Legacy of the White Dragon : Dance of the Dragons

Laena Velaryon (109 A.C. Eleventh Moon)

Dragonstone – Aemon's chambers

"Choose the girl or the boy. If you don't, we'll kill them both," one of the black shades hissed, its voice a venomous whisper that crawled under her skin. One shade gripped Arya, older than she remembered but still her beautiful daughter. The other shade clutched a boy—her son. His eyes, a haunting mirror of Aemon's, stared at her in terror. Yet his face also had much of her father's, though he was a stranger. He hadn't been born yet.

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking as she dropped to her knees, "Kill me instead. Let them live." Her plea was unheard as the shades were unmoved by her despair.

"Choose," they gurgled, their voices like the grinding of bones, as blood trickled down Arya's throat, staining her gown. Arya, her firstborn, her fierce warrior queen-to-be, and the boy, her son, her flesh and blood, both held on the edge of death.

"Please," she begged, her voice a ragged whisper. But the shades only sneered, their empty eyes glinting with malice.

 "Now choose, or we kill the babe too," they growled, pointing at Lyanna, cradling another infant in her arms, its tiny breaths barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

"The boy," she sobbed, the words tearing from her throat as if they were her own lifeblood. Her son's eyes widened in horror, betrayal etched into his young face. "You hear that, little boy, your mama wants you dead." The shade that held her boy hissed cruelly.

 A shriek pierced the air as Arya's head rolled to the ground, her body collapsing like a broken doll.

"NO!" she screamed, her voice shattering the night. She awoke with a start, her body drenched in cold sweat.

"Laena, wake up," Aemon's voice cut through the lingering terror, his eyes wide with concern as he shook her gently. She clung to him, her sobs wracking her body as her tears soaked his chest.

"Oh, Aemon," she gasped between sobs,

"Laena?" Rhaenyra said, her eyes filled with concern.

"Blood and Cheese, they killed Arya," She choked.

 "Oh dear, it's alright, it didn't happen. It was just a dream." Aemon said as he kissed her forehead. "That will never happen, you hear me? Never." Aemon said, his voice full of conviction, as he held her face.

"I know, yet it felt so real, and I chose a future child of ours. A boy, a mix of my father and you." She said, slowly coming back from the shock of her dream.

"Laena, nothing will happen to our children. Our husband would never order a thing like that. Or cause it so that someone else would order it for revenge." Rhaenyra said as she took her hand. "Hmm, come we know the future, and already much has changed. It can't be the same. We will not let it." she vowed.

Aemon nodded and continued Rhaenyra's words. "Laena, Rhaenyra is right. Much has already changed. For example, Arya and the future twins Rhaenyra carries wouldn't be here, nor would Visenya. Not even Daemon's twins would be here. I know things will be different. I promise you none of our children will be subject to fates like Lucerys, Joffery, Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor."

 Maelor, Jaehaera, and Joffery, but they still lived during the part Aemon had told.' She thought, confused.

It must have shown on her face as Aemon sighed. "I haven't told you both of their fates yet. Their fates happen later in the tale of the fall of our house and the dragons."

'The dance, even the start, sounded horrible, and now Aemon was saying it would get worse?' She thought as she hung her head down.

"It will be all right, my love. It will not happen again," Aemon said as he embraced her. She may command the second-largest dragon in the world. Yet, being embraced by the man she loved was still soothing.

"I know we won't, yet. The thought of it still haunts my mind." She said, and Aemon kissed her brow.

Aemon left her and Rhaenyra, put on a morning robe, and walked toward the door.

 "It will be alright, Laena," Rhaenyra said as she embraced her. She nodded, yet the dream had shaken her. The sight of her daughter's head being cut off still haunted her mind.

The door creaked as Aemon spoke with his steward and ordered food and drink to be brought.

Not much later, they had all dressed in easy clothing as the food and tea Aemon had ordered were brought in.

"Thank you, Salwin. Stand a few doorways away, and you can order my guards to do the same. I don't want to be overheard." Aemon said to the steward as he left.

"As you wish, Your Grace," Salwin answered, bowed, and left the chambers. She heard words behind the door and, not much later, footsteps.

She smelt blueberry tea and took a satisfied swallow. The warm tea trickled down her throat as she let out a sigh of contentment.

 "Well, as I said, the war truly started after Blood and Cheese, and the death of Lucerys ended the War of the Ravens. The war's first battle was called the Battle of the Burning Mill, between the Blackwoods and the Brackens. Their feud now had an outlet. The Blackwoods declared for you," Aemon said as he looked toward Rhaenyra.

Rhae nodded as she swallowed a piece of the egg she had bit into.

"The Brackens declared for Aegon, and the battle ended with a Bracken victory, although both sides suffered major losses, Samwell Blackwood was slain by Amos Bracken, and his sister Alysanne Blackwood, called Black Aly, shot the man who killed him dead, with a weirwood arrow through his eye. Before all this, Daemon had taken control over Harrenhal and rallied the riverlanders for Rhaenyra's cause. The Castellan Simon Strong declared for you. Probably because Larys Strong was rumored to be responsible for the death of Harwin and Lyonel Strong, who died in a great fire in Harrenhal."

"Larys killed his own kin, his father and brother?" She said with a gasp.

"Yes, although other suspects like both your fathers were also said to have been the ones who had orchestrated their deaths. Because of Rhaenyra's supposed affair with Ser Harwin Strong." Aemon answered as he took Rhaenyra's hand in his.

