Orys

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Founded long before the Andal invasion, Oldtown was the largest city in all of Westeros. It was primarily built of stone where the cobbled streets ran in labyrinth and trading ships from the known world- Essos, Summer Isles as well as rest of the Westeros  call upon Oldtown's port. Constructed around House Hightower's seat, the castle and the lighthouse, the city enticed traders from Eastwatch to Arbor. It was also the seat of the High Septon and the Citadel all enclosed in high stone wall. For that alone, Oldtown had to be approached with caution. The Faith of the Seven was the most prominent religion throughout Westeros save for the north where the Old Gods still held sway and the High Septon commanded the devotion of millions. Should they anger them, all of Westeros may rise up to rebel and an all out war with be inevitable. They will win but after payment with blood.

When they arrived at the gates of Oldtown however, they found the gates to be unbarred and beyond the threshold waited Manfred Hightower, his sword sheathed.

By his king's command, Orys rode forth to meet the hosts. None of the soldiers raised their spears but rather parted to allow him the way to their overlord. There was an eerie calmness in the air as if the war was already over. Wary and curious, Orys trotted to the center where Hightower stood amidst his vassals, septons and few maesters.

"I come bearing greetings and proposition from his grace, King Aegon Targaryen, protector and sovereign of unified Westeros." Orys declared after he had unhorsed. "I will acquaint you with the terms and conditions as well as the anarchy that your defiance will risk should you choose to resist."

"There will be no need." Lord Hightower spoke crisply without slightest hint at agitation. "We accept King Aegon's proposal."

Orys was startled to say the least. He had expected at least some degree of resistance. Was this some trick? They however maintained they were sincere in their wish to surrender and the Targaryen envoy had to ride back to deliver the message.

"Well...what does he want?" Aegon asked.

"The same you offered most lords- his lordship, land and title. In return he will give up autonomy and accept you as the King."

"And they did so without a fight?" Visenya scowled.

"Apparently the High Septon had prayed for seven days and seven night in the sept when the heard of our arrival. The Crone appeared in his vision with her golden lamp to show him the path ahead- that they must open the gate for your grace. It's all sham if I say. They surely know that if Oldtown took up arms against us, the city would surely burn."

"Cautious man." Aegon remarked. 

"He appears to be. As a token of his goodwill, he also offers the hand of his youngest daughter Sierra in marriage."

"Tell him I appreciate his gift but I have two loving and faithful wives and I wouldn't for the world dare to slight them."

"I will you grace."

Despite being a vassal of the Gardeners, House Hightower had been prudent in their decision not to oppose the Conqueror by force of arms

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Despite being a vassal of the Gardeners, House Hightower had been prudent in their decision not to oppose the Conqueror by force of arms. Manfred Hightower apart from being a pious man was realist- while the Gardeners and their liege men burned on the Field of Fire, they succeeded in saving their city from sure destruction. Now clothed in silk robes and dazzling smile, he was escorted the Dragonlord to the Starry Sept where Aegon will be formally crowned as the King of the Seven Kingdoms thought Dorne was yet to be conquered.

The Starry Sept was situated near the mouth of Honeywine. It was an ancient sept built of glistening black marble, built by Triston Hightower in honor of the septon during his father's time as well as his regent. For a thousand year it has been seat of the High Septon whose advises were sought by lords from wide and far. In the distance the massive beacon rose above the seat of Hightower. Some say the Wall can be seen from its top.

Orys stood with rest of the crowd there to witness the historic crowning. The Faith Militant stood vigil donning their seven pointed stars and rainbow sword. Candles burnt at the seven alters of the seven deity, the flickering lights brought life to the grim faces of the statues. The heavy scent of incense was making Orys dizzy. He muffled his cough on the back of his hand.

"Are you alright Orys?" Visenya's orotund voice resonated around him like a dream.

"Yes your grace. Just a little weary. I had to run some errands in the town and ended up spending hours with the archmaesters in the Citadel."

"They are curious men." Visenya agreed. "Much more interesting than these robed fools I vow. All their false piousness and ostentation makes me want to gag."

"Don't be a wet blanket, dear sister." Queen Rhaenys cut in. "You may find some of them very devout if you know what I am saying. Lord Hightower has a son who has taken his vows as septon. He is quite comely I dare say."

Both Visenya and Orys shared a look and returned their gaze to the kneeling septon, praying to the Crone.

There had been only a handful of lords present when Aegon was crowned atop Aegonfort but that day, hundred of lords as well as all of Citadel stood witness to the Dragonlord's enthronement. Thousands of men lining either side of the streets leading to the Sept sent up cheer akin to thunder when Aegon rode forth on the back of Balerion the Dead.

The dragon rider had donned his battle armor, red dragon spreading its wings proudly on his chest; the hilt of the sheathed Blackfyre flashed as he walked by. He halted by the alter and knelt before the High Septon who anointed Aegon with the seven oils and placed the crown- a ruby encrusted valyrian steel circlet, upon his head.

Thus Aegon the Dragon rose as "Aegon of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."

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