Tales Of The Heart [Aemond Targaryen]

CHAPTER TWENTY

We went too far in thinking and forgot that,

The destinies are already written.

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I've reached a realization that I'm trapped in my own personal torment. Walking through the mud is like a never-ending punishment, like the Faith designed it just for me.

The act of walking is the least of my worries. It's the screams echoing down from the mountains, the ominous growls rising from the sea, and the air itself conspiring to freeze me to the core.

Despite the hardship, my feet refuse to surrender. They relentlessly drag me towards what appears to be Dragonstone, a destination that feels perpetually out of reach.

Home is where your dragon is!

I want to say I don't have a dragon, but my protests fall on deaf ears. I have decided to silently go wherever my feet take me. The relentless journey continues, marked by a one-sided conversation.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar growl reverberates through the ground beneath me, causing my steps to come to an abrupt halt.

Another growl echoes in the air, and I find myself frozen in place. It's not the sound of any creature I know. I strain my ears, trying to discern its origin. The mud squelches beneath my feet, and I feel a chill crawling up my spine.

As I stand there, the surroundings transform. The muddy path gives way to a desolate landscape, and in the distance, Driftmark rises from the horizon. The air becomes heavier, and the ominous growls persist, now closer than before.

I can see shadows moving in the darkness, shapes that seem to defy the natural order...shapes that I am well aware of.

Home is where your dragon is!

The shadows surrounding me no longer evoke fear; they've become familiar through countless dreams. Strangely, I find solace in their presence, knowing they pose no threat. They occasionally attempt to assault me, but an unseen shield protects me from their advances.

Recalling that these shadows are the bearers of the prophecies that have shaped my life, I take a step closer, gaining control over my body within the muddy landscape.

Seated by the sea, I welcome the cold air against my face. In this place, my mother's home and my birthplace, I feel an assurance of safety.

A dragon's desires shall entwine with a star beyond his reach,

igniting a fire that burns against the decree of destiny.

A chill interrupts my calm as the shadow draws near. I attempt to retreat, yet my body remains unresponsive.

The heart that beats for another shall dance upon the edge of danger,

and the flames of passion shall flicker in defiance.

"I can hear you; stay at a distance," I want to say, but my voice is trapped within me. The shadow positions itself before my eyes—a realm of pure darkness.

Attempting to reassure myself, I repeat, "Relax, Maenya. It's just a dream. Aiday will wake me up."

Like a comet's fleeting brilliance,

this love shall be brief and brilliant.

Suddenly, a hand reaches out. I anticipate it won't make contact, yet it firmly clasps my face, causing pain and bruises as it pulls me closer.