𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐈 | cregan stark

𝐢. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐛

─ ⋆ ─

Soaring through the sky was something Aera Velaryon could never take for granted. The freeing feel that came from the cold air rushing through her hair and the bitter yet fresh nip of the breeze hitting her cheeks, turning them a rose-like shade.

At this moment in time, the princess laid flat on her companions back as they glided close to the deep blue waters. Her dragon ── Tyraxes ── lightly grazed the cool water as Aera hummed calmly to herself, gazing up at the glaring sun and running the tips of her finger against the beautiful water.

On the horizon stood the beautiful island of Dragonstone, a castle carved gracefully with ancient rock. Its daunting presence protruding over the waters like a warden guarding the untamed land. The harsh waves of the Blackwater Bay crashed against the rugged cliffs that stood below the castle. A subtle reminder of the castle's isolation from the world and the fierce grip it held over the waters.

With a gentle tap to Tyraxes' side and a calm whisper of a command, Aera guided her dragon back to the Isle that stood so close. The girl sat back up straight, grabbing the dragon's reins and letting her loyal companion lead them back to her comfort. Her home.

Slowly, Aera drifted around the highest tower of the dark palace and tugged elegantly at the golden reins that were clenched tightly in her hands. Tyraxes let out a low rumble of endearment as she held her head high and happily followed the princess' wishes. With her powerful wings extending out wide as she growled in delight.

The dragon slowly descended after following two laps of the castle, finally having enough of their adventures for the day. Tyraxes soared downwards through the hair, making her rider giggle as the hair messed up her dark brown locks.

The two landed not far from Dragonmont. The ground shook with force as Tyraxes' sharp claws dug into the ground. The island's smallfolk scattered and hid behind rocks as the dragon landed, startled by the sudden interruption of the current tasks.

Aera slowly slipped off the dragon's back, brown boots hitting the ground and echoing slightly. The smallfolk all bowed in greeting, many muttering a small hello before returning back to the tasks at hand.

Aera was known as 'The Dragon's Daughter', and many believed that name as they knew how the girl interacted with not only her own dragon but with the others as well. The girl was kind, yet had the bravery and might that many dragon's hold themselves.

But even with such a grand name, a more harmful one was muttered under their breath.

Bastard.

Even though some do not wish to see nor admit it. Aera, along with her younger brother's, resemble any man but a Valyrian. The girl was gifted with a head of dark brown hair that fell down to her shoulders, a huge distinction from her mother's and 'father's' white locks. She also had a rather strong jaw line, matching her strong facial structure. Aera's eyes, in contrast to her brother's, held a dark yet enchanting colour of coal moments before the earth turns it into a diamond ── a large difference from the signature light lavender or blue eyes Targaryen tend to have. 

It was one of the many things Aera grew to silently hate about herself.

As much Aera wished she could, the comments were sometimes too hard to ignore. The whispers became loud under her skin, bubbling like blisters every time the word was uttered. The sting was only amplified as her family also joined in with the harsh words.

How Aera wished to hold the same amount of care as Jacaerys seemed to. How she wished to be able to ignore and shut out each word uttered by the onlookers as they whispered about her and her brother's.