Not gonna lie, this is definitely not going to be easy. This part introduced more characters than any other before and likely after it, with a whopping twenty new introductions, if we count Lachlan and Remi. With so many new characters in the Hawk's storyline, it might take some time until they all left their impressions. Some, such as the Hawk, the Rat and the Pig themselves, are likely easy to be remembered, but I don't really expect anyone to remember Maldar the Quiver anytime soon. Perhaps these nicknames everyone in the company has can help there, giving each character a bit of a trait that is very obvious from their name alone, such as Maldar the Quiver having something to do with archery, while Timos the Hammer is obviously a blacksmith. But most of these characters are not even meant to be all that important, they are simply around to give the three companies a feel of being actual companies and not two or three people leading a faceless group of sellswords.
Man, I really must work on the wiki, I feel like once that is finished, such problems will be so much easier to solve
[Keep pressing Remi for details] While she probably doesn't know her father's full plan, is better if we hear her version first. So Houses Keding and Coldwater are being summoned by their liege, yet there's no mention of House Tollett of Grey Glen. Curious, that's all. [Order them both to your camp at once] If he's the only one keeping them together, then it's better if they meet him. This is probably the farthest north those elephants and Zorses have ever been. Wonder why they need them.
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
So Houses Keding and Coldwater are being summoned by their liege, yet there's no mention of House Tollett of Grey Glen. Curious, that's all.
Aye, the Royce vassals Shett and Tollett haven't been called to Runestone indeed and there is actually reason for that, which is likely going to be explained in Lachlan's next part. Be assured, House Tollett will play a role in this particular storyline
This is probably the farthest north those elephants and Zorses have ever been. Wonder why they need them.
You are right, it is likely that at least elephants have never been brought into the Vale before. Zorses, I could see them being brought once every couple hundred years as exotic animals from the east for the Vale people to marvel over, but this should be the first time someone actually brings them for war. The Company of the Pig has a focus on war animals, so with them being hired, they brought them along, also because they are a favourite of the Pig himself. If they truly need them remains to be seen, but they are ready for it if necessary.
[Keep pressing Remi for details] While she probably doesn't know her father's full plan, is better if we hear her version first. So Houses K… moreeding and Coldwater are being summoned by their liege, yet there's no mention of House Tollett of Grey Glen. Curious, that's all.
[Order them both to your camp at once] If he's the only one keeping them together, then it's better if they meet him. This is probably the farthest north those elephants and Zorses have ever been. Wonder why they need them.
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
Lachlan
A cold wind had come from the mountains this morning and as Lachlan Keding slowly rode up the path that should lead him to his de… morestination, he shivered, despite the fur cloak he had wrapped himself in. Perhaps it wasn't just the cold though. His destination was equally chilling, if the rumours could be believed.
His mother, he remembered, had never believed in the rumours surrounding the castle of Runestone. A Coldwater by birth, her house had always been closer to House Royce than Lachlan's family, the Keding's of Phoenixfall. Both bannermen to the Bronze Lord, living in the shadow of the most powerful family of the Vale. And yet, Lachlan had seen the man only once and heard so much more, so much worse.
He was thankful for the lack of snow in these parts of the Fingers at least, knowing how easily this fact could change. The path up to Runestone was troublesome enough already and the last thing he wanted was for one of the V… [view original content]
So, so many new characters. I have already forgotten most, but I hope that will change. I think I'll like the Rat the most.
I.... think it'll change. I mean, don't get me wrong, many of these characters are tertiary, their purpose when they have been submitted was to flesh out the companies beyond the leaders with colourful characters. Not all of them are ultimately going to have much importance to the plot. However, I nonetheless believe that many of them will end up leaving some sort of impression, I hope so at least.
I am also excited for the next part to introduce The Mouse, The Pigeon, and The Goat. That will be glorious.
Ah, unfortunately, The Mouse, The Pigeon and The Goat remained in Essos. The Iron Bank only managed to hire three companies and the problem there is, The Mouse and The Rat really don't get along. However, you are going to meet someone else following that naming pattern later in the chapter. His name is The Fang and I am certain you're going to love him, for he is truly a lovable fellow, as the name kinda implies.
[Enter the room] Why not? I mean, actually, there are plenty of valid answers to that question. But I don't trust this Remi. Sketchy.
[Me… moreet up with the Rat first] I like dwarves. They are funny. Let's met him.
So, so many new characters. I have already forgotten most, but I hope that will change. I think I'll like the Rat the most.
I am also excited for the next part to introduce The Mouse, The Pigeon, and The Goat. That will be glorious.
So, so many new characters. I have already forgotten most, but I hope that will change. I think I'll like the Rat the most.
I.... th… moreink it'll change. I mean, don't get me wrong, many of these characters are tertiary, their purpose when they have been submitted was to flesh out the companies beyond the leaders with colourful characters. Not all of them are ultimately going to have much importance to the plot. However, I nonetheless believe that many of them will end up leaving some sort of impression, I hope so at least.
I am also excited for the next part to introduce The Mouse, The Pigeon, and The Goat. That will be glorious.
Ah, unfortunately, The Mouse, The Pigeon and The Goat remained in Essos. The Iron Bank only managed to hire three companies and the problem there is, The Mouse and The Rat really don't get along. However, you are going to meet someone else following that naming pattern later in the chapter. His nam… [view original content]
His name is The Fang and I am certain you're going to love him, for he is truly a lovable fellow, as the name kinda implies.
He's such a people person.
The Hawk is going to order the Rat and the Pig to his camp at the same time
Ah, I am glad these new PoV's seem to be at least well received for now. They have quite some storyline ahead of them and I look forward to show more of it. For now, these are the choices I expected you to take. The first one might mean annoying Remi a bit over this, whereas the other one will definitely lead to a tense conversation between all three company leaders. Definitely a good opportunity to flesh out some of the characters that otherwise haven't made much of an impression so far.
I hope to release the next part today. I realize it has been almost the entire week without the part and well, this time I have been seriously preoccupied. I have trouble with my car, but that should finally be dealt with at last (after I got into a very heated argument with the car salesman), so I can finish the next part today. It will be an Ellena part, showing her arrival at Dragonstone together with the rest of Team Targ. Not much else I can say for now, but I look forward for this part and I hope so do you
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but the Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and the three dragons that crossed it. Being so far above, they looked even larger, even more terrifying than usual and it was in this moment that Ellena truly stopped doubting that Aegon would win one day. There was no weapon in this world that could harm these beasts, no arrow that could fly that high, no sword or spear that could ever pierce their scales. They were invulnerable and their masters knew it.
And in the distance, Dragonstone. The ancestral seat of House Targaryen had something haunting to it, a massive stone fortress sitting on a surprisingly small island. As jagged and sharp-edged as the cliffs that surrounded it, the castle was built out of dark stone, but not in any fashion Ellena had ever seen. It didn't seem built in a traditional sense, but almost shaped out of the raw stone into an eery yet otherworldly beautiful monument, its towers shaped like dragons, so life-like as if they were living beings encased in stone. It was, as she observed, as much a remnant of Valyria as Aegon and his sisters.
The last dragonlord and his older sister stood at the prow, with Aegon, in a rare display of fondness, putting a hand onto Visenya's, which was placed on the railing. Two of Aegon's sworn knights kept guard close by, the broad-shouldered and bald Daghan Oxus and the golden-haired Gordar Celtigar. Ellena wasn't too sure what kind of danger it could be that would await them aboard their own ship, but with Noelle not being allowed anywhere near them, she could kinda guess that they were at the least still suspicious about her true intentions. And to be absolutely fair, she held it the same when it came to the priestess.
Ellena herself was located not too far behind the knights who were guarding the king and his queen. As she looked away from the dragons, both with relief and a heavy heart, she gazed at Admiral Velaryon, who marched across his ship, a satisfied smile on his hollow face. The stout Lord Celtigar had remained behind, to oversee the completion of the initial fort, the Aegonsfort as he had called it. With him were Lord Massey and Simon Stokeworth, but the rest of the Targaryen loyalists were still with their king. Over the past week, Ellena had learned some names, but by far not all. The old Lord Rosby with his kind smile and calm eyes, the quiet and brooding Iwan Bar Emmon and Orys Baratheon, the man that seemed closer to King Aegon than any other. Of course, Archmaester Wulvren was with them as well. Grand Maester Wulvren, as he was called now, a new title Aegon had given him on the spot, but one he wore with pride.
Right now, all of these and more were on the upper deck, while sailors in garbs of black and red readied the ship to sail into the port of Dragonstone. High above them, Meraxes let out a loud roar, followed by Vhagar's and finally, Balerion's almost deafening bellow. Weaved into their roars, carried through the air like wind, was Rhaenys' clear laughter, as she moved Meraxes down, to the point where the dragons' wings nearly touched the surface of the water a couple dozen feet in front of the ship.
The port of Dragonstone was barely that, no comparison to the harbour of Oldtown, or Braavos, or any town of note Ellena had ever seen. Even the comparably small harbour of Raylansfair was at least large enough to support a couple of ships. But what counted as a harbour in Dragonstone was already looking crowded with just the Lady Valaena approaching it.
Rhaenys had even explained the reason to her. After all, the dragonlords of old had no need for a port. They did not reach this island aboard a ship. There was room to expand it, but it wouldn't be necessary. Aegon did not intend to make Dragonstone his seat once finishing his conquest.
Having reached the island itself, Rhaenys brought Meraxes down on the beach next to the port. The silver dragon landed gracefully on the sand, almost gently as a mere feather. Balerion and Vhagar flew over it, crossing the island in just a few heartbeats, both circling the castle. Finally, the Black Dread landed on it and Ellena was surprised the stone would not just cave in beneath the weight of the creature. The roar that came from deep within was Valyria, not just an echo, but the image of its glory, of its terror. It resonated deep within the girl and she felt awe and fear, on a primal level.
Having successfully brought the ship into the port, a boat ramp was led down to the jetty that led to the island proper. A path, newer than the castle itself, built in a traditional way and not with whatever magic Aegon's ancestors had used, led up to the castle itself. A second path led around it, deeper into the island.
As Aegon and Visenya walked down the boat ramp side by side, a few people were there to greet them. The arrival of Balerion did not go unnoticed and as such several guards had hurried down the path. They were led by a one-eyed man, maybe in his forties, but it was hard to guess the age of someone with more than just a hint of Valyrian blood to him. Ageless, it was more the silver beard and the eyepatch that gave him a rugged, weathered appearance.
Though stern at first, he cracked a smile and indeed, so did Aegon, as he fastened his pace, past Visenya to greet the man with the hint of a hug. “Quenton, I'm glad you made it back”, he greeted him and the man, Quenton, took a bow. “As always”, he spoke. “House Qoherys remains loyal until death”
He took a second, even deeper bow in front of Queen Visenya and the woman greeted him with a nod. “Quenton Qoherys”, she spoke. “How did your journey to Crackclaw Point go?” She and the king flanked him, as he led them up the path that would lead to the castle. Daghan and Gordar were behind him, followed by Rahaerys Velaryon and Iwan Bar Emmon. As always clad in humble grey, Lord Rosby shuffled behind them, shivering from the cold.
Next came one of the few people around who were roughly in Ellena's age. Robin Darklyn, brother of the new Lord Darklyn was only one or maybe two years older, a tall, lanky guy, looking a bit awkward especially when compared to his handsome brother, with slightly longer dark hair and the beginnings of a stubble beard. He was accompanied by an entourage of his men, half a dozen, surprisingly led by a young woman. Though having mostly kept away from the other members at court, Ellena had learned that this dark-haired and amber-eyed woman was Dana Darke, distant kin to the Darklyn's of Duskendale and their captain of the guard. Clad in black leather like the rest of her soldiers, she was the only one who wore a cloak, matching the colours of the one Robin wore, the colours Ellena had seen on the banners of House Darklyn.
And finally, behind Orys Baratheon and Lord Velaryon, came Ellena and Noelle. She wasn't bothering with the priestess, not right now, as she looked in awe at the rugged landscape of Dragonstone and the dark castle in the distance. She had to wonder, was this how Valyria looked? No one still alive would know, but she liked to imagine that it was true, for it fit the cold, breathtaking beauty of its masters.
Quenton sighed. “Ah, don't ask, young queen”, he growled and from behind, Ellena raised an eyebrow. It was true, Visenya was young for a queen, a woman not even thirty and yet, that was the last attribute she'd call her, especially to her face. Visenya however only smirked. “But that is precisely what I do, mylord”, she told him. “I ask and I expect an answer”
The one-eyed man shook his head. “You won't like it”, he spoke. “None of the lords declared for us. They lacked the foresight our new allies in Blackwater Bay have proven” With these words, he glanced over his shoulder and gave Regis Rosby a nod. Rosby reciprocated the gesture. “To be fair, Lord Stokeworth needed some minor convincing as well”, he replied. “His son had to resort to a ruse, if I am not mistaken”
“A ruse, yeah”, Quenton chuckled. “A display of strength, that's what it takes at Crackclaw Point. But not one I can deliver” Aegon raised an eyebrow. “You are one of the most formidable warriors I know”, he replied. “Has Crackclaw Point a champion of greater skill?”
“They have pride”, Quenton explained. “Sometimes, that is better than skill with arms. Pride and bravery, that is the most powerful weapon in this world” To his words, Visenya shook her head. “I don't think so”, she said slowly, looking up at the sky, where the green scales of Vhagar broke through the clouds.
“It is true though”, Daemon Velaryon spoke from behind. “Crispian's family demands their loyalty for centuries now. Sometimes he sends men to collect taxes and they rarely come back. It is a dark, contorted piece of land, this Crackclaw Point, inhabited by dark, contorted people, prone to savagery and perversion of the mind”
“The young Lord Brune chased me off his lands, with a dozen dogs on my trail”, Quenton confirmed. “And Lord Crabb threatened to cut out my eye if I won't leave his lands” He chuckled. “His lands, of course, are barely larger than the smallest island under our control at this point and the humble escort you granted me was almost larger than his entire household guard”
“And yet you backed down”, Visenya stated, to which Quenton merely nodded. Though she glanced at him firmly, he kept eye contact, until she looked away first. “This might require more convincing”, she simply stated. “And I might know a way. Husband, leave this Crackclaw Point to me”
Aegon gave her a confident nod. “As you wish, my queen”, he told her. However, his attention was quickly claimed by Rhaenys, who was rushing down the beach and towards them. Meraxes way lying on the sand behind her, the tail gently moving through the water. Softly, the king put an arm around her, as Rhaenys arrived by their side.
“You've been busy, old man?”, Rhaenys asked and Quenton smiled beneath his beard. “Busier than you, young woman”, he replied. “After all, we are at war” Rhaenys chuckled, before she saluted. “Ser, yes Ser!”, she exclaimed, as she gave him a wink. By now, they were going upwards, the road leading up the cliffs, at the top of which the castle of Dragonstone was lying.