 'Would her father truly do that? Burn people alive because they may have cuckolded Laenor?' She thought anxiously.

"So after these events, slowly, both sides gathered their forces. The North and the Vale rallied for the Blacks, and the Greens rallied the Reach, The Stormlands, and the Westerlands. However, the Reach wasn't truly behind the Greens' cause, as many suspected. Many houses in the Reach were angered by House Hightower's overreach in power. As the Tyrells were lord Paramounts, and the regent for that current lord declared neutrality in the conflict, the Reach was divided during the war. As for the Iron Ilse, they declared for the Blacks. Although they weren't of any help, they were more of a problem because they started to raid the Westerlands." Aemon said, yet at that, Rhaenyra frowed.

"Why is that a bad thing? They attacked the enemy, did they not?" Rhaenyra questioned.

"Not truly. The Westerlands forces had already marched toward the Riverlands, meaning its forces weren't there. The only thing the Ironborn did was raid those lands. Later, after the war, they had to be pushed out. Yet not before, thousands died, women raped, and many were enslaved as thralls." Aemon answered.

"Yes, when you put it like that, I can see what you mean, Aemon," Rhaenyra added.

Aemon took a sip of his ale. "So with the fall of Harrenhal, the Greens were in a panic, so to show their strength, they attacked the houses still loyal to you in the Crownlands, under the command of Ser Criston Cole. Duskandale was sacked, and Rosby and Stokeworth pledged their fealty. After that, Ser Criston Cole marched on Rook's Rest."

 She frowned at that. 'Why Rook's Rest? It was farthest away, and it is a small castle, not really a place to rally an army for the black cause if they wish to raise one.'

"Huh, but it doesn't make sense. After those forces, he could march into the Riverlands uncontested and siege Harrenhal or perhaps rally with the forces coming from the Stormlands." Rhaenyra interrupted Aemon, and she smiled. It seems her sister-wife agrees with her thoughts.

"Well, Cole knew that, but it was a trap for you," Aemon said as he looked toward Rhaenyra and toward her with a painful look.

"Rhaenys was sent to Rook's Rest. I suppose the Blacks council didn't think they would leave Kingslanding undefended. Yet the Greens did leave it undefended. They sent both Aemond and Aegon. Sunfyre was quick and was able to hold Meleys in place so she could not flee. Not much later, after both Sunfyre and Meleys were wounded and locked in combat, Vhagar crashed into them, and the dragons fell to the ground. Out of the smoke and dust, only Vhagar came out unharmed, but Meleys was torn to pieces, and I'm sorry, Laena, your mother was dead by then." Aemon said as he took her hand.

"Well, if she wanted to go out other than in her sleep, it would be that way. Fighting for a just cause, and on dragonback." She said with a sad smile.

"Well, your mother did take Aegon with her. Aegon was grievously burned. In some places, it burned so hot that his armor melted into his flesh. His dragon Sunfyre was wounded in many places, and one of its wings was almost completely torn from his body. After Aegon was confined to his bed, his mind was given over to milk of the poppy." Aemon said, yet his voice was full of melancholy.

"Aemon, it will not happen again. Aegon will not be scarred like that. Neither will my mother's fate be that, " she said as she took his hand.

Aemon nodded, took a deep breath, continued his story, and looked toward Rhaenyra. "After Rook's Rest, Aemond was declared regent and took command of the Greens. Your son Jacaerys took command and rallied Corlys back to your cause, and he was named Hand of the Queen. He also started what was to be called the Sowing. Something that would break the conception of how the Targaryens were seen by the people and contributed to the fall of our house. He called for dragonseeds, and while many of them turned into supper for the dragons, four dragons accepted new riders." Aemon took a sip of his tea.

"Seasmoke was claimed by a bastard son of Laenor, called Addam of Hull. 'Oh, Laenor sired a bastard? How did that happen?' She wondered as Aemon continued.

"Vermithor was claimed by Hugh Hammer, and Silverwing was claimed by Ulf White, also called Ulf the Sot. The final and most mysterious was Sheepstealer or Goynogar, which was claimed by a dark-haired, dark-skinned girl named Nettles." Rhaenyra's gaze deepened as Aemon spoke.

"No, if blood makes the rider, anyone with blood of the Targaryens could claim one. Not only the trueborns, like the Valyrian histories tell us." Rhaenyra said.

"I know, and there is a chance it already has happened. One of the hatchlings still in Sea Dragon Point has shown an interest in a Targaryen bastard that resides there." Aemon said.

Both she and Rhaenyra looked at him, shocked.

 "Aemon, don't tell us you sired another child on a girl you met there," Rhaenyra said, her voice half trembling with rage.

"No, the only other woman I slept with in this life except you two was Alicent. I spoke of my niece, Daemon's bastard, and her mother is Mysaria. She was supposed to be sent to Lys, but I knew the babe would die on the journey. So I made Mysaria a deal and offered her and her child a safe place to live and to provide for them. Chances to rise in the world. She has become a Master of Whispers for me." Aemon said, a bit irritated but calming down as he went on.

"What? I thought Mysaria died at sea." Rhaenyra said.

"No, that was arranged to make it look like she did. She lives in the castle with her daughter. She's also building a spy network in Westeros and parts of Essos for me." Aemon said with a smile.

 'Cunning, man.' She thought. "You have done well. You gained a valuable ally and prevented a family member's death. Even if the child isn't trueborn." She said as Aemon gave her a warm smile.

