Legacy of the White Dragon : Dance of the Dragons

Alicent Hightower (109 A.C. Ninth Moon) 

Kingslanding 

The smells, around the luncheon were wonderous, and especially the smell of bacon, it had been one of her cravings when she had gotten with child. The smell of roasted pork made her stomach growl, and she would mind a bite. Yet the smell was a mere distraction to the men and woman who hung around her, the King, and her son.

"He has his mother's hair, Your Grace, yet some silver streaks, like his royal father." Lord Tyco Ryene spoke, his voice low, full of admiration for her son. Yet there were words she didn't enjoy, as they sounded insincere. "Well, my queen has wonderful hair. I like the combination of us both in the boy." Viserys's words were nice, but his words never warmed her. She smiled nonetheless, a face for the public. 

"He has his grandmother's eyes, your grace." Jasper Wylde said the Lord of Rain House. The man was of broad build, with black hair and a bushy beard. As far she knew of the same age as your Tyland was, both in their twenties. Yet the man already had four children. His first wife died in a child bed a year prior. From what her father had told, the man had arrived at Kingslanding to seek out a new bride and mingle with the court. The man was stiff a bidder of the law and a fact that her father was more than willing to exploit.

"Yes, he does. It will be a wonderful reminder of my mother." She smiled at Viserys's words, even though they were untrue. They were grey, and the other purple Aegon had the eyes of Aemon and Baelon.

She glanced at her father, who was conversing with her uncle, and something her father said made him frown. She suspects that it was because of the succession. Yet she knew Viserys would never change. Rhaenyra nor Aemon would ever forgive him if he did. If not, then it would because of the worth it would provoke in Velaryons. If one's again, their chance for their blood on the throne would be denied.

She looked back to Aegon as Viserys spoke again and poked his nose. "You also have my nose, don't." The group gathered and giggled at his words. Some might be true, but that was life at court, falsities everywhere.

Tyland Lannister then walked up to the King. "Your Grace, I have come with a request. It's of some of the gathered lords and those of the realm regarding Stepstones. With the fall of the Crabfeeder, Your Grace, can't we recall the men? Prince Aemon and Lord Corlys, in their expedition, succeeded. Surely, the men can leave their post and return to their respective houses." Viserys smiled at the man, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Not today, Tyland. My brother has done an excellent job for the crown. Some of these men, according to the reports of my brother and Lord Lyonel, wish to stay employed in those lands. Under the command of the Prince. Also, it has been two and a half years, so it can wait another three days." Viserys said, walking toward the table with food.

"Come eat, fortify yourself for the journey," Viserys said as he walked toward the arranged luncheon. She agreed, and she needed some food before the journey began. "Is everything ready, the baggage train?" Viserys questioned lord Lyonel. "It is presently massing at the River Gate. Lord Jason, expect us to be in the Kingswood before midday." Lyonel answered, and Viserys nodded. "Have you seen Rhaenyra?" Rhaenyra hadn't been around much since her return, being absent and flying back and up from Kingslanding to High Tide to be with Laena.

'Laena was carrying Aemon's child, not his first, but still, the one he could love like a true son, not like he had to do with Aegon. He could only care for Aegon as an uncle, caring for a nephew.' She felt a pang of jealousy at the thought. 'Of Aemon hold his openly and love his child, and his wives. Oh, how nice it would be to have something like that. The dreamy fantasy of the songs the bards sing about.'

"Your Grace, with the fall of the corsairs, many lords questioned the next action to be taken. Especially taking into mind the conquest of Little Tyrosh. Shouldn't your grace not intervene and call for a truce with Triarchy." Tyland urged. She heard from her father that he and Tyland had tried to reign in Aemon, as he exerted a large amount of autonomy.

"The Triarchy, by all accounts, has pulled out of the conflict and is blaming each other for the failure of the conflict." His voice had an edge to it, one she had heard on the occasion when Viserys got irritated.

"The houses wish for clarification, your grace." "Where is Rhaenyra?" Viserys questioned Ser Clement Crabb, Rhaenyra's sworn shield. "I don't know at present, Your Grace." And Viserys groaned slightly at his answer. 

