In the shadow-draped depths of the dragon pits, the air was heavy with the mingled scents of brimstone and ancient stone. Alysanne Velaryon walked beside her cousin, Prince Aemond Targaryen, their footsteps echoing faintly over the sound of distant dragon roars and the clinking of chains. The pits, usually a place of awe and fear, felt tonight like a refuge from the brutal jest that had unfolded in the training yard.
Earlier that day, Alysanne had stood with her grandfather, King Viserys, watching the young princes train. It was supposed to be a routine visit, a chance to watch her brothers, Jacaerys and Lucerys, along with Aemond, hone their skills. But what began as a typical display of martial training had swiftly degenerated into a cruel prank that targeted Aemond, who was the only one among the cousins without a dragon to call his own.
As they approached one of the deeper caverns, the sounds of a dragon grumbling echoed through the massive space, sending a shiver down Alysanne's spine. They paused, watching as the dragon keeper struggled to control one of the beasts, calling out to it in a firm, commanding tone.
"Call Vermax to heel, Prince Jacaerys," the keeper shouted, as the dragon roared and a sheep bleated pitifully nearby. The situation quickly escalated, with Vermax refusing to obey, the creature's screeches piercing the dim cavern.
The keeper continued in High Valyrian, his voice authoritative and echoing off the stone, "**Zaldrizo aoho syt aeksio sagon ao bevilza, darilaros nuhys...**" His reminder that a prince must hold mastery over his dragon was stern and pointed.
As they watched, Aemond's nephews decided to unveil their 'gift'. "Aemond, we have a surprise for you," Lucerys called out with a mischievous grin, his tone overly sweet. "Something very special."
Alysanne felt a twinge of anxiety; she knew her brothers well enough to sense the undercurrent of mischief. "You're the only one of us without a dragon," Jacaerys added, an edge of mock sympathy in his voice.
"And we felt badly about it, so we found one for you," Lucerys chimed in, his voice laden with false solemnity.
Aemond, hopeful yet cautious, asked, "A dragon? How?"
"The gods provide," Jacaerys replied cryptically.
Then, with a flourish, they presented a small pig, dressed absurdly with makeshift wings and daubed pink. "Behold... the Pink Dread!" they announced together, bursting into laughter.
Alysanne's face flushed with anger as the courtyard erupted in laughter. Her heart ached for Aemond, who stood, humiliated and silent, as the others continued to mock him. "Be sure to mount her carefully," Lucerys jeered. "First flight's always rough."
The laughter around them grew, but Alysanne could no longer contain her fury. "Enough!" she shouted, her voice echoing loudly in the cavernous space, cutting through the laughter like a sword through silk. Everyone turned to look at her, surprised by her outburst.
"This isn't funny! It's cruel and childish, and you shame not only yourselves but me as well. We are a family, supposed to support each other, not tear one another down," Alysanne chastised them, her eyes blazing.
Jacaerys's face fell, and he stepped forward, his expression apologetic. "Alysanne, we... we didn't mean to—"
"You indirectly bullied me too!" Alysanne interrupted, her voice thick with emotion. "I am also without a dragon, remember? How do you think that makes me feel?"
Lucerys looked genuinely remorseful. "We just thought it was a bit of fun. But you're right, it was thoughtless. We're sorry."
Accepting their apologies with a stiff nod, Alysanne turned to Aemond. "Let's leave this place," she suggested softly, reaching out to touch his arm.
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The Girl of Salt and Fire | HOTD
Fanfiction"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...
