A storm in the north | cregan stark

11

The melancholy atmosphere enveloped the Targaryen family as they gathered on Driftmark for the somber occasion of Lady Laena Velaryon's funeral. Aelora, although not intimately acquainted with the departed lady, couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow for the loss of life, the ripples of which affected the entire family.

The air was heavy with the scent of salt and sorrow as the Targaryens and extended family stood on the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, the waves crashing against the shore mirroring the tumultuous emotions within their hearts. Aelora, though not intimately acquainted with Lady Laena Velaryon, felt a profound sadness at the loss of a life, cut short in the throes of childbirth.

As the Velaryons prepared to bid their final farewell to Lady Laena, her uncle Vaemond, a figure expected to offer words of solace and comfort, instead seized the moment to unleash a veiled assault on Rhaenyra and her offspring. The mournful atmosphere morphed into one of tension and unease as Vaemond's words lingered in the salty breeze.

Aelora's gaze shifted from the serene horizon to the grieving faces around her. The subtle condemnation of her family struck a discordant note, marring the sanctity of the occasion. The sea, once a symbol of continuity and cyclical existence, now seemed to mirror the complex currents of Targaryen politics.

As Lady Laena's body was gently placed on its final journey into the sea, Aelora couldn't shake the discomfort that settled in her chest. The funeral, intended to bring closure, had become a stage for familial discord. The crashing waves seemed to echo the unresolved conflicts within the family, leaving Aelora with a heavy heart and an uncertain sense of what lay ahead for the Targaryens.

In the area where the guests were taken in Driftmark's castle, Aelora sought out Rhaena and Baela Targaryen, the young daughters of Lady Laena Velaryon. As she approached them, their innocent faces, touched by grief, looked up with a mix of confusion and sorrow.

"Rhaena, Baela," Aelora spoke gently, kneeling to be at eye level with the girls. "I'm truly sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a remarkable woman, and her memory will live on in our hearts."

Rhaena, the elder of the two, gazed at Aelora with tear-filled eyes, while Baela clung to her sister's side. Aelora continued, "If there's anything you need, whether it's someone to talk to or just a shoulder to lean on, know that I'm here for you. Your family is my family, and we must support each other in times of need."

Rhaena nodded solemnly, and Baela seemed comforted by Aelora's presence. As they exchanged a few more words, Aelora couldn't help but wonder about the complexities that bound their family together—familial ties woven with grief, secrets, and the looming shadows of political intrigue.

Aelora left Rhaena, Baela, and Jacearys in the comforting company of each other, knowing that shared grief could sometimes be a bond in itself. With a determined stride, she sought out Helaena in the halls of the castle.

after leaving the girls in the company of Jace, Aelora set out to find Helaena on the castle grounds. However, as she approached the area she thought she was, she unexpectedly stumbled upon her two cousins, Aegon and Aemond, who were gazing down at their sister, engaged in a conversation that would shatter her sense of familial security.

She hesitated to approach them as they were in a conversation not wanting to disturb them, concealed by the shadows, listening intently to their dialogue. Aegon's spiteful words cut through the air, "We have nothing in common." Aemond, determined to defend family ties, responded, "She's our sister."

Aelora overheard Aegon's resentful declaration, "We have nothing in common." It cut through the air like a dagger, leaving her momentarily frozen. Aemond, ever the defender of familial bonds, retorted, "She's our sister."