"The realm expects peace and their men to come home, Your Grace," Tyland spoke again, and he was getting close to the King losing his patience with him. "Tyland," Viserys said, with more force this time.

"Aemon has held the command of the region for almost three years now. If the King would now send out his own words, the crown would be preserved as weak and divided." Her father had spoken up. It surprised her. Usually, her father would jump on the chance. To undermine Aemon's position, yet that wasn't in the best interest of the realm and its strength. It seemed even her father understood when not to undermine Aemon.

"I suspect he will inform us what he has planned when the Prince returns. As I said before, the laws of the kingdom in the conquered territories are being upheld." Lyonel had spoken up again, being the only one on the council who journeyed to the Stepstones and had seen Aemon's work firsthand.

"Good, now that's enough. I will hear no more Tyland. Now, can someone tell where Rhaenyra is?" "Husband, I have an idea where the Princess is. I shall bring her and have her join us. We will be there when the carriage departs. Can some food be prepared for us in the carriage?" She said with a smile. "Thank you, my dear. I shall have food ready." Viserys smiled and kissed her on the cheek, and she left to find Rhaenyra.

--

Godswood

"She fled with her ships and her people. Her heart is broken for those.." Samwell stopped singing when she arrived. "Your Grace," Samwell bowed and looked back to Rhaenyra. "Did I say to stop? It keeps my mind from worrying. Sorry for my consent request. If you can go on," Rhaenyra asked, her voice weary. Samwell obeyed Rhaenyra and started to play the song again.

"Rhaenyra?" And that got a reaction, "Ah, Alicent, why have you come? I thought you be at luncheon for the royal hunt and ride." She said as she turned toward her.

"Well, about that, we are both expected to join them in the outer courtyard. The servants will have prepared something for us to eat in the carriage. As they are ready to depart for the royal hunt." She answered with a smile, and Rhaenyra sighed. "Very well, it seems my peace will be broken by the dying of animals if I haven't had enough of that in my head from the Vale. Samwell, thank you for your song. I expect you to play some in the Kingswood during this hunt."

"Princess, Your Grace," Samwell said, leaving them in the Godswood. "I'm sorry, Rhaenyra, but as part of the royal family, we have our duties." "Yes, my brother's second name day hunt, how grand. I suspect your father was involved in the idea. It would have been better if the King had waited for Aemon's return and organized something for him. Aegon will not even remember this." Rhaenyra said as she took her arm. "Perhaps you're right, but we both know the King. Your father doesn't let' chances slip to celebrate something." She said with a smile. "Yes, well, men fight in wars and consolidate the territory of his kingdom."

"Yet, it brings happiness and unity." She countered and sighed as Rhaenyra just shook her head. "Well, I will be happy when I know Aemon is home and you and Laena have given birth successfully." She smiled at her friend's words. "Thank you. Now let's go; your father is already worth enough." She said, and they both chuckled.

Carriage

"Well, isn't this splendid? All my children and wife are going to celebrate and adventure in Kingswood." Oh, she smiled, although she didn't mean it, as her husband took his first cup of wine of the day as far as she had seen. Then, the carriage hit a rock and bounced up a little. It shook her up, and the babe kicked at the hindrance. "Should Alicent be traveling in such a condition?" Rhaenyra asked with a frown and then smiled. "The maester said going out in nature would do me some good."

"Well, Laena complained about it. She hasn't been able to fly for over three moons, and it's driving her crazy, so yes, being in nature instead of being locked up in a castle would do you some good," Rhaenyra said with a smile. Then she wanted to hit Viserys for what he said next. "Well, you will be with your child sooner than late, with Aemon's immanent return. Make me a proud grandsirer and uncle, I suppose." 

She quickly tried to reassure her. "The days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss. It's all worth it in the end, when you hold your babe in your arms." Rhaenyra only frowned and looked around at anything but her father.

"Rhaenyra, you should ride out with me today. Join in the case, as you are your husband's representative." "I'd rather not, father. As I told Alicent, the screams of dying animals have rang in my ear enough in the Vale." She shudders at Rhaenyra's words.

