"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...
The sun had barely begun its ascent over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across the sky as it illuminated the castle walls. The morning air was crisp, promising a clear, beautiful day ahead. Little Alysanne Targaryen, barely four years old, clutched her father's hand tightly as they walked down the winding path toward the dragon pit. Her small feet struggled to keep up with his long strides, but she did her best, her violet eyes wide with excitement and anticipation.
Laenor Velaryon, her father, glanced down at her with a smile, his heart warming at the sight of her eager expression. Today was special—he was going to introduce her to his dragon, Seasmoke, and take her for her very first ride.
As they approached the dragon pit, Alysanne's steps faltered. The entrance was imposing, and the deep, echoing sounds of the dragons within sent a shiver down her spine. But her father's reassuring presence gave her the courage to continue. She looked up at him, her small hand squeezing his for comfort.
"Are you ready, my little seahorse?" Laenor asked gently, kneeling to her level and brushing a loose strand of silver hair from her face.
Alysanne nodded, her lips curving into a shy smile. "Yes, Father," she whispered.
With a tender smile, Laenor scooped her up into his arms, holding her close as they entered the pit. The smell of dragonfire and hay filled the air, and the low rumble of the creatures as they moved in their lairs vibrated through the walls. Alysanne clung to her father, her tiny hands gripping the fabric of his tunic as her wide eyes took in the awe-inspiring sight around her.
They reached Seasmoke's den soon enough. The dragon, sleek and powerful with scales that shimmered like polished silver, lay curled up in his usual spot. His eyes opened at their approach, the large amber orbs blinking slowly as they focused on the pair.
Laenor stopped a few feet from Seasmoke, his expression calm and confident. "Seasmoke," he called softly, his voice carrying a note of authority only a dragon rider could possess. "I have someone very special for you to meet today."
Seasmoke's head lifted slightly, his gaze shifting to Alysanne. The great dragon studied her with an intensity that made Alysanne feel both nervous and excited. Then, surprisingly, Seasmoke's gaze softened. With a low, rumbling purr, Seasmoke slowly lowered his massive head toward Alysanne.
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Alysanne's breath caught as Seasmoke's snout came to rest just inches from her tiny hands. The dragon's hot breath puffed gently against her skin, and she felt the warmth of it wash over her, along with the faint smell of sulfur and smoke. For a moment, she was frozen in awe, unsure of what to do.
Guided by instinct, she reached out with trembling fingers and touched the dragon's snout. The scales were smooth and cool, and she could feel the steady pulse of Seasmoke's life force beneath. Alysanne's lips parted in a small, delighted gasp as Seasmoke let out another soft purr, sounding almost affectionate.
