Legacy of the White Dragon : Dance of the Dragons

Laena Velaryon Targaryen (109 A.C. Ten Moon – fourth day)

Driftmark – Hight Tide Shore

The sea hit her feet lightly, and the water was getting colder. All the signs were dear that winter was coming. It seemed part of her husband's words always rang true.

Roar! Vhagar was in the air, and she wondered why. 'Her lady mostly went into the air to either hunt, perhaps once a week. For either whale or fish, yet her lady had already flown yesterday. So why was it in the air now?'

For that reason, she didn't have to wait long as she glimpsed two winged shapes in the air. One was a yellow-golden shape, her sister-wife Yellow Lady, and one was a black behemoth, her husband Black Dread.

"Aemon." She murmured as she looked at the sky. Balerion and Vhagar were dancing, a familiar dance she had seen on the occasion. It was a dance of a pair coming together. A dragon and a dragon were meant to be together.

Balerion shrieked, and the dragon dove down and flowed by Syrax and Vhagar. 'It was a sight. Seeing them dive like that,' she thought in wonder.

They ended it just before they would hit the water. Cliding just above the water, and their wingtips just tip the water. Then, a few feet from her, they landed. Balerion rose high into the sky and let us roar, announcing his present to the entire island and her child chick. 'It was as if agreeing with the dragon's arrival, or was it the happiness of sensing his or her father?' She thought as she touched her swollen belly.

The ladders were being thrown down from Balerion. She could feel more excitement building, and her heart fluttered in her chest. Another kick, and it seemed the babe was agreeing with her excitement.

Then, a white bol of fur came running down the dragon's wing and, with a jump, landed on the beach. She let out a laugh as Ghost rol happily in the sand. "Laena," And she looked toward the voice. Aemon he was standing, a true Targaryen Prince with grey eyes and curly silver-golden hair she loved so much.

She began to walk over to him, and he ran. "Oh, I missed you, my love," Aemon said, his lips crashing on hers with a passion. 'I missed this,' she thought as she took in sent, his taste on her lips. "And I you, as does your child," she said after they broke apart and took his hand toward her belly. Another kick as Aemon's hand caressed her belly. "Oh, feel the babe. Our child, oh, I hope you have been well. I would have been there if I could." He said with a bright smile, yet some regret in his voice.

"I know, but we have our duties. You are out there, on the field of battle, and I, before long, in the birthing bed. I would never blame you for being who you are." She said as she held his face and caressed his scar.

"Well, I hope for the foreseeable future, I shall be at your side, all three of us together and soon a fourth," Aemon said, and his hand returned to her belly.

"Laena, I missed you," Rhaenyra said when she approached them. "Rhaenyra," she said, and she embraced her sister-wife. "How is the babe?" Rhaenyra asked as she held her hand. "Well, it seems the babe is quite excited, as she or he is kicking a lot this morning. A possible meeting with Aemon is the cause." She said with a smile.

"Well, our husband is the one who caused that. He causes quite the excitement at Aegon's nameday celebrations. Although it was more than worth to have him there." Rhaenyra said and kissed Aemon on his cheek.

"I was happy to be there and see everyone again. Although some I would have rather not." Aemon said, 'Otto, it who he meant. She didn't know the Hand of the King well. Yet from everything she heard, the man was not to be trusted.' She thought about Aemon's words.

"Ser Criston is also good to see hail and healthy." She said as Ser Criston arrived after he dismounted of Balerion. "Thank you, Princess. It's been an honor to have been to guard your husband." Ser Criston said and gave her a bow.

"Well, I'm grateful for your service. Aemon has a tendency to be brave and fight beside his men. It is admirable for sure, but it brings him danger he doesn't need to. So, having a skilled man at his side to protect his ass." She ended with a chuckle. "Very elegantly put, but both my wives have that same intention of seeking after danger. Or did we forget that Rhaenyra left to fight in the Vale? And you, dear Laena, have done something very similar during our attack on the Last Refuge." She smiled at Aemon's words. "Perhaps our husband does have some points." She said as she smiled at Rhaenyra.

