JuliaManuel337
The Era of the Returning Storm
(Westeros after Luke's "death," before the war truly begins)
The years following Luke Velaryon's supposed death become known across history as The Era of the Returning Storm - an age defined not by open war, but by quiet dread, political fractures, and the slow gathering of forces no one in Westeros can yet see. It is an era suspended between peace and catastrophe, where both the Blacks and Greens still live, still maneuver, still hope the storm has passed... unaware that the storm is learning to fly in lands far beyond their reach.
The Blacks hold Dragonstone and Driftmark, grieving Luke but not yet ready for war.
The Greens maintain control of King's Landing, clinging to legitimacy while fearing the consequences of Aemond's actions.
The Smallfolk whisper that dragons bring only death, and that the gods are turning their faces away.
Everyone senses the Dance is coming - but no one dares take the first step.
Rhaenyra's Court grows more divided as grief hardens into resolve.
Alicent's Court becomes a nest of guilt, prophecy, and political fear.
The Lords of Westeros quietly rebuild armies, fortify keeps, and choose sides in secret.
The Dance has not begun - but the music is already playing.
The Era of the Returning Storm ends the day a fleet of foreign‑built ships appears on the horizon, each bearing a banner Westeros had no name for.
When Luke Velaryon's fleet first appeared on the horizon, the banners they bore were unlike any ever seen in Westeros. The crimson emblem - a dragon woven in endless knots - was not the three‑headed beast of House Targaryen, nor the sea horse of House Velaryon. It was something older, stranger, and alive with motion even when still.