"Still, it would be for the best daughter. It's a hunt. How would you like to participate? Your aunt and grandmother, as well as your ladies-in-waiting, will be joining this hunt. Perhaps join them, and then you can join the ladies together. Alicent will be there as well." True, she would sit with rest, and perhaps that is what Rhaenyra did to distract herself.

"I shall see, father, at this moment. My mind isn't really on this hunt." Rhaenyra answered, but Viserys frowned at her answer but did not continue it.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (109 A.C Ninth Moon)

Kingswood

She heard the clapping when they arrived, all for the royal family and the nameday of her little brother. She just shook her head at the noise. She was not in the mood to join this hunt, but she would bear it. For the family and her duty, unity had to be shown. The carriage stopped, and as her father walked out with the rest, she waited for a bit. She took a deep breath and walked outside. She could not help but notice Hobert Hightower's voice cry out above the rest. "Hail, hail Aegon, the conqueror-babe, Second of His Name! Here's to His Grace on his second name day!" She scoffs at his words.

Well, Lord, my brother will never be known for that. He even isn't the second he is the damn fifth. She thought in anger, yet it wasn't Aegon's fault. It wheir the people who disagreed with the succession "Don't let it bother you, that Hightower oaf will learn his place." It was Lyanna, who had been sitting in the second carriage, who talked a low voice into her ear. "Yes, they are over-ambitious. Yet what would the realm expect? The will of the King is to respect or is the Westeroshi the laws and traditions. The realm might expect my little brother to be heir over Aemon."

"That might be Rhaenyra, but your father would never do it. He loves you and would never break his word to his brother. One who always had his back." Lyanna said, and she nodded.

"Come, let's join them in the see, was is to be found out about the will of the people. They all crumble about my uncle's war and that many men have decided to join him instead. Yet again, many of the houses that crumble now didn't truly support the effort." She said with a smirk.

The main pavilion was extravagant; all the main colors were red and black, with gold accents. "It is something, don't you think Vis?" Her cousin nodded in agreement. "Are their cakes? Can I have some muna?" She chuckled if there was something Visenya liked: cakes and Dreamfyre. "Perhaps, if you behave yourself," Lyanna said, and Visenya sighed but reluctantly agreed.

Her father was standing at the end of the pavilion in the center. He stood at a raised plateau, surrounded by lords, one them stair at them, and that looked wonder of to Visenya. The look had that off intent in them. What would Jason Lannister want?

Then she arrived where the ladies were sitting. "Lady Johana Swann was saved by one of the ships patrolling the blockade. The horrible things that they planned to do with lady of noble birth, especially now." It was Ceiri Lannister, the wife of Lord Redweyne, who had spoken.

"What was to happen to Lady Johanna?" Alicent questioned. "She was to be sold to a pillow house in Lys if my son's words were to be believed. No more gods be good. My second son is now betrothed to the Lady Johana." Well, that was a surprise. "Truly, your son is to marry Lady Johanna?" Some of the ladies whispered.

She then looked at Larys Strong, who was walking awkwardly toward one free chair, his cane in the capers with a small stud. "May sit we, you all my ladies? The gods didn't make me for hunting." The man's voice was low. "But of course. Join us and take a seat. Lord Larys Strong, the younger son of our master of laws." Alicent gestures toward the man.

Then, the wife of Lord of Hobert spoke up. Alicent had told her name before, but she couldn't remember it. "My lord husband says that no King has ever been able to tame the Stepstones for long. It's an inhospitable place suited only for savages. Though it seems Prince Aemon and Lord Corlys are well suited to it." She wanted to scream at the woman, insinuating that Aemon was savage.

"Well, my son, Lady Hightower, has had the situation more than in hand, considering the war is done." Lyanna had walked into the circle. "Princess, what welcome you to join us." Lady Ceiri said. "Welcome, Lyanna, Rhaenyra, and you to Visenya." Alicent said, and Visenya smiled warmly at Alicent.

"That's good to know, yet my house invests part of navel strength and wealth in this endeavor. Perhaps the Princess has more insight into the future plans for the Stepstones. As Lady Hightower says, it is an inhospitable place and difficult to hold. Princess, your husband is the great architect of this war, but he was not." She looked at the Lady Ceiri and frowned.

