Prologue

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire it is owned by G.R.R. Martin.

Return of Valyria

Prologue

The first sign that something had gone terribly wrong was a blinding flash of light, backlighting the dragon and its rider as they rode high in the sky, on patrol over the waters of the Summer Sea. As the light faded, the rider turned her head, violet eyes widening and mouth falling in shock and horror as a wave of displaced air blasted outwards from the horizon, blowing the clouds outward even as the skies beyond glowed a sullen red.

"Aelarys, brace yourself!" the rider shouted, pulling on the steel chains that were her mount's reigns, and doing likewise on the mental bonds between her and her dragon.

Aelarys snarled in understanding, beating his wings and picking up speed and altitude, to ride out the incoming wall of air. Already its edges were flowing over dragon and rider both, whipping through the rider's cloak and stray strands of gold-silver air. "Courage, Aelarys." Jaenera Targaryen breathed, and holding tight to both her dragon's reigns and bonds, as she shared in Aelarys' instincts warning him of what was coming from behind them. "Courage."

And then it struck, sending dragon and rider alike plummeting and spinning through the air, down towards the waters below. Jaenera nearly found herself thrown off her saddle, were it not for the chains which bound her to the saddle itself. Even then, the force of impact nearly knocked her unconscious, the dragonrider struggling to regain herself, a task made even more difficult by their uncontrolled fall from the sky. Aelarys was no different, the dragon flailing and snapping as they fell…

…but slowly and steadily, they regained their minds, and steadying their fall, Aelarys beat his wings, spray flying off the ocean surface from the dragon's claws and tails as they skimmed low, picking up speed until finally, they rose up into a bright and sunny sky.

Jaenera looked around in confusion, over the waters and back to Valyria. There were few clouds in the sky, and no sign of the cataclysm that had nearly struck them down to the waters below. Only a clear and sunny sky in summer, the Sun shining bright and hot high overhead.

"…what's happened?" Jaenera muttered, and then narrowing her eyes pulled on Aelarys' reigns. "Aelarys! Come about! We need to get back to the Freehold! Something's not right here!"

The dragon snarled his acknowledgement, and then banking to one side, shifted direction, flying over the Summer Sea, back to Valyria. It took them nearly two hours to reach their destination, the city of Aryros, along the west coast of the Valryian Peninsula.

Great black walls of fused stone, forged by fire and magic, rose from the land in a mighty seawall, with long quays of grey stone jutting out to sea and lined with piers and docks for ships. Great gates offered passage from these quays into the city through the seawall, though at present they were open. Flying over the seawall, Jaenera noticed there was plenty of agitation down in the city below…

…no, not agitation. It was a full-blown slave revolt from the look of things, and the City Guard was hard-pressed to keep the slaves from completely overrunning the city. The garrison had had to be called in, and smoke was rising from many parts of the city as Valyrian Legionaries and Aryros Guardsmen fought rebels in the streets.

Hearing a roar in the distance, Jaenera looked in its direction, and saw twelve dragons and their riders flying in a great V over the city. The rider at the lead gestured as Jaenera approached, and nodding at the signed instructions, took her place at one end of the formation.

The lead rider gestured again, the dragons beating their wings and climbing ever steeper at their riders' instructions, and then folding their wings, allowed themselves to fall, backwards, and then down to the city below. Striking down with the light of the Sun behind their backs, they fell on the rebellious slaves below with a shouted command, a single word dreaded by countless peoples from one end of the known world to another.

"DRACARYS!"
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Days had passed since that terrible day, when the ground shook and fire split the sky for a single, terrible moment of fire and power, only for it all to end, to disappear as though nothing had happened, in a single moment. That single moment however, had triggered numerous riots and outright slave revolts across the peninsula, which in many cases had overwhelmed local militias and had required the Freehold's legions to step in, and in several cases, the dragonlords themselves.

Now however, order had been restored in the cities and much of the countryside, though a significant number of slaves had gone to ground in the countryside, attacking random holdings and travelers across the peninsula. The hunt for such miscreants was already well underway, and with a premium being placed on the capture of the rebel slaves: examples needed to be made.

But with the slave revolts put down and all that was left cleaning up the remaining pockets of resistance, the leaders of the Freehold turned their attentions onto more pressing concerns. In the Palace of the Freeholders, located at the heart of the city of Valyria itself, the three Triarchs of the Valyrian Freehold met.

They stood on a raised dais at the bottom of a large, marbled amphitheater, arched, open windows high above and candles on golden stands across the amphitheater providing light. The Lords Freeholder or their proxies sat on the tiered seats, those of lower rank and standing at the higher and more distant levels, while those closer to the Triarchs were those representing or leading the forty dragonlord families, greatest and mightiest of the Lords Freeholder.

"…unable to raise any of our outposts outside of the peninsula," a civil servant reported to the Triarchs and the Lords Freeholder from the speaker's podium. "Whether it be at the Jade Gates in the east, Dragonstone in the west, Sarnor in the north, or Gogossos in the south. Furthermore, the large numbers of slaves killed in the recent uprising, along with property damages both in the cities and the countryside, will cost the Freehold an estimated nine hundred thousand gold marks in cold coin. It must be noted that this is only a preliminary assessment, and may still change in the future."

The Lords Freeholder immediately began muttering and talking softly to each other, the Triarchs allowing them to speak for a whole minute before gesturing for silence. "What of the Free Cities?" Triarch Laemar Lennareon asked. "Have we been able to raise them via glass candle?"

"There has been no response from any of the Free Cities via glass candle." The civil servant answered. "However, on the matter of glass candles, our sorcerers put forward disturbing reports based on remote viewing through those same glass candles. First of all, our subject kingdoms in the north have apparently been destroyed, and Dothraki tribes now wander freely at will across the ruins and the Great Grass Sea."

The civil servant broke off as the Lords Freeholder erupted in consternation and outrage, the loss of Valyria's subject kingdoms in the Great Grass Sea a heavy blow to Valyrian pride and power. Those subject kingdoms had been among the Freehold's first conquests outside of the Valyrian Peninsula, won during the Third and Fourth Ghiscari Wars. Furthermore, they provided significant revenues both in coin and in kind, while the annual levies provided plenty of men for both the legions and the auxiliaries.

It was no surprise then, that the Lords Freeholder exploded in anger, calling for the Dothraki to be put back into their place, and demanding to know how this had happened.

Again, the Triarchs allowed the Lords Freeholder to express themselves for a full minute, before calling for order. Once the Lords Freeholder had calmed down, the Triarchs motioned for the civil servant to continue.

"Second," the man continued. "To our east, the Ghiscari culture has apparently enjoyed something of an upswing, though thankfully a new, Ghiscari Empire has not actually risen."

There were murmurs and small eruptions from the Lords Freeholder, expressing their discontent at the despised Ghiscari somehow reviving themselves from the depths into which the Valyrians had cast them into thousands of years ago. "Qarth has apparently seized control of the Jade Gates," the civil servant continued. "Which would explain our inability to contact our outpost therein. However, the sorcerers saw no signs of battle damage over at the Jade Gates, and indeed, if anything the infrastructure of the regions shows decades, if not centuries of Qartheen influence and rule."

The Lords Freeholder again began speaking amongst themselves, this time in confusion and disbelief, before being silenced by the Triarchs once more. "To our distant north," the civil servant continued. "Our tributary of Sarnor is in ruins, with only what appears to be a small, barely-subsisting city left. And once again, it seems the Dothraki are to blame for this."

Ripples of anger again echoed across the amphitheater, a retribution campaign against the Dothraki now all but guaranteed. "To the west," the civil servant said. "The continued existence of all Free Cities has been confirmed, though as with the Qartheen influence on the Jade Gates, the cities all appear to be older than they should be. Furthermore, there appears to be open, if small-scale warfare across the lands between the cities of Volantis, Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr. Judging from the quality and standards of the forces involved…mercenaries, contracted to one or another of the aforementioned cities."

There was muttering again, the Lords Freeholder grumbling among themselves on why the Daughters of Valyria had descended to killing each other, and what had happened? Why did the Free Cities seem older than they ought to be? How could Qarth have gained control of the Jade Gates, and held them for what seemed to be centuries?

Some of the more learned Lords Freeholder, especially among the Dragonlords and those known to dabble in sorcery, had their suspicions about the answer, though they kept their silence…for now.