"Not long after the Sowing, the Triarchy launched a fierce assault upon the blockade, resulting in a victory for the Blacks, though it was a victory bought with blood. In the aftermath, it was recorded that Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, beloved son of Rhaenyra Targaryen, met his end. His young dragon, Vermax, was ensnared by grapnels and dragged beneath the waves. There, amidst the tumult of the sea and sky, both dragon and rider were assailed by a storm of arrows, scorpions, and crossbow bolts, leaving them lifeless in the deep." At that, all of them were filled with sorrow.

"The cost of the battle was heavy. A third of the Velaryon fleet was lost to flame and steel, and the aftermath was bitter. Spice Town and High Tide were sacked, with the latter reduced to a smoking ruin, its proud towers and halls consumed by fire. The biggest losses of the battle for sure were Prince Jacaerys and the loss of Prince Viserys."

'Who was Prince Viserys? I suppose another of Rhaenyra's sons.' She thought, confused by the name. Noticing their confusion, he explained.

"Prince Viserys was your youngest son with Daemon," Aemon said as he looked toward Rhaenyra. "You sent your youngest sons Aegon and Viserys to Pentos to be fostered, but the Triarchy captured their ship. Prince Aegon was able to flee on his dragon Stormcloud, leaving his brother. He would never fully forgive himself for leaving Viserys. However, Stormcould would survive the flight back long enough to bring Aegon back to Dragonstone. The dragon had been shot full of arrows, and the dragon was perhaps five years old, and its scales were not strong enough to protect him yet. Aegon was traumatized, and his Dragonbond was broken. Who knows what kind of effect it had on him."

"Aemon, was this the Aegon III in whose reign the last dragon died?" Rhaenyra asked, her voice edged with sadness.

"Yes, that was him. Aegon the Third, the Dragonbane. Aegon was described as someone haunted by the ghosts of his past." Aemon answered and took another swallow of his drink.

"So, after the battle of the Gullet, the survivors returned. Ser Ulf White and Ser Hugh Hammer reveled in their victory, their cups overflowing with wine, yet there was no joy in the hearts of the others who fought. Ser Addam Velaryon and the girl called Nettles did not share in the revelry, for they had seen firsthand the terrible power of the dragons, they rode—beasts of war whose might was as monstrous as it was exhilarating. We all know the power of a dragon." Aemon, his voice more cautious.

She agreed that riding a dragon could be wonderful, but they also held a terrible power. "True, a dragon's power must be used with caution. Especially threats, Jaehaerys told his sister Rhaena much the same." She said, and Aemon gave her a smile.

"True, the lords of the realm are proud. Remind them too much of our power, and the more disgruntled they become. The silent power of the dragons is more than enough. The history of the dragons seems to that. I have done the same in Bloodstone, writing another bloody page in their histories. The people will remember, but we don't need to remind them of the power we hold." Aemon added to her words.

"So after that battle, I lost three of my sons, and only Joffery and Aegon remained to me," Rhaenyra said as she sighed.

"Yes, as far as you knew, Viserys was lost, but he will return to Westeros. His line is what eventually ends with me," Aemon said quickly.

"Hmm, a small consolation, I suppose. That my youngest didn't die that young. The more you tell, the bloodier the damn conflict becomes. Yet you said something terrible is still to happen to Joffery, Maelor, and Jaehaera." Rhaenyra said, her voice cracking slightly.

"Unfortunately yes, the conflict will spill into more bloodshed after the Gullet. Rhaenyra, you grew harder after your sons' deaths. Although I can't really blame you, I honestly don't know what would have happened to me if I had lost three sons in such a short time." Aemon said as he shook his head and shuddered at the thought.

"After the Gullet, the forces loyal to the Blacks in the Reach were defeated at the battle of the Honeywine. However, the Green's side was only saved when Daeron Targaryen, Alicent's fourth son, came into the battle and bathed the Blacks in flames."

"Not soon after, Aemond and Ser Criston Cole marched toward Harrenhal. Thinking Daemon to be a true threat. I still don't know why they left the capital, as without Vhagar, it was defenseless. There were three dragons there, but Dreamfyre wasn't in action because Helaena was still traumatized by the Blood and Cheese incident. The other two were the dragons of Jaehara and Jaehaerys, but both were still small dragons. Perhaps Aemond was deceived into believing the Blacks wouldn't attack the capital." Aemon said.

"Yes, it seems a strange action. The capital is where people from North to South see the realm being ruled. Lose the capital, and you will lose legitimacy." Rhaenyra chimed in.

She nodded in agreement.

"True, and soon, the Greens would lose the capital. Yet before that, and before Aemond could reinforce the armies marching from the West to attack the Riverlands and Daemon and his force. The Riverlanders fought the Westermen in the battle of the Red Fork. The Westerlands were victorious but not without losses, as Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West, was slain in that battle. Not long after, Ser Criston Cole and Prince Aemond arrived at Harrenhal. But it was deserted, sadly for the men and women of House Strong, who were all killed in a rage by Prince Aemond." She could see Aemon 's mouth curl in disgust at the cruelty of both Aemond and Daemon.

"Daemon knew, you see, and felt with his armies, the armies of Rivermen joining with the survivors of The Red Fork and the Winter Wolves sent forward by Cergan Stark. As he was marshaling his men in Winterfell. Not soon after this, the Westermen forces were trapped at a place near Harrenhal.