As they approached, Balerion lifted itself up from the castle, flying over them and Ellena felt the wind as it flapped its wings a hundred feet above her. She staggered, not used to this sheer force and it was Noelle who grabbed her by the shoulder to prevent her from falling. Narrowing her eyes, Ellena quickly shook her hand off, but she couldn't help but to stare into the same direction as the priestess, after the dragon who was flying over the sea by now.
“They are magnificent”, Noelle mumbled and Ellena had to nod in agreement. “And terrifying”, she added, to which the priestess nodded. “They are fire incarnate”, she spoke. “The Lord of Light can be terrifying as well” She tilted her head. “Do you still doubt why I have to serve King Aegon?”
Ellena shook her head. “Your choice of kings has never concerned me”, she reminded her. “But if you think you can be forgiven...” Before she was able to continue, Noelle cut her off. Her eyes were narrowed and a hint of her old confidence was there. “If you think forgiveness is what I'm after, you are mistaken. I won't twist myself or compromise my order to achieve it”, she told her. “Your forgiveness would be welcome, but is ultimately irrelevant to the mission” There she was, the coldest fire priestess she could ever imagine. “The Lord's will is the only thing that matters”
“Figures”, Ellena sighed. “Must be nice, living like that. Nothing matters, but your god” Noelle looked away, at the Dragon King. “That is because nothing is, but my god”, she spoke. “R'hllor is light and life. He is warmth, he is freedom. Wrath and destruction. He is healing, he is salvation” A smile formed on her face. “He is hope”, she added. “He is everything there is to life” Her gaze, while still stern, had something encouraging now. “I am not your enemy, Ellena Terys”
Ellena nodded coldly. “I know”, she agreed. “That is because you stopped mattering to me the moment you kept your word” She turned away, fastening her pace to avoid having to further talk to the priestess. Her faith, it was something she could never share. A beautiful thing to believe in, but Ellena had grown up in Braavos, where a different god was worshipped on every corner. “You and your god both”
It was the last she would speak to Noelle on their way to the castle proper. The massive gates of Dragonstone were made out of thick wood, reinforced with dark iron, but it was clearly crafted in a conventional way, unlike the walls, which seemed as if someone or something had melted them out of a mountain, formed them with sheer force of will. As they came closer, horns sounded from the walls, several of them and then, the gates opened, fully before the king had reached them.
Behind the gates, on the courtyard, the Targaryen household had gathered for the return of their king. They were fewer than Ellena had expected, though many displayed the features of Valyria, with pale skin, hair ranging from shades of platinum silver to gold and eyes always with a touch of lilac in it.
Two men stuck out by virtue of being the first to approach the king's party, but also because of how different they seemed. One of them was a slim man, well dressed, with short, platinum blonde hair and pale blue eyes that blended in nicely with his fair skin. His otherwise well-constructed face was home to a particularly large nose though.
The other man stood out way more than him. About twenty years older, he was also about a hundred pounds heavier. Though no less elegantly clad, his weight made his clothes less form-fitting than the other man's. His hair, once red, was greying by now and a short goatee covered his upper chin, the double chin below covered with a silken scarf. And while the other man, despite his large nose, managed to have some feeling of regal beauty, this man here was undeniably ugly, with small eyes, a flat, but wide nose and prominent cheekbones. The smile on his small mouth was a friendly one though.
“King Aegon!”, he exclaimed, as he approached them. The other man followed in a bit of a distance, his smile a bit smaller, as he in generally kept a cooler demeanor. Aegon nodded at the fat man, who took a bow in front of him. “Welcome back, your grace”, he added, before looking at Rhaenys. “Your grace”
Rhaenys had a wide smile on her face. “No need to be this formal, Laevon”, she told him. Though she was still smiling, the aura of youthful carelessness was gone for a moment, “How is my son doing?”, she asked and in this moment, she was not the young queen, but simply a concerned mother. Laevon's smile was still small, but he seemed genuinely glad to see the queen. “He is alive and well”, he spoke, to which Rhaenys let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Visedar, prepare a meeting at the painted table”, Aegon commanded. “After the initial victories, we need to discuss how and where to strike next” The fat man saluted, though he looked past his king, at the new arrivals. “Of course, your grace”, he spoke. “But, how many will attend? Any of the newcomers I should count in?”
Aegon glanced at them, his purple gaze resting on Noelle the longest. “Visedar, these are men and women who have swore their loyalty to me”, he explained. “First, we have Wulvren, formerly the Archmaester of Magic, now my Grand Maester”
Visedar smiled widely, though Laevon merely raised a thin eyebrow. “A genuine maester!”, he exclaimed. “Splendid, this is precisely what we were lacking. Welcome at Dragonstone, Maester Wulvren!” As Wulvren nodded, Aegon continued. “Then we have Robin Darklyn, younger brother of Lord Damon Darklyn of Duskendale. He and his entourage will remain here, as Robin is our ward and squire to Ser Rahaerys”, he explained, moving on to the next man. “There we have Lord Regis Rosby, first of the Westerosi to bend the knee” In a gesture of respect, Aegon nodded a bit deeper than usual. “His advice has proven to be valuable. He and Wulvren will both accompany us to the meeting”
However, Visedar's gaze had moved on from the humble, unassuming Lord Rosby, to the elephant in the room, the red priestess. “Is that...”, he gasped and Aegon sighed. “Noelle of Braavos, meet Visedar Solus, my advisor and bookkeeper”, he spoke. “Visedar, this woman has come because her god led her to me”
“Or so she claims”, Visenya added coldly and Aegon nodded. “Or so she claims”, he agreed. “I trust Wulvren's opinion on her, that the powers she has are as real as they are useful” For once, Visedar's smile had faded, whereas the quiet Laevon had an outright frown on his face. “The red priests are dangerous, your grace”, the fat man warned him.
“That they are”, Laevon agreed calmly. “And this young lady by her side?” Ellena frowned at being seen as Noelle's companion. Though technically true, she did arrive with her, she now wanted nothing more than to rid herself of Noelle's influence.
“Laevon, this is Ellena Terys, my newest handmaiden”, Rhaenys introduced her, taking a step back to be by her side. “Ellena, this is Laevon Raelgaeron, castellan of Dragonstone, one of the dearest friends of our family” Laevon put a hand onto his heart and bowed slightly. “Your grace is too kind”, he spoke. “So, you took a handmaiden after all. I remember you telling me you won't need any for the short trip to the continent”
Rhaenys chuckled softly. “I was wrong”, she admitted casually. “Ellena has convinced me of that” She looked at the girl and Ellena couldn't help but to smile back. “Speaking of, I believe it is time for you to meet the other girls” Looking past Laevon, she waved at two young girls, both around Ellena in age.
Both had blonde hair, but the slightly older one had an even lighter colour, bordering on platinum. It wasn't hard to guess the family connection, as her nose was no less aquiline than that of Laevon Raelgaeron. Stern and serious, she had her hands crossed behind her back and stood behind Rhaenys, carefully mustering Ellena.
The other girl was more approaching. Her hair was a darker shade of blonde and her eyes were warm and brown. She was a beauty, with soft features, but the smile on her face was a cocky one. “Ellena, meet Hemys Raelgaeron and Cassandra Oxus”, Rhaenys introduced both and Ellena had to glance at the bald, brutish Ser Daghan behind his king. That at least was one parentage she would have never guessed. “Girls, this is Ellena Terys, from the Free City of Braavos”
“Braavos, eh?”, Cassandra spoke, as she approached Ellena first. “Never been there, is it nice?” Before Ellena was able to speak, the girl had extended her hand. “Name's Cass. I'm kinda the one in charge here” Behind her, Hemys rolled her eyes and glanced at her father. “She is also a loudmouth”, she added. “Welcome aboard, Ellena”
“Wonderful”, Rhaenys said, as she put a hand onto Hemys' shoulder, the other one around Cassandra. “Aegon, do you have to hold this meeting right away? We just arrived” The king raised an eyebrow. “That was the plan”, he admitted and Rhaenys shook your head. “We just arrived, love. Give us an hour to rest, to bathe and to change into something more comfortable”, she told him. “I am certain most of your council will appreciate the chance” Then, her smile grew smaller, but warmer. “Besides, your son hasn't seen either of us in weeks. Would it kill you to check up on him?”
This seemed to do the trick, as the mention of his child instantly caused Aegon to mellow down. Behind him, Visenya narrowed her eyes, if only for a moment. “You heard Prince Aenys is fine”, she spoke. “The conquest of Westeros however cannot wait, else we risk losing our momentum”
Aegon shook his head. “Not even for my only son?”, he asked, as he turned around. For a moment, Visenya and the king looked at each other. “You don't know how that is”, he spoke. “You don't have a child of your own” Visenya's eyes widened, if barely notable, but the fact that for a second, there was something else on her proud, confident face, not anger but perhaps disappointment and sadness, it made Ellena nervous.
“Aegon”, Rhaenys hissed, as she instantly walked to his side, her smile gone and the look in her eyes as sharp as Visenya's. She put a hand onto his arm and he stopped looking at Visenya. “Maybe we can keep it that way. Visenya believes this to be important and in matters of war, she is better than both of us” The smile she gave her sister was genuine and encouraging and the frown on Visenya's face got softer in return.
The younger queen sighed. “I firmly admit, such discussions always bore me. I'll be there if you need me, but really, I doubt I can say much your advisers can't bring up on their own”, she stated. “So, how about that, you and Vis go to the painted table and you hold your meeting, I catch up with you after I checked up on Aenys and took a bath” She tilted her head and fluttered her eyelashes. “Is that okay for you?”
A brief smirk formed on Visenya's face. “Acceptable”, she stated and Aegon nodded reluctantly. “Alright, I agree”, he admitted, as he turned to his entourage. “I demand attendance from the lords Velaryon and Rosby, as well as Quenton, Gordar, Iwan, Laevon, Visedar and of course Orys and Grand Maester Wulvren. Ser Daghan, Quingar Qoherys and Vahaegor Cantaeris will stand guard” He smiled at Rhaenys, before he turned around, with Visenya following him after giving her sister a wink. Slowly, those who had been called out started following, while Rhaenys remained behind.
She sighed. “These two...”, she chuckled. “Can't be with each other, can't be without” She shook her head. “None of you girls have siblings and you can be glad about it” She smirked at her handmaidens, though her expression quickly became more serious. “But I meant what I said. My son needs me, so I will check up on him at once”
With these words, she looked at Ellena. “As for you though...”, she stated. “You have just arrived. If you want to move to your room first, I'll have Hemys show you around. The castle is a bit too large for its people, so we have plenty of rooms to spare. I wish to bathe later on though and both of you will assist me, but until then, there should be some time for you to settle in” The queen shrugged. “Of course, I won't force you to rest. You can accompany me and meet my son, if you choose so”, she said and her smile was prideful. “The sweetest boy you'll ever see”
[Head with Rhaenys to her son][Go to your room with Hemys]
This was pretty interesting. Especially the last paragraph. Can I ask which year it is now? We are still counting down to the actual 'After the Conquest/AC', meaning we are at Before the Conquest/BC', right?
Because then, in theory, Rhaenys shouldn't have any children yet. However, if you are changing canon like this, I really like the change. As for events that happens that shape Rhaenys son's character is more realistic, as he is older then. I'm sure you know what specific part I am talking about. So if that is a change I really like it, as I find it more realistic.
As for the choice, fuck yes spend time with Queen. Out of all Targaryens, she is probably one of my favourites, together with Daemon Targaryen (From The Dance of Dragons). To be honest, they are one of few Targaryen's I like overall.
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
This was pretty interesting. Especially the last paragraph. Can I ask which year it is now? We are still counting down to the actual 'After the Conquest/AC', meaning we are at Before the Conquest/BC', right?
Because then, in theory, Rhaenys shouldn't have any children yet. However, if you are changing canon like this, I really like the change. As for events that happens that shape Rhaenys son's character is more realistic, as he is older then. I'm sure you know what specific part I am talking about. So if that is a change I really like it, as I find it more realistic.
Yes indeed, we are technically in the BC time, means Aenys actually wouldn't be born for several years in the canon. There are a couple of good reasons for this change, some of which will only make sense after the story is finished properly. First of all, I always wondered why it took about a decade for Rhaenys to get pregnant, if we presume she married Aegon at the age of twenty. Of course, we can assume they kinda stopped trying during the Conquest itself, but even afterwards it was unusually long, especially given how much in love she and Aegon are. A pregnancy for a woman in her thirties might be far from uncommon in our society, but in Westeros, most women give birth to their first child as soon after the marriage as possible. So, I tried to make it so that Aenys is born earlier. Since nothing else is going to change about his life and that of his descendants, I figured it wouldn't be a severe break from the canon. I also wanted to give Aegon his son and heir before starting the conquest, giving him the additional motivation to one day leave his son with more than just an ancient, fading legacy and a barren rock in the Narrow Sea, while also giving both the additional depth of actually being parents. Especially for Rhaenys, this will add some further depth to her as a character.
As for the choice, fuck yes spend time with Queen. Out of all Targaryens, she is probably one of my favourites, together with Daemon Targaryen (From The Dance of Dragons). To be honest, they are one of few Targaryen's I like overall.
Haha, glad to hear you like her Certainly, Rhaenys is meant to be liked and I absolutely love writing her, albeit I must admit, I do like all three of them. Aegon is just too fascinating for me not to like and the more I write about Visenya, the more I enjoy her character, from the harsh warrior queen that would influence Maegor the Cruel like no one else to the struggling disfavoured wife that has to compete with her beloved little sister. There's quite a number of Targaryen's I like. Aenys, Jahaerys, Viserys (the first and the second, not Dany's jerkass brother), Daemon Blackfyre even, but interestingly, Daemon Targaryen isn't particularly high on my list.
This was pretty interesting. Especially the last paragraph. Can I ask which year it is now? We are still counting down to the actual 'After … morethe Conquest/AC', meaning we are at Before the Conquest/BC', right?
Because then, in theory, Rhaenys shouldn't have any children yet. However, if you are changing canon like this, I really like the change. As for events that happens that shape Rhaenys son's character is more realistic, as he is older then. I'm sure you know what specific part I am talking about. So if that is a change I really like it, as I find it more realistic.
As for the choice, fuck yes spend time with Queen. Out of all Targaryens, she is probably one of my favourites, together with Daemon Targaryen (From The Dance of Dragons). To be honest, they are one of few Targaryen's I like overall.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] Getting to know the future king is a great way for Ellena to better relate to Rhaenys.
So we meet the rest of Dragonstone's court, and they're all eager to start the advance.
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
Team Targ for the win! Really loved the details you put as they approached Dragons are and how the Dragons/castle occupants reacted.
