#but this is VERY vital to how i play rhaenyra

[bloodymyhands]

rhaenyra on her relationship with sexuality & gender

personals do not reblog

rhaenyra & gender

throughout the show, we've seen multiple instances of rhaenyra embracing a more masculine identity. obviously in the world that they live in there's no way to understand or terms to use to acknowledge the way that she feels. i have my rhaenyra using she/they pronouns as sort of a disconnect from her gender, a desire to understand herself a lot deeper than how she currently does. in the world she lives in, gender roles are clear and vivid, lines are drawn tightly between men and women. rhaenyra is forced to fit into this mold. they longs to embrace the more masc side of herself. this also directly ties into rhaenyra's sexuality and their understanding of it, which i will go more into in the next section. rhaenyra's base understanding of men connects with how she views herself, the things that they value, the desires that they hold, and the people they love. as a result, the desire to embrace this masculinity is vividly strong. you'll see rhaenyra want to go into battle as a knight, or dream about being a man, or imagine that there's another world in which she can explore facets of herself freely. in a modern verse, they would be able to embrace this fully.

rhaenyra & sexuality

tying directly in with this, one thing that is vital in understanding my rhaenyra is knowing that they are bisexual with a preference leaning towards women. another thing that is absolutely vital in understanding rhaenyra is knowing that she was raised being deeply in love with her best friend ( which is canon, but also amplified by my portrayal ) and this sort of changed a lot of her mindset growing up. she knew what those feelings were, and knew she couldn't act on them, before she even understood the nuances of sex and sexuality. that's why when mysaria gets close to her, there's basically no hesitation in kissing her, as rhaenyra has already worked through this and knows this solid truth about herself ( don't even get me started on alicent though or we'll be here FOREVER ). it's really important as well to know that her sexuality and gender go hand in hand, rhaenyra's desire to be a man and embrace the "manly" things about herself also involves embracing those desires for other women, ones in which they've purposefully buried for a long time. unlike alicent, it's not a subconscious burying of those emotions, but rather a conscious choice. their relationship with a woman wouldn't be accepted, so the second they get feelings for one, there's an understanding that it needs to be embraced differently than her relationship with men.

rhaenyra & her relationships with others

this is another part of this post i really wanted to write because how does all of this tie into her previous relationships on the show? so here's the breakdown person by person: alicent / obviously i already said rhaenyra was in love with her growing up, and still is at the point in canon where they are. having this first love growing up has always affected her. as i said before it sort of led to this understanding that they're different than others, and led to this whole sequence of events that allows them to understand that they embrace gender in a different way than others do. there'll never be a way i write rhaenyra without this part of her, it's super important to understanding her character. i could write more here but that's a whole post in itself guys. daemon / growing up, daemon was all she wanted to be. he was masculine, loud, unapologetic. in my canon, taking on daemon as a husband was mostly for her own security; he's a warrior, and people take her more seriously when he's by her side. but she never fully felt comfortable with him and never fully trusted him. he sort of unintentionally taunts her, a reminder that she can never have what she fully wants. i do not play rhaenyra as ever having been in love with him, not truly. having him around though is very helpful for her. when she was younger, she enjoyed daemon's company. it's difficult for her to distinguish between care for him and the feeling of freedom she felt whenever she was around him. he offered a different way of living, not in complete service of the crown, embracing her own desires. for that, she will always be grateful; in a way, daemon taking her around and telling her to embrace her desires helped them understand parts of herself. but i don't have it in my own canon that she ever loved him, not truly, her relationship with him is sort of a cover, and if she had been able to embrace herself in the world they live in, she wouldn't even look his way when choosing a husband. harwin / rhaenyra was in love with harwin, and he never judged or belittled her for how she felt about herself. there's an understanding between them that is almost unmatched by anyone else. the loss of him hurts, and she does still love him in a way. her relationship with him is the first time she truly understands that she does love both men and women. i have a headcanon that she did tell him the truth, that she's bisexual, and he didn't mind at all, which is why the loss of him stings even worse. cole / cole was just a fling, but his reaction to rhaenyra not wanting to run away with him led to like a whole host of things in rhaenyra's mind, a lot of fury at anger at being a woman and all that came with it. cole's relationship with them in canon sort of propelled forward a lot of misogynistic terms being thrown towards her and that just makes them resent being a woman even more. obviously this depends on whether or not the cole player i might write against embraces this plotline, but that's sort of how it works for her. mysaria / her desire and care for mysaria is new to her, but something she's willing to fully embrace, even if it has to be in secret. she's comforting, and not at all like the others she's been in relationships with in the past. being with her feels comfortable. kissing her is the first time she's kissed another woman, but it feels like she's been waiting for it forever. something about it feels completely natural. rhaenyra's sexuality is not a mystery to them, like i said they understood it long ago, but being able to kiss another woman sort of unlocks a door for her. leads to her understanding that it's something she wants and desires far more than relationships with men.

obviously the way that i write rhaenyra and their past relationships can change according to player but as a base rule, this is sort of how i approach all of her relationships, and how they shaped her as a person. if you made it this far, hope you enjoyed my 1k words of bullshit!

[sluttysnowangel666]

Chapters 1, 2, & 3 of The Song of Blackwoods and Brackens

Kieran Burton fancast, this story will include violence, crude language, smut eventually, angst

This story is written BY ME and I do not consent or give permission to it being posted or translated anywhere else. thank you for supporting your writers <3

if you enjoy this story, submit questions or requests for one shots and imagines ❤️also taking cregan stark requests as well

Chapter Master List

Summary: A unique, fictional short story set in the "A Song of Ice & Fire/House of the Dragon" universe.

