A Dragon's Song

Return of the Dragon

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Narrow Sea. Naerys Targaryen sat atop Gaelithox, her dragon's midnight scales shimmering with specks of white like stars against the setting sun. The wind whipped through her creamy white hair as they soared over the waves, heading westward toward Blackwater Bay and the city she had left behind two years ago.

As they neared the shores of Westeros, Naerys felt a familiar pang of anticipation and anxiety. Below her, the sprawling city of King's Landing came into view, its red-roofed buildings and bustling streets alive with the chaos and clamor of daily life. The Red Keep loomed high on Aegon's Hill, a stark reminder of her family's legacy and the tumultuous world she was reentering.

Naerys leaned forward, patting Gaelithox's neck, feeling the steady power of his muscles beneath her hand. "Steady, my starry night," she murmured, using the affectionate name she had given him. The dragon roared in response, his voice echoing across the bay and announcing their arrival.

As they approached the city, Naerys guided Gaelithox to land outside the walls. The dragon pit, though built to house such creatures, felt like a cage to Gaelithox. His heart was wild and free, much like her own. Instead, she chose a wide, open space along the shoreline, far enough from the city to give him room to move.

Gaelithox landed with a thud that shook the ground, his large claws digging into the earth. Naerys dismounted gracefully, her long legs finding purchase on the solid ground. She looked up at her dragon, who stretched his wings wide, casting a shadow over the land. His green eyes, intelligent and watchful, settled on her, as if gauging her mood.

"You'll be free soon enough," she whispered, knowing how much he despised confinement. She unfastened the saddle and gear, allowing him the liberty to explore the nearby hills and shoreline. With a final nuzzle against her cheek, Gaelithox took to the skies, his powerful wings lifting him away to enjoy his newfound freedom.

Naerys watched him go, a sense of melancholy mingling with her anticipation. Turning her gaze back toward the city, she took a deep breath. The smell of salt and the distant clamor of King's Landing filled the air. She smoothed her dress, a flowing gown of light blue embroidered with silver dragons, and began the walk toward the city gates.

Her heart quickened with each step, her mind a flurry of thoughts and memories. Would her father, King Viserys, greet her with the same indifference he had shown before? Would Rhaenyra, her once beloved sister, even care about her return? The tensions within the family had only grown during her absence, and she wondered what changes awaited her at the Red Keep.

As Naerys approached the city gates, she passed through throngs of people, their chatter and laughter surrounding her. Some recognized her, whispering her name with awe and curiosity. Naerys nodded politely, acknowledging their greetings but not stopping to engage. Her mind was focused on the looming challenge of reacquainting herself with the court and navigating the political landscape she had once known so well.

The gates of King's Landing stood open, welcoming her back to the city of her birth. Naerys stepped through, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation. She was home, but home was a place of shifting alliances and uncertain futures. She knew her journey had only just begun.

With determined steps, Naerys made her way toward the Red Keep, the seat of Targaryen power and her family's legacy. She hoped her return would be more than a mere reunion—it was a chance to carve her path and ensure the Targaryen dynasty endured.

As she ascended the familiar steps of the keep, Naerys whispered a silent prayer to the Seven and to the old gods of Valyria, seeking guidance and strength for the trials ahead. Whatever awaited her, she was ready to face it head-on, with Gaelithox as her fierce companion and the fire of the dragon in her veins.