleeding ruin of his right eye.

‘’Bastards got me good your grace……caught a throwing spear in the hand and an ax to the eye.’’ The man coughed, clearly in pain before laying down his rusty red gray hair onto the dirt, breathing heavily.

Aurion gave a silent prayer to the warrior to spare his Kingsguard, he was not a particularly pious man but he knew that Ser Maynard was a firm believer of the seven and would appreciate the gesture.

‘’Will he live?’’ He asked his Uncle, whose grim expression was all the answer he needed.

He was shaken from his sadness by the sounds of one of the Fowlers, Lady Sybelles younger brother Ser William, by the sounds of it.

Aurion turned and saw Ser William delivering a kick to one of the prisoners square in the face, causing the middle aged bald and bearded man to fall to his hands and knees.

‘’None of that Ser ’’ The King said, making his way to the line of prisoners.

‘’I think some vengeance is in order your Grace….this one here is the leader….and we lost good men putting these dogs down.’’ Ser William responded hotly, before his cousin Ser Landon quietly pulled him back.

Aurions mood darkened at that, his face growing grim immediately, he knew what needed to be done.

‘’I say we kick him off the mountain…..this one's not worth the steel.’’ Ser William continued.

The King looked at the bald man ‘’You led this band of men?’’

‘’Aye.’’ The man responded simply.

Aurion nodded for a moment before turning to Ser William ‘’There will be no kicking off mountains…..find a block.’’

Aemorys took his nephew by the shoulder ‘’You mean to do it yourself?’’

Aurion nodded, determined, he would not have others dispensing his justice for him, if he was to order the man put to death it would be his sword that delivered the blow.

Upon the King's command, a wooden block was placed in the center of the camp, the sun was slowly setting on the Dornish mountains and the smell of the outlaws since extinguished campfire mixed with the stench of blood and dust.

The man was brought to the block with little resistance and forced to his knees.

‘’If you have any last words ... .now would be the time.’’ Aurion said curtly, to which the bald man simply spat to the side and moments later Blackfyre took his head in a single mighty blow.

As Aurion removed the bloody Valyrian Steel Sword, he noticed too late that his younger brother Aelor, a boy of nine had been in the crowd the entire time, watching the beheading. He silently cursed to himself, his brother was already troubled enough, angry and often disobedient, and he had not wanted to expose him to such things at such a young age.

‘’What do we do with these ones your Grace?’’ Ser Landon Fowler asked, nodding to five surviving outlaws, who were forced on their knees at spearpoint.

Aurion considered for a moment before answering ‘’Let them go.’’

‘’What?’’ Ser William asked in surprise.

‘’Dorne knows that their King knows how to kill…..let it also see he understands the value of mercy…..but take note of who these men are…..let there be no third chances.’’ Aurion ordered as the sun set on the Red Mountains.



5th Moon 105 AC - 7th Moon 105 AC

Against all expectations, Ser Maynard Arryn of the Kingsguard would survive his wounds and the trip back to Skyreach, recuperating in the castle for a few weeks after King Aurion had departed before eventually returning to King's Landing.

Contrary to what some might believe, the events in Kingsgrave did not inflame the Dornish people, who did not see the would-be-assassins as martyred heroes but rather as cowardly bandits who planned to break the guest right Dorne had pledged the King when he entered its borders, and King Aurion left Dorne much more respected than he had entered it.

Following this and after a few days of rest at Skyreach, the King and his party would set off for the next destination, the castle of Horn Hill in the Reach, the seat of the powerful House Tarly.

This visit would prove to be markedly more uneventful than the visit to Skyreach, with King Aurion accompanying the elderly Lord Ottyn Tarly on several hunts in the rich game forests surrounding the castle, as well as accompanying the elderly Lord to give alms to the poorer forest folk of the region. The most significant event occurred when one of their hunts had to be cut short when Lord Tarlys grandson and heir Ser Aubrey was accidentally struck by an arrow after being mistaken for a deer, though the man would recover.

Following the stop at Horn Hill, one last location was selected, with preparations being made to travel to Saltcliffe in the Iron Islands. Similarly to Dorne, the Iron Islands had little direct contact with the Iron Throne since their annexation and had not been visited by a Targaryen since King Aegon the Conquerors presence at the Dragons moot over a century earlier, and Aurion thought it best if the Iron Islanders once again were visited by dragons, both literal and metaphorical. The small island of Saltcliffe was chosen as the best place to begin to exert some royal authority as the old lord Sawane Saltcliffe was known to be a kind and docile man, at least in the context of the Ironborn.

While preparations were being made to transport his small retinue across the sea from Oldtown, King Aurion took the chance to quickly fly back to King's Landing on the back of Vhagar alongside his Uncle Aemorys on Tridax as he found himself missing his wife and newborn son Maelyx most fiercely.

After spending some time in the capitol, King Aurion set off for the final leg of his journey, arriving in Oldtown to find his small retinue already there and spending a day with his Hightower in-laws, not a particularly pleasant experience without Alicent before making his way to the port.

Waiting for him in the Port was none other than his old friend Norman Tyrell, the heir to Highgarden, who kept his famed ship Winter Rose moored in Oldtown and once he heard of the Kings plans to travel to Saltcliffe, he would have it no other way than to personally take the King himself. The two friends shared a pleasant reunion and embraced each other as brothers, as it was the first time they had seen eachother in years since the Heir to Highgarden had only just recently returned from his years long adventures in the East.

The two old friends caught up on the voyage from Oldtown to Saltcliffe, with Norman telling the King of all the wonders and horrors he had seen on his voyage to the thousand islands and Nefer, ranging from terrible blizzards upon the shivering sea, sightings of ice dragons in the distance, and a raid from Ibbenese Pirates.

The royal party arrived in Saltcliffe, to much amazement as the inhabitants of the small fishing village outside the small castle gathered in wonder to watch as dragons once again flew in the Iron Islands.



8th Moon, 105 AC
Island of Saltcliffe, the Iron Islands

Aurion took a breath of the salty sea air as he urged his garron forward, the horses of the Iron Islands were small but sturdy and had good footing on the normally rocky lands of the Iron Islands.

As they approached the small fishing village near the castle of Saltcliffe, he smiled as he saw his uncle's small green dragon Tridax flying about the sea, diving and flying up with great enthusiasm. He knew his own dragon Vhagar was rather predictably not particularly active, having taken a large rocky outcropping in the sea as its perch, roasting all the unfortunate seals there and slumbering, only awaking to feast on what was left of the seal colony.

It was a small party that approached the fishing village, led by old Lord Sawane Saltcliffe, followed by King Aurion himself, his Uncle Aemorys, young Aelor and of course his friend Norman Tyrell, the heir to Highgarden deciding to accompany Aurion onto the shore. Lagging behind them were a few Saltcliffe warriors, armored in leather and seal pelts as well as a few of Aurions' dragon cloak escorts.

‘’You do Clan Saltcliffe a great honor with your visit ‘yer Highness.’’ The old man said in the typical rough accent of the Ironborn as they rode closer to the village.

‘’The honor is all mine.’’ Aurion responded politely. In truth Saltcliffe was terribly boring, especially compared to his previous spots, but given the volatility of the Iron Islands it was better to travel somewhere boring then be caught in the middle of some clan feud. Though there had been some excitement the previous night at supper as they had witnessed the traditional ‘’finger dance’’ of Ironborn warriors, which entailed two Ironborn throwing small axes at each other, with the other man having to either catch it or leap over it.

Norman Tyrell had been eager to try it, along with Aurion, with the heir to Highgarden taking the first go, and doing quite well until suddenly catching the ax awkwardly leading to the top of his right pinky finger being severed. Aurion had still wanted to give it an attempt but had eventually taken his Uncles counsel to leave such madness to the Ironborn, luckily Aurion had been sensible to bring a Maester alongside his party after what had happened to Ser Maynard and Normans finger was seen to as best it could be.

The fishing village was nothing special, likely being home to under 200 people judging by the amount of hovels and small wooden houses, with the ‘’dock’’ being a ramshackle collection of driftwood jutting out to sea like some sort of gnarled finger. Lord Saltcliffe had informed them that there were numerous other small villages and homesteads which dotted the island but this was the biggest.

He gave a look to his companion Noman Tyrell, who had seen the Free City of Braavos and the mysterious port of Nefer, expecting him to be terribly bored by this ‘’town’’ as Lord Saltcliffe described it. Surprisingly he seemed to be quite interested and engaged, patiently listening to all of the old lord's anecdotes and responding with questions.

As they entered the village, hit with the stench of fish, the muddy streets were largely empty, with most of the village's occupants being along the coast, watching with wonder, and some small measure of fear evident in their expressions.

Something was strange with this gathering of inhabitants however, with Norman Tyrell putting it into words before the Prince.

‘’Where are all the men?’’ The heir to Highgarden asked their host.

Lord Saltcliffe nodded slightly ‘’Most of our young lads and fighting men not in my garrison are abroad, some serve the Drumms and reave in the Stepstones while others raid farther east…..some yet join mercenary companies or join sellsail crews, there's always work to be found among the Free Cities.’’

‘’And you allow this?’’ Aurion asked, now realizing that the town was almost exclusively made up of women, with a smattering of small children and old men among them.

‘’It's our way….and a man must provide for his family….there's precious little else a man can do ‘cept take his ax and shield and follow the old way….and it's not so bad, the women of Saltcliffe are hardy women and fish the seas as well as any man, true I find myself short on men most times….but ‘tis the same on most of the small isles’’ The old man explained.

‘’There are towns in the Iron Islands, surely there are other ways to provide for one's family.’’ Aurion pressed, it was not seemly that such a large part of Clan Saltcliffes population did not even reside in the isles, much less the seven kingdoms, and this was just one of many regions of the isles.

‘’Well there's the Hardstone Hills settlement on Hammerhorn, but none ‘cept thralls, cravens and cripples would reside so far from the sea, workin themselves t’death beneath the earth when they could be ‘pon a longship….Pebbleton and Lordsport are the only two ports, but thems far and on different isles, and good luck to anyone not a Greyjoy or Merlyn man tryin to find work in Lordsport or Pebbleton, they keep to their own, not going to hand coin nor jobs to folk from different clans or isles…..the Old Ways the only option for my folk yer highness’’ Saltcliffe finished.

Norman Tyrell grunted, satisfied with the answer, but the issue was never far from the King's mind for the entirety of his trip, even as Lord Saltcliffe, who proved a generous hosts brought in bards, or as the Ironborn called them skalds who sang at feasts and recited the Sagas of the people of Saltcliffe, Aurion pondered the problem of lack of opportunity for the people of Saltcliffe.

He did pause from his thinking to hear the latest gossip in the Isles, and the reports were concerning with Lord Saltcliffe speaking vaguely of a brewing conflict between the Greyjoys which threatened civil war in the Isles. Aurion was of course perturbed but could do little with a lack of concrete details and only Lord Saltcliffes ominous foretelling that ‘’My gut says there's a storm of blood comin to these Isles.’’

By the time King Aurion was preparing to leave he had thought of a solution. The crown itself would fund the building of a small port town on Saltcliffe. The isle, true to its name had salt producing capabilities, with some salt fields in the rocky highlands, and if a true small port was built on the isle, along with roads to transport it from the fields to the coast, it could improve the people of Saltcliffes prospects immensely. The King had no delusions this would cause widespread change in the isles, but perhaps in time it could lead to the growing of a prosperous merchant class on Saltcliffe, thus giving young men on the isle an alternative to fighting and dying far to the east and far from home.

Sending building materials and builders across the sea to such a remote isle would be an expensive prospect, but Aurion was not daunted with the cost claiming, ‘’what is a king's treasury for if not to help his people’’. In several years time a small yet tidy village would form outside of the small castle, and would henceforth be known as Salt Dragon Port, becoming the fourth true settlement in the Islands alongside the Hardstone Hills, Pebbleton and Lordsport.

The visit to Saltcliffe concluded King Aurion Targaryens first Royal Progress, with the entire journey taking around eight months, with the King's trip largely being seen as a success, and the crown's influence was particularly improved in the Kingdom of Dorne.

As the King's progress was ending however, a conflict was brewing in Kings Landing within the court of the Red Keep, and King Aurion would not return to a warm welcome but rather to treason and death.

Spoiler: Authors Note/ King Vaemond the Strong AI Portrait

To All: I did end up deciding to split this chapter into 2 because the two halves are quite different from eachother and the 2nd half was running a little long, it is almost completed though and will likely be released in a week or less depending on when I can respond to comments.

