Hello everyone sorry for the delay on this chapter but to be fair I never promised a consistent upload schedule. At least I think I didn't, but if I did, sorry. Anyway, I haven't decided on the new name for Agaraxes yet, but I have seen the ones most people are leaning toward. Anyway, I haven't had much time to write lately since I'm still having a lot of car trouble I forget if I mentioned that before. Also still sick but it isn't very important so that's alright. I've been getting a lot of ideas for fics lately but I don't have enough time or discipline to write about them all. I seriously have a list of like 20-30 ideas that I will probably never get to write at all. Some of them are Game of Thrones others are other series.
For example, I was thinking of doing a gacha fic at some point but with actual random generators so I was wondering I anyone knows how to set up a good one. I think I remember reading a fic where someone set up their own code for it. Can't remember the name of it but the character was in the DxD verse and ended up rolling the hell taker trait for his first ability it was hilarious. Might add that idea to the list actually. Another was an MHA fic where the main protagonist oc has the quirk to create quirks but I was thinking of adding some heroes from other franchises as well.
Anyway, I realized I've been forgetting to do it for the last few chapters.
[Insert Random Generator Gif Here]
Funniest GIF wins a đź‘‘next chapter.
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- - - - -
An Excerpt from Archmaester Gypdayn's
Fire and Blood.
Volume 1
On the life of Daemon Targaryen son of Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen
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During the time period between the death of his father and Prince Baelon's funeral, a noticeable change took place in Prince Daemon's behavior. At first, he seemed to drown his sorrows in whores and ale. Then he seemed to become far more sober during the days yet continued his late-night absences.
But the true change came after a royal meal in which all blood-related members of house Targaryen attended along with any married to those members with the exception of Prince Vaegon who was still trailing to King's Landing from the citadel and his sister Princess Saera Targaryen for obvious reasons. Different accounts provide several different stories of the events that took place during the meal. One thing is for certain however and that is that there was some sort of conflict between Prince Daemon, his son, and his wife.
The result being that the Prince no longer publicly called his lady wife the Bronze Bitch any longer. Though no one alive could know why this change occurred his monacur for Lady Rhea Royce changed to the rune woman or simply the lady of Runestone as most had called her most of her life despite her only being her son's regent until he came of age.
Another notable fact was that Prince Aemon soon after this event changed the name of his dragon. Many speculate on the reason but some accounts speculate it was because the name Agaraxes was too similar to Caraxes.
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101 AC
Dragonstone
Aemon Targaryen POV
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My behavior at the dinner had been a mistake. I started beating myself up over it almost right after because I knew that I had let the emotions of my child's body overwhelm me again. That and my mother lectured me about it for a long time. It ended up starting an argument between us and we haven't been speaking outside of public events and family dinners and even then it's not much.
I'm aware that throwing a knife at someone during a royal dinner is a bad idea but I was only trying to defend her honor and it even worked. Father doesn't even call her that insulting name anymore. Sure he still has a nickname for her but it is less offensive. Plus what good son would someone say such awful things about his mom? I don't know why she can't understand that but it's whatever.
Besides that, I've been spending more time with all three of my cousins and I think we've been getting along well enough. As for father he's been acting strangely around me. It seemed that somehow he had changed his opinion of me based on my knife throw. I wouldn't call it respect but more like analysis from afar. It didn't matter to me right now though as strange as his behavior was.
I frown as I grip my grandmother's trembling hand tighter. We've been together all day as I was sure she needed my support for the funeral. We walked out to the funeral grounds together hand in hand before all the lords and ladies of the realm. I'm sure most of them would think of it as some sort of political statement but truly I don't think it was. To my left, the king walked out a few steps before us.
We stopped before the lords and ladies and took our place with the rest of the royal family. My father stood next to his brother and his wife. Rhaenyra stood between them staring out at her great-grandfather. The old king walked slowly towards the middle of the grassy field. Around him, lords from all seven kingdoms gathered to listen.
My mother stood out with the other members of the house Royce. Cousins, nieces, and aunts all with her standing at their head next to the royal family. Each is in black and orange and covered in runic-designed clothing. Yet another statement that seemed to be a statement. But it was not the only house that made its position known by where it stood.
Our house was the mirror of the opposite of the royal family was house Velaryon. Dressed in mostly blue but instead of white they too wore black. It was not their house's color but rather it was mourning black worn out of respect for their lord's wife. Though Rhaenys had her problems with my grandfather I have no doubt she cared for him as any nice person would care for their uncle.
But I saw her face as I passed by and when we locked eyes I found something strange there. It was a weirdly cold look that I didn't understand fully but it worried me. Still, I moved my attention away from her and looked at all the lords of the realm. This wasn't the first Targaryen funeral I've been to unfortunately but it is the one where the most great lords arrived.
