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huramuna · 2 months

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banshee's lament - chapter 4.

aemond targaryen x stark ofc minor jacaerys velaryon x stark ofc masterlist prev | next

a/n: this chapter might be a bit slower. it's building some things up and i wanted to brush up on my combat writing. it's a bit scuffed but i hope you enjoy! aemond is kind of feral in this chapter.

wordcount: 4.2k

@huramuna-fics - follow & turn on notifications for just my fic postings! no taglists right now, sorry.

content: smut, angst, fluff, disabled ofc, aemond being delulu & obsessive, major canon divergence, ofc has a service direwolf, i'm taking canon rules and putting them in a blender and taking a shot, arranged marriage, graphic depictions of violence, my terrible, terrible combat writing

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‘Little wolf spider’ Helaena had called her. She remembered Helaena’s incessant facts about them specifically– why, of all things, did she remember that? She remembered Helaena citing that they were excellent hunters with superb eyesight. They did not spin webs, most being wanderers without permanent homes.

It almost made her want to laugh. It truly described her well, didn’t it? Besides the eyesight part… and the hunting part– she was indeed, a little wolf spider– doomed to be alone and not able to make her own home, a rolling stone amongst the waves that threatened to drown her.

After the betrothal announcement dinner and subsequent breakdown of Shera, she stayed in her chambers for a few days, not feeling well enough to socialize, nor see the faces of people that would’ve heard her crying. Cregan visited a few times, bringing her a meal or two and forcing her to bathe– it was agitating her to be forced to do something she loved, something she wished to do alone.

He, thankfully, had maids do the actual washing part– but this still annoyed Shera to bits. She hated being touched, being fretted over by them as they looked upon her like she was lesser, like she wasn’t capable of doing things herself. She felt suffocated in a place that usually brought her peace, simpering tiny whines as they pulled at her hair.

I can do it, I can do it– just let me do it!

She wanted to scream and claw their wandering eyes out, then go and kick Cregan in the balls– this was his fault, his fault–

Finally, the maids left and she felt like a freshly plucked duck, ready to be roasted over the fire. Her skin was red and pink, emanating heat that she could almost see, steam roiling over her overwrought skin.

Moongeist whined at the closed washroom door– they had locked him out, the absolute fiends. She wrapped in a robe, pinning her hair up with a whale bone pin and opened the door.

“Come here, lovey,” she cooed, voice broken and hoarse still. “They locked you out– my poor bubby.” Shera pat his head, descending onto her knees. She was still weak from the emotional turmoil she’d gone through, bleeding into her physical state, but she would need to be bed bound before she would ever forsake Moongeist proper scratches. Her hands glided through his black fur and she pressed her face to him, taking in his familiar scent.

Everyone said he smelled like a dog, but that was simply untrue. He smelled… clean, he smelled like wolf– which was much different than smelling like dog. It was primal and heady, deep and warm like fir trees and pine nettles and all the things that were so synonymous with him. She scratched behind his ears and his leg thumped on the ground.

Cregan returned to her chamber, a plate of something sweet smelling in his hand. He put it down on the dining table. “Are you feeling better today?”

Shera’s mouth pursed into a thin line as she got back to her feet— with Moongeist’s assistance— and meandered to the table. “Define better.” she murmured, inspecting the plate. It was piled high with her favorite treat; sticky honey walnut cakes. Her mouth filled with saliva instantly and her brow raised to Cregan. Perhaps her brother was more considerate than she thought.

“Better as in you’d be able to walk the Keep— Jacaerys and I are going to be skirmishing in the training yard at noon.”

She all but scowled as she pilfered one of the pastries, biting into it without much decorum. It was a messy dessert, designed to be eaten with a fork and knife— but damn that, she would be sticky faced like a honey drunk bear if she pleased! She melded into the flavors, the nostalgia of it tampering her mood. “… I suppose I could watch.”

“He asked for you, you know.”

Shera’s brow raised. ‘He’ could mean a lot of people. “Who?”

“Jacaerys. He asked if you were alright and wished his condolences for your… illness.”

“Is that what we are saying it is now? An illness?” she muttered, taking another bite of the cake. Yes, how diminishing it felt to pass off her fragility of mind as an illness. Of course— how else could it be put? She was surprised that it wasn’t being spread as a ‘malady of woman’, or some other pompous innocuous name for whatever was really wrong with her.

“What would you call it then?”

She made a noncommittal noise and continued eating. After finishing, she let out a sigh. “Thank you for the cakes, Cregan.”

“I didn’t bring them— they were at your chamber door when I came back.”

She tilted her head. “They were just… there?”

“I didn’t even know you liked honey walnut cakes, Shera.”

She clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “I’ll be at the yard at noon. I need to get ready, if you please.” she said, the nicest way of putting it. Leave, brother. You’re annoying.

–

Dressed in a lighter garment than usual, she descended the steps carefully. A light blue tulle train flowed behind her, rippling and waving in the breeze like the white capped crests upon the Blackwater. It was different from her normal style of muted, monotone colors— mayhaps it was a way to uplift herself.

It was a lovely blue and green hue, embroidered with filigree patterns. The sleeves were long, accompanied by a sweeping circular decolletage, exposing her soft collarbone and the faintest swell of breast. She had felt so confident leaving her chambers— she even went with a shorter veil than usual, the lace falling just past her jaw.

Walking down the hall, Moongeist nosed her hand to his head, as if to remind her of something. She felt… exposed. A bit too much for her liking. Her fingers glided over her wolf’s soft fur… and she remembered, swiftly turning around to grab her fur stole from her room. “Thank you for reminding me, sweet boy,” she hummed, snuggling into the comforting, familiar fur.

Descending down to the training yard, she fanned herself with an errant hand. Even with less layers than usual and lighter colors, she was still broiling under the sun. Moongeist panted near her, tongue lolled out in silent agreement.

“A parasol might do you well, my lady,” a bored voice drawled. “Your pale complexion does you wonders, but I wonder if you still flay in the sun like as a child.”

“Aegon,” Shera recognized the lazy, tired voice of the eldest child of Alicent. He had been one of her companions back in the day, but also one of her greatest foes– before the incident of course. “I’m surprised to see you outside. I’ve heard you’re solely a creature of the dark now.”

“I am full of surprises, dear Shera,” he caught up to her, looping their arms together all too readily. He had a dopey smile on his face, but it didn’t match the pure exhaustion in his eyes. Dark bags fell under those violet orbs like a dreary storm. “I happen to be coming back from… such nightly activities.”

Moongeist let out a growl as he touched her, but Shera silenced him. She didn’t believe that she had any reason to fear Aegon and thought him almost as pathetic as she. “Very well.”

“I heard about… the dinner. I’m glad I slipped out when I did, I knew it’d be a shit show,” he was fiddling with his rings on his free arm, all while stringing her along to the training yard. “Curious how Aemond said you were a bashed up mess under that veil of yours, and yet– he is challenging your betrothed and your brother to a duel?”

“How do you know that?”

“I have my ways– eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Helaena told you, didn’t she?”

“... mm. Maybe– even so, I don’t think it’s wholly terrible under there, is it?” he peered at her, a single hand lifting her veil to peek underneath.

She promptly slapped his hand away and wrenched herself from his grasp, followed by Moongeist giving a warning snap to the air. “Don’t you have somewhere to be? Sleeping off your night, mayhaps?”

“Well– yes,” Aegon backed up, putting his hands in the air in surrender. “I just wanted to catch up. Is that so terrible?”

“Yes.”

He patted down imaginary dust from his doublet, twisting his rings again as they reached the landing to the training yard observation deck. He leaned his head to look out and survey it for a moment before a devilish smirk perked at his mouth once more. “You are going to wish that it was me talking to you soon enough, Shera. Have fun, zokla.” Wolf.

