Chapter 22: Act II - Aerion I

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

114 AC, Eleventh Moon

Runestone

Aerion was out in the inner courtyard of Runestone, putting in some hours of training for when he was eventually called out to the Stepstones, which given the reports from Lord Corlys, was to be very soon.

Daemon arrived shortly after the siege had taken place seven moons ago with his new wife, Lady Laena, he had them make their home in the guests' apartments.

When he was not training, Aerion was out on dragonback with Daemon or in his solar looking over the reports from his mercenary company, they had been recently contracted by Braavos, who were suffering issues with the triarchy, their numbers had grown from the five hundred mercenaries under the command of Roach and Roland to nearly two thousand, consisting of landless knights and  sons of high lords looking for glory and honour, and who would overwise never recieve land of their own, being so far down into the line of succession.

Aerion removed his shirt, sweat pouring from him as he was on the brink of collapsing, but he refused to quit, pushing himself to the absolute limit to be sure he was the best he could possibly be.

He needed to be better, his previous duels with Daemon had shown that he had weaknesses that could kill him in the heat of battle. After a short while, he had a small crowd gathered around him, made up of guards and servants alike as he slashed at the training dummy.

"Aerion!" Laena called out to him, walking out from the keep, she had been a welcomed sight at Runestone, despite being married to his father, Aerion could not help but feel an attraction towards her, the distinct deep purple eyes were a remarkable feature.

"Lady Laena, I hope you have slept well." Aerion smiled, clasping his hands on the pommel of his blade as he digs it into the dirt.

"I did, thank you." her smile was enough to make anyone blush "I was wondering if you have seen Daemon?" she asked him

Aerion looked around for the first time since his training had begun, taking a deep breath and sharing a glare towards the guards before they returned to their posts.

"He went out for a ride, I hear, journeyed east with Caraxes." he responded, walking over to the weapons rack that had both swords and axes held to it, along with his sweat-ridden shirt, which he picked up and ran over his face.

"Well, that is a shame, I had hoped to break my fast with him." Laena said.

"Knowing my father, he may not return until tonight, is everything alright between the both of you?" Aerion asked, leaning against the training dummy as he looked at her.

She walked down the steps and closed the gap between them "I have just noticed he has been rather distant, I fear I may have upset him somehow."

"He is probably getting sick of the Vale, my lady." Aerion calmed her "I would not blame yourself, he finds this part of the country to be filled with nothing but sheep and shit." he smirked.

"I do hope you have felt at home here." Aerion continued "You and Vhagar have been a welcomed sight."

"Everyone has treated me well, especially you." she smirked "I know it must have been difficult for you to have me here, given the circumstances between Daemon and your mother." she had a slight look of sadness as the words left her mouth.

"I have nothing against you, Laena." Aerion assured her "We are family, and from what I have seen these past months, he has been treating you far better than he did my mother, their union was one that was just never meant to be."

"That is lovely for you to say, Aerion, I am sure your mother would be proud of the man you are becoming." she smiled softly.

"I will keep him from dishonouring you, my lady, he will not treat you the same way." Aerion said.

She set back up into the Keep, and Aerion kept his eyes on her until the great doors closed, biting his bottom lip with a smirk on his face, then looking down at Goldfyre.

He scanned the courtyard, grinning as he spotted two boys watching him from behind a water barrel at the far end of the courtyard, near to the kennels.

"Come on out then, you two, since you are eager to watch me train." he gestured towards them, and the twins peered out from behind the barrel and ran up to him.

"Sorry, Lord…" one of them said.

"We didn't mean to offend.." the other pointed out.

He knelt down to the two of them.

"Now, let me take a guess at which of you is who.." he rubbed his chin "Robar.." he said, pointing to the kid on the left "And..Henry." he pointed out to the one on the right.

They each shook their heads, and Aerion faked being surprised.

"I'm Henry…that is Robar." the boy to his left said, and they each giggled.

"Ah well…It was close enough." Aerion smirked "Have you each done your tasks for the day?"

