...
The skies above Driftmark were a pale canvas, streaked with the deep blues and grays of gathering clouds. As Aevon Targaryen soared through the air on Odin, his formidable white dragon, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. Driftmark had always held a special place in his heart, but it had been years since he'd set foot on its shores. The vast sea below mirrored the tumultuous thoughts in his mind.
Odin roared as they descended, his large wings cutting through the air with a powerful grace that sent ripples across the water. The mighty dragon's white scales shimmered against the darkening sky, a stark contrast to the ancient stones of High Tide, the seat of House Velaryon. As they landed on the cliffside, Aevon could see the figures waiting for him in the courtyard. Among them, one stood out-Baela.
Aevon dismounted, his boots hitting the ground with a thud that reverberated through him. He turned to Odin, giving the dragon a firm pat on his side, a silent command to rest. The bond between them was strong, forged through years of mutual respect and shared battles. Odin's eyes, a cold blue, met his briefly before the dragon settled down, curling its massive body on the rocky ground.
As Aevon approached the gathered party, his gaze immediately sought out Baela. She stood with a quiet grace, her silver hair cascading down her back, her eyes-those striking Velaryon eyes-fixed on him. He couldn't help but notice how much she had grown, her beauty having matured into something even more profound than he remembered.
"Baela," he greeted, his voice steady, though his heart raced.
"Aevon," she replied, her voice soft, almost hesitant. She had always been strong, determined, but there was something vulnerable in the way she looked at him now.
They stood there for a moment, simply taking each other in. The years apart had done nothing to diminish the connection between them-if anything, it had grown stronger, more complex. Aevon couldn't ignore the way his heart quickened at the sight of her. He remembered the countless letters exchanged through ravens, the words that had kept them close despite the distance, but seeing her now stirred something deeper within him.
"Welcome back to Driftmark," a familiar voice interrupted, breaking the tension. Rhaenys, the Queen Who Never Was, stepped forward, her presence commanding as ever. Lord Corlys stood beside her, his eyes sharp as he assessed Aevon.
Aevon bowed his head respectfully. "Princess Rhaenys, Lord Corlys. It's an honor to be here."
Rhaenys offered a faint smile, though there was a sadness in her eyes. "You've grown into a fine young man, Aevon. Your parents would be proud."
Lord Corlys nodded in agreement. "The years have been kind to you. And Odin," he added, glancing at the resting dragon. "He's a magnificent creature."
Aevon inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you, my lord. Odin has been my greatest companion."
As the formalities were exchanged, Aevon couldn't help but steal glances at Baela. She was quieter than usual, her eyes downcast as if lost in thought. He wanted to reach out to her, to ease whatever weighed on her mind, but he knew better than to push. Instead, he decided to stay close, offering his silent support.
Once the initial greetings were over, Baela finally found the courage to speak. "Aevon, would you like to walk with me? There's something I'd like to show you."
He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Lead the way."
...
...
They walked side by side, the wind carrying the scent of the sea as they made their way to a secluded part of the castle grounds. The silence between them was not uncomfortable, but it was charged with unspoken words and lingering emotions.
Baela stopped at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared out at the horizon. Aevon noticed the way she shivered slightly, not from the cold, but from something deeper. He stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers in a gesture of comfort.
"What's on your mind, Baela?" he asked gently, his voice laced with concern.
She sighed, her shoulders tensing. "It's my father, Aevon. And my grandfather. The petition for Lucerys's claim...it's tearing us apart. My father-he wants what's best for us, for our family, but it's so much more complicated than that."
Aevon listened intently, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, the touch meant to reassure her. Baela turned to face him, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
"I just...I don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I feel so helpless."
Without thinking, Aevon pulled her into his arms, holding her close. Baela didn't resist, instead, she buried her face in his chest, her hands clutching the fabric of his tunic. Aevon's heart pounded in his chest, but he focused on the warmth of her body against his, the way she seemed to fit perfectly in his embrace.
"You're not alone, Baela," he murmured, his lips brushing against the top of her head. "Whatever happens, I'm here with you. We'll face this together."
Baela looked up at him, her breath hitching as she met his gaze. There was a vulnerability in her eyes that made Aevon's heart ache. She leaned into him, her lips dangerously close to his, her breath mingling with his own.
"Aevon," she whispered, her voice a mere breath. "I..."
But before she could finish, the moment was shattered by the distant sound of footsteps. They both pulled away, the spell between them broken, but the tension still hung in the air, thick and undeniable.
They stood there for a moment, both trying to catch their breath, the reality of what almost happened sinking in. Aevon's hand lingered on her arm, a silent promise of what could be, but the words remained unspoken.
"We should go," Baela said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aevon nodded, his heart still racing. "Yes. We should."
As they made their way back to the castle, the unspoken feelings between them lingered, the almost kiss a reminder of the connection that had always existed, now stronger than ever. But with the shadows of duty and family hanging over them, the path ahead was uncertain.
For now, all they had was the moment, and the promise of what might be, waiting just beyond the horizon.
...
PLEASE I BEG YOU DONT BE GHOST READERS, I GET 99% OF MY MOTIVATION FROM READING COMMENTS AND SEEING PEOPLE ENJOYING MY BOOKS.
All credits to George R.R Martin and
HBO for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON
plot line + characters
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ETHEREAL
Fanfiction"The only thing that could tear down the house of the dragon was itself."
