The War of the Two Dragons || A Fire and Blood Story

Chapter 2

Visenya lay in her bed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The moonlight filtered through the small window, casting ghostly patterns on the stone walls of the room she shared with her youngest brother, Daeron. The events of the day replayed endlessly in her mind—the solemn funeral, the tense interactions, and the unexpected conversation with Jacaerys. Despite the heaviness of the day, a spark of excitement fluttered in her chest. For the first time, she felt like she had a voice in the game of thrones, rather than being a mere pawn in her mother and grandfather's schemes.
The room was cozy, filled with the scent of old stone and the sea. Tapestries depicting ancient battles and majestic dragons adorned the walls. Her bed was large and covered with heavy, fur-lined blankets that warded off the night's chill. A single candle flickered on the wooden bedside table, casting long shadows that danced across the room.
Visenya turned to look at Daeron, who was fast asleep, his small body curled under a thick blanket. She sighed and stared at the ceiling, hoping for sleep to claim her. Just as her eyelids began to droop, the door creaked open. She sat up, her heart pounding, to see Aemond standing in the doorway, his face bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.
"Visenya," he whispered, stepping into the room. "Come with me. I have something to show you."
She rubbed her eyes and glanced at Daeron, still sound asleep. "What is it, Aemond? It's the middle of the night."
Aemond's eyes shone with excitement. "I want to see Vhagar. She's the oldest dragon in the world, and who knows how much longer she'll be with us? We might never get another chance like this."
Visenya's eyes widened with excitement. She and Aemond had always shared a deep love for dragons, and the prospect of seeing Vhagar up close was irresistible. "Alright, let me get my cloak," she said, trying to keep her voice low so as not to wake Daeron.
***
Minutes later, they were creeping down the spiral staircase of the tower, their footsteps soft on the cold stone steps. The air was cool and carried the faint scent of the sea. As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors, Aemond broke the silence.
"What were you and Jacaerys talking about earlier?" he asked, his tone edged with irritation.
Visenya felt her cheeks flush and looked away. "Just... things," she replied vaguely. She could still feel the warmth of Jacaerys's presence and the unsettling question he had asked her.
Aemond's expression darkened. "And what do you think of them? Of those bastards?"
Visenya hesitated, sensing the shift in his tone. It was not the first time hearing the son of Rehnyra be called bastards, but it was the first time she heard her brother being so irritated about it. "I don't know them well, but Jacaerys seems kind. Lucerys is younger, more cautious. I think... I think they might not be as bad as we've been led to believe."
Aemond's jaw tightened. "Be careful, Visenya. Not everyone is as they appear. And remember that they will harm us the moment they will get to the throne."
Visenya nodded, feeling the tension but unwilling to argue further.
The two of them quickened their pace, the excitement of seeing the ancient dragon driving them forward. They slipped through the shadows, avoiding the occasional guard or servant as they made their way to the dragon pit located in the mountains outside the fortress.
The castle's corridors were a labyrinth of stone, their surfaces cool and slightly damp to the touch. Ancient tapestries lined the walls, depicting the valorous deeds of House Velaryon and the majestic dragons of House Targaryen. The flickering torchlight cast long, dancing shadows, giving life to the figures in the tapestries and creating an almost magical atmosphere. The air smelled of old stone, sea salt, and the faint, ever-present aroma of burning wood from the torches.
Visenya and Aemond moved with practiced stealth, their steps almost inaudible against the worn stone floors. They passed through archways adorned with intricate carvings of sea serpents and dragons intertwined, a testament to the union of their noble houses. The castle's architecture was a blend of strength and elegance, every corner speaking of its storied history and the power of its inhabitants.
As they approached the grand hall, they had to take extra care to avoid the few remaining guests and servants. The hall was vast, its high ceiling supported by massive wooden beams. Chandeliers hung from above, their numerous candles casting a warm, golden glow over the long tables and elaborately decorated chairs. The remnants of the earlier feast were still being cleared away by tired servants, their movements slow and methodical.
Aemond led Visenya through a side passage that bypassed the main hall, taking them deeper into the heart of the fortress. The air grew cooler and the corridors narrower as they descended toward the lower levels. Here, the walls were rougher, the stone older and less adorned. The only light came from the occasional torch, its flickering flame casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.
Visenya glanced at him, still puzzled by the question. "I love Haelena dearly, but it's sad she has to marry someone like Aegon. He's not... he doesn't treat her as she deserves."
Aemond nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, I agree. But... what do you think about us? Do you think we might be betrothed someday?"
Visenya was taken aback, her heart suddenly racing. She hadn't expected such a question from Aemond. Her mind flashed involuntarily to Jacaerys and the conversation they had earlier. Why was she thinking about Jacaerys at a moment like this? She struggled to find the right words.
"Aemond, I... I don't know," she stammered, feeling a rush of panic. "It's not something I've thought about."
Aemond looked at her intently, waiting for more. But before she could continue, a deep, resonant roar echoed through the corridors, shaking the walls and sending a shiver down their spines. It was the unmistakable sound of a dragon.
