Main Content
Archive of Our OwnArchive of Our OwnHi, TheBrimmedHat!PostLog Out
FandomsBrowseSearchAboutWork Search
tip: "uchiha sasuke/uzumaki naruto" angst kudos>10
Actions
Entire Work ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Chapter Index Edit Bookmark Mark for Later Comments Share Download
Work Header
Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category:
F/M
Fandoms:
House of the Dragon (TV)Warhammer FantasyA Song of Ice and Fire & Related Fandoms
Relationships:
Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)/Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Baela Targaryen/Jacaerys Velaryon
Characters:
Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Laena Velaryon (Daughter of Corlys)Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Baela TargaryenJacaerys VelaryonRhaenyra TargaryenDaemon TargaryenCorlys "The Sea Snake" VelaryonRhaenys Targaryen VelaryonAemond "One-Eye" TargaryenAegon II TargaryenAlicent HightowerDaeron Targaryen (Son of Viserys I)Cannibal the Wild Dragon (A Song of Ice and Fire)Valyrian Gods (A Song of Ice and Fire)Helaena Targaryen
Additional Tags:
Character Turned Into VampireUndeadNecromancyVideo Game MechanicsThe Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen EraLaenor Velaryon is Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)'s ParentLaena doesn't let something like being dead stop her from helping her familyDragon RidersPOV MultipleDeath to all GreensPiratesBody HorrorBAMF Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Temporary Character DeathReligious Imagery & SymbolismWeird Plot Shitno beta we die like everyoneBook: Fire and Blood (A Song of Ice and Fire)Self-IndulgentChild DeathDismembermentDragonrider Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Rhaenys and Rhaenyra act more like their bookselves cause their showselves suckCanon-Typical ViolenceCannibalismVampire BitesThe non-sexy kindDark Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Vampire Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Angst with a Happy Ending
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:2024-06-14Completed:2024-10-31Words:169,619Chapters:35/35Comments:1,151Kudos:2,058Bookmarks:542Hits:94,824
Lucerys Velaryon of the Vampire Coast
SkilledWarriorKiwi
Chapter 8: Preparations
Chapter Text
"Absolutely not," Queen Rhaenyra said.
"It will work," Lucerys replied, calm and unblinking as he stared at his mother. His fingers were twitching oddly.
"I am not sending you across Westeros on your own," Rhaenyra said, eyes flashing. "It will take a week to reach Oldtown even upon dragonback, and what even is your intention once you reach it?"
"I'll attack the city, take the High Tower, make the High Septon of the Starry Sept condemn Aegon's rule. If Oldtown is taken, then the Hightowers will have no where to run. No where to hide. If your enemy is to go to ground, then leave them no ground to go to."
Rhaenys eyed her grandson closely, noting the hard edge to his gaze. Still, she permitted him to speak first even if she and Corlys both agreed with Lucerys's plan of action when he approached them first.
"There are few supporters of Her Grace in the Reach," Lord Bartimos Celtigar spoken then. "Do you intend to force the city into submission with your dragon, as such Prince Daemon with Harrenhall? I fear they will not be as wise to heed a surrender."
Lucerys placed an astrolabe upon the Painted Table. Polished gold and inlaid with tiny carvings of celestial bodies and the sun. The flames within the Chamber of the Painted Table the braziers and great hearth flickered and flared before the flames became blue. As did the coals lighting the amber below, the vivid orange and gold turning into bright blue like glacier ice.
"A good pirate has the instruments to plot the safest course through the deadliest of seas," Lucerys said, as if reciting from a book as he tapped a finger against the astrolabe. "No storm or reef can slow these ships, and Captain Adley is awaiting me in the Whispering Sound. She is like Burke Black, she will have her ship, her soldiers. When I arrive and pull her from the sea she will be ready to support me. And in between the time of me flying there, Vane would have reached Oldtown as well. He will be useful in other ways."