First, the river lords led by House Tully in their red and blue. The silver fish sigil adorned lord Grover Tully and his wife and sons and newborn grandson. Their entire house was in red and blue but paired with the same mourning black as the other houses. Besides them, their strongest bannermen are the Brackens and Blackwoods. Horses and weirwoods adorned them and all the lords of the other lesser houses behind them.
Then there were the Tyrells in their green and gold combined with black their sigil a simple golden rose on their clothes. Their lord Matthos Tyrell and his family as well. Next to them the lord Hightower and beside his brother a man who I am sure will be one of my greatest problems in the future. Ser Otto Hightower is a future pain in the ass I'm sure and the children next to him.
Funny enough I've met Alicent and Gwayne and we get along quite well but I haven't met the others yet. I'll need to find a way to make them less of a threat and more of an asset to the crown.
The next house I noticed was the proud lions of Casterly Rock. House Lannister was headed by its lord Tymond Lannister and his twin sons Tyland and Jason. Unlike most other lords here didn't dress in mourning colors but rather in their full gold and red. I bet they think with their gold and lions and golden lions they're too good to wear the black. But it doesn't matter to me I suppose.
Moving on was House Arryn but instead of a lord at their head was a little lady. Jean Arryn and her regent who of course was a member of House Royce. In a way, we were currently the true lord paramount house of the Vale. Of course, I'm sure all of her cousins and vessels would disagree but they're dumb anyway so it doesn't matter.
But the last I saw was the house that took the longest to arrive. The Starks arrived and are dressed quite differently from most. Furs and leathers adorned each of them even in the volcanic warmth of the island. Their lord was currently Ellard Stark I think. Though I'm honestly unsure. I've studied most of the lords of the great houses and who they are. Jaehaerys and Grany had an interesting relationship with the Starks no doubt about that but it is also certain that a rift has formed between the rest of the realm. I'll need to fix that one day though I'm not sure how exactly.
Mainly because during this time period I don't have much knowledge of who each is from my previous life. But all that fades away as the king begins his speech. His voice was strong and still projecting even after all these years but it had an underlying tone of defeat.
He was old, exhausted, and devastated. Baelon was his chosen heir, the son he believed would rule after him, and his death broke something inside the king. At least that was how it seemed to me but even so
He did not break down publicly, but those present noted he looked years older and deeply defeated. He did not give off the air of the powerful young king he once was. Nor was it the strength of a dragon rider. Right now he looks nothing more than an old man in fancy clothes and with a crown on his head.
"My lords… my ladies… my children." He said each word slightly quieter than the last. I suppose that last part was for Vaegon who had finally arrived a few days ago after getting his father's summons. He wore a robe similar to that of a maester but he wore no chain and the robe was all black.
"Today we commit to the gods a man who was the strength of this realm." The king paused attempting to find the words. I gripped Grandma's hand tighter. She looked down at my eyes full of sorrow but not tears just a profound tiredness. No mother should bury her children before her but she's done so with nearly all of them. The grief from Maegelle and Gael's deaths nearly killed her and would have had I not intervened.
"Baelon was more than my son. He was the shield of my house, the sword of the kingdom, and the hope of all who looked for peace in the years after fire." The old king continued with his speech. Each word landed coldly and with palpable sorrow. He too had lost most of his children and although it hadn't taken as much of a toll as it did on his wife alas he remained firm. My eyes drifted away from him though even as I continued to listen. Instead, I looked at my grandfather cold and still on the bus funeral pyre. He was so warm and full of life and now he was gone. I was rather fond of him and I think I would have liked to know my grandfather better. But he's dead now and there is nothing I can do but honor his memory.
"He asked for no crown. He sought no glory. What he did, he did for duty… and for love." The speech continued on but now I was looking at the people around me with more suspicion. That look Rgaenys gave me came back and I looked towards her. She looked down first balled tight the other holding onto her husband for support. Her children stood beside her and Corlys one on either side. Laenor looked sad but not truly affected by the events and Laena gripped her mother's skirt and looked up to her with concern. It was when I focused on the skirt that I realized what was going on. It was her blue clothes in particular that stood out. It was no different than the statement the blacks and greens will end up making in the future. I looked around several other lords were wearing small pieces of blue on their clothes even when it wasn't part of their house colors. It wasn't a coincidence but an intentionally made act.
'So that's why he chose council instead of outright naming his heir again.' Even so, I doubt it'll come to war rather it would most likely be best if I kept an eye on the situation as it advances. It will probably still go to a great council if Vaegon succeeds in convincing Jaehaerys.
