It was a dark, cold night when two people were in what seemed to be an abandoned city, dressed in riding clothes and holding torches. One of them was a handsome young man at the age of eight and twenty with fair skin and silver-gold hair with lilac eyes, wearing a ruby medallion shaped like a three-headed dragon. The second was a beautiful woman with light brown skin, brown eyes, and raven black hair in a single braid at the age of two and twenty.
"These buildings look ancient." The young woman said with amazement as they walked through the broken streets and stopped in front of a crumbled building.
"Yes, they are," the man replied, "This city was known as Sathar, also known as the Waterfall City. It was said to have been the loveliest grassland city from the Kingdom of Sarnor before the Doom of Valyria."
"I heard after the Doom it was destroyed by the Dothraki." The woman said.
"It was." He said sadly as he entered a crumbled building to see what was inside, "They put the men to the sword, and its women and children were enslaved, while renaming the city Yalli Qamayi, meaning Wailing Children. Three-quarters of them died during the march back."
"How horrible," the woman said, looking around in sadness.
Then the man suddenly stopped looking and stood still as if he was hearing something.
"What is it?" his companion asked as he shushed her, asking her to listen.
Soon they began to hear a rumble that was getting louder and louder with every passing minute. The two people looked at each other before leaving the ruined building and going to their campsite, where a fire was burning for warmth. Then, they began to hear the sound more clearly, realizing it was the sound of horses thundering down at them. As they began to look closer, they saw ten to fifteen horses saddled by copper-toned skinned riders, having black hair with small rings of bells in them and carrying weapons. The riders were whooping as they were galloping toward them before slowing down and eventually stopping in front of the two adventurers. Soon the man and woman realized it was the Dothraki, the nomadic savages whose ancestors destroyed Sarath centuries ago.
"I thought the Yalli Qamayi was a desolate city," one of the riders said as they saw the light of their campfire from afar, "Having nothing but crumbling cities and dirt for the animals to eat."
"We are simply travelers," the man said in their language as the woman stayed close to him, not looking afraid, "Merely passing by. Let us go, and we will leave you be."
"Very well," One of the riders said with a smile creeping to his face, "For a price."
"Is that so," The man said, guessing what they wanted.
"Give us the woman, and we will let you leave." A third rider demanded.
"I think not." The man started with the woman behind him, unafraid, knowing what would happen next.
"Let's kill him and then take her ourselves." One of the riders said to the others.
"You will not," said the man, "Clearly, you do not know who I am."
The riders began to laugh at the man. "Tell us then, who are you?"
"I am Prince Aegon of the House Targaryen. The Dragon of the East." The man said with a proud voice.
The riders then looked surprised and had small senses of fear in their eyes, knowing who this man was.
"The Dragon of the East!" One rider said.
One rider, however, trying to be brave, replied, "If that was true, where is your dragon, grand prince."
Prince Aegon then smiled as he held his companion close to him. "Right here"
Then suddenly, there was a rumble next to them, and they saw a large being crawling near them with a low growl. "The Night's Terror!" The Dothraki exclaimed, realizing that the man's dragon was right next to them, and began to look at them with a terrifying sneer as the horses got startled enough to throw their riders off their backs and ran away with some of them, trampling their riders.
"Dracarys," The man commanded with a firm voice as the two people held each other close and shielded their eyes.
Once hearing the word, the Dragon breathed fire on the horseless riders. The savages were engulfed with hot flames; their bodies were reduced to ash before they could scream in pain.
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Braavos is one of the Nine Free Cities of Essos. The Free Cities were once colonies made from the Valyrian Freehold, the land where the Targaryens hailed from. There was no civilization before or since that could rival the Freehold due to her people having dragons as their weapons for conquest. The Freehold took many enslaved people back to their capital, Valyria, but some escaped. The escaped enslaved people found refuge in a reclusive area far beyond Valyria's reach and founded Braavos. The city was a hundred islands linked by small stone bridges spanning the many canals throughout the city in a vast lagoon where the Narrow Sea comes together with the Shivering Sea. After the Doom of Valyria, the city made itself known and became the most powerful of all the Free Cities.