Aemond was not informed about this as all the ravens were killed by archers, and not soon after, the men of the West were slaughtered. The battle was later called the fish feed, as many bodies were left to rot in the lake of the Gods Eye. Lord Roderick Dustin is to have said, 'Best make an end to these lions before the dragons come.' All the while, Daemon made his way south to Kingslanding." Aemon said with a smirk.

 It seemed Aemon enjoyed the fall of the Westermen and House Lannister. She couldn't blame him, as he had told them that a Lord of the West in his time. Had ordered the murder of his half-siblings and their mother.

"Perfect, Janos Lannister was an arrogant prick. Served him right. The man died in his first battle." Rhaenyra said with a huff.

"True, my love. I'm sure my sister would share your sentiment." Aemon said with a smirk.

"So while Aemond failed in the Riverlands, Daemon, and Rhaenyra, and with all the power of their dragons, took Kingslanding. Many of the gold cloaks were still loyal to Daemon, as one of them said to Gwayne Hightower, ' Daemon gave us these cloaks, and they're gold no matter how you turn them.' As he lay dying."

"Unfortunately for you," Aemon continued and looked toward Rhaenyra after he took another swallow of his drink. "King Aegon II Targaryen escaped the fall of King's Landing. He was smuggled out by the master of whisperers, Lord Larys Strong, via secret passages. Aegon's children were protected by two of his Kingsguard knights, Ser Willis Fell and Ser Rickard Thorne, and both were escorted to different places. None knew where the other went.

Ser Otto, the previous Hand of the King, and Ser Jasper Wylde were executed for treason. The current lord of Robsy was also executed after he tried to return to your side. Yet, your mercy had run out. Of the Greens, only Heleana and Alicent remained confined in the Red Keep. You then finally ascended the steps and sat on the Iron throne, although you wouldn't sit it long." Aemon said as he took Rhaenyra's hand again and stroked her tump. 'It was a sight she enjoyed seeing throughout the stale Aemon told. Whenever there were points of hardship coming for either of them, he tried to ease them. She loved her husband all the more for it.' She thought happily.

"Not much later, Aemond learns of the fall of the capital and, in his rage, starts burning the Riverlands. After that, Ser Criston Cole started his march back to Kingslanding. In Kingslanding, your reign began, yet Greens had taken the treasure of the Kingdom to different places. This meant you didn't have any coin, so you had to increase taxes on an already war-weary population. Causing the people that once loved you eventually call Maegor with tits. I'm sorry, Rhaenyra." Aemon said, her eyes widened. "Hmm, it seems I will be remembered as one the worst rulers of the Seven Kingdoms," Rhaenyra said, her breaking. She embraced her then, and Rhaenyra cried in her chest.

"Dear wife, you are nothing like what is said in those books. I don't believe everything that was written is true. Nor do I believe you were the worst rulers of the seven kingdoms. Maegor, Aenys, Aegon IV, Aerys, Joffery, and Robert were all much worse. You just entered a city with no treasury and were starving, and there were few things you could have done. We're all human and make mistakes, and you did not do your things out of cruelty." Aemon added quickly.

"Aemon is right, Rhaenyra. You aren't that woman, nor will you ever be." She said as she kissed Rhaenyra's forehead.

"Thank both. I love both with all my heart." Rhaenyra said as she wiped her tears away. "I love you too," Aemon said with a bright smile as he kissed Rhaenyra's hand. "Me as well, my love." She said and kissed Rhaenyra's cheek. "

"Okay, can I continue, my dears? The Dance is almost done. With the steady decline of our house would begin." Aemon asked as Rhaenyra looked at her. "Go on, Aemon." She said, and Rhaenyra nodded in agreement.

Aemon Targaryen (109 A.C. Eleventh Moon)

Dragonstone – Aemon's chambers

He looked at his heartbroken wife, telling them the tale of the goddam Dance of the Dragons. It was hard telling them of the death of their kin, friends, and family members. He took a deep breath and began again as he looked toward Rhaenyra. "Alright, as I said, decisions made during the beginning of your reign destabilized it further than it already was. Not much later, an incident of not rewarding the Ulf, Hugh, occurred. Both Rosby and Stokeworth lords had died. Both lords' eldest children were women, and they had argued that, like you, they should inherit those lands and titles. Also, it was argued that Ulf and Hugh married these daughters so they would be rewarded. Yet your father, Laena, argued against this, as Rhaenyra's case was special. So they were denied those lands and later the lordships of Casterly Rock and Storms End. Although that is the right choice, you can't grant those lands and titles to lowborn Dragonriders. However, I would have granted the lands of Rosby and Stokeworth to them by marriage. They broke their oaths and must be punished for treachery." He said.

"So both of them were disgruntled. Hugh and Ulf were given minor holdings on Driftmark. Not much later, Ulf and Hugh were sent toward Tumbleton to reinforce it and take the fight to Daeron. Daemon and Nettles were sent to the Riverlands to hunt down Aemond. Seasmoke and Addam, the now legitimate Addam Velaryon, would stay in Kingslanding and defend the city with you if needed. Although looking at it now, I wouldn't have sent Hugh and Ulf together. They were both not happy. They would only fan the flames of each other's anger. Yet what happened then can be undone." He stated.

"That's true; it would have been better, but we will not know my reason for sending it them the way they were," Rhaenyra replied. He smiled and nodded. It seemed Rhaenyra was calming down. 'This stale history was hard for her, as most of it concerned her choices and her children.' He thought sadly.

