The War of Wings

Cousins

119 A.C.

   "Princess Rhaenyra and Lady Laena were commonly known as good friends and allies in court. The court ladies were equally strong-willed, and their beliefs and interests rarely diverged. The two were thicker than thieves during their early years. The closeness between the families was shared with their children, who several scholars commonly note prefer each other's company to any other noble family. After reading the texts, I don't find it hard to see why the arrangement was made to marry Princess Rhaenyra's sons to Lady Laena's daughters." (Author unknown)

    My family was barely at Dragonstone for over a week before a ship was spotted on the horizon early in the morning. The small collection of vessels was waving the colors of Targaryen and Velaryon as they sailed, letting us know who approached.
When I woke that morning, my family was bustling with the news. Jace wore his best trousers and a red and silver frock depicting his dual house crests. Luke was anxious to comb his hair, and my father charged through the halls with glee. As he informed us of the news, he was practically skipping. Father loved his dear sister very much, but this was excessive.
My confusion only grew as my mother was bundled into my room. She wasn't talking swiftly like Luke would, but her excitement almost radiated off her as she bustled through my room with a new dress for me to wear. I was going to complain about wearing a dress, but with the smile on my mother's face, I kept silent.
Only when I had dressed in the piece did my mother comment on the bright blue. It was one of her favorites as a girl, and despite myself, I couldn't help but agree. Considering I am not one ever to wear dresses willingly, I thought this one was acceptable. The blue was the color of the sky over the sea on a sun-filled day and trimmed with silver details and no itchy lace, thankfully.
My hair was braided into a crown by my mother, much to my surprise, before she was off again to do something else. It must have been urgent from her speed, but I didn't mind. I was just glad to spend time with Mother, even if it was while I dressed and she did my hair.
When Uncle Daemon and Aunt Laena arrived at the port, my mother hurried us to the courtyard to greet them. My brothers and I could only follow her as she commanded her way through the castle that morning. Her Targaryen red dress was embroidered with gold lace and large gems of black and red. The dress flowed behind her as she joined my father at the courtyard entrance.
Rarely had I seen her with such a beaming smile. It was then that I noticed the similar expression that I had seen on Jace and Luke's faces so often. I had never noticed it. The large oval eyes, the beaming smile, and the slight dimples were shared traits between my mother and brothers. My mother and brother were virtually identical, if not for my brother's pug nose.
But I was pulled from my woolgathering as the sounds of trumpets blared, and my family all straightened to remain presentable. My father tussled Jace's hair while Luke nudged me a little. I sighed, and with a roll of my eyes and great dramatics, I stood straight and formal. I ensured my dress was presentable though I wished I wasn't wearing it.
Though as the gates started to open, I glanced at my brother. In contrast to Jace's calm expression, he was anxiously gripping his trousers. Jace was nervous about seeing Baela and Rhaena again. I knew Jace just wanted to make a good impression. He always wanted to act properly and be the perfect regal prince when anyone was around. But I worried he was taking this too seriously. These girls had played with us when we were in leading strings. I doubt they would care about Jace's attempt at manners.
Though as the family approached, I looked the family over. Uncle Daemon was the most different when looking at them. While they all had Targaryen blonde hair and purple eyes, Daemon was almost ghostly pale. He was older, as the slight crow's feet around the eyes would attest. But I didn't have those aspects fool me. He was a warrior, with a blade strapped to his hip and a large build to prove it. Plus, I had heard the stories from my father of when they fought over the seas.
Though I looked at my aunt Laena, Baela, and Rhaena, I could see the similarities. Like mother and daughter, they all had beautiful blonde locks with bright amethyst eyes. Their skin was a beautiful sun-kissed color that reminded me of polished bronze.
I picked out Baela almost instantly despite their identical features. She stood taller than her sister, but her flare was easily seen. She was more comfortable, almost cocky in appearance, as she waited for our parents to finish speaking formally.