A festival was happening in one of the town's squares, known as the Uncloaking of Uthero. It was an event named after Uthero Zalyne, who revealed the existence of Braavos to the world. It was a ten-day celebration of masks, songs, and revelry, with mummers performing written stories. The festival also had dueling of swordplay for the fighters to display their prowess.
Prince Aegon and his friend, each wearing a dragon mask, were in the audience looking at the duel where two men were fighting in water dance style.
"Your brother seems to win again, Melina," Aegon commented with an impressive smile.
"If there was any doubt." The woman known as Melina replied, knowing her brother would win.
Soon her brother proved them both right, and soon, in minutes, he subdued his opponent by sliding through the grown and leg sweeping his legs.
"Yield," the brother questioned as his opponent relented. The audience cheered as the winner raised his thin blade, declaring victory. The man wearing a colorful mask then walked into Melina and Aegon.
"Well fought, Donoros," Aegon said to his old friend
"I heard you got into trouble with the Dothraki," Donoros commented.
"Dothraki raiders made me an offer I refused and simply put them in their place. Aegon said innocently.
Donoros laughs slightly, "Their Khal might not like that."
"No, but once they see the ashes, they will think twice before retaliating." Aegon reasoned with a smile.
The three people laughed together just as a roaring sound was heard. When the festival was over, a roaring sound would signal the people to take their masks off. Soon Aegon, Melina, and Donoros took off their masks.
"Glad to have the masks off," Aegon said as he kissed Melina.
"As am I," Melina replied, kissing him back.
Soon the three then walked to a manse that Melina and Donoros called home. They entered the gates and into the manse and began to hand them to the servants who greeted them.
"I suppose you won," an older man came down the stairs, knowing the results. His son was the best water dancer in Braavos, and not one man had bested him yet.
"Of course, father," Donoros said as his father chuckled, "as usual."
Melina and Donoros come from the House Sorren, a prominent and influential merchant family that dealt with the trade of spices, tapestries, and weaponry. Melina's grandfather was once the Sealord of Braavos, the city's ruler until his death. A title held for life but not hereditary. When a Sealord dies, another must be elected by the city's magisters. Melina's father, Areqo Sorren, a magister, who was considered a candidate for the election, declined due to the quickly becoming violent and ending with death. House Sorren kept some power in Braavos, however. Some members are in the city patrol watch, and others are part of the Iron Bank, one of the wealthiest known banks in the world.
"Don always wins, father," his younger son said as he walked across the room and up the stairs, "No point in asking."
"I suppose not for you, Draqeo." So the man said to his younger son.
"How is my son?" Melina asked
"Aeron in his nursery, waiting for his mother," Areqo replied, then looked to Aegon, "and father."
Aegon and Melina went upstairs and went into the nursery and saw their three-year-old son, Aeron, on the floor with his nurse playing with his toys. The boy was three years old and had brown skin and brown eyes from his mother but inherited his father's silver-gold hair.
"Mama! Papa!" The boy exclaimed when he saw his parents, running to them
Melina laughed as she picked up her son and kissed his cheek.
"Hello, my love," Melina said in a loving voice
"Did you have fun with your toys?" Aegon said as he stroked his head
"Yeah," Aeron said happily, "Play with me?"
Aegon chuckled before taking the toddler from his mother's arms into his.
"I believe you're supposed to be asleep," Aegon said as he saw his son with tired eyes.
Aeron yawned and said, "I'm not tired." As he rubs his eyes, which says otherwise
"To bed," Aegon said, "I'll tell you a story. How about I tell you how I claimed Nightwing" And that was all he needed to get Aeron to bed.
