3 The Red Queen Rises

"From youth, Aerys' gifts knew no bounds. While my path was steel, his twisted in intriguing ways. But wherever it led, I followed without hesitation. When others saw only strife in his flame, I saw my brother - the prince who chased dragon clouds with me. Through all, we faced the world as one."

- King Maegor Targaryen I-

~~~(Location:Dragonstone,Westeros)~~~

~~~(Date:15AC)~~~

The morning sun was still low in the sky as the prince twins made their way to the training yard. Maegor marched ahead while Aerys' gaze lingered on the clouds, daydreaming of soaring among them.

Ser Gawen Corbray, the master-at-arms of Dragonstone. watched attentively as they stretched and limbered up. Aerys moved with fluid grace, seemingly at one with his body. Maegor's motions were stiffer, and more focused on function.

They began with basic footwork - sidesteps, advances, retreats. Aerys glided lightly, reacting instinctually. Maegor frowned in concentration, precisely mimicking the master.

When the wooden blades were brought out, Aerys experimentally swung and parried as if dancing. Maegor met each strike head-on, grunting with the effort. Sweat dotted his forehead while Aerys remained composed.

Ser Gawen called for sparring. Aerys faced off against a chunky boy, easily redirecting each blow. But a well-placed tap caught his opponent unawares, ending the match. Maegor struggled against an older youth, emerging annoyed but victorious.

In their bout, Maegor charged at Aerys aggressively. But Aerys fooled him with feints and used his natural grace to slip past Maegor's defenses, tapping his shoulder in triumph. Maegor flushed, glaring at the sand.

Later, as they worked through stances individually, Aerys flowed between each position Changing angles and foot placements to better suit his lean build. Maegor adhered strictly to form, muscle memory overriding nuance.

Ser Gawen nodded in appraisal of Aerys' natural talent, seeing the makings of a great swordsman if refined properly over time.

As the princes practiced their footwork, Ser Gawen watched closely. "Maegor, plant your feet firmer. A strong base is key."

Maegor adjusted stiffly under the knight's gaze. Ser Gawen turned to Aerys. "Loosen your knees slightly, princeling. Balance and flexibility will serve you well."

Moving to drills, Ser Gawen corrected grips and stances. "Eyes up, Maegor. Always be aware of your surroundings." With Aerys, he adjusted angles. "Lovely form, but overextending leaves openings."

When sparring began, Ser Gawen observed Maegor's blunt, forceful attacks. "Control and finesse, my prince. Let your opponent tire himself." To Aerys he said, "Well-timed feints, but finish with clean strikes. Dominate through skill, not tricks."

Between matches, Ser Gawen showed new techniques. Maegor dutifully mimicked each move. But with Aerys, the knight encouraged improvisation. "Your flow comes naturally. Explore its possibilities within the structure of forms."

At day's end, the boys left the training yard, fatigued but attentive to Ser Gawen's parting words. "Keep challenging one another. Competition hones both steel and soul." He smiled proudly. "The makings of warriorness are there. Now shape it through practice."

With that, the boys departed, one trudging thoughtfully, the other swirling plans already for tomorrow's lessons.

"Nyke bona aōha kostilus, ñuha syt nūmāzma.

("I fought well today, but you still bested me) said Maegor as they were walking back to the castle.

"Sȳrī bona, ēlī kostilus. Vala perzys stepagon ñuha syt pār, ēlī lentor".

("Don't diminish your skills, you fought well. We all have areas to improve, there is no shame in that.")

Maegor's brow remained furrowed in thought. Aerys smiled softly.

"Ōdra birātsos ēza sȳzy, gaomagon".

("Your form grows stronger every day, brother.")

Maegor grunted "Nyke mēre sagon āeksio lēdy kessa bortā foolon hen Tāez gīshen zirȳla."("Yet still you find ways to slip past my guard.") His hands clenched at his sides.

"Jikagon rahy mēre nyke bona kostilus. Zōbrie syt ābrar zirȳla, ñellyon Gawenis gildan. Sȳz hen syt ōdrikari.

("Do not forget - we each fight to different strengths.")Aerys gestured lightly

"Kessa aōha zhorre hen gācony."Jalan āne zōbrie rekke hen sparringorti gīmigon".

("While your power serves you well, my skills rely on agility and speed.")

"Isy pryjagon syt ōdrikari henujagon Gawenin. Jelmmy ao se rytsar se gīshes?"

("Consider how Ser Gawen encourages my cunning. Do you see mockery in his eyes, or pride in a student excelling?)

Maegor's stern visage softened. "Vala rytsiot nūmāzma, gaomagon. Vābegā umbagon bisa sȳzā, hīčistar - hīčistar sōvēs Aeksivagon se mīsīs ānogār hen Āeksia Stane.