"Across the Narrow Sea," the civil servant continued with his report. "Dragonstone appears to have fallen under the control of one of the Andal nobles if the standards flying above the castle and its fleet is any indication. Driftmark and Claw Isle appear to have suffered a similar fate."

The civil servant paused to allow the Triarchs and the Lords Freeholder to absorb the report. Murmurs and conversation echoed in the amphitheater as the Triarchs and the Lords Freeholder considered the news brought before them, and to prepare ideas and proposals on how to proceed. Eventually, the Triarchs called for silence, and then turned back to the civil servant.

"Do the sorcerers manning the glass candles have any answers to the questions how and why?" a Triarch asked.

The civil servant drew himself up. "They do, Honored Triarchs." He said. "The sorcerers believed the upheaval of the earth during the previous week was caused by an unprecedented mass eruption of the Fourteen Flames."

Gasps of shock and horror echoed across the chamber, but no one could say anything. Not when they knew the only possible outcome of such an event, and how and why the world had changed so much beyond recognition.

"Then how are we still here?" Triarch Laeraenar Aggaeron asked.

"The sorcerers believe the eruption triggered a fail-safe, a final and incredibly-powerful enchantment cast by some of the mightiest sorcerers among our ancestors, in the event such a disaster occurred." The civil servant answered. "As for what it did…they hypothesize that the fail-safe moved the Freehold, or at least its heart, to the future…where we are now."

For several long moments, there was only silence. And then the Triarchs began to nod among themselves. "Yes." Triarch Aenerya Baelarion said. "That would explain why the Dothraki have been able to run rampant, how those Ghiscari were able to pull themselves out of their graves, how our tributaries have either become shadows of themselves or too big for their boots, and how the Daughters of Valyria have descended into killing their sisters. Without Valyria, without our strong hand upholding the values of civilization, Essos has all but fallen apart."

The other Triarchs nodded their agreement, and the Lords Freeholder murmured among themselves, but with a general air of agreement. "So," one of the Lords Freeholder, seated on the second tier of seats from the ground, began. "How far in the future are we?"

"It is difficult to tell." The civil servant said. "The sorcerers estimate between one to five centuries. It cannot be less as if so then Essos would be more chaotic from the fallout of Valyria's apparent destruction, and more…well, in truth the sorcerers used an upper limit of five centuries as a reasoned assumption to base future adjustments on in the future."

"That is reasonable." The Lord Freeholder said with a nod. Looking around him at his fellows, he rose to his feet. The Triarchs drew themselves up in response.

"The Triarchy recognizes Lord Freeholder Aenarion Gaeltigar." Triarch Aenerya said formally.

"Honored Triarchs," Aenarion began. "Fellow Freeholders, I move that the Valyrian Freehold immediately begin preparations and to gather additional information on the state of the world, with the goals of first reclaiming traditional Valyrian territories and spheres of influence, and second to restore time-honored law and justice to the known world."

"I second the motion." A Lord Freeholder from the upper tiers called out, followed by a chorus of support from across the Lords Freeholder.

"Order!" Triarch Laemar shouted. "We will have order!"

"As the motion has been seconded," Triarch Laeraenar began. "The Lords Freeholder will vote on the motion to prepare and gather information for the reclamation of lost lands and to uphold the mandate of law and justice over the known world."

The Lords Freeholder shouted their support, the clerk on duty pulling out a sheet of paper to tally the votes. Once he was done, the Triarchs gestured and called for silence, and as it fell, the clerk began calling names. One by one, the Lords Freeholder voted on the measure, the Triarchs abstaining at the very end.

The clerk tallied up the votes, and then signing off on the final result rose from his bench to approach the Triarchs. Presenting the results of the vote to the Triarchs with a bow, the Triarchs accepted and examined the result.

"By unanimous vote," Triarch Laemar said solemnly. "The Valyrian Freehold adopts the motion to prepare and gather information for the reclamation of lost lands and to uphold the mandate of law and justice over the known world."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Originally posted on AH and FF, now it's here as well. Let's see where this goes.
 

ATP

Well-known member
I ilke it.If it is after Robert rebellion,then Lannisters are fucked,and Starks need jon to survive.Aside from that - Dothraki are dead,just like Ghiscari.
Please continue,i like evry kind of stories where Lannisters are fucked.

P.S it would be more interesting in TL where North have a lot of giant archers,children and wargs,so they beat shit out of Targs and remember independent.
Or those when Elendil come to Westeros instead of Middle Earth - they would be no easy target,too.
 
Chapter 1

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire it is owned by G.R.R. Martin.

Return of Valyria

Chapter 1

In a chamber located high in the Palace of the Freeholders, the Triarchs of the Valyrian Freehold sat around a large, round table of polished wood. Large, open windows looked out over the great city of Valyria itself, and let natural light shine into the room. The walls were decorated with fine, Qohori tapestries, depicting scenes of victory from Valyria's long and storied history.

"…what did you say?" Triarch Aenerya Baelarion asked incredulously. "How much of our army is left?"

"We have twenty legions left." Triarch Laeraenar Aggaeron answered. "About one hundred thousand legionaries all told. And about the same number of auxiliaries, for a grand total of an estimated two hundred thousand men in the Valyrian Army."

"Two hundred thousand…out of six hundred thousand…you do realize this means the Valyrian Army is effectively destroyed, don't you?"

"Calm yourself." Triarch Laeraenar said. "It could be worse. No…we know it was worse, if not for that failsafe our ancestors put in place. To think we never knew…"

A somber silence and air fell over the Triarchs, the mightiest men and woman in the entire Valyrian Freehold, or indeed, the known world. To think it could all have been over in an instant, how thousands of years of history would have become as nothing…

"We've forgotten much, though it's understandable." Triarch Laemar Lennareon said with a sigh. It's been five thousand years, after all. Plenty of time to forget a lot of things."

"Some things should never be forgotten." Triarch Aenerya snapped.

"I agree." Triarch Laeraenar said with a nod. "I propose we have the sorcerers and other bodies look into obscure and half-forgotten – if not all but forgotten – elements of our history. What was done, both openly and in secret, why and how, virtually everything related to them, and compile them in public – if not necessarily open – record. What is written endures, after all."

"A prudent call…" Triarch Laemar said with a nod. He glanced at Triarch Aenerya, who nodded at him. "Very well, we'll adopt the proposal. Back to the army though…will two hundred thousand men be enough to reclaim all of Essos?"

"Probably not all at once…" Triarch Laeraenar said with a sigh. "And that doesn't factor in other limitations that will slow down reclamation. The economic implications of our being…displaced, into the future will be troublesome to say the least. That said, our ancestors started out with much less, and look where we are now."

"Well, that much is true." Triarch Laemar agreed. "It might have taken us thousands of years to get here…but here we are."

"In other words," Triarch Aenerya said. "Even if we can't finish it, we should at least reclaim a strong foundation for our children to build on, and for their children or their children's children to finish what we started?"

The Triarch paused and laughed. "I suppose that's not so bad." She said.

The other Triarchs nodded their agreement. "On brighter notes," Triarch Laeraenar began. "We have plenty of dragonriders to call on. It's not the be all and end all of war, but it will greatly multiply what we are capable of, even with less than half our army available. And while we've lost the station fleet at Dragonstone, or the one at the Jade Gates and other places, the Grand Fleet is still intact, as are other, smaller fleets stationed here at the homeland."

"So the navy is virtually intact then?" Triarch Laemar asked. "That's good to know. And very reassuring indeed."

"I wouldn't say virtually intact," Triarch Laeraenar corrected. "But yes, it's largely intact. Enough to establish naval supremacy in the Summer Sea at least, and once our economy has recovered a bit, to project power into the Narrow Sea as well."

"Assuming we can count on the Free Cities to support us, of course." Triarch Aenerya remarked, tapping her fingers thoughtfully on the table. "It's been four hundred years from their perspective, after all. A lot of things can change in that time."

"You don't really think they'd have turned from the Freehold in that time, do you?" Triarch Laeraenar asked.

"Against the Freehold?" Triarch Aenerya echoed. "No…but since we haven't been around for four hundred years, I would say they've drifted away from us. And can we blame them? We've been gone for so long, it's only natural they'd diverge from the way things stood centuries ago."