"Vhagar," Aemond whispered, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Come on, we need to hurry."
As they neared the exit to the fortress, the passageways became colder and darker. The walls were damp with the moisture of the nearby sea, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the corridors. The air was thick with the scent of salt and earth, mingling with the faint, acrid smell of dragon smoke.
They emerged into the open air, the night sky a vast expanse of stars above them. The path to Vhagar's lair was rugged and steep, but Visenya and Aemond navigated it with the ease of those familiar with such terrain. The cool night air was a sharp contrast to the warm, enclosed corridors of the castle. The stars above were bright and numerous, casting a soft, silvery light over the landscape. The rocky path was illuminated by the moon, its pale light reflecting off the rough, uneven surface.
The closer they got, the louder the sounds of the massive dragon's breathing became, a deep, rumbling noise that reverberated through the rocks. The path was flanked by jagged cliffs and ancient, weather-worn statues of dragons, their stone forms partially covered in moss and sea spray. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, the rocks sharp and unforgiving, but Visenya and Aemond pressed on, driven by their shared excitement and determination.
Finally, they reached the top of the hill where Vhagar rested. The ancient dragon lay in a massive, coiled heap, her scales shimmering in the moonlight. Her eyes, large and intelligent, watched the two small figures approaching with what seemed like curiosity.
"She's magnificent," Visenya breathed, unable to take her eyes off the enormous creature. "I've never seen anything like her."
Aemond nodded, equally mesmerized. "This is why we are Targaryens. This is our legacy."
They stood in awe for several moments, simply taking in the sight of the ancient dragon. Vhagar's presence was overwhelming, her sheer size and power a stark reminder of the Targaryen heritage. Visenya felt a deep sense of pride and connection, not just to the dragon, but to her family and their storied past.
"Aemond," Visenya began, her voice barely above a whisper, "do you ever wonder what it would be like to ride a dragon like Vhagar?"
Aemond's eyes shone with a fierce determination. "Every day, Visenya. One day, I will claim a dragon of my own, and I will be a rider like our ancestors."
Visenya looked at him, seeing the unwavering resolve in his gaze. "And I will be by your side, whatever comes."
As they stood there, sharing this quiet moment of connection and dreams for the future, the bond between them strengthened. They were not just siblings; they were allies, bound by blood and their love for dragons.
Aemond took a deep breath, his eyes locked onto Vhagar. "What do you think would happen if I tried to ride her?"
Visenya's heart skipped a beat at the question. "Aemond, that's incredibly dangerous. She's not bonded to you, and dragons can be unpredictable."
Aemond's gaze remained fixed on the dragon, his expression intense. "But if I could ride her, imagine the power, Visenya. We would be unstoppable."
Visenya could see the determination and excitement in her brother's eyes, but she also felt a deep sense of fear. "Aemond, please, think about this. If you fell, you could be seriously hurt or worse. Vhagar is not like the smaller dragons we've seen. She's ancient and powerful, and without a bond, she could easily turn on you."
Aemond's breath quickened as he took a step closer to the resting dragon. "I have to try, Visenya. This might be my only chance."
Visenya reached out and grabbed his arm, her grip firm. "No, Aemond. This isn't the way. You will have your dragon, but you must be patient. Trying to ride Vhagar now is too dangerous."
Aemond looked back at her, the conflict clear in his eyes. He wanted to prove himself, to claim the legacy he felt was his by right. But Visenya's words and her fear for his safety began to sink in. He glanced back at Vhagar, who was watching them with what seemed like mild interest, her massive form almost blending into the night sky.
The night air was cool and crisp atop the hill, the stars glittering like scattered diamonds against the velvet sky. Visenya stood close to Aemond, feeling a mixture of excitement and dread as they gazed at the massive form of Vhagar, the ancient dragon. Her scales shimmered under the moonlight, creating an almost ethereal glow that took Visenya's breath away.
Aemond's eyes were locked onto Vhagar, his arm grabbed firmly by Visenya. "Aemond, I told you, it's too dangerous. She's not bonded to you. If you try to ride her, she might attack."
Aemond's face tightened with resolve. "I can't keep living in the shadows, Visenya. I need to prove myself. I need a dragon."
"But not like this," Visenya pleaded, her voice trembling. "Please, Aemond, let's go back. We can find another way."
Aemond shook his head, his eyes never leaving Vhagar. "This might be my only chance."
Visenya could see the determination in his eyes, the burning desire to prove himself. She knew there was no stopping him, but the fear gnawed at her heart. She watched helplessly as Aemond took a deep breath and started towards Vhagar.
The massive dragon lifted her head as he approached, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Aemond's steps faltered for a moment, but he pressed on, his hand outstretched in a gesture of peace. Visenya's heart pounded in her chest, each step Aemond took feeling like an eternity.
Vhagar's massive form seemed to fill the entire hilltop, her scales like a living armor, shimmering with a thousand shades of gold and bronze. Her eyes, ancient and wise, followed Aemond's every move. As he drew closer, she let out a low, rumbling growl that shook the ground beneath Visenya's feet.
