The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 66: Joining the family

It has been two months since Alysanne and Aelyx have joined us. They are good children. Daenerys and I enjoy their presence a lot and try to be good examples for them. Alysanne reminds me of myself when I was young: curious and happy. She seems to trust us and we are happy that she does. Aelyx has a harder time. He is not mean or rude but the world really left its mark on the young man. I spoke to him about my own father and what happened to him. It helped him that he could talk to me about his own experiences without holding anything back. He shielded Alysanne from the rougher aspects of the world. I respect him for that, if I were him, I would probably have done the same. Daenerys and I hope the siblings will start to see us as parent figures. We won't push them, of course, but we hope that they will come to accept us eventually.

I woke up early, as usual, to go to the training field. As I walked through the hallways, I start to think about the coming war. It is unavoidable that we will have to fight the Lannisters. I am afraid to bring Alysanne and Aelyx into a conflict, but I have to ask them about it. I won't make any decisions for them, they may be young but they can decide for themselves.

I walked through the door that leads to the field and to my surprise I see Aelyx. He seems to be waiting for me. "Aelyx! Good morning," I greeted him with a smile. "Good morning Visenya. I was wondering about something... could you teach me?" He asked. I looked at him. "Are you sure? I know you already went through a lot, but killing someone is not something you will forget. It takes a toll on you," I calmly explain. He nods. "I know, I... I already killed someone," he softly says. I sigh. "Before I give my answer, I would like to discuss it with you. If that is okay," I say. He nods and we walk to some chairs.

As we sit down I look at Aelyx. "When did you kill this person?" I ask. He looks at the ground. "When we were escaping Volantis... he... he blocked the gate. I had to do it to escape Volantis," he says. "I see, how did you feel afterward?" I gently ask him. "Sick, I almost threw up when I killed him," he says. I nod. "And why do you want to learn to wield a sword? To kill your enemies?" He shakes his head. "I want to protect Alysanne. I kept her out of trouble for a year, but I need to be stronger. I know you are going to take the Iron Throne, which will mean war. I need to protect Alysanne from whoever you are going to fight," he says with conviction. I smile a little. "You do not have to come with us. It is okay to stay here. Daenerys and I will understand," I say warmly.

He shakes his head again. "Visenya, I have spent one whole year walking from place to place. Doing small jobs here and there. I had to take care of Alysanne by myself. I don't want that anymore," he says and looks at me. "You know what she said to me last night?" He asks me. "What did she say?" I ask. "She said she likes her new mothers. I won't take her away from her new mothers. Or my new mothers for that matter," he says. I feel tears forming in my eyes. "Do... you mean it?" I ask with some tears coming down. "We really tried..."

Aelyx smiles at me. "Visenya, you and Daenerys are good parents. Really," he says. I pull him in for a hug. "Thank you, this means so much for me and Daenerys. We both tried very hard," I sob lightly. He hugs me back. "I know. Each time I see you with Alysanne, I see her laughing and smiling. She adores you. That means a lot to me," he says with a smile. "I like Daenerys more though." I release him from my hug. "Aelyx, I am... so happy. You have no idea," I say while wiping my tears away. He just smiles at me. "I will train you, but not today. We will start tomorrow morning, okay?" He nods. "Sounds good, you know... it is Alysannes birthday tomorrow."

I look at him surprised. "Really?! We need to celebrate!" I say happily. He chuckles. "She is not big on parties," he says. I pout a little. "I want to do something for her. What does she like?" I ask him. "Why not say that you will let us become your children? She will love that," he suggests. I nod. "You are right!" I say cheerfully. "How about making it an early birthday present?" I excitedly say and grab his hand. "Come, no time to lose!" I say and drag him to Daenerys. He just laughs.

I quickly make my way to Daenerys with Aelyx. She should still be in our room. I open the door as I enter with Aelyx. "Daenerys! Wake up!" I say excitedly. "Ugh, Vis... it is too early..." she mumbles from the bed. "Come now, we are going to give a birthday present to our daughter," I say teasingly. Aelyx laughs. "We can't bear children together... wait what?" She says while looking at us confused. "Alysanne! She is going to be nine tomorrow!" I say excitedly. Daenerys still looks confused. "She is... our daughter?" She asks confused. Aelyx smiles. "Well, when you tell her. She already sees you as her mother," he says.

The confused face of Daenerys becomes one of pure happiness. "Oh my! Aelyx could you wait outside for a moment?" she asks. He nods with a smile and leaves the room. "Vis, since when?" She asks me. "I heard it this morning. Now come dear wife, we have to tell Alysanne!" I say and start to help Daenerys with her clothing.

—

I open the door to the room of Alysanne and Aelyx and enter. Daenerys and Aelyx soon follow. Alysanne seems to be sleeping.

I make my way to her side and sit on the bed. Daenerys also sits with me on the bed. "Sweetheart... it is time to wake up." I warmly say to her. She turns away from me. "I am still sleepy..." she mumbles. I chuckle. "Hmm, don't you want to become our daughter?" I say mischievously. She shoots up. "I will?" She asks with a smile. Both I and Daenerys smile widely at her. "Of course you will be, sweetheart," Daenerys says. Alysanne jumps at us to embrace us. "Thank you!" She says while tearing up a little. "Best birthday?" I ask her. She nods enthusiastically. I feel Aelyx embracing us from behind. "We are lucky to become be your family," Aelyx says. Daenerys and I cry from pure happiness.

We are blessed beyond belief.