A Historical Recount of House Dragaryen From the years 136 AC to 300 AC

Article 4: The Lesser Known Dragons

An Expanded Report on the Lesser Dragaryens

Though history often exalts the mightiest figures of the Dragaryen dynasty, there are those whose tales, while less celebrated, are no less compelling. These Dragaryens, marked by valor, tragedy, and complexity, have left indelible marks on the annals of Westerosi history. Their lives remind us that the echoes of the past are shaped as much by the forgotten as by the famed.

Aenys Dragaryen: The Melancholy Prince

Born in 188 AC, Aenys Dragaryen was the eldest son of Rhaegal Dragaryen, King of Dragonstone, and twin brother to Maenar Dragaryen. From the moment of his birth, Aenys bore the weight of expectation. His name, harkening back to the first Aenys Targaryen, was both a blessing and a curse—a symbol of hope and yet a reminder of a turbulent legacy.

Aenys was a child of solemn temperament, quiet but perceptive, with a deep fascination for the histories of his family. While his twin brother Maenar thrived in the arts of war and the camaraderie of court, Aenys often found solace in solitude, reading ancient texts and poring over maps. His love for lore earned him the nickname "Aenys the Dreamer", though some mocked it as a slight, believing him weak in comparison to his more martial twin.

By his early twenties, Aenys proved himself a capable administrator, managing Dragonstone's affairs with wisdom and foresight. Yet his introspective nature often made him a target for courtly intrigue. Many whispered that he lacked the fire and ambition befitting a Dragaryen heir. In truth, Aenys was plagued by a sense of inadequacy, his life overshadowed by the towering presence of his twin.

A Love Forbidden

Aenys' most defining tragedy came in the form of love. In 209 AC, he fell for Elara Velaryon, a cousin on his mother's side. Their bond, though genuine, was deemed politically unsuitable. King Rhaegal, eager to solidify ties with the powerful houses of the Reach, arranged for Elara to marry Lord Tyrell's eldest son. Heartbroken, Aenys withdrew further into himself, spending days in Dragonstone's library, avoiding the sight of his brother's growing renown.

In 212 AC, Aenys defied his father by secretly wedding a lowborn healer, Marra, who had nursed him back to health after a fever. Though she was kind and wise, the marriage caused an irreparable rift with his family. Exiled from Dragonstone, Aenys lived a quiet life in the Stormlands, far from the intrigue of the royal court.

The Tragic End

By 228 AC, whispers reached Dragonstone that Aenys was gravely ill. Rhaegal, now frail and regretful, sent Maenar to retrieve his estranged brother. But when Maenar arrived, it was too late. Aenys passed away that year, leaving behind a single daughter, Lyra, who inherited his intellect and quiet resolve. His death marked the end of a life filled with unfulfilled potential, a prince who might have been remembered as a great statesman had his heart not been so burdened by sorrow.

Baelon Dragaryan the third: The Commander of Fire and Steel

Born in 190 AC, Baelon Dragaryan lll the third was the third son of Rhaegal and younger brother to Aenys and Maenar. Unlike his melancholic eldest brother or his ambitious twin, Baelon was a force of nature—a warrior born with an unyielding will and a love for the battlefield.

Baelon's most distinctive feature was his brown hair streaked with a single stripe of white, a rare trait among the Dragaryans that earned him the nickname "The Streaked Dragon." While some viewed his appearance as an ill omen, Baelon embraced it, using it as a symbol of his singularity and defiance.

From a young age, Baelon displayed an uncanny talent for strategy. At just 16 years old, he led a contingent of Dragonstone's forces in a skirmish against pirates near the Stepstones, a battle that ended in a decisive victory. His boldness earned him a reputation as a rising star among Westerosi commanders.

The War of the Western Marches

Baelon's greatest triumph came during the War of the Western Marches in 227 AC, a conflict between the Reach and the Stormlands over disputed borders. Leading a mixed force of Westerosi and mercenaries, Baelon executed a daring maneuver, luring the Reach's forces into a narrow canyon and ambushing them from above. This victory cemented his status as one of the finest tacticians of his generation.

Despite his battlefield successes, Baelon's life was not without tragedy. His eldest son, Rhaemond, was killed in 233 AC during a rebellion in the Riverlands, a loss that haunted Baelon until his death.

The Final Battle

In 239 AC, Baelon met his end in the Battle of Blackwater Ridge, defending the Stormlands from an invading force of Ironborn. Though outnumbered, he held the ridge for three days, rallying his men with fiery speeches and leading from the front. When reinforcements finally arrived, Baelon lay dead, surrounded by the bodies of his foes. He was 49 years old.

Rhaenys Dragaryan: The Blade of Shadows

Born in 236 AC, Rhaenys Dragaryan was the daughter of Maegor the Broken, a king whose reign was marred by strife and tragedy. From her earliest days, Rhaenys was unlike other Dragaryans. Where her kin sought glory through dragons and honor, she sought it through blood and fear.

A warrior of unparalleled brutality, Rhaenys eschewed traditional weapons, favoring a pair of short daggers that allowed her to get close to her enemies. Her fighting style was fast, vicious, and calculated, earning her the moniker "The Blade of Shadows." She relished toying with her opponents, drawing out fights to savor their fear before delivering the killing blow. Her cruelty extended beyond the battlefield, as tales of her sadistic methods spread throughout Westeros.

Taught by the Serpent

Rhaenys' older brother, Vaegon, trained her in the arts of combat, teaching her to exploit her speed and precision. Under his guidance, she became a master of close-quarters fighting, blending stealth and ferocity into a style that few could match.

By her early twenties, Rhaenys had carved a reputation as one of the most fearsome warriors of her time. Her face bore countless scars from battles fought and won, each mark a testament to her resilience and ruthlessness.

A Calculating and Unyielding Foe

Though her methods were brutal, Rhaenys was also highly intelligent. She used fear as a weapon, calculating her moves with precision to achieve her goals. Her opponents, whether on the battlefield or at court, often underestimated her, only to find themselves outmaneuvered or slain.

Still Alive, Still Feared

Unlike her kin, whose lives were often cut short, Rhaenys remains alive at 61 years old, her legend still growing. Whispers speak of her as a shadowy figure who moves between the courts of Westeros, her daggers always close at hand. Some say she has grown even more brutal with age, while others claim she seeks a higher purpose, her cunning mind turning to plans unknown.

The tales of these lesser Dragaryans—Aenys, Baelon, and Rhaenys—serve as a reminder that even the overlooked can shape the fate of the realm. Their stories, though tragic and complex, add depth to the legacy of the Dragaryan line, proving that greatness is not always found in dragons and thrones but in the hearts of those who bear their name.