Shera watched him jaunt off with an air of confusion, turning to walk onto the rampart. She saw Jacaerys there already with Cregan, talking and laughing with… Rhaena and Baela. Daemon was there, too, stalking in the background.

Fuck.

She took a deep breath, glancing to the dirt grounds where Aemond was sparring with Criston.

Cregan’s voice echoed in her mind. They’re not your friends, not anymore. She pulled her stole closer to herself, walking forward. I don’t have any friends here. Except for Helaena, it seemed. Steeling her nerves, she made her way to the small congregation. “Brother, Jacaerys,” she greeted first, dipping her head. Cregan seemed jovial and in good spirits– he always was around Jacaerys and vice versa. “Lady Baela, Lady Rhaena.” she spoke then, trying to keep her quivering voice even. They hadn’t spoken since Baela had slashed her eye and attempted to kill her. Shera took in her appearance best she could– she had grown up, as they all had, but especially resembled her mother, Laena. Shera remembers seeing Laena’s portraits in Driftmark– and her statuesque coffin depiction before she was pushed into the sea.

“Shera,” Jacaerys grinned, taking her hand– which she did not offer him– and kissed it. So gallant, so princely. It made her want to vomit. “It’s a lovely day today, isn’t it?”

Yes, it’s a lovely day, stifling hot in the hells. “... it could do with a breeze, mayhaps. But yes, quite nice.” she responded coolly.

“‘Tis my turn to spar Aemond next– apparently he has been here since the crack of dawn with Criston. Do you think he’s getting exhausted yet, my lady?” Jace asked, guiding Shera to her seat and handing her a fan. At least he noticed that she was positively broiling.

She leaned and looked over the rampart to the skirmishing ring, where Aemond kept up his pace. “Since dawn, you say?” she asked, raising a brow as she fanned herself.

Aemond was using a shortsword, which seemed to be his weapon of choice against all others. Ser Criston was wielding a morningstar with spiked barbs around it. Her lone eye was entranced on the prince’s movements as he danced around his teacher, footwork impeccable as if he were simply floating across the dirt, whipping up hardly any dust in his wake. Shera wished she was a bit closer so she could see it better, but his movements didn’t seem to be exhausted in the slightest– he was like grebe skimming over the water, in his element.

Criston raised his morningstar, twirling it before making his advance to the prince, to which Aemond did not move. Move, Aemond. Move! What are you doing? Shera clenched her fist in her lap and leaned forward even farther to try and parse exactly what Aemond’s plan was– certainly not to face a morningstar head on with a simple shortsword? She held her breath as he was within bludgeoning range of the flail, the chains clinking as Criston didn’t waiver– it was like they were in a real fight. Was he about to kill Aemond?

She rose to her feet quickly, startled by what she thought was about to be a murder– only to watch Aemond roll deftly out of the way as the kingsguard’s weapon stuck into the dirt, lodged a few inches in by the heft of his lunge. This was a clear opportunity for Aemond, one he calculated so carefully. He stuck the tip of his shortsword through the links of the flail, keeping it pinned to the ground and hovered a dagger at Ser Cole’s neck with his other hand.

“I yield, my prince.” Criston huffed, bowing his head.

“Very good,” Aemond grinned– but it wasn’t a grin of joy, this seemed to be a recurring theme with Aemond– he smiled but it was nothing of mirth. It was simply a reflex, like a snake opening its jaws to stretch its fangs, one might think it was laughing. “Who’s next?”

Shera realized the kerfuffle she’d made, her hand white knuckled against her chest as she stared at Aemond in abject horror, still not getting past the fact that she had been deathly worried about Aemond– even after the horrible things he had said. If Ser Cole’s flail had met the prince’s head, she would’ve jumped the rampart with Moongeist and mauled that sordid Kingsguard without a second thought.

She blinked, letting out a breath. Where did that come from? She was usually so well versed in her moods, as tumultuous as they could be. But this rage had snuck up on her, her blood boiling slightly. She glanced to her side, Moongeist was up and raring to go, as if sharing her sentiment.

Aemond wiped sweat from his forehead, finally looking to the ramparts. Their eyes met once again and he smirked. Smirked. It wasn’t a reflexive, mirthless smirk either. It was taunting, pompous. “Lady Shera,” he drawled, dislodging his sword from the ground and twirled it with ease, like it was an attachment of his own body. “You are dressed… brightly today.” he walked to the edge of the ring, looking directly up at her.

Shera looked behind her for a moment– the rest of the party was occupied with talking with one another. She pressed her arms on the wall and leaned down. “I am. You are not.”

“When have I ever been?”

“You used to like green.”

“Hm,” he snorted, wiping some errant dirt from his face. “If I were in a tourney, would you cast down your favor to me?”

“I thought you didn’t care for tournaments, my prince.”

“I don’t.” he responded coolly, his eye trained on her so intensely. He was looking at something– did she have something on her face?

She realized quickly the air coming up from under her veil, the shorter one she wore today, and her angle. She was looking… down at him, and the veil stayed in place. He could see her face. He was looking at her, studying her like a book. Shera let out a soft sheepish noise, pushing back from the rampart and sitting back at her seat.

She heard him laugh as he walked away to stow his weapon on the rack and pick another. He was laughing at her– surely because he thought her ugly. Wilting into herself, she adjusted her veil so that she might not have any more mishaps.

“Jacaerys, I believe it’s your turn,” she murmured, fanning herself again, then fanning Moongeist.

“Ah, very good. Wish me luck, my lady.”

“Good luck, Jacaerys.” she hummed. I do wish you don’t get your brains splattered in the pit by Aemond. I am not getting up again.

Cregan clasped Jace on the shoulder with such ferocity he almost knocked the prince over, walking down to the pit with him. Shera rolled her eyes and leaned back in her seat.

“So, Lady Stark,” Baela hummed, pulling her seat up next to Shera. Uncomfortably close. “Cregan is your brother, yes?”

“Yes, my lady.” she responded, trying not to sound annoyed.

“Forgive me– you two don’t look much alike, so I was just making sure.”

You cannot even see my face, how do you know we do not look alike? The last time you saw my face, you mauled it. “Cregan takes after our father more than I. I am more like our mother– or so I’ve been told. I’ve not met her.” she fiddled with her fur stole to ease her growing irritation. Add mother issues to the list of things I have wrong with me. Shera’s mother died shortly after her birth– all she knew is that she had copper hair. Their father had put away portraits and any semblance of her existence after– and never remarried.

Baela carefully sidestepped the issue of Shera’s mother, keeping her pressed about Cregan. “My stepmother says that mayhaps after you and Jacaerys are wed, she will propose a betrothal between Cregan and I.”

Oh, of course. Let’s have Winterfell all but indebted to dragons. “I hadn’t heard. Have you been North, my lady?”

“No– but I imagine it cannot be any harsher than the roiling tides of Driftmark.”

Fuck you. “Having been both places– they are very different, Lady Baela,” Shera knew she was being short and not doing well in containing her agitation at this whole situation, being in proximity to her would-be murderer. “The North is harsher than any tide and is not the best climate for everyone. I do not think dragons fair well in the North,” she paused to breathe, her pace of speaking beginning to burn her throat. She was fueled by disconcertment and barely contained anger alone. “... that is what I have heard. Vermax loathes the snow.”

“Well,” Baela kept a smile on her face. “Cregan is handsome, don’t you think?”

“I cannot say, my lady. I don’t really see him in such a manner— I am not a Targaryen, after all.” Shera said back, finally regaining some control in her voice.

She heard Daemon laugh behind her. She fought the urge to turn around and sneer, focusing on the melee happening in the pit. It was well on its way and Jacaerys was… faring. She didn’t know how he was faring, but he wasn’t knocked out yet.

