The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 92

All things have a beginning and an end.

The arrival of the High Septon in King's Landing signalled the end of the war to the people. With much ceremony, he led the blessings at the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Ascension. The Lords and Ladies Paramount all ensured their signatures were attached. For the first time since the death of Viserys, the realm was at peace.

Three years had passed since the first swords were swung. Three monarchs were no more.

The engines of war were resting. For now.

But this would not be the war to end all wars.

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The day that the final peace was signed, it was an uncharacteristically mild day in King's Landing. All the high lords and ladies were summoned to the Throne Room in the mid-morning for the ceremony. A desk had been set up at the bottom of the steps that led to the Iron Throne, with an inkpot, quill, and the treaty itself in the middle. An audience of lesser lords and knights had gathered to watch the signing, while Maester Barden set about recording everything and a specially commissioned artist painted the scene.

Daevar was the first to sign the treaty, doing so with a flourish. Helaena, standing at the edge of the crowd, smiled widely. He was followed by Lady Jeyne, who stood next to Daevar after she had signed. Ser Willis Fell came next, signing for House Baratheon, followed by Lady Tyrell and then Aliandra, who took some satisfaction from the fact that her house could keep calling themselves Princes and Princesses. Kermit came next, signing gladly. His handwriting had not improved of course, but that was of little consequence. Next was Ser Tyland Lannister, who was able to sign with some assistance from Kermit. Last of all was Cregan Stark. He had not thought to find himself in the capital again, but this was as good a reason as any. He took up the quill, dipped it in the ink, and signed his name.

It was done.

Daevar turned to the assembled audience. "And thus, the war is over!" He proclaimed. The crowd cheered. Lady Jeyne was unable to stop the tears from escaping her; she had known Daevar from when he was a little boy, and now here he was, standing tall despite everything that had happened. Helaena would've clapped, but Baelon was in her arms, so she contented herself with smiling at her husband. The only person from the family not there was Daeron, who said he was busy making final arrangements for the departure.

With the short ceremony completed, the audience began to file out to make their way to one of the various feasts that had been prepared to celebrate the war's end. Kermit pulled Cregan aside and though still intimidated by the Northerner's height, he wasn't afraid of him like last time they had been in the city together. "My Lord, I understand you're to marry Lady Alysanne Blackwood."

"I am."

"I . . . I only ask that you treat her well, My Lord. She's been a good friend to me over the years." Kermit said, a little uncertain. Surprisingly, the Lord of Winterfell cracked a small smile.

"She'll be treated well, don't you worry."

"I'm glad to hear it." Kermit stopped himself as they neared the doors, trying to think of what to say next. "You fought well during the siege, My Lord."

"As did you, Lord Tully. Your tenaciousness will be remembered at Winterfell."

"The credit belongs to the men I led, My Lord." He said as they left the room.

Jeyne meanwhile couldn't contain herself and hugged Daevar tightly. "Your mother would be so proud of you." She said through the tears. Daevar hugged her back; Jeyne had been one of the people who had been there for him all his life, regardless of what she went through. When the hug broke, the two shared a broad smile. "I've . . . I've been meaning to tell you . . ." She sniffled, "Your Maester Barden is being considered for the next Grand Maester."