"Perhaps, but his gallantry is why we love him so much, especially his devotion to us and the realm," Rhaenyra said as she hugged Aemon's arm. "Shall we go inside? I suppose you have been out for a while." Aemon questioned her.

She nodded, and they made their way to the grand halls of High Tide. The castle stood majestically on the cliffs, overlooking the turbulent sea. The wind howled, carrying with it the scent of salt and the promise of winter. As they walked, servants bustled around, preparing for the arrival of their Prince and his company. Balerion was quite valuable for announcing one's arrival.

The great hall of High Tide was a place of warmth and welcome, as they had always been to her. Tapestries of the history of her House adorned the walls. The massive hearth at the far end of the room blazed with a roaring fire, casting a comforting glow.

As they entered, the household staff lined up to greet them. Her mother waited for them and stood at the forefront, her presence commanding and regal. She stepped forward, a broad smile on her face.

"Welcome home, Aemon. It does my heart good to see you safe and well," her mother said, embracing her son-in-law.

"It's good to be home, Princess Rhaenys," Aemon replied, returning the embrace. "And even better to be with my family," Aemon said as he took hold of her hand.

She moved to her mother, her face lighting up with joy. "Mother, it's wonderful that he arrived this soon. Even if Father and Laenor have yet to arrive."

"That's true, and I'm glad your husband will be with you during the birth. And I will say you a lot, my dear. You look radiant," her mother said, her eyes twinkling as she took in her daughter's form, the swell of her belly evident.

"Thank you, Mother. The babe is quite active today, " she said with a smile.

She turned to Rhaenyra, who was standing by Aemon's side. "Princess Rhaenyra, I hope your stay in Kingslanding was enjoyable. How are the King and Queen?"

"It was the same as always; the small council still speaks of how the war is conducted, but the last few sessions with Aemon have been enjoyable. King seemed happy during the hunt at Aemon's return, as did the Queen, so perhaps some change is to be expected." Rhaenyra responded with some hope.

"Mmm, I doubted, but with Aemon home. There might finally be someone who can speak with more authority to the King than Otto." Her mother said.

"I will always do what is best for the realm and my family. Even if they are acts that I have not done otherwise." Aemon said his words true, but their was a sadness to them. "You speak of Bloodstone?" she questioned.

"Yes, that was a necessary evil to end a war. Even I killed innocents with Balerion to accomplish it." Aemon said with gritted teeth. "I will carry that until the end, a sacrifice to ensure stability."

"Well, Aemon, you are to be King, and you carry the blood of the dragon. You won't have easy choices." Her mother said.

"Responsibility is sometimes terrible, and sometimes you do terrible things to ensure peace, goes on." Aemon counter.

"You speak as my father did. He said something similar after his return from the war of the hundred candles. But let's not dwell on it. Let you all get settled, and after we have a feast with the four of us." Her mother said she was trying to increase the joyfulness of the situation instead of dwelling on the grimness of things.

"A wonderful idea, Mother. Come, Aemon and Rhaenyra. I wish to show both the nursery. It was a finalist last week." She suggests happily. "Yes, show me. I want to see where our child will stay when we are on Isle of Driftmark." Aemon took her arm, and together with Rhaenyra, they headed toward the nursery.

Rhaenys Targaryen Velaryon (109 A.C. Ten Moon - fourth day)

High Tide – Hall of Nine.

She sat at the end of the table as the servants brought in the food. Her daughter had arranged for Nothern food to be brought to Driftmark, having acquired a taste for it during her time in the Stepstones. Aemon enjoyed the cuisine of the North more than the South.

She enjoyed the food but had adopted her husband over the years, which was mostly seafood cuisine and most heavily spiced. A bonus is that her husband travels around the world and trade network.

"Hmm, much say, you have prepared a wonderful feast, goodmother. The northern stew, with beef and union, reminds me of my time up in the far North. It warms the bones in the cold." Aemon said after eating a spiced rib and bowl of the stew.

"Yes, the boar and deer are exports coming from the North. Laena has arranged for the huntsmen to manage a population of pine frost in the interior. The species are more robust than those in the southern realms. Perhaps it grants the meats a different taste." She said, answered.

