Like Father, Like Son | House of the Dragon

Dragon's Family

114 AC
Kings Landing

Aerion entered the tent, and united his hair, letting the silver-gold locks cascade down to his shoulders. He proceeded to unbuckle his gauntlets and toss them onto the bed before immersing his hands into a bowl of water, watching as the clear liquid turned crimson.

Rodik, his face etched with a mix of anguish and restrained emotions, couldn't help but inquire "What happened out there?" his hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword.

"I emerged victorious." Aerion stated plainly, shrugging his shoulders as he filled a cup with wine and took a measured sip. "Now, all that remains is the duels."

"You lost your composure out there, Aerion." Rodrik shook his head, remarking solemnly, his voice tinged with worry "You let your anger get the best of you."

"I will not allow myself to be disrespected in the presence of anyone, Rodrik." Aerion declared firmly, setting the cup down on the table and clasping his hands behind his back "He should count himself lucky that I settled for his arm, for I had half the mind to claim his head." he added, a hint of determined edge in his voice.

Rodrik moved closer, offering his assistance in the removal of Aerion's armour. As he worked, he spoke thoughtfully, his fingers deftly fiddling with the shoulder plates.

"I can understand your reasoning, Aerion." he began, his tone carrying a note of understanding "Though you must consider the consequences. The man you injured was not an ordinary knight of House Bracken, he was its heir. And your mother does not need enemies."

"I know... it's just the way he spoke. The words got to me." he admitted, fiddling with the golden clasps of his gambeson and opening it up, revealing his sweat-drenched tunic. "What if it is true? That I am destined to remain forever without a dragon."

"Is that truly your utmost desire?" Rodrik replied earnestly, his gaze locked onto Aerion's "Is it not better to be celebrated as a great warrior, rather than solely defining your worth by becoming a dragonrider? As many have in your line."

"I want to be both!" he exclaimed passionately, his eyes alright with determination "I want there to be absolutely no doubt that I am the greatest dragonrider these lands have ever seen. To be skilled as both a formidable warrior and masterful rider." he declared "my name will resound through the ages for the next hundred years, up there with Aegon the Conqueror."

"Keep a grip on your passions, and I see no reason as to why that will not be." Rodrik stated, patting him on the shoulder "Take some time to rest, I need to deliver a letter to the maesters, we shall meet up on the morrow."

Aerion nodded in acknowledgment as Rodrik departed, removing his tunic and making his way to the edge of the bed, sitting down and running a hand through his hair, leaning backwards and planting his head down.

His reverie was abruptly interrupted as he jolted back to attention, the sound of a woman's voice catching him by surprise.

"You've certainly left a lasting impression on my father." his gaze shifted to the entrance, where the princess stood. His eyes flickered up and down her figure, admiring how the fabric of her black dress clung to her and how well she suited the dark red embroidered flames that ran up her sleeves "I do not believe he has not spoken to a single lord without mentioning your name."

"I wasn't anticipating your presence, Princess." Aerion responded, rising from the bed and offering a respectful bow of his head. He couldn't help but notice the teasing smile on her lips, and became aware that her eyes were directed towards his bare chest, a hint of playful intrigue dancing in her gaze.