"I doubt we could. We have never been to the Stepstones. My husband has written to us and the council, yes, but. I can't give you insight into the current affairs and how to handle the future of the Stepstones as the details and intrigues of that place are unknown to me. You thought, Lady Redwyne, have the same your sons have fought in the war. Your second son is even to be married to Lady Johanna. I suspect they also provide you with similar information." She said, and she spoke the truth with an edge.

"True enough, Princess. My sons have been sent missive over from the war. Your husband is a topic in many of them, and he was quite courteous at his time at the Arbor. My sons have spoken of his valor in battle, and my husband has sung his praise over his tactical genius. So as many the land, I hope this war will soon be resolved, and our men can return." Lady Ceira said and gave a serious look. 

"Yet, what of Prince Daemon? Won't his involvement in the Pentoshi wars strike back against any chances of peace?" Lady Hightower quipped. "Yes, true. Does the Princess have any insight on Prince Daemon," Ceiri questioned. "No, not really. I haven't spoken to Daemon in years, as have our family." She responded.

"Not since your husband supplanted him as heir," Ceira said with a smile. "Daemon made many questionable choices Lady Ceira, Prince Aemon was more suited to the role. I would say, how the Prince has dealt with the Stepstones, the King made the right choice." Alicent responded, and there seemed to be a surprise in some of the ladies. But she knew Alicent never could or would be tried and usurp her husband for her son. So Alicent giving Aemon support wasn't surprising for her. She suspected she was maybe now still in love with him, and she didn't know why, but it didn't bother her. She knew Aemon's heart, and it was hers and Laena's.

"Yes, and has done so with minimal loss. The trade through the Narrow Sea has been arriving again over a year ago." It was Lady Massey, one of the vassals house of Dragonstone. She smiled at her words. The Lord of The Narrow Sea always spoke with affection for Aemon. His campaigning and the numerous lords who fought with Aemon earned their admiration.

"Yess, well, but what of the cost? As my husband tells me, it has cut into the covers of houses around the realm. Then, of course, the crown also invested a lot in the war." Lady Hightower chatted on. 'does that woman ever stop, or does she only have words of 'my husband tells me.' She wondered as she spoke toward the woman. "Well, war does cost gold, does not, from understanding, your house only sent a paltry force to Stepstones. Houses like Manderley, Velaryon, and others sent far more. Your nephew Lady Ceira was much the same, and house Lannister support was lacking. It's a pity really, that your houses couldn't support the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. I suspect your nephew had good reason for it?" She quipped back at the lady.

"Princess, we have always supported the crown, now more than ever, as my dear niece is the queen. House Hightower is always a faithful servant to the grown. " Lady Hightower said toward her, and she grumbled that the crown hadn't even received a dowery from House Hightower as Otto was only a second son who could hardly pay, and his kin hadn't offered to compensate the man.

"Let's hope that stays way. Your goodbrother always has so much to say on the small council. They are mostly complaints about my uncle and husband. But I suspect he only means well and wishes the crown to be run well and be in the best hands." She said, smiling.

"True, my father wishes for the best crown. He is a is a loyal servant to my husband." Alicent had spoken again, yet there was an uneasiness in her words. She smiled at her friend and understood that you might have married in our family. But your father will always be your father, even if they do not always have the best intentions. In the meanwhile, she looked behind that her ladies-in-waiting had arrived. 

Their arrival was broken when the sun disappeared. She remembered that there were no clouds, gaps outside the tent, and other murmurs. " If you excuse me, ladies, I am curious about what all the fuss is about," she said and left them. Her ladies, who joined, flowed her.

At the tent entrance, she came upon her father, who looked at her as if she had answers. But before she could speak. "It's Prince Aemon," A voice called out, as did many others. "The White Dragon, The Conqueror of the Stepstones, Prince of Dragonstone." Were the words, now being shouted aloud, and her father went outside flowed by many inside the tent. Her heart started to beat quicker at the thought of Aemon's return, and a smile appeared on her face. 'perhaps this day won't be a total bust.' She thought as she looked at the enormous dragon in the sky. 