The Battle of the Burning Mill was one of legend. A bloody and brutal fight between two great houses at the start of the Dance of Dragons. There were those who supported the rightful Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and those who supported the Usurper Aegon Targaryen.

This account retells the days leading up to the battle, and the tension between the son of Samwell Blackwood and the "nephew" of Amos Bracken. These two fighters hold a secret known to no one that changes both of their lives and the future of their houses.

*this story is NOT canon, and might change depending on how the show continues to play with these characters. especially depending on if davos is meant to be bloody ben. this story is a davos/bloody ben x female reader pretending to be a male, nsfw*

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1: Preface

𐂃 𐂃 𐂃 𐂃

"Uncle, you cannot mean it!"

"I do. You will do this for the future of our house, and that is final. Your father wanted you to marry long ago. It's unnatural a lady of your age is not even betrothed." My uncle Amos declares.

"I understand, uncle. I know my duty. But I beg you, please let the wise lords come to me to ask my hand, Uncle. Do not betroth me to a man I know nothing of!" I cry out.

"You are being ridiculous, young lady. I will hear nothing more of this matter. You know nothing of the wars to come. This alliance between our houses will secure our land and our future. You will marry the Lannister boy and that is final. Now, take your handmaiden and return to your chambers." He says, and I know there is nothing more I can say or do. My uncle was a cold man. He showed no sort of interest in what I, his niece, wished.

"Come, my lady." My handmaiden, Ara, says. She gives my arm a soft tug, and I follow her, trying to catch my uncles eyes before I leave the room. But it is of no use. He has no time for a lady, only time for the wars to come.

That night, I stared at myself in the mirror above my vanity as my handmaiden brushed my long hair.

"Leave me please, Ara." I requested her. She nodded, bowed her head, and left.

I continued to stare at myself in the mirror. I stared and stared until I no longer recognized the lady staring back at me.

Once I finished my staring, I sat with my thoughts. What would this Lannister lord be like? I oft heard of the Lannister beauty and gold. Many of the men were strong knights, the ladies as fair as they come. But would my lord be gentle, forgiving, kind? I fear I could not love a ruthless man. I also fear I do not have a choice.

"For the good of our house"

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

"Father, you requested an audience with me?" Benjicot says, bowing to his father as he enters the hall.

"Yes, my son. I have a very important matter to ask of you." Samwell says, he turns and rests his hand on his son's shoulder.

His son, Benjicot, was a man of twenty and two, and was a fearsome knight. Benjicot had trained under the finest knights, fought in the toughest tourneys, and worked tirelessly to prove himself strong.

"I need you to hold the lands by the North Eastern mill. Those bloody Brackens have been allowing their livestock to cross into our territory, and letting their retched cows feast on our grass and crops." Samwell says, "All you have to do is hold the land and kill a few Brackens. I know this is simple, but this task is vital to our house and to supporting the Queen. If we take out these Brackens, the Usurper cunt will take a blow to their armies. I only need you to hold the lands for no more than a week, upon which I will arrive by your side to help slay the Brackens."

"As you wish, father."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 2: Lady Bracken

One moon before the Battle of the Burning Mill

𐂃 𐂃 𐂃 𐂃

"You must eat something, my lady."

"You cannot make me. I will starve before my retched uncle dares to marry me off to a conniving Lannister." I scold my handmaiden. None of this is any fault of her own, but perhaps death will be a kinder escape than forced into a betrothal.

"Please, my lady. It's been days. You must be starving by now."

"I find it hard to have an appetite knowing I'll soon be carrying a babe in my belly as an heir for House Lannister." I say. My handmaiden sighs and sets down the plate as a knock rings on the solid oak door.

My uncle enters, "You may go." He dismisses my handmaiden coldly. She bows and exits swiftly.

He addresses me.

"I have begun to prepare for your leave to Casterly Rock. Your handmaidens will begin packing your things following my departure tonight to King's Landing to meet with His Grace. Your brother Aeron will be acting lord until my return. You on the other hand, shall prepare to leave within the fortnight. A ceremony is in preparations as we speak." He says, briskly. "And I command you stop this nonsense at once. You are a lady and will do your duty to secure our alliances, which includes eating. You cannot arrive to Casterly Rock looking that of a starving lowborn."

I wait a moment before responding flatly, "I understand, uncle."

He takes this response as a success and leaves my bed chambers hastily.

My vanity.

I make my way back to my vanity. I stare again, and again. I stare endlessly. I stare until my face turns ghastly. I was becoming a woman obsessed with this bloody mirror.

And then it hits me. How could I have been so absent minded? I am not the future of my house. I have brothers who will create heirs and carry on the bloodline. I am not the future of House Lannister. My uncle cannot and will not make me marry the lord Lannister. Over my dead body.

I make my way over to the my chamber door. I open it and peer out, looking left and right for any signs of handmaidens or servants. When none appear, I walk out. All I have to do is mind my self and surroundings, and then no one will pay any mind to the Lady Bracken.

After making my way across the endless halls of the family castle, I find myself standing in front of my uncles war council chambers. I press my ear to the door to listen, but hear no voices or signs of someone being inside. I make my way in and walk straight for the dagger kept above the mantle. My uncle won't notice, at least until his return.

I return to my bed chambers, quickly rushing to stuff the dagger under my mattress before a handmaiden can question me.

My idea is foolish. Stupid. It won't work. Although, I have nothing to lose. Nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 3: She’s the Man

𐂃 𐂃 𐂃 𐂃

The moment my uncle's carriage was no longer in sight, I prepared for my plan.

I waited 3