Ah, glad you liked it! I have actually decided not to make Dragonstone a continously major location in the story, as I think the developing Aegonsfort could hold more potential in terms of growth, being the future King's Landing and all, whereas Dragonstone, for as fascinating and exotic as it is, doesn't provide me with this angle of showing a developing city in the making. After all, Aegon will place a lot of importance on making sure that this will be his future capital and not the distant island of Dragonstone.
I was actually looking for another possible character here when I saw it was Targ focused. Wink
Hehe, I can promise, we will see him in this chapter Thing is, this part already introduced almost half a dozen new characters, with Robin Darklyn, Dana Darke, Visedar Solus, Hemys Raelgaeron and Cass Oxus. It's also the first time the epilogue characters Quenton Qoherys and Laevon Raelgaeron are shown again and I am not sure if they have left that much of an impression last time they were seen. So, introducing yet another character in this part when I have an entire chapter ahead of me to do that would have felt a bit too much. Though as said, we will see him in this chapter and he is planned to have actually a sizeable role in Ellena's parts to come
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
Team Targ for the win! Really loved the details you put as they approached Dragons are and how the Dragons… more/castle occupants reacted.
In terms of the choice, I think exploring the castle a bit with the queen would be interesting and we can meet the other Targ.
I was actually looking for another possible character here when I saw it was Targ focused. Wink
This part was once again great, you continue to write the Targs in a very enjoyable way! Each of their distinct personalities get to shine, and it's always interesting to see all these other characters reacting to them and their dragons, including Ellena herself of course. I'm also interested to see how well she'll get along with the other handmaidens.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] Of course I'll choose the option that gives Rhaenys more screentime, as well as introduces another Targaryen
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
Yes indeed, we are technically in the BC time, means Aenys actually wouldn't be born for several years in the canon. There are a couple of good reasons for this change, some of which will only make sense after the story is finished properly. First of all, I always wondered why it took about a decade for Rhaenys to get pregnant, if we presume she married Aegon at the age of twenty. Of course, we can assume they kinda stopped trying during the Conquest itself, but even afterwards it was unusually long, especially given how much in love she and Aegon are. A pregnancy for a woman in her thirties might be far from uncommon in our society, but in Westeros, most women give birth to their first child as soon after the marriage as possible. So, I tried to make it so that Aenys is born earlier. Since nothing else is going to change about his life and that of his descendants, I figured it wouldn't be a severe break from the canon. I also wanted to give Aegon his son and heir before starting the conquest, giving him the additional motivation to one day leave his son with more than just an ancient, fading legacy and a barren rock in the Narrow Sea, while also giving both the additional depth of actually being parents. Especially for Rhaenys, this will add some further depth to her as a character.
Understandable, and as previously said, I really like and prefer this change.
Haha, glad to hear you like her Certainly, Rhaenys is meant to be liked and I absolutely love writing her, albeit I must admit, I do like all three of them. Aegon is just too fascinating for me not to like and the more I write about Visenya, the more I enjoy her character, from the harsh warrior queen that would influence Maegor the Cruel like no one else to the struggling disfavoured wife that has to compete with her beloved little sister. There's quite a number of Targaryen's I like. Aenys, Jahaerys, Viserys (the first and the second, not Dany's jerkass brother), Daemon Blackfyre even, but interestingly, Daemon Targaryen isn't particularly high on my list.
Jaehaerys the Wise (long and sweet) is a favourite as well, as well as Viserys II (short but sweet). I think I like Daemon especially because of how he died. Even if it may not be completely true, I see it as 100% true. Jumping from your own dragon (who also kills the last "original" dragon Vhagar) to another and killing a long time rival only to then plunge to your death on a dying Vhagar is more badass then I can fucking handle.
Also, I was a team Rhaenyra and Daemon during the Dance of Dragons (because, y'know, the throne was hers by right), so that is also something to take into consideration.
This was pretty interesting. Especially the last paragraph. Can I ask which year it is now? We are still counting down to the actual 'After … morethe Conquest/AC', meaning we are at Before the Conquest/BC', right?
Because then, in theory, Rhaenys shouldn't have any children yet. However, if you are changing canon like this, I really like the change. As for events that happens that shape Rhaenys son's character is more realistic, as he is older then. I'm sure you know what specific part I am talking about. So if that is a change I really like it, as I find it more realistic.
Yes indeed, we are technically in the BC time, means Aenys actually wouldn't be born for several years in the canon. There are a couple of good reasons for this change, some of which will only make sense after the story is finished properly. First of all, I always wondered why it took about a decade for Rhaenys to get pregnant, if we presume she married Aegon at t… [view original content]
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
This part was once again great, you continue to write the Targs in a very enjoyable way! Each of their distinct personalities get to shine, and it's always interesting to see all these other characters reacting to them and their dragons, including Ellena herself of course. I'm also interested to see how well she'll get along with the other handmaidens.
Ah, I must say, I am so happy the three Targs are received so well. Being able to write their respective personalities and them interacting with each other is always a treat for me. Of course, with the Conquest going on, they will more often than not have individual storylines they'll appear in, away from each other. As such, I try to make the most out of the time they actually have in the story and I'm glad it seems to be working well
This part was once again great, you continue to write the Targs in a very enjoyable way! Each of their distinct personalities get to shine, … moreand it's always interesting to see all these other characters reacting to them and their dragons, including Ellena herself of course. I'm also interested to see how well she'll get along with the other handmaidens.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] Of course I'll choose the option that gives Rhaenys more screentime, as well as introduces another Targaryen
Yeah, I must say that I'd side more with Rhaenyra in the Dance of Dragons as well, because you are right, the throne is indeed hers, but that is mostly because Aegon the Second is perhaps one of the least sympathetic Targaryen kings ever. It's actually telling just how messed up some of them are that he is generally not considered among the worst, with Maegor, Aegon the Fourth and Aerys around. Doesn't mean I necessarily sympathize with Rhaenyra, she was the rightful queen but would have probably not made for a particularly capable one either and the concerns that ultimately she would have been Daemon's puppet ruler sound logical to me. That being said, I definitely agree with you, Daemon is among the most badass Targaryen and there really is no cooler way to go out than he did.
Yes indeed, we are technically in the BC time, means Aenys actually wouldn't be born for several years in the canon. There are a couple of g… moreood reasons for this change, some of which will only make sense after the story is finished properly. First of all, I always wondered why it took about a decade for Rhaenys to get pregnant, if we presume she married Aegon at the age of twenty. Of course, we can assume they kinda stopped trying during the Conquest itself, but even afterwards it was unusually long, especially given how much in love she and Aegon are. A pregnancy for a woman in her thirties might be far from uncommon in our society, but in Westeros, most women give birth to their first child as soon after the marriage as possible. So, I tried to make it so that Aenys is born earlier. Since nothing else is going to change about his life and that of his descendants, I figured it wouldn't be a severe break from the canon. I also wanted to give … [view original content]
[Go to your room with Hemys] The guy's name is pronounced (almost) the same as anus (right? That's what I've thought), can't go this way.
The last dragonlord and his older sister stood at the prow, with Aegon, in a rare display of fondness, putting a hand onto Visenya's, which was placed on the railing.
Ah yes, incest. So, so sweet.
Aegon shook his head. “Not even for my only son?”, he asked, as he turned around. For a moment, Visenya and the king looked at each other. “You don't know how that is”, he spoke. “You don't have a child of your own” Visenya's eyes widened, if barely notable, but the fact that for a second, there was something else on her proud, confident face, not anger but perhaps disappointment and sadness, it made Ellena nervous.
Such a poor woman. I would love you if you were real Visenya. Of course, that would be primarily based on your looks, but still. She deserves better.
While I am usually a stickler for staying true to canon, I'll give Aenys a pass. Why he wasn't born earlier confuses me greatly. Maybe they had other children that died in infancy or something.
Also, so many characters this chapter. Are we even a quarter of the way down? Probably, but we definitely have more than a half to go. So, so many.
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
The guy's name is pronounced (almost) the same as anus (right? That's what I've thought), can't go this way.
You mean Aenys, right? Actually, I think his name is pronounced very similar to Rhaenys, with an emphasis on the nys syllable. So it's like ae-NYS, with the ae syllable definitely being pronounced short. Alternatively, I could see it being pronounced with both syllables short, sounding a bit like Ennis. In a world where Dickon is a name, it's definitely not the most unfortunate name someone can have, but I agree, there is some understandable confusion as to how his name is pronounced and what his parents where thinking when giving it to him.
Ah yes, incest. So, so sweet.
Yeah, the joy of an unwanted incest marriage being overshadowed by a consensual incest marriage. Just a normal day in the life of House Targaryen. Albeit this is indeed a rare occasion, Aegon showing actual fondness towards Visenya beyond the huge amount of respect he has for her. Usually, their relationship is a cold friendship at the best.
Such a poor woman. I would love you if you were real Visenya. Of course, that would be primarily based on your looks, but still. She deserves better.
This I will not disagree with. What Aegon did was probably understandable from his perspective, he did what is best for him and for Rhaenys and he did it with the determination of a love-sick teenager, but he completely disregarded how Visenya would feel if her intended husband ends up breaking even the already messed up Valyrian traditions by marrying her own sister alongside her, against the outspoken will of their own father on top of that. I think this fundamentally loveless marriage, overshadowed by being humiliated on her own wedding day, had a big role in the more questionable choices she will make later in her life. Visenya isn't a bad person and in a loving relationship, her own development would have probably been a lot different. Aegon was forced upon her as much as she was forced upon him, but where she accepted this fate, Aegon rebelled against their father and got away with it, something that probably left her quite bitter.
While I am usually a stickler for staying true to canon, I'll give Aenys a pass. Why he wasn't born earlier confuses me greatly. Maybe they had other children that died in infancy or something.
I believe if there would be miscarriages or infant deaths and the like, it would have been mentioned somewhere. Some couples have extreme problems conceiving a child, but the fact that Aegon is confirmed to spend ten times as many nights with Rhaenys than with Visenya, but still needed a decade to father a child with her, whereas it happened almost immediately with Visenya when the need for a backup heir came up sounds still a bit unlikely to me. Rhaenys and Visenya are sisters after all, they can't possibly be that different in terms of fertility. Especially as not having an heir during the Conquest would put the family legacy Aegon wished to preserve at a tremendous risk. While he strikes me as someone who accepts calculated risks, I don't think he is that reckless.
Also, so many characters this chapter. Are we even a quarter of the way down? Probably, but we definitely have more than a half to go. So, so many.
Nope, we are not yet a quarter into the chapter, but almost there. Indeed, this chapter introduces a lot of new characters and it might be the first where the character list actually shrinks instead of growing. I am very happy with that as well. More new characters are to be introduced in this chapter, but I think most of the new ones are at least introduced by now.
[Go to your room with Hemys] The guy's name is pronounced (almost) the same as anus (right? That's what I've thought), can't go this way.
… more The last dragonlord and his older sister stood at the prow, with Aegon, in a rare display of fondness, putting a hand onto Visenya's, which was placed on the railing.
Ah yes, incest. So, so sweet.
Aegon shook his head. “Not even for my only son?”, he asked, as he turned around. For a moment, Visenya and the king looked at each other. “You don't know how that is”, he spoke. “You don't have a child of your own” Visenya's eyes widened, if barely notable, but the fact that for a second, there was something else on her proud, confident face, not anger but perhaps disappointment and sadness, it made Ellena nervous.
Such a poor woman. I would love you if you were real Visenya. Of course, that would be primarily based on your looks, but still. She deserves better.
While I am usually a… [view original content]
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but t… morehe Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and th… [view original content]
Ellena is going to accompany Rhaenys to meet the young Prince Aenys
I kinda expected you to pick this choice. After all we're talking about the future King Aenys Targaryen here, I knew you'd be at least curious to have him featured in the story proper. This'll also mean more bonding between Ellena and Rhaenys, which I presume isn't against what you would like for her. Having the queen as a friend cannot possibly be a bad thing.
Anyways, the next part should be out today. It will be a Garthon part, the first for him in this chapter. Last time we saw him, he just joined Edric Rivers and the Sons of the Trident in their mission to bring down House Hoare. For this, Edric sent him, Hjalgar and Christian to one of the last Riverlords who would openly defy their king, Petyr Blackwood, Lord of Raventree Hall. Garthon's goal in this is to keep up Torvin's legacy of defiance against the king. He got to pick one member of the Sons to accompany him and he chose Gavin the Tall, a man who briefly tried to execute him alongside Deywn the Fiddler. As said, I hope to finish the part today, but we'll see if I actually manage to succeed at this.
Hey! So, I'm aware I've already made and posted a portrait of Aegon before, but I was experimenting in a bit of a different style today, and ended up doing him again I wasn't really planning to post it here, but hey, I think it turned out pretty well so why not. Here ya go:
Oh, in that case I am glad I did not manage to finish the part yesterday, because this is an amazing surprise Portraits are always a treat, portraits in a different style are a special treat. I must say, I really like this one. Clearly, it is recognizable as your work, but still feels very different from your usual portraits. Now I wish I'd be even a tiny bit capable of drawing, because I realized I make for a shitty art critic XD But I love this one, I think I might even prefer it over the previous Aegon drawing, but really, we're talking about a quality here where I can't easily choose a favourite anymore. This portrait gives him a more dangerous vibe though, whereas the previous portrait looked more calm. Since he can be both, this is definitely a very fitting interpretation. So, what can I say, thank you very much for making this, I just can't get enough of your work
Hey! So, I'm aware I've already made and posted a portrait of Aegon before, but I was experimenting in a bit of a different style today, and… more ended up doing him again I wasn't really planning to post it here, but hey, I think it turned out pretty well so why not. Here ya go:
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked older than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled immediately after it. “Just pulling your leg, Breaker. I'm not much of a godly man nowadays” He gave him a pat onto the back, making it clear that he didn't mean any offense indeed.