Though she could feel my gaze when her eyes turned, they instantly lit up, and she gave me a brilliant smile. However, she restrained herself until our parents beckoned each of us. We joined our families in the middle of the courtyard before my mother said to Aunt Laena, "We must go sit and have tea. You need a rest and some real food."
Laena waved her off and said, "I doubt that. It was barely a few days of sailing. I should walk some, see the castle." My mother seemed uncertain, probably due to the enormous belly of Lady Laena, but Daemon said, "Weren't you just complaining about the water and food this morning? Something about salted water and soggy crackers?" Laena waved him off, clearly not listening, before my mother jumped in to agree with Daemon and said, "That settles it then. We shall start with tea, and then we can take a walk around the castle. I even think a walk on the shore will be appropriate to let the children stretch their legs.
Laena seemed unsure but quickly opened up to the idea as our families entered the castle. I could vaguely hear her sweet voice telling my mother that she would only have tea if they had something other than fish and crackers. I had barely turned back to face my cousins before Baela barreled into me. We both squealed in excitement before parting. She held my hands tightly as she asked, "How's Ebrior? I've gotten all your letter about how big she's got, but I haven't heard much from you lately. Is she huge yet?"
I smiled and linked arms with her as I led her toward the castle. She gave a beaming smile as I said, "She's much larger than anyone has expected, probably because she refuses to be contained. She roams the island and seas freely. Mother said it's much safer for her now because she's not roaming a city." Baela nodded enthusiastically and said, "I can imagine how the freedom and fresh air help her growth." We wandered after my parents and siblings as they led us to the balcony where tea had been laid.
I looked at Baela and asked, "How's Moondancer? Has she grown out of her hatchling size?" Baela nodded and said, "Moondancer has grown, but she's barely bigger than a foal, probably because father and mother won't let her roam in our home at Driftmark. Not enough room for our collection of dragons, I've been told. However, she's a wonderful pale green with pearl horns. You should see her. She's quite something."
I smiled and said, "She sounds quite spectacular. I'm sure I'll get to visit Driftmark and see her eventually." Baela nodded, pushing back her curly blonde hair over her shoulder as she said, "We should arrange it. Mother would welcome guests, especially after the baby is born." I couldn't help but be excited at the chance to visit my father's home and my grandparents. I hadn't seen them in so long.
We eventually scampered out to the balcony where our families were sitting. I sat between Jace and Baela while my brother and Rhaena sat across the table. It seemed the two mellower souls, Rhaena and Luke, had found comfort in murmuring to each other. Though that didn't prevent him, Luke quickly chatted to a somewhat tentative Rhaena.
Our parents quietly talked amongst themselves. My mother was catching up with Uncle Daemon while my father and Aunt Laena talked. I listened to Baela chatting about the trip as I looked at the dynamics between our parents. While my mother and Laena seemed genuinely good friends to each other, it appeared that both women were more focused on each other husbands. It seemed an odd interaction, but I turned my head when Jace nudged me.
He gave me a look that meant to stop staring, and I stuck my tongue out at him. He pushed me hard enough that I hit the arm of my chair, and I nearly stabbed him with my fork. I heard a clearing of my throat before turning to face my father, who was giving us a stern expression. Though Aunt Laena seemed amused by the situation, she called my mother's name. I dropped my fork instantly before my mother said, "Go on, finish your food. Then we'll go take a walk on the shore, and if your lucky, see the dragons later."
The lot of us perked up at that, and we hurried to eat our dinner. Luke had already finished his but grabbed some seconds to complete it. Soon I nearly tore Baela's arm off as I dragged her towards the stairs leading to the beach. Jace followed close at our side while Luke and Rhaena seemed content with waiting for our parents.
The beach was warm this time of year. The sand was hot as we stripped off our boots and ran along the shoreline. I saw our parents barely on the horizon behind us, Luke and Rhaena with them. Rhaena seemed perfectly content to remain dry, and Jace and I had already hiked up our suitable clothing and splashed about the ocean.