"After the fall of Kingslanding, I said that Aemond was burning the Riverlands, and Cole was marching back Kingslanding, right?" He questioned them, and they both nodded.

"Well, Daemon and Nettles hunted Aemond, but he vanished every time they came close to him after he burned a castle, a village, or a town. So it was truly a cat-and-mouse game they played. Cole, abodadont by Aemond, was harried during his march. Wells were poisoned, outriders and foragers killed, and not much later, the green forces, on low morale and strength, were ambushed. Cole had parlay offered a trial-by-confront to decide the matter. But the Roderick Dustin is to have said, 'I'II have no songs about how brave you died, Kingmaker. There tens o'thousands dead on your account.' Ser Criston was then shot with three arrows. He was dead before he hit the ground. People call it the battle the Buchers Ball, as it was more butcher of men than a true battle." He felt conflicted when told of the battle. 'When read in Winterfell, he felt triumph now, more sadness, of one of his truest friend's deaths,' He smiled at the thought.

"Aemon?" Laena asked, her voice low and caring. "I just smiled at the thought of Criston. I'm now great friends with the Kingmaker. A bit like my first sire was with a knight of the Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne." He responded, smiling a little.

"Speaking of the forces that killed Ser Criston, they marched on to Tumbletone. During this time, Aegon and his children were still missing. One would soon be found, and with that discovery came death. Ser Rickard Thorne was charged with bringing Maelor toward the Hightower army for safety. As of now, Maelor was Aegon's heir. Yet they were discovered in an inn when Maelor's dragon egg and Rickard's white cloak were discovered. Not much later, Ser Rickard rode away and tried to cross a bridge near Bitterbrige, the place where the Hightower army was marching toward. But Ser Rickard and Maelor were halted at the bridge. Ser Rickard defended his charge, but a crossbow bolt in his throat finally killed the man. All while he held the child, but soon…." He paused and took a deep breath. "It's alright, Aemon you can tell us," Laena said reassuringly.

"Soon, the smallfolk and guards surrounded the Prince. Then they started arguing about where to bring the boy and who would. Then, the mob turned into a frenzy over who would hold possession of Maelor. Then it began; they started to tear at him, and sooner than later, Maelor was torn apart." He said with a sigh, and both Laena and Rhaenyra gaped at him. "No," Rhaenyra muttered softly.

"It's true, after that horrible event, Lady Caswell sent Ser Rickard and Maelor's remains to Kingslanding to appease you." He replied and looked Rhaenyra in her eyes; she had just closed them. "She also sent Maelor's dragon egg toward the Hightower host. When that host arrived at Lady Caswell's gates, she hanged herself. Pleading for them to spare her children. They did, but Bitterbrigde was sacked." He ended that horrible tale of the end of Prince Maelor.

"Oh, poor Heleana, losing two of her boys in such a horrible way," Laena said, her voice quivering. He flinched a bit at Heleana's name. "What?" Rhaenyra asked as she saw his reaction. "I only know that not soon after Maelor's end, the news reached Kingslanding. Helaena was already broken after Jaehaerys death, either heard in rumor or was told of Maelors death, or perhaps there was a fowler things at play in her death. But it said she killed herself when she jumped out her window and landed on the iron spikes that surrounded Maegor's holdfast." He replied, hanging his head.

"Poor child, at least in death, she would know peace." He looked at Rhaenyra, then when she said that. "Mmm, there isn't anything after death, at least what I have seen, although on both occasions, I returned, so perhaps the gods didn't want me to see the truth." He added, giving both of them a small smile.

"The death of Heleana caused an uproar, and the first riots in the Kingslanding started and ended at the beginning of the end of the dragons. One rioter's group was led by a man called the Sherped, and he would soon bring it all crashing down. Shortly after this, the battle that started the coming storm would begin. In the first battle of Tumbletone, the Hightower marched toward Tumbletone, and many felt its advance. With those who felt to Tumbletone were soldiers who were on the side of King Aegon, to infiltrate the town." He stated, and both his wife nodded.

"Soon, the Hightower army marched to take the city. Soon, they attacked it, but the Winter Wolves and part of the forces garrison Tumbletone sallied out. During this attack, Lord Rodrick Dustin, covered in blood, killed the leader of the army, Ormund Hightower, and his cousin, Ser Bryndon. Rodrick died soon after. Then, Tessarion, Vermithor, and Sliverwing roars were heard across the town and on the battlefield. The defenders and the townfolk inside cheered. As Vermithor and Sliverwing were larger and outnumbered Tessarion. Yet soon those cheers turned to screams when Sliverwing and Vermithor sat spitting fire on the town." He said, making his hand into a vist. 'The two betrayers, and the Blackfyres, caused one the major reason for the distaste and distrust in bastards.' He thought, holding down his anger.

"Fucking, traitors, my son and I raised them up, gave them the power of the dragons, and they betrayed me. If Tessarion had fallen, the war might be over, with only Vhagar remaining as a hostile dragon." Rhaenyra exclaimed, grumbling.