Also just curious as to whether people like the massive 10.5k chapters or find it a lot easier to get through when they are split?

Finally, randomly decided to generate two AI pictures of King Vaemond the Strong as I realized I never did proper ones for him, with one being of him middle aged and the other later in his reign.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Whatever is the easiest for you works for me! I like more, shorter chapters. Aelor is going to be a dangerous man if he survives. Mean hotheads are not short of enemies. Thanks for the update

 

[HistoryDude]

At least the succession is theoretically secure?

King Aurion visiting the various kingdoms should reinforce Targaryen authority, but I'm worried about this "treason and death" thing. Will that lead to a civil war?

 

[Bored Student1414]

Generous, dutiful, and willing to travel outside the Red Keep, King Aurion has quickly gained a good reputation as monarch.

You mentioned that the royal couple viewed the famed Water Gardens of Dorne. Wasn't the Water Gardens constructed in the canon by Prince Maron Martell to honor his Targaryen wife Princess Daenerys Targaryen during the reign of Daeron II? I guess the Water Gardens got constructed several decades early to honor Princess Larissa's short lived marriage to Blaise Martell.

It is not surprising that the royal couple become close to each other. They had a compatible personalities. Their marriage has been blessed quickly with a son. Maelyx is a letter off from the name Maelys was the nastiest of the Blackfyre kings. Let us this new crown prince will be a good lad like his father.

Prince Aelor might not be a lunatic, but the Targaryen coin flip is landing on the wrong side for him. A potential troublemaker for sure.

A lot of people in and out of universe would regard sending money to the Ironborn to help them to be as worthwhile as throwing the money into the sea. At least, the King does not really expect much out of the effort.

Is the idea of restoring the unity of the realm with royal progresses and building things outside the Crownlands even a worthwhile idea or is a waste and Laena had the right idea about the nature of the realm all along? For the pretensions having one king and one kingdom established by Aegon the Conqueror, the Dragon's realm is basically a tributary empire where rebranded kings under the title of Lord Paramount are allowed to rule their kingdoms highly autonomously with a free hand in exchange for token taxes and lip service to a King who is basically an institutionally weak Emperor with a tiny personal domain rather than a single state. The Westerosi political entity is held together by personal relationships and the threat of dragonfire instead of any firm governmental institutions. The monarch of such an entity can try to assert their authority over the whole realm they officially rule over or focus on their own personal holdings. In real life, some emperors of the Holy Roman Empire spent their whole reigns trying to enforce their power over the whole empire. However, Emperor Charles IV and the later Hapsburg emperors regarded chasing dreams of universal true rule over the Empire as a fruitless endeavor and chose to focus their energies on developing and strengthening their control over the lands they directly ruled. The way that Aurion is going about things will help with the monarchy's standing with the commoners and the nobility but it is not going to directly strengthen the monarchy itself. I am not sure that Aurion is the type of person that would seek to try to curb the privileges of the nobility (like Aegon V in the canon) or use his dragon to help raise the crown authority to maximum (which is the point that would disable the Megawar system). I think Aurion's goal for his reign seems to be more of a throwback to the golden days of the later part of Vaemond's reign with a peaceful and prosperous realm with limited fighting to expand into the Stepstones guided by a decentralized monarchy held by a well-respected monarch, but I could be wrong.

You should edit the AI portraits of Vaemond into his entry on the Targaryen monarchs.

A guess to the treason and death at the Red Keep. Princess Vaella will attempt to usurp the Iron Throne while Aurion is away. Vaella has been mentioned to not care about Westerosi customs when she has a dragon, desires the Iron Throne for the sake of her bastard sons, and she probably resents the fact that the son of the traitor Jaerion was allowed to sit on the Iron Throne. This attempt will be either defeated by Aurion's loyalists in the capital or by Aurion on the back of Vhagar and Vaella will be forced to join the Silent Sisters as punishment for her treason.

 

[boywhale7]

Finally caught up. Love this AAR! I was wondering how you were able to get vassals of your vassals like Lord Royce and Lord Errol onto your small council?

Do you console command them into your court?

Thanks!

 

[streaker77]

Aelor is going to be a dangerous man if he survives. Mean hotheads are not short of enemies.

The extent of just how dangerous may be seen in the next full chapter and other future scenes.

At least the succession is theoretically secure?

Theoretically, the birth of Maelyx so early in Aurions reign is a good box to get checked off, and there will be more Targaryens arriving soon.

King Aurion visiting the various kingdoms should reinforce Targaryen authority, but I'm worried about this "treason and death" thing. Will that lead to a civil war

It will certainly lead to something....as for a full blown civil war I would say no to this particular event....but other events in the future......who knows.

Generous, dutiful, and willing to travel outside the Red Keep, King Aurion has quickly gained a good reputation as monarch.

He will continue this trend the best he can, Aurion certainly is not going to be like the Queen of Skulls and lounge around in the Red Keep for years at a time.

You mentioned that the royal couple viewed the famed Water Gardens of Dorne. Wasn't the Water Gardens constructed in the canon by Prince Maron Martell to honor his Targaryen wife Princess Daenerys Targaryen during the reign of Daeron II? I guess the Water Gardens got constructed several decades early to honor Princess Larissa's short lived marriage to Blaise Martell.

Good catch, I actually did not know that....good explanation for its construction as well, either that or perhaps Deria Martell from King Vaemonds day built it to honor her son Lewyn, and his death during the rebellion...if it ever plays an important role ill be sure to adress it.

Prince Aelor might not be a lunatic, but the Targaryen coin flip is landing on the wrong side for him. A potential troublemaker for sure.

He wont be the only troublemaker of the bunch.

I am not sure that Aurion is the type of person that would seek to try to curb the privileges of the nobility (like Aegon V in the canon) or use his dragon to help raise the crown authority to maximum (which is the point that would disable the Megawar system). I think Aurion's goal for his reign seems to be more of a throwback to the golden days of the later part of Vaemond's reign with a peaceful and prosperous realm with limited fighting to expand into the Stepstones guided by a decentralized monarchy held by a well-respected monarch, but I could be wrong.

Good point, should his reign last a long time, he is not the type of person to try and necessarily increase his control over the kingdoms by increasing his legal/crown authority and stifling that of the Lord Paramounts, but rather to gain respect and influence . He will take actions a little more direct than King Vaemond ever did however. The story in the Stepstones is far from over as you also mentioned.

You should edit the AI portraits of Vaemond into his entry on the Targaryen monarchs.

Done.

A guess to the treason and death at the Red Keep. Princess Vaella will attempt to usurp the Iron Throne while Aurion is away. Vaella has been mentioned to not care about Westerosi customs when she has a dragon, desires the Iron Throne for the sake of her bastard sons, and she probably resents the fact that the son of the traitor Jaerion was allowed to sit on the Iron Throne. This attempt will be either defeated by Aurion's loyalists in the capital or by Aurion on the back of Vhagar and Vaella will be forced to join the Silent Sisters as punishment for her treason.

Not a bad guess, correct in some instances though some others aspects may turn out differently....speaking of Vaellas bastard sons, at least one of them will make an appearance in the next chapter.

Finally caught up. Love this AAR!

Always good to see new faces, glad youre enjoying it!

I was wondering how you were able to get vassals of your vassals like Lord Royce and Lord Errol onto your small council?

Do you console command them into your court?

Thanks!

Ah good question....it is a bit of a tedious process, but there are so many examples of non Lord Paramounts and minor lords sitting on the small council I didnt want to limit myself to such a small pool of direct vassals.

If the Lord I want to sit on the small council is of a count rank it is pretty simple, I simply pause the game, use the console to play as their liege lord (play charid of liege) and then I transfer that vassal up the ranks, if its a Lord Paramount I can simply transfer it to my character, or if its a count vassal of a duke I transfer them up to LP and repeat the process.

If the character is a Duke rank, like Lord Royce or Errol it is a bit more complicated as for reasons I dont understand, Duke vassals cant be transfered to ones liege because of some de jure requirement.

In that case, I pause the game, and grant the LP of the Duke independence (for example I grant independence to LP of Vale if I want to get Lord Royce on the small council)

Then I switch to the independent LP and in turn grant independence to Lord Royce, leaving 2 independent realms in the Vale, then I send swear fealty request to Iron Throne for both Lord Royce and Lord Arryn, and they will both be my direct vassals after I switch back to Iron Throne and accept their request, when the advisor dies or I decire to fire them, I return Lord Royce to the Vale via a vassal transfer.

Its tedious sometimes with Dukes (Royces, Tarlys, Hightowers etc) as I said and not perfect, it does lead to the LP I give independence to having a 30 opinion buff for a few years which isnt always realistic and sometimes the LP will try and declare war on the vassal advisor to enforce dejure claimt hough I can pretty easily end that war by forcing white peace with console imprisonment. I dont abuse it for the opinion buff though and because of the trouble I only do it for a duke if its someone that makes sense storywise or they are very skilled.



To All: Thank you for the comments/likes, as always they are veyr thoughtful/insightful, next part of this chapter will be out either tommorow or tuesday, and because of me essentially being done with the whole chapter when I posted this first part, I have also been able to get some progress on the next full chapter.

Also I had a play session for the first time in several weeks as I am getting closer to being caught up and am comftrable looking ahead a bit more (I was several decades behind for a while)

It may be a little bit of a spoiler but although the play session was only one or two years some very interesting events occured and I all I will say is I hope people like dancing.....particularly of the dragon variety

 

[streaker77]

9th Moon, 105 AC
Within the Walls of Vaemonds Holdfast, The Red Keep

‘’Thank you for seeing me Princesses.’’ Lord Aegon Bar Emmon said, making his way into the spacious adjoining apartments which belonged to Princess Larissa and her sister Jaehaera, daughters of the late Laena, Queen of Skulls.

‘’The pleasure is all ours Lord Hand.’’ The Princess Larissa, a woman of 52 said warmly, gesturing him to sit down on a lavish couch facing another, where her older sister Jaehara, a woman of 54 with a puffy red face was sitting.

The Hand obliged, taking a seat and looking around the chambers, which were indeed luxurious as all the apartments within Vaemonds Holdfast were. The two younger daughters of Laena were no great or important figures at court holding the title of Princess only by courtesy, though Larissa had been an advisor of sorts to Jaerion during his brief reign, but the late Jaerion had been generous to both of his aunts, allowing them to continue to reside in comfortable apartments within the walled inner holdfast of the Red Keep, and Aurion had made no move to deny his great aunts their accommodation.

Princess Larissa, a devout woman, lit a silver lamp representing the crone with incense before joining her sister on the couch.

Jaehara, poured herself a cup of wine, being no stranger to the comforts of drink Lord Bar Emmon knew, and offered him a glass as well, to which the Hand politely declined, he would need his wits about him for what was to come.

‘’Thank you again for the hospitality Princesses, but I shall not keep you long….I came seeking some advice.’’ The Hand began, before continuing.

‘’Some advice regarding your sister, the Princess Vaella.’’ He finished, studying their faces, and not failing to notice the paleness that appeared on the two princesses' faces at the mention of their older sister Princess Vaella, the spymaster of the Red Keep and the source of much stress for the Hand of the King, and the realms regent since Aurion was away.

Ever since Aurion had left for Saltcliffe following his brief stop at the capitol, the Princess Vaella had engaged in a series of oversteps, making decisions that were not hers to make.

First and foremost she had declared ‘’a royal edict’’ that her bastard son Viserys, an officer within the city Gold Cloaks was to be appointed the designated successor to her husband's position as commander of the Gold Cloaks, and in the meantime making him the Master-at-Arms of the Gold Cloaks, the highest ranking officer besides her husband Renly Arryn and the man responsible for drilling the city watch. She had gone on to name her second son Matagar, a boy of sixteen an officer within the Gold Cloaks as well, passing over many more experienced men in a blatant act of nepotism.

Not only were such acts nepotistic, but these decisions, especially the appointing of the next commander of the Gold Cloaks were matters that were to be handled by the King himself, or in his absence, the regent of the realm, a position which Lord Bar Emmon himself held.

There had been other oversteps as well, Princess Vaella, citing her importance as the realms Master of Whisperers, had taken it upon herself to appoint a knight of the Kingsguard to her personal guard, with no authorization to do such a thing from the regent nor Aurion, and Ser Ryman Restlyn, a quiet and humble knight had not offered any complaints, especially with his Lord Commander not present to clarify his duties.