Garthon raised an eyebrow. “Nowadays?”, he asked and Gavin nodded. “Wanted to become a Septon back when I was younger”, he explained. “Your people beat that out of me when they burned down my village. Hung the Septon in his own Sept and made me watch. Probably the only thing I should thank them for”
“So, that's how you ended up with the Sons?”, Garthon asked and Gavin nodded grimly. “A couple days before that, I found a wounded man in the woods”, he revealed. “Took him in, nursed him back to health. Little did I know that man was Addam Wode. He told me they'd come to get him, they'd punish all who would dare to help him, but I took the risk. And then they came”
Garthon gulped. “How did you survive?”, he asked. Gavin sighed. “Addam always looked out for those who helped him”, he stated. “The Ironborn had a gruesome fate in mind for me, but on the way back to Harrenhal, the Sons ambushed them, broke me out. He gave me a choice, to fight with him for our freedom, or to leave on my own, with a bag of gold in my pocket, to start anew” He shrugged. “I've never really cared for gold. But vengeance? Always puts a smile on my face”
“And yet you don't hate me or my kind”, Garthon stated, perhaps with a slightly hopeful tone. Gavin chuckled, before he nodded. “Vengeance and hatred are two things entirely”, he replied. “Some of your kind are cruel bastards, aye, but most of them just want to live. I hate the ones that caused all this, the ones in charge. Those black-eyed bastards over in Harrenhal and your Drowned Priests”
“The priests don't really matter much nowadays”, Garthon replied. “They sit on Pyke, but the heart of the kingdom is Harrenhal. Sure, they might influence some young lordlings back on the islands, but those who really want to succeed listen to the Hoare's and not the Drowned Men. They had their time, but in Harren's empire, things aren't as they used to be anymore”
“They haven't changed for the better”, Gavin mumbled and Garthon shook his head. “Yes they have”, he insisted. “The Ironborn change. It's a slow change, but the Greenlanders influence them more than they influence you”
Gavin shrugged. “I find that hard to believe”, he admitted. “Though I suppose you have a point. When my pa was young, folk like you did not run around. Your almost like us” Garthon raised an eyebrow. “Thank you... I suppose”, he stated, to which Gavin nodded. “It was meant as a compliment”, he assured him. “And... to be honest, I would like to apologize”
“There's nothing to apologize”, Garthon told him with a smile and Gavin sighed. “I should have stood up against Deywn”, he continued. “Trying to lynch you, I knew it wasn't right. It wasn't how the Sons do things. Sure, some can get carried away a little, but we make it a point to be better than our oppressors”
Garthon grimaced. “Yeah, Deywn made it clear”, he spoke. “What is the deal with him either way?” Gavin pressed his lips together and looked at the castle which they were approaching. “Deywn... well, in a way I think he isn't quite himself anymore”, he spoke. “He lived on a farm once with his family. The lord did something to piss off someone higher up and King Harren sent his tax collectors. Means they burned down some farms to teach the lord a lesson. They taught Deywn much more than that. In a way, I think he died in that fire, alongside his parents, his brothers and sisters”
“They burned down innocent people?”, Hjalgar asked and Gavin frowned. “You must be new to the Riverlands”, he growled. “This is the reality we have to live with. The Ironborn shit at us and when our lords complain as they should, it's poor folk like me and Deywn that have to pay the price. The Riverlands is full of people like us, living their failed lives. They are the reason I fight” Though there was no hint of malign in his eyes, he suddenly grabbed Garthon by the shoulder and sternly looked at him. “And I don't care if things are changing for your people, if more of them are becoming like you, because it doesn't change anything for my kind, at least not fast enough. The Ironborn no longer listen to the evil old men serving your drowned demon, but they are still listening to tyrants”, he explained. “Though that brings up a question. Why do you fight?”
Garthon gulped. “For Torvin”, he spoke and Gavin raised an eyebrow. “You would turn on the entirety of your people just for your brother?” To this, Garthon shook his head. “Not just, but also because of what you said”, he spoke. “Raiding, our culture... as much as I never felt for it, I know why it came to be. It was our way of life, the only possible way of life on the barren islands we called our home”
With determination not less than Gavin's, he looked the tall man straight in the eyes. “But not anymore. What Hardhand gave us when he conquered the Riverlands was a chance to become something greater and we wasted it. We cling to our old way with zeal. Each generation praises the one that came before them and curses their own”, he stated and Gavin tilted his head with genuine curiosity. “If we can't change, maybe we don't deserve Hardhand's empire”
“Surprising words”, Gavin complimented him. “You won't find me disagreeing with them” As they came closer to Raventree Hall, he put a hand onto his shoulder. “Listen, once we're in there, I leave this entirely up to you”, he promised. “I've, well, never been much of a leader” He gave him a wink, followed by a small smile. “And I trust you with this, because Edric trusts you”
Garthon reciprocated the smile. “I'll try to be worthy of this”, he assured him. By now, the guards of Raventree Hall had noticed them. The gates, initially closed, were carefully opened as they approached, a drawbridge lowered, revealing about two dozen soldiers. Though Garthon and his companions were only four men, armed but not armoured and without horses, the guards seemed nervous. He knew Harren and he knew they had every reason to be afraid.
The man in front of them seemed less nervous than the rest though. He was old, notably older than soldiers normally were, with combed back grey hair and grey mutton chops. His skin was wrinkled and a bit reddish, with a bulbous nose and a heavy chin. Grey eyes looked at the travellers, not hostile or nervous, but stern and a slight bit tired. His attire consisted of chainmail and leather, the tabard of House Blackwood above it.
“Halt, travellers!”, he yelled and the four followed his order at once. He came closer two of his men following. Though he had a sword on his belt, his left hand simply rested on it and he made no attempts of drawing it. Calmly and in silence, he mustered all four. “These are dangerous roads and no one crosses them lightly these days”, he continued. “So I ask you once, what is your business at Raventree Hall?”
Garthon exchanged a look with Gavin, then with Hjalgar, the latter of which nodded reassuringly. Then, he took a deep breath. “My name is Garthon Breaker”, he revealed and he noticed several of the guards gasping. Even the old head guard slightly paused, his eyes widening. “I remember your name”, he said, as if this fact was something outstanding. His lips moved a bit without an actual sound coming from it, before he saluted. “If you are whom you claim you are, Lord Blackwood will gladly receive you” He moved aside and so did his guards, as he invited the four travellers into the castle.
As Garthon approached him though, he moved a hand towards his chest. “Leave your weapons”, he ordered and he didn't need to say it again. Garthon handed his sword over, while Gavin, a slight frown on his face, parted from his axe. Bow, arrows and a long dagger came from Hjalgar and a similar choice of weapons from Christian, the latter of which seemed visibly unhappy with this turn of events.
Once it was done, the older guard nodded with a happy smile. “Welcome to Raventree Hall”, he told him. “Lord Blackwood will be happy to meet Garthon Breaker once more. You've impressed him on your previous meeting. Your brother impressed him as well”
“He had that effect on a lot of people”, Garthon mumbled and the man raised an eyebrow, before he understood. “My condolences”, he spoke. “We've assumed the worst after Raylansfair, but getting a clear report on it these days is hardly possible” He shook his head and Garthon sighed. “Yeah, I know”, he replied. “I haven't gotten your name, Ser...?”
The other man stood firmly. “Torvin Hale”, he introduced himself, extending his hand and Garthon hesitated only for a second before he shook it. Edric had told him all about the Blackwood family after all. “You're Lord Petyr's father-in-law”, he stated and the man seemed happy with his knowledge. “Indeed I am”, he replied. “The marriage between my Evelyne and Lord Petyr came with a number of problems, but there's not a day in which I regret it, seeing my girl happy like that” He narrowed his eyes, as if he thought about saying something else, before he subtly shook his head. “Ah, you came at the right moment”
Leading them across the relatively small courtyard, he approached directly the keep, a cavernous building made out of timber. The entire place was lying in the shadow of two large towers next to the gate from one side, the keep from the other and the godswood from a third. Garthon looked up at the white tree, admittedly in slight awe at its size. He had heard about them before, but never had the opportunity to see one up close, the white bark and haunting red leaves making for a striking contrast. It wasn't hard to see why the First Men would come to worship their gods at these places.
There were several people on the courtyard, it was a generally busy scenery, with two blacksmiths working in a corner, a tall man carrying a log of wood into a building and two stable girls leading a magnificent destrier across the courtyard. A couple guard patrolled and though they glanced at Garthon with distrust, the sight of Torvin Hale by their side was apparently enough to put them at ease.
“My son-in-law is having dinner with his family right now”, Torvin explained and Garthon glanced at him. “Aren't you part of his family?”, he asked, to which Torvin nodded. “Yeah, but I've never been a big eater”, he replied. “Besides, there are my duties. I'll have a small meal later on, in my chambers”
The doors to the Great Hall weren't entirely closed and two guards quickly ran up to Torvin to help him opening them in full. Though it was a chilly day, the air in the room itself was comfortably warm and Garthon spotted several rows of tables, most of them empty. In the far end of the hall though, slightly higher than the rest of the tables, he saw a couple of people sitting.
It didn't take him long to recognize Petyr Blackwood. The lord looked about as old as his father-in-law, despite being roughly twenty years younger still. Slightly overweight, he had an unkempt beard, already heavily greying, while the hair on his head showed signs of early balding. By no means strong or handsome, it was still clear that once, he used to possess these traits. Nowadays however, he reminded Garthon of a man who had long since given up on himself.
By his right side sat a woman and Garthon had to look twice, for her beauty was astonishing. As the only grown woman on the table, it was clear that she had to be Lord Blackwood's wife, Lady Evelyne. The rumours about her beauty were true at least, as she looked not much older than Garthon himself, a good decade younger than she truly was, a baffling combination, especially when compared to her unsightly and prematurely aged husband. Her hair was jet black and she wore it in a long braid that was resting on her shoulder. Her garment was a fine red dress with a low neckline, the shoulders adorned with raven's feathers.
Three children sat around them. To Petyr's left sat a young man, handsome as his father probably had been once, with brown hair and eyes, a flawless complexion and a haughty look on his face. By their mother's side sat a boy on the brink of becoming a man, with longer brown hair, a bit unkempt, with a look on his face no less sullen than his father's. Finally, a younger girl, clearly her mother's daughter though, already showing signs of growing into a beauty no less than Lady Evelyne and sporting the same black hair.
There was one last person in the room, sitting on the table of honour but with one empty chair between him and Lord Blackwood's eldest son. He was clearly not a member of the family and a sight that made Garthon a bit nervous. He was unsightly, not only unkempt as Petyr, but outright ugly. Short and a bit hunched, he nonetheless had a broad build, with short hair, a full, black beard and some battle scars over his face. His eyes were unnerving though. One of them was brown and looking at him in quite a normal way. The other one was paler, a bit clouded and clearly unable to hold focus. The eye lid was twitching, which gave him a generally nervous appearance.
Petyr Blackwood raised an eyebrow. “Torvin, what is the meaning of...”, he began, before he cut himself off, as Garthon and his companions went down onto one knee. “Garthon Breaker?”, he asked and next to him, his wife slowly lowered the fork she held in her hands, the only sound anyone made as the lord looked at him.
Garthon managed a smile. “Lord Blackwood”, he greeted him, as he noticed the weary look on Petyr's face fading, replaced by a smile. “Garthon, it is wonderful to meet you again!”, he exclaimed, as he rose from his chair. Moving around the table, he spread his arms, grabbing Garthon by both shoulders. The look on his face was like that of a man dying of thirst who had found a flask of water at last.
“Mylord, the pleasure is all mine”, Garthon spoke, pleasantly surprised by Petyr Blackwood's warm welcome. His family looked on, though at least his wife and daughter did so in a friendly way. The sons were more distant, but the ugly man looked at him with visible interest. “I wasn't sure you'd receive me even”
Petyr shook his head. “Ah, your arrival falls at a dangerous time”, he spoke. “Trouble with Harrenhal grows stronger every day. The Hoare gets nervous as rumours from the east grow darker for him and that makes for an explosive mixture” He sighed, as he looked over his shoulder. “Ah, but what kind of a host am I? Please, meet my wonderful family!”
First, he pointed at the woman that was undeniably his wife. “Lady Evelyne, the love of my life”, he introduced her and the woman smiled warmly at her husband, then at Garthon. “My husband told me a lot about you and your brother”, she spoke. “It is a pleasure to welcome you in Raventree Hall”
Captivated by her beauty, Garthon realized that another bow would be in order and he did so before replying. “Mylady, you honour me”, he told her, as Lord Petyr continued. “Then we have my son and heir, Ethan”, he spoke and the haughty young man nodded at Garthon. For a moment, the haughty expression was gone, making room for a small smile. “As well as my youngest son, Raymond, and my daughter, Marian” Both of the youngest Blackwood children seemed more shy, with Raymond barely meeting Garthon's eye, while Marian looked at her mother first, before nodding to greet him.
“And ah, you should also meet Maurice”, Petyr spoke, to which the ugly man with the twitching eye rose from his chair. He walked around the table, while mustering Garthon and his companions. “They call me Mad-Eye”, he told him and in contrast to his unsettling appearance, his voice was smooth and his smile genuine and calming. “That is the fate of those wounded in war, I'm afraid” He extended his hand and as Garthon shook it, he noticed that Maurice had a strong, firm handshake.
“Maurice is my advisor and a close friend of the family”, Petyr explained. “Until we are assigned a new Maester from the Citadel, he has taken over some of his duties” To this, Maurice shrugged. “He makes it sound more glorious than it truly is”, he replied. “Mostly means I clean after a dozen ravens and deliver messages” Finally, the curiosity on his face gained the upper hand and he tilted his head. “Forgive me for asking, but our last information has been that you and your brother have been forced to lead a raid onto the Reach city of Raylansfair”
Petyr nodded. “Maurice brings up a good point”, he spoke. “You come at a crucial point in time, but I have to wonder how you have gotten here. What happened at Raylansfair? What happened with your brother?” Garthon's reaction, the frown, was enough for Petyr to realize. Immediately, the sullen look returned, if not as strong as it used to be.
“Your brother has been an outstanding man”, he spoke. “I would have given everything to stand by his side against the tyrant. A man unbroken, an Ironborn standing against the Ironborn king” He shook his head. “My condolences. Your presence here is still very welcome and much needed”
“He was betrayed by one of Harren's agents”, Garthon explained. “He died on the king's order. If there is anything I can do to help you in your struggle, it will be done” Petyr frowned. “To be honest, I don't know what is about to happen”, he admitted quickly. “I haven't paid my taxes. The coin I saved through this went into swords and armour for my men, into training for the peasants. The Blackwood army stands ready to fight, against the Ironborn or the eastern conqueror, if necessary”
“I suppose Harren hasn't taken lightly to this”, Garthon brought up and Maurice shook his head. “My sources are limited, but the king is not one to ignore insubordination”, he confirmed. “Our only hope right now is that Harren is too busy with the Targaryen, who has burned two of his lords already and will continue to do so unless he puts his full attention onto him”
“He is weak”, Petyr confirmed. “Spread too thin, with too many enemies all around him. Torvin revealed just how fragile the kingdom is, who fragile Harren can be” Garthon gulped, as he remembered back at the Great Hall, where Harren had broken Torvin's will, where he had killed his unborn son, Garthon's nephew. “Fragile wouldn't be the word I'd use”, he mumbled.
“But it is right”, Maurice stated enthusiastically. “He gets more cruel with every day and it means he realizes his way is no longer working. He is desperate and he reacts in the only way he knows, with more violence” He glanced past Garthon, his good eye narrowing, while the other one twichted a bit faster. “Who are your companions?”, he asked.
Garthon quickly glanced at Gavin, before replying. “Their names are Hjalgar, Christian and Gavin”, he spoke. “Trusted companions who volunteered to accompany me here” He wasn't certain if he should reveal Gavin's ties to the Sons of the Trident, or his own. Petyr Blackwood by himself could be trusted, he was certain of it, but this Maurice? Lord Petyr's family?