"True enough, however, Vhagar wasn't the only one. As across the bay from Kingslanding would soon show. Although you didn't know that." He replied, and both Rhaenyra and Laena frowned. "Bye this time, Ser Alfred Broome had heard some interesting reports coming from around the Dragonmont. Two dragons clashing. A golden and light grey, the golden killing the grey. He sent out men, and soon it was discovered that it was Sunfyre, that had killed the dragon Grey Ghost. As Aegon was ferried to Dragonstone, the dragon had come for Aegon. Ser Alfred was disgruntled after you named someone else. I do not recall the name. Together, they organized a takeover. Aegon then flew on Sunfyre toward Dragonstone," He then looked toward Laena. "Your daughter Baela rode the young dragon Moondancer, and together they attacked Sunfyre. Moondancer danced around the weakened and crippled Sunfyre, but at some point, Moondancer hit Sunfyre's flames in the face. The dragon then attacked Sunfyre in a frenzy, and both tumbled to the ground. Aegon jumped off his dragon, shattered his legs, and would never walk again without assistance. Baela survived it as she could retreat from the fight, eventually kill Moondancer, and leave Sunfyre mortally wounded. Baela didn't escape fully unscathed as she was burned, although luckily not gravely. After she was also spared, as she would be useful hostage against your father." He ended by giving Laena a reassuring smile.

"I'm not surprised that Laena brought such a brave daughter into the world. Acting bravely when others choose treachery." Rhaenyra said and took Laena's hand. He smiled at seeing them so close. He then looked toward Rhaenyra. "You didn't know what happened on Dragonstone, as you had many troubles after two betrayers. Upon learning of Tumbleton, you ordered the gates of King's Landing closed and barred. The Two Betrayers made your council question the loyalty of the other dragonseeds, Ser Addam Velaryon, and Nettles. Despite Corly speaking in their defense, Rhaenyra ordered Addam and Nettles arrested. Addam, who had been guarding the dragons at the Dragonpit." He looked toward Laena. "Your father warned Addam and escaped on Seasmoke, causing his arrest." He ended with a grimace.

"Soon, the letter of the arrest of Nettles was sent to Maidenpool, where Daemon and Nettles resided. It was said that Nettles and Daemon were lovers, or perhaps what could be possible is that she was his bastard daughter, as they were close." He said. "Hmm, it could be both. We would never know. It seems the girl has some dragonblood, and Daemon always claims we have superior blood," Rhaenyra said as she rolled her eyes. "Daemon seems to be attracted toward it, considering he married us both," Rhaenyra noted as she shuddered.

"All true, or perhaps the girl is already born, but there isn't much information about Nettles. I know only that she was brown of skin, brown of hair, and brown eyes. So, it does not look typical of that of the Dragonblood. Yet Nettles became close to Daemon, the true reason we would never know. Nettles wasn't arrested as you wanted, as she was sent away by Daemon, who didn't follow the order." He ended by looking at Rhaenyra. "Nothing new, Daemon not doing what he was told. Although I'm glad he did, as Nettles and Addam were both innocent of the crimes of Ulf and Hugh." Rhaenyra said with a smile.

"Yes, yet you can't say Daemon was a coward or traitor. Daemon was now alone and went to Harrenhal and assured a challenge to Aemond. Daemon waited thirteen days at Harrenhal. Each day, he slashed the great weirdwood of Harrenhal. It's said that even in my previous life when I lived, the wounds made by Daemon bleed anew each spring. On the thirteenth day, Aemond arrived with a pregnant Alys Rivers, the only member of House Strong that lived through Aemond's massacre at the castle." He replied, and both Laena and Rhaenyra's eyes frowned in surprise. "Alicent son, siring a bastard on a bastard. Dear, if she heard, she would be getting a hard attack. At least the Alicent of your past." Rhaenyra said with a small laugh.

"Yes, she would give birth to one, to and cause further troubles in the reign of Aegon III." He said with a smile. "Yet, soon after Aemond landed, both Daemon and Aemond took to the skies. Yet Daemon did not fasten himself to his saddle."

"That's madness, not fasting once chains to their saddle," Laena exclaimed. "True, but Daemon is known for his mad actions, isn't he. Caraxes, being faster, ascended quicker and dispread into the clouds but too only came down and slammed into Vhagar, locking his jaws on Vhagar's neck. Both dragons were grappling as they descended from the sky. Caraxes's jaw continued to tighten around Vhagar's neck, and even as Vhagar's teeth tore Caraxes's wing, her claws opened Caraxes's belly. During the fight, Daemon is to have leaped from his saddle and onto Aemond's. Were he, then, drove Dark Sister into the reaming eye of Aemond The Kinslayer. Soon after, both dragons would crash into the water, and the gout of water was so high that it was as tall as the Kingspyre Tower at Harrenhal.

Aemond was found years later, with Dark Sister still buried in his skull. Caraxes lived long enough to crawl from the Gods Eye back to the shore, where he died near Harrenhal. Daemon's body was never found, however. Some tales claim Daemon survived and later went to find his lover Nettles, but most dismiss this, believing instead that Daemon's body was carried away by currents or eaten by fish. I find that more likely, then again, I was killed twice and lived." He said, adding some humor to it. 'He wouldn't ever think it' wasn't insane. He traveled back in time and came from the dead twice.' He thought amused.

"At least the man died, removing that kin-slaying cunt from the realm," Rhaenyra muttered. "True, at least he did that. However, Aemond's death would not save your reign, Rhaenyra." He added somberly as he looked toward her. "It's all right, Aemon. You can continue." Rhaenyra replied.