There was a thoughtful silence at that. "Certainly," Triarch Laeraenar began unhappily. "Considering what we've seen…the banners of the various daughters fighting in the lands of southwestern Essos…to think they've broken the taboo…"

"Valyrians against Valyrians…civil war in all but name…" Triarch Laemar grumbled. "What a mess…and we might just have to sink to their level to restore order as well."

"…it might be a case of 'cannot be helped', I'm afraid." Triarch Aenerya said softly, sighing as her fellow Triarchs nodded as well in unhappy agreement. "Though it does bring up an important point: reclamation is all well and good, but we cannot assume that can we bring things back to the way they used to be four hundred years ago, at least from the perspective of the people of this time."

"What?" the other Triarchs asked incredulously.

"Don't misunderstand." Triarch Aenerya said. "I'm not against reclamation, I'm just saying we should adapt our plans and strategies for doing so with the times we're in. Take the Great Grass Sea, for instance. I find myself wondering that even if we gathered together every auxiliary we've levied from the kingdoms which once stood there, and had them try and rebuild their former nations, would they succeed? The answer is fairly obvious, isn't it?"

"…then what do you suggest then?" Triarch Laemar asked.

Triarch Aenerya shrugged. "They're auxiliaries." She said. "Once they complete their term of service, they'll be granted citizenship in the Freehold. I say we add to that land grants in the Great Grass Sea once they've been reconquered, and annex the whole region into the Freehold."

"…that's not such a bad idea." Triarch Laemar said after a few moments' thought.

"Indeed," Triarch Laeraenar said with a slow nod. "We'll have to look into the details further, but it's not a bad idea at all."

Triarch Aenerya nodded her acknowledgement, and Triarch Laemar smiled. "Any other bright ideas, Honored Triarch?" he asked.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Honored Triarch." Triarch Aenerya said. "But yes, I do have another idea."

"Oh?"

"I say we make our first move towards Volantis."

"Volantis?"

Triarch Aenerya nodded. "Yes, Volantis." She said. "The Eldest Daughter has always been very…loyal, to the Freehold. Where the other Free Cities experimented with and adopted other variants of the Freehold's government, Volantis followed our model almost slavishly. The same goes for their society, albeit with a marked prejudice for those of actual Valyrian descent not present in the Freehold."

"…almost as though they're compensating for something…" Triarch Laeraenar said softly. "Not really certain why, though. They're as Valyrian as any of the other Free Cities, or as the Freehold itself."

"The Volantenes' issues with their identity aside," Triarch Laemar said. "It's not a bad idea. And I see the point: Volantis has historically been the most loyal and supportive of the Free Cities. The cities to the far north have always chafed at our decrees, though given Qohor, Norvos, and Lorath were all founded by a bunch of religious fanatics it's to be expected. And don't even get me started on the Bastard Daughter."

"We should reach out to Volantis diplomatically." Triarch Aenerya said. "If they remain as loyal to us now as they were four hundred years ago, it would make a good first step towards reclamation."

"I notice you say 'if'." Triarch Laeraenar said with narrowed eyes.

"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." Triarch Aenerya said with a shrug. "Which means that while we should reach out diplomatically, we should also back it up with a show of force."

The other Triarchs looked at each other, and then back to their fellow Triarch. "What do you have in mind?" they asked, and Triarch Aenerya smiled.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Several days had passed since the Triarchs and the Assembly of the Lords Freeholder had publicly admitted that the heartland had been transported about four hundred years into the future, thanks to an incredibly-powerful enchantment cast by their ancestors in the past. A grand and powerful undertaking of sorcery to protect the cradle and heart of Valyrian civilization, should the whims of nature turn the source of Valyria's power, the Fourteen Flames, against it.

It was a source of comfort in these uncertain times, that even in those ancient days, the Valyrian people and their sorcerers possessed great foresight and power to protect against such a calamity. And uncertain times it was, for in the four hundred years since as the rest of the world perceived it, much had changed.

Dothraki hordes rampaged unchecked across the grass-covered ruins of Central Essos. A new, Ghiscari Empire was gestating in the waters and coasts of the Gulf of Grief to the east, while to the west the Free Cities had fallen into near-anarchy, consumed by petty ambitions and feuds that pitted Valyrian against Valyrian.

The Triarchs gave their word to the people that come what may, the Freehold would endure, and overcoming its trials, restore unity, order, and justice to the lands of Essos. All that was left of the Freehold might be the ancestral homeland of the Valyrian Peninsula, and the rich and fertile Lands of the Long Summer to the north, but their ancestors had started out with less, and over thousands of years of perseverance and fortitude had become the greatest bastion of civilization in the known world.

The knowledge that Valyria had faced worse in the past and had triumphed, and that even the whims of nature were nothing against the power and knowledge possessed by Valyria anchored the Freehold with renewed purpose to reclaim what had been, and to build greater in the future. From the mightiest dragonlord in their palaces to the poorest citizen on the street, Valyrians guarded against despair.

In contrast, the slaves despaired. Neither nature's wrath unleashed nor the divine retribution of the gods it seemed could bring down the self-proclaimed Lords of the Flames and the Sky…

…and so they resigned themselves, that nothing would change, and their lot in life would continue as it had, bound by chains of iron and magic to their gold and silver-haired and violet-eyed masters. So it had been. So it is. And so it will ever be.

In the city of Aryros, a large building loomed over a garden of green grass, flowing water, flowering bushes and fruiting trees. Valyrians wandered over the grounds, or sat in the terraces and balconies, relishing in the cool air and shadows, served food and drink by slaves.

Jaenera sat on a second floor balcony, alone at a table nursing a glass of wine. Soft strains drifted out of the room behind, a musician from distant Yi Ti playing a three-stringed instrument on a platform in a corner.

The dragonlord raised her wineglass to her lips, taking a sip while narrowing her eyes at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Ah, I knew it." Manaemys Vaelgyreon said as she approached, and took a seat even without being invited. "Drowning your sorrows, I see."

"Come off it, Manaemys." Daerys Tarralis said, also taking a seat at Jaenera's table. "Besides, you can talk. Your family, both immediate and extended, are still here in the homeland. Jae's though…"

Daerys nodded sympathetically at their friend. "You have our condolences." He said.

"Thanks." Jaenera said, and Manaemys scratched her head.

"Yeah, sorry about that." She said. "I suppose it was rather insensitive of me."

"It's fine." Jaenera said, gesturing for a server to bring more wine. "It's just like you though. Besides, we dragonlords of low rank have to stick together, so let's not become enemies over small and petty things, especially when the offending party is willing to apologize."

There was laughter at that. "That's true." Manaemys said as a slave brought more glasses and ice along with a bottle of wine.

"Leave us." Jaenera said. "We can pour our own wine."

The slave bowed and left, Jaenera pouring wine for her friends. "To friendship." She said, toasting her friends.

"To friendship." They chorused, but Manaemys paused to add something.

"And to finding family." She said.

Jaenera raised an eyebrow, though she took a mouthful of wine before replying. "Do you really think my brother's descendants are still around?" she asked.

"Hope springs eternal, as my grandmother used to say." Manaemys said.

"Hmm…how very optimistic…"

"You aren't optimistic, I take it." Daerys said.

Jaenera scoffed. "You heard what the Triarchs said." She said. "Even Dragonstone and their surrounding islands are lost, and to Andals of all people. Oh I'm sure Aenar and my sisters or their descendants would have made them pay for it, but there's no way the islands would just have been given up. Damn Andals…when the campaign to retake those islands is launched, I'll be asking to join. Any Andals burned will be as funeral sacrifices to my family's memory."

Daerys shrugged and nodded sympathetically. "Well," he said. "I suppose I can't argue with you there. But…don't you think they might have just gone to one or another of the Free Cities?"

"…I can hope." Jaenera said with another drink of wine. "But, while hope might spring eternal, it might also be the first step on the road to disappointment."

"Oh…very pessimistic…but all too true." Manaemys said with a drink of wine. "That said, don't get too hung up on either outcome. That is, on one hand your family might have died fighting to the last man to defend the last stronghold of the Freehold, or on the other hand, they were forced to flee in defeat, to exile in one of the Free Cities."

"If the former," Daerys said. "Then feel free to avenge their memory on the Andals when the time comes. If the latter, then rejoice! You won't be alone anymore."

"I don't mind being alone." Jaenera said. "Besides, as long as I have Aelarys, I'm never really alone."

"He was your mother's dragon, wasn't he?" Manaemys asked.