Aemond was circling him like a wolf upon prey– a totally different technique than what he had done with Criston. He had let Criston come to him, rather than facing him head on. It was almost sickly how he was playing with him before the slaughter. There was a dangerous glint in Aemond’s eye that only Shera seemed to catch– did he mean to kill Jace? She remembered a similar glint in his eye when he raised the rock to Jacaerys’ head in the tunnels under Driftmark–

Aemond surged forward and steel met steel, their swords clashing together. Jace had chosen a shortsword as well, parrying his opponent’s thrust– barely. He knocked the white-haired prince back slightly, catching his breath.

Once again, that sickly smile spread across Aemond’s face. “Tired already, Jacaerys? We’ve barely begun!” he continued his walk around his nephew, twirling his sword.

“Hardly, uncle. All you’ve done is dance around me. How about an actual fight, ey?” Jace quipped back.

Shera had to give him credit where it was due. Jace was brazen. Taunting an already unhinged Aemond and being mayhaps a bit stupid– but brazen nonetheless.

“A swordsman knows how to pick his fights and when to wait, doesn’t he?” Aemond’s eye flicked to the ramparts where Daemon was still looming. “Has your stepfather not taught you that?”

“You’re both talking a bit too much for my liking,” Cregan grunted, his hand itching on his own sword, which he had already unsheathed. It was the Stark’s ancestral weapon, a huge greatsword aptly called Ice. Cregan handled it with ease– Shera wouldn’t even be able to lift it. “Go on, Jacaerys.”

“Go on, Jacaerys,” Aemond taunted in a similar tone, his hackles raised. He looked slightly manic in the moment. “Let's see what your stepfather has taught you– if anything. I thought you were supposed to be strong.”

Jacaerys raged forward, spurred by his rising anger. Their swords clashed again with such force that sparks flew from the metal. Aemond thwarted him off, pushing him backwards into the dirt, shrugging his shoulders.

Despite being pushed down, Jace still got up, coming at Aemond again and again, each slash more sloppy than the last, but fueled with spite. His uncle continued to parry him, to push him, to sweep him aside with ease– it was a game to him.

“Keep your attacks focused, Jacaerys,” Cregan commanded. “He’s getting tired, I can see it.”

“I can go all day, Stark!” Aemond barked, his violet eye pierced solely on Cregan now as he thwarted Jacaerys’ heavy-handed blows without even looking at him. “Let’s make a wager, shall we? If your… pup here wins, I’ll personally pay for you and your troops to have a trip to the Silk Street– the best brothel. If I win– I get to take your sister for a ride on my dragon.”

Ah, fuck. Cregan’s hackles rose and he shoved off his fur cape. “Don’t talk about my sister, you beast,” the vein in Cregan’s neck throbbed and Shera knew it would come to blows between the Warden of the North and the One-Eyed prince. “You wouldn’t know a real fight if it hit you in the face.”

“Oh, please– now give me a moment so I can pummel your little pup into the ground and show your sister a real dra–” Aemond’s voice was cut off as Cregan punched him squarely in the face, right in his nose. Blood dripped from his nostrils and he then raised his sword to Cregan. “Fine.”

Their bodies tensed and Jacaerys saw the opportunity to walk away, thoroughly exhausted and not wanting to get in between the two of them.

They were about to clash swords once more in a very real manner and Shera stood up from her chair hastily, opening her mouth to say something– but she was cut off.

“Aemond!” an authoritative voice called from the rampart. It was Otto Hightower, hand of the King– and Aemond’s grandsire. “Forgo your petty spar and meet me in the Tower of the Hand. Promptly.”

The mania in Aemond’s eyes and aura faded, snuffing it out once more– just like his rage at the dinner. “Of course. Good fight, Jacaerys,” he nodded his head to his nephew, then looked to Cregan. “Stark.” he uttered before spitting blood onto the dirt, wiping his bleeding nose with the back of his hand. He didn’t even look at Shera as he ascended the steps and followed his grandsire.

“I notice you did not greet me, Lady Stark,” Daemon hummed as he loomed behind her. “Am I not worthy of your respect?”

“... you were quite far away, Prince Daemon. I simply cannot project my voice that far, forgive me.” she droned, blinking profusely at the turn of events.

“My nephew said he would’ve taken you on a ride upon his dragon– care to enlighten me what that might mean?” he continued, tapping ringed fingers on the stone barrier.

“I presume he would take me on a ride on Vhagar,” she muttered, edging away from Daemon. “He would find it hard to get me upon his beast, even if he won the bet.”

“I’m sure he would. Your brother has a temper when it comes to you, it seems?”

“All men have tempers when it comes to women in their lives, do they not?”

“That’s true.”

“I don’t imagine you would wish your daughter,” she cleared her throat, eyes looking to Baela, who was speaking to Jacaerys off to the side. “To be absconded to the North. Nor do I imagine you’re entirely pleased at the prospect of more Andal blood tainting your line.”

“An apt observation, wolf. Though, I am not sure the North is meant for northerners, either. Some people just do not belong anywhere, it seems.”

Fuck off, old man. “I wish you a good day, prince Daemon.” Shera whispered, bowing her head, careful of her veil placement. She could feel his gaze on her, leering at her, trying to figure out what was beneath.

“Cregan– I am going to lunch with Helaena,” Shera tried to call down, but her voice didn’t project. He was caught up talking very animatedly to Jacaerys and Baela– Rhaena was off to the side, not saying much.

Shera let out an errant puff of agitation and left the training yard. She stopped at her chambers before going to Helaena’s– she took off the errant piece of flowing fabric from her outfit and put it on the desk.

–

Aemond returned to his chambers hours later after being thoroughly chewed out by his grandsire for ‘behavior unbecoming of a prince’. Is this how it felt to be Aegon?

His nose ached and he was sure that northern beast had broken it. It mattered not, it will mend. Most things do in time.

He began to unlace his jerkin as he noticed a piece of cerulean fabric on his desk, pinned with a note.

My favor, for you.

There was no signature to whom had written it, only a crude drawing of a wolf. He rolled his eye, picking up the fabric. It was soft between his calloused fingers and smelled heavily of lavender and rosemary. It smelled of her– he could absorb it even with his broken nose.

A tiny smile perked at his lips for a moment. ‘Twas a real one.

#aemond fic #aemond x oc #aemond fanfiction #aemond targaryen #hotd aemond #house of the dragon aemond #prince aemond #aemond one eye #hotd fanfic #aemond fanfic #aemond fandom #my writing #banshees lament #aemond targaryen smut #aemond smut #hotd #house of the dragon #aemond x original female character #aemond x ofc

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emilykaldwen · 2 months

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Fic Recs!

I decided to grab a few fics that I was recently introduced to as well as fics I haven't seen get a lot of traction in the space. This is just a personal list that I wanted to share!

@corporalicent's Rhaenicent Fics at AO3 - Cata is a beast when it comes to writing this ship (as well as other fandoms!) and has some really creative AUs out there: I mean come on: Nun!Rhaenyra and Novice!Alicent? We're here for that!

@lullaebies GenderSwapped!Green Kids AU Protector of the Realm on AO3 - So Helaena is now the only *son* of Viserys and Alicent, and Aegon/Aemond/Daeron were born girls. How intriguing is that! They are on a break for right now but go give that fic a look! Not to mention they write Aegon III/Jaehaera content that I just think is chef's kiss.

@dragonsoftheeast Firebender!Targaryen/No Dragons Dance AU Fire Made Flesh on AO3 - Um Hi, Helaena being the one to lose the eye? Actual good political matches. Unparralelled usage of High Valyrian and Valyrian Culture world building???? Sign me the fuck up! Dote is an amazing crafter of such a unique and fantastic canon divergence and I am constantly surprised more people aren't squealing about this amazing story that packs in so many twists and turns and is truly so thoughtful.

