HĀROS BARTOSSI | DAEMON T.

[ 𝟎𝟏 ]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑

── •✧• ── ⋆⋅༻✦༺⋅⋆ ── •✧• ──

The flames crackled and splintered, embers and smoke danced across the vast Hall of Nine of High Tide, illuminating the dimly lit room and its treasuries. The shadows flitted by the many statues that were part of the Seasnake's voyage collections, highlighting the grains and scratches on each artefact caused by time. There was little wind flowing into the room, though it was mostly from the arched windows high above the walls, causing the chandeliers and a sculpture of a Hanging City to sway like the algae when the currents washed by.

The sounds of the distant waves crashing ashore of shingles resounded around the walls; soft and tranquil, just as though the hall was like the massive Nautilus shell next to the Driftwood Throne, carrying the songs of the seas.

As breathtaking as Driftmark's Hall of Nine was in the day with many of the Head of the House Velaryon's prized artefacts gleaming in the sun, it was arguably more beautiful and grand at night. One would even claim the room was even more enchanting yet mysterious when night fell and the candles lit, sending a soft orange glow to spread across the room, further boasting the exquisite traces of Lord Corlys's possessions he had bought, earned and won from his expeditions, besides his title of being the 'Seasnake'.

The hand-painted map depicting the adventures of Corlys fluttered above the curved ceiling along with other silk tapestries, following the waves of the seas; cabochons made from jades and other rare jewels glistened in their settings; hung on the walls were various other ancient weapons and armours, all of which were seized by him during his travels along with many other metal sculptures that were moulded to mirror the appearance of the enemies he had defeated, reminding the Lord of the Driftmark of the formidable opponents he once fought and won against.

Skeletals of beasts were also displayed around the room; some had barnacles and dried corals covering them while others had gems set in their eye sockets and cavities. Each time the moonlight shone down, the polished cuts of the gemstones would sparkle dazzlingly, bringing the deceased slayed monsters to life for a few seconds.

The fabled Lord of the Tides gazed at the flames before his eyes, finding himself lost in the reminiscence of his past. Being drawn to the fire, he began to imagine the glowing wisps of light forming into a sailor as he retold his tales.

The origins of House Velaryon reach back to the days of Old Valyria, some would even regard the family to be older than House Targaryen who ruled the seven kingdoms of Westeros. Despite not being dragonlords like the Targaryens who ruled the skies and realm, the Velaryons ruled the seas and commanded half of the kingdom's naval fleet.

For centuries, House Velaryon had paved its way up by its own strength; scratching an existence from the sea with grit and luck, digging out of the murky depths of the with its own hands.

"When I ascended the Driftwood Throne, I knew exactly what I wanted. So, I went out and seized it," Lord Corlys said with eager determination, the feeling still raw in his heart as if it were only yesterday he started sailing across the seas of the kingdom in search of what he desired. His hands grasping on his seat's armrests, and his fingers trailed over every little carving on the wooden chair.

"Unlike every other lord of the realm, I can say that I built my house's high seat with the strength of my own back," he added, casually glancing around the grandeur vanity. His eyes laid on every relic displayed around; the mementoes of his achievements before he drew his attention back to meet with the fire—