"He was." Jaenera said with a nod. "But now he's mine…my other half…"

Daerys and Manaemys nodded in agreement. As dragonlords themselves, they knew what Jaenera was talking about, the deep bond that linked a true rider with their mount.

"Either way though…" Daerys began. "Seeing as you're by default the senior member of House Targaryen, wouldn't you be Lord Freeholder now?"

"Lord Freeholder Jaenera Targaryen…it has a nice ring to it." Manaemys said.

Jaenera laughed. "Maybe," she said. "I'll have to check up on the legalities of such things when I have the time. Not that being Lord Freeholder of what is by now the smallest and weakest of the forty families is worth much but…"

Jaenera paused and took a drink. "I wouldn't want to have my ancestors turn in shame when I join them on the other side either." She concluded. "Really…if I really am the last Targaryen, I'll have the responsibility of rebuilding the family…literally. What a pain…a son and a daughter as a bare minimum…"

Daerys and Manaemys looked at each other, and then smiling mischievously, Daerys turned back to Jaenera. "Well," he said. "If you ever need…help, rebuilding your family, I'm sure my father said his doors were open to you. And my family has too many sons and too few daughters, so I'm sure we can part with one of the former, if you get what I mean."

"Oh? Are you propositioning me, Daerys?" Jaenera slyly said, as Manaemys nudged Daerys with an elbow.

"What? No! I was just…! Oh damn it!"

Jaenera and Manaemys laughed at Daerys' expense, the dragonlord drinking deep of his wine to mask his embarrassment.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Two days later, and Jaenera was walking through the Palace of the Freeholders, down a marbled hallway lit with candles in golden scones and decorated with sculptures, portraits, and tapestries. The man guiding her came to a halt outside a door, and knocked a few times. "Dragonrider Jaenera Targaryen has arrived." He said.

"Send her in." a muffled voice said from inside.

The man opened the door, and with a bow and a gesture, bade Jaenera to enter. The dragonrider entered…

…and as the door closed behind her, Jaenera bowed respectfully to the man within. "Honored Triarch," she said. "How may I be of service?"

"You will know soon enough, young dragonrider." Triarch Laeraenar said. "You have heard of the planned dispatch for Volantis, yes?"

"I have." Jaenera said. "Aryros is a major port, and while not a naval base enough ships pass by for word to spread of warships mustering elsewhere for sea. That, and merchant shipping being commandeered to carry men and supplies."

Triarch Laeraenar nodded. "And what else do you know of the planned dispatch?" he asked.

"Apart from a large fleet, at least two legions, maybe more, will be sent to Volantis." Jaenera said. "Auxiliaries, of course, and a few dragonriders."

"Hard to believe those could be gathered from mere rumors."

"With all due respect, there are rumors, and there are rumors."

"Oh?"

"I am part of the Aryros garrison." Jaenera said. "And an officer, so I hear more and from more reliable sources. Albeit lacking in details, and of course, I know better than to pry."

"Indeed." Triarch Laeraenar said with an amused snort. "I trust you have been discreet with what you have heard though...?"

"Some things are not meant for public consumption, at least until the Freehold sees fit for them to be."

The Triarch laughed. "Indeed," he said. "Very well…yes, we will be sending a large fleet to Volantis, about four hundred and thirty ships in fact. Three legions will be coming, along with the same number of men in auxiliaries. And forty dragonriders…"

Triarch Laeraenar paused and tilted his head. "I'm sure you're aware of the significance of that number." He said. It wasn't a question, and Jaenera knew it.

She drew herself up. "One from each of the forty dragonlord families." She said.

"Yes," Triarch Laeraenar said with a nod. "And now you see our problem. House Targaryen is all but gone. They fled in advance of the mass eruption, thanks to the unfairly-dismissed visions of Lord Freeholder Aenar's daughter warning them of the coming catastrophe. Most wise of him, and most unwise of us to dismiss it: if not for our ancestors' precautions, neither you nor I would be standing here and now."

Jaenera closed her eyes. "My…brother, and my sisters…" she said softly. "It's been four hundred years. Even us dragonlords don't live that long."

"No, we do not." Triarch Laeraenar said with another nod. "Even we are not untouchable by death itself. And we don't know if your brother and his sister-wives have any remaining descendants in this day and age. Dragonstone after all, was entrusted to them. And yet it is now in Andal hands."

"My brother at least…would not have allowed it to fall into enemy hands." Jaenera said. "Not without a fight…"

"Indeed not," Triarch Laeraenar said with a nod. "But Lord Freeholder Aenar was no fool either, as we now know. There may yet be descendants of his living in some of the Free Cities. If so…then perhaps you are not the last of House Targaryen."

Jaenera was silent for a moment, and then bowed slightly. "I can only hope, Honored Triarch." She said.

The man smiled sympathetically. "There is more hope than not." He said. "In any case, you are now the senior member of House Targaryen. And while there are those who simply argue for your house to be dissolved and declared extinct…it would be a shame for one of the forty, whose lineage goes back to the founding of the Freehold, to disappear. Especially when hope still remains for its revival. Small, yes, but it is there. You understand what I'm saying, do you not?"

Jaenera bowed low. "I am humbled and grateful for your confidence, Honored Triarch." She said.

Triarch Laeraenar nodded. "Then, Lord Freeholder Jaenera Targaryen," he said. "Go and prepare. The fleet will be departing from Inneqor tomorrow morning, and the Lords Freeholder will be honoring its departure with their presence. You should be among them…and you will be among those who rendezvous with the fleet when it arrives at Volantis, as well."

Jaenera drew herself up. "I understand, Honored Triarch." She said. "With your leave, I shall depart, and prepare to meet my humble responsibilities."

The Triarch nodded, and with a bow Jaenera turned to leave. But even as her hand touched the door handle, the Triarch spoke behind her. "Lord Freeholder Targaryen," he said. "I will have expectations of you."

Jaenera turned and bowed in silence, and then opening the door, left.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The sea breeze blew cool and crisp from the sea, the morning skies above clear and blue dotted with white and puffy clouds. Dragons wheeled and flew in the air, children across the city of Inneqor pointing and chattering in awe at the great beasts high above.

The fleet to be dispatched to Volantis was anchored in formation in the waters off the harbor, mostly single-banked galleys but also including a number of older, two or even three-banked dromon-type vessels. There were no carracks though, as the new type of warship was still relatively-rare, with the Valyrian Navy's only carracks being concentrated in the Grand Fleet.

Though the new, Myrish-designed vessels were completely superior to any kind of ships on the high seas (in shallower or narrower waters the galley retained the edge against a carrack), ships were expensive to build or replace. As such, dromons remained the backbone of the greater part of the Valyrian Navy…for now.

In addition to warships, the fleet also included a large number of cogs, not the best for warfare on the high seas, but excelling as transports, for both men and supplies. Legionaries and auxiliaries from the Valyrian Army stood at attention on their decks, in contrast to the bustling decks of the warships. There, sailors busied themselves on their duties, with the exception of the artillery crews, who stood at attention next to their ballistae and traction trebuchets. Originally designed in Yi Ti, the Sarnori had introduced the traction trebuchet to Central Essos during the Third and Fourth Ghiscari Wars, and through Valyria into Western Essos.

More soldiers stood on the docks or the battlements of Innoqor's seawall, legionaries providing an honor guard to see the dispatch to Volantis off. The Triarchs were all present, seated in a shaded pavilion atop the seawall, the pavilion flanked by the Lords Freeholder and their companions as they saw the fleet off.

"That's a lot of ships." Daerys observed.

"No, really, it isn't." Jaenera said before smiling at her friend. "In about two days I'll be off to Volantis as well. Shame neither you nor Manaemys will be able to come along."

"Father wants my eldest brother to represent the family at Volantis, and as far as I know the same goes for Manaemys' family." Daerys said.

"Shame."

"Right," Daerys said. "Still…there's hope for the future. There's New Ghis to the east, and while I doubt Volantis will put up much of a fuss, the same can't be said for those damn Ghiscari. Maybe even the Qartheen. If so, then the three of us will be able to ride together."

"And from the skies they reign," Jaenera softly sang. "On wings of fire, the Lords of the Flames and the Sky, whose coming heralds the wrath, the ruin, and the world's ending…"

Jaenera trailed off as trumpeters blew stirring and triumphant notes, crimson cloth emblazoned with golden dragons hanging from bronze instruments. Thrice the trumpeters blew, and from the fleet more trumpets answered as they raised their anchors. And then slowly, rhythmically, drumbeats could be heard, oars stirring as the fleet set out.

