A LOVE OF ICE AND FIRE | CREGAN STARK
ART IS FROM ILDRAWS ON INSTAGRAM
I've decided that even though this fic is an OC x Cregan pairing, and the Targaryens are canonically described as white, I want to be more mindful of my readers, many of whom are women of color. From now on, Aelora's skin tone will not be described in a way that restricts her to a specific race. I'll also be editing past chapters to reflect this change.
Aelora's race can be interpreted in whatever way resonates with you. Perhaps Aemma was biracial, with a combination of races that you feel fits, or maybe-since the Velaryons and Targaryens intermarried for generations-Aelora inherited that extra melanin. This way, readers can envision her in a way that feels more inclusive and representative of a variety of identities.
You guys are also encouraged to point out paragraphs and chapters where it's obvious that she's being described as white, so I can modify it and make it more inclusive. I know this might seem sudden, but I've seen multiple discussions on Tumblr about how the fanfic community often lacks inclusivity for women of color. Even in fics where the OC is supposed to be the legitimate daughter of Rhaenyra and Laenor, they're often still described as white. I want to do better, and even though my fic is an OC, I want all of you to feel seen and represented.
Born into the storm of courtly whispers and dragonfire, Princess Aelora Targaryen never chose the life that was laid before her. As the second daughter of King Viserys I, and twin to the son who had been wanted for decades, she was raised beneath the shadow of her sister Rhaenyra's claim and her brother who did not live longer than a day, torn between the warmth of Alicent Hightower's affection and the bitter chill of palace politics.
But fate carved a different path for her. Sent north in an arranged marriage to Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Aelora was exiled from the only home she'd ever known. What began as duty became something more-a quiet, enduring love.