“I see...”, the man said. “Though this actually brings me to my next question... why is it that you have come here? The full reason, I mean” He looked at Garthon, expecting an answer. But what should he say? Sure, he could just go ahead and reveal his involvement with the Sons, but they were rebels, of a much different kind than the mere insubordination of House Blackwood. In private, he could probably make the lord see his reasons, but Maurice would undoubtedly feel suspicion, something he couldn't afford, not with Harren probably already making his move on Raventree Hall.
[Reveal your connection to the Sons of the Trident][Ask to speak with Petyr in private][Come up with a lie]
Garthon
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked old… moreer than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled… [view original content]
Great part, I really enjoyed learning a bit about the backstories of Gavin and Deywn. Man, Riverlands really is the shittiest place to live as a peasant in Westeros, in almost any given time period Sure, it's pretty fertile compared to Iron Isles, North and Dorne, but I wonder if there has ever been a generation (before Aegon's Conquest) there that didn't see war. Anyway, Raventree Hall is a cool location, and so far I'm liking the characters there as well
[Ask to speak with Petyr in private] I think it's reasonable to ask for a private audience, and seeing how much respect Lord Petyr has for Garthon, I don't see why he wouldn't grant it to him. Could someone take offence? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it'll be a big deal. And lying is the last thing we want to do here, that could really bite Garthon in the ass later.
Garthon
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked old… moreer than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled… [view original content]
And neither does Garthon! I mean, with Maurice, we got someone who looks very shady, twitchy, the kind that makes people nervous. Petyr has a reason to keep him around, but Garthon only sees this very shady looking guy. Maurice's presence and Garthon's opinion on him are the main reason for this choice.
[Come up with a lie]
Let’s say that we’re now apart of a traveling band, The ‘Born, and we have come for a solo act. I don’t trust this Mad-Eye fellow.
Great part, I really enjoyed learning a bit about the backstories of Gavin and Deywn. Man, Riverlands really is the shittiest place to live as a peasant in Westeros, in almost any given time period Sure, it's pretty fertile compared to Iron Isles, North and Dorne, but I wonder if there has ever been a generation (before Aegon's Conquest) there that didn't see war. Anyway, Raventree Hall is a cool location, and so far I'm liking the characters there as well
I really wouldn't count on it. Maybe some parts of the Riverlands have remained somewhat peaceful, but they have been at the centre of almost every large conflict in Westeros, always. Ironborn have plundered them constantly, there are the mountain clans to the east, the Durrandon's have claimed their lands every couple hundred years, the Andals waged war with them for a very long time. It is a very fertile land, explains why anyone would still live there. Makes one wonder how they could have been if Aegon's successors would have upheld his stable rule for the most part. Without the rebellions breaking out there, the Dance of Dragons or the War of the Five Kings. I mean, we got a region there that seemingly always recovers and rebuilds, so how powerful could they become if they'd actually be united and not surrounded by enemies? Anyways, I am glad you enjoy Raventree Hall, the storyline there should be a lot of fun for me to write
I think it's reasonable to ask for a private audience, and seeing how much respect Lord Petyr has for Garthon, I don't see why he wouldn't grant it to him. Could someone take offence? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it'll be a big deal. And lying is the last thing we want to do here, that could really bite Garthon in the ass later.
Not necessarily taking offense, no, but just like how Garthon isn't necessarily trusting Maurice, Maurice was the one to ask and he could grow suspicious of Garthon if he'd end up requesting a private meeting with Petyr instead of revealing his intentions to him and the Blackwood family. At least it could be seen as impolite to ignore him after he asked the question and making it obvious that he isn't really trusting him.
Great part, I really enjoyed learning a bit about the backstories of Gavin and Deywn. Man, Riverlands really is the shittiest place to live … moreas a peasant in Westeros, in almost any given time period Sure, it's pretty fertile compared to Iron Isles, North and Dorne, but I wonder if there has ever been a generation (before Aegon's Conquest) there that didn't see war. Anyway, Raventree Hall is a cool location, and so far I'm liking the characters there as well
[Ask to speak with Petyr in private] I think it's reasonable to ask for a private audience, and seeing how much respect Lord Petyr has for Garthon, I don't see why he wouldn't grant it to him. Could someone take offence? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it'll be a big deal. And lying is the last thing we want to do here, that could really bite Garthon in the ass later.
Garthon
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked old… moreer than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled… [view original content]
Garthon
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked old… moreer than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled… [view original content]
Comments
Not gonna lie, this is definitely not going to be easy. This part introduced more characters than any other before and likely after it, with a whopping twenty new introductions, if we count Lachlan and Remi. With so many new characters in the Hawk's storyline, it might take some time until they all left their impressions. Some, such as the Hawk, the Rat and the Pig themselves, are likely easy to be remembered, but I don't really expect anyone to remember Maldar the Quiver anytime soon. Perhaps these nicknames everyone in the company has can help there, giving each character a bit of a trait that is very obvious from their name alone, such as Maldar the Quiver having something to do with archery, while Timos the Hammer is obviously a blacksmith. But most of these characters are not even meant to be all that important, they are simply around to give the three companies a feel of being actual companies and not two or three people leading a faceless group of sellswords.
Man, I really must work on the wiki, I feel like once that is finished, such problems will be so much easier to solve
[Keep pressing Remi for details] While she probably doesn't know her father's full plan, is better if we hear her version first. So Houses Keding and Coldwater are being summoned by their liege, yet there's no mention of House Tollett of Grey Glen. Curious, that's all.
[Order them both to your camp at once] If he's the only one keeping them together, then it's better if they meet him. This is probably the farthest north those elephants and Zorses have ever been. Wonder why they need them.
Aye, the Royce vassals Shett and Tollett haven't been called to Runestone indeed and there is actually reason for that, which is likely going to be explained in Lachlan's next part. Be assured, House Tollett will play a role in this particular storyline
You are right, it is likely that at least elephants have never been brought into the Vale before. Zorses, I could see them being brought once every couple hundred years as exotic animals from the east for the Vale people to marvel over, but this should be the first time someone actually brings them for war. The Company of the Pig has a focus on war animals, so with them being hired, they brought them along, also because they are a favourite of the Pig himself. If they truly need them remains to be seen, but they are ready for it if necessary.
[Enter the room]
[Order them both to your camp at once]
[Enter the room] Why not? I mean, actually, there are plenty of valid answers to that question. But I don't trust this Remi. Sketchy.
[Meet up with the Rat first] I like dwarves. They are funny. Let's met him.
So, so many new characters. I have already forgotten most, but I hope that will change. I think I'll like the Rat the most.
I am also excited for the next part to introduce The Mouse, The Pigeon, and The Goat. That will be glorious.
[Keep pressing Remi for details]
[Order them both to your camp at once]
[Enter the room]
[Order them both to your camp at once]
[Enter the room]
[Order them both to your camp at once]
I.... think it'll change. I mean, don't get me wrong, many of these characters are tertiary, their purpose when they have been submitted was to flesh out the companies beyond the leaders with colourful characters. Not all of them are ultimately going to have much importance to the plot. However, I nonetheless believe that many of them will end up leaving some sort of impression, I hope so at least.
Ah, unfortunately, The Mouse, The Pigeon and The Goat remained in Essos. The Iron Bank only managed to hire three companies and the problem there is, The Mouse and The Rat really don't get along. However, you are going to meet someone else following that naming pattern later in the chapter. His name is The Fang and I am certain you're going to love him, for he is truly a lovable fellow, as the name kinda implies.
He's such a people person.
You are absolutely right! I'd even go as far as to call him a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word.
[Keep pressing Remi for details]
[Order them both to your camp at once]
The Voting is closed!
Lachlan is going to press Remi for details
The Hawk is going to order the Rat and the Pig to his camp at the same time
Ah, I am glad these new PoV's seem to be at least well received for now. They have quite some storyline ahead of them and I look forward to show more of it. For now, these are the choices I expected you to take. The first one might mean annoying Remi a bit over this, whereas the other one will definitely lead to a tense conversation between all three company leaders. Definitely a good opportunity to flesh out some of the characters that otherwise haven't made much of an impression so far.
I hope to release the next part today. I realize it has been almost the entire week without the part and well, this time I have been seriously preoccupied. I have trouble with my car, but that should finally be dealt with at last (after I got into a very heated argument with the car salesman), so I can finish the next part today. It will be an Ellena part, showing her arrival at Dragonstone together with the rest of Team Targ. Not much else I can say for now, but I look forward for this part and I hope so do you
Ellena
It was a beautiful autumn morning and once more, Ellena found herself aboard a ship. This time, it wasn't the Pale Princess, but the Lady Valaena, Admiral Velaryon's flagship. It was magnificent, a true warship with a sturdy hull and a ram bow just below the prow, the whole vessel able to contain a hundred men with ease. The banner of House Velaryon adorned the canvas, but the flag of House Targaryen was raised above. And yet above, the living incarnation of this flag was soaring through the sky.
Out of the three Targaryen's, only Rhaenys had chosen to actually fly the way to Dragonstone. Aegon and Visenya had opted for the more comfortable passage on the flagship of the Velaryon fleet with which most of their men had first landed on the continent. Most of them had remained there, building Aegon's fort, the first stronghold of House Targaryen on the mainland of Westeros.
Ellena herself was staring at the bright blue sky and the three dragons that crossed it. Being so far above, they looked even larger, even more terrifying than usual and it was in this moment that Ellena truly stopped doubting that Aegon would win one day. There was no weapon in this world that could harm these beasts, no arrow that could fly that high, no sword or spear that could ever pierce their scales. They were invulnerable and their masters knew it.
And in the distance, Dragonstone. The ancestral seat of House Targaryen had something haunting to it, a massive stone fortress sitting on a surprisingly small island. As jagged and sharp-edged as the cliffs that surrounded it, the castle was built out of dark stone, but not in any fashion Ellena had ever seen. It didn't seem built in a traditional sense, but almost shaped out of the raw stone into an eery yet otherworldly beautiful monument, its towers shaped like dragons, so life-like as if they were living beings encased in stone. It was, as she observed, as much a remnant of Valyria as Aegon and his sisters.
The last dragonlord and his older sister stood at the prow, with Aegon, in a rare display of fondness, putting a hand onto Visenya's, which was placed on the railing. Two of Aegon's sworn knights kept guard close by, the broad-shouldered and bald Daghan Oxus and the golden-haired Gordar Celtigar. Ellena wasn't too sure what kind of danger it could be that would await them aboard their own ship, but with Noelle not being allowed anywhere near them, she could kinda guess that they were at the least still suspicious about her true intentions. And to be absolutely fair, she held it the same when it came to the priestess.
Ellena herself was located not too far behind the knights who were guarding the king and his queen. As she looked away from the dragons, both with relief and a heavy heart, she gazed at Admiral Velaryon, who marched across his ship, a satisfied smile on his hollow face. The stout Lord Celtigar had remained behind, to oversee the completion of the initial fort, the Aegonsfort as he had called it. With him were Lord Massey and Simon Stokeworth, but the rest of the Targaryen loyalists were still with their king. Over the past week, Ellena had learned some names, but by far not all. The old Lord Rosby with his kind smile and calm eyes, the quiet and brooding Iwan Bar Emmon and Orys Baratheon, the man that seemed closer to King Aegon than any other. Of course, Archmaester Wulvren was with them as well. Grand Maester Wulvren, as he was called now, a new title Aegon had given him on the spot, but one he wore with pride.
Right now, all of these and more were on the upper deck, while sailors in garbs of black and red readied the ship to sail into the port of Dragonstone. High above them, Meraxes let out a loud roar, followed by Vhagar's and finally, Balerion's almost deafening bellow. Weaved into their roars, carried through the air like wind, was Rhaenys' clear laughter, as she moved Meraxes down, to the point where the dragons' wings nearly touched the surface of the water a couple dozen feet in front of the ship.
The port of Dragonstone was barely that, no comparison to the harbour of Oldtown, or Braavos, or any town of note Ellena had ever seen. Even the comparably small harbour of Raylansfair was at least large enough to support a couple of ships. But what counted as a harbour in Dragonstone was already looking crowded with just the Lady Valaena approaching it.
Rhaenys had even explained the reason to her. After all, the dragonlords of old had no need for a port. They did not reach this island aboard a ship. There was room to expand it, but it wouldn't be necessary. Aegon did not intend to make Dragonstone his seat once finishing his conquest.
Having reached the island itself, Rhaenys brought Meraxes down on the beach next to the port. The silver dragon landed gracefully on the sand, almost gently as a mere feather. Balerion and Vhagar flew over it, crossing the island in just a few heartbeats, both circling the castle. Finally, the Black Dread landed on it and Ellena was surprised the stone would not just cave in beneath the weight of the creature. The roar that came from deep within was Valyria, not just an echo, but the image of its glory, of its terror. It resonated deep within the girl and she felt awe and fear, on a primal level.
Having successfully brought the ship into the port, a boat ramp was led down to the jetty that led to the island proper. A path, newer than the castle itself, built in a traditional way and not with whatever magic Aegon's ancestors had used, led up to the castle itself. A second path led around it, deeper into the island.
As Aegon and Visenya walked down the boat ramp side by side, a few people were there to greet them. The arrival of Balerion did not go unnoticed and as such several guards had hurried down the path. They were led by a one-eyed man, maybe in his forties, but it was hard to guess the age of someone with more than just a hint of Valyrian blood to him. Ageless, it was more the silver beard and the eyepatch that gave him a rugged, weathered appearance.
Though stern at first, he cracked a smile and indeed, so did Aegon, as he fastened his pace, past Visenya to greet the man with the hint of a hug. “Quenton, I'm glad you made it back”, he greeted him and the man, Quenton, took a bow. “As always”, he spoke. “House Qoherys remains loyal until death”
He took a second, even deeper bow in front of Queen Visenya and the woman greeted him with a nod. “Quenton Qoherys”, she spoke. “How did your journey to Crackclaw Point go?” She and the king flanked him, as he led them up the path that would lead to the castle. Daghan and Gordar were behind him, followed by Rahaerys Velaryon and Iwan Bar Emmon. As always clad in humble grey, Lord Rosby shuffled behind them, shivering from the cold.
Next came one of the few people around who were roughly in Ellena's age. Robin Darklyn, brother of the new Lord Darklyn was only one or maybe two years older, a tall, lanky guy, looking a bit awkward especially when compared to his handsome brother, with slightly longer dark hair and the beginnings of a stubble beard. He was accompanied by an entourage of his men, half a dozen, surprisingly led by a young woman. Though having mostly kept away from the other members at court, Ellena had learned that this dark-haired and amber-eyed woman was Dana Darke, distant kin to the Darklyn's of Duskendale and their captain of the guard. Clad in black leather like the rest of her soldiers, she was the only one who wore a cloak, matching the colours of the one Robin wore, the colours Ellena had seen on the banners of House Darklyn.