"Soon as the riots got worse by the day, it exploded, and the Storming of the Dragonpit began. The Shepherd had roused the people into a frenzy; tens of thousands gathered to hear him speak, and at some point, the man started blaming the dragons for their suffering. The mob storms the dragon pit, killing the remaining fifty or so dragonkeepers. When they were inside, the dragons were roused and angry. The dragons in closed and chain could not flee. So, instead, they fought the coming mob with claws, jaws, and flames. The younger dragons, still inside, were the quickest overrun, but not before taking many of the mob with them. Soon, Dreamfyre, the largest dragon still in the pit, broke her chains. She then was shot with a crossbow bolt in the eye. Inraged, she flew against the roof of the dragonpit. Already weakened by dragon flame, the roof collapsed, killing Dreamfyre and many of the dragonslayers.

During this event, your son Joffery took Syrax, wanting to save his own dragon. But as we all know, a dragon will only accept one rider at a time. Most of the time, they will accept companions but never be alone. So Joffery tried to take Syrax to the dragonpit, but Syrax trew of Joffery died in the fall, and the Seven that rode were able to retrieve his body. But not before the current wielder of Lamentation dies and loses the blade. Syrax, I do not know why, perhaps enraged, or drawn to the dying sound of her kin, or drawn to the smell of blood, she attacked the mob instead of breathing fire upon them. She would soon be overrun and die." He said, stopping as Rhaenyra let out a sob.

"My, Yellow Lady, and my boy dying, in near moments of each other." She sobbed, and Laena took her into her embrace. "That's last son, Rhaenyra. No other would die. At least not any time soon." He tried to reassure her. 'Not that all truly matters. The end of the Dance was almost there, but he still had to tell her of her death. In moments like this, he contemplated if he should have told them.' He thought miserably. He sighed and continued after Rhaenyra calmed down.

"After the riots, you left Kingslanding and fled to Dragonstone, not yet knowing what happened there. However, there will still be an attack of strength and honor to come. Addam, angered by the Two betrayers, rallied an army around himself and attacked Tumbleton, known as the Second Battle of Tumbetone. Three dragons would die during this battle, and only Silverwing would remain. Seasmoke, although smaller, attacked Vermithor, and during the battle below the dragons, Daeron died, and his dragon Tessarion would also join the fight against Vermithor. It was said Daeron hated Ulf and Hugh's improper nature and arrogance. Who knows, if dragons carry over some of their dragon's love and hate with them. At the end of the fight, only Tessarion would live but was mortally wounded, and the Green Army, already broken apart by the sack and losses, was more or less over. The army that attacked them did not have the strength to do so. Vermithor rider Hugh would be killed as well, killed by one of the loyal lords of Prince Daeron. Ulf would die later of poising, and Sliverwing, riderless, would disappear somewhere in the Reach, never to be seen again." He said, and he saw a satisfied smile on Rhaenyra and Laena.

"Good, the two betrayers deserve their ends. Daeron and Addam only followed orders and were loyal to their causes." Rhaenyra, muttered out. "True, Addam was true to his oath. A true servant of the crown." Laena added.

"Yes, he was his brother Allyn Velaryon, who would gather his bones, which were taken to Raven Tree Hall after the battle, as Beijncor Blackwood took the fallen hero's bones with him. He was finally buried on Driftmark, and one of his Thome was one word, 'Loyal.' He said with a smile. "Good, Addam deserved it," Laena said.

"In Kingslanding, the city had turned into anarchy. Three leaders had taken hold of the city. One was a squire, Trystane Truefyre, who was said to be a bastard of Viserys and was installed by Perkin the Flea in the Red Keep. Meanwhile, a second pretender king was the four-year-old Gaemon Palehair, who was claimed to be a son of Aegon and was established atop Visenya's Hill at the House of Kisses. The Sherperd had his kingdom around the ruins of the dragonpit. It was called Moon of the Three Kings." He grumbled out.

He looked toward Rhaenyra, her eyes still red from her tears. He sighed and told her end. "During that time, you traveled to Dragonstone, where you would find Aegon the Elder. Ser Alfred Broome, the traitor, and his garrison killed your remaining men and captured you, your ladies, and your son Aegon the Younger. Once inside the gates, you faced Aegon, and you have to have said. 'Dear Brother. I hoped that you were dead.' Aegon then said, 'After you. You are the Elder.' He then fed you to Sunfyre in front of your son." He said, and he broke a little when he saw both the faces of his wives.

"Well, considering everything, I might even have welcomed death. Yet why show my little boy my death? He was innocent. He didn't do anything against Aegon." Rhaenyra said with a sigh. She sounded very defeated. "True, what Aegon did was cruel, not needed. If he wanted you dead, he could chosen ten less gruesome ways." He grumbled out.

"Probably, a good thing for the realm is that Aegon II did not sit on the throne long." He said as he looked at Rhaenyra, and he gave a sad smile. "Lord Boros, Baratheon was able to march on Kingslanding and put the three pretenders into custody. Corlys was able to secure Aegon the Younger as the heir to Aegon, and together with the release of Baela, Aegon was able to secure a pass to Kingslanding. Ser Perkin was imprisoned, and Trystane Truefyre was executed once Aegon took the city, though not before he received the boon of knighthood. Gaemon was spared after his mother confessed she wasn't Aegon's son. The Sherped was burned alive in the Dragonpit by Aegon Elder himself, held up by his Kingsguard."