Not only this, but the Princess Vaella had also hosted foreign dignitaries several times within the throne room of the Red Keep, and when Lord Bar Emmon had went to take his rightful place leading these negotiations, the Princess’s personal guard had barred his way claiming that ‘’court was in session.’’

The Hand was a kindhearted and charitable man, and he had been willing to overlook some of her earlier and more minor missteps, he had not mentioned the matter of the gold cloaks to King Aurion during his few day visit earlier as the young King was enjoying time with his family and such matters could easily be settled upon his return. Ever since Aurion had departed however, the Princesses' oversteps became worse and worse.

He could of course go to Queen Alicent, as Queen, she controlled the household of the Red Keep and would prove a valuable ally in confronting the wayward princess. However, Alicent was still feeling the effects of a difficult pregnancy, and given the difficulty of her previous birth, the Grandmaster had ordered her to take to her bed for the entirety of her recovery. Furthermore, he knew Alicent was a bold young woman, and he also knew that the Princess Vaella was dangerous, he did not want to involve the Queen in any potential confrontation with Vaella.


Alicent was clever, she knew something was amiss, likely evident from the Hands tone and stress, but he had promised that he would take care of it and it was nothing she should worry about.

Lord Aegon Bar Emmon was a kindhearted and charitable man, but he was reaching his breaking point, he barely slept due to his anger at being outmaneuvered in a court battle by an aged woman, forced to accept overstep after overstep….he meant to put an end to this insolence today and show her who the true regent was.

His thoughts returning to the two sisters, he saw Larissa and Jaehaera exchange a look, before Larissa at last spoke.

‘’I'm afraid in terms of dealing with our sister we can provide little help or advice my Lord ... none.save this.’’ She began.

The Hand listened intently.

‘’To tread lightly my Lord.’’ Larissa continued.

‘’What?’’ He demanded.

‘’I advise treading carefully Lord Hand…..you would not be the first man of noble birth our sister has sent to an early grave….I advise you wait for Aurion to return, our sister enjoys the thrill of playing her game, but she is no fool, she will put aside her folly when the King returns.’’ Larissa said, her older sister nodding.

The Hand stood up.

‘’Thank you for your counsel Princesses.’’ Lord Bar Emmon said curtly, the two younger sisters had been of no help, he would not await the young King and face humiliation after having lost his court, he would confront this parasite today and remove it.

He made his way out of their chamber without another word, making his way to his chamber, buckling his Valyrian steel dagger to his belt and calling his personal guard, composed of Bar Emmon men.

He sent servants to confine the King's brothers to their rooms, he did not expect any trouble but he did not want the young Princes getting in the way.

Finding a passing servant, he demanded as to where he might find the Princess Vaella.

‘’The throne room Lord Hand.’’ The servant replied nervously.

Lord Aegon Bar Emmon grunted acknowledgement and together with his personal guard, marched towards the throne room to confront Princess Vaella Targaryen.


A Short Time Later
Throne Room of the Red Keep

Princess Vaella sat upon the throne of the conqueror, accepting the parchment from one of her informants with a nod, breaking the seal and reading the report which detailed some minor troubles throughout the realm.

Placing it down she took in the sight from the Iron Throne, the seat of her mother….it was not an unpleasant view.

She had waited long for this, to have real power. She had suffered through ‘’Bedridden Belle’’ forced to watch as all the servants scraped and bowed to her every whim, as the sickly woman held the title as the mistress of the palace. Now she was forced to accept subservience from some Hightower pup a third of her age, only good for breeding litters….she would not have it. She had served the realm for decades and would not wait any longer, she was the true mistress of the Red Keep, she knew its every tunnel, its every secret, she was a Targaryen princess and she had waited long enough to claim the power that came along with it, she had earned the right to make a few decisions.

She was shaken from her thoughts by a loud disturbance outside the Throne Room, where she had members of her personal guard posted to prevent any from entering without her leave.

One of her servants approached ‘’Its the Hand, Princess, with his escort, 10 men, all armed and armored.’’

Vaella was tempted to deny that honorable fool entry, but she knew this was going to happen eventually.

‘’Let th…them in.’’ She commanded and her servants obeyed, though her personal guard, Ser Ryman Restyln among them, formed a line in front of the throne.

Lord Bar Emmon stormed in, his personal guard close behind him.

‘’H…how was your m…meeting with my sisters L..Lord Hand….not v…very helpful I would imagine m…my mother once likened them to a f…f..flock of frightened hens…an apt compariso..on I think.’’ She said in greeting.

Upon seeing her on the throne, the man stopped in shock ‘’Treason…….you dare sit upon the Kings throne.’’

‘’Im o..only k..keeping it w..warm for him.’’ Vaella scoffed.

The Hand turned his eyes to Ser Ryman Restlyn of the Kingsguard.

‘’Remove yourself from this folly Ser….you are a knight of the Kingsguard.’’ He demanded hotly.

‘’A k..knight of the Kingsguard a…and sworn to s..serve the Targaryens not thi…is lord of fish.’’ Vaella responded curtly, with the young Kingsguard knight looking endlessly uncomfortable.

‘’I will suffer no more of this insolence Princess, remove yourself from the Kings throne at once…..you are confined to your quarters until the King returns…this is the command of the Hand of the King.’’ Lord Bar Emmon demanded.

‘’Or?’’ Vaella asked, nonchalantly.

‘’I can arrange for you to be dragged off.’’ Lord Bar Emmon said, taking a step towards the throne, but her personal retainers at once stepped forward, their hands upon the pommels of their swords.

A sword was drawn.

To this day it is not truly known what occurred within the throne room of the Red Keep on that day. Survivors loyal to Vaella Targaryen claimed that it was Lord Bar Emmon himself who drew his valyrian steel dagger in anger, thus beginning the melee, while Bar Emmon retainers claim one of Vaellas men drew a sword and approached the Hand of the King.

The circumstances of the melee notwithstanding, one thing is clear of the events of that fateful day. A melee broke out just in front of the Iron Throne and in that melee, two of the Princess Vaellas men were killed, along with five Bar Emmon retainers, among the dead being Lord Bar Emmon, the Hand of the King himself, who was slashed in the forehead with a sword, and despite being dragged from the room by his retreating men to the Grandmaesters chambers, he would die of his wound within the hour.

Spoiler

Following this, a rather tense standoff would occur, with Alicent Hightower ordering the knights of the Kingsguard, Dragon Cloaks and Hightower retinue to man and barr the walls of Vaemonds holdfast, her young son and brother-in-laws inside, while Vaella and her loyal men would keep to the outside of the Red Keep. Despite the tense nature, no further fighting took place as Vaella was not so fool to take any action against the Queen herself.

King Aurion would arrive back in Oldtown after sailing on the Winter Rose, where he would find several desperate missives from the capitol awaiting him.

Leaving his retinue to escort his brother Aelor back, Aurion and Aemorys mounted Vhagar and Tridax, and quickly flew back to King's Landing to deal with the situation.

Upon arriving in the Red Keep, Aurion would find most of Vaellas men having abandoned the castle, with the Princess herself nowhere to be found either. After reuniting with his wife, young son, and brothers and ensuring their safety, it would come to the King's attention that the Princess Vaella had made her way to the Dragonpit, no doubt to her dragon Narrah.

The young King and the Lord Commander mounted their dragons and flew to the Dragonpit, landing outside of the large structure where the dragon keepers reported the Princess had made her way into Narrahs holding pen and had refused any to enter.



10th Moon, 105 AC
Outside the Dragonpit, Kings Landing

Aurion paced outside of the entrance to the Dragonpit, his Uncle Aemorys standing close by, in full Kingsguard armor and his hand on the pommel of Dark Sister, turning he saw the rest of his Kingsguard who had ridden from the Red Keep approaching.

He ran a hand through his brown beard, which he had begun to grow out following his trip to Saltcliffe. He was certainly in a tough position, he still did not know the truth of the altercation between his late hand or his great aunt, and all that was certain is that his great aunt had currently isolated herself with a 55 foot dragon and if she didn't want to come out, it wasn't going to happen.

‘’I'll go.’’ Aurion said finally.

‘’Your Grace…..I don't know if that's a good idea.’’ His uncle Aemorys said.

‘’You think she would harm me, her sister's grandson?’’ Aurion asked.

‘’The truth…..I don't know, she always took after her mother……her cruelty especially and she was never one to hold many scruples….but then again you know that as well as I’’ Aemorys responded.

Aurions hand fell to Blackfyre, the memory of how Vaella, sitting atop Narrah had burned many of their own men alongside the rebels during the battle of Stonedance, and he had to admit the thought of confronting his volatile great aunt was one which came with no small amount of danger.

‘’If there is to be any chance of resolving this peacefully…..it has to be me, If I were to send men to seize her Narrah would hardly just sit back….and if we drive her off , who knows what trouble she could cause with a fifty foot dragon.’’ Aurion said.

‘’I advise against it, your Grace…..but if you think it the best course of action….’’ His Uncle said.

The young King nodded slowly, fully committed now ‘’I entrust my son and my wife to you Ser.’’

Without another word, he made his way to the entrance of the Dragonpit, moving quickly before he could talk himself out of the plan.

The dragon keepers escorted him through the wide winding tunnels of the main Dragonpit, with the King hearing snarls and roars from many of the dragons inside their massive pens, reverberating through the dark tunnel.

They stopped in front of one of the largest pits, with the Dragonkeepers signaling that this was the pit of Narrah, and judging by the rumbling from inside it was aware of their presence.

Aurion nodded thanks and dismissed the dragon keepers.

‘’ Princess…….we have a lot to speak of.’’ Aurion said, loudly.

‘’The door is u…unbarred….sp..speak if you must.’’ A voice from inside called out.

Aurion, taking a deep breath opened the large metal door and stepped into the massive pit.

He saw Vaella Targaryen standing next to the red dragon which had its face close to hers, with the Princess running a hand on its white horn, upon his opening of the door however, the dragon turned, gave a deafening screech and raised its huge wings protectively over the Princess, sending gust of wind through the pit, Aurion made out some tattered and thin white membrane parts of the powerful red wings where it had taken a scorpion bolt through the wing in Pentos which had never fully recovered, this was a battle hardened dragon and would have no difficulty in incinerating the King within a moment.

He saw hot red crimson brightly forming in the back of the dragon's throat and running up its neck as it snarled and rumbled.

‘’Gaomagon ao nūmāzma naejot order narrah naejot tepagon nyke dragonflame kinswoman’’ Aurion asked his great aunt in Valyrian. Do you mean to order Narrah to give me Dragonflame kinswoman

‘Eman daor olvie decided, ēdan daor expected ao naejot sagon sīr mittys naejot māzigon kesīr’’ She responded I have not quite decided, I had not expected you to be so fool to come here , and to Aurions shock, the words came out without a stutter, her speech flawless in the language of the dragon speech.

He slowly approached, the dragon still snarling.

‘’Why did you come here….and more importantly, why are you still here, you could have been hours away by now, across the sea in Essos, living in a palace in any of the free cities you desired.’’ The young King asked, ignoring Narrahs rumbling snarls as he got closer.

‘’Th…This is m…my home and a Targaryen do…does not r…run…..as for why I am h…here, I c..came to say goodbye.’’ The aged Princess responded, gently running a hand on the dragon's rough scales.

‘’I d…don't expect to s…see Narrah ag…again.’’ She continued as the King drew closer.

‘’Why….what possessed you to such madness, Lord Bar Emmon was a good and leal man, regent and Hand by my own decree.’’ Aurion demanded.

Vaella was silent a moment before answering ‘’I…I could tell you some t..tale of how I watched countless men and w…women eclipse me over the years…..how they all s..simpered and bowed to my older sister, your g…grandmother, or your mother….but…but that would be a l…lie…the truth……I was…bored…..I ne..never intended on an..any death.’’

Aurion knew his aunt was a free spirit, unpredictable and always one to follow her heart, and yet the answer still surprised him.

‘’You know what must happen next Princess.’’ Aurion said, it was not a question.

Vaella said nothing, saying something softly to her dragon in Valyrian before turning to her great nephew ‘’N…nothing happens to my sons….th…they had no part in this.’’

‘’You have my word Princess.’’ Aurion said solemnly, extending his hand to her.

For a moment she did nothing and Aurion thought his great aunt meant to roast him after all, but after one last word to Narrah, she walked towards him, taking his hand and Aurion and the daughter of the Queen of Skulls left the Dragonpit, arm in arm.