There were more considering looks at that from all those within the Black council and even the queen paused in her protest. If a member of the Merling Court was awaiting Lucerys far across Westeros, lurking outside the stronghold of their enemy, then it would be foolish to ignore it. That was one of the reasons Rhaenys agreed, for while King's Landing may have dragons they were puppets for the Hightowers. The accusations of bastardy from Alicent had all been to deflect how she raised her children as Hightowers, despite lusting for the Targaryen power and thieving the throne dragons built. Hypocrite queen she was, and Rhaenys was eager to see the woman's ancestral hold be put to torch at the hands of the Undying.
"We have also just received some news from the Westerlands," Lord Gormon Massey said tentatively in the silence. "It would seem Lord Dalton Greyjoy has chosen to support the queen and has attacked Banefort and I dare say he will soon grow bold enough to target Lannisport, especially with Jason Lannister heading towards the Riverlands. If this is true, then Prince Lucerys would be able to assault Oldtown without fear of reinforcement from the north. Especially with Ormund Hightower gone from the city towards the Honeywine as the last raven claims."
"There is still the Redwynes," Lord Darklyn said. "And after the Velaryons and Greyjoys they have the largest numbers of ships."
"They don't have cannons," Lucerys said, tapping on the astrolabe again. "And the only Green dragon will be with Ormund Hightower's host. Even if they send a letter to King's Landing for support it will be too late."
Cannons, Rhaenys now knew, where the strange metal tubes jutting from the ship Corlys had witnessed during the escape from King's Landing. Same as the rifles and pistols, more foreign weapons but bound to those of the Court as Lucerys had told her and Corlys beforehand.
She spoke then, catching Rhaenyra's eye, "I understand your fear, Your Grace. You have lost Prince Lucerys once before but his blessings we cannot squander. He is the one who saved me at Rook's Rest and we have been seeing the magic upon him, growing ever the more potent as each and every day passes. Not just within himself but those bound to him such as Captain Burke Black and the beasts that now roam the isle as an extra layer of defense for us. Send him, Your Grace. I have faith in him."
"As do I," Corlys added.
Daemon shifted at his place by Rhaenyra, "And I as well. He flies upon a beast that by all rights should be rotting and lifeless upon the land, Your Grace. He has the strength of ten men, he can speak through the waves and has our dearly departed Laena and the Merling Court at his back. All my life I've been intrigued by magic, bewitched by it. Yet never before have I seen it so potent and raw than now before me, in the form of the Heir to Driftmark. So I say, unleash him upon our enemies as the gods demand it."
There were also the two rescued lords who hailed from the Reach present; Merryweather, dressed in vibrant yellows with the golden horn filled with produce stitched upon his white-lined tunic, Caswell in his white with golden centaur blazon stretched across his back and at his shoulders. Both still worn from their time within the black cells, yet they spoke next in support.
"Your Grace," Lord Merryweather said, "Perhaps we should heed the prince. The Reach is ripe for war, as it is the home of the Hightowers. If he believes it is the correct action then I support him. Especially as I know my wife and kinsmen at Longtable will continue to support your cause and put their lives at risk for their queen. Lord Lucerys is god-touched, if he believes he can achieve this then I believe we should heed his wisdom."
"Aye, I concur with this. The gods have blessed your son and they are urging him to Oldtown and in his own words to confront the High Septon; perhaps even the Seven are urging him to do this and there are many, many followings of the Seven-Pointed Star within Westeros. If Prince Lucerys feels bound for Oldtown then I say we grant him our blessings, Your Grace," Lord Caswell added.
"It's far too dangerous to send Luke on his own," Jacaerys all but exploded. Rhaenys looked to him, seeing how tightly he was clenching his hands even as at his side Baela gently touched his elbow. He shrugged her off, saying hotly, "We already sent untried dragonriders before and Storm's End occurred! To get to Oldtown you will need to go past King's Landing, and with Vhagar-"
"I've died already," Lucerys said casually and both his mother and brother flinched. "They can try it again but I don't think it will work like they intend. Besides, Grandmother badly burned Aegon and Sunfyre, Vhagar needs to remain in place."