Lord Borros soon marched out to comfort the rallying armies, wanting to place Aegon Younger on the Throne, as he was your heir after the death of your three oldest. Although Boros, his battle on the Kingsroad would be the last of the war. Lord Borros Baratheon led his armies against the rivermen who were approaching the city on the kingsroad. These Lads were led by Lord Kermit Tully, Lord Benjicot Blackwood, and his aunt, Alysanne Blackwood. Bloody Ben Blackwood broke the flank of the confident Borros, and "Black Aly" led the archers that brought down Borros's knights. Lord Baratheon killed Lords Darry and Mallister before he himself was killed by Lord Tully.

This left King's Landing with only meager defenses, with the Lads only a short distance away. Lord Cregan Stark and his forces marched south to reinforce them. Soon, the end for Aegon the second was near." He explained the fall of Aegon Elders's rule.

"Well, deserved end for Boros, as he was partially responsible for the death of Lucerys, he might be my kin, but the man was brutish cunt. " Laena crumble.

"Yes, and all for a hand in the marriage of Prince for his daughter. After this, the Black armies marched, but Aegon the Elder refused to surrender. Seeing the writing on the wall, Corlys poisoned King Aegon with the help of Larys.

The Riverland forces took the capital, and soon, Aegon the Younger was installed as Aegon III Targaryen. Although not all was well, Cergan Stark was not so easy to forgive the people who poisoned King Aegon II. As he was a king, and the men loyal to him betrayed him, a sense of honor hung to Cergan. He took the Handship and put the people guilty to trial." Laena's breath hitched then.

"Don't worry, Laena Corlys will live for some more years. Cergan executed two people, Ser Gyles Belgrave of the Kingsguard and Larys. The others who were found guilty of treason were sent to take the Black. Corlys was spared, as had tried in Aegon's second reign to secure peace. Although Alyssane Blackwood was the deciding factor in turning Cergan in and not charging Corlys, She offered her a bone to Cergan, and he asked for her hand, which she gave. Cergan did all this in a day and was hand in hand for a day.

After the trials, a regency of seven regents was set up, with Corlys as the Hand of the King. Aegon III then married Jaehaera Aegon's second-only surviving child, and this ended the Dance of Dragons for the time being. Although the marriage was consummated, both children were of different ages. However, as I said, Jaehaera would have a sad end." He said and looked at his wife.

"Mmm, the final of the cruel deaths of innocent children," Rhaenyra said, her voice bitter. "During Aegon III's regency, at some point, Uwin Peake would come to power as Hand of the King, and in my opinion, the man is the worst Hands of the King in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. The how and why that's part of a tale you both can read. When you are in Seadragon Point, I have a book that I have written, containing all I could remember from my past life and its history. From the year I was reborn as Baelon Targaryen and Lyanna Stark's son. The Dance is in that too, but I thought you needed to hear it from someone you loved instead of reading it." He said.

"Thank you, I would rather hear it from you than anyone else or read it," Laena said, giving him a warm smile. 

"So, still speaking of that history, Jaehaera was murdered, although it said she jumped herself out a window and died the same way her mother died. Sadly for Jaehaera, she didn't die instantly. She suffered for another day before succumbing to her wounds. We don't know who pushed her out the window, but mostly, the man sent to guard a Kingsguard appointed by Ser Unwin Peak. If I remember correctly, that Kingguard would died bloody.

Lord Peak, you see, wanted his blood on the Throne. Ser Otto come again, although in the end, all his plans fail, as Aegon would marry Deanaera Velaryon, daughter of the son of Vaemond Velaryon. They would have five children, two sons and three daughters." He said, with a smile, that he always enjoyed the failure of Unwin Peak.

"At least he had children. Perhaps he found happiness in them. Yet what happened with Viserys and Laena's children, Baela and Rhaena." Rhaenyra asked, her demeanor slightly happier. Laena also looked at him expectingly.

"So, Viserys would return during the regency of Aegon III, already wed at thirteen to Larra Rogare. They'd have three children, but his line—our line—would eventually end with me." He glanced at Laena, her face clouded with sadness, and Rhaenyra, who sat in thoughtful silence.

"Rhaena," he continued, "would be the last of our kin to ride a dragon. The Morning was her mount, though when Morning died remains uncertain. She'd marry a brother of the Lord of the Hightower and bear six daughters." Laena's eyes widened in disbelief. "My daughter? A Hightower? I hope that boy was worth it, or else she'd have killed him herself," she said, aghast.

He chuckled, a rare sound amidst the solemn retelling. "Probably," he agreed. "As for Baela, she wed Alyn Velaryon, the Oakenfist. A bastard, but the younger of two brothers. They had two children together." His expression darkened as he continued. "That was the Dance—the war that tore us apart. By its end, twelve of our blood would lie dead and seventeen dragons with them. Our house would never again be as strong or feared. For the next two centuries, we tried—again and again—to bring the dragons back, but they would not return... not until my aunt Daenerys hatched three of them."

He paused, looking between Laena and Rhaenyra, his voice softening. "I've told you what I know, the best way I could. Perhaps I've forgotten some details or maybe changed the tale, but these are the broad strokes of our family's fall."

He stood, walked toward them, and drew both women into his arms, holding them close. "We will do better this time."

"We will," Laena whispered, her voice fierce with determination.

"Together," Rhaenyra echoed, her gaze unwavering.

Aemon pulled back slightly, a small, warm smile touching his lips. "Now, I don't know about the two of you, but I want to see Arya. And after... I want to feel the freedom of flight again. Will you both join me?" They nodded. 'Now let's see the apple of my eye.' He thought happily.

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