Their destination: Volantis the Great, Eldest Daughter of Valyria.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Just for reference, it's 290 AC.
 

ATP

Well-known member
Smart leaders with good army.And their plan is plausible - they would take hegemony over their old cities first,burn Dothraki and resettle auxilliares on new lands.
Problem with wives for them,but Dothraki certainly have a lot female slaves.
Jaenera need Valyrian husband who agree to abadonn his name for her.Plausible,too.

Only weak point is lack of real enemies - i mean somebody who could destroy them.Others? in show they have problems with 3 dragons.too lame.
Maybe Drowned god personally would attack them? or thing which rule over Kadath.
 

novussa

Active member
only problem i have with this is that there are no real threat to valyrians but either way glad to see it here. i prefer the spin off where valyria returns during viserys reign before the dance of dragons.
 

WyrmofFrost

Wandering Muse Seeker
Huh neat that this is being crossposted here. Any plans for anything new/different or just a straight repost?
 

ATP

Well-known member
only problem i have with this is that there are no real threat to valyrians but either way glad to see it here. i prefer the spin off where valyria returns during viserys reign before the dance of dragons.

I have one viable idea for real enemy - Euron become Drowned god disciple,they made unholy alliance with whatever live in Leng underground city and Stygoi or Kadath,and they together ganged on Valyria.
 
Chapter 2

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire it is owned by G.R.R. Martin.

Return of Valyria

Chapter 2

The return of Valyria was heralded elsewhere by portents and omens for good and ill.

In Volantis the Great, Eldest Daughter of Valyria, the sacred flames within the Temple of the Lord of Light roared high, the priests, priestesses, and the acolytes tasked with caring for the flames seeing a thousand visions within their golden tongues. In the streets of Volantis and her sisters, followers of the Lord of the Light were shaken, and speaking in the countless tongues of men, spoke of the return of the Lord of Light's elder children, the Lords of the Flames and the Sky, gifted with the Lord of Light's power made flesh.

In Lys the Beautiful, horror stalked through the city as statues of the Weeping Lady literally wept tears of blood. Slaves and freedmen, citizens and foreigners, trembled at night as they heard a woman's voice weeping and wailing in the streets, crying out a warning to the city which had turned against its makers nearly four hundred years ago.

My children…my children…we are about to go…

Qohor and Norvos alike descended into civil war, as within their walls their shadow rulers, the Priests of the Black Goat for the former, and the Bearded Priests for the latter, were shattered into numerous, schismatic factions born of visions granted by their gods. Religious fervor and differing interpretations of those visions fueled tensions which were sparked into outright bloodshed by acts of treachery.

Even Braavos, the Bastard Daughter of Valyria, was not spared, for on the same night as Valyria returned, those passing by the House of Black and White were shaken…by the sound of laughter. Ghastly, insane, and inhuman laughter as though from thousands upon thousands of throats, which would haunt their sleep for months on end.

Even more distant places such as Lorath or even the Seven Kingdoms were not exempt. Whispers could be heard from the mazes of Lorath, and any and all who entered the mazes to find their sources never returned. In the Seven Kingdoms, the Dragonmont erupted, on a scale unseen in recorded memory.

Dragonstone reeled from the force of the eruption, and in the castle itself numerous servants went mad, claiming the magic-sculpted statuary around them were alive, screaming of whispers and judging, inhuman, and glowing eyes staring at them from the shadows. In distant Oldtown an air of unease hung over the Citadel, as glass candles which had not burned for hundreds of years now glowed as though with inner fire.

Weirwoods whispered in the breeze and the shadows, and wandering preachers emerged from among the masses, proclaiming the end of days had come, for all to repent, and to return of the light of the Seven. Others denounced the Lannisters for their greed and arrogance, that it would only bring ruin and death to the people of Westeros, and others more condemned the king, warning that his choosing vengeance over justice would only ensure his reign's end in fire and blood.

Secular leaders across the world were unimpressed. In the Seven Kingdoms, King Robert Baratheon did not miss the wording the preachers used to prophesy the end of his reign, and for once found common ground with his bitter and spiteful queen. In the Crownlands and the Westerlands, such individuals were dragged away by soldiers loyal to the Baratheon Dynasty and to House Lannister, and publicly hanged on charges of inciting rebellion against the Iron Throne. Elsewhere, they were tolerated with unease by the local lords, save only in Dorne, where the preachers' condemnations of the Lannisters and of the king were met with enthusiastic acceptance by the lords and smallfolk alike, their hatred of the usurper and his allies having simmered and festered for far too long.

In Braavos, the keyholders and the magisters, and the Sealord himself viewed the rapturous preaching of the followers of the Lord of Light with only passing regard. More pressing to them were matters of the world, such as the ebb and flow of trade, the making and sailing of ships, and the coming and going of traders and merchants. Even the incident at the House of Black and White was of little interest, for it had only happened once, and was not repeated. In any case, each and every faith was free to preach their beliefs in Braavos as long as they followed the laws of the city, and even news of the religious civil wars in Norvos and Qohor were disquieting only in the sense that it disrupted the flow of trade along the major caravan routes they sat upon.

In Volantis, the Triarchs and other high officials of the city viewed the rising swell of religious fervor with disfavor in the sense that it threatened their power base, whether tradition and historical precedent as in the case of the Old Blood, and flesh and gold in the case of the merchants and indeed, the Old Blood as well.

More concerning to them were reports from ships headed to and from the east, of how the ever-present glow and shadow of the Doom had vanished. None dared sail to see why, for the reputation of the Doom was well-entrenched, and many suspected that it was some form of deception made by the demons which dwelt within the ruins of Valyria, to draw the foolish and the mad to their deaths.

Well over a week passed, and then more news came. This time, they spoke of a great fleet of ships sailing towards Volantis, galleys and dromons, flying red banners emblazoned with golden dragons.

Uproar erupted among the leaders of the city, on who would dare challenge the Eldest Daughter in their own waters, and more importantly how had they come so close to the city without warning. Volantis mustered its fleet, and on the morning of the day after the news came, the Volantene Navy took to sea. And yet, in the city it left behind, there were those among the Old Blood who felt a strange sense of vague recognition at the description of the banners flown by the approaching fleet.

The rest of the day passed eventually, as did the night. But as the Sun rose to the east, they appeared on the horizon to the south, making for the great lagoon of the Rhoyne which Volantis held in its arms. A great fleet of ships, over a thousand-strong, the invaders escorted in honor by the Volantene Navy.

The apparent betrayal came as a heavy blow for the city's leaders, as what could the invaders have possibly offered to turn an entire navy against its home? And then they came, flying though the rose and pearl skies of the dawn, a great flight not seen in centuries, of dragons in the morning. Wheeling and turning in a great spiral over the city, they and their riders danced in the skies, as the fleet lowered their anchors in the city's lagoon.

A dance of dragons.

Ships came, to land on the docks, from Volantis' fleet. Among them was the Volantene flagship, bearing the Admiral of the Fleet, Varynno Baherah. Born of the Old Blood, his irises were like amethysts, and his hair the color of gold and silver blended together: an exiled child of Valyria in this day and age.

And as he stepped onto Volantis' soil once more, he drew himself up with pride and rapture, and loudly proclaimed.

"Hail, Volantis! Valyria has returned!"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Even as messengers were sent to the Triarchs, the admiral's proclamation spread by word of mouth across the entire city like a forest fire spread through the undergrowth. From the slaves and freemen working on the docks, the news spread to their counterparts on the streets, and then up, through the cracked and worn steps of power and into the palaces of the rich and powerful.

It was impossible, and should have been dismissed as mere delusion, and yet, no one could deny the great dance of dragons in the skies above, or the fleet sitting at anchor in the lagoon, flying banners not seen in centuries. Those few Westerosi present in the city were especially terrified, as they looked up at the sky and at the kin of the kings they had deposed less than a decade before, and fearfully remembered the old saying.

Lesser men defied the dragonlords of the Valyrian Freehold at their peril.

The Triarchs, roused from their sleep well before they were accustomed to, assembled along with their sycophants, hangers-on, and allies, to discuss what must be done. But even as they began to ponder the future among themselves, the Valyrians made the first move.