"And Prince Lucerys can follow along Massey's Hook, it will bypass the capital," Corlys said. "If the Greens are cut off from their allies to the east, then support will plummet. Especially with Oldtown falling and the Westerlands under attack. All that would leave would be Storm's End and Lord Jason's host."
"Prince Lucerys could also use this task to reach out to House Florent," Rhaenys added. "House Tyrell has already replied their neutrality but in doing so she has issued no proclamation towards the actions of her bannermen, and instead Lady Tyrell has barred herself and infant son within Highgarden. House Florent is, after House Tyrell and Hightower, the most powerful House in the Reach. The dowager queen's mother was a Florent, Alyrie. Despite this they have not declared for the Greens. And we all know Otto Hightower is a selfish, ambitious man. His blood, that of the Hightowers, would have ruled over all his children and he never shared his power or wealth or prestige with his wife's blood. We can use this, this shunning, to our advantage."
"House Florent has not returned any of our ravens," Lord Darklyn said. "They will most likely take the same stance as the Tyrells."
"Then we offer them something they cannot refuse, delivered to them directly by the Undying, the god-touched son of the Black Queen," Rhaenys said.
Daemon eyed her speculatively, "And what do you suggest, Lady Hand?"
Her voice was flat, cold and unyielding, "We offer them Oldtown. We offer them the High Tower."
Silence greeted her words. Corlys shifted slightly at her side but kept his silence.
"The High Tower? You mean to strip House Hightower of their hold?" Lord Celtigar finally said.
"Yes. Because this is a direct and unacceptable act of war and treason by House Hightower. This is not a simple rebellion, this is an attempt to steal the dragons of House Targaryen, to steal the Iron Throne of Aegon the Conqueror and cannot be tolerated," Rhaenys said, voice vicious and searing. "For King Aegon is just a fool boy puppet of House Hightower. We all know this, we all know it was Otto Hightower who planned this coup and the dowager green queen aided and abetted it. And even then years before, she has been soaking the Red Keep in her colours. She is a thief and as are all her blood. She must be dealt with, viciously and fiercely so. As such, I say we not just strip the Hightowers from their hold, but remove them entirely as a House. Just as Aegon the Conqueror did to House Hoare and House Gardener. They say House Hightower is an ancient and noble family of impeccable lineage. So was House Hoare and House Gardener and look at them now. Extinct."
Daemon's expression became more and more satisfied at her words and Rhaenys knew he would fully support her. Baela had a similarly vicious expression. Lucerys easily agreed with Rhaenys spoke of her intent, when her grandson came to her earlier. Meanwhile Corlys was uneasy at her proposal, disliking the idea of such an ancient House being destroyed but Rhaenys made her stance clear. The Hightowers could not get away with their actions. The Lannisters, Baratheons, they could be forgiven. But House Hightower could not, for this was a direct and bloody insult to House Targaryen.
Especially as Rhaenys knew the Greens would kill them all given the chance. A dragon held no mercy and a part of her was beyond enraged by the dishonour those green-blooded children were willfully invoking in their selfish coup. They only had their strength through House Targaryen yet they parade themselves as mummers dragons in a green splashed Red Keep, controlled by Hightowers.
Rhaenys continued, "The High Tower is the tallest structure in the Seven Kingdoms, a massive stepped tower with a beacon on top to guide ships into port and some say it is even made from Valyrian stone. It is the beacon of Oldtown and the Starry Sept dwells close to it. When Aegon the Conqueror arrived at Oldtown upon Balerion's back, Lord Hightower opened his gates. Aegon spared the city and the High Septon anointed him and acknowledged Aegon's right to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Perhaps this is why Prince Lucerys must go to them. To remind Oldtown to fear dragons, true dragons. Not those green-addled beasts of Alicent's womb. And Oldtown is the largest and richest city in the Seven Kingdoms, we cannot let enemies of House Targaryen remain in control of such a place even after we take back the Iron Throne. As such, I say we offer it to House Florent. In return for their support in this war. They have always felt slighted in House Tyrell being granted the title as Lord Paramount of the Reach and making the Florents their vessels after the Conquest. They will not refuse this offer."