King Aurion escorted the Princess Vaella personally to a tower cell within the Red Keep furnished with all the comforts befitting a Targaryen princess, where she would be placed under the care of Aenys Targaryen, the King's Justice and await her trial, , which was to be held on the first moon of the new year of 106 AC.

1st Moon, 106 AC
Tower Cell within the Red Keep

Lord Commander Aemorys, in full Kingsguard armor, made his way towards the tower cell where his aunt was being held, his sworn brother Ser Emerick Stonecrab and a cadre of Dragoncloaks making up the rest of the escort.

‘’Wait here.’’ He commanded them as they approached, making his way inside the tower and walking up the steps, with a pair of turnkeys armed with cudgels showing him to the chamber where his aunt could be found.

Inside he found his cousin Aenys and they greeted each other, the two of them had always been close ever since childhood, though their respective duties kept them both busy and despite both residing in the Red Keep they did not see each other frequently. As the King's Justice and Master of the Dungeons, Aenys was largely out of the public eye of the court, largely being forgotten which Aemorys knew was not a negative to his cousin, who despite his previous conflict with Jaerion was at heart a humble and content man, who wished for nothing for than a simple life.

‘’It's time.’’ Aemorys said simply, placing a hand on his cousin's shoulder in greeting.

‘’I suppose I should say my farewells?’’ Aenys said driely.

‘’The King understands the value of mercy…..but I cannot speak to where his mind is…..or what his decision will be.’’ The Lord Commander responded, somewhat somberly, he had never been close with Vaella but it was still not a pleasant experience to bring his mothers sister to trial.

Aenys nodded and made his way to an adjoining suite, a set of keys in his hand, and after unlocking the cell, he returned with their aunt Vaella, who was dressed in a black dress with a necklace of rubies.

‘’Ah….my d….dear n..nephews, I c..can't decide which of you I a..adore more….my c..captor or my p…prisoner escort….I c..cant say its been a p..leasure.’’ Their aunt responded with all her usual charm.

Aenys’s jaw tightened at that.

‘’Y…you sure you wont a..attend Aenys….y…you know what you will be mi..missing I presume….get s..some excitement in your life.’’ Their aunt pushed.

‘’I've had more than enough excitement in my life.’’ Aenys said curtly, though he had a rather uncomfortable look on his face, refusing to meet Aemorys’s eyes.

Aemorys gestured to his aunt that it was time to go, and the old woman needed no prodding, walking out of the tower with her head held high as she was escorted towards the Throne Room.

‘’W…Will you l..lend Tridaxes fire to m..my pyre?’’ Vaella asked, as nonchalantly as if she was asking what the next course at dinner was to be.

‘’It may not come to that…..the King is a man of honor….submit yourself, confess your crimes, and I believe he will show you mercy…..this is no game however Aunt.’’ Aemorys said, not breaking his stride.

‘’A p..pity…I w..was always good at games.’’ She responded pithily.

They entered the throne room of the Red Keep, where his nephew was sitting upon the Iron Throne, the crown of the Conqueror upon his head, he meant to preside over the trial personally, with assistance from the Grandmaster. The throne room was quite crowded and the gallery above overlooking the throne room was close to full.

The rest of his sworn Kingsguard brothers stood in a semi-circle in front of the throne. Excluding Ser Ryman Restlyn who had been tried earlier that day, Aurion had pardoned the young knight as Aemorys had known he would, as the young knight could not be completely faulted for not wishing to disobey a direct command for protection from a Targaryen Princess, and he had no knowledge of what was to come, and was permitted to remain a knight of the Kingsguard, though he was absent from the trial due to conflict of interest. There had been other smaller trials, all of Vaellas men and Bar Emmon men had been pardoned for their role in the melee, with the exception of the man who had struck the fatal blow against Lord Bar Emmon, Aurion had ordered him hung, calling it a great dishonor to strike such a vicious blow upon an unarmored man who was armed only with a dagger. The rest, though pardoned, had been banished from the city.

‘’PRINCESS VAELLA TARGARYEN.’’ The herald announced.

Aemorys gave a glance to his aunt, if she was nervous she was doing a good job concealing it. In the gallery Aemorys saw her bastard Viserys Flowers and her elderly husband Renly Arryn, both armored in the traditional golden armor and cloaks of the city watch.

‘’Princess Vaella.’’ Aurion began in a loud voice as they approached the throne.

‘’You stand accused of…’’ the King continued but Vaella cut him off.

‘’A g…great many things I i…imagine…b…but I will save you the t…trouble of a..all of this….I…Vaella Targaryen d…demand a trial by combat….by r..right of birth and blood!’’ The Princess said, fearlessly despite her stutter and the crowd. A few laughs had arisen from the crowd at the beginning of her stuttering speech, but none were laughing now, in fact the throne room and all its hundreds of people were silent as a tomb, at least for a moment before a cacophony of murmurs broke out among the gallery and courtiers on the ground.

Aemorys, still in shock, looked to his aunt who stood determined, a sly smile on her face.

Suddenly, his cousin's discomfort and refusal to attend the trial all made sense She told Aenys she meant to go through with this madness. Aemorys cursed silently at his cousin for not telling him ahead of time so that he could have prevented this folly.

By the looks of it his nephew Aurion was just as shocked as anyone else, leaning forward almost as if he could not believe what he had just heard, the young King managed to compose himself however after some whispering from the Grandmaster.

‘’You have that right….but you surely understand that this is folly Princess…..it would be unseemly for me to stand against my own blood, or for me to send my Uncle against his own Aunt….but you will face one of my sworn seven, all of them trained and skilled at arms….unless of course you have a champion to take part in this farce’’ Aurion said, his jaw tightening in disbelief. Aemorys found himself looking to his younger bastard cousin Viserys in the gallery, who fortunately looked as if he was not aware of his mothers plans.

‘’I…I have n..never been in a proper s..sword fight…s..seems as good a t..time as any.’’ The old woman said.

Aurion, his face hardened and clearly frustrated at the trial becoming a spectacle glared at his aunt ‘’So you do not mean to appoint a champion?’’

Princess Vaella Targaryen shook her head, suddenly the crowd began to murmur and Aemorys turned to see Vaellas son Viserys, an officer in the City Watch standing slowly.

Dont boy….don't throw your life away for her….you damn fool Aemorys silently pleaded, but his cousin continued to stand, the crowd backing away from him.

‘’Honor demands that I stand for my mother.’’ The young Gold Cloak officer said boldly, though there was a hint of sadness on his face. A sadness matched by Aemorys, he didn't know his younger cousin all that well but he knew the lad was a goodhearted young man and honorable, the opposite of his mother, he was trained at arms as all gold cloaks were and likely a doughty fighter but he would stand next to no chance against the best swords in the Kingsguard.

For the first time, Aemorys saw a flicker of doubt, and perhaps even fear run through his aunt Vaellas confident facade.

‘’S…Sit down boy…I r…refuse to accept any c..champion.’’ Vaella said loudly, looking at her son, and the boy, though clearly reluctant, had no choice but to acquiesce, champions were voluntary in trials by combat.

‘’Lord Commander.’’ Aurion commanded, looking to Aemorys before continuing ‘’The Princess has chosen to go through with the trial by combat….it is my wish that one of the sworn members my Kingsguard represent me, as it would be unseemly for me to face mine own blood…make the preparations Ser, we assemble in a half hours turn.’’

Aemorys raised a plated glove to his chest in salute and withdrew from the throne room, gesturing his sworn brothers to fall him.


Fifteen Minutes Later
Throne Room of the Red Keep

King Aurion paced in front of his throne, too angry to sit. He had been prepared to offer mercy and clemency to his Aunt, and had said as much to Aemorys to pass on to her but she had spat his generosity right in his face, and made a mockery of both the trial and courtly etiquette.

And for what the young King thought to himself, for pride, for some sort of foolish bravery, knowing her, there was a very real chance even the Princess Vaella did not know why she did the things she did.

He paused to collect himself, he was not alone in the throne room, there were at least three hundred nobles and courtiers, perhaps more in attendance, and it would not do for him to sulk like an angry child, a King must adapt.

He saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and saw his kinsman Viserys, the young Gold Cloak officer approaching, Aurion gestured for his dragon cloaks to let the man through.

Viserys bowed his head ‘’Your Grace.’’

Aurion gestured for the man to speak.

‘’I wish to apologize for my mothers behavior…and state that I did not mean to oppose you when I offered to stand for her…I won't apologize for it though sire….I had too.’’ The young officer said.

Aurion, his anger slowly abating nodded ‘’I understand.’’

Viserys looked quite surprised at that.

‘’You had to try……were it my mother….I would have done the same…I don't hold it against you…..but you have more to say than just that.’’ Aurion said perceptively.

Viserys nodded ‘’I….my mother has committed grievous acts its true….but I am here to ask for your mercy regardless….I ask for her life.’’

‘’I was prepared to offer your mother clemency…there would of course been punishment, living out the rest of her days as a sister of the faith or under house arrest in her tower cell…..but she would have been spared….she has chosen a trial by combat however…it is out of my hands.’’ Aurion said curtly, turning to leave.

‘’Perhaps it is not out of your hands.’’ The young man said suddenly before continuing ‘’A word to your Kingsguard…..and she might survive this trial.’’

‘’You are suggesting I make a mockery of this trial by combat?’’ Aurion asked.

‘’I am suggesting you tell your man to allow her to yield sire…..to stay his blade….my mother is no great swordsman…it would be enough to simply incapacitate her…to disarm her.’’ Viserys said.

The young King said nothing at that, and Viserys, seeing the futility of further begging turned to leave, a look of sadness on his face.

‘’Viserys.’’ Aurion called out, causing the man to turn.

‘’Your mother has made many mistakes…but perhaps not all she did was foolish…I have heard much and more of you and I know you better than I did before…..consider your position as the next commander of the Gold Cloaks secure….regardless of my decision.’’ He told his kinsman.

‘’You are saying…’’ Viserys began.

‘’I am saying I will consider it.’’ Aurion said firmly and the gold cloak bowed his head and withdrew.

He turned the hilt of Blackfyre in his hand, examining the ruby pommel….thinking.

He made his decision.

Ten minutes later his Kingsguard emerged.

His uncle had chosen Ser Maynard Mormont to represent the crown in the trial, a gloomy yet veritable bear of a man who was widely considered to be one of the best fighters not only in the Kingsguard but the entire realm.

Princess Vaella emerged as well, looking significantly less impressive, someone had found her some black chainmail fitting to her and a half helm, along with a sword and shield, the Kingsguard knight towered over the Targaryen princess in his white plate and helm as the two of them made their way to the center of the throne room.

Aurion waved his hand for it to begin.

It went about as one might expect. Princess Vaella, true to her nature let out a yell and hacked at the man though her blows were easily blocked by the younger and far stronger man. Aurion could not help but be somewhat impressed by the woman of 58, Viserys had claimed she was no great swordsman but she moved fast for an old woman and it was clear she had more experience than any could have guessed, but against an opponent of Ser Maynards quality it made no difference.

Ser Maynard Mormont could have cleaved Princess Vaella in two a dozen times as he drove her across the hall, and yet he never pressed the advantage, though the Princess did not come off entirely unscathed as she received several ringing blows from the pommel of the man's two handed longax to her helm and shoulder.

Still the Princess did not yield, the sneer on her face evident even beneath her helmet as she doggedly fought on, launching a desperate and wild attack like one of the fierce one eared tomcats which prowled the Red Keep…..which was abruptly ended when Mormonts thrust the butt off his ax just beneath her eye, sending her clattering to the ground laying on her back, her sword somehow still in her grip, though her helm had fallen off.

Mormont put a boot on her chest and raised his ax in the air….waiting for a moment, giving the King a knowing look that he had done all he could….the rest was quite literally in her hands.

Wordlessly, Princess Vaella loosened her grip on the sword, with it falling to the ground.

Aurion gave his kinsmen Viserys a slight nod from the throne as the Princess was dragged back to a tower cell to await her sentence.

Later that Evening
Tower Cell within the Red Keep

Aurion made his way to Vaellas cell, gesturing for his kinsman Aenys to open the gate to her cell. He found her laying on the bed, in obvious pain.

The left side of her face was a ruin of purple, red and black bruises, with her left eye barely able to open, Aurion had sent Maesters to treat her wounds, but they had reported she had refused any milk of the poppy.

He grabbed a small chair and placed it by her beside, with the old woman slowly getting up to a sitting position against the back bed post.