After kicking some water at Baela, she splashed back at us. This started a fight that ended with Baela landing face-first in the ocean. Her hair was completely soaked. Each curl fell into her face as she struggled to push it out of her eyes. She trudged to the shore, and despite her soaked attire, she laughed loudly at my brother. Jace, having tried to retrieve her from the water, ended up slipping and was now covered in sand. I remained primarily unscathed with my mother's old dress barely wet.
    We were trudging along the sand when a screech was heard above us. Baela and I looked up to search for the sound before Jace gestured over the water and said, "Look!" We moved to stand beside Jace and looked out over the water. Ebrior was resurfacing from apparently diving into the sea. Her mouth gripped a silvery fish that was currently flopping desperately. Ebrior, however, managed to flap her wings enough to pull her body from the water. It was rather ungracefully to watch as her large wings flapped at odd intervals to help her slither from the water's surface.
    Baela gasped as she watched Ebrior regain her composure and toss the fish into the air. The bright white fire burned the fish just enough that when Ebrior swallowed, it was crispy. The dragon seemed only then to realize she had an audience, and her worm-like body wiggled as she flapped her four wings to start toward us.
    Baela ran after the dragon as she flew over our heads. I had to follow her, desperately hicking up my dress as I yelled to her, "Don't chase her. She won't land unless you give her space." Baela heard my words and slowed to a jog before I came stumbling behind her. Jace, who had a late start, stopped suddenly at our sides. He was out of breath but composed enough as he said, "Can't you tell her to land?"
  I shook my head and said, "I can ask, but I will not command her." Jace and Baela exchanged a look before I crossed the sand. Ebrior was circling overhead, and when she saw me, I beckoned her to come down. It wasn't a verbal command, only a suggestion. The black serpent's head tilted as it hovered mid-air. I beckoned her again before I said, "Come down, Ebrior. I have friends for you to meet."
    Ebrior seemed suspicious of this comment as her thin tail whipped back and forth with enough speed to make a cracking sound. I didn't flinch but only waited on her decision. Ebrior's curiosity outweighed her concern, and she lowered herself slowly toward the sand. I had to shield my face from the sand as it blew towards me from the strength of her wings.
When I removed my arms from the shield they had built before my eyes, I looked up towards Ebrior. The dragon's bright purple eyes looked at me with curiosity, and she shook her head in the direction of the other two kids waiting a few paces back.
I turned to look over my shoulder and saw Jace half a step behind Baela. His body turned defensively as if dodging a stab from a sword. On the other hand, Baela looked curious at the dragon. Her eyes were wide and full of wonder as she gazed up at Ebrior. Ebrior shook her scales and eased gently on her back legs in comfort. Ebrior's expression seemed to be one of vanity as she shook out her wings as if to bask in the sunlight. But I knew her basking only showed off her size and coloring.
Baela approached my side slowly. All the while, Ebrior watched her, but not obviously. Instead, she cleaned her face with the end claw of her wing. Baela marveled at her from my side before saying, "She's huge! She didn't hatch very long after your birth, but she's much larger than even Jace's dragon, born years earlier." Ebrior looked down at Baela with this comment. Her purple eyes had a pleased expression as she slithered forward. Ebrior was barely larger than a horse, but she still looked down slightly at us because of her long neck.
Ebrior leaned her head down to be in front of mine and tilted her head as if to give a watch this look. I gave her a warning expression that was ignored as Ebrior blew hot smoke at Baela. Baela jumped back, startled, and the black dragon made a throaty chuckle. However, I turned at the sound of fast-paced feet. My brother Luke and Rhaena was running towards us. Ebrior not liking the speed of the incoming charge, decided that was when she would take her leave. She rose on her back feet, her long neck stretched skyward before she launched into the air.
     When Luke and Rhaena reached outside, she was far off into the distance. While Luke pouted about not seeing her, Rhaena looked crushed. I was confused but quickly dismissed it as our parents rushed over to us.
    My Aunt warned young Luke and Rhaena about running up to a dragon. She cautioned them because one never knew if a dragon would decide their approach is too hasty as if a threat. Luke bowed his head in shame, and Mom didn't comment on the scolding, only walked over to Jace and me. My mother seemed more concerned with our appearance.