As soon as Aegon put his son down, the boy ran to his bed, ready to hear the story from his father, who sat on the edge of the bed while his mother was smiling at the father and son.
"I was 15 years old in the Red Keep, and I knew that the castle was built by one of my ancestors Maegor" Aegon began to say.
"He was the first Aegon's second son," Aeron stated, remembering the other stories his father recited.
"Yes," Aegon said with a smile, "But when he built it, he made a holdfast. A castle inside a castle. And in it, there were secret tunnels that led throughout the city in case of the need to escape, and there was one in my bedroom. So, I found one in one of the walls and went through the tunnel, which led me to the city. There, disguised as a commoner, I could get a ship and go to Dragonstone."
"The castle the Targaryen came to live in Westeros," Aeron stated again, sleepily this time.
Aegon smiled at Aeron again, "And once I got there, I went to a volcano near the stronghold and into a cavern where a dragon made her nest. The dragon was called Nightwing. A black dragon called "The Night's Terror." Do you know why they call her that?"
Aeron shook his head, almost falling asleep.
"They call her that because she had black scales, which let her hide in the night sky so the bad people who want to hurt her can't find her," Aegon answered. "After I claimed her, she took me flying in the sky, and I saw everything under me so small, I could not see anything." Aegon continued until he saw his son fast asleep. He smiled slowly, softly kissing his son's head, trying not to wake him up, and quietly left the nursery.
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Aegon was sitting in front of a fireplace, drinking wine and fiddling with his medallion, contemplating his journey back to Westeros in the morning. He was excited to see his family, especially his older son Baelar, but that was the only reason to be excited. He never fit in with the royal lifestyle he was born into, always seeing it as a prison. As a child, he would sneak off his bed chambers and explore every corner of the Red Keep instead of focusing on his studies. When he turned 12, he began to sneak out of the Red Keep and explore the city of King's Landing every night. Sometimes, he did not return for days, and the guards had to search the city to find him. When he was told that he would marry Claryssa Hunter as a political marriage to secure support from Vale, he quarreled bitterly with his father, Prince Baelon, but relented and married the 19-year-old. Neither was happy with one other as he found her conceited and condescending. He tried to make it work, but eventually, it was too much for him to bear. They did tolerate each other long enough to produce a son. After that, he said that he fulfilled his duty to the crown and did not wish to continue, and some would say that he got no complaints from his wife. He felt trapped in the royal court, unable to do as he wished, and forced to uphold his responsibilities as a prince. He wanted to go out and see the world and all it had to offer.
"So people can't find her." A voice said as Aegon turned and saw Melina behind him with a questionable look on her face. "You know that's not why she's called "The Night's Terror."
"Yes, they call her that because she conceals herself before striking her foes and victims," Aegon said truthfully about his dragon, "but you don't tell a three-year-old that."
Melina hummed in amusement as she walked to the nearby entrance to the terrace. Aegon followed her. "Are you ready to leave?"
"On the morrow. My son will be participating in my brother's tournament." Aegon said sadly, not wanting to leave Melina and their son, especially since politicians and magisters were sniffing around them to gain an advantage by gaining favor with him due to his royal status.
"To your son," Melina said, not looking at him. "And your wife."
Melina was not angry or jealous of Aegon's wife, but watching him go to another woman was not painless, even if it was his wife.
"You know I don't love her." But Aegon reminded her, "You know I did not choose to marry her."
"Yes, it was for political gain, I'm aware," Melina answered, looking down, "nonetheless."
Aegon didn't know what to say, but he had an idea. "Do you remember how we met?" he asked. Melina remained silent. "Lina, do you remember how we met?"
Melina rolled her eyes, "Perhaps."
"It was an Uncloaking festival four years ago, just like today," Aegon began as he got closer to her. "It was a crisp, clear night, and I was enjoying the festivities, seeing all the people under masks, enjoying life, and not caring who was underneath. Then when the roaring signal came to remove the masks, I saw you in a blue dress. So blue almost looked like the color of midnight."