‘’My s…son came to see you…I suppose th…that's what I owe m…my life too.’’ Vaella asked and Aurion nodded silently.

‘’A…good lad…too good….n…nothing like his mother.’’ The old woman said.

‘’I have questions of my own.’’ the King said and Vaella gestured boredly for him to continue,

‘’That bit about you never having been in a sword fight….that was bullshit wasn't it?’’ He demanded. Vaella had been clearly outclassed by Ser Maynard but she had not fought like an ameteur, her stance and grip had been to refined…if it had been any other fighter than Ser Maynard the surprise alone of her technique might have been enough to overwhelm a different fighter, perhaps even himself he had to admit begrudgingly.

Vaella let out a raspy laugh ‘’I..I have fought in th…three campaigns b…boy….traveled to Volantis…P..Pentos….o..one doesnt li..live m..my lifestyle wi..without having been in a swo..sword fight or two.’’

‘’Who taught you?’’ Aurion asked, genuinely curious.

‘’I g…grew up on Dragonstone…my s…s..sister Syaella had her books…and I..h..had my sword craft…m..my mother m..made no m..move to put an en..end to it…sh..she understood th..the way o..of this world.’’ The Princess responded, a rather somber look on her face when she mentioned her sister's name.

Aurion was silent at that, looking out the window, which had a view of the Blackwater Bay and the sunset.

‘’I am here to offer you a choice Princess…….you may either stay here in the capitol within these chambers under guard….you will never set foot outside of these walls…but you will be comfortable and lack for nothing…and have a pleasant view besides.’’ Aurion began, to which his Great Aunt was silent.

‘’Or…I could arrange to have you sent to the Faith, and live the rest of your days as a silent sister seeing to the bodies of the dead and spending your days in prayer and contemplation….you will never return to King's Landing, or leave your order for as long as you live….should you desert the faith, or attempt to escape….I will have the Warriors Sons bring me your head’’ Aurion said.

‘’And what d…do you counsel Wise k..King?’’ The Princess asked.

‘’I say the choice is clear….you seem to be a woman ill suited for captivity…and you have the chance to make something of the rest of your days rather than waste away…..and you have much to atone for Princess.’’ Aurion said curtly.

‘’M…More tha…than you know boy.’’ Vaella responded, looking to the window, a look that might have almost passed for regret in her eyes.

‘’I dont suppo..se I can b…bring N..Narrah...cremation of the d…dead would never be more efficient.’’ The old woman said, quickly abandoning the rather uncharacteristic look of regret that had been present on her face.

The King smiled slightly but his silence was all the answer she needed.

Vaella was silent for a good while before she emitted another raspy laugh.

‘’All my l…life my mother t…told me to not be af..afraid to speak…..to never be si..silent for fear of what o..others might think….a Silent Sister….n..now I will b…be just l…like the rest of them.’’ The Princess Vaella Targaryen said.

‘’You could never be like the rest of them Princess.’’ Aurion said sadly, standing to leave.

‘’A f..final word o…of advice Aurion.’’ The daughter of the Queen of Skulls stated, causing him to pause.

‘’B..Be wary of E…Ellard T..Tyrell…th…that one desires your Throne….hardly a s…surprise he is that sch…scheming bitch Alyssanes son’’ She said.

Aurion looked at her in surprise at the mention of his Marshall.

‘’H…He planned to u..usurp the th…throne when it became clear y…your father w….would die…th..that is why he urged your f..father to k..keep you close i..in the c..capitol so he could s..seize you i..in the confus..sion…h…his plans were f….foiled when you marched w…with your Uncle. ’’ She warned.

He took the news in silence before responding ‘’Does he still plot this treason?’’

‘’Your friendship w…with his son pr..proves a complication…and n..now that you are of age h..his claim i..is not as s..strong…he h..has little support now a…and ha..has abandon h..his outright wish for the t…throne…but g..given the opportunity….I would ad…advise removing h…him from yo..your court.’’ Vaella answered.

Aurion thanked the Princess before withdrawing from the room.

Princess Vaella Targaryen would take her vows as a silent sister shortly after, traveling to join the convent of silent sisters at the Motherhouse in Maidenpool. She would spend the next 13 years of her life in service to the faith, quite dutifully as the Matron of the Motherhouse would later go on to claim there was never a harder working sister. Vaella made no attempts to escape and would never again visit Kings Landing, though various sources claim that several times, an aged silent sister was seen in the company of rather shady hooded men at Maidenpools rougher taverns, seemingly listening to their hushed tones and receiving parchments, with some claiming that this was the Princess Vaella, still keeping herself appraised of the various comings and goings in the realm.

The Princess Vaella Targaryen, daughter of the Queen of Skulls and her most trusted confidant would pass away peacefully in her bed at the age of 71 in 118 AC. Her remains would be sent back to King's Landing upon the request of her family and her ashes would be interred beside her mother, the Queen of Skulls, reunited in death.

Spoiler

Today, among the many pools and fountains which can be found in the city of Maidenpool is a small and faded fountain depicting a Red Dragon….no doubt made in homage to the late Princess Vaella Targaryen and known to this day as ‘’Vaellas Pool’’.

 

[Bored Student1414]

Princess Vaella's final scheme largely amounted to Daemon style trolling and disrespect of the current monarch with the illegal sitting on the Iron Throne and positioning themselves where they could easily kill the current king without carrying out the deed as an act of amusement and attention seeking. The main difference is that Vaella did actually kill the Hand of the King in the process unlike Daemon.

With Vaella's departure from the Game of Thrones, this seems to be the end of the final remnants of what might be called the "Kingdom of Women" or the "Reign of the Princesses" period of Westerosi history when Targaryen women dominated the political affairs of Westeros. Additionally, it seems that King Aurion will probably not face any more threats from the older Targaryens. Going forward, the familial internal threats will likely be from younger members of the royal house.

With the death of the Hand of the King, Aurion has lost his main tutor in the arts of government and the man who seems to have been the one that instilled Aurion's positive traits into him. While Aurion does still have access to Aemorys and a few other older figures, the main burden of governance is on Aurion's shoulders now.

The Tyrells still have an interest in the Iron Throne. The idea of that any great house with Targaryen royal blood or is currently married to a dragon riding princess is a viable contender for the Iron Throne continues to be a destabilizing factor in Westeros. Gods save Westeros if any family manages to pull that off. I have seen posts by members of CK2AGOT fanbase in where respect for succession laws has collapsed and the Iron Throne goes through rulers like popcorn as any Targaryen or Targaryen relative with a dragon starts trying to usurp the throne just because they have the strength to do so like Roman generals constantly declaring themselves emperor in the late Imperial and Byzantine era.

 

[HistoryDude]

Given her ambition, why didn't Vaella attempt a coup to become queen or regent? Or did she not actually want that kind of power?

I'd try to deal with the Tyrells immediately, but I suppose a pretext is needed.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Great chapter! Love the portraits. Did Vaella have a zero diplomacy before arrest/silent sisterhood? She was still pulling strings and aiding the king from her confinement. Did she outlive her younger sisters? Her son is a good man. Aurion has already surpassed his father and can be the greatest ruler since his great great-grandfather. Thanks

 

[streaker77]

and positioning themselves where they could easily kill the current king without carrying out the deed as an act of amusement and attention seeking.

Thats a pretty good summary of Vaellas motivations.

With Vaella's departure from the Game of Thrones, this seems to be the end of the final remnants of what might be called the "Kingdom of Women" or the "Reign of the Princesses" period of Westerosi history when Targaryen women dominated the political affairs of Westeros.

Good point, I thought it was a very unique generation and enjoyed writing it, a while back I did point out that this next generation will be quite the opposite of the ''Reign of the Princesses'' as the Royal Family's power structure will return to a little bit more of the medieval norm of male Targaryens having the most power and influence. The Reign of the Princesses lasted quite a while, Laenas rule was 36 years and the only true Targaryen man to oppose it was Vaekar.

Going forward, the familial internal threats will likely be from younger members of the royal house.

This next chapter will showcase this.

With the death of the Hand of the King, Aurion has lost his main tutor in the arts of government and the man who seems to have been the one that instilled Aurion's positive traits into him. While Aurion does still have access to Aemorys and a few other older figures, the main burden of governance is on Aurion's shoulders now.

The matter of the Hand of the King will be adressed in the next chapter.

The Tyrells still have an interest in the Iron Throne. The idea of that any great house with Targaryen royal blood or is currently married to a dragon riding princess is a viable contender for the Iron Throne continues to be a destabilizing factor in Westeros.

Luckily Jaenyra is married to Norman Tyrell, who is good friends with Aurion, but the threat is very much there.

Given her ambition, why didn't Vaella attempt a coup to become queen or regent? Or did she not actually want that kind of power?

Ive always thought of Vaella as someone who flits from one ambition to another, its true she did float the idea of having herself Queen and her sons legitimized by Laena, but I dont think she truly wants that kind of power, the main motivation mostly stemmed from wanting to amuse herself and a dislike of the younger women (Alicent, Belle) who have exersised more power in court than her.

I'd try to deal with the Tyrells immediately, but I suppose a pretext is needed.

Aurion will respond to the threat, but his friendship with Norman Tyrell and the past tense nature of Ellard Tyrells plot for the throne (weak claim only can be pressed against a regency or a woman) makes it so that he doesnt truly want to deal with House Tyrell in a harsh or violent way.

Great chapter! Love the portraits.

Thank you!

id Vaella have a zero diplomacy before arrest/silent sisterhood

Did she outlive her younger sisters?

Diplomacy, similar to her mother, was not Vaellas strongsuit, but the silent sister trait does reduce diplomacy by 10 (which I did not think to look at before your post)
Vaella will outlive one of her two younger sisters. One thing to note is I have went ahead a little to share Vaellas ultimate fate, but this wont be the last time we see her, I am planning one one final, albeit quite short POV scene for her, set just before her death and including a very ominous dream of a major event to come.

-To All: Thank you for the comments/likes. Next chapter titled A Deadly Dinner will be split into two like this one as it will likely be around 15k words (have written around 12k already). It will have several new POV characters (Vaeron, Maelyx, and Alicent) and the main focus of it will be Aurions brothers and showing what kind of men they have grown/are growing into. Valerion and Vaeron will have their own POV scenes (2 for Vaeron) and Balaeron and Aelor will play major roles as well, no Matarys for now for reasons which will be seen in the next chapter, but he will play a significant role in the story and will have a POV in the future.

First part of the chapter should be out Tuesday or Wedensday.

 

[TWR97]

Vaella is definitely a larger than life figure alright, didn't expect a stuttering old woman to put up a hell of a fight in the end, but seems that duelist trait did her wonders. Quite interesting to see her briefly being a dragon riding Silent Sister before she died.

 

[streaker77]

Vaella is definitely a larger than life figure alright, didn't expect a stuttering old woman to put up a hell of a fight in the end, but seems that duelist trait did her wonders. Quite interesting to see her briefly being a dragon riding Silent Sister before she died.

She was a very interesting character for sure, and there will be one final short POV scene for her. It would have been very interesting to see a silent sister on a dragon but she was not allowed to bring Narrah with her, that scene with her talking to her dragon was her saying goodbye as she will never see it again, physically that is.

 

[streaker77]

106-108 AC
The Dragons Realm
Chapter 54: A Deadly Dinner

The trial of Princess Vaella Targaryen in the 1st Moon of 106 AC would conclude the immediate threat and chaos which had briefly consumed the Red Keep in King Aurions absence, however, there would be several effects stemming from the events which would need the King's attention.

The first of these involved the House Bar Emmon, who were understandably upset at the murder of the former Hand of the King, Aegon Bar Emmon, with many within the family feeling his killer Vaella had not been sufficiently punished.

King Aurion, not blind to this, immediately resolved to rectify this situation, traveling personally to the castle of Sharp Point to reach a settlement for his former Hand's murder. There it was decided that his younger brother Prince Valerion would be betrothed to the late hand's daughter, Jasonei Bar Emmon, a very prestigious marriage for such a small house and an honor which was enough to mend the rift Vaellas actions had wrought. Lord Bar Emmon had once approached Aurion when he had been a prince about the possibility of a union between the two of them, but Aurion apologetically reminded his Hand that as King, he would be expected to marry a lady from one of the principal houses of the realm, and it would be a grave insult to the great families if their blood was passed over. The King had been fond of his former hand and late mentor however, and hoped that his marriage would not only repair relations between House Bar Emmon and the crown but also honor his guardians memory.