"In war he was fearless. In council he was tireless. In the quiet hours, when the burdens of rule weighed upon me, it was Baelon who bore them beside me." The old King's voice rose higher as if regaining some of his strength at the thought of his lost son's strength.
"A father should not have to bury his children. I have buried too many." He says becoming quiet once more but this time another sound comes. It's faint at first so my hearing is much better than the average man so I look up first.
"But this loss… this loss strikes at the root of us all." The sound from above intensifies and grows slightly louder. A few others have noticed now and have started to look up curious at the sound. Jaehaerys starts to speak a little louder than before as well.
"The realm has been robbed of the future it deserved," Grandpa says as a shadow appears in the clouds above. The sound of thunderous flapping draws nearer to us and it takes me a moment to realize it's not one but two sets of wings. The old king's posture fixes and he puts less weight on his cane.
"A future I believed my son would guide with wisdom and with strength." Jaehaerys paused, steadying himself. But as this island's namesake grows nearer the old man grows stronger finishing out his words.
"I loved him. I was proud of him. And though the gods have taken him from us, they cannot take the peace he won, the trust he earned, or the memory of the man he was." The flapping is nearer and now the entire crowd is looking up at the shimmering beasts in the air. One bronze and one silver each of the two biggest creatures to ever walk the face of Planetos and certainly to fly through its blue sky. As they land a rumble shakes the ground. Then there's a new sound it's not a roar so much as it is a growl from both creatures.
It translates in my head quickly and clearly, Dragon Tongue is still in effect even now when I'm not paying attention.
"You have called for me my rider," Vermithor growls as he lands in the side field and I see now why we had some much extra space to work with here. Silvereing however says nothing only searching the crowd for Alysanne and finding her quickly and then me. Our eyes lock but I don't find her gaze intimidating so much as kind. I don't know why but I've been able to understand a dragon's facial expressions much better I'm not sure how or why though.
The two continue to move closer with each step trembling the earth. Vermithor and Silverwing have arrived and the entire crowd stares out at the great beasts. I noticed that the faces of Viserys and my father once consumed with grief now full of respect at the two legendary creatures. They've seen them too many times to be filled with awe especially my father who rides a dragon himself. That being said upon arrival a ripple of shocked gasps and startled sounds sweeps through the crowd.
The two dragons lolm closer each nearing their rider. Granny still holding my hand suddenly walks out of the crowd toward Silverwing. It startles me at first but I keep pace with her as we come before the silver dragon.
"Hello, my rider I've missed you and your little one." Silverwing trills slightly nudging her large scaled head against Alyssane's hands then she turns to me letting me pet her shining scales. They are mainly silver with the slightest bit of blue and warm. They are also much smoother than expected. Her breath steams over my face and it makes me smile and Granny laughs quietly as she continues to pet her oldest companion.
Meanwhile, Grandpa does the same with his Dragon the Bronze Fury Vermithor. Frankly, if I didn't have my own Dragon I imagine he is the one I would have claimed for myself. But it doesn't matter as one day both of these two Dragons will be mine. That's right I plan to use my dragon tame skill on both of them. Then not only will I have two of the world's largest dragons but also one of its few mated pairs that consistently produce eggs for them. Plus the Vale isn't a bad place for dragons to live. Agaraxes has taken a liking to the sheep and since we live by the coast he also eats lots of the fish as well. Plus if a dragon for some reason gains a taste for human flesh there are plenty of mountain clansmen to eat. But not only that it has plenty of space for them to roam free as well. It's mostly rolling mountains, hills, and grasslands with the occasional forest.
Since that will basically counteract the dragon pit it will basically make me the number one provider of dragons in the future thus preventing their extinction. It will also make me the number one purveyor of dragon eggs in the world thanks to one of the Dragon Growth Trees that I planted back at Runestone. The plan alone makes me smile although I'm sure the crowd just thinks it's because I'm fond of the silver dragon in front of me.
I'm thinking of renaming it the Vale of Dragons. The Arryns didn't deserve it anyway. They literally attacked my ancestor from behind after sending a mumer in their place to meet him in the field! Then they stole the Vale right out from under my house. Then they have the gall to have their words be as high as honor! What fucking honor? Bunch of back-stabbing cunts is what they are but I digress.
My gaze turns towards little Jeyne Arryn whose eyes are staring widely at Vermithor who stands behind the old king facing the unlit funeral pyre. My smile fades into an expression that I've been practicing. I call it my court face. It's not a smile instead it is a stoic look but I doubt it is that considering my childish features. Hopefully, it's enough for nobody to notice my growing anger at that house of shitty birds. I press down my irritation at the historical outrage and press it down even further when I realize that their filthy Arryn blood is now going to infect the royal family when Aemma becomes Queen.
