The early morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Red Keep, casting a warm, golden hue across the stone walls. Inside her chambers, Alysanne Targaryen, barely eight years old, sat on the floor, her small fingers tracing the intricate patterns of her mother's favorite tapestry. The fabric depicted dragons soaring above knights and noble houses, telling tales of heroism and grandeur. Today, however, Alysanne's thoughts were not on the embroidered stories but on her impending visit with her cousin Heleana.
Heleana Targaryen had always been a comforting presence in Alysanne's life. Despite whispers about Heleana's peculiarities, Alysanne found solace in her cousin's quiet demeanor and her profound love for the small creatures of the world. There was a gentleness about Heleana that drew Alysanne in, a rare peace that she rarely found elsewhere. The prospect of spending time with Heleana brought a bright smile to her face.
A soft knock at the door pulled Alysanne from her thoughts. Her maid entered, curtsying respectfully. "Princess Heleana awaits you in the gardens, my lady."
Alysanne's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she rose to her feet. She adjusted her simple dress and hurried out of her chambers, her heart fluttering with excitement. The Red Keep, with its imposing walls and endless hallways, had always felt like home to Alysanne, but it was the serenity of the gardens that offered her true solace.
As she stepped outside, the scent of blooming flowers greeted her, mingling with the fresh morning air. The gardens of the Red Keep were a sanctuary, their tranquil beauty a stark contrast to the bustling life within the castle. Heleana was often found here, surrounded by nature's quiet wonders.
Alysanne spotted Heleana seated beneath a large oak tree, her hands carefully cradling something small and delicate. As she approached, Alysanne saw it was a butterfly with wings of an ethereal blue.
"Heleana," Alysanne called softly, her voice barely more than a whisper, so as not to startle the butterfly.
Heleana looked up, her serene smile a balm to Alysanne's anticipation. "Alysanne," she greeted warmly, her voice gentle and calming. "Come, sit with me."
Alysanne eagerly settled beside Heleana, her gaze fixed on the butterfly. "It's beautiful," she murmured.
"They are such fragile things," Heleana said, her eyes never leaving the delicate creature. "Yet they carry a magic all their own. They're like dreams—fleeting and delicate."
Alysanne tilted her head, intrigued by her cousin's words. "What do you think they dream of?"
Heleana's gaze grew distant. "They dream of flowers, sunlight, and freedom. Sometimes, they even dream of dragons."
The mention of dragons stirred a deep curiosity in Alysanne. Dragons were a source of fascination for her, powerful and majestic creatures that her family had tamed and ridden for generations. Heleana's words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, one that Alysanne struggled to understand.
"Dragons?" Alysanne repeated, her eyes wide with wonder.
Heleana nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Dragons are powerful and beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. They bring warmth or destruction, depending on how they are treated."
The butterfly fluttered its wings, and Heleana gently released it. They watched as it took flight and vanished into the sky. For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the peaceful garden enveloping them like a comforting blanket.
Alysanne leaned her head against Heleana's shoulder, feeling a rare sense of safety and calm. "Do you ever dream of dragons?" she asked quietly.
Heleana's expression became contemplative. "I do. But not all dreams are kind. Sometimes, they reveal things I'd rather not see."
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The Girl of Salt and Fire | HOTD
Hayran Kurgu"In the shadow of dragons, she shall rise, The realm's sun, in silence wise. Drawn to the prince where darkness dwells, Her heart will bind what war compels. Through fire and blood, where kin divide, She alone will bridge the tide. When...