And finally, behind Orys Baratheon and Lord Velaryon, came Ellena and Noelle. She wasn't bothering with the priestess, not right now, as she looked in awe at the rugged landscape of Dragonstone and the dark castle in the distance. She had to wonder, was this how Valyria looked? No one still alive would know, but she liked to imagine that it was true, for it fit the cold, breathtaking beauty of its masters.
Quenton sighed. “Ah, don't ask, young queen”, he growled and from behind, Ellena raised an eyebrow. It was true, Visenya was young for a queen, a woman not even thirty and yet, that was the last attribute she'd call her, especially to her face. Visenya however only smirked. “But that is precisely what I do, mylord”, she told him. “I ask and I expect an answer”
The one-eyed man shook his head. “You won't like it”, he spoke. “None of the lords declared for us. They lacked the foresight our new allies in Blackwater Bay have proven” With these words, he glanced over his shoulder and gave Regis Rosby a nod. Rosby reciprocated the gesture. “To be fair, Lord Stokeworth needed some minor convincing as well”, he replied. “His son had to resort to a ruse, if I am not mistaken”
“A ruse, yeah”, Quenton chuckled. “A display of strength, that's what it takes at Crackclaw Point. But not one I can deliver” Aegon raised an eyebrow. “You are one of the most formidable warriors I know”, he replied. “Has Crackclaw Point a champion of greater skill?”
“They have pride”, Quenton explained. “Sometimes, that is better than skill with arms. Pride and bravery, that is the most powerful weapon in this world” To his words, Visenya shook her head. “I don't think so”, she said slowly, looking up at the sky, where the green scales of Vhagar broke through the clouds.
“It is true though”, Daemon Velaryon spoke from behind. “Crispian's family demands their loyalty for centuries now. Sometimes he sends men to collect taxes and they rarely come back. It is a dark, contorted piece of land, this Crackclaw Point, inhabited by dark, contorted people, prone to savagery and perversion of the mind”
“The young Lord Brune chased me off his lands, with a dozen dogs on my trail”, Quenton confirmed. “And Lord Crabb threatened to cut out my eye if I won't leave his lands” He chuckled. “His lands, of course, are barely larger than the smallest island under our control at this point and the humble escort you granted me was almost larger than his entire household guard”
“And yet you backed down”, Visenya stated, to which Quenton merely nodded. Though she glanced at him firmly, he kept eye contact, until she looked away first. “This might require more convincing”, she simply stated. “And I might know a way. Husband, leave this Crackclaw Point to me”
Aegon gave her a confident nod. “As you wish, my queen”, he told her. However, his attention was quickly claimed by Rhaenys, who was rushing down the beach and towards them. Meraxes way lying on the sand behind her, the tail gently moving through the water. Softly, the king put an arm around her, as Rhaenys arrived by their side.
“You've been busy, old man?”, Rhaenys asked and Quenton smiled beneath his beard. “Busier than you, young woman”, he replied. “After all, we are at war” Rhaenys chuckled, before she saluted. “Ser, yes Ser!”, she exclaimed, as she gave him a wink. By now, they were going upwards, the road leading up the cliffs, at the top of which the castle of Dragonstone was lying.
As they approached, Balerion lifted itself up from the castle, flying over them and Ellena felt the wind as it flapped its wings a hundred feet above her. She staggered, not used to this sheer force and it was Noelle who grabbed her by the shoulder to prevent her from falling. Narrowing her eyes, Ellena quickly shook her hand off, but she couldn't help but to stare into the same direction as the priestess, after the dragon who was flying over the sea by now.
“They are magnificent”, Noelle mumbled and Ellena had to nod in agreement. “And terrifying”, she added, to which the priestess nodded. “They are fire incarnate”, she spoke. “The Lord of Light can be terrifying as well” She tilted her head. “Do you still doubt why I have to serve King Aegon?”
Ellena shook her head. “Your choice of kings has never concerned me”, she reminded her. “But if you think you can be forgiven...” Before she was able to continue, Noelle cut her off. Her eyes were narrowed and a hint of her old confidence was there. “If you think forgiveness is what I'm after, you are mistaken. I won't twist myself or compromise my order to achieve it”, she told her. “Your forgiveness would be welcome, but is ultimately irrelevant to the mission” There she was, the coldest fire priestess she could ever imagine. “The Lord's will is the only thing that matters”
“Figures”, Ellena sighed. “Must be nice, living like that. Nothing matters, but your god” Noelle looked away, at the Dragon King. “That is because nothing is, but my god”, she spoke. “R'hllor is light and life. He is warmth, he is freedom. Wrath and destruction. He is healing, he is salvation” A smile formed on her face. “He is hope”, she added. “He is everything there is to life” Her gaze, while still stern, had something encouraging now. “I am not your enemy, Ellena Terys”
Ellena nodded coldly. “I know”, she agreed. “That is because you stopped mattering to me the moment you kept your word” She turned away, fastening her pace to avoid having to further talk to the priestess. Her faith, it was something she could never share. A beautiful thing to believe in, but Ellena had grown up in Braavos, where a different god was worshipped on every corner. “You and your god both”
It was the last she would speak to Noelle on their way to the castle proper. The massive gates of Dragonstone were made out of thick wood, reinforced with dark iron, but it was clearly crafted in a conventional way, unlike the walls, which seemed as if someone or something had melted them out of a mountain, formed them with sheer force of will. As they came closer, horns sounded from the walls, several of them and then, the gates opened, fully before the king had reached them.
Behind the gates, on the courtyard, the Targaryen household had gathered for the return of their king. They were fewer than Ellena had expected, though many displayed the features of Valyria, with pale skin, hair ranging from shades of platinum silver to gold and eyes always with a touch of lilac in it.
Two men stuck out by virtue of being the first to approach the king's party, but also because of how different they seemed. One of them was a slim man, well dressed, with short, platinum blonde hair and pale blue eyes that blended in nicely with his fair skin. His otherwise well-constructed face was home to a particularly large nose though.
The other man stood out way more than him. About twenty years older, he was also about a hundred pounds heavier. Though no less elegantly clad, his weight made his clothes less form-fitting than the other man's. His hair, once red, was greying by now and a short goatee covered his upper chin, the double chin below covered with a silken scarf. And while the other man, despite his large nose, managed to have some feeling of regal beauty, this man here was undeniably ugly, with small eyes, a flat, but wide nose and prominent cheekbones. The smile on his small mouth was a friendly one though.
“King Aegon!”, he exclaimed, as he approached them. The other man followed in a bit of a distance, his smile a bit smaller, as he in generally kept a cooler demeanor. Aegon nodded at the fat man, who took a bow in front of him. “Welcome back, your grace”, he added, before looking at Rhaenys. “Your grace”
Rhaenys had a wide smile on her face. “No need to be this formal, Laevon”, she told him. Though she was still smiling, the aura of youthful carelessness was gone for a moment, “How is my son doing?”, she asked and in this moment, she was not the young queen, but simply a concerned mother. Laevon's smile was still small, but he seemed genuinely glad to see the queen. “He is alive and well”, he spoke, to which Rhaenys let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Visedar, prepare a meeting at the painted table”, Aegon commanded. “After the initial victories, we need to discuss how and where to strike next” The fat man saluted, though he looked past his king, at the new arrivals. “Of course, your grace”, he spoke. “But, how many will attend? Any of the newcomers I should count in?”
Aegon glanced at them, his purple gaze resting on Noelle the longest. “Visedar, these are men and women who have swore their loyalty to me”, he explained. “First, we have Wulvren, formerly the Archmaester of Magic, now my Grand Maester”
Visedar smiled widely, though Laevon merely raised a thin eyebrow. “A genuine maester!”, he exclaimed. “Splendid, this is precisely what we were lacking. Welcome at Dragonstone, Maester Wulvren!” As Wulvren nodded, Aegon continued. “Then we have Robin Darklyn, younger brother of Lord Damon Darklyn of Duskendale. He and his entourage will remain here, as Robin is our ward and squire to Ser Rahaerys”, he explained, moving on to the next man. “There we have Lord Regis Rosby, first of the Westerosi to bend the knee” In a gesture of respect, Aegon nodded a bit deeper than usual. “His advice has proven to be valuable. He and Wulvren will both accompany us to the meeting”
However, Visedar's gaze had moved on from the humble, unassuming Lord Rosby, to the elephant in the room, the red priestess. “Is that...”, he gasped and Aegon sighed. “Noelle of Braavos, meet Visedar Solus, my advisor and bookkeeper”, he spoke. “Visedar, this woman has come because her god led her to me”
“Or so she claims”, Visenya added coldly and Aegon nodded. “Or so she claims”, he agreed. “I trust Wulvren's opinion on her, that the powers she has are as real as they are useful” For once, Visedar's smile had faded, whereas the quiet Laevon had an outright frown on his face. “The red priests are dangerous, your grace”, the fat man warned him.
“That they are”, Laevon agreed calmly. “And this young lady by her side?” Ellena frowned at being seen as Noelle's companion. Though technically true, she did arrive with her, she now wanted nothing more than to rid herself of Noelle's influence.
“Laevon, this is Ellena Terys, my newest handmaiden”, Rhaenys introduced her, taking a step back to be by her side. “Ellena, this is Laevon Raelgaeron, castellan of Dragonstone, one of the dearest friends of our family” Laevon put a hand onto his heart and bowed slightly. “Your grace is too kind”, he spoke. “So, you took a handmaiden after all. I remember you telling me you won't need any for the short trip to the continent”
Rhaenys chuckled softly. “I was wrong”, she admitted casually. “Ellena has convinced me of that” She looked at the girl and Ellena couldn't help but to smile back. “Speaking of, I believe it is time for you to meet the other girls” Looking past Laevon, she waved at two young girls, both around Ellena in age.
Both had blonde hair, but the slightly older one had an even lighter colour, bordering on platinum. It wasn't hard to guess the family connection, as her nose was no less aquiline than that of Laevon Raelgaeron. Stern and serious, she had her hands crossed behind her back and stood behind Rhaenys, carefully mustering Ellena.
The other girl was more approaching. Her hair was a darker shade of blonde and her eyes were warm and brown. She was a beauty, with soft features, but the smile on her face was a cocky one. “Ellena, meet Hemys Raelgaeron and Cassandra Oxus”, Rhaenys introduced both and Ellena had to glance at the bald, brutish Ser Daghan behind his king. That at least was one parentage she would have never guessed. “Girls, this is Ellena Terys, from the Free City of Braavos”
“Braavos, eh?”, Cassandra spoke, as she approached Ellena first. “Never been there, is it nice?” Before Ellena was able to speak, the girl had extended her hand. “Name's Cass. I'm kinda the one in charge here” Behind her, Hemys rolled her eyes and glanced at her father. “She is also a loudmouth”, she added. “Welcome aboard, Ellena”
“Wonderful”, Rhaenys said, as she put a hand onto Hemys' shoulder, the other one around Cassandra. “Aegon, do you have to hold this meeting right away? We just arrived” The king raised an eyebrow. “That was the plan”, he admitted and Rhaenys shook your head. “We just arrived, love. Give us an hour to rest, to bathe and to change into something more comfortable”, she told him. “I am certain most of your council will appreciate the chance” Then, her smile grew smaller, but warmer. “Besides, your son hasn't seen either of us in weeks. Would it kill you to check up on him?”
This seemed to do the trick, as the mention of his child instantly caused Aegon to mellow down. Behind him, Visenya narrowed her eyes, if only for a moment. “You heard Prince Aenys is fine”, she spoke. “The conquest of Westeros however cannot wait, else we risk losing our momentum”
Aegon shook his head. “Not even for my only son?”, he asked, as he turned around. For a moment, Visenya and the king looked at each other. “You don't know how that is”, he spoke. “You don't have a child of your own” Visenya's eyes widened, if barely notable, but the fact that for a second, there was something else on her proud, confident face, not anger but perhaps disappointment and sadness, it made Ellena nervous.
“Aegon”, Rhaenys hissed, as she instantly walked to his side, her smile gone and the look in her eyes as sharp as Visenya's. She put a hand onto his arm and he stopped looking at Visenya. “Maybe we can keep it that way. Visenya believes this to be important and in matters of war, she is better than both of us” The smile she gave her sister was genuine and encouraging and the frown on Visenya's face got softer in return.
The younger queen sighed. “I firmly admit, such discussions always bore me. I'll be there if you need me, but really, I doubt I can say much your advisers can't bring up on their own”, she stated. “So, how about that, you and Vis go to the painted table and you hold your meeting, I catch up with you after I checked up on Aenys and took a bath” She tilted her head and fluttered her eyelashes. “Is that okay for you?”
A brief smirk formed on Visenya's face. “Acceptable”, she stated and Aegon nodded reluctantly. “Alright, I agree”, he admitted, as he turned to his entourage. “I demand attendance from the lords Velaryon and Rosby, as well as Quenton, Gordar, Iwan, Laevon, Visedar and of course Orys and Grand Maester Wulvren. Ser Daghan, Quingar Qoherys and Vahaegor Cantaeris will stand guard” He smiled at Rhaenys, before he turned around, with Visenya following him after giving her sister a wink. Slowly, those who had been called out started following, while Rhaenys remained behind.
She sighed. “These two...”, she chuckled. “Can't be with each other, can't be without” She shook her head. “None of you girls have siblings and you can be glad about it” She smirked at her handmaidens, though her expression quickly became more serious. “But I meant what I said. My son needs me, so I will check up on him at once”
With these words, she looked at Ellena. “As for you though...”, she stated. “You have just arrived. If you want to move to your room first, I'll have Hemys show you around. The castle is a bit too large for its people, so we have plenty of rooms to spare. I wish to bathe later on though and both of you will assist me, but until then, there should be some time for you to settle in” The queen shrugged. “Of course, I won't force you to rest. You can accompany me and meet my son, if you choose so”, she said and her smile was prideful. “The sweetest boy you'll ever see”
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] [Go to your room with Hemys]
This was pretty interesting. Especially the last paragraph. Can I ask which year it is now? We are still counting down to the actual 'After the Conquest/AC', meaning we are at Before the Conquest/BC', right?
Because then, in theory, Rhaenys shouldn't have any children yet. However, if you are changing canon like this, I really like the change. As for events that happens that shape Rhaenys son's character is more realistic, as he is older then. I'm sure you know what specific part I am talking about. So if that is a change I really like it, as I find it more realistic.
As for the choice, fuck yes spend time with Queen. Out of all Targaryens, she is probably one of my favourites, together with Daemon Targaryen (From The Dance of Dragons). To be honest, they are one of few Targaryen's I like overall.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
Team Targ for the win! Really loved the details you put as they approached Dragons are and how the Dragons/castle occupants reacted.