They nodded excitingly.

"Well then, I think it is time to show me what Ser Willam has been teaching you both, don't you think?" He rose back up, and walked back over to the rack, grabbing two wooden swords, throwing it in their direction "Two future Knights of the Vale stand before me."

Henry managed to catch the sword with both hands, however Robar moved out of the way, making it drop onto the floor.

"You..you want us to hit each other, Lord?" Robar said, picking up the sword.

"Have you not done this before?" he asked, and they each shook their heads "Well, you will be now, it is an important lesson which will reveal both your weaknesses and strengths, no matter how young you are, now swords up."

They each raised their swords and Henry seemed to be on the right path, gripping the sword tightly with both hands, while Robar appeared to only have a weak grip, as the sword pushed back and forth from the gust of wind.

Aerion made his way over to him, kneeling down and placing both hands over Robar's, pushing them tightly against the wooden hilt "Hold it tightly, or it will fall from your hands easily, Look at how your brother handles it."

"Sorry." the boy replied.

"Never Apologise, there is nothing wrong with asking for help or making mistakes at your young age." Aerion explained "What will make you a great warrior is learning from said mistakes.."

Teaching them reminded him of a time when both he and Willam were at their age and it was Rodrik teaching them, he rose from the ground and took a few steps back, giving the boys space to attack each.

"Now, I do not want you to hurt each other, only light hits to begin with, now." he gestured for them both to start with the flick of his wrist.

Aerion crossed his arms as the boys struck at each other, he saw a few weaknesses that could be exploited but Willam had taught them well from what he saw.

The boys made sure not to hit each other hard, and only landed soft blows "Robar, lift that sword up, you must rely on your sword to both block and attack, you do not have a shield in this scenario."

"Enjoying yourself, are we?" he turned his head to the stairs where the voice came from, and Willam smiled at him.

"Very much so." Aerion chuckled.

"Put this on, you're distracting our servants." he stepped closer, throwing a white tunic across to him, and Aerion lifted it over his head, put it on, and then folded his arms back up "How are they?"

"They are good, you taught them well, I suppose there is much we learned from Rodrik." he smiled "Henry, don't stand too upright, move your feet." he shouted to them.

"Look at you, never expected for you to be a teacher, perhaps you should get yourself a squire."

"They remind me of us when times were simpler, when we were innocent and the world made sense." he said, turning to look at Willam.

"Are you okay? it is not like you to dwell on the past." Willam asked him, concerned for his well being.

"I don't know…I am thinking of putting Gerold out of his misery, perhaps he has suffered enough for betraying me."

"I would say so, it has been over half a year since the siege." Willam agreed "He has suffered more than enough, I can never begin to understand why you do it, but you need to stop these methods, Aerion, they will serve no good as Lord of Runestone."

Aerion remained silent, watching over the boys as they trained, allowing Willam to continue.

"We all have our demons, controlling them and not letting them take over us is what makes us strong, but some demons are harder to control than others." Willam patted him on his back "Do not allow it to overcome you."

"And what is your opinion on me?" Aerion asked him, biting his lip "Do you see the madman people say I am?

"I don't see a person who is mad, I see someone who is willing to go to any lengths to ensure that the people he loves are kept safe, though you do not know how to control yourself, I know this, as does Rodrik." Willam said honestly.

Aerion dwelled on his words for a moment, before he turned back to the kids' sparring. "Okay you two, that's enough for today."

He walked up to them both as they stopped and squatted down.

"You both need to work on using your feet more." he looked back at Willam with the corner of his eye "I am sure Ser Willam will teach you tomorrow on your footwork, right now however, I want you to go help Maester Daveth with anything he may need from you."

"But -" Henry said, before being interrupted by Willam

"I don't want to hear any buts; your lord gave you an order, now run along." Willam said, smirking with Aerion as they stropped their way to the keep.

Anyway, onto why I am here, according to Rodrik, you have been ignoring him when it comes to Marriage proposals." Aerion's eyes rolled backwards into his head.