The second, and admittedly far more crucial task was to appoint a new Hand of the King, the first few years of the Kings reign had shown that any Hand of the King must be capable of ruling and administrating for extended periods while the King was away, and Aurion had many more plans for his reign and would need a capable man beside him.

King Aurion, never one to take shortcuts, did his due diligence and cast a wide net, looking at dozens of candidates before a final decision was eventually made from a pool of Lords great and small.

In the end, Anders Swygert, Lord of Galemont and longtime castellan of Storm's End was appointed Hand of the King, becoming one of the most powerful men in the realm at a stroke of a pen. Lord Swygert was a far more experienced man than his predecessor had been, in his youth the man had been a squire during the war between Raymont Baratheon and Aumary Tyrell in the Dornish Marches, until a stray arrow during the siege of Ashford led to the loss of his leg and any future as a warrior.

He had adjusted to this change in prospects quite well, working tirelessly to learn the arts of administration, and eventually his talents led him to becoming the castellan of Storm's End, a position he had held for decades with much success, as Princess Larissa was quick to vouch to the King. Being a hardworking man, patient in speech and action, and just and pious, he was well liked and the perfect man to help a young and eager, if inexperienced King.

King Aurion would not wait long to make use of his new Hands expertise. Aurion had traveled enough of the realm to realize that the network of roads were wholly insufficient to accommodate trade between the seven Kingdoms, especially with the recent increase in population. Many of the roads were only wide enough for a single cart or wagon, and a broken wheel or patch of mud could inhibit an entire trade caravan for hours. Most of the realms roads were plain dirt tracks or in more populous and wealthy areas, cobbled roads, though many of them had seen little upkeep since the days before the Targaryen conquest.

The King shared with Lord Swygert his vision of an entirely new set of roads, spanning from Dorne in the south to the Wall in the North, in a project Aurion called the building of the ‘’Kingsroad’’, which he hoped would further bind and connect the seven kingdoms.

Lord Swygert quickly set about making the necessary preparations, with King Aurion stating that no expense was to be spared, and declining to levy taxes on any area where the road would be built with all the expenses being paid for by the royal coffers, earning him much respect throughout the realm.

The first stretch of road to be built would be a cobbled and wide road from Storms End in the Stormlands to King's Landing, a prudent choice as its shorter length would make it a good ‘’test’’ of Lord Swygerts plans, and his familiarity with the region would be a great boon. Time would prove Aurions choice of Hand a good one as progress on the road went remarkably smoothly, being completed in less than two years, with construction beginning on a Roseroad to Highgarden, a Goldroad to Casterly Rock, an Ocean Road from Lannisport to Highgarden, and many other sections of road within the coming years.

Not all of the crown's pressing issues were settled yet however. Aurion had been concerned about his great aunt Vaellas parting warning to be wary of Ellard Tyrell, Marshal of the Realm, the Lord of Highgarden and a grandson of King Vaemond the Strong, whom Vaella claimed had actively plotted to seize the throne following his fathers death, though he had been forced to be more subdued in his ambitions following Aurions rise to power….the fact remained that the King could not trust his Marshal.

King Aurion removed Lord Tyrell from his position as Marshal courteously, yet made it clear the man was being ‘’invited’’ to return to Highgarden, with Ellard Tyrell, a prideful man, taking it about as well as one would expect, being none too pleased.

Aurions uncle, Lord Commander Aemorys suggested that old Lucerys Qoherys, Lord of Harrenhall and his former mentor be reappointed as Marshal of the Realm, but Aurion, well studied in courtly and diplomatic matters, knew that the Lord of Highgarden and the Lord of Harrenhall were fierce rivals and replacing Ellard with his rival would only serve to further humiliate the most powerful Lord Paramount in the realm. Instead, Aurion made the decision to appoint Lord Yohn Redfort, a hero of the battle of Mylenos during the Pentoshi campaign and the former hand of the King under his great grandmother Laena, as the realm's foremost general.

With these important matters out of the way, the King was able to focus his attention on more minor affairs, with a summer fair funded by the crown being held in King's Landing to celebrate the Crownlands harvest in the later months of 106 AC.

Furthermore, Aurions younger brother, the Prince Matarys had reached an age where his future must be decided. After consideration, the King determined his younger brother would be sent to be fostered as a ward in Riverrun with their Tully relatives under the tutelage of the castle Maester. Not only would this honor his mothers sister and strengthen the connection between the crown and Riverrun, but on the off chance boy should take to the lifestyle of a Maester….well it would be another of his brother's futures sorted.

As for the Prince Aelor, whose guardianship the King had personally taken charge of, it soon became clear the boy did not have any great future as a diplomat or negotiator, having a very wrothful temperament and being quick to take offense, though he was hard working when it came to studying the political divides of the realm and especially diligent on the training yard. Aelor, in addition to lacking the Targaryen features of his older brothers, also lacked their powerful build, being shorter and slimmer than his three older brothers, however he made up for this by being the best natural swordsman of his brothers, routinely practicing against older squires and more than holding his own.

The final months of 106 AC would see one more significant development in the capital as Queen Alicent would announce she was pregnant with a second child, much to the King and Queens delight.

Aurion had intended to remain at Alicents side for the duration of her pregnancy, but as always the affairs of the realm needed the King's attention. Word of a clan feud among the clawmen brewing in the pine forests of Crackclaw Point soon reached King Aurions ears, with several skirmishes taking place between two factions of House Brune.

Aurion mounted Vhagar, and alongside his Uncle Aemorys on Tridax flew to Dyre Den and personally negotiated a peace settlement, quickly returning to Alicents side and being present for the birth of their second child, a boy whom would be named Prince Jaenar.

Little else of note occurred following this and the middle months of 107 AC proved quiet, allowing the King a few months of peaceful residence at the Red Keep, though he still held and presided over court near daily.

The next event of note was his younger brother Valerions return from Stonedance, having completed his education under Lord Massey, in the final year of his tutelage being given a command of his own galley, where he proved to be a skilled tactician leader of men in his patrols and escorting of merchant ships in the waters of the Narrow Sea.

Aurion welcomed his younger brother back with open arms and made preparations for his wedding to Jasonei Bar Emmon to be hosted in the Red Keep, with the King not being stingy in honoring his siblings nuptials.

While at the wedding however, the Prince Valerion would make a request of his brother, asking that the King launch a campaign against one of the pirate islands in the Stepstones and make him a Lord in his own right, claiming land and title would make for the best wedding gift he could receive.

King Aurion had hoped to conquer most of the Stepstones in one single decisive war, but being a charitable man, had no wish to refuse his brother's request at his own wedding and promised to arrange it, as well as promising his younger brother the honor of leading the expedition.

While the preparations to take the whole of the Stepstones were far from complete, sufficient scouting of the island of the Skulls, island holdfast of the Ironborn raiders had been completed and Lord Redfort gave his backing to the proposed campaign, with many of the Kings officers eager to avenge the defeat of the Royal Fleet and the death of Lord Celtigar at the hands of the Ironborn raiders, after a thorough review of the campaign, Aurion gave his assent and preparations were made, with Valerion and Lord Massey being given 55 galleys and 2500 men from Dragonstone to drive the Ironborn from the Skulls in the early months of the year 108 AC.

The Ironborn of the Stepstones were fierce warriors, but they knew when a war was lost, and that while they could fend off incursions from a distracted regency, they would not be able to stand against the full might of the Iron Throne, and besides that their colony on the Skulls had lasted far longer than any had thought and they had won much wealth…..the time had come to leave.

Prince Valerion and his former mentor Lord Massey landed on the Skulls to find the islands largely abandoned, with no significant forces opposing their seizing of the main stronghold, which had been stripped of anything of value. That is not to say the campaign saw no bloodshed however.

The Ironborn, not wishing to have it said they fled like cowards, landed on the island of Nerrisa and attacked around three hundred fisherfolk who were mustering to join the campaign, the result was a slaughter, with 200 being killed, wounded or otherwise carried off as thralls to the waiting longships of the Ironborn who abandoned their former lands to its fate. The Ironborn of the Stepstones would largely return home respected to the Iron Islands, however some bands would remain to the east, hiring themselves out as mercenaries to estate owners in Braavos or Pentos, with some even taking the faith of R’hllor.

Despite the tragedy at Nerrisa, the campaign had accomplished its main goals, driving the Ironborn out of the Skulls and bringing the island chain under the crowns influence, with the main island eventually being renamed to Crabstone, in honor of Lord Celtigar who had perished not far from its shores at the hands of the reavers. The King made good on his promise and named his brother Prince Valerion as the Lord of Crabstone and Protector of the Northern Stepstones, granting him Lord Elesham of Nerissa as a vassal.

Prince Valerion then took the name of Valerion of the House of Seafyre, taking a sigil of a red dragon on blue, stating his intentions that his descendents should also bear his coat of arms, thus the House of the Dragons first true cadet house emerged on its frontier.

Shortly after the Prince's ascension, rumors say the young Princess wasted no time in consolidating his reign.


5th Moon, 108 AC
Seafyre Keep, Island of Crabstone

Prince Valerion walked the ramparts of the small crumbling wood and stone fort the Ironborn had left behind, surveying his new domain.

It's no Kings Landing He thought to himself as the wind whipped at his silver hair, causing him to pull his black cloak closer.

But it will serve…..for a start The Prince thought to himself, he had far greater ambitions than this wooden fort in the middle of the Narrow Sea, but everything had to start somewhere and it was his.

He looked at the red dragon banner and its blue cloth, flying in the wind…..his banner, the thought filled him with more pride than he cared to admit, and for a moment he allowed himself to picture those same banners flying over the Red Keep of Kings Landing.

It would be a lie to say the Prince did not know when he began to desire the Iron Throne….in fact he remembered not only when but the exact moment he had felt the hunger stirr inside of him for the first time.

He and his brother Aurion had been sparring in the Red Keep on his older brother's 14th name day before he and his brother shared a skin of wine, he remembered the memory vividly. His brother had then told him of his plan to attempt to tame a dragon from the pit and informed him that if anything happened to him, he was the heir.

All that day Valerion had felt a certain excitement, which he at first attributed to nervousness for his brother, but at as the day had gone on, he had found himself daydreaming of having to take control of the realm after something happened to his brother, of having everyone look at him the same they did his elder brother, of leading the kingdoms to glory, he saw no harm in it, it was only dreaming.

It had changed when he had seen his brother flying through the skies of Kings Landing, successful in his quest. And at that moment the first thing that had come to his mind was not relief that his older brother was alive but a feeling of disappointment.

He had felt immensely guilty about these feelings and had told none about it, attempting to bury it and never think such things again, but the feelings had returned and stronger then ever when a raven arrived in Stonedance from King's Landing detailing that his older brother was gravely ill with the Bloody Flux.

He remembered standing on the ramparts of Stonedance, looking out at skies not too dissimilar than the ones facing him now, and the memory of a single thought reverberating through his mind would be forever etched into his memory from that day forward.

I hope he dies The young Prince had thought to himself, and from that point onwards, Valerion had not tried to dismiss his feelings, accepting they were just a part of who he was.

Valerion did not hate his older brother……in fact he loved Aurion, idolized him even, and he had felt genuine happiness reuniting with Aurion and gratitude after his brother's generosity during his wedding, sparing no expense on the festivities and promising Valerion land, title, and command.

And yet…..the thoughts remained. He did not know if he ever could truly betray his older brother but he knew what he wanted….and if the opportunity presented itself…especially if anyone but his brother sat upon the throne….

The Lord of Seafyre Keep pushed the thoughts from his mind, he had other more pressing matters to attend to that evening.

Making his way down the half rotten stairs from the ramparts to the small mud courtyard of the castle he walked to the straw roofed wooden shack which served as a stables, saddling his horse, Valerion was never one to let others see too such things in his place.

With his horse readied, the Prince mounted and brought it to a trot towards the open gate, one of the guardsman from Kings Landing spotted him from the ramparts.

‘’Will you be wanting an escort m’Prince?’’ The man asked, leaning on a halberd.

Valerion shook his head ‘’I will be back before morning.’’ He said simply, before riding towards the interior of the rocky island of Crabstone, a light drizzling rain falling upon the Stepstones.

His brother had lent him 80 men at arms and 15 knights from King's Landing to secure his new lands until he was able to procure a garrison of his own, and while Valerion was appreciative of his brothers generosity, they were kings men through and through and the Prince would need men loyal to him for what was to come later that night.