Three dragons spun out of the dance above, and descended onto Old Volantis. The one at the lead was a great beast greater than even the Black Dread in its prime, its scales a rich, deep blue, while its horns, crest, and wing bones were black as the night. Its companions were smaller and were differently-colored, but were equally colossal in scale, each as great as the Black Dread had been.

They descended on the old city, the wind of their wings howling down the ancient streets as they made for the Palace of the Triarchs. Only one, the greatest among them, landed in the triumphal parade grounds before the palace, and even then its bulk was such that the dragon had to keep its wings spread behind itself. The other two flew in a low, slow circle around the palace and the parade grounds, while above the dance of dragons continued, their shadows falling not just over Old Volantis, but across the entire city as the Sun rose into the sky.

A man strode up the dragon's neck, clack in black-enameled plate, a sword at his side. Coming to a halt between his mount's horns, he took off his helm, allowing gold-silver hair to fly in the wind born of the dragons flying above and around. "Triarchs of Volantis," he shouted in a strong and steady voice. "I am Laeraenar Aggaeron, Dragonlord and Triarch of Valyria. We have returned, and we would speak to the Eldest Daughter."

Inside the palace, the Triarchs of Volantis were frozen by indecision, while all around them their sycophants, hangers-on, and allies shouted and argued among themselves. And then the lone tiger among the Triarchs rose to his feet, causing a hush to fall across the great chamber. Striding from the chamber, he ignored the slaves and servants, causing mouths to fall and gasps to be heard as he walked on his own power on the bare ground, out the palace and across the parade grounds.

Coming to a halt before the great dragon and the ominous warmth of its breath, the Triarch of Volantis sank to one knee. "Honored Triarch," the man said. "I am Aerarro Naerelion, Triarch of Volantis. What would Mother Valyria have of our city?"

"The world has changed much, Honored Triarch." Laeraenar answered from atop his dragon. "It has been centuries since the Fourteen Flames erupted all at once by your reckoning. The world has changed a great deal in that time, and not in a beneficial way. Unwashed savages roam through the Great Grass Sea unchecked, amidst ruins of once-great cities and fertile lands. The Daughters of Valyria fight against each other, while lands once under our shadow have fallen into the hands of lesser nations."

"It is as you say, Honored Triarch." Aerarro said. "Though if I may so, much of what you say owes a great deal to Mother Valyria's own absence. If I might ask…how? How did Mother Valyria return? Where has it been all this time?"

"Our ancestors foresaw the potential for calamity should the whims of nature turn the source of our power against it, and cast a great spell in preparation long before any of us were born." Laeraenar answered. "That spell slumbered for millennia, until the foresight of our ancestors was vindicated. To save the homeland from nature's wrath, it was cast across time, to the here and now."

Aerarro was speechless, unable to find words to question or express his awe at the sheer power and mastery Valyria held in magic. "You asked what Valyria would have of your city, Honored Triarch." Laeraenar continued. "Simple: The Freehold would seek to restore order and stability to the lands of Essos, and such would be made easier with Volantis' support."

The Triarch narrowed his eyes. "Tell me, Honored Triarch," he said. "Do you speak for all Volantis? Where are the other Triarchs?"

At that question, there was a commotion in the palace beyond, and Aerarro was silent. Minutes later, the other Triarchs came, like Aerarro walking on the ground to kneel before their Valyrian counterpart atop his dragon. "Volantis," Aerarro spoke. "The Eldest Daughter, has always remained true to the legacy and memory of the Valyrian Freehold. And now that Mother Valyria has returned beyond expectations, we would stand with her, to restore time-honored tradition and the rule of law to the lands of Essos."

Laeraenar nodded in approval. "So be it." He said. "And Volantis shall obtain much honor and reward for its contributions. Shall we discuss the matter in further detail? And we have much to know about what has transpired in the centuries since."

"As you will, Honored Triarch."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Uproar erupted among the gathered dragonlords as they sat in the Grand Audience Chamber within the Palace of the Triarchs. The Triarchs of Volantis sat at the bottom, at a raised table, joined by Triarch Laeraenar of Valyria. The dragonlords sat around the dais, in tiered seats that rose around the amphitheater's interior.

At present, they were discussing the Century of Blood, which came in the wake of the so-called Doom of Valyria. The self-proclaimed Emperor of Valyria, Aurion of Qohor caused mutterings among the dragonlords about the ambitions of their cadets who used to live in the Free Cities prior to the Doom, but the massacre of those same cadets by the Lyseni and Tyroshi provoked great anger. That the Volantenes assumed it was born of religious hysteria, that the Doom had been a sign of divine retribution, did little to calm the anger of the dragonlords, with all but Triarch Aerarro of Volantis trailing off at the look of cold anger in the face of their Valyrian counterpart seated at the table with them.

"Lys and Tyrosh will be made to take responsibility for their actions." Laeraenar said loudly and firmly. "But that is still in the future. There are other, more pressing objectives which must be met before the Freehold can turn that far to the west. Continue, Honored Triarchs."

The Triarchs of Volantis then told of the coming of the Dothraki, and how the Sarnori and the kingdoms of the Great Grass Sea had been unable to form a united front against the Dothraki until it was too late. The Volantenes also admitted to some shame that they had not attempted to assist the Sarnori, as at the time they were contending with the other Free Cities…as in the wake of Valyria's apparent destruction, Volantis, as the first and eldest of the Free Cities, had claimed the mantle of Valyria's successor and sought to rebuild the Freehold.

This was spoken of with trepidation, with the Volantene Triarchs looking at Laeraenar with some apprehension. The Valyrian Triarch just looked amused though, and motioned for them to continue.

At first, things had gone well. Volantis was able to gain control of the Rhoyne, from its mouth to Dagger Lake. Lys and Myr were also brought under Volantis' control, along with most of southwestern Essos. But when they moved against Tyrosh, Pentos and Braavos declared war, followed by Norvos and Qohor. Soon after Lys and Myr rose up in revolt, and the Andal Kingdom of the Storm also sent an army to Essos, to fight the Volantenes in what would be later known as the Disputed Lands.

About this time too, the Sarnori were broken and the Dothraki overran the Great Grass Sea, known henceforth as the Dothraki Sea. From there, they began to raid Volantis' eastern domains, and disaster struck when the Norvoshi and the Qohori won a great victory at Dagger Lake, and forcing Volantis to abandon most of the Rhoyne.

The last blow came when Aegon Targaryen and his sister-wives, last of the Dragonlords of the Valyrian Freehold, rose up against Volantis. Riding their dragons from their stronghold on Dragonstone, they flew over the Narrow Sea and into Essos, bringing fire and death to Volantis' armies.

"No!" the shout came from the gathered dragonlords, eyes turning in its direction. "Aenar was no traitor! You lying snake, I'll…!"

"Calm yourself, Lord Freeholder Targaryen." Laeraenar said firmly, meeting eyes with the distraught and angry Lord Freeholder. "Certainly, your brother was no traitor. And neither were his descendants: Valyria was long gone by this point. All he did was stand against Volantis' ambitions."

Gasps went up from the Volantenes at the name of the Lord Freeholder, as they realized that one among those present was an ancestor of the royal line of the Seven Kingdoms. Laeraenar and Jaenera stared at each other for a long moment, and then the former nodded. "Retake your seat, Lord Freeholder." He said.

Jaenera bowed and sat back down, while the dragonlords began whispering among themselves. "The question now is, why would…Aegon, was it, Targaryen stand against Volantis?" Laeraenar said while turning back to the Volantenes.

"A good question," Aerarro answered. "Though no direct answer has been ever found. The most likely assumption is that Aegon Targaryen stood against us in order to preemptively eliminate a rival to his own ambitions."

Laeraenar narrowed his eyes. "And those are?" he asked.

"Aegon Targaryan is also known by another name, among the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men of Westeros." Aerarro said. "Aegon the Conqueror, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms."

Gasps went up from the dragonlords, while Laeraenar was silent for several moments. And then smiling, he chuckled, and then began to laugh. "Oh, do excuse me, Honored Triarchs." He said after a few moments. "I see, I see, I see…yet another ambitious provincial dragonlord, although in his case given a century had already passed it's much more forgivable that he'd forgotten the principles of the Freehold compared to that arrogant fool, Aurion of Qohor. And there is precedent for a dragonlord to rule as an autocrat over non-Valyrian peoples. As I recall, one of our own was empress-consort to one of Yi-Ti's Yellow Dynasty. And this may be of use to us, the Targaryens of this day and age ruling over the Westerosi…assuming of course, they understand where their loyalties should lie."