"And what of the people of the House, those not marching to war?" Lord Darklyn asked.
"Kill them," Rhaenys said flatly. "Spare the children, take them hostage. Then after the war ends send the girls to the motherhouses of the Starry Sept and the boys to the Wall when they come of age. Spare pregnant women and nursing mothers. Kill the rest. What House Hightower is doing right now can not be tolerated. Not now, not ever. If we do not deal with this harshly, then decades, centuries, later some fool notion may slither into the minds of opportunists that they can ignore a dragon king's command. Can steal the throne from the rightful heir of House Targaryen."
"I agree," Daemon said, a sharp smile upon his face. "We know the Merling King and Fourteen are regarding us close and the gods are ever vicious. When Aegon began his conquest, he sent word to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. To the Citadel of Oldtown, to lords both great and small. All carried the same message that from this day forth there would be but one king in Westeros. Those who bent the knee to Aegon of House Targaryen would keep their lands and titles. Those who took up arms against him would be thrown down, humbled, and destroyed. It seems we must remind them of what happens when a dragon's wroth is roused. I say, my queen, listen to your Hand. Listen to the Undying. Send him to Oldtown and remind them what a true dragon is."
Lord Merryweather's voice was hesitant but he added it nonetheless, "I do believe the Lady Hand's suggestion will ring true, Your Grace. House Florent has long resented House Tyrell's status as Lord Paramount, citing they are nothing more than upstart stewards while House Florent can trace their lineage directly to the extinct Kings of the Reach. I believe they will accept the reward of Oldtown and will eagerly march for Your Grace. And...perhaps, dealing harshly with House Hightower will remind the other Houses of the calamity they risk in supporting the usurper. And if Oldtown falls, then perhaps even those within King's Landing will surrender without further bloodshed."
Rhaenys severely doubted that, as Aegon and Aemond most likely knew their lives would be forfeit regardless as with the Green council and the dowager queen. Perhaps Helaena and her children could be spared, but the Greens were bitter and selfish. Still, she kept herself quiet as she watched Rhaenyra closely as the queen mulled over their words.
"Your Grace," Baela added her voice. "I believe in Prince Lucerys. My lady mother brought him back from the sea, and the sea has taken more lives throughout time than anything within this world. If he says this is what is needed to be done then we must heed him."
Jacaerys looked as conflicted as his mother, expression running through a labyrinth of emotions.
"I can do this, I must," Lucerys said, glowing crimson eyes unblinking even as the smell of salt grew heavy within the chambers. His voice was gentle but utterly unyielding and part of Rhaenys knew that even if Rhaenyra forbid it, her son would leave for Oldtown regardless. But he wished for his mother's blessing.
For her faith.
Rhaenyra's own expression was blank, her fine features giving nothing away even if her violet eyes did not drop from Luke's red ones. The black diamonds glittering within her crimson bodice, while the blue lights of the flames within the room granted a cold tint to her silver-gold hair held in its usual braid.
"There are those that have misplaced my caution for weakness," Rhaenyra finally said. "For as queen I am protector of the realm and I want no other to know the pain I endured in losing my children- in losing Visenya, in losing you, Lucerys. I do not wish any of my people to know that pain. The grief and rage of losing a child could burn down the entire world and I lamented in my suffering in that week we knew of Storm's End."
With slow careful steps Rhaenyra rounded the table, approaching Lucerys until she could take his face in her hands. As always, her fingers were laden with jewel encrusted rings.