He rode for around an hour through the rocky hills and tidepools of Crabstone, like most islands on the stepstones the land was mostly barren and empty, though there were several small fishing settlements, often comprised of only one or two families, which dotted the coastline of Crabstone and the surrounding isles in his domain.

After about an hour's ride, he made it to a large rocky cliff overlooking the gray swirling waters of the narrow sea, the light drizzle continuing. It was there he found his men.

Prince Valerion had served with Lord Massey and the royal fleet for over a decade, accompanying many patrols, sorties, escort missions and observing many skirmishes with the Essosi pirates over the years, and it was in this time he had come to know many of the best and most hardened killers in the royal fleet. As a parting gift in honor of the completion of his education and wardship at Stonedance, Lord Massey had gifted Valerion with a swift galley and allowed him to hand pick fifty men for his crew, and Valerion had carefully chosen the men he thought to be most loyal and useful.

Of this number he had chosen twenty of the most discreet of these to conduct a special task for him……the Ironborn had fled Crabstone and its surrounding isles, and yet their Essosi allies had not been so fortunate, and with no longships had largely spread out to try and blend in the various fishing villages on Valerions islands, a common occurrence whenever a pirate island came under the crowns influence.

Valerion knew well the atrocities that the raiders of the Stepstones were capable of, he had seen many a ransacked and burned settlement after the conclusion of a raid that the Royal Fleet had come just too late to prevent, and he had seen the raiders set upon Lord Celtigars ships, the memory of the screams of the dead and dying would not soon leave him….the Prince would not allow these former pirates to escape punishment.

And so he had ordered twenty of his most discreet and cunning men to visit the fishing settlements and speak with their inhabitants, collecting names of suspected former pirates, and asking about strange men who had appeared looking for work after the liberation of the island….Valerion had sent forth his men to scour the isles like a fisherman throws in a line….and now it was time to see what he had caught.

He was greeted by Alran the Sisterman, a man of 45 with long black hair and a drooping mustache clad in a salt and sweat stained jerkin, who had served over half his life manning the galleys of the Royal Fleet, and a man whom Valerion considered his most trusted man.

‘’I see none of the King's men are with you.’’ Alran said, the slightest hint of a smile on his windburnt face.

‘’What my brother doesnt know wont kill him.’’ The Prince answered simply, no doubt his noble older brother would not approve of what was to come next, but Aurion did not know the savagries of the pirates like Valerion did.

‘’How many?’’ Valerion asked, for the first time glancing at the row of kneeling prisoners, bound in rope and guarded by the rest of Alrans men.

‘’We seized twenty six suspected pirates, all corroborated and pointed out by the fisherfolk….did it nice and quiet too….none of your brothers men saw a thing.’’ Alran stated, pointing his sword at the group of huddled and shivering prisoners, many of whom had been beaten and were stripped of any decent clothing.

Valerion nodded and rode towards the prisoners.

‘’Im no pirate!’’ One of the prisoners said, seeing the silver haired horseman approaching.

‘’That sounds like something a pirate would say eh lads?’’ Alran said, causing a bout of laughter from his band.

‘’That old hag has always had it out for me….it were her that pointed the finger werent it?’’ The man demanded.

Valerion paid the man no mind, he trusted Alran and his band…if they thought it likely the man was a pirate he would receive no quarter.

‘’Mercy sire!’’ Another called out, with others echoing the plea.

Valerion dismounted, handing the reins of his horse to one of his men, even at the age of 18 he stood a head taller than most of his men, having a tall yet thin build. With his horse secure he began walking towards the edge of the cliff, the rain had started to pick up now and a fierce wind from the narrow sea was roaring.

He saw his men begin to take hold of their swords and axes but Valerion raised a hand…..it would be difficult to deal with twenty six bodies, especially when there was a much better way to prevent any discovery of the killings.

‘’Send that one forward.’’ Valerion demanded, pointing at a scarred man with long blue dyed hair, clearly a Tyroshi.

‘’You won't get no fear from me.’’ The man growled as he was pushed to his knees at the cliff edge in front of the Prince.

Valerion did not respond, tightly taking hold of the man's hair and in a single movement drew a dagger from his belt and cut the man's throat in a single swift motion.

The Tyroshi gurgled, the life fading from his eyes as Valerion dragged him to the cliff edge and pushed him into the dark swirling seas.

‘’I trust you can deal with the rest.’’ Valerion said curtly to his men, returning to his horse and watching as the pirates were herded to the cliff's edge, their pleas and cries deafened by the wind and rain.



108 AC - 111 AC

In the years following his ascension, rumors would circulate around the new Lord of Crabstone about the mass killings of many former pirates, but they would never reach the ears of the King, and if they did Aurion took no action against his brother's rumored ruthless methods.

The year 108 AC would see the continuation of the quiet and calm which blanketed most of the realm, with the only other event of note occurring in the Red Keep when the Princess Jaehaera Targaryen, daughter of the late Queen of Skulls would be discovered dead in her chambers by her sister Larrisa, a half full cup of wine in front of her.

King Aurion did not begrudge his Great Aunt a funeral befitting a Targaryen princess, lending the dragonfire of Vhagar during her ceremony along with that of Tridax, Larissa’s Chalfyre and Aenys’s Oathwing.

At the beginning of 109 AC it was announced that a great tournament would be held in Highgarden, hosted and funded by Lord Ellard Tyrell. Those of the Kings councilors who were aware of the Lord Paramounts previous ambitions to seize the Iron Throne for himself counseled the King not to attend, but Aurion was known to state that ‘’The whole realm will be there, and I will not hide in the Red Keep.’’ And so preparations to attend the tourney were made, though Queen Alicent would not be in attendance due to her expecting another child.

The King would make no great impressions in the lists, being dismounted in the early days of the jousts, however this would leave him time for focusing on much more important matters. Aurion would attend several private feasts with Ellard Tyrell, with his good friend Norman Tyrell, Ellards eldest son joining them to mediate. We do not have a record of what was said in those conversations, however it is clear following the conclusion of the tourney that the King no longer considered Highgarden to be a great threat and relations between Aurion and Ellard would remain cordial if not warm in the coming years, though Ellard Tyrell would never regain his position as Marshal of the Realm.

King Aurion returned to King's Landing on foot rather then on the back of Vhagar, so that he might inspect the progress of the construction of the Rose Road connecting Kings Landing to Highgarden, being so pleased with the efforts that every man working on the road was given an extra months wages courtesy of the crown.

He would return to King's Landing to find a new son waiting for him, as the Prince Maegor would be born just a few days before his return, with both mother and child recovering well.

The final months of 109 AC would see a rather significant change in Kings Landing as old Renly Arryn, commander of the Gold Cloaks for the past several decades would pass. True to his word, King Aurion appointed his kinsman Viserys, the son of Vaella and a longtime gold cloak officer as the next commander of the city watch, with Viserys taking the name Goldfyre and the sigil of a golden spear on a field of black for himself and his descendents, with his brother Matagar also taking the Goldfyre name.

With the situation in the realm seemingly secure, the King decided it was time to begin a second progress of his realm, with preparations being made for this one to be much longer than his previous progress, and it was also decided that the Queen Alicent would accompany him, leaving the realm in the hands of the capable and experienced Lord Swygert.

It was determined that no less than nine castles would be graced with the King and Queen's presence for extended stays, though many others would host the royal couple for a night as they traveled the realm.

The first of the royal visits was to be to Storm's End, the seat of House Baratheon and ruled by Ronnal Baratheon, the only son of the late Princess Daeoril. Like his previous progress, the King brought no great escort with him, not wishing to strain his hosts, and he resolved to travel by horse for the journey as to remain with Alicent, though his Uncle Aemorys trailed the progress on his dragon Tridax, the Princess Larrisa also resolved to journey with the royal expedition at least as far as Storms End so as to see her children and foster son Ronnal, having been the Lady of Storm's End for several years.

They made good time traveling the news Kingsroad leading to Storm's End, arriving in the castle on the 10th moon of 110 AC. King Aurion spent much of the trip conversing with Lord Baratheon and the gathered Stormlords, while the Queen Alicent would order the great hall of Storms End cleared one day to hold a ‘’Woman's Court’’ an event which was to be the first of its kind, where women and girls, both noble and lowborn would gather in the presence of the Queen to state grievances, concerns and hopes for the future, with no men allowed entry into the proceedings.


Great Hall of Storms End, The Stormlands
10th Moon, 110 AC

Queen Alicent listened patiently as the matron of the motherhouse of Storms End spoke, sitting on the steps leading to the throne of the Lord of Storm's End, she could of course have taken the seat as her own but she sensed many of the lowborn women from the village of Stags End were quite nervous and intimidated by her presence and the Queen wanted to put on a more casual air to relax them and put them at ease.

‘’Parts of the motherhouse have gone into disrepair and have begun to crumble your Grace as it is very expensive to acquire stone….much of it was used in the building of the Kingsroad and whatever else is on the market is swiftly bought by either the Sept or by Lords wishing to fortify….just last month Septon Madyn brought in four wagons of stone for repairs and we are unable to afford even a single cart.’’ The hooded septa, a stout yet motherly figure of around forty five years explained.

‘’It is a grave injustice that the Lord of Storm's End allows the motherhouse he swore to defend to turn to crumble and turn to ruin….many lords seem to forget that they must defend their lands from time and the elements and not just raiders….you have my word I will speak to my husband about this….you shall have all the stone and workers you require for repairs Mother, from my own jewels if necessary…..and terms for more affordable acquisition of materials and labor in the future will be secured.’’ Alicent promised.

‘’You are too generous, your Grace.’’ The Septa said, bowing her head and withdrawing into the crowd.

With all those who wished to speak having done so, Alicent got to her feet and began to mingle with the crowd, conversing with both noble ladies and lowborn women alike, seeking further information about their testimony, reiterating promises and giving blessings for babes in the womb to be named after her, though nothing was as enjoyable as conversing with the young girls that had come to court, Alicent loved her three sons with all her heart, but having grown up with naught but brothers, she had always wanted a daughter and it was enjoyable meeting all the little children, high and lowborn.

It had been her idea to hold the Women's Court, wishing to take a more active role in ruling on this progress, and her husband had been nothing but supportive. There were some matters, no matter how diligent Aurion was that as a man, he quite simply would be unable to understand or attend too.

The court had taken several hours, and it was not all pleasant, with tales of rape, raiders and beatings being commonplace, though there were other trivial matters and more pleasant topics such as approving marriages, adoptions and tales of how life had improved under Targaryen reign to balance out the darker testimonies.

She and her husband's kinswoman Larrisa Targaryen, who had helped her oversee the court spent the next hour talking and seeing off their guests and gradually the great hall began to empty until there was just one other woman besides her and Larrisa left in the hall, a short woman whose true age or appearance was hard to determine due to the septa's robes which covered her full body, Alicent had noticed her during the court, but the woman had not said anything and had kept her face downwards near the entire time, being so silent Alicent had assumed she was sworn to a vow of silence.

‘’Please…..approach sister.’’ Alicent called out to the woman who was standing in the corner of the room.

The hooded woman shuffled towards the Queen and Larrisa hesitantly, her eyes still downcast.

‘’You have nothing to fear from us…..what is your name Sister?’’ Alicent inquired.

‘’Olenna…..if it please your Grace.’’ The hooded women said.

At the sound of the woman's voice, which sounded to belong to that of a young woman, Alicent saw surprise run through the eyes of her Targaryen companion.

‘’Olenna…..’’ Larrisa said, clearly shocked, lowering the woman's hood slightly to look at her eyes.

‘’Mother…..’’ The woman responded, quickly pulling her hood back up.

‘’Olenna Tyrell……wife of my son Raymont….and my daughter-by-law……why did you not say something dear…..Raymont told me you were feeling ill when we arrived.’’ Larrisa said in confusion.

‘’I almost didn't come at all but…..’’ The diminutive woman began, her voice trailing off.

Alicent, sensing something was wrong, took the woman's hands, only for the woman to grimace as if in pain and pull them back quickly, but not before Alicent could feel that several of the fingers were misshapen and bent.

‘’I almost didn't come but….for the sake of the babe…I…I didn't know what else to do.’’ She whispered.

Alicent, a pit forming in her stomach, slowly reached for Olenna's hood and pulled it down, and what she saw caused her to let out a gasp alongside Larrisa.

The side of the poor woman's face was heavily bruised, deep purple and black splotches on her cheek and running down all the way to her neck and shoulder, from the looks of it she had been beaten almost to death.