The faces of the Volantenes fell, and the Triarchs looked uncomfortable. "You disagree?" Laeraenar asked.

Aerarro took a deep breath, and began to speak of the Targaryen Dynasty. There were seventeen kings and one queen following Aegon the Conqueror belonging to the Targaryen line. There was Aenys called the Weak, son of Aegon the Conqueror and Queen Rhaenys, followed by his half-brother, Maegor called the Cruel. The tales of the Uprising of the Faith Militant had the dragonlords muttering to themselves about religious fanatics, which continued as the tale of the Targaryens turned to Maegor's successor, his nephew and Aenys' son, Jaehaerys called the Wise. He in turned was succeeded by his grandson, Viserys I, who ruled over the Golden Age of the Seven Kingdoms.

That Golden Age ended in fire and ruin, and the crippling of the Targaryen Dynasty, when the dynastic struggle between Queen Rhaenyra and her half-brother, King Aegon II led to the civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. That war cost the Targaryens most of their healthy and viable dragons, and heralded the eventual fall of the dynasty.

Rhaenyra posthumously emerged the victor however, as it was her son Aegon III who ascended the Iron Throne after Aegon II. The last Targaryen dragons died in his reign however, leading him to be called the Dragonbane.

He would be succeeded by his son, Daeron I, called the Young Dragon, for his conquest of the Principality of Dorne in southern Westeros. Victory was hollow however, for the Dornish refused to submit, and while conquering Dorne cost Daeron ten thousand men, attempting to keep his conquests cost him another fifty thousand. And in the end, he was betrayed, slain by the Dornish under the banner of parley.

With Daeron's death, his brother, Baelor became king. Baelor was a septon however, a priest of the Andal Faith, for which he would called the Blessed. Laeraenar raised an eyebrow at the tale of Baelor's reign, while the dragonlords muttered and Jaenera lowered her face, her cheeks burning with shame at the knowledge one of her brother's descendants was nothing more than a deranged religious fanatic.

On Baelor's death, he was succeeded by his uncle, the only remaining son of Queen Rhaenyra, Viserys II. It was he who pulled the Seven Kingdoms from the rut Baelor had left it in, though he reigned a short reign, and was succeeded by his son Aegon IV, called the Unworthy.

Again, Jaenera's face burned with shame that a fat despot would be counted among her brother's descendants, and one who further weakened the family with his insane decision to legitimize his bastards, sparking the generations-long conflict known as the Blackfyre Rebellions. Aegon's successor though, Daeron II was a respectable man, who brought Dorne under his rule through diplomacy and strategic marriage…even if it meant that the rulers of the Rhoynar exiles were of Targaryen blood. Not that that was an entirely bad thing, for there was a certain amusing irony that those who fled Essos to escape Valyrian domination would ultimately fall under Valyrian – to an extent – rule.

Daeron the Good would be succeeded by mediocre kings, such as Aerys I and Maekar, though Maekar's son Aegon V, called the Unlikely, impressed many dragonlords for his ideals, which in some ways resembled those of the Freehold. Even more impressive was his failed attempt to use sorcery to hatch dragons, with its tragic conclusion at the Summerhall failing to detract from it.

Then came the reign of Jaehaerys II, and then Aerys II, called the Mad. It was there that the Targaryen Dynasty came to the end, thanks to the foolish actions of both the king and his son and heir, Rhaegar, who turned most of the Seven Kingdoms against them. In what was known as the War of the Usurper, both Aerys and Rhaegar were slain, and not unjustly from what the tale told of them.

But when the brutal deaths of the Targaryen children, Rhaenys and Aegon were known, anger rippled through the dragonlords. Fallen from grace they might have been, reduced to pale shadows of the power and grandeur they once possessed, the Targaryens were still one of the forty families. That an ambitious Andal lordling would dare strike against their betters in such a fashion…

"Don't do anything foolish, Lord Freeholder." Laeraenar warned, as Jaenera made to leave. She paused at the amphitheater's doors, and nodding once passed through the doors, the tiger cloaks unwilling to stand in her way, her violet eyes burning with vengeful rage.

"So House Targaryen – or Aenar's line at least – is destroyed." Laeraenar said with a sigh. "What a shame."

"It is not."

"What?"

That was Tychano Bahoran, one of the two elephants that were part of the Triarchy. "House Targaryen isn't destroyed." He said. "The Lord Freeholder aside…Prince Viserys and his sister, Princess Daenerys live still, in exile at the Bastard Daughter."

"Is that so now?" Laeraenar said to himself, a gleam in his eyes. "We'll have to come back to them later, they might be of use to us. In any case, no matter how interesting the supposedly-last of the forty families' achievements are, of more concern to us are the affairs here in Essos, in particular between the so-called Century of Blood and the present day. It is those that will shape our judgment and choices for what must be done."

The Volantenes nodded. "As you say, Honored Triarch." Aerarro said. "Then we shall begin, with our failure to rebuild the Freehold."

Compared to the history of the Targaryen Dynasty, that of Essos in that same period of time was less spectacular, at least after the Century of Blood. There was a reason for that of course, and that was with the failure of Volantis to rebuild the Freehold, a simmering balance of power had emerged between the Free Cities and their neighbors.

There was war of course, bloodshed and ruin in good measure. But compared to events in the west…following the Century of Blood, the Free Cities were largely content to maintain the status quo, and to make money therein.

Volantis had been left a shadow of itself after the Century of Blood, though it recovered, and remained the largest and most-populated of the Free Cities. It retained control of the Rhoyne's mouth, and much of the Rhoyne, up to where its tributary the Selhoru joined the great river.

Much of the lands of Southern Essos on both sides of the lower Rhoyne remained under Volantene control, and Volantis was the center of the slave trade. For all that merchants rather than soldiers ruled Volantis after the Century of Blood, peace was not the rule, however. Skirmishes with the Dothraki continued, though at times they may be bought off with gold or slaves.

For a time after the Century of Blood, Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh had formed an alliance that – mockingly as the Volantenes perceived it – called itself the Triarchy. Second only to Braavos in naval might, the Triarchy had been so powerful at one point that they had been willing to challenge the Targaryens at the height of their power, during the Dance of Dragons when they assailed Queen Rhaenyra in assistance to King Aegon II.

In time however, internal jealousies and rivalries had torn the Triarchy apart, and today its former members are independent of each other. Furthermore, lands they once held jointly against Volantis were now disputed against each other, the three cities maintaining a constant, low boil of conflict over Southwestern Essos, the so-called Disputed Lands. Rather than bloody their populace in those wars, the three cities made use of the so-called Free Companies, mercenary armies which fought for gold and had a reputation for changing sides once a better offer came, something which had the dragonlords muttering on how low the three cities would sink.

Braavos, the Bastard Daughter, while smaller and less-populated than Volantis, has since become the richest and most powerful of the Free Cities. More than that, they were the premier naval power in the known world, with the Sealord of Braavos proudly proclaiming that the Grand Fleet of Braavos was second to none.

Laeraenar smiled coldly at that, but said nothing. The disturbed Volantenes glanced at each other and continued. They spoke of the seven wars between Braavos and Pentos, five of which were won by the former, ending with Pentos becoming a Braavosi subject.

Lorath, Norvos, and Qohor were less spectacular compared to the other Free Cities, though Lorath supported the remaining Sarnori against the Dothraki. When all was said and done though, the three cities preferred to remain quiet and aloof from all the strife and rivalries of the other Free Cities.

Laeraenar nodded slowly as the Volantenes finished. "So such is the state of Western Essos." He said. "You have given us much to consider, Honored Triarchs. And consider we will, before we can decide what to do next. I suggest then, we adjourn for a recess of…one hour?"

The Volantenes looked at each other, and nodded. "A wise suggestion," Triarch Vargano Naerolis, the other elephant on the Triarchy, said. "Let us consider what we now know and face, before making any decisions."

Laeraenar nodded, and standing along with the Volantenes, turned to face the dragonlords. "We will adjourn for one hour to consider matters." He said. "And it is high time for lunch as well. We will reconvene this afternoon, and thence decide on the plans for the future. If there is nothing else, then this session is closed."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Signs and portents, how ominous, yes?
 