"It frightens me, to see what you have become," Rhaenyra voice was soft, yet still easily heard by all. "To see what you must bear for us all. To be the Undying, you must have died first. Arrax was murdered, as were you. I do not- I do not want to ever heard such news again, of one of my children dying. But the Greens would kill you all if they could. They have done so. They attacked Rook's Rest, slaughtered Duskendale. Killed those loyal to the throne. Even now they seek to turn Westeros into a bloodbath, to widow so many and orphan so many and slay so many."
"This must be done, Mother," Lucerys said. "Death is no escape."
"That would seem true in this age. And...If this is what the gods will, then I will not deny them," Rhaenyra said even if Rhaenys could see the effort it cost the queen. "They have brought you back and I will not offend their gifts. If they call you to Oldtown...I do not wish to be parted from you, but as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms I must act in the good of the realm."
Something cold and dark flitted within Luke's crimson eyes, "Then I have your blessing?"
Rhaenyra exhaled slowly, eyes shut. When she finally opened them her expression was as hard as wrought metal as she said, "Yes, you do."
Luke's departure happened the following day.
The rest of the council meeting that night was dedicated to finessing the letters for Lord Alester Florent while also conferring with Lords Merryweather and Caswell who offered their expertise upon the Reach. Discussing the terms of offering them Oldtown and the High Tower, while speculating upon the assault upon the city and the whereabouts of Ormund Hightower's army would be by the time Lucerys arrived.
Lucerys seemed highly unbothered by the speculations, simply stating he would 'deal with it' when he arrived within the Reach. Normally Rhaenys would lecture one with so little plan of action but permitted him his due. She could not know what went through his mind, even if she had noticed Lucerys resembling the boy he used to be ever since he summoned Calypso. She had to wonder if being bonded to another dragon helped sooth his mind, or if it was simply time passing that permitted him to heal.
Corlys still did not like the plan decided for House Hightower but understood it was no longer his place to protest. Prince Jacaerys just seemed angry by the overall verdict, in his mother granting permission for Lucerys to go to Oldtown.
Rhaenys however, knew it was necessary even if she could understand why the prince was upset. His brother was young, had already been harmed and as the eldest Jacaerys felt an obligation to protect him. Even when Lucerys did not need such protection but an elder siblings instincts could not be denied.
Daemon seemed a mix between elated and blood-hungy, but as Rhaenys suspected he fully supported her and Lucerys. It had been amusing to witness Daemon fawn and fuss over Luke the moment the Rogue Prince had returned to Dragonstone, her cousin's great hunger for magic and mystery swelling over all else. It was like seeing him as a child again, from decades ago. The eagerness to the point even Rhaena was incredibly amused.
But now Rhaena was unhappy at her betrothed leaving when she had been informed that afternoon, and then the following morning she barely left Luke's side as preparations were made for him to depart. Rhaena was soon to be sent away as well, but Lucerys flying to war left Dragonstone in anticipation. Still, Rhaena had absolute faith in her betrothed and was extremely vocal about it even if Rhaenys could see the tension in her granddaughter as time grew closer for Lucerys to leave. Joffrey, Aegon and Viserys were less happy but Lucerys took pains to reassure his brothers and spent time with them before he was due to leave even if it came all too soon.
Outside in the great courtyard Calypso was already waiting; the dragon had saddlebags latched to the thick black iron of her saddle, one side filled with the letters and missives for the various holds Luke was to visit upon the Reach while the other held several metal jars of dragonsblood. Lucerys only seemed to need to drink it when injured so Rhaenys made sure they were securely packed. Rhaenys did note with interest at how the dragon did not have any reins upon her saddle for Lucerys to use and was curious.
However they were musings for another date, for they were giving Lucerys their final blessings before he left to go tame Oldtown. Rhaenys still had an arm bound in a sling but she hugged Lucerys as strong as she dared. His skin was always slightly damp now, as if doused in sea spray.