@theothermaidoftarth writing some Baela/Daeron and is currently working on Nettles/Cregan check out Song for Evermore on AO3 - Rare Pairs are a precious thing in any fandom and my girl is killing it with some fascinating ideas and utterly fantastic characterizations. We love IC AUs!

@gwenllian-in-the-abbey is leading the Baela/Aegon ship with her solo fic All Kings Are Beautiful on AO3, an 'Aegon was named heir' AU, as well as her other co-written work - Gwen's work reads like a historical fiction novel and that's really my favorite kind of thing. I haven't been able to read everything she's done but man, the nuance! The stakes! the ideas! She brings what I love to call an Old School A Song of Ice and Fire fic vibe to HotD space and I mean this with the highest of praise.

@selfproclaimedunicorn is writing Sins of the Father on AO3 because what if Rhea and Daemon actually had some kids but things still went sideways? - HELLO! MISA? Misa's talent for burying her fingers into every character we see and pulling out all the bits and bobs that make them tick? Is just.. I want to write this well when I grow up. The way she has seamlessly altered canon to the point where I'll see gifsets of scenes and go 'Where are Yorick and Ella?'. Also she has an Alicent x OC fic, and I would lay my life down for Aldreda Farwynd, my tall seal mommy.

@mimikoflamemaker is writing Daemon centric OC fic the False Dragon on AO3 - I haven't been able to dive into this yet but have talked fic and plotting with Justine. Their passion for the source is palpable and her creative ideas deserve to reach more people! Vaerra and Elyas are fascinating OCs with intriguing connections that you do not want to miss!

@jotterjots / @bronzefuryfic is also writing a 'What if Daemon and Rhea had a daughter' AU, Bronze Fury both on tumblr and AO3 - JJ is a real one and I always enjoy her insights. I actually had NO IDEA! that she was writing fic but from what I've read, it looks fantastic!

@acrossthesestars is writing Haunt Me, an Aemond War Bride AU that has me by the throat on AO3 - It's not a list without mentioning this amazing fic that's almost to the finish line. Alex's command of conflict and characterization where characters are allowed to be imperfect is something more of us need to dive into! We love a byronic lead in Aemond where all his edges and issues are fully acknowledged, a wily and fantastic female lead in Wylla Karstark, and just an overall amazing AU where these characters are clawing for their happy ending.

@branwendaughterofllyr is writing a 'What if Vizzy and Daemon's youngest brother lives and has a daughter' AU, A poison Tree on AO3 - I haven't been able to dig into this yet but it's just such a fascinating and original concept to make this Dance make a little more sense, and bring more high stakes. She's a long time ASOIAF writer who is passionate about the source material and here to show you what this world can be. Do go check her work out!

#house of the dragon #hotd fanfic #hotd fic #fic rec #wanted to spread the love around and put my actions to my words here

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ladystarksneedle · 7 months

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Welcome to my blog! This is a list of all the moodboards, headcanons, drabbles and fics that I've created up till now. Hope you enjoy!

Fics and Drabbles

Zae's fics

Character Inventory:

Aegon

Helaena

Aemond

Criston

Alys

Nettles

Rhaenyra

Alicent

Laena

Series:

Secrets of the keep (Aemond x lady reader)

Virtue and Vice (Aemond x maid reader)

In the shadow of your heart (Aemond x niece reader)

A fall from grace (Aemond x Melissa Hightower) (ofc)

Oneshots/Drabbles:

Guts (Viserys Targaryen through the eyes of a lady at court)

Greedy (Daemon x Belinda Celtigar) (ofc)

Don't tease me (Helaena x Aegon)

Cherries and Wine (Aemond x fem reader)

Say yes to me (Aemond x fem reader)

Darkly, delicately (Aemond x Meynara of Norvos) (ofc)

Headcanons

Fruit posts

Aemond fluff imagine

The green family

Alicent and Criston

Quotes

Moodboards

Hotd colour wheel

Royal gifts ( Fits and accessories )

Dragon outfit series

Got house aesthetic

Houses as mythical creatures

Hotd characters as Greek gods

Hotd alt universe

Daemon and Aemond

Alys and Aemond

Miscellaneous

The greens as art

Dragons and their riders

Hightower core

Velaryon core

Targaryen Queen Aesthetic

Hotd characters and songs

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Last Updated: 27th April 2024

#zae's masterlist

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howyouloveyourdragon · 1 year

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Taglists & Series'

you can comment down below or sneak into my ask box to be added to any so long as you type out for which series you want to be added to

if your name is in italics and bold, that means i couldn't tag you, you will need to check your settings

hotd taglist

Only Fair (on hiatus) pairing: rhaenyra targaryen x reader alternate universe: a/b/o but can be interpreted differently summary: After exchanging letters for the past year, Rhaenyra takes her half-sister Y/n to bride but what do their divided families have to say about it? warnings: a/b/o themes, incest, smut, pregnancy, age-gap pronouns: she/her (afab) parts: 1, 2, 3, 4 /? taglist: evattude, missclove, arielj, thatkinkylesgirl1, alicentswhore, darkened-writer, lexiegogo, nylevea, wrendermedone

Jessie (Jace)'s Girl (on hiatus) pairing/s: Jacaerys Velaryon, Aemond Targaryen, Aegon Targaryen x reader alternate universe: modern band au summary: Aemond has only ever had his eye on one girl, however she just so happens to be his brother's best friend and dating their nephew warnings: minor violence, eventual smut (skippable) pronouns: (afab) parts: 1, 2, 3, 4, /? taglist: joliettes, f4ll-for-you, lavendermayonese, schniiipsel, minttea07, i-killed-ramsey, ghostheartbeat, wrendermedone, n4tforlife, introverbatim spinoffs: jace, aegon, aemond, helaena

Sugar Mommy Rhaenyra (Headcanons & One-Shots) pairing/s: Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader, Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader x Alicent Hightower (spinoff) alternate universe: modern au summary: Rhaenyra finds herself wanting something her husband can't supply, her eldest son has a friend in need of help and in her opinion – in need of spoiling warnings: smut (skippable) pronouns: they/them (afab) parts: 1, 2, 3 /? spinoffs: pearls taglist: chompchompluke, its-actually-minicika, harrenhalhottie, imarimon

The Prince and His Corpse Bride pairing/s: Jacaerys Velaryon x reader alternate universe: corpse bride 2005 summary: Jacaerys went to Winterfell for one reason and one reason only–the support of the only true friend he has ever had but now he needs to return regardless of his desires, and amongst his presence he must also bestow the ring of Valyrian steel so carefully curated for his betrothed. warnings: character death, minor gore, minor violence, angst, arranged marriages pronouns: she/her parts: 1, 2/? taglist: chompchompluke, its-actually-minicika, paranormal-fairy1984, ntlycnrgl, hopelesswritergall, cookielovesbook-akie, arraxesfire, madame-fear

In Vows of Old (pending) pairing/s: Jacaerys Velaryon x reader x Cregan Stark alternate universe: corpse bride 2005 summary: warnings: pronouns: she/her parts: 1, /? taglist: chompchompluke, its-actually-minicika, paranormal-fairy1984, ntlycnrgl, hopelesswritergall

Mastermind (on hiatus) pairing/s: Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader alternate universe: modern au summary: Rhaenyra, eldest child of Viserys Targaryen who is leader of one of the strongest businesses finds herself enraptured by a pretty reporter warnings: none pronouns: she/her (afab) parts: 1, /? taglist:

Heartbeat (on hiatus) pairing/s: Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader alternate universe: summary: The rumble in her heart feels wrong as she stares at the new dragonrider, something she has not felt since she met her husband. She needs to learn whether it is of wariness or besotting warnings: age gap, infidelity? (daemon has left with Nettles but technically not mentioned yet but they're still married so it depends on your definition of cheating and imagination), smut (skippable) pronouns: she/her parts: 1, /3 taglist: nylevea, evattude

Some Thread of Time (on hiatus) pairing/s: Aemond Targaryen x reader alternate universe: summary: warnings: pronouns:she/her parts: 1, 2 /3 taglist:

#series #taglists #fics #thea's fics

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ladysamhightower · 2 months

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Rhaenyra only finds Arrax's remains because Luke survived, but lost his memory and now has a very good business selling fish.

When Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone she finds Daemon getting ready, he comforts her and before leaving he tells her "Our son will be avenged, I promise you."

Jayne agrees to support Rhaenyra and in addition to her phrase from the book she says "fuck the greens"

Jacaerys and Cregan get along very well and since Jace grew up with Daemon he is open-minded, so, seal the deal of ice and fire under the weirwood with Cregan with lots of kisses and we have content +18 when they go to the wall.

Aegon is upset by the complaints about the bay's closure and blames his mother because she promised him that everyone knew he was the true king.

Mysaria, in revenge against Alicent for burning her house, joins Daemon to plan Blood and Cheese, the plan unlike the book is a comedy show with kidnapping, not a murder.

Helaena tries to flee with Jaehaerys, but falls and by mistake Jaehaerys's head is cut off by Blood's sword.

Jace defends Daemon for having avenged Luke and all the blacks on the council accept the son x son.

Rhaena secretly writes to the greens “eye for eye, son for son. xoxo gossip girl”

Aegon's drowns in alcohol as he blames Aemond and his mother for his son's death

Aemond feels no remorse and Otto and Alicent blame him for Jaehaerys' death.

Helaena is mentally unwell, but is forced by Otto and convinced by Alicent to go to the funeral. After the attack in Flea Bottom her mental health is worse, she attacks and blames Alicent for the death of her son and her mother locks her up. People start calling her the crazy queen.

Maelor does not exist, nor will he exist.

Rhaenyra goes to Harrenhal to confront Daemon for Blood and Cheese, when she asks him he only answers “yes, and?” Then they have sex and are still happy.

Rhaenyra doesn't stray from the council as long as she does in the book, but Jace still has great power and Rhaenyra considers all of his opinions.

Nettles does not exist and will not exist either. The plot of Daemon's “lover” was omitted and the plot of her appearance will go to Addam and Alyn.

Balea thinks Jacaerys looks strange and he confesses that he had sex in the north, but to not make her feel bad he says that Cregan is Sara Snow.

Aegon fires Otto, but did not want to appoint Criston and Alicent convinces him to do so.

The battle with Rhaenys does not have many changes from the book, it is the queen who never was and the red queen against everyone.

Baela had followed Rhaenys, but since Moondancer is small, she arrives when the battle is over so she can take Rhaenys's remains.

Aegon is completely burned, the people in KL see his return as a bad sign because the blacks still have dragons and the green king is now useless.

When Meleys' head is brought in, people attack Alicent when she is praying and accuse her of bringing disgrace to the capital because of her ambition.

Rhaenyra delivers food dressed as a septa in KL when Alicent goes to pray before her attack she thinks she is going crazy at the sight of a septa that looks like Rhaenyra.

After the attack Alicent dreams of her in the lake and Rhaenyra is in front of her on the other shore, there he decides to go see her secretly at Dragonstone

The Blackwoods show why they are the best house with Aly and Ben in psycho killer mode.

Alys is a witch waiting for the arrival of royal blood to have a child. She only annoys Daemon, but she is not against him because she took Harrenhal without killing people and warns him of Aemond's plan to take Harrenhal.

Corlys does not get angry at Rhaenyra for Rhaenys' death because his anger against the greens is greater.

Addam and Alyn are legitimized as Corlys' children and everyone is happy, new happy family.

Alicent tries to stop the war and visits Rhaenyra in Dragonstone, Alicent bows, they talk and Alicent apologizes for Luke's death hoping to receive an apology from Rhaenyra for Jaehaerys' death, but she only says "thank you, next" and leaves her free to return to KL

The season ends with Jace's plan to get his younger brothers to safety. Joff and Rhaena will go to the Vale while Aegon and Viserys will go to Essos. The last scene is of Rhaenyra and Jace watching the two ships go away and Tyraxes flying away.

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selkiewife · 2 months

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3, 9, 24?

Thanks @thistle-and-thorn !

3. A character that fandom has helped you appreciate.

asoiaf: Hmmm I think Lancel Lannister and Aeron Greyjoy. It’s not that I didn’t appreciate them before but reading others’ ideas about them really made me appreciate them more. The comparisons to Theon also didn’t hurt. Black Sails: Eleanor Guthrie and John Silver. This is the same kind of situation where I actually appreciated them alot before but fandom metas and insights and ideas seriously deepened my appreciation and understanding of them. Excited for my rewatch!

9. A Ship that isn't your OTP but that you enjoy.

Ahhhh… this is hard. I have so many favorite ships (which is what I'm interpreting OTP as in this question because I am such a multishipper.) So now I’m trying to figure out the levels of my favorite ships (I’m overthinking already and these responses were supposed to be quick and dirty so this is definitely not including everything but the ones I enjoy but aren't like my favorite ships for life: asoiaf/got: Sanrion (Sansa x Tyrion), Lansa (Sansa x Lancel), Braime, Sansaery, and Catelyn x Ser Rodrik (does anyone else ship this but me though?- since it's so obscure it might have to be one of my favorites I don't know) Harlots: Marnwells (Charlotte Wells x Daniel Marney), Northwells (Margaret Wells x William North) Black Sails: Vane x Jack x Anne HOTD & Fire and Blood: My OTPs are mostly the w/w ships of both fandoms. But I also enjoy for HOTD: Daemyra, Rhaewin, Alicole, Daemon x Laenor (Daenor?), Helaemond, Jace x Baela, Jace x Helaena and Rhaenys x Corlys and for Fire and Blood: Dettles, Nettles x Addam, Jace x Sara Snow, Baela x Alyn, Baela x Dalton Greyjoy, and Alysanne x Alaric. (Basically I am a walking ship war and that's not even getting into my faves.)

24. How has fandom positively impacted your life?

It has given me a space to create and imagine and heal when I was isolated and really messed up. It has been very therapeutic and also a source of great inspiration to me. It brought be back to writing after I had given it up. Theon specifically helped me in more ways than I can explain right now.

#love your fandom asks

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horizon-verizon · 1 year

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Sorry if this was asked before. Are there good analysis if the last scene where Nettles departs?

I usually read it as a reflection of Daemon's grief from losing his lover. Like Dreamfyre cried from losing Halaena.

I wonder who thnks otherwise?

I don't think Nettles was his lover. Some say she was his bio daughter, but most who are against the NettlesxDaemon ship say that she was his surrogate daughter.

HERE is a list that darklinaforever compiled for what Daemon x Nettles doesn't exist, and you can scroll down to where it says "Cry of Caraxes" or something along this lines. It is a list of different bloggers giving thor reasons as well as darklinaforever's own.

A quick answer to the question: Why would it have to be romantic that Daemon/Caraxes felt obliterated at Nettles leaving? It could still be platonic, bc a father-daughter relationship would yield similar results.

Also, you know the example you gave with Dreamfyre is different from the Daemon/Caraxes- Nettles event, right? They can't be compared to reveal anything about D/C-N, bc Dreamfyre independently mourns Helaena, her rider.

While Caraxes--one theory goes and which I know you refer to--is feeling Daemon's emotions for another human who is not his rider. Daemon's feelings and loss would not be Caraxes', while Dreamfyre's are her own.