In terms of the choice, I think exploring the castle a bit with the queen would be interesting and we can meet the other Targ.
I was actually looking for another possible character here when I saw it was Targ focused. Wink
Yes indeed, we are technically in the BC time, means Aenys actually wouldn't be born for several years in the canon. There are a couple of good reasons for this change, some of which will only make sense after the story is finished properly. First of all, I always wondered why it took about a decade for Rhaenys to get pregnant, if we presume she married Aegon at the age of twenty. Of course, we can assume they kinda stopped trying during the Conquest itself, but even afterwards it was unusually long, especially given how much in love she and Aegon are. A pregnancy for a woman in her thirties might be far from uncommon in our society, but in Westeros, most women give birth to their first child as soon after the marriage as possible. So, I tried to make it so that Aenys is born earlier. Since nothing else is going to change about his life and that of his descendants, I figured it wouldn't be a severe break from the canon. I also wanted to give Aegon his son and heir before starting the conquest, giving him the additional motivation to one day leave his son with more than just an ancient, fading legacy and a barren rock in the Narrow Sea, while also giving both the additional depth of actually being parents. Especially for Rhaenys, this will add some further depth to her as a character.
Haha, glad to hear you like her
Certainly, Rhaenys is meant to be liked and I absolutely love writing her, albeit I must admit, I do like all three of them. Aegon is just too fascinating for me not to like and the more I write about Visenya, the more I enjoy her character, from the harsh warrior queen that would influence Maegor the Cruel like no one else to the struggling disfavoured wife that has to compete with her beloved little sister. There's quite a number of Targaryen's I like. Aenys, Jahaerys, Viserys (the first and the second, not Dany's jerkass brother), Daemon Blackfyre even, but interestingly, Daemon Targaryen isn't particularly high on my list.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] Getting to know the future king is a great way for Ellena to better relate to Rhaenys.
So we meet the rest of Dragonstone's court, and they're all eager to start the advance.
Ah, glad you liked it! I have actually decided not to make Dragonstone a continously major location in the story, as I think the developing Aegonsfort could hold more potential in terms of growth, being the future King's Landing and all, whereas Dragonstone, for as fascinating and exotic as it is, doesn't provide me with this angle of showing a developing city in the making. After all, Aegon will place a lot of importance on making sure that this will be his future capital and not the distant island of Dragonstone.
Hehe, I can promise, we will see him in this chapter
Thing is, this part already introduced almost half a dozen new characters, with Robin Darklyn, Dana Darke, Visedar Solus, Hemys Raelgaeron and Cass Oxus. It's also the first time the epilogue characters Quenton Qoherys and Laevon Raelgaeron are shown again and I am not sure if they have left that much of an impression last time they were seen. So, introducing yet another character in this part when I have an entire chapter ahead of me to do that would have felt a bit too much. Though as said, we will see him in this chapter and he is planned to have actually a sizeable role in Ellena's parts to come 
This part was once again great, you continue to write the Targs in a very enjoyable way! Each of their distinct personalities get to shine, and it's always interesting to see all these other characters reacting to them and their dragons, including Ellena herself of course. I'm also interested to see how well she'll get along with the other handmaidens.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son] Of course I'll choose the option that gives Rhaenys more screentime, as well as introduces another Targaryen
Understandable, and as previously said, I really like and prefer this change.
Jaehaerys the Wise (long and sweet) is a favourite as well, as well as Viserys II (short but sweet). I think I like Daemon especially because of how he died. Even if it may not be completely true, I see it as 100% true. Jumping from your own dragon (who also kills the last "original" dragon Vhagar) to another and killing a long time rival only to then plunge to your death on a dying Vhagar is more badass then I can fucking handle.
Also, I was a team Rhaenyra and Daemon during the Dance of Dragons (because, y'know, the throne was hers by right), so that is also something to take into consideration.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
[Go to your room with Hemys]
Let's bond with the other kids at Dragonstone.
Ah, I must say, I am so happy the three Targs are received so well. Being able to write their respective personalities and them interacting with each other is always a treat for me. Of course, with the Conquest going on, they will more often than not have individual storylines they'll appear in, away from each other. As such, I try to make the most out of the time they actually have in the story and I'm glad it seems to be working well
Yeah, I must say that I'd side more with Rhaenyra in the Dance of Dragons as well, because you are right, the throne is indeed hers, but that is mostly because Aegon the Second is perhaps one of the least sympathetic Targaryen kings ever. It's actually telling just how messed up some of them are that he is generally not considered among the worst, with Maegor, Aegon the Fourth and Aerys around. Doesn't mean I necessarily sympathize with Rhaenyra, she was the rightful queen but would have probably not made for a particularly capable one either and the concerns that ultimately she would have been Daemon's puppet ruler sound logical to me. That being said, I definitely agree with you, Daemon is among the most badass Targaryen and there really is no cooler way to go out than he did.
[Go to your room with Hemys] The guy's name is pronounced (almost) the same as anus (right? That's what I've thought), can't go this way.
Ah yes, incest. So, so sweet.
Such a poor woman. I would love you if you were real Visenya. Of course, that would be primarily based on your looks, but still. She deserves better.
While I am usually a stickler for staying true to canon, I'll give Aenys a pass. Why he wasn't born earlier confuses me greatly. Maybe they had other children that died in infancy or something.
Also, so many characters this chapter. Are we even a quarter of the way down? Probably, but we definitely have more than a half to go. So, so many.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
You mean Aenys, right? Actually, I think his name is pronounced very similar to Rhaenys, with an emphasis on the nys syllable. So it's like ae-NYS, with the ae syllable definitely being pronounced short. Alternatively, I could see it being pronounced with both syllables short, sounding a bit like Ennis. In a world where Dickon is a name, it's definitely not the most unfortunate name someone can have, but I agree, there is some understandable confusion as to how his name is pronounced and what his parents where thinking when giving it to him.
Yeah, the joy of an unwanted incest marriage being overshadowed by a consensual incest marriage. Just a normal day in the life of House Targaryen. Albeit this is indeed a rare occasion, Aegon showing actual fondness towards Visenya beyond the huge amount of respect he has for her. Usually, their relationship is a cold friendship at the best.
This I will not disagree with. What Aegon did was probably understandable from his perspective, he did what is best for him and for Rhaenys and he did it with the determination of a love-sick teenager, but he completely disregarded how Visenya would feel if her intended husband ends up breaking even the already messed up Valyrian traditions by marrying her own sister alongside her, against the outspoken will of their own father on top of that. I think this fundamentally loveless marriage, overshadowed by being humiliated on her own wedding day, had a big role in the more questionable choices she will make later in her life. Visenya isn't a bad person and in a loving relationship, her own development would have probably been a lot different. Aegon was forced upon her as much as she was forced upon him, but where she accepted this fate, Aegon rebelled against their father and got away with it, something that probably left her quite bitter.
I believe if there would be miscarriages or infant deaths and the like, it would have been mentioned somewhere. Some couples have extreme problems conceiving a child, but the fact that Aegon is confirmed to spend ten times as many nights with Rhaenys than with Visenya, but still needed a decade to father a child with her, whereas it happened almost immediately with Visenya when the need for a backup heir came up sounds still a bit unlikely to me. Rhaenys and Visenya are sisters after all, they can't possibly be that different in terms of fertility. Especially as not having an heir during the Conquest would put the family legacy Aegon wished to preserve at a tremendous risk. While he strikes me as someone who accepts calculated risks, I don't think he is that reckless.
Nope, we are not yet a quarter into the chapter, but almost there. Indeed, this chapter introduces a lot of new characters and it might be the first where the character list actually shrinks instead of growing. I am very happy with that as well. More new characters are to be introduced in this chapter, but I think most of the new ones are at least introduced by now.
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
[Head with Rhaenys to her son]
The Voting is closed!
Ellena is going to accompany Rhaenys to meet the young Prince Aenys
I kinda expected you to pick this choice. After all we're talking about the future King Aenys Targaryen here, I knew you'd be at least curious to have him featured in the story proper. This'll also mean more bonding between Ellena and Rhaenys, which I presume isn't against what you would like for her. Having the queen as a friend cannot possibly be a bad thing.
Anyways, the next part should be out today. It will be a Garthon part, the first for him in this chapter. Last time we saw him, he just joined Edric Rivers and the Sons of the Trident in their mission to bring down House Hoare. For this, Edric sent him, Hjalgar and Christian to one of the last Riverlords who would openly defy their king, Petyr Blackwood, Lord of Raventree Hall. Garthon's goal in this is to keep up Torvin's legacy of defiance against the king. He got to pick one member of the Sons to accompany him and he chose Gavin the Tall, a man who briefly tried to execute him alongside Deywn the Fiddler. As said, I hope to finish the part today, but we'll see if I actually manage to succeed at this.
Hey! So, I'm aware I've already made and posted a portrait of Aegon before, but I was experimenting in a bit of a different style today, and ended up doing him again
I wasn't really planning to post it here, but hey, I think it turned out pretty well so why not. Here ya go:
Oh, in that case I am glad I did not manage to finish the part yesterday, because this is an amazing surprise
Portraits are always a treat, portraits in a different style are a special treat. I must say, I really like this one. Clearly, it is recognizable as your work, but still feels very different from your usual portraits. Now I wish I'd be even a tiny bit capable of drawing, because I realized I make for a shitty art critic XD But I love this one, I think I might even prefer it over the previous Aegon drawing, but really, we're talking about a quality here where I can't easily choose a favourite anymore. This portrait gives him a more dangerous vibe though, whereas the previous portrait looked more calm. Since he can be both, this is definitely a very fitting interpretation. So, what can I say, thank you very much for making this, I just can't get enough of your work 
Garthon
Raventree Hall was old, probably ancient even, but Garthon had to admit, he was not an expert on castles. Of course it looked older than Harrenhal, though with the only other castle he had ever seen from up close being Pyke, itself almost a ruin exposed to the elements, he couldn't quite compare. It had high walls, not quite as high as Harrenhal, but still impressive, covered in moss. Two high towers flanked the main gate and there was a moat to further defend it. Behind the walls, he could see a large timber keep and, to his surprise, a tree, a huge white tree with red leaves.
“There's a godswood here?”, he asked and Christian gave him a nod. “House Blackwood still worships the wrong gods”, he spoke, his voice making it clear that he did not approve of their religion. “One of the few below the Neck to do so”
“Of course, you won't have to talk to an Ironborn about the wrong gods”, Gavin the Tall brought up, though he chuckled immediately after it. “Just pulling your leg, Breaker. I'm not much of a godly man nowadays” He gave him a pat onto the back, making it clear that he didn't mean any offense indeed.
Garthon raised an eyebrow. “Nowadays?”, he asked and Gavin nodded. “Wanted to become a Septon back when I was younger”, he explained. “Your people beat that out of me when they burned down my village. Hung the Septon in his own Sept and made me watch. Probably the only thing I should thank them for”
“So, that's how you ended up with the Sons?”, Garthon asked and Gavin nodded grimly. “A couple days before that, I found a wounded man in the woods”, he revealed. “Took him in, nursed him back to health. Little did I know that man was Addam Wode. He told me they'd come to get him, they'd punish all who would dare to help him, but I took the risk. And then they came”
Garthon gulped. “How did you survive?”, he asked. Gavin sighed. “Addam always looked out for those who helped him”, he stated. “The Ironborn had a gruesome fate in mind for me, but on the way back to Harrenhal, the Sons ambushed them, broke me out. He gave me a choice, to fight with him for our freedom, or to leave on my own, with a bag of gold in my pocket, to start anew” He shrugged. “I've never really cared for gold. But vengeance? Always puts a smile on my face”
“And yet you don't hate me or my kind”, Garthon stated, perhaps with a slightly hopeful tone. Gavin chuckled, before he nodded. “Vengeance and hatred are two things entirely”, he replied. “Some of your kind are cruel bastards, aye, but most of them just want to live. I hate the ones that caused all this, the ones in charge. Those black-eyed bastards over in Harrenhal and your Drowned Priests”
“The priests don't really matter much nowadays”, Garthon replied. “They sit on Pyke, but the heart of the kingdom is Harrenhal. Sure, they might influence some young lordlings back on the islands, but those who really want to succeed listen to the Hoare's and not the Drowned Men. They had their time, but in Harren's empire, things aren't as they used to be anymore”
“They haven't changed for the better”, Gavin mumbled and Garthon shook his head. “Yes they have”, he insisted. “The Ironborn change. It's a slow change, but the Greenlanders influence them more than they influence you”
Gavin shrugged. “I find that hard to believe”, he admitted. “Though I suppose you have a point. When my pa was young, folk like you did not run around. Your almost like us” Garthon raised an eyebrow. “Thank you... I suppose”, he stated, to which Gavin nodded. “It was meant as a compliment”, he assured him. “And... to be honest, I would like to apologize”
“There's nothing to apologize”, Garthon told him with a smile and Gavin sighed. “I should have stood up against Deywn”, he continued. “Trying to lynch you, I knew it wasn't right. It wasn't how the Sons do things. Sure, some can get carried away a little, but we make it a point to be better than our oppressors”
Garthon grimaced. “Yeah, Deywn made it clear”, he spoke. “What is the deal with him either way?” Gavin pressed his lips together and looked at the castle which they were approaching. “Deywn... well, in a way I think he isn't quite himself anymore”, he spoke. “He lived on a farm once with his family. The lord did something to piss off someone higher up and King Harren sent his tax collectors. Means they burned down some farms to teach the lord a lesson. They taught Deywn much more than that. In a way, I think he died in that fire, alongside his parents, his brothers and sisters”
“They burned down innocent people?”, Hjalgar asked and Gavin frowned. “You must be new to the Riverlands”, he growled. “This is the reality we have to live with. The Ironborn shit at us and when our lords complain as they should, it's poor folk like me and Deywn that have to pay the price. The Riverlands is full of people like us, living their failed lives. They are the reason I fight” Though there was no hint of malign in his eyes, he suddenly grabbed Garthon by the shoulder and sternly looked at him. “And I don't care if things are changing for your people, if more of them are becoming like you, because it doesn't change anything for my kind, at least not fast enough. The Ironborn no longer listen to the evil old men serving your drowned demon, but they are still listening to tyrants”, he explained. “Though that brings up a question. Why do you fight?”
