Baptism | Cregan Stark

eleven

[Please do not ghostread this book]

When Aelyna lived in the Free Cities with her family she very quickly discovered the sweet taste of wine. At first the fifteen year old only ever drank one cup to calm her nerves, to silence the nightmares her mind plagued her with. But as Aelyna grew older, she more than often would take a few sips whenever she found herself in unwanted company. With Laena and Daemon making them travel the freeholds Aelyna often found herself in the company of high born lords and princes who were more than desperate to propose a betrothal to her father. Her father always said no, but Aelyna knew to keep a roof over her head she would have to endure the company of boys who only wanted her hand to bed her. 

But the wine always helped, until eventually she would get so bored she'd walk away from company. As Aelyna grew older and more beautiful, she often used the finest wines to help ease her in large crowds of company. She had always been a shy girl, often finding it difficult to breathe in larger crowds but a few sips of wine and she would soldier through. 

There were many stories of Aelyna that travelled from the farthest of regions and one common perception was that Aelyna enjoyed a good feast. While Daemon, Laena and her sisters accompanied princes and lords, she would sneak out of castles and explore the night life of the Free Cities with the friends she made on her travels. Aelyna believed in the power of kindness, kindness brought good friends, allies but most importantly spies. One night in Volantis, a handmaiden had warned her that while his father kept Daemon and Laena company , he would attempt to sneak into his chambers and tame a dragon. By this point Aelyna had just turned fifteen, and by the laws of men was a woman now. The prince was disappointed to find an empty chamber that evening as Aelyna and the handmaiden snuck out of the castle to enjoy a show in the city.

It was then that Aelyna realized to survive in a world of men, she needed to ally herself with woman she could protect and would protect her.

"Seven hells!" Aelyna cursed emptying another cup of rum. Everything about the North was more rugged than the South, including their choice in beverage. Aelyna had built up a high tolerance but even she could not keep up her strength for the taverns rum. She bit down on the lemon passing her cup to Roslyn, who's cheeks were tinted red as her neck struggled to support her head. Earlier that day Aelyna had made an offer to the some of the girls, and to celebrate Roslyn's birthday.

"Princess, I really think it's time we return to the castle." Jeyne, another friend Aelyna had made wrapped her arm around the drunken princess

"No, please" Aelyna giggled, she plastered a kiss on Jeyne's cheek "We haven't had a song yet. What's a party without a song?!" Aelyna bellowed as the flock of attendees in the tavern cheered with her. Patrons, whores and visitors were all more eager to keep the rum and wine flowing, especially since Aelyna had offered to buy for everyone. "Sing me the one of um..uhh-" Aelyna's tongue slurred as she let go of Jeyne. Taking an empty cup, she climbed the table on stumbling feet was the silver haired princess became the focus of the room "THE SONG OF IRON LANCES!" Aelyna laughed as another cup was passed to her.

The walls near vibrated from the cheerful drunken songs sung, Aelyna sitting down on the table as Jeyne and Roslyn stumbled through crowds of men to her. Aelyna's head became lighter as she sang along with them. Even drunk Aelyna realized she much rather enjoyed the company of the Northerners than of Kings Landing. In Kings Landing, Viserys placed her in a circle of highborn ladies who only gossiped about men, marriages and children. She wondered if that was all to their lives, but as she grew up Aelyna realized it was not their fault. They'd been pawned off to the highest bidder like cattle to favor their husbands or fathers political agendas. It was not most men that raised her with the freedom that Daemon had. At twenty and two, unwedded free to explore the seven kingdoms as she pleased, Aelyna lived a life of luxury and freedom most women could only dream of.