#nettles and daemon #nettles #asoiaf asks to me #fire and blood characters #caraxes #daemon and caraxes #daemon targaryen #dragonriders #asoiaf dragons #asoiaf #fire and blood

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thewitchqueenofharrenhal · 1 year

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You know at this point I am tired of helaemond ship and their stans. 2 things really irritate me. 1 is how fast people jump into conclusion that they are lovers by young Aemond's words, children hair and Helaena touching his arm during coronation and 2 how much hate Alys and alysmond shippers receive because how can one ship alysmond when Alys bewitched him after Aemond killed her family, took her as war price and r***d her? Like it is established that books are not truest truth source, many things were changed from both team Black and Green. In addition to this, if some people have read history books they would have known how men liked to write history and portray women who weren't just obedient good wifes as witches. Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Boleyn, even Hurrem sultan. Man cannot fall in love, it's always woman who puts a spell on him/seduces him so from strong king/prince he is a victim of abuse. As a history student Fire and Blood as book was really great example of how all women (doesn't matter whether highborn or bastards) are 1 dimensional. It's always woman who provokes war (Trojan war) even though it's a guy who kidnapped her, but no, put all the blame on her and her manipulations 🤦🏻‍♀️ and Alys as character was described by 3 men who never even saw her and I am supposed to believe Aemond after killing Luke became Aegon 2.0 by mistreating Alys? And what helaemond stans do? Portray Aemond as r***st and Alys as evil woman who mercilessly sends him to die when Evan himself said Aemond somehow gained the knowledge of his death when he lost his eye and gained Vhagar because he recalled conversation about Cyclops. So basically whole theory of bewitched Aemond, naive and stupid, sent by 2 older manipulative and evil Alys to die is impossible because Aemond will most likely sacrifice himself. Even in books it was said Aemond from the beginning believed that once Daemon is defeated, all allies would leave Rhaenyra's side. So no, Alys won't have to trick him into fighting Daemon, he will want to do it even before meeting her. It's just so ironic to me that most helaemond shippers also ship Daemyra and they want to drag Aemond to Daemon level, make him a monster and r***st and then turn around and say how Aemond love for Helaena is tragic 😂 also they talk badly about Nettles, because Daemon leaves Rhaenyra for black and bastard girl and then does 1 good thing: tells Nettles to escape and not participate in war anymore. I can't wait for Alys and Nettles to appear

Don’t be mad at me but I lowkey held a candle for the Helaemond ship when I saw Phia and Ewan’s respective portrayals 😭 in my defense it’s something about the Aemon and Naerys of it all! With that being said - If the show decides to go that way purely to garner shock over the atrocity that is Blood & Cheese I will be very disappointed. There is absolutely no evidence that those children are Aemond’s and it would be a real narrative disappointment to make it so for shock value.

The arguments thrown at Alys x Aemond shippers are really absurd and I think it boils down to the hate of it not being the gross stereotypical incest ships you tend to get in ASOIAF. We have some statements claiming Alys bewitched Aemond but they all seem to stem from the same misogyny thrown at characters like Shiera Seastar and Visenya Targaryen or even Nettles herself. We have no real canonical evidence on how Alys would have felt about her family especially considering she was a bastard and seemed to be in service of the Strong Family not an official member of it. Don’t get me started on the consent arguments they tend to flip flop between Alys being a “old creepy hag” one day and Aemond’s victim the next.

Fire & Blood is a unreliable book to follow but I think most points we are provided by it show a romantic slant to Alys and Aemond. Daemyra is the most cursed ship we have to endure especially because Fire & Blood makes it the most unromantic of all - they have no room to criticize lol! Nettles never did anything wrong in her entire life besides be perfect and anyone who slanders her can respectfully block me. I am not thrilled nor excited to even imagine the vitriol Nettles and who ever is cast to play her will have to endure.

I want the three horsemen of the apocalypse lol - Nettles, Alys Rivers and Sara Snow. (even though Sara is undoubtedly fake).

#anon #Alys x aemond #I guess anti Helaena x Aemond not really thoughhhhh. anon seems annoyed at them though so I feel you

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ellrond · 10 months

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sansa x daenerys

rhaenyra x daemon

helaena x jace

elrond x lindir

thranduil x celeborn

galadriel x melian

margaery x sansa

elrond x glorfindel

alicent x criston

helaemond.

im literally kissing ur neck rn UGH

sansa x dany - no, not a fan. show!dany is so fucking hetero and i dont think their personalities are compatible at all. more chemistry than dany/jon but the bar is in hell for that so

rhaenyra x daemon - ehhhh. i can take them or leave them. i would have preferred to see more with rhaenyra and harwin ngl. cant wait to see them fall apart tbf, im gonna be a nettles stan for the mere fact she helps them fall apart LOL

helaena x jace - honestly i think they could have been happy together because helaena is sweet and jace is kind :( but im not invested enough to engage in fan content of them. take them or leave them type vibe

elrond x lindir - only virgins and tween girls ship them

thranduil x celeborn - you mean SILVER SPRING?? you mean my 2014 fixation??? my young doriath lovers who grew up as companions and loved each other in the beginning of the world, in the days before the darkness!!! who loved each other so much!! but when galadriel came to doriath, no force could prevent celeborn from going to her side!! no force was stronger than his love for her!!! and thranduil was no longer alone in celeborn's heart!!!! ugh young lovers turned strangers turned friends once more and UGH its complicated and UGH i love them SO MUCH

galadriel x melian - love the fucked up power dynamic sooooo bad. i love teacher/student dynamics so much i know they trib so hard

margaery x sansa - sweet young loves!!!! tender homoerotic friendship that could turn into something more!! that sometimes crosses the line but neither is brave enough to take further!!! they deserved more time together to find sanctuary in each other

elrond x glorfindel - stupid as fuck. whats the point whats the actual point lol

alicent x criston - anything other than unrequited love on chrissy's part is stupid imo. that woman is a lesbian

helaemond - ppl who listen to lana del rey like them. im acc obsessed with them and i cant even focus on work rn. i need them

#labhandar #ask #THANK UUUU

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endless-ineffabilities · 1 year

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How do you feel about Aemond x Daemon? I personally love them as a ship and since Ewan's fave character is Daemon if I'm not mistaken my heart sings every time<3 (SPOILER TERRITORY!)

I think their duel will be absolutely heartbreaking and epic at the same time (that is if the writers don't butcher it..) both because I love these characters and because I love their actors! Ewan and Matt have some cute and wholesome bts interactions from what I've seen and it makes me so happy because I've been a Doctor Who fan ever since it came out and I'd watched World on Fire before HotD was even announced. I just. I never expected such an incredible cast to come together for HotD yknow? So I'm very excited but also kinda scared.. but mostly excited! Daemon x Aemond is my OTP you could say (it's been so long since I've used that term I feel old) but a close second is HelAemond (platonic, romantic, familial, all of the loves!!!) So I hope that in the show they make a point to show us that Helaena and Aemond died on the same day, regardless of whether they had romantic feelings for one another.

As for Alys, I'm mostly indifferent toward her but I hope that they treat her and her story well! I look nothing like her (I'd look like Laena or maybe Rhaena maybe if I had white locs lol) so I can't relate to the sentiment of us all being Alys lol but I'm glad you guys can! I'm also excited for Nettles! I like to think she's Daemon's bastard or someone he thinks of as his adopted child maybe (while fully ignoring the claims that they had illicit relations lol)

Is there another character or story arc you're excited about? And I'm sure you've answered sth similar before but I can't remember- would you prefer a more manipulative Alys? I think I would bc homegirl is probably too old to play wit her heart on her sleeve but I'd like to see her and Aemond actually develop genuine feelings for one another! Which actually reminds me of another point (so sorry for this massive ask btw 😭) being what will Borros Baratheon do? Will he allow one of his daughters to marry Aemond? If so, who and would Aemond really keep a mistress in Alys? How ironic that he may or may not have fathered a bastard with Alys when he detests his nephews (even before Luke took his eye) but anyway that's enough of my ramblings 🙅🏿‍♀️ I just got carried away cuz you seem like a really pleasant person and your stories are beautiful haha bye🏃🏿‍♀️

Ps take care of yourself!