Knowledgeispower

Ah I love the smell of missile spam in the morning
Its pretty dang good all things considered. Shame that Valyria didn't come back during Aegon V's reign so he could have had the means to reform stuff properly and known how to hatch dragons
 

Buba

A total creep
Shame that Valyria didn't come back during Aegon V's reign so he could have had the means to reform stuff properly and known how to hatch dragons
Aegon the Unlikely is overrated.
He failed to control his damned children! What message does that send out to vassals?
Aegon is like Yoda - cool, a nice guy. but basically an incompetent twit.
His one "good rulership" move was to exile Brynden, even if executing the bastard would probably had been more appropriate. But letting him leave with Dark Sister? I rest my case ...

IMO this Jaenera Targaryen would had told him - "You are weak. Weak and stupid. Not fit to bear the Targaryen name. Off to Raventree Hall with you, never to be heard off again!"
 
Last edited:

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
Yeah, the Targaryen kings most highly-regarded by the Valyrians are Aegon the Conqueror and Maegor the Cruel. Had Valyria returned in the latter's reign, Maegor would only have needed to ask to get young and hot-blooded dragonlords mounting up for Westeros. Feudal lords abandoning his cause? No problem. Burn them all down, and give their lands to the Valyrian volunteers. Andal b*tch*s not able to give him children? Hello, hello, I am Triarch so and so, would you like to marry my daughter? BTW, your aunt says someone's placed a curse on you, and she's traced it to one of your mistresses. Can she have Dark Sister back, please?

Cue the Red Keep drowning in blood as King's Landing burns.
 

Knowledgeispower

Ah I love the smell of missile spam in the morning
Yeah, the Targaryen kings most highly-regarded by the Valyrians are Aegon the Conqueror and Maegor the Cruel. Had Valyria returned in the latter's reign, Maegor would only have needed to ask to get young and hot-blooded dragonlords mounting up for Westeros. Feudal lords abandoning his cause? No problem. Burn them all down, and give their lands to the Valyrian volunteers. Andal b*tch*s not able to give him children? Hello, hello, I am Triarch so and so, would you like to marry my daughter? BTW, your aunt says someone's placed a curse on you, and she's traced it to one of your mistresses. Can she have Dark Sister back, please?

Cue the Red Keep drowning in blood as King's Landing burns.
they also probably would have liked Jaehaerys a fair bit since they know fully well that taking a empire is one thing holding it is entirely another thing. And fundamentally speaking it was his actions in large part that enabled the Targaryens to hold power for so dang long despite everything that happened after his reign.
 

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
they also probably would have liked Jaehaerys a fair bit since they know fully well that taking a empire is one thing holding it is entirely another thing. And fundamentally speaking it was his actions in large part that enabled the Targaryens to hold power for so dang long despite everything that happened after his reign.

Jaehaerys is respected, but he also gave a little too many concessions to the Andals. His own misogyny, with the especially egregious case of his granddaughter, Princess Rhaenys, would not have made him friends with female dragonlords. That he favored Andal lordlings like Otto Hightower towards the end of his reign over the Valyrian-blooded Corlys Velaryon would also have annoyed plenty of Valyrians.

Had Valyria returned in his reign, there'd be plenty of tensions straining the relationship between the Sunset Kingdoms and the Valyrian Freehold. The Lords Freeholder would be muttering about how the supposed King of Kings lets himself be led around by the nose by Andal upstarts, while in Westeros many Andals would question the true loyalties of the Velaryons and Celtigars.
 

Buba

A total creep
I wonder if the returned Valyrian Dragonlords would not look upon the westerosi Targaryen Kingdom with similar sort of condescending attitude as OTL British aristocracy/European royalty looked upon House Brooke of Sarawak.
 

Jaenera Targaryen

Well-known member
I wonder if the returned Valyrian Dragonlords would not look upon the westerosi Targaryen Kingdom with similar sort of condescending attitude as OTL British aristocracy/European royalty looked upon House Brooke of Sarawak.

This is, the Targaryens of Dragonstone never really stopped seeing themselves as Valyrians. They used Valyrian names, continued to speak High Valyrian among themselves, and even continued the practice of brother-sister marriage whenever they could. In fact, a lot of their troubles always result whenever they married outside of their family, or accepted non-Valyrian influence.

The civil war between Aenys and Maegor? All because Aenys kept conceding to the High Septon. The Dance of Dragons? Again, all because Viserys just had to let himself be seduced by Alicent Hightower. In fact, the only trouble that wasn't directly born out of the Targaryens getting influenced by the Andals was the Blackfyre Rebellions, and even that isn't really unique to them. Canonically, despite being a republic, the Valyrians had their own game of thrones, made all the deadlier by their mastery of magic and the need to keep things subtle and lowkey for fear of mutual annihilation should they openly ride their dragons against each other.

Even the Blackfyre Rebellions became so much worse than they should have been thanks to it spilling over from an internal feud between Daemon Blackfyre and Daeron II Targaryen to their respective vassals in the Andal nobility. Hell, the biggest loss suffered by the Targaryens of Dragonstone, the death of their dragons was deliberately orchestrated by the Andals. Oh sure, a lot of dragons died during the Dance, but they could have recovered, but those damn maesters somehow poisoned the survivors and ensured no new hatchlings could survive. The madman Baelor didn't help either, burning the Targaryens' collection of magical lore at the behest of the Faith.

If anything, their relatives would pity them for falling so low by consorting with their inferiors. And in the case of BLAST, well, as you can see the dragonlords aren't exactly happy that a no-name upstart (from their POV) actually dared use the murder of the children of one of the Forty Families as an example of their petty lordship's power. Just like with Garrin the Great during the Spice Wars, sooner or later, the Forty Families of the Azure Sky will eventually have to find time to show BLAST what true power actually is.

Well, the Starks do have a way out. As mentioned in passing above, the dragonlords recognize the Starks had a legitimate grievance with all that happened to Lyanna, Rickard, and Brandon. And unlike the Andals, the Starks, or rather the First Men, are no mere upstarts. Lannister and Baratheon, though, and the rest of their lackeys?
 

BlackDragon98

Freikorps Kommandant
Banned - Politics
Yeah, the Targaryen kings most highly-regarded by the Valyrians are Aegon the Conqueror and Maegor the Cruel. Had Valyria returned in the latter's reign, Maegor would only have needed to ask to get young and hot-blooded dragonlords mounting up for Westeros.
Aegon the Uncrowned is instantly screwed. If he wasn't already screwed by Maegor and Balerion.

What would Maegor do to him, Rhaena and their children if they surrendered after a large volunteer squadron of Valyrian dragonriders?

There would probably be quite a few female dragonriders in the volunteer squadron who'd definitely try to seduce Maegor. No lack of wives for him, lol.

Feudal lords abandoning his cause? No problem. Burn them all down, and give their lands to the Valyrian volunteers.
Would the Freehold actually send legions to help Maegor if he asked?

Andal b*tch*s not able to give him children? Hello, hello, I am Triarch so and so, would you like to marry my daughter?
He'd already be very preoccupied with those female dragonriders from the volunteer squadron. :LOL:

BTW, your aunt says someone's placed a curse on you, and she's traced it to one of your mistresses. Can she have Dark Sister back, please?
What would Jaenara Targaryen think of Visenya? (Given that Valyria returns when Visenya is still alive.)

I don't think Maegor would have a problem with giving Dark Sister back. He never used it after he got Blackfyre, and it was hung on the walls of his chambers in Dragonstone.

What would happen to Alyssa and her remaining children then? Disinherited? Executed? Exiled? Chucked into the volcano?

Cue the Red Keep drowning in blood as King's Landing burns.
You're thinking too small.

Cue Westeros drowning in blood as King's Landing and Oldtown burn.

And I'm guessing the Dornish would get the 300+ dragon treatment for the death of Rhaenys and Meraxes.

Also, should it be Lady Freeholder Targaryen instead?

And what of Essaria? Why has none of the Volantenes mentioned the fate of Essaria?
 

Buba

A total creep
And unlike the Andals, the Starks, or rather the First Men, are no mere upstarts. Lannister and Baratheon, though, and the rest of their lackeys?
Lannister are First Men.
Baratheons, from a certain point of view, are First Men too - they are rebranded House Durrandon.
who'd definitely try to seduce Maegor
Oh yes, he has succulent beefcake written all over him.
They'd gobble him up, leaving Maegor limp and boneless and gasping for air :)
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top