Garthon gulped. “For Torvin”, he spoke and Gavin raised an eyebrow. “You would turn on the entirety of your people just for your brother?” To this, Garthon shook his head. “Not just, but also because of what you said”, he spoke. “Raiding, our culture... as much as I never felt for it, I know why it came to be. It was our way of life, the only possible way of life on the barren islands we called our home”
With determination not less than Gavin's, he looked the tall man straight in the eyes. “But not anymore. What Hardhand gave us when he conquered the Riverlands was a chance to become something greater and we wasted it. We cling to our old way with zeal. Each generation praises the one that came before them and curses their own”, he stated and Gavin tilted his head with genuine curiosity. “If we can't change, maybe we don't deserve Hardhand's empire”
“Surprising words”, Gavin complimented him. “You won't find me disagreeing with them” As they came closer to Raventree Hall, he put a hand onto his shoulder. “Listen, once we're in there, I leave this entirely up to you”, he promised. “I've, well, never been much of a leader” He gave him a wink, followed by a small smile. “And I trust you with this, because Edric trusts you”
Garthon reciprocated the smile. “I'll try to be worthy of this”, he assured him. By now, the guards of Raventree Hall had noticed them. The gates, initially closed, were carefully opened as they approached, a drawbridge lowered, revealing about two dozen soldiers. Though Garthon and his companions were only four men, armed but not armoured and without horses, the guards seemed nervous. He knew Harren and he knew they had every reason to be afraid.
The man in front of them seemed less nervous than the rest though. He was old, notably older than soldiers normally were, with combed back grey hair and grey mutton chops. His skin was wrinkled and a bit reddish, with a bulbous nose and a heavy chin. Grey eyes looked at the travellers, not hostile or nervous, but stern and a slight bit tired. His attire consisted of chainmail and leather, the tabard of House Blackwood above it.
“Halt, travellers!”, he yelled and the four followed his order at once. He came closer two of his men following. Though he had a sword on his belt, his left hand simply rested on it and he made no attempts of drawing it. Calmly and in silence, he mustered all four. “These are dangerous roads and no one crosses them lightly these days”, he continued. “So I ask you once, what is your business at Raventree Hall?”
Garthon exchanged a look with Gavin, then with Hjalgar, the latter of which nodded reassuringly. Then, he took a deep breath. “My name is Garthon Breaker”, he revealed and he noticed several of the guards gasping. Even the old head guard slightly paused, his eyes widening. “I remember your name”, he said, as if this fact was something outstanding. His lips moved a bit without an actual sound coming from it, before he saluted. “If you are whom you claim you are, Lord Blackwood will gladly receive you” He moved aside and so did his guards, as he invited the four travellers into the castle.
As Garthon approached him though, he moved a hand towards his chest. “Leave your weapons”, he ordered and he didn't need to say it again. Garthon handed his sword over, while Gavin, a slight frown on his face, parted from his axe. Bow, arrows and a long dagger came from Hjalgar and a similar choice of weapons from Christian, the latter of which seemed visibly unhappy with this turn of events.
Once it was done, the older guard nodded with a happy smile. “Welcome to Raventree Hall”, he told him. “Lord Blackwood will be happy to meet Garthon Breaker once more. You've impressed him on your previous meeting. Your brother impressed him as well”
“He had that effect on a lot of people”, Garthon mumbled and the man raised an eyebrow, before he understood. “My condolences”, he spoke. “We've assumed the worst after Raylansfair, but getting a clear report on it these days is hardly possible” He shook his head and Garthon sighed. “Yeah, I know”, he replied. “I haven't gotten your name, Ser...?”
The other man stood firmly. “Torvin Hale”, he introduced himself, extending his hand and Garthon hesitated only for a second before he shook it. Edric had told him all about the Blackwood family after all. “You're Lord Petyr's father-in-law”, he stated and the man seemed happy with his knowledge. “Indeed I am”, he replied. “The marriage between my Evelyne and Lord Petyr came with a number of problems, but there's not a day in which I regret it, seeing my girl happy like that” He narrowed his eyes, as if he thought about saying something else, before he subtly shook his head. “Ah, you came at the right moment”
Leading them across the relatively small courtyard, he approached directly the keep, a cavernous building made out of timber. The entire place was lying in the shadow of two large towers next to the gate from one side, the keep from the other and the godswood from a third. Garthon looked up at the white tree, admittedly in slight awe at its size. He had heard about them before, but never had the opportunity to see one up close, the white bark and haunting red leaves making for a striking contrast. It wasn't hard to see why the First Men would come to worship their gods at these places.
There were several people on the courtyard, it was a generally busy scenery, with two blacksmiths working in a corner, a tall man carrying a log of wood into a building and two stable girls leading a magnificent destrier across the courtyard. A couple guard patrolled and though they glanced at Garthon with distrust, the sight of Torvin Hale by their side was apparently enough to put them at ease.
“My son-in-law is having dinner with his family right now”, Torvin explained and Garthon glanced at him. “Aren't you part of his family?”, he asked, to which Torvin nodded. “Yeah, but I've never been a big eater”, he replied. “Besides, there are my duties. I'll have a small meal later on, in my chambers”
The doors to the Great Hall weren't entirely closed and two guards quickly ran up to Torvin to help him opening them in full. Though it was a chilly day, the air in the room itself was comfortably warm and Garthon spotted several rows of tables, most of them empty. In the far end of the hall though, slightly higher than the rest of the tables, he saw a couple of people sitting.
It didn't take him long to recognize Petyr Blackwood. The lord looked about as old as his father-in-law, despite being roughly twenty years younger still. Slightly overweight, he had an unkempt beard, already heavily greying, while the hair on his head showed signs of early balding. By no means strong or handsome, it was still clear that once, he used to possess these traits. Nowadays however, he reminded Garthon of a man who had long since given up on himself.
By his right side sat a woman and Garthon had to look twice, for her beauty was astonishing. As the only grown woman on the table, it was clear that she had to be Lord Blackwood's wife, Lady Evelyne. The rumours about her beauty were true at least, as she looked not much older than Garthon himself, a good decade younger than she truly was, a baffling combination, especially when compared to her unsightly and prematurely aged husband. Her hair was jet black and she wore it in a long braid that was resting on her shoulder. Her garment was a fine red dress with a low neckline, the shoulders adorned with raven's feathers.
Three children sat around them. To Petyr's left sat a young man, handsome as his father probably had been once, with brown hair and eyes, a flawless complexion and a haughty look on his face. By their mother's side sat a boy on the brink of becoming a man, with longer brown hair, a bit unkempt, with a look on his face no less sullen than his father's. Finally, a younger girl, clearly her mother's daughter though, already showing signs of growing into a beauty no less than Lady Evelyne and sporting the same black hair.
There was one last person in the room, sitting on the table of honour but with one empty chair between him and Lord Blackwood's eldest son. He was clearly not a member of the family and a sight that made Garthon a bit nervous. He was unsightly, not only unkempt as Petyr, but outright ugly. Short and a bit hunched, he nonetheless had a broad build, with short hair, a full, black beard and some battle scars over his face. His eyes were unnerving though. One of them was brown and looking at him in quite a normal way. The other one was paler, a bit clouded and clearly unable to hold focus. The eye lid was twitching, which gave him a generally nervous appearance.
Petyr Blackwood raised an eyebrow. “Torvin, what is the meaning of...”, he began, before he cut himself off, as Garthon and his companions went down onto one knee. “Garthon Breaker?”, he asked and next to him, his wife slowly lowered the fork she held in her hands, the only sound anyone made as the lord looked at him.
Garthon managed a smile. “Lord Blackwood”, he greeted him, as he noticed the weary look on Petyr's face fading, replaced by a smile. “Garthon, it is wonderful to meet you again!”, he exclaimed, as he rose from his chair. Moving around the table, he spread his arms, grabbing Garthon by both shoulders. The look on his face was like that of a man dying of thirst who had found a flask of water at last.
“Mylord, the pleasure is all mine”, Garthon spoke, pleasantly surprised by Petyr Blackwood's warm welcome. His family looked on, though at least his wife and daughter did so in a friendly way. The sons were more distant, but the ugly man looked at him with visible interest. “I wasn't sure you'd receive me even”
Petyr shook his head. “Ah, your arrival falls at a dangerous time”, he spoke. “Trouble with Harrenhal grows stronger every day. The Hoare gets nervous as rumours from the east grow darker for him and that makes for an explosive mixture” He sighed, as he looked over his shoulder. “Ah, but what kind of a host am I? Please, meet my wonderful family!”
First, he pointed at the woman that was undeniably his wife. “Lady Evelyne, the love of my life”, he introduced her and the woman smiled warmly at her husband, then at Garthon. “My husband told me a lot about you and your brother”, she spoke. “It is a pleasure to welcome you in Raventree Hall”
Captivated by her beauty, Garthon realized that another bow would be in order and he did so before replying. “Mylady, you honour me”, he told her, as Lord Petyr continued. “Then we have my son and heir, Ethan”, he spoke and the haughty young man nodded at Garthon. For a moment, the haughty expression was gone, making room for a small smile. “As well as my youngest son, Raymond, and my daughter, Marian” Both of the youngest Blackwood children seemed more shy, with Raymond barely meeting Garthon's eye, while Marian looked at her mother first, before nodding to greet him.
“And ah, you should also meet Maurice”, Petyr spoke, to which the ugly man with the twitching eye rose from his chair. He walked around the table, while mustering Garthon and his companions. “They call me Mad-Eye”, he told him and in contrast to his unsettling appearance, his voice was smooth and his smile genuine and calming. “That is the fate of those wounded in war, I'm afraid” He extended his hand and as Garthon shook it, he noticed that Maurice had a strong, firm handshake.
“Maurice is my advisor and a close friend of the family”, Petyr explained. “Until we are assigned a new Maester from the Citadel, he has taken over some of his duties” To this, Maurice shrugged. “He makes it sound more glorious than it truly is”, he replied. “Mostly means I clean after a dozen ravens and deliver messages” Finally, the curiosity on his face gained the upper hand and he tilted his head. “Forgive me for asking, but our last information has been that you and your brother have been forced to lead a raid onto the Reach city of Raylansfair”
Petyr nodded. “Maurice brings up a good point”, he spoke. “You come at a crucial point in time, but I have to wonder how you have gotten here. What happened at Raylansfair? What happened with your brother?” Garthon's reaction, the frown, was enough for Petyr to realize. Immediately, the sullen look returned, if not as strong as it used to be.
“Your brother has been an outstanding man”, he spoke. “I would have given everything to stand by his side against the tyrant. A man unbroken, an Ironborn standing against the Ironborn king” He shook his head. “My condolences. Your presence here is still very welcome and much needed”
“He was betrayed by one of Harren's agents”, Garthon explained. “He died on the king's order. If there is anything I can do to help you in your struggle, it will be done” Petyr frowned. “To be honest, I don't know what is about to happen”, he admitted quickly. “I haven't paid my taxes. The coin I saved through this went into swords and armour for my men, into training for the peasants. The Blackwood army stands ready to fight, against the Ironborn or the eastern conqueror, if necessary”
“I suppose Harren hasn't taken lightly to this”, Garthon brought up and Maurice shook his head. “My sources are limited, but the king is not one to ignore insubordination”, he confirmed. “Our only hope right now is that Harren is too busy with the Targaryen, who has burned two of his lords already and will continue to do so unless he puts his full attention onto him”
“He is weak”, Petyr confirmed. “Spread too thin, with too many enemies all around him. Torvin revealed just how fragile the kingdom is, who fragile Harren can be” Garthon gulped, as he remembered back at the Great Hall, where Harren had broken Torvin's will, where he had killed his unborn son, Garthon's nephew. “Fragile wouldn't be the word I'd use”, he mumbled.
“But it is right”, Maurice stated enthusiastically. “He gets more cruel with every day and it means he realizes his way is no longer working. He is desperate and he reacts in the only way he knows, with more violence” He glanced past Garthon, his good eye narrowing, while the other one twichted a bit faster. “Who are your companions?”, he asked.
Garthon quickly glanced at Gavin, before replying. “Their names are Hjalgar, Christian and Gavin”, he spoke. “Trusted companions who volunteered to accompany me here” He wasn't certain if he should reveal Gavin's ties to the Sons of the Trident, or his own. Petyr Blackwood by himself could be trusted, he was certain of it, but this Maurice? Lord Petyr's family?
“I see...”, the man said. “Though this actually brings me to my next question... why is it that you have come here? The full reason, I mean” He looked at Garthon, expecting an answer. But what should he say? Sure, he could just go ahead and reveal his involvement with the Sons, but they were rebels, of a much different kind than the mere insubordination of House Blackwood. In private, he could probably make the lord see his reasons, but Maurice would undoubtedly feel suspicion, something he couldn't afford, not with Harren probably already making his move on Raventree Hall.
[Reveal your connection to the Sons of the Trident] [Ask to speak with Petyr in private] [Come up with a lie]
[Come up with a lie]
Let’s say that we’re now apart of a traveling band, The ‘Born, and we have come for a solo act. I don’t trust this Mad-Eye fellow.
Great part, I really enjoyed learning a bit about the backstories of Gavin and Deywn. Man, Riverlands really is the shittiest place to live as a peasant in Westeros, in almost any given time period
Sure, it's pretty fertile compared to Iron Isles, North and Dorne, but I wonder if there has ever been a generation (before Aegon's Conquest) there that didn't see war. Anyway, Raventree Hall is a cool location, and so far I'm liking the characters there as well 
[Ask to speak with Petyr in private] I think it's reasonable to ask for a private audience, and seeing how much respect Lord Petyr has for Garthon, I don't see why he wouldn't grant it to him. Could someone take offence? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it'll be a big deal. And lying is the last thing we want to do here, that could really bite Garthon in the ass later.
And neither does Garthon! I mean, with Maurice, we got someone who looks very shady, twitchy, the kind that makes people nervous. Petyr has a reason to keep him around, but Garthon only sees this very shady looking guy. Maurice's presence and Garthon's opinion on him are the main reason for this choice.
I really wouldn't count on it. Maybe some parts of the Riverlands have remained somewhat peaceful, but they have been at the centre of almost every large conflict in Westeros, always. Ironborn have plundered them constantly, there are the mountain clans to the east, the Durrandon's have claimed their lands every couple hundred years, the Andals waged war with them for a very long time. It is a very fertile land, explains why anyone would still live there. Makes one wonder how they could have been if Aegon's successors would have upheld his stable rule for the most part. Without the rebellions breaking out there, the Dance of Dragons or the War of the Five Kings. I mean, we got a region there that seemingly always recovers and rebuilds, so how powerful could they become if they'd actually be united and not surrounded by enemies? Anyways, I am glad you enjoy Raventree Hall, the storyline there should be a lot of fun for me to write
Not necessarily taking offense, no, but just like how Garthon isn't necessarily trusting Maurice, Maurice was the one to ask and he could grow suspicious of Garthon if he'd end up requesting a private meeting with Petyr instead of revealing his intentions to him and the Blackwood family. At least it could be seen as impolite to ignore him after he asked the question and making it obvious that he isn't really trusting him.
[Ask to speak with Petyr in private] Distrusting Mad-Eye is a reasonable thing, but lying may be something Lord Blackwood won't like if he finds out.
Curiously, Raventree Hall is named like that because the Weirwood tree serves as resting place for thousands of ravens at night.
[Ask to speak with Petyr in private]