Aemond paused, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He glanced back at Visenya, who stood frozen, her eyes wide with fear. "Go back, Visenya," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "I need to do this alone."
Visenya shook her head, her voice choked with emotion. "No, Aemond. I'm not leaving you."
Aemond turned back to Vhagar, his hand trembling as he extended it towards her massive snout. "Easy, girl," he murmured, his voice soothing. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Vhagar's nostrils flared, and for a moment, it seemed as if she might strike. But then, slowly, she lowered her head, her massive eyes locked onto Aemond's. He took a step closer, his hand brushing against her scales.
Visenya held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched as Aemond continued to speak softly to Vhagar, his hand gently stroking her snout. For a moment, it seemed as if the dragon might accept him.
But then, with a sudden, ear-splitting roar, Vhagar reared back, her massive wings unfurling. Aemond stumbled backwards, his eyes wide with terror. Visenya screamed, her hands flying to her mouth as she watched her brother fall to the ground.
Vhagar's eyes blazed with fury, and she let out another deafening roar. Aemond scrambled to his feet, his face pale with fear. He looked back at Visenya, his eyes filled with regret. "Run, Visenya! Go!"
But Visenya couldn't move. She was rooted to the spot, her eyes locked onto the terrifying sight before her. She watched as Vhagar lunged towards Aemond, her massive jaws snapping shut just inches from his head.
Aemond ducked, rolling to the side as Vhagar's claws raked the ground where he had been standing. He scrambled to his feet, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Visenya, please! Go!"
Visenya shook herself out of her trance, her legs finally responding. She turned and ran, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't look back, didn't dare to see if Aemond was following. She could hear Vhagar's roars behind her, each one sending a shiver down her spine.
She reached the edge of the hill, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She turned back, her eyes searching for any sign of Aemond. But all she could see was Vhagar's massive form, her wings beating the air as she prepared to take flight.
Aemond Targaryen stood before the mighty Vhagar, his heart pounding in his chest. The ancient dragon, her scales gleaming in the dim light, let out a low, guttural growl, her enormous eyes fixed on the young prince. The air was thick with tension, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath his feet. Aemond knew that claiming Vhagar was a monumental task, one that would either end in his triumph or his doom.
Gathering his courage, Aemond extended a hand towards Vhagar, his fingers trembling slightly. The dragon's roar echoed through the valley, a deafening sound that sent shivers down his spine. For a moment, he hesitated, doubt gnawing at the edges of his resolve. But then he saw Visenya, standing at a distance, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and hope. Her presence gave him strength.
With a deep breath, Aemond stepped closer to Vhagar. The dragon's breath was hot against his skin, and he could feel the immense power radiating from her massive form. He reached out and touched one of her wings, the scales rough and warm beneath his fingertips. Vhagar snarled, but she did not move away. Taking this as a sign, Aemond began to climb.
The journey up Vhagar's side was perilous. Her scales, though providing some handholds, were slippery and uneven. Aemond's heart raced as he struggled to maintain his grip, his muscles straining with the effort. He could feel Vhagar's every movement, each twitch and shift a reminder of the dragon's immense power. But he pressed on, determined to reach the top.
At last, he found himself seated between Vhagar's great wings, the world spread out beneath him. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before Vhagar let out a roar and launched herself into the sky. The sudden movement nearly sent Aemond tumbling, but he clung desperately to the dragon's spines, his knuckles white with the effort.
As Vhagar soared higher, Aemond's initial panic began to subside. He focused on the rhythm of her movements, the powerful beats of her wings and the way she cut through the air with grace and strength. Slowly, he adjusted his position, finding a more secure grip and settling into the ride. The wind whipped past him, carrying away his fear and filling him with exhilaration.
Below, Visenya watched in awe. She had seen dragons fly before, but this was different. This was her brother, Aemond, riding the most powerful dragon in Westeros. Her heart swelled with pride and relief. He had done it. He had claimed Vhagar.
For Aemond, the realization of what he had accomplished began to sink in. He was not just riding a dragon; he was riding Vhagar, the mightiest of them all. The sense of power and freedom was intoxicating. He felt invincible, a true Targaryen prince. As they soared through the sky, Aemond let out a triumphant shout, his voice carried away by the wind.
In that moment, he felt a deep connection with Vhagar. She was no longer just a dragon; she was his dragon. He could feel her strength, her ancient wisdom, and her fierce loyalty. Aemond knew that with Vhagar by his side, there was nothing he could not accomplish. He was ready to face any challenge, to conquer any foe.
As they flew back towards the castle, Aemond's mind raced with possibilities. He imagined the looks of awe and respect on the faces of those who had doubted him, the pride in his father's eyes, and the envy of his rivals. He had proven himself, not just as a Targaryen, but as a dragon rider. The bond between him and Vhagar was unbreakable, and together, they would shape the future of Westeros.
For now, though, he simply reveled in the moment. The sky was his domain, and he soared through it with the mightiest dragon in the world. Aemond Targaryen had claimed his destiny, and it was as boundless as the horizon.