Balerion circled the hunting camp a few times before landing at the camp's end. She looked in the sky to see if there were signs of Seasmoke, but no. Her cousin had not joined her husband on his return.

The dragon was surprisingly quiet when it landed. The entire time, Balerion hadn't announced himself, which is what he usually did. But she suspects Aemon had caused his companion to be quiet because if Balerion would roar, all the game around the camp would have scattered to winds, and nothing would be found for miles. Making this hunt already more unneeded than it already was, in her opinion.

Aemon dismounted, and what was interesting was that he wore a crown. She couldn't see its details, only that it was made of gold. Behind him, Bennard Stark and Ser Criston had also dismounted. They now walked behind the Aemon and through the camp toward her and her father. Bennard wolf waited beside the Black Dragon, who had lay down and seemed to have gone to sleep.

Then there were more gaps As Ghost came running up toward Aemon. Upon reaching Aemon, he snuggled up against him and liked his face. It received laughter and chuckles as a wolf the size of a warhorse acted like a puppy next to Aemon. The other wolves, Lyanna and Visenya, had joined the wolf of Bennard, who were now playing with each other beside Balerion; it was all very comical. Aemon said something to Ghost that she did not hear, yet it seemed to be funny as the crowd near them laughed.

Aemon continued. Ghost joined him, walking nicely beside his master, causing an imposing site. As Aemon came, she got a better look. Aemon now wore a beard of sliver-gold, and his hair was shaven short, but it seemed nothing could remove his lovely curls. The scar on the left side of his eye also made him look more handsome than he already did. Aemon had told her about it in his letter, as had Laena, but seeing it in person gave her a slight trill of excitement. 

He didn't wear armor. Only Ser Criston did. Aemon wore his riding leathers, with his sigil on his chest, and a dragonwolf stood proudly. The only armor he wore was engraved braces, displaying dragons breathing fire. He did hold an object in his right hand, what seemed to be a hammer. On his side were his dual swords, which he always wore as far as she could remember. 

As he arrived at the end where they were, he stopped and smiled at her before getting to one knee, her heart fluttering at the side. She wished she could have run to him, but she had to wait. "Your Grace, I apologize for arriving without a word. I wasn't sure when I could leave the Stepstones." Her husband said, and his voice was more rough than it had been.

"You were a crown. Do you also call yourself King?" Her father said, and Aemon smiled. "No, of course not, Your Grace, it is a token from the war. The gold is made from the meltdown jewelry of the Crabfeeder, of what he wore near his end and the ruby. I also have this as his weapon of choice. I suggest you melt it down and add it to your chair." Aemon said with a small laugh to her father and then handed the crown and hammer to her father, who smiled at the gesture.

"Also, I shall never call myself king as long as my brother, King Viserys the Frist of His Name, takes a breath." The final words are more forceful and making the crowd node and clap. Her father spoke again, "What of the other lords and Lord Corlys? He has always been an advocate for the war." Aemon smiled.

"He has sailed home to be with my wife and see his wife again. I shall travel there when the celebration is around my nephew's second name has ended. However, I shall stay around a week in the capital before I leave for Driftmark, as I will not miss the birth of my child." Aemon said and spoke with affection. "Wonderful news, Aemon, and the right choice. What of the Stepstones?" Her father asked.

"They are yours, Your Grace. Three days ago, the Triarchy and I finalized peace accords. The details I shall intel later, and the rest of the corsairs, are dead stake to the sands or are now part of the Nightwatch." Aemon ended and bowed his head again.

"Rise, brother, you have done great service to the realm." Her father said, and they embraced, and she looked at it and smiled. Her father clamped down in the embrace. He had missed his brother as she had missed her husband. As they broke apart, the crowd cheered in applause.

"My congratulations on your victory, my prince." As he said it, Otto had a forced smile on his face. Alicent also joined and said, "A great victory for the kingdoms. You have done well." "Thank you, my Queen, and may you still congratulate your son Aegon and soon expect a child," Aemon said, taking Alicent's hand and kissing it. Alicent blushed at the action.