She tried to brush the sand off of Jace, who bowed his head and took the mothering. She gave me a look as I was roughly clean before she said, "I expected you two would at least know better to keep your nice clothes out of the surf." I mumbled an apology before we heard running. My mother turned to look at who approached.
    A servant was running with a worried look in his gaze, and my father went to meet him. After a brief conversation, however, it was clear their message wasn't for my father, the Lord of the Tides, but my mother, the Princess of Dragonstone. I saw my Aunt meet my father as if comforting him, but it was my uncle who caught my gaze. Daemon was watching my mother with a bored expression. But I could see in the slight crease near the corner of his eyes that he appeared worried.
     My Uncle put on a good show, but he wasn't an emotionless statue. Even a legend on the battlefield and formidable opponent in court couldn't completely hide all the emotion from his face.
     My attention was drawn back to my mother as she turned toward our guests. She said an urgent message came on a raven's back, which she must attend to. Jace moved to her side instantly, and the ever dutifully prince and Luke went to hold mothers hand as she looked in need of comfort. She gave the boys reassuring smiles before my father said, "Let us return to the palace then. Let your sister relax after the excitement and the children get out of their sandy clothes." He cuffed my brother around the head as he said this, and my Aunt agreed. We made our way back to the castle. My aunt had walked to my mother's side, sharing words quietly as my brothers walked near.
    My Uncle, who had gotten bored of my father, now strode in step with me. I gave him a raised eyebrow look, which he shared, making me smile. The expression was too comical on his face. My uncle didn't smile but asked, "How is your training going?" I looked at him, and he showed blatant curiosity, which allowed me to respond openly, "Well, I think. I best Luke even on my worse days." My Uncle looked at the sky as if this wasn't news and said, "Yes, but your brother isn't a fighter." I nodded and said softly, "No, he isn't. He's a poet, though." My uncle gave me a confused expression, and I went to clarify, "Our maester has been teaching us about different writings, and Luke has become quite good at poetry. He even turned one of the battles you and your father were in into a war poem. Father said it was quite good and would be a good way to give a simplified explanation to the people who often don't read as well."
    My uncle seemed surprised but not pleased. He didn't comment on the poetry and instead changed the subject by asking, "Are you fighting Jace during your training then?" I nodded before clarifying, "I am now. Before we came to Dragonstone, I was mainly paired with Aemond." My uncle nodded as if considering this and said, "You sound pleased with the change." I thought about it for a second. I did like Aemond. He was a good enough fighter and could be nice at times. But he was mean to my brothers and could be dumb when angry. So to appease my uncle's curiosity, I only responded, "Aemond is bitter. It makes him hard to be with at times."
   My uncle shrugged as if that was to be expected before saying, "A Targaryen without a dragon is viewed as lesser than the rest of us. If we are gods to the people, they are seen as mere mortals, and being a mortal is dangerous in our world." I had never considered Aemond's position at risk without a dragon. I knew he was a spare of the spare, but he's still a prince.
    I, however, wasn't allowed to think on that subject as my uncle asked, "Can you best Jace even with the size and age difference?" I nod, almost offended at the question, before I say, "Jace is a diplomat, not a warrior. I beat him most days. The only time he gets the better of me is when he baits my anger." My uncle chuckled at the anger that's as probably apparent on my face. He ruffled my hair and said, "Then bait him back. Don't think the only thing a warrior must master is the weapon they wield. They must also master how to read their opponent, learn best how to defeat them, and how to control their emotions in a fight. Sadness and anger can be just as much a detriment as an advantage in a battle."
    I nodded to him, taking his words in and retelling them to myself to remember. He gave me a rare smile and said, "I hope to see you and Jace sparing before the week is out. Maybe that will help convince Baela to come out and spar with you as well." I nodded enthusiastically before my uncle left me to follow the group at the back.