Even his clothing seemed damp, with a long red coat with golden stitching and hems of black. There were numerous belts and buckles across his chest and at his hips, and the dagger Corlys had commissioned for him was lashed to the side of one dark leather boot. Otherwise there was a cutlass at the left and one of the 'pistol' weapons at the right of his belt. She also noted how the belt buckle was forged in the likeness of a white dragon, Arrax's eyes being tiny chips of mother-of-pearl. At his back was the Velaryon seahorse, but so pale it was barely seen like a pattern baked within the sun for decades on end. Rhaenys did not recognize the craftsmanship of his clothing but had long since stopped questioning such things.
While to Rhaena, Lucerys gave her a dagger. A strange thing with a pitch-black blade but beautiful nonetheless. Rhaena's hug was tight.
Daemon was giving Lucerys some pointers upon taming a city while Rhaena moved back into the keep to look for the queen and heir even as Corlys added his own notes to the conversation. The Lady Hand did not have to search long, for she only passed through two corridors before she hesitated at a corner, hearing the voices of her step-daughter and grandson.
"...I still don't agree. How can we trust this? Sending Luke so far away."
"We trust in dragonsblood, in the sea and salt," Rhaenys could hear Rhaenyra saying softly. "I am unhappy as well, to send Lucerys so far away when he has only just returned to us. But the gods are looking upon us, Jace. If Lucerys believes this to be the path, then I am not so foolish to stand in his way. We must remember he is changed now, for good or ill. But we must respect that change and see it aid us in this war. If it means more loyal to me will not lose their lives, then I trust in Luke as he asks."
"What if he doesn't come back? He already..."
"Hush. Luke will need our reassurances, our faith. Not our doubts. Can you do this for me? I do not want our farewell to him to be clouded by doubt and unease."
Rhaenys waited as the footsteps grew louder before she walked forward as if she had never stopped. The queen did not react as Rhaenys rounded the corner and nearly collided with them even if Jace flinched, while behind them Ser Lorent Marbrand greeted her with a nod.
"Come, Your Grace," Rhaenys said kindly, remembering the time when she saw Laenor off to the war at the Stepstones and how difficult it had been. "Let us see Lucerys and wish him well in his battle. He will do you proud, I just know it."
Rhaenyra lifted her chin, "My sons need do nothing to make me proud of them. But yes, we shall see him off. And House Hightower will finally understand the wroth they have unleashed."
Actions
↑ Top ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Edit Bookmark Comments (30)
Kudos
XXgirlXX, Alien_Alice, yarchik, dog3n, Rokyyy_li, ryonaa, nyctophobia76, milimoreira203, KaidenceKyle11, knonk, Thedarkknight12, silverwing__00, Sylvanas4768, MojoMuppet, DaPulse, TheICantDecide, SweetlyMischievous, Perez70, kikikokoka7, Sunny_Starchasersversion, RAVISHING_radish2005, Tampan, trouverme, Kayden213, PersimmonAuthor, Lsywastx369, XiuLan_GracefulOrchid, sasathv, skellymanjones, SabrinaRodrigues, onceimakeyouCUME, ordermixtre, MakyiaAMurchison, Anime220403, Jormee999, fireandbrimstone, Diamonds4Daffodils, NotaPridefulWitch, EstellasArt, Thedevilknowsme, Elia12145657, Showmethedark, Butchisallaboutattitude, Galleon511, yoxiv, Babaa_Yagaa, Aziminal, Sidekickforlife, Darth_Narwhal, Misoto575, and 976 more users as well as 1032 guests left kudos on this work!
Comments
Post Comment
Comment as TheBrimmedHat
Plain text with limited HTML ?
Comment
10000 characters left
Footer
Customize
Default
Low Vision Default
Reversi
Snow Blue
About the Archive
Site Map
Diversity Statement
Terms of Service
Content Policy
Privacy Policy
DMCA & TIDA Policies
Site Status
Contact Us
Policy Questions & Abuse Reports
Technical Support & Feedback
Development
otwarchive v1.2.0.0
Known Issues
GPL-2.0-or-later by the OTW