Lovely long message there! 🥺 I'll structure my answer in bullet points so I can make sure I cover everything:

Personally, I can't view Aemond and Daemon together, as a ship. Nothing from season one (or the book) has given me reason to view them as one. Aemond is clearly intrigued by Daemon's relentlessness, and if there were anyone he would want to emulate, it may be Daemon? As Ewan said, they both stand to inherit nothing, and who have to carve their own way out in the world. But anything romantic? Nope. 1000% especially not after what Aemond caused. I love them as rivals, cause they're quite similar in fire that their fight would just be frickin amazing.

I'm on the same boat with you about Helaemond. There's just something so beautifully tragic and yet soft at the same time when it comes to those two. I know I'm reaching but if Alys does manipulate Aemond, and it turns out he was in love with Helaena all along? And they die on the same day?? (You're so right, they need to make a point of this in the show) *buckets of tears incoming*

They truly did an amazing job with the cast. I know they don't all look book-accurate but the performances are so good that it's really not a big deal. Plus, it's so nice that you can see yourself in characters like Laena or Rhaena. And about Nettles? (I'm still not in that part of the book, so I don't know about her and Daemon) But then again, if he does cheat on Rhaenyra with her, it's really just the word of an Archmaester or Mushroom or whoever, so it's all up for interpretation. It kinda frustrates me that the book is written that way, cause I just want to know what actually happened, y'know? I want to know the true motivations and thoughts of the characters - not the perspective of a bunch of men 😂 ughhhh

I still don't know what to feel about Aemond and Alys. One thing that does give me the ick is that he was taken advantage of by an older woman when he was a child (13 yrs old!), and this may have distorted his romantic/sexual perceptions. I believe there was something said about Aemond preferring older women, and I hope this did not stem from childhood trauma. If he is actually, purely, interested in Alys, then that's fine. But you're right, she is meant to be 40-ish, while he's 19/20, so that's another issue. (But then again - Daemyra 🙃) But at least, far as we know, Rhae was not taken advantage of by Daemon (she was 18, in ep 4, which is still painfully young) but she seemed to have engaged with him willingly (and Daemon was the one to pull back and stop) But then again, age gaps are treated very lightly in this series - ANYWAY - no matter what, I hope the whole Alys/Aemond thing is portrayed well.

I think that whole Baratheon betrothal is done for. Plus, the poor girl watched Aemond chase a child with a knife 😂 minus points hahaha

I hope I answered everything? It's been so nice to read your insights, and though my closest pals would describe me as more Daemon-like than pleasant, thanks for calling me the latter 😉🖤

#answered #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #daemon targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen

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ride-thedragon · 1 year

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At this point I think as a fandom, we've lost some of the crackship charm we once had. I can look up Ashara Dayne and Ser Davos and find results, But Nettles and Helaena have nothing. It's time to rectify that for my favourite girl and try to inspire some fanfics. Feel free to add more.

1. Daeron and Nettles

Think Enemies to Lovers, Captive of War drama like Jaime and Brienne or just some good old Gwen and Arthur-inspired love. Ivy by Taylor Swift coded, a She's all that inspired affair. I genuinely think that he's just trying to be there for her with this one. It happens and neither of them realise until You're in Love starts playing.

2. Baela and Nettles.

They would give the pot calling the kettle black in every argument. The Princess Bride-esque dynamic between them. Very Graham and Megan from but I'm a Cheerleader. Sapphic Pinning and Resentment should be its own genre. Sir Chloe's Michelle is my vision. We can even make a throuple with them and Jace or Alyn. Truly, I think they but heads until they kiss, building on resentment. I also think they would be the coolest couple.

3. Addam and Nettles

Kaz and Inej core.

But in all seriousness, I think Addam being loyal and Duty bound and Nettles challenging that idea is delicious. Solider of Duty x Solider for the People. A modern-day Persuasion story but gender-flipped if we put our minds to it. See you Again Kali Uchis and Tyler the Creator, that's all.

4. Nettles and Helaena

They just deserve better. That's all. Give me cottagecore sapphic romance with my best girls involves. Like the young lesbians from Barbie and the Diamond Castle. Lesbians raising kids together. Sheepstealer and Dreamfyre hatching eggs for the nieces and nephews. I just-

It would be so cool, I will by Mitski sentiment is already attached.

5. Alyn and Nettles

Now that we are here obviously she apologized for Sheepstealer, she doesn't need to but she did, He tries not to like her but can't help it. She wins him over and they hatch him an egg or something idk. Think The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement, Mia and Nicholas, Flipped the movie if you will. Jealously plots would slay. For the song choice think Shameless Camila Cabello. Please remember that Alyn is younger than Netty by 3/4 years though.

6. Rhaena and Nettles

See now this is classic Friends to Lovers, Emma and Harriet if gay, perhaps, Bend it Like Beckham core definitely. Sofia by Clario inspired. Nettles doesn't leave Rhaena out because she's without a dragon and the same happens inverse. Sapphic confusion however, like Rhaena doesn't understand at first why she feels that way.

7. Nettles and Jace.

Now for the Mr Knightley and Emma Woodhouse of our time, the Kate and Anthony of Westeros. The potential for her just not listening to him when he tries to tell her how to ride a dragon. Or when she talks to him about the people he'll rule over eventually, Ygritte and Jon style. She's also the only bastard who doesn't look Targaryen, he can relate to that a bit. I think she's Fierce and he's Stubborn. Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle for them.

8. Nettles and Alys.

The Fire Witches of Westeros. I think they will be perfect as a ship. American Horror Story-esque characters. The two Witches in the story are obviously my favourites. It would be Jennifer's Body meets, the craft meets, and Suspiria. Willow by Taylor Swift becomes them.

This one was also a bonus more or less.

Anyways I just need to start to get a baseline story for my girl by the time the show gives her to us. So we have a general sense of direction, I'm tired of the mischaracterization of my baby. She's smart, resourceful, Cunning, Fearless, and not entirely loyal. She also curses, enough for it to be a character trait. Please remember this for her, I'm tired. I also know that Daemon loved her but she's too much fun as a character to limit her to him romantically in all her fanfictions, it is an interesting narrative to explore while we don't have exact answers but he gets romantic ships with anyone. She deserves more.

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huramuna · 6 months

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the calico bastard - chapter 4.

aemond targaryen x strong bastard oc (series) previous part | next part

summary: After his takeover of Harrenhal, Aemond encounters a dreamy-eyed, wistful bastard of House Strong, who piques his interest and changes the course of Westerosi history.

warnings: smut (eventually), angst, canon typical violence, canon typical misogyny, depictions & descriptions of death

wordcount: 1.7k

a/n: this is a bit of a shorter chapter, but it gives an insight into what is going through our favorite kinslayer's head, and sets up events for further chapters. peep the music change for this chapter 🤭

art by me of alysanne • an edit by me of alysanne as a child • aesthetic board

decode - paramore • lonely day - system of a down

How did it come to this? How did Aemond go from being Prince regent of the Seven Kingdoms— the crown of Aegon the Conqueror upon his head, sitting on the Iron throne— to holding onto an unconscious Strong bastard girl?

He looked down at her, pale and small in his arms. He could see her eyes fluttering behind her lids, obviously seeing something.

Aemond knew from the first sentence out of her mouth that she wasn’t normal— not even a little bit. She reminded him of Helaena, and even moreso, mayhaps one of Helaena’s bug companions, like a moth or mantis— so odd, and perhaps bad omens in their own right.

He shook his head, why in the Seven’s name was he thinking about Helaena’s bugs? Why was he holding this bastard?

This isn’t who he is— he isn’t gentle, he shouldn’t care if she fell unconscious and cracked her head open— he shouldn’t even care if she stung herself on nettle in the first place.