   I didn't mind. Being left to my own devices allowed me to think about what my uncle said. It also made me wonder why he had asked me about my training and not my brothers. I wasn't the heir, and I was only a girl. If he wanted to be in a reasonable opinion or know the next king after my mother, he should have talked to my brother. But he spoke to me. Maybe he saw a warrior in me. Perhaps it was something else. But either way, it was strange, and I dwelled on it as we walked.

    I was told later why my mother was so urgently called by letter. A raven had flown in with a letter from Grandfather declaring that Lord Strong and Harwin Strong had died in a fire at their home of Harrenhal.
    We were told by our father, who knew the effect it would have on us. He had come in after dinner, which my mother was missing, and dismissed our maid. He gathered us around him as he knelt before us and explained what had happened. His dark eyes were sad as he looked at each of us. His silver hair was sticking to his face from tears.
    This surprised me, but maybe like my mother and us, he had also been close to him. More than likely, he knew how we would react and was crying at the mere fact of telling us. I watched as he told us, and Jace's face melted while Luke's eyes welled with tears. I, however, remained a piece of stone.
    The Captian, who had been our trainer since birth, our constant protector, and our dear friend, was dead. I felt pain as my ribs clenched my chest. It was as if they weren't allowing my heart to beat or my lungs to breathe. But I stood tall, and I didn't let the tears fall, and my lip didn't quiver. Sir Strong wouldn't have wanted that. He would have told us to act as our mother would. Stand firm, be the face of decency, and never tell anyone what you think.
   My father rubbed my arm in comfort, breaking me from my thoughts. He seemed surprised when I looked him dead in the eyes and asked, "When is the burial?" Father sighed and responded that he did not know, but even if he did, we could not go. Despite the yells from Jace and the protesting sobs of Luke's father explained that it wasn't our place.
   I nodded, and my brother looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Their eyes were wide, and their mouths left gapping as I said, "We are Targaryens, not lords and ladies of the Riverlands. We are royal. Our place is at Dragonstone, not running across the country to pay respects like common lords." Jace crossed to be in my face, but my father held a hand to stop him as my brother said, "You act as if he wasn't your friend, our friend!"
    I glared at him before I said, "But he wasn't our friend Jace. He was our guard and teacher, but we are above that." I felt the anger take over as I said, "You are always the one so worried about being proper. Being the perfect little future heir like Mom was. So act like it, Jace. We are Targaryen, gods among men, riders of dragons, and rulers of the seven kingdoms. The reason we knew Sir Strong is the exact reason we can't go." My brother's face grew fierce before my father said, "Enough, the two of you." Jace looked at him, and I met my father's gaze. He looked between us and sighed before saying, "Jace, your sister, while she could work on her timing and tact, is correct."
    Jace went to argue, but a steely gaze from my father silenced him as my father continued to say, "We must keep our distance. We can mourn him just as well from a distance as we would at a burial." Jace pulled away from Father, and while Luke replaced him by clinging to our father's hand, Jace stormed off.
   My father sighed profoundly, and his one hand rubbed his forehead before looking at me. I only gritted my teeth and stood formally. He looked me over before saying, "That wasn't kind. You know your brother is grieving." I nodded and said, "We all are. But imagine if the queen had heard. She would not be as kind as me." My father gave me a look as if a warning about what I said about the queen before he said, "You're not always right, you know." I pulled away from my father to head to my room as I called out, "I may be younger than Jace, father, but I'm smarter." My father said, "That may be, but it is not your job to parent your brother." I turned around and met his brown eyes with a frown before I said, "Someone has to do it. Not like you and Mom are around too."
    My father didn't respond as I walked into the hallway leading to my room. I felt the tears well in my eyes from the combination of anger and sadness. I took a break to let me catch my breath before continuing up to my door. I knew Jace was angry, I knew my words hurt him, but I wasn't wrong. With nursemaids knowing barely more than commoners about royal life and responsibilities and my parents absent with their affairs, someone would have to teach Jace how to be a prince. Right now, I'm the only one doing so.