Melina could not help but smile at that memory.
"I came to you and asked for a dance, and you gave me one." Aegon continued
"A gift out of pity," Melina said
"One I was glad to receive." Aegon chuckled. "Afterwards, I asked if you've ever been with a prince, and you said,"
"I'm honored to dance with a prince but not interested in being another one of his conquests." Melina finished.
Aegon may have disliked the duties of being a prince, but there were some advantages. Women mostly, but Melina was different. Unlike other women, she did not throw herself on him; she rejected him.
"That was when I knew I fell in love with you," Aegon said, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"And you pursued me for a year by sending me gifts and favors," Melina continued.
"And you still rejected all my pursuits.", Aegon said, reminiscing the past, "Soon, I stopped and came to you asking why. Why, unlike the other women, you refused me."
"I then asked why you need a mistress when married to a wife." Melina replied, "Then you said it's not a marriage, but a farce, made by others. You went on to say how you hated the burdens of your birth status. Wanting to see the world and all it had to offer."
"And I saw you wanted the same as I did," Aegon said.
"You then said you were going to the Summer Isles and asked me to accompany you, knowing I wanted to go with you."
"And eventually, you said yes," Aegon said with a smile. "I remember the first time you rode on Nightwing. I thought your nails were going to leave scars on me." He finished as both laughed.
Melina turned around, looking at Aegon with her hands on his chest and his hands on her waist. "You taught me to experience the world. I was afraid to do it, but you made me a new person. That's when I fell in love with you."
"If it was possible to marry you. But-" Aegon started to say
"You can't," Melina interrupted him. "I know."
"But I do love you," Aegon assured her
"I love you too," Melina said as they kissed and embraced each other.
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It was morning, and everything was set. Aegon had all his provisions ready on his dragon saddle. Although, Nightwing was still sneering and growling at everyone who came near her, except for Aegon. He was with Nightwing out on the field where she lay and saw Melina holding their son in her arms at a safe distance. He walked over to them to say his farewell. He kissed Aeron on the head as he saw his son being sad for him leaving.
"I will come back soon, my son." Aegon told him, "I promise."
Aeron only nodded his head.
Aegon then kissed Melina. "I will see you both when I can," he promised
"I know you will," Melina said.
Aegon then went to his dragon and got up on the saddle. Then, with one last look at Aeron and his mother, the she-dragon flew into the sky, leaving Braavos behind and going to Westeros.
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Melina entered the manse and heard people talking in the next room, her father's study.
"Take Aeron to his room," she told a nurse while Aeron began to whine, wanting to stay with his mother. "I'll be up in a moment, dear." She assured him while caressing his hand. The nurse took Aeron to his room while Melina walked into the study. She then saw her father sitting at his desk conversing with an older man she remembered doing business with her family occasionally.
"Melina, you remember Salladhor Iranah, Magister of Pentos." Areqo said as they both stood up to greet her.
"Yes, I remember," Melina said cautiously. "It is good to see you again, Salladhor."
"The same to you, Lady Melina." Salladhor greeted her back. "You look fairer every day."
"May I ask what this meeting is about," Melina asked, knowing the answer.
"I was simply having a negotiation with your father," the old magister said, "I told him it would be best if you were part of the conversation."
"Lord Salladhor and I were conversing about the Triarchy in the Stepstones," Areqo stated.
The Triarchy was a three-way alliance between the Free Cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. They were also known as the Kingdom of the Three Daughters. They made a colony in the Stepstone, a chain of scattered islands at the bottom of the Narrow Sea between Westeros and Essos. However, the other free cities were concerned because of the complicated history the Free Cities had of political wars. Lady Melina knew immediately what this meeting was about.
"You believe that war would soon fall upon us." She concluded.