‘’R…Raymont did this?’’ Larissa asked in shock.

‘’He is not always like this…..sometimes he is fine and pleasant, quick to joke….but out of nowhere….the smallest things….a darkness comes over him…..I…I only gave the stable boy a few halfpennies for seeing to our horses and when we returned to our chambers……’’ The woman faltered before looking up at Larissa, a hint of boldness in her eyes for the first time.

‘’Your son is a monster….a damned brute.’’ She finished.

‘’I…I am so sorry….he always had a temper but…I never knew he was capable….’’ The old woman began, the hints of tears in her eyes, but Olenna Tyrell ignored her, her gaze returning to the Queen.

‘’I fear for the babe……if he does it again….and there's no telling what will set him off….no matter how hard I try…..’’ The woman said.

‘’Olenna Tyrell….I SWEAR to you that this will not go unanswered…..he shall never lay hands on you again.’’ Alicent said, a fury upon her.

She stormed from the chambers, finding her husband's uncle Aemorys a respectful distance away, guarding the Great Hall.

‘’Is everything all right, your Grace.’’ The Lord Commander asked, clearly noticing her mood.

‘’Walk with me Ser.’’ She commanded and the Kingsguard nodded and fell in behind her.

She found them all in the Kitchen Keep, breaking their fast on venison stew. Aurion sat next to Lord Paramount Ronnal, laughing at a jest from Raymont Baratheon, the Lord Paramounts half brother regaling the table with a tale.

Alicent stormed in, not breaking her stride, Aemorys struggling to keep up with her.

‘’How was court?’’ Her husband began but Alicent ignored him, walking past him towards the seated Raymont Baratheon who looked up at her with piercing gray eyes, clearly confused at her glare. The fury was well and truly upon the Queen at this point when she saw the brute, a tall and muscular man, in stark contrast to his wife Olenna, who was a very petite woman.

‘’My La…’’ He began, confused but the Queen gave him no opportunity to finish, raising her palm and delivering a stinging blow to his cheek.

Cursing foully and nearly falling from his seat in surprise and his hurry to get to his feet, Raymont Baratheon got to his feet, where Alicent proceeded to slap him once more across the face with her palm for good measure.

Raymont Baratheon cursed and took a step forward, but the Lord Commander Aemorys was immediately in front of her, Dark Sister in hand.

‘’I wouldn't.’’ The bearded Kingsguard knight said simply, and Raymont slowly withdrew, massaging his sore face, glaring at the Queen.

Aurion had since taken to his feet, a look of complete bewilderment upon his face.

‘’Alicent….what is this?’’ He asked.

‘’This man…this brute you sit here laughing with beat his pregnant wife near to death…..a woman near half his size if that.’’ Alicent said, glaring at Raymont.

‘’Clear the room if you would Lord Ronnal.’’ The King commanded the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, who nodded and led his brother out, slowly the Feast Hall emptied.

Aurion took a seat, gesturing for her to join him, putting a hand on her shoulder ‘’Tell me all of it.’’

Alicent obliged, and by the time she had finished he was running a hand through his beard.

‘’If you had seen her Aurion…..if you had seen the bruises….it was your own kinswoman Rhaenys that established the law preventing such beatings.’’ Alicent proclaimed.

‘’Strictly speaking she prohibited any more than six blows….not the beatings….reprehensible as the practice may be….the laws of the land don't prohibit the right of a husband to chastise his wife.’’ Aurion said, not unkindly.

‘’She had done nothing to warrant ‘’chastisement’’ Aurion ... .nothing….something must be done.’’ Alicent said.

‘’And something will…..you have my word.’’ The King promised, never one to deny his Queen anything.

It was Larrisa who came up with the idea, suggesting that an edict from the High Septon be made annulling her son's marriage to Olenna, and her son be sent to the Warriors Sons in Oldtown to atone for his sin.

Lord Ronnal Baratheon counted his younger half sibling as one of his closest companions and was not pleased when he heard of King Aurions intentions, but the Lord of Storm's End was not one to interfere with a royal order and he submitted after speaking with his stepmother Larrisa, Aurions relationship with the faith made setting aside the marriage an easy enough affair and Raymont Baratheon was ‘’invited’’ to join the Warriors Sons by the King himself an honor he could scarcely refuse.

111 AC-112 AC

With a rather eventful visit to Storm's End complete, the royal progress continued, with far less dramatic events occurring.

Following their departure, the royal party traveled south through the Stormlands to the keep of Crows Nest on the mountainous outskirts of the Rainwood to visit with Lord Morrigen. The visit here was noticeably more subdued than that to Storm's End and extremely well received, with Queen Alicent holding another successful ‘’Womens Court’’ while the King negotiated regular shipments of timber to King's Landing on the new Kingsroad. Timber was not only needed by the common folk of the city but was in high demand for the Braavosi trading post which dominated Kings Landings trade, as wood is in short supply in Braavos.

Following this, Aurion would make another trip to Highgarden hoping to continue the accord he had found with Lord Ellard Tyrell, as well as reunite with his old friend Norman Tyrell, Queen Alicent would hold another ‘’Woman's Court’’ but it was to be her last of the progress, as in Highgarden she began to show signs of pregnancy and would return to King's Landing, some months later giving birth to another son, whom would be named Prince Vaegon.

The King, continuing on alone after Alicents departure then made the trip to the impressive castle of Casterly Rock in the Westerlands, becoming the first Targaryen monarch to visit the seat of House Lannister, and the first Targaryen to set foot in the Westerlands since King Vaemond put down the Lions rebellion decades earlier.

Despite the fact that Targaryen influence was rather low in the Westerlands, Aurion was cordially received by Lord Willem Lannister who had been the realms master of coin since the days of Queen Laena and the two were very familiar with each other. While in the Rock, Aurion toured the newly built sept of Brightwall, built inside of the rock itself, visited the nearby gold mines, and was shown the Hall of Heroes where the Lannister kings and heroes of old are interred.

Following this, the King chartered a boat in Lannisport to make a return to the Iron Isles. There were reportedly very rough seas on the journey to Saltcliffe, and it seems as if King Aurion came very close to joining his ancestor Aegon the Conqueror at the bottom of the Sunset Sea, however the royal galley made it through the night and soon made landfall in Saltcliffe.

The King toured the small village of Salt Dragon Port which he had funded years earlier, though the lord Sawayne Saltcliffe had since passed. After a few days of enjoying the fresh salty sea air, The King and his party then made their way to Pyke, the foremost castle in the isles and seat of House Greyjoy.

While the King enjoyed a cordial welcome, once again witnessing many finger dances, saga recitations and skald performances, it is reported the King felt an unease in the isles, as if the wind before a storm, despite the Kings attempts to understand the political climate on the isles, the Ironborn were quite tight lipped during his visit and he left feeling concerned for the island kingdom.

King Aurion then began the final, yet longest leg of his progress, sailing from Pyke to the Stony Shore in the North, his first trip to the lands of House Stark. Upon landing, King Aurion and his party began the long march to Winterfell, stopping for several days in Kings Course, the seat of House Cassel where he witnessed a small traditional northern melee, the northern equivalent of a joust, though fought in teams and while dismounted.

After this spectacle, the King and his company finished the last of the trek to Winterfell. There, Aurion enjoyed great hunting in the rich pine forests nearby, forming a friendship with Harwin Umber, a retainer of the Lady Stark. Not all the King's time in Winterfell was spent on such pursuits however as he held court and settled several matters, albeit temporarily, including a dispute between House Stark and the Northern Clans, who had long had a troubled relationship.

With his visit to Winterfell concluded, King Aurion made yet another long trip to White Harbor and arranged transport to Gulltown in the Vale, and from there traveled to the Eyrie, seat of House Arryn, traveling up the perilous winding path on a mule, taking in the view for several days before descending and visiting several small villages which had been looted by the mountain clansman of the Vale. The King had little to say of his time atop the Eyrie and did not seem to particularly enjoy it, only stating to the Queen Alicent upon his return that never before had he seen a castle so beautiful but so lonesome.

This was to be the Kings final stop on his progress as he felt he had been away from his family and the capitol long enough, with Aurion traveling to Gulltown and then sailing back to King's Landing, arriving back on the 4th moon of 112 AC, having been gone for a year and a half. So ended the King's second progress, but back in King's Landing, the Targaryen children, as they were so often like to do, were causing mischief.

 

[Bullfilter]

On the previous chapter about Vaella:

The Hand was a kindhearted and charitable man

Oh dear, at the time I was thinking “that’s pretty much a death sentence for a Hand”!

among the dead being Lord Bar Emmon

Combined with a reckless flash of temper too, well …

Aurion and the daughter of the Queen of Skulls left the Dragonpit, arm in arm.

That was well done. And the outcome was well handled, despite Vaella’s little ploy at the end.

 

[HistoryDude]

King Aurion's doing everything he can to avoid any more rebellions and help the kingdom, isn't he? I mean, he's aiding the smallfolk, listening to the concerns of the nobility (or having his wife do that, I guess), and even building infrastructure to connect the realm.

On the other hand, granting his brother a potential seat from which to usurp him seems like a bad idea...

 

[Bored Student1414]

King Aurion's reign seems to be going well. He is well respected and the Kingsroad is being built. We have the first cadet house but Valerion wants more. He currently lacks a dragon and respects his older brother enough to not rebel now but he is just waiting for the right time to usurp Aurion's bloodline.

Will Aurion give a rock in the Narrow Sea for every troublemaking brother to call himself the lord of?

While Aurion is healthy, well regarded by the realm, and in possession of the second largest dragon, it would be foolish for anybody to challenge his position. If that were to change or if Aurion were to prematurely die, the Iron Throne could be challenged.

Based on the chapter title, somebody is going to die at dinner. We will see if it is murder or someone choking on a lamprey pie.

King Aurion did not begrudge his Great Aunt a funeral befitting a Targaryen princess, lending the dragonfire of Vhagar during her ceremony along with that of Tridax, Larissa’s Proudwing and Aenys’s Oathwing.

Proudwing was Jaehaera's dragon. Larissa's dragon is Chalfyre, the infamously stolen dragon.

Larissa's sons have turned out poorly. Prince Rhodry became a hated tyrant who was deposed and murdered. Raymont Baratheon was a brute of a man although he might have been a victim of Targaryen madness inherited from his mother's side.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The King and Queen are good and respected leaders. Between brothers and sons, Aurion is surrounded by Targaryen testosterone. Thanks

 

[streaker77]

King Aurion's doing everything he can to avoid any more rebellions and help the kingdom, isn't he? I mean, he's aiding the smallfolk, listening to the concerns of the nobility (or having his wife do that, I guess), and even building infrastructure to connect the realm.

Honorable, Just, and Dilligent is a great trio of traits.

On the other hand, granting his brother a potential seat from which to usurp him seems like a bad idea...

Aurion having the charitable trait is a double edged sword, at the same time, he does feel the need to provide for his younger brothers and set them up for the rest of their lives to hopefully be productive assets to the realm.

Will Aurion give a rock in the Narrow Sea for every troublemaking brother to call himself the lord of?

His charitable trait means he would have it hard pressed to deny any future requests, whether it be land or marriages.

Combined with a reckless flash of temper too, well …

He should have heeded Larissas advice, but he had had enough of Vaellas antics.

Based on the chapter title, somebody is going to die at dinner. We will see if it is murder or someone choking on a lamprey pie.

Proudwing was Jaehaera's dragon. Larissa's dragon is Chalfyre, the infamously stolen dragon.

Great eye for detail, went ahead and changed it!

Raymont Baratheon was a brute of a man although he might have been a victim of Targaryen madness inherited from his mother's side.

I think the predisposition torwards anger among the Durrandon/Baratheons could also play a role, so far in the story there has been quite a few less than pleasant Baratheons (Cymellas Husband, Daeorils Husband, Raymont, Orys's son etc)

Between brothers and sons, Aurion is surrounded by Targaryen testosterone. Thanks

This boiling cauldron will come to a spill in time.

-To All: Thank you for the comments/likes. 2nd part of this chapter will be out tuesday or wedensday and will feature POVS from Maelyx and 2 from Vaeron, with significant appearances for Aelor and Balaeron as well.

 

[TWR97]

Aurion certainly is turning to be quite a Jaeherys analogue for this one, hell he has a wife that's close to the name Alyssane as well, though his brother certainly has Rogue Prince vibes to him, would be interesting if he can turn that ambition eastwards, there's always more land to be found in Essos, and killing slavers is always justified.