ASOIAF: The Dragon Seed

Wings of Silence

Annatar walked through Dragonstone's winding paths, his thoughts drifting as he made his way to the secluded cliff where Silverwing roosted. The pale, moonlit sky made the rocks gleam like silver, casting an otherworldly glow over everything. Silverwing, the ancient dragon whose age and wisdom far surpassed anyone alive, waited for him at the edge of the cliff, her silver scales reflecting the soft light of dusk. The dragon's luminous eyes turned toward him, gleaming with a quiet, powerful intelligence.

He took a slow breath and approached her, feeling a familiar, strange sense of comfort. Since he'd met Silverwing, she had become something of a confidant, a quiet listener who was always present yet expectant. She was a silent mystery—formidable, regal, and yet somehow, warm.

"Hello, Silverwing," he said softly, looking into her gentle yet sharp eyes. She huffed softly, a plume of warm breath rising from her nostrils as she leaned down to meet him, her massive head lowering to his height.

Annatar reached out a hand, resting it on her scaled snout. Her skin was warm, almost comforting. "It feels like the world keeps changing, Silverwing," he murmured. "So many things have happened... losses and gains, people entering and leaving my life. It's hard to keep up sometimes." He fell silent, waiting, even though he knew there would be no reply. Yet in her gaze, he found the semblance of understanding, as though Silverwing could feel the turbulence within him.

"Daeron is gone," he whispered, the ache of the memory still fresh. "I came back to Dragonstone thinking... thinking things would be as they were, that I'd return to friends and family waiting for me, but..." He trailed off, finding it difficult to continue. Silverwing's eyes softened, and she lowered her head even further, almost brushing her snout against his shoulder.

"You're the only one who's constant, aren't you?" Annatar said, his voice low. "You've been here since long before I was even born. You've seen the rise and fall of so many... and here you still are, watching the world go by." A small smile played at his lips. "It must be strange, seeing people come and go like that. Do you ever wish things were different?"

Silverwing snorted softly, a quiet rumbling that seemed almost contemplative. She closed her eyes and breathed out slowly, a deep exhale that sent a gust of warm wind through his hair. Though she could not speak, there was a peace in her presence, an acceptance that she passed to him. Standing there, he could almost imagine that everything would be all right, that he would find his way despite the uncertainties he faced.

"Thank you, Silverwing," he said, feeling a strange comfort settle within him. "I may not always understand what's happening, but it helps, knowing you're here." He gave her one last pat on her scaled cheek before stepping back.

Later that evening, Annatar sat in Dragonstone's common room with Aeron, a quiet, flickering fire casting warm shadows on the walls. The room was filled with the familiar scent of smoke and old wood, a comforting reminder of home. Aeron had been observing him with curiosity for a while now, the air thick with unasked questions.

Finally, Aeron set his drink down, fixing Annatar with a pointed look. "So, you've been gone for hours. You want to tell me what you've been up to?"

Annatar hesitated, glancing down, but then he met Aeron's gaze. "I was with Silverwing."

Aeron's eyebrows shot up. "Silverwing? You mean the dragon? Since when have you been close with a dragon, Annatar?"

Annatar shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to explain. "Since before I left for Driftmark. I... I found her roosting up on the cliffs one evening. She's been here all along, but... I don't know, I felt like I could talk to her. She can't talk back, obviously, but it's like she understands somehow. Being around her makes things feel simpler, less complicated."

Aeron leaned back, crossing his arms as he studied Annatar with a mixture of surprise and frustration. "And you didn't think to tell me? Annatar, you've been having conversations with one of the oldest dragons in Westeros, and you thought you'd keep that a secret?"

Annatar opened his mouth, but Aeron raised a hand to stop him. "Don't tell me it was nothing, because clearly, it's something," Aeron continued, shaking his head. "After everything we've been through, you didn't trust me with that?"

"It's not about trust, Aeron," Annatar said, a note of regret in his voice. "I just... I didn't know how to explain it, even to myself. I thought it was a passing thing, like something that might fade if I talked about it. But it didn't. Every time I felt lost, Silverwing seemed to be there, just... listening."

Aeron softened slightly, his shoulders relaxing as he absorbed Annatar's words. "I get it, I suppose. You needed something to hold on to, something constant."

Annatar nodded, his gaze drifting to the fire. "Exactly. She's ancient, older than any of us can imagine. And in her presence, everything just... quiets down. She's seen so much, and it's like she carries the wisdom of all those years."

Aeron sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, as long as you're not keeping any other ancient secrets from me, I suppose I can forgive you. Just... don't hide things like that from me again. You're like a brother to me, Annatar. If you're troubled, I want to know. Dragons and all."

Annatar managed a small chuckle. "I promise, no more secrets." He clapped Aeron on the shoulder, grateful for his understanding. "And if you want, I'll introduce you to Silverwing. I think she'd like you."

Aeron's eyes lit up with excitement, but he tried to hide it with a nonchalant shrug. "I suppose that'd be... interesting," he said, though his eagerness was evident. "Seeing as you've already won her over, I don't see why she wouldn't take a liking to me."

Annatar laughed, finally feeling the weight in his chest begin to lift. The knowledge that he didn't have to carry his secrets alone anymore, that he had someone by his side, brought him a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time. The two of them spent the rest of the evening by the fire, sharing stories, memories, and dreams of what lay ahead.

Though the future remained uncertain, Annatar felt a renewed strength within him, bolstered by his bond with Silverwing and the friendship of someone who would always stand by his side. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was truly home.