"Always the perceptive one." Salladhor chuckled as Areqo, and his daughter smiled. "But yes. Given our histories with the cities of Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys, it is only a matter of time before they began to expand their ambitions."
"And I suppose you wish to arrange a marriage between one of your granddaughters to my son because of who his father is," Melina said, looking at the old magister.
Ever since her son was born, there had been many lords and magisters from Braavos, and the other Free Cities, who proposed a marriage match to their daughters and granddaughters due to his father, mainly his dragon. In Westeros, many probably called Melina an ambitious whore who seduced the dragon prince to gain advantage for her family or herself and see her son as a bastard. But in Braavos, her son was celebrated as if he was a prince, and the people in high positions and titles wanted to have the favor of the Dragon of the East. Melina, however, wouldn't have her son exploited by other ambitions, and Areqo knew that. He had no ill will toward the dragon prince but was not blind to the consequences of his unmarried daughter bearing his illegitimate son.
"It would not be the first offer you had since his birth, my lady," Salladhor said.
"No, it would not," Melina stated with a suspicious look,
"However, my offer brings more wealth for your house," Salladhor stated, "With a marriage, your son would have an establishment on his own as well as unsullied guards, the most elite soldiers in Essos. And your family will have ties and can expand your wealth from Braavos to Pentos. And if the time comes, if your son would somehow gain a dragon of his own, there will be a stable for it where it will be fed and cared for." Salladhor finished
Knowing that her son's chances of getting a dragon were not good, Melina could smile and nod, saying, "I appreciate your offer, Lord Salladhor, and we will take it into great consideration to it." She finished while turning around, leaving the study.
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Areqo entered his grandson's nursery room and saw him and his mother on the floor playing.
"You know many mothers would accept the match, Lina," Draqeo chastised
"Well, I do not believe it's right for my son Draqeo," Melina replied sternly.
Draqeo rolled him and walked away and saw his father coming. "What's the point of being the lover of a Targaryen Prince if she's not going to reap the benefits of it." He said before leaving while his father shook his head as he entered the room.
"Is the old man gone?" Melina asked, not looking at her father.
"Yes, he wanted to see Aegon, but I told him he had already left," Areqo answered.
"I'm sure he did," Melina concluded while looking up at him. "You think I should agree to the match."
"It is a fair one, my girl." Areqo tried
Melina stood up and walked to her father as they began to whisper so her son could not hear.
"I am not willing to sell my son like livestock to people who seek to use him for advantage simply because of his blood." Areqo and Melina knew it was not her son or Aegon they wanted, but the dragons.
"If circumstances were different," Areqo started, "There would be marriage offers regardless. Your son might not gain much in life due to his-"
"Due to his what?" Melina challenged facing her father "his status of birth."
"You know as well as I do of that truth." Areqo lectured, "natural born children are believed to be born from lust, lies, and weakness and are wanton and treacherous by nature."
"My son is a Sorren." Melina stated, "He may not be a Targaryen, but he is your blood and to inherit from you. Will he not?"
"Of course, he will." But, Areqo assured her, "I'm simply stating that we must take offers into serious consideration that might be beneficial."
"Beneficial for him or you?" Melina questioned while giving her father a stare.
With nothing left to say, she walked away from him and sat down with her son to resume playing with him. Melina wants her son to live out the life he wants for himself, not for others' benefit, and she knows Aegon would agree with her. Therefore, she will protect her son at all costs.
So, we met Aegon, his other son, and his mother. I would have the chapter be about Aegon in King's Landing, but I decided to establish the characters of Aegon and Melina with their dynamic. Let me know what you think.
Also, here are the ages for the characters since House of the Dragon had multiple and huge time jumps.
Aegon Targaryen, "The Dragon of the East": 38 years old
Clarrysa Hunter: 32 years old
Baelar Targaryen: 13 years old
Melina Sorren: 22 years old
Aeron Sorren: 3 years old
Leah Lannister: 13 years old