I blink hard realizing how strange it is for me to be getting angry with them. Sure I'm familiar with the history but I have no problems with Jeyne and I'm rather fond of Aemma as well. Plus close with Rhaenyra as well and she's half Arryn thanks to her mother. But suddenly thoughts of blood purity and how they do not deserve to pollute the line of the dragon fill me. I suspect it's that mild madness creeping back in. I take a deep breath and loosen my grip on Granny's hand who has been focusing on whatever her husband has been saying.
"Valm you're fury little hatchling. Be at peace I know not what angers you but this is a time of peace and ritual." Silverwing trills again from behind me brushing her snout against my whole body. It nearly knocks me over being only about the size of a five-year-old child. But it makes me smile as I turn to pet her again and makes a contented noise.
I've been so unfocused that I've been tuning out of the king's speech. I realize something's not right with me but I don't have time to focus on that right now. Instead, I look back to the king focusing my hearing back on his speech.
"May the Seven keep him." The Old king says standing taller than he was before and now giving off a much more regal feeling. His silver hair almost seems to sparkle a little and his pure eyes no longer seem as tired as they were.
"May we strive to be worthy of what he gave us." He says and it's as if he gathers strength not from within but rather from the bonded dragon behind him for this next part. I realize a similar effect occurred with grany. She seems almost brighter in the presence of Silverwing and it's clear that the dragon's caring demeanor is helping Alysanne with her grief.
"Farewell, my son." And the great bronze dragon rears its scarred head up and over the old king. Jaehaerys raises his arm and all the lords seem enraptured by his figure. Even in his final days this man still gives off the aura of a king. Then he speaks one last word.
"Dracarys!" And then Vermithor opens his great maw of teeth sharp and long as great swords. Heat washes over all as a torrent of red and gold flames washes over the corpse of Baelon and swirls up into the air. But that's not all as Alyssane squeezes my hand and takes a deep breath as well. She gathers her strength and repeats the High Valyrian command herself.
In response, Silverwing rears up on its back legs and breathes flames towards the funeral pyre. Her shining silver and blue flames join Vermithor's red in gold in a swirl of colors that steels my breath away. I've never felt such awe at such a majestic sight. The heat doesn't even bother me at all in fact it's rather pleasant. It fills me with a strange sensation of peace actually how wonderful it would be if I could look at these all day long.
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A Few Hours Later
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Almosteveryone had gone inside by now but for a few exceptions. Grandma and my mother both wanted me to go inside with them and eat but I didn't go with them. Nearly all the family had gone into the castle to feast with the other lords. But I was too busy watching one particular man in the distance.
He stood near a cliff all alone staring out into the mists. I walked over standing beside him. I didn't say anything I just waited looking out at the grey skies of Dragonstone. The island breeze hit quickly but not harshly. It was warm and humid but not in an uncomfortable way but in more of a tropical way.
It was nice in a way I couldn't quite explain as if I belonged here in a way. If the Vale was like taking a walk through a park and breathing in the fresh air. Dragon stone was like lying down with a nice warm blanket that wasn't too hot or too heavy. I looked down from the cliff to the white sands of the beach.
I stared at the waves crashing they were still a bright blue even this late into the day. White foam and sparkling waters that reflected the light of the sun. I breathed the fresh ocean air deeply sure the backwater was technically a bay or whatever but it's still part of the narrow sea.
Then he made a sound at first I thought it was just another wave crashing but then I realized it was him. I looked over to him and really studied him for once. His hair was long the classic Targaryen silver gold or platinum blonde in my old world. He was tall around six feet definitely taller than Viserys and his features were sharper. He looked more like a warrior than another member of our family and was far more handsome than anyone on my mother's side as well.
My father Daemon Targaryen carried dark sister even now. I swear he never lets the thing ever out of his sight. His hair blew in the wind and he gripped the blade in his hand even tighter.
Then he spoke same voice as usual only far more serious than usual. "I did not spend enough time with my father I feel." Finally, he turns his head to look at me our eyes lock and I see that he means what he says. He turns back to face the castle in the distance.
It's not the show version of the castle not much like the Iron Throne this version of Dragonstone is the real deal. I am a giant black castle carved with dragons and made in a way this world may never be seen again.
[Image here]
He walks towards it but stops before he looks back at me one more time. His dark figure seems to be almost made for a place like this a true Targaryen through and through. Our ancestral seat almost makes him seem like more than just a man.
"I'll endeavor to spend more time with you."
[Chapter Image Here]
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Hey everyone hope you enjoyed the chapter remember to like comment and share some power stones as I've recently discovered that apparently it helps the fic somehow how but I've been asking anyway because everyone else does as well.
Happy holidays everyone I'll hopefully have the next chapter out soon.