"Mmm, perhaps that's it. Northern boars are fears beasts. Most of all, the animals in the North are larger than their southern counterparts. The biggest animal I ever killed probably was the bear that slashed my right arm. Laena, you did well bringing them. It will give the Lord of the Tides a changeling hunt." Aemon said with a grin.

"Oh, you must see the stag Aemon speared during the hunt. It was a magnificent animal. You'll see it once it's installed on Dragonstone," Rhaenyra chimed in.

"It's true," Aemon added. "The hide is a wonderful white, and the antlers are impressive. The White Hart was a wondrous animal and died well, better than the King's stag." He shook his head at the memory.

"What happened?" Rhaenys asked, taking a sip of her Arbor gold wine, savoring its smoothness.

"We weren't there, but Ser Harwin told us the tale. The King's stag was tied with ropes, and his first strike hit the shoulder blade. It didn't kill the animal; it screamed in agony. After the huntsman pointed out where to strike, my brother finally managed to kill it, but it took considerable effort," Aemon explained.

 "Well, I do love my cousin, as I know you, your brother, and your father." She said as she looked at them. "The King has never been one to project strength. He has a good heart and the best intentions. Yet his strength and will first came from Daemon and after you, Aemon. You have shown the crown's true strength over these past years."

"The people respect strength, yet too much, and you will become cruel and merciless. A balance is to be maintained." Aemon said, 'he wasn't wrong. A balance was necessary. She had to admit her grandfather had it down to tea, although his daughters weren't always so inclined to it.' She thought about Aemon's words.

She raised her glass, "To mercy and strength."

The others echoed her toast, and the evening continued with warmth and camaraderie, the flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over their gathering.

Aemon Targaryen (109 A.C. Ten Moon twenty day.)

High Tide - Terras

The sun felt nice on his face. He is well appreciated on Isle on Driftmark, as he is on Dragonstone. It brought him a piece of home, although his true home was always where his family was. "Aemon, enjoying the view." It was Laena. 'Oh, seeing her again and feeling the babe in her belly was something he dreamed of the moment he learned he was to be a father. But the war had made him wait until he was done. His duty to his men and the realm had made him stay. Duty is the death of love, and from him, it always seemed to be hanging in the background.' He thought as he looked into the glittering waters of Blackwater Bay.

"Yes, I wonder if your father's second Hight Tide will look like this. They have already started the construction." He questioned. "Yes, it has begun, and I chose the site. It's about the cliffs in the northern part of Isle, facing Dragonstone." Laena said as she sat down beside him on the bench.

"Mmm, a good spot not far for here then. It will be nice to have a place where we can relax and make more babes." He said as he kissed her. Laena chuckled. "Let's wait a while, shall we? I yet give birth to this one."

"Whatever you wish for, I'm more than content to wait for you, as it made me already happier than any man can be." He said, taking hold of her hand. "Well, Aemon, you haven't done bad yourself. You have been a good husband, and I saw you with Bennard and your sister. You will be a wonderful father." Laena said as she kissed his hand.

"Well, you also don't have to worry in that department, Laena. Have you already thought about names?" He asked, 'They had spoken about it before.' As he thought back on their final day before their separation on Little Tyrosh.

 "Mmm, perhaps Valaena, Baela after your father, or Rhaena after mine for mother if the babe is a girl," Laena said, and a smile grazed her lips as she spoke. "Although I'm intrigued, I remembered a northern name you gave. Arya, you spoke the name with fondness." Laena said, and he melted a little. "Yes, it holds a fondness for me. Some I loved like a sister, yet she is no longer here." 'From most of the people he would never see again, from the past. Arya always made him crumble the most into sadness. Probably only Robb and maybe Yigritte came close.' He thought as he looked into Laena's eyes.

"You loved her like a sister. Did you meet her here in the North?" Laena questioned in surprise. 'It made sense she thought I met in the North, as that was the only place Laena hadn't come, but he had.' "I met her in my dreams, and that seemed so real. I was sure that I lived it." It was a version of the truth, he told Laena. He did see Arya in dreams on the occasion.