"Not you as well, as I have already told Rodrik, any marriage proposals are off the table." he stated, walking back into the keep.

"I understand you want to marry the Princess, Aerion, but you must consider the fact that Runestone is without an heir, you have received letters from across the Seven Kingdoms and even from Essos, by powerful men wanting you to marry their daughter."

"Runestone is not without an heir, I have you." Aerion countered.

"Aerion, any children born from yours and the Princess's union will be of the Velaryon line, not your own." Willam locked eyes with him "You must marry another, to strengthen our position, this is crucial."

"Is this the marriage talk again?" Jory asked, and Aerion felt completely trapped by them.

"You would be correct, Jory, Aerion is refusing to realise that despite his wishes to wed the Princess, he has no other choice but to marry another, to strengthen his line and secure his succession."

"Fine." he admitted defeat, walking into his solar and taking a seat behind his desk "I will meet with a potential match, does this satisfy you?" he stated "Now, go through the list."

"Good." He picked up one of the letters on Aerion's desk, it was flooding with parchment, and he broke the seal, revealing a list of names compiled by the Maester.

"Sharis Tyrell, Daughter to Lord Ryam Tyrell, and is currently four years of age."

"Everyone knows the Hightowers are the true power in the Reach, the Tyrells are nothing but figureheads, move on…" Aerion stated, though in truth he did not want to be betrothed to a child.

"Alys Celtigar, Daughter to Bartimos Celitigar, and is currently twenty years of age."

A Celtigar would be a wise choice for an ally, they had been snubbed for many years by both House Targaryen and House Velaryon, securing an alliance with them would bring them back into the fold.

Aerion had heard a tale that they hid a mountain of riches underneath their castle, and that this hidden wealth will one day be used to conquer the Seven Kingdoms.

"I will consider it, the Celtigars would make a good alliance." Aerion said "Is there another name on that list that may provide something greater?"

"Jeyne Arryn, Lady of the Eyrie and Warden of the East."

"She sent a raven requesting a betrothal?" He found it hard to think she would, knowing full well of her appetites, which did not align with his own.

"It would appear so." Willam said "You said that you would visit her once Runestone had been repaired of all damage, that was a while ago now, perhaps this is the time to travel there and speak with her further."

"Willam is correct, Aerion." Jory involved himself "And this would do much to strengthen your position, and if you do marry her, then who better to be named the Vale's Protector? Your allies already want this."

"And what of your father, Jory?" Aerion asked "Does he not want me to wed one of your sisters, White Harbor would be a sensible ally."

"All my sisters have been wed already, so that is your loss." Jory replied, followed with a chuckle from each of them.

They looked to the door as Maester Daveth came through with another piece of parchment in hand.

"My Prince, we have received word from Kings Landing with the Targaryen seal." he said, planting it down onto the desk.

"Thank you, Daveth." he nodded his head to the maester, looking to both Jory and Willam before breaking the seal and proceeding to read the letter.

Prince Aerion of Runestone,

It is with great pleasure from his His Grace, King Viserys Targaryen, First of his Name, King of The Andals, The Rhoynar, and The First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm to hereby announce the GreatTourney of 115 AC in King's Landing to celebrate the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's child and future Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

The tourney is to begin on the fourth day of the first moon of 115 AC, the King invites you to compete.

Signed,

Lyonel Strong, Lord of Harrenhal, and Hand of the King.

Aerion folded up the parchment, passing it along to Willam for him to read "Looks like we are journeying to Kings' Landing for a tourney to celebrate the birth of our future king." Aerion said, with a warm smirk on his face.

"I want a raven sent back letting them know of us coming." Aerion stated, rising from his desk "For now, I'll be journeying to the Eyrie to speak with Lady Jeyne, it has been long enough."

"As you say, my lord." Daveth bowed "Something else I have wished to discuss, my lord, our castellan position has fallen empty in the recent months, with the last standing down, I am requesting permission to look for another that may be suited to the role."