“Fucking hell,” he breathed, feeling a creeping ache in his eyesocket. The sapphire was heavy, pressing against his skull.

He never considered himself a vain man— he could care less about the leathers he wore, about how proper he looked to others. No, he only cared about what he could evoke in other people when they saw him.

As a child, mayhaps he wished to evoke promise, pride— studying in history and practicing Valyrian to which he excelled all of his siblings in. He wished for his father to notice, to note on his progress, how he surpassed all of the other children in literature, the ability to hold full conversations in High Valyrian with near perfect grammar and cadence, as well as studious penmanship.

As a young man— or whoever he became after he lost his eye, the emotion he wished to evoke in people was fear. Fear, reverence, superiority. He wanted them all to bow before him, kiss his boot and sing him praise as if he was the second coming of Visenya herself. He studied the blade, becoming twice the swordsman most men ever were with only one eye.

But evoking emotion in presence alone is a rare feat— so mayhaps a reminder of Lucerys Strong’s folly against him would serve as a good reminder. The sapphire was such a reminder.

It reminded not only everyone around him, but himself as well— the incessant pain it caused him was a constant prompt of what he’s lost.

But then he looks to Vhagar— what he’s gained.

He can live with a little pain, no matter how much it ached and drove him half mad.

Aemond looked down at the bastard girl, focusing on the small expressions she made, the tiny noises emitting from her as she dreamed. Helaena’s dreams were never so… obvious. They were usually small outbursts or cryptic mutterings.

But this girl, she seemed to fully delve into whatever she was seeing— and it’s happened twice now with Aemond.

Her mutterings softened and her eyes cracked open. He stared down at her, looking into those eyes. They were easy to get lost in— especially her violet eye, it felt much like a mirror…

He caught himself drifting slightly, clearing his throat, “What did you see?” he asked then, his voice soft. Gods, why did he sound so pathetic?

“Kinslayer.” she murmured.

His posture stiffened— but he didn’t let go of her. If anything, he held her a bit tighter. His throat felt tight, his chest squeezing his heart. “Y-you,” his voice cracked slightly, to which he gave himself a moment to gather his wits— damn this bastard for disarming him so easily— “You saw that.”

She nodded slowly, her eyes looking everywhere but into his.

Look at me, look at me, you fucking bastard— he felt the same rage begin to bubble up in his sternum as he did at Storm’s End— the same fire and flame that he wished to collect a debt with—

But then she looked at him. In his eye. She truly looked at him, as if she could see every fiber of his being, every stitch and crosshatch in him that was wrong, and the loops and threads that were right.

He felt her exhale, her hands shaking slightly— he didn’t realize he was shaking as well— one of those small hands reached upward to him, her lips parted ever so slightly—

Her palm rested on his cheek, the scarred one. She was warm, she was soft where he was sharp, he was all angles and hard lines— she was silken and gentle. Gods, when was the last time someone had touched him? Touched him out of their own volition?

And it was over too soon. She retracted her hand, looking away. Her expression was that of embarrassment and exhaustion, her usually pale cheeks peaked with a rosy shade of blush.

He felt himself chasing that feeling. It felt similar to flying upon Vhagar, elation and joy.

And fear. He was fucking scared— scared of the emotion he felt in that moment. A girl— a Strong bastard girl no less— broke down all the barriers he put up since that night in Driftmark in an instant.

He wanted to run. He wanted to drop her and run, climb atop Vhagar and burn something, anything. Anything to feel like he had control of himself and his surroundings. He was a dragon, was he not? And she just a bird— a stupid bastard bird with captivating eyes and soft skin and—

Fuck, fuck, fuck. He shook his head and placed her gently on the ground, then removed himself from her proximity immediately. One, two, three paces backwards.

He clenched his fist, the throbbing of his damaged nerves in his eye socket returning— this time with a vengeance. He cursed under his breath, “I trust you will be able to return to the keep yourself?” he asked then, looking for an out from the situation.

She fisted her skirt anxiously, “Mm… hm…” she murmured with hesitation, “Where’s… Banshee?”

He scanned the treeline, seeing the gray beast hoofing the ground, mimicking his rider’s anxiety. How curious a bond they had.

Aemond took a deep breath, “He’s just over here— how do you… lure him over?” he asked awkwardly. He rode the largest dragon in the world, and yet was hesitant about her monstrous horse.

“I… I can— don’t worry yourself with me, please,” she mumbled. She clicked her tongue loudly; once, twice, thrice.

The gelding bobbed his giant head and began meandering over, eyeing Aemond, his nostrils flared. Slowly, Alysanne got to her feet. She stuffed the remains of the now slightly squashed chamomile flowers into her pockets and began her ungrateful ascent atop the beast. Her mismatched eyes flitted around nervously before landing on Aemond’s— his breath hitched as they made eye contact once more.

“Thank you, my prince,” she said softly, leaning forward on Banshee’s back, her arms wrapped around the horse’s thick neck. Her head was tilted slightly and the color was returning to her face.

Aemond nodded slowly, his throat feeling dry. He was the first one to break eye contact this time, glancing off into the distance, “Think nothing of it. I simply was doing my duty to help a lady.”

This earned a half chuckle from her, he heard. He could see the corners of her mouth perked into a small smile— a smile? He resisted the urge to look, lest he fall deeper into the pit of whatever he was feeling right now. But Gods, he wished to look.

“I am no lady, dear dragon,” she hummed, “but it is interesting that you see me as such. Mayhaps I could get used to being called a lady— if only maybe by you.”

His jaw twitched— what the hells did that mean? He was coming to the conclusion that maybe she didn’t even know what she was saying herself, so how was he supposed to make sense of it? Gods, how could he let himself be so soft for a maddened woman?

“Hm,” he muttered, “Take care of yourself, little bird.”

He took her silence as an out to finally walk away— he didn’t wish to hear what else she had to say, if anything at all. Every word from her mouth sent him on a deeper spiral into a madness just like hers.

The prince ran his hand along Vhagar’s scales as he approached her, earning a low rumbling purr. He climbed back atop her, “Sōvegon, Vhagar.” Fly, Vhagar.

He kept his gaze forward, not even daring to see what happened to the bastard on her horse. His fists clenched and unclenched on the reins— what the fuck were the use of these anyway? It wasn’t as if Vhagar could feel them being tugged on— she did what she liked. Storm’s End was proof enough of that.

Once they were at a high elevation and coasting above the clouds, he let go of the ropes. His hands went down to his waist and legs where he was strapped into the saddle. Thinking back to the bastard girl on her horse; no saddle, no reins, just pure instinct and bond. If she could do it, why couldn’t he?

It was a novel thought— and mayhaps a stupid one. If he fell to his death off of his dragon and splattered into a dozen pieces, his brother’s war would likely be lost without a rider upon Vhagar. He would be remembered as the One-Eyed Targaryen who idiotically rode his war dragon without being properly saddled.

Fuck that— his legacy was already tarnished, having his eye gouged out by a bastard boy playing heir to Driftmark, then subsequently killing said bastard. He was accursed, a Kinslayer, a one-eyed prince.

He unlooped the straps from his legs and waist, pulling them away from his body until he was free of them. Free of expectation, free of safety and concern for what the maesters would write in the histories about him.

He let go of the reins, giving no command to Vhagar. Instead, he tried to emulate the bastard girl’s posture— it was almost lazy wasn’t it? Like a leisurely cat, draped upon the neck of her steed. He leaned forward, his hands touching the weathered skin of Vhagar’s shoulders. Aemond could feel the power, the pure destruction laced within her very being.

It sang to him like a siren’s song; Dracarys, Dracarys, Dracarys–

And so he spewed dragon’s fire– raining down upon the Riverlands like the second coming of Visenya in Dorne.

Burn.

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