"Oh, that is an interesting tale to come by a name," Laena said, her smile bright as the sun. But then her face contorted, "Oh, ahh." Laena hissed, and her hand gripped his tightly. "Laena? The babe?" He questioned. "I think so, and I felt pain in my lower belly." She answered. "Come then, and we will go to your chambers and summon a scribtor." He said as he stood up. Laena nodded as she breathed deeply. 'I'm going to become a father.' He thought as he helped Laena up and held her gently.

He supported Laena as they made their way back to her chambers, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The corridors of High Tide seemed to stretch endlessly, but they finally arrived. He led her gently onto the bed and summoned the maids and scribtors. High Tide was one of the places where they had already been stationed.

The maids quickly prepared the room, setting up the necessary tools and making Laena as comfortable as possible. He stayed at her side, and soon, Rhaenys arrived. "Oh dear girl," Rhaenys takes to bed on the other side. He had climbed into the bed and positioned himself behind Laena's back. His hand never left hers. He whispered words of encouragement, trying to keep her calm.

"Breathe, my love. You're doing wonderfully," He said, his voice soothing but edged with concern.

Laena nodded, her breaths coming in sharp, controlled bursts. "I'm trying, Aemon. I'm trying."

Not much later, Rhaenyra also arrived and took the reaming side, well scribtor Coman inspected Laena. "The Princess is doing well. It will take some time before the babe will come. Does her grace require milk of the poppy?" Coman inquired.

"Will harm the babe?" Laena asked, and he heard a little tremble in her voice.

"Some will do no harm, Princess. The Black Citadel has worked on less straining potion on the user. I can recommend it. Arch-Scribtor Dussard was very pleased with its progress." Coman answered.

"You can take some of my love for the pain." He said and kissed her cheek.

Maybe two hours seemed to pass in a blur. The room was filled with the sounds of Laena's labored breathing and the murmured instructions of the maids and Coman. Rhaenys wiped the sweat from Laena's brow, and Rhaenyra brought her water, his own heart aching with every cry of pain that escaped her lips. 'He had a different watch this time, and I will not waiver.' He thought determinedly.

Finally, Coman voice broke through the tension. "I can see the head! One more push, my Princess!"

"Come, my love, soon we hold our child," He whispered in encouragement into Laena's ear. Laena, exhausted but resolute, gathered all her strength for one final effort. With a cry, she pushed, and a moment later, the sound of a newborn's wail filled the room. Relief and joy washed over him as he saw their child for the first time.

"It's a girl," Coman announced, holding the tiny, squirming baby up for Laena and him to see.

His eyes filled with tears as he looked at his daughter, a crown of silver curls, with grey eyes. 'Oh, those eyes reminded him of his mother, Arya.' He thought as the child was lying against Laena's breast. "She's beautiful, Laena. Just like her mother." He said as he came up from behind and laid mother and child gently against the cushions.

Laena, exhausted but radiant, held the babe in her arms as tears of joy streaming down her face. "Hello, my little one," she whispered, her voice filled with love.

He leaned in, kissing Laena's forehead and then the baby's tiny head. "You did it, my love. You brought our daughter into the world."

Laena looked up at him, her eyes shining with happiness. "We did it together, Aemon. She's our little miracle."

"You have done well, Laena, she looks wonderful." Rhaenys sobbed as she looked at the babe with tears in her eyes. "She is Laena. You have given our husband a wonderful child." Rhaenyra said and kissed Laena's cheek. "She did, indeed, and one day you will too." He said as he took Rhaneyra, hand kissing it.

"Have you thought of names?" Rhaenys asked, holding back a sob in her voice. "Mmm, Laena, you can choose. I love whatever you decide." He said. "Mmm, mother, meet your granddaughter, Arya Targaryen," Laena announced, and his heart cracked a little.

"Wonderful name for a wonderful girl," Rhaenys announced, her voice thick with emotion as she gently stroked the baby's cheek.

"Arya Targaryen," he repeated softly, looking down at his daughter with a mixture of love and hope. "Welcome to our family."

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