("You speak the truth, brother. Though our talents differ, we are one - we are both dragons and rightful heirs of Dragonstone.")

"Hen jiōragon bona, gīshen bisa andriolagon syt naejot se mērī kanībagon sōvēs Balerion zoklī Āeksia pōji.

"("Good and never forget that we are the blood of the dragon and blood of the dragon runs thick")

Aerys said as he was leaning on Maegor and walking back"Nyke hen zōbrie lēda kessa aōha rītīchys, gaomagon."

(I have decided to claim a dragon brother)

"Māsperre mēre iksos is kepa gīs ao hatchlinges?"said Maegor as he kept walking

(Have you decided on a hatcling yet?)asked Maegor.

"āja, nyke kessārys tolī lēda Meleys"replied aerys

(yes I will claim Meleys)

"Iptan se freinda henujār. Ma jorrā ānogār sikagon, ivekīmāzma joresy."said Maegor

(Good luck then not that you will need it)

"Mērekon ma zirȳ hen jaelā āōha rītīchys?

(What about you When will you claim a dragon ?)

"Gemā nūmāzma kessa ao ēza ao hen Tīry se one, dohāeragon fār gaomagon."

("There is only one dragon for me and you know that brother.")

Aerys smiled and said nothing else Soon they reached the castle and saw their mother waiting for them

As Maegor and Aerys approached the castle, their mother Queen Visenya Targaryen spotted them from an open balcony.

"My princes, how fared your lessons today?" she called down.

Aerys beamed up at her. "Well, Mother. Ser Gawen praises my progress."

Visenya smiled down at her sons. "And have either of you chosen a hatchling to bond with?"

"Yes, I believe I've found my match. I intend to claim the scarlet hatchling called Meleys," Aerys declared proudly.

Maegor nodded beside him. Their mother Visenya acknowledged the choice. "Meleys is a fine match for you, Aerys. With your skills, the two of you will be great partners in the skies.

Prince Aerys made his way to Dragonmont, accompanied by his mother Visenya and brother Maegor to witness his choice. The dragon keepers had readied the scarlet hatchling, chanting in high valerian to calm her fiery spirit.

When Meleys emerged, even at a few months old she cut an intimidating figure with her vivid scales and golden eyes that gleamed with challenge. But Aerys stepped forward confidently and said "Boyā!"("Stop!")

At his command in High Valyrian, Meleys stopped and peered at the princeling with interest. Aerys slowly extended a Piece of cooked goat, saying "Undāgor!"(Take it!") Meleys crept forward, sniffing the offering.

When she took the meat, Aerys said gently "Kessa se thoṱ"("Let me touch you") and placed his hand upon her hot scales. A shock of connection passed through them both. Meleys bucked slightly but did not flee his touch.

Aerys continued praising her in their private tongue. "Ōnkothe Meleys, nyke jaelā se vestȳ iā ābrar hen ȳdragon. Valar sīr jēdri, se jēdri sīr valār."

(("Magnificent Meleys, I have chosen you as my partner in the skies. All men must serve, and magic must obey."))

Meleys rumbled deep in her chest as if understanding. When Aerys stepped back, she followed curiously. The dragon keepers nodded in approval - the boy and dragon had chosen one another.

From that day, the bond between Aerys and his hatchling Meleys, whom he named the Red Queen, would deepen through their shared flame until none could break their fiery bond. Dragon and rider had been joined in sacred Valyrian tradition.

Meleys first opened her eyes amid the steaming volcanoes of Dragonmont on Dragonstone. Even as a newborn, her scales shone a vivid scarlet hue - a rare and striking color.

She was small, barely larger than a dog, with spindly wings and limbs. But her golden eyes glinted with cunning intelligence beyond her months.

When she hatched, a cascade of scarlet and gold flames poured from her jaws in miniature mimicry of her true fire yet to come. A fiery temperament to match her scales was quickly evident.

Meleys was always moving, exploring her surroundings with curiosity but also impulse. She would tussle ferociously with her dull-scaled clutchmates when threatened or simply in play.

Her favored spot was perched high atop the steaming vents, where she would let the hot air currents lift and carry her little body in circles for hours. Some swore they glimpsed her trying to fly too soon.

But for all her ferocity and fretfulness, Meleys grew unusually fast and strong. By her first year, when most were the size of hounds, she rivaled small horses. It was clear she would be dangerously formidable as an adult dragon.

So when the princeling Aerys chose the scarlet hatchling, none were surprised. They were well matched - both brilliant and wildly spirited, but with a cunning grace. From that day, Dragonstone knew the dragon they called Meleys the Red Queen.