71 Swan Sung Sails

'If only a dragon breathed water. How moist our world would be~'

-Excerpt from a series of letters from Rhaenar I Targaryen to Xhadho Zalas.

><>

"The wind is good today, captain."

"Yes. I expect we'll reach King's Landing within the hour."

Xhadho Zhalas stood at the bow of his ship, eyes fixed on the forward horizon.

Towering were the masts, with sails gleaming white. Each member of the crew was a skilled archer, wielding goldenheart bows of the rarest degree. Despite its size, the vessel sliced through the ocean waves with unmatched speed.

And then there were the figureheads — majestic in their detail. Most depicted birds, earning the ships the moniker "swan ships", feared throughout the world of pirates.

Yet Xhadho's figurehead deviated from tradition. It depicted a sex goddess from his homeland, the Summer Islands. Pointy were her teats, to the extent you would not doubt the ship's ramming power should the situation demand.

Childishness aside, it was the face that captivated all who beheld it. Fair as spring, her features delicately carved, with high cheekbones that caught the light like polished ivory

Some of the younger crew members gathered at the bow alongside their captain to catch the first glimpse of King's Landing.

"How long has it been since you were there, captain?"

Xhadho Zhalas stood with his arms crossed, a tall and muscular figure with olive skin and almond eyes. A headscarf was wrapped around his bald head, while a leopard skin cloak hung from his shoulders.

"Approaching three years," mused Xhadho, his voice deep and commanding. "The good King Viserys was most hospitable."

"Do you think we'll make it on time?"

Xhadho scoffed, "Of course."

How could they not? It had been nearly a year since he received the letter.

'Xhadho,

It seems Mother is expecting. No doubt Father will arrange something grand. If you find yourself in the vicinity in nine moons time, we would be gladdened by your company.

Keep looking up,

-Rhaenar.'

The thought curved a Xhadho's lips.

"Do you think we'll see dragons?" a cabin boy asked.

"I suspect you'll see many," Xhadho replied, "In hues of every shade."

"Away with the dragons," a seasoned member of the crew said, "It's the pleasure houses I'm for. They say the street of silk has improved."

"At the behest of the Prince, no less," another said.

"Can't be," another said, "Royalty and pleasure? Not in the pious land of seven."

The seasoned man shrugged, "A rumor."

"If you wish to return home with your tongue, then you'll keep those rumors to yourself," Xhadho said sternly, "I'll not have your wife be wroth because you can no longer pleasure her with the sacred kiss. The walls have ears, and King's Landing brooks no slander toward their beloved prince."

The Summer Islanders were a people at ease in both body and spirit. Gender held little significance among them. Women took to battle with the same skill and frequency as men, their feats often celebrated in the annals of history etched upon the Talking Trees, repositories of their people's lore shielded from outside eyes.

As a result, numerous women graced the decks of the ship, each wielding a goldenheart bow also.

Many stood tall. Their sun-kissed skin bore a delightful almond hue. Their figures boasted pert bosoms and defined chests accentuated by slender waist. Beneath their outward beauty, expressions remained fierce. All were like a lioness ready to devour the human form. It was no wonder these fair people were sought after as slaves.

"It's the prince I want to see," one woman said.

"More like fuck," another quipped.

Xhadho Zhalas couldn't help but smile. He was grateful. Grateful for the sea's embrace, for the wind's guidance. For his home, lineage, ship, and crew. 

Above all, he cherished the presence of wonder in this often bleak world. That wonder was always renewed when he heard a new crew member be curios, and the nurturing guidance his more seasoned companions offered them.

Just then, he was jolted from his reverie.

"What's the prince like, captain?"

"Huh?" Xhadho blinked, returning from his daydream, "Prince Rhaenar? What can I say... I first met him when he was barely chin high over tall grass. His thirst for knowledge rivaled the deepest ocean. Magenta eyes widened with every tale I spun. He hung on my every word, and his gaze devoured you so that it felt you the only man in existence. His laugh could brighten the darkest mood, though he sang with a sad voice that could carry across the seas. Everything fascinated him. He had a penchant for delving into the details, especially when comparing the reality of sailing with what he read. But above all, he loves to paint."

Xhadho then untied the headscarf on his head and held it wide to show the illustration. "Here," he said, "He made this for me himself."

There on the headscarf depicted a scene of an orgy. Figures of ebony upon a canvas of gold. Each figure is portrayed with a sense of abandon, their forms with phallus and bosom of varied size, faces contorted in ecstasy. 

Everyone erupted into laughter. "The more I hear about this prince, the more I like him!"

"Yes," smirked Xhadho as he tied the headscarf once again. "Now you see why the city loves him. Tread with care."

Just then, the city of King's Landing came into view, its thatched roofs and tall spires of the Red Keep.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment.

"Xhadhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Presently, a sudden burst of speed jolted the swan ship forward, shocking the crew with its intensity. 

In the midst of this acceleration, attention snapped to the sight of a scaled golden beast rearing upward just before impact. Then they realized, with astonishment, that this burst of speed was no mere coincidence but the result of a single, powerful flap of wings. 

"Woah!"

All the crew hit the deck, fearful for their lives.

"Ease!" Xhadho Zhalas said, "Be not afraid!"

Xhadho's deep laughter filled the air as he locked eyes with Prince Rhaenar, riding atop his dragon. Sundance circled the ship with graceful speed. It's right wing barely skimmed the ocean's surface, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake.

With a cheesy grin, Prince Rhaenar cocked his head back and laughed as well. "Hahaha, it's good to see you again, my friend!"

"And you!" Xhadho called back.

With that, Sundance ascended with a powerful beat. Each stroke carried them higher and higher until they soared alongside two other dragons, one crimson and the other gold.

Xhadho shook his head in amazement as he watched them disappear over the Red Keep.

'Keep looking up, he says.'