"Why search for one?" Aerion stated "We have a man from White Harbor in this very chamber, go through any accounts with Jory for now, see if he can make sense of them."

"You honour me with this task." Jory grunted, forcing the words out of his mouth, against the idea completely.

"Now if you will excuse me, I must prepare for my journey." Aerion scrunched up his hand into a fist, looking to Willam "First I must deal with an old friend in our dungeons, and put an end to him finally."

He journeyed down into the dungeons, Gerold's cries could be heard and were a constant, he grabbed hold of a torch and made his way further down the hall, shining his torch upon the man's face, which was bruised and bloody, and Aerion squatted down near to the cell door, and then proceeds to bang against the bars.

"You are being very loud, should you be silent, I may have Maester Daveth come down here and inspect your wounds."

Aerion had done what he promised, Gerold had been beaten or worse almost everyday by his own hand, though looking at him now did not bring the satisfaction he was after, despite breaking him beyond limits, he had grown b0red of the act.

"Perhaps I will put you out of your misery instead." Aerion continued "You only need to say the words."

Gerold rose up from the ground, having to muster all his strength to do so, forced starvation made him weak and slow, more of him soon came into the light, his body was littered with small cuts that refused to heal, some of the most recent having been infected from the conditions of the dungeons.

The man held himself up, holding tightly onto the bars as he looked at Aerion, who had a wide grin on his face, caring nothing of the man that stood before him.

"Do it then…" Gerold said, his voice weak and broken "Just end me.."

"I won't be making it that easy, Gerold." Aerion opened up the gate, stepping back and waiting for Gerold to make his way out "I want to look you in the eye, and see if you are truly broken, as I promised."

Aerion grabbed the waterskin from his belt, holding it out to Gerold as he stumbled his way out the cell, as he went to grab it, the prince tipped it and the water spilled onto the ground.

"If you want a drink, then there it is." he insisted, gesturing towards the puddle, Gerold was shivering in the sight of Aerion, terrified that he may do something, which he intended on doing, as Gerold got back down to his knees, Aerion launched his boot back into his face, knocking him down.

Gerold grunted in pain.

"To think you actually believed me." he remarked, chuckling as he took a swig of the remaining contents within the waterskin "You should see how you look, it is as if you have seen a monster in the stories."

Aerion soon placed the waterskin back onto his belt, running his hand across his lips before kicking Gerold once again, this time in the stomach, then again, and again, every grunt of the pain the man let out, only made the prince laugh, an evil smirk forming upon his lips.

"Stop…" Gerold begged, "Please…I beg you, just kill me."

"What should we remove?" Aerion asked, grabbing out his dagger and spinning it in his hand, then trailing it up his stomach, watching as Gerold shivered when Aerion ran the blade across his scars.

"Perhaps I shall remove what makes you a man, so you truly understand you are nothing but a pet to satisfy my desires."

"You're….an….animal." Gerold managed to get out, his voice remaining faint and weak, and Aerion kicked the man in the stomach multiple times again, and then kicked him in the face.

"Heh..I will remove your eye." Aerion knelt down and used his strength to hold him down, smacking Gerold's head against the stone floor, and a loud scream soon followed as he plunged the dagger into his eye socket, making him suffer an excruciating amount of pain.

He twisted the blade and pulled out the eye as it laid dug into the dagger, he then stuffed it in Gerold's mouth before he became unconscious from all the pain.

Aerion shook his head, smacking the man across the cheeks to wake him up, with little luck, he was out cold, it was then where Aerion took a deep breath, and slit the dagger across his neck, finally putting an end to him, and ridding himself of the fool.

Despite him being dead, Aerion was not yet finished, plunging his dagger into the man's chest, he carved out a seven-pointed star, from the chest to the bottom of the stomach, to show disrespect to the so-called new gods.

As soon as he cleaned up, Aerion made haste in preparing for his journey to the Eyrie, wearing his riding leathers which now had black scales training down the entirety of his left arm.

He made his way from the keep and out from Runestone, Gaelithox had settled down on a small patch of fertile land to the west, where a farm had once laid but was since destroyed, for who can argue where a dragon makes their home.

Aerion looked up as his hand gripped tight off the ladder, watching as Vhagar circled Runestone "Vhagar flies with the bloodwyrm, I have never seen you fly with either of them, are they not kin?" the comment received a growl, and they soon set off once Aerion reached the saddle.

As he flew to the Eyrie, his mind was clouded with the thoughts of his marriage with Rhaenyra, and where he should go through with it, everyone had told him it was a bad idea, that it would come to nothing but ensuring his head was removed should it be discovered.

And the thought of possibly marrying Lady Jeyne brought a smile to his lips, they were almost inseparable as children, and while he knew the true nature of her feelings, a part of him did love Jeyne, and he would defend her to his dying breath.

Their potential marriage could be a symbol of unity the Vale was longing for, years of civil war had made them weary, but with the support of the Lords of the Vale behind them, they could stand more powerful than any other kingdom within the realm.

Gaelithox let out a mighty roar as they closed in on the Eyrie, the castle was made of a fine white stone, with seven slim towers bunched tightly together, only their inner courtyard had been big enough to contain the dragon's size, both men and women moved out of the way as they came in for landing.

He took a moment to prepare himself before travelling back down the rope ladder, patting his scales as always "I will return." he whispered in their ancient tongue, looking behind as three of Lady Jeyne's household guards came towards them.

They were each dressed in silver-plated armour and sky-blue cloaks draped over their shoulders "I am Captain Eldric, my prince, We shall escort you to the High Hall where Lady Jeyne eagerly awaits your arrival."

"Captain Eldric, I must say it is a pleasure to see you again - if I remember right, you were only Jeyne's sworn shield when we first met, congratulations on the position." Aerion said, and the captain almost seemed surprised that he was remembered.

"I thank you, my prince, I must say it has been a while since Lady Jeyne honoured me with the position." Eldric bowed his head in respect.

Aerion was escorted through the halls of the Eyrie, and each chamber they walked through provided him with a different memory from his youth, remembering how he and Lady Jeyne ran through these halls playing tag, she could never catch him.

The Eyrie was the smallest out of the great castles of the realm, however it had a beauty which was not comparable to any other besides Dragonstone, though their beauties are polar opposites.

They passed through the Crescent Chamber, where refreshments and a warm fire awaited most guests looking for an audience with Lady Jeyne, there were few people to note that all looked to the prince as he made his way through to the High Hall.

He entered through a set of large carved wooden doors, which shuttered behind him.

"Prince Aerion Targaryen." she announced, smiling as she sat upon the weirwood throne, her voice echoing throughout the hall "I welcome you to the Eyrie, I started to think that you were never coming, your envoy came almost half a year ago, surely the walls do not take long to rebuild."

She rose from her seat, walking elegantly down the steps and in his direction.

"Prince Aerion Targaryen." he mimicked her "You were not one for my titles, Lady Jeyne, I suppose a lot can change as you grow into your position."

Aerion leaned forward, planting a small peck on her cheek, cupping his hands over her own.

"It is great to see you again, must I say you have grown more beautiful these last few years." he smirked, to which she returned with a blush.

"You still have the charm of the cheeky boy that I grew up with, my prince, the only difference now is that you are a man, and we are both in positions of authority, how times do change." she replied.

"Where are my manners? You must be famished after your long journey, let us make haste to the Lower Hall where we may dine."

"I would love too, Jeyne, if not to eat, then to simply talk with you." she then took him by the hand and led him down a stone stairwell that led to the Lower Halls.

Once they arrived, Aerion was introduced to Jeyne's handmaiden and daughter to Lord Redfort, Jessamyne Redfort, who he had heard about briefly as her father attempted to set up a marriage between the two of them, but was swiftly turned down.

She was known to be a dear companion of Lady Jeyne, and there had been many rumours surrounding a secret love affair between the both of them.

He sat across the long table, a servant placed a plate of Lobster and Eggs down in front of him, andsmiled, he had also requested a jug of Honeyed wine to warm him.

"Thank you for the hospitality, Lady Jeyne, and it is a true pleasure to finally meet you, Jessamyne." he nodded to the girl "Your father is a proud man, and truly does miss you."

"Aerion, I hate to get down to business so quickly after your arrival, but I believe there is much to be discussed." she said, and he bit into his egg, nodding in agreement.

"I would agree."

"My cousin, Arnold Arryn, I was most displeased to hear that he was behind the attack on Runestone, you have my utmost apologies for his actions, and know that I have my men searching for him." Jeyne revealed.

"Each of us have family members that wish to overthrow us and take what is rightfully ours, instead of working alongside us to forge a future for everyone." Aerion responded "But unfortunately I could not tell you what you haven't already heard, it has been months since he was last spotted in Tyrosh, many more that he was spotted in Myr, it would appear that he may be dealing with the triarchy."

"And what of the mountain clans, are they still persisting to be a problem?" Jeyne asked.

"They have gone back into the mountains, where they belong for now, but it is only a matter of time before they decide to rise up again, I have been working with Lord Redfort to ensure we are prepared for it." Aerion replied "Word has also been sent to other houses to inform me of any movements near to their lands."

"Well, do know you have my full support should anything arise, that includes finally crushing them once and for all." Jeyne said, and he understood her pain of speaking about the clansmen, her father and brothers had been butchered, leaving her to rule over the Vale alone.

"I am also here on another matter that you may be aware of, I had hoped perhaps we could speak together in private.." he said, glancing over at Jessamyne.

"Yes, ofcourse, we shall speak in my solar." she replied, looking over to Jessamyne "We shall return shortly, Jess."

"As you say, My lady." Jessamyne bowed.

Aerion rose from his chair and was escorted by Jeyne to her solar, which was located near to her bedchambers within the Moon Tower.

"What would you like to discuss, Aerion?" she asked.

"I felt this topic may not be one to discuss in front of Jessamyn, I understand that even looking at the both of you, you are fond of eachother." Aerion took a seat at her desk, rubbing his eye.

"I do not quite understand what you speak of." she replied, defensively.

"We have known each other our entire lives, you may pretend to not understand what it is I say, but I will know regardless." he smirked "I found your name among a list of potential suitors, are you looking to marry?"

"Aye, my closest allies suggested I marry to secure my claim on the Eyrie, and in turn, on the Vale." she replied, sitting behind the desk.

"That is the same for me, my court is urging me to marry, to secure Runestone and solidify my hold on it by producing an heir, and I in turn, offer my hand in marriage to you." he continued before she could speak "I know you will never love me, at least how you should, but if we come together, we can unite this great country against those who want to destroy us."

"I must admit I have thought many hours about this eventuality." Jeyne responded "But there are many lords that may see this as an attempt from House Targaryen to gain more power in the Vale, what would you say to that?"

"Should we have children, when they ascend as Lord or Lady of the Eyrie, they will have your name, and any other child we may have, shall take mine." he countered "That should alleviate some of the Lord's concerns."

"The future Lord of Runestone must have the Royce name, this much is non-negotiable, it has belonged to your family for thousands of years." she must have known what she was asking of him, to have a child who did not share the Targaryen name.

Though after further thought, he agreed with her, his children with Rhaenyra would be true Targaryens, and whatever children he may have with Jeyne can be named Royce, he has Willam as his heir, so it changes nothing.

"It does not bother me that any child born from this union will not possess my name, so I shall agree, they will be of House Royce.." he nodded "Think on what we have discussed, I am journeying to King's Landing for the tourney in the coming months, shall you wish to accept this betrothal, I will expect to see you there as well"

Jeyne escorted him back to the Inner Courtyard, and they spoke of their many memories as children on their way, until she came up close with Gaelithox, allowing her to touch and run her fingers along Gaelithox's scales.

Aerion planted another small peck on her cheek before he set off back to Runestone.

Notes:

Feedback and Suggestions are always welcome!