"As much love to speak to you all, I wish to hold my wife. I haven't done so in almost three years." Aemon said, giving her a look. After she couldn't hold it anymore, she embraced him. "Oh, I missed you, Nyra." He said in her ear, and she held on to him tightly. Taking up his smell, she noticed she had missed those protective, strong arms around her. She looked into his grey as they broke apart, and not caring how he looked, she kissed him.

'Wonderful,' she thought as she kissed those soft lips again. Aemon's new bread tickled her gin as they kissed. "I love my dragon." He said as they broke apart. "And I, you, now and always." They embraced again, and there was a need for it the second time. A cough broke them apart, and it was Lyanna who did.

"Aemon, my son, can I have a hug too? Or are you too busy with your wife?" Lyanna's words received some laughter, and she blushed. Yet she didn't care; her husband was back by her side. "I'm, but I have some time for my lady mother," Aemon answered as he embraced his mother. "Welcome home. Your father would have been proud, as am I," Lyanna said as she held her son's face and saw tears lingering in them. 'She was proud too,' she thought, and the smile on her face widened even more. 

"I hope so too," He said, going to his sister, "Now looks how we have there, my little sister. You have grown, pupeling." Aemon said as he mussed his sister's hair and pulled her embrace. "I missed you, Aem's." Visenya as she clung around her brother's neck, and the gather smiled at the scene.

"The same, little sister." He said, and she heard the emotion in his voice as he spoke. In the meantime, Bennard embraced his aunt, and started conversing with each other. Both seemed happy to be in one another's companion again.

Eventually, the crowd began to disperse, yet Aemon was constantly harried by men and women congratulating him. She had expected it, yet she wanted him all to herself. But Aemon was the returning conquering hero and the heir to the Iron Throne. Alone time was something that would not come easy. As she looked at Otto, he looked like he had swallowed a lemon.

As the congratulations and well-wishes continued to pour in, Aemon's gaze constantly gazed at her, his eyes filled with love once she returned in kind. She was so relieved he was. It was like there was a life off her shoulders. Having the ones you love at your side was something she couldn't describe.

Eventually, the crowd began to disperse, leaving Aemon and her standing alone. He walked to her, held her by the hips, and looked at her in her eyes. To grey eyes, she had drowned herself many times before. "I missed this, you know, The Stepstones and a man in command can be lonely. I only felt a hole when you or Laena were close or in my arms. So, for now, I promise I shall be around for some time, and we shall have peace for some time, or so I hope. So you, Laena, and I can bring many little dragons into the world." He kissed as he finished his words. His soft lips were welcoming to hers. She welcomed the thought of them together like the conquers of old. 

"I never doubted for a moment that you would return to me," She whispered, her voice soft, as he held her. Aemon smiled tenderly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "And I never stopped thinking of you, longing to hold you in my arms again." He said as he kissed her again.

A cough broke them apart. It was Ser Criston who had broken their peace. "My Prince, the King requests your presents at the hunt." Aemon smiled as he kissed her brow. "It seems my brother wishes for my presents. Dear wife, will you also come? I hope you may gain some practice in hunting, as I was hoping to go hunting together in the morning and with Ghost. It will give us some much-needed alone time. Although tonight, I see something else in your future." His last words sent a shiver down her spine, and a slight heat built up between her legs. 'Oh, that's a wonderful idea,' She thought.

"Yes, my love, I wish my husband was beside me tonight; a dragon needs her mate. As for tomorrow, I will join you." She said with a wicked smile, and he took her arm and escorted her to the horses.

Viserys Targaryen (109 A.C. Ninth Moon)

Kingswood

"So, brother, what are we hunting for today?" His brother had arrived, and the road up on a big black destrier, and he had not known any else how comfortable in the saddle than Aemon. Perhaps his stepmother was, but no Aemon even surpassed her.

Before he could answer, his hand spoke up. "There is a report of White Hart. A regal portent for Prince Aegon's name day, the Stag, of course, are the kings of the Kingswood, my Prince." Aemon smiled only at Otto. "Ah, that is true, of course, but my husband also has returned. A true sign indeed, for the heir to the Iron Throne." He looked back, seeing his daughter arrive on her white mare. She always rode when she went out riding, she had given her a name, but he couldn't remember it.

"True, enough. How about it's for both? It's a blessing for my nephew's second name day. As well as my return from war in the Stepstones." Aemon said with a smirk. "My brother speaks true, a blessing from him and my son. Daughter, it is a blessing to join us. It is appreciated." He said. He meant he was happy seeing his daughter smile again. It only took for Aemon to arrive for her to do so. Anything that could make her happy, he would welcome.

"Yes, Aemon encouraged me, as we are going for a private hunt tomorrow." She said with a smile. "Well, if you keep smiling like you do now. I won't stand in your way." He answered with a smile, and Rhaenyra gave a grateful nod in return.

"Shall we ride your grace?" His brother questioned and gave a nod. He dug his heels in his horse, and they went riding away.

"Brother, you look well, the scar though. Then I thought you couldn't be more handsome. You go and get a scar." He said with a chuckle, as he Aemon road in front of the collum, after the guide who let to the starting side.

"Well, I heard it many times already. Yet I rather not repeat it, getting more handsome, to throw myself into combat." Aemon said with a chuckle. "I told it before in a letter, it in the assault on Fall of Tortures Deep. Oh, Laena was wroth with me when she saw the wound." He chuckled as he thought of Laena's worth against his brother.

"The battle was done as far we knew. Yet two corsairs were still hiding in the fort on that isle. Ser Criston was able to block the first attack, but the second man, in a mad rage, just jumped on me as we were walking through the fort with our helmets off. His knife slashed me at the side of my left eye in the struggle." Aemon said. 'Well, his brother had come close to death, a little more to the right, and he would come to know as Aemon The One Eye,' he thought grimly. 

"During the struggle, I was able to grab the dragon's tooth and gut the man in the heart. The blade sliced through the mail of the man and pricing his heart. When I got the man off, Ser Criston killed the outer attacker, and after that, my men reached the place twice as hard. I found three more who were fed to Balerion and Vhagar. It was a mistake. I had let my guard down. Never underestimate your opponents or it will cost you as it did with me." Aemon spoke with harsh words but true ones. Ones you only learn from being at war and joining the fires of combat.

"I'm glad you survived. I'm not sure what would have happened to the realm and our family if you had perished. We all have missed your company and to have you at my side once more." He said in gratefulness, and having Aemon back had lifted a weight of his shoulders.

"So I'm I, brother," Aemon grinned. 

After a little more riding and idle chatter, they arrived at the spot where the royal Huntsman waited. He dismounted as one of the servants placed stairs down next to his horse so he could dismount.

The hounds braked as he looked around, seeing the gathered nobles. Aemon walked on his left and Otto on his right as they walked to the royal Huntsman. "Your Grace," The man said as they arrived, bowing. "So, how far is he?" He questioned the man.

"The droppings were found half league to the west." He gave him the droppings and felt fresh. "Still fresh, what do say, brother." He said as he handed them to him. "True enough, brother." "About three hours, Your Grace, my prince." The Huntsman said in answer, paused before continuing. "My best scouts spied him, a grand beast up 35 stones. We now have his trail." He nodded along. He didn't feel the thrill, but speaking with his brother about the war excited him more than finding the mystical White Hart. He looked as the man continued, "Before the dragons ruled Westeros, the White Stag was a sign of royalty in these lands."

"And on this day of all days, my grandson nameday." Otto had also joined them and had spoken. He looked toward Otto, who had a smile on his face. "I've never been one for signs and portents, Your Grace, but it seems that the gods wish to show their favor."

"Yes, a true blessing for my baby brother. As for my husband, do you think Otto?" Rhaenyra said with a smile. "Aye, you are both correct." He said it was Aegon's nameday, and the White Hart had appeared for him. Or was it for Aemon that he appeared? He then remembered the dream of his son sitting on the Iron Throne and looked back at Aemon. He had sometimes felt like it as a son, and with his marriage to Rhaenyra, he was his goodson. How was who sat on the Throne, Aemon or Aegon?

"Thank you for work, Huntsman. I hope we shall see this great White Hart tomorrow." He said as he walked back to his horse. His thoughts linger on his dream.

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