Familiarity ||| Jacaerys Velaryon

forty-one

Saying goodbye was sad, of course. Being that Jace and Alyssa were planned to be away for many moons. They spent time on their goodbyes, giving good hugs to all those they were close to, their siblings and parents.

But then they were off. Into their wheelhouse with their retinue of knights accompanying them. Alyssa felt a physical weight lift from her shoulders.

There would be hardships Alyssa was sure. But she didn't think of those. Alyssa leaned closer into Jace's side. "I think this will do us good," she said, head on his shoulder.

He smiled. "As do I. Let us enjoy it for what it is," he replied, keeping Alyssa close. He was so very ready to just be again without the stress of the council.

***

The Eyrie, and the Vale, were first on their list of places to visit. Runestone was there but they weren't stopping despite it being Alyssa's inheritance.

There was a regent that ruled in her stead since she had more power as the wife of the heir to the Iron Throne. The place brought up many memories for Alyssa. Scattered memories of her actual mother. Lady Rhea. She was but a child the last time she'd ever graced that castle or seen the woman who gave birth to her.

She'd never allowed herself to think about the woman past what little she remembered. What she was like, what she looked like, what small features the two might've shared, and what would've come of Alyssa had she stayed with her mother in Runestone. Rhea died before Alyssa could remember her fully; just after Daemon took her from the castle.

Alyssa didn't want to think about it. There was no point in dwelling on what never was, Alyssa had no power to change the outcome that occurred all those years in the past no matter how much she'd ever wished for a biological mother. The woman was her mother and for that, she would always be thankful and mournful for what relationship was lost. But Alyssa had been well-cared for by Laena and Rhaenyra. She was okay.

It took quite a bit to actually get to the Eyrie. Terrain in the Vale was rough; a very mountainous region. But it was still freeing to be on the road. For the first time in a few weeks, Alyssa was much more enthusiastic about sex. Even in a tent surrounded by their retinue. Because it didn't feel like so much of a necessary chore out there. It felt fun and juvenile to be doing it in a tent. Knowing others might hear only accentuated the thrill. Alyssa knew the tour had been a perfect idea.

When they did finally traverse the extremely arduous terrain to arrive at the Eyrie, Lady Jeyne was overwhelmingly welcoming. Alyssa's third time touring through the region, Lady Jeyne gave the couple her congratulations and toured them through the lands she governed through the time they spent at the Eyrie.

A feast was thrown in their honour, which would be a common occurrence Alyssa was sure, and they were even given gifts. Rare, beheld fabrics, jewels, and specialty items often only found in the Vale. Alyssa pretended to be fond of the items, considering she had a largely unclaimed inheritance there.

Of course, the gifts were only to help with the blows of the gripes and complaints brought to Jace. That was usually the purpose of tours, after all. Especially tour after a major civil war; the people had many things they wanted to bring to the Crown's attention and Jace was the physical representation of that as his mother's heir. He did a wonderful job listening attentively to his people and promising to bring their problems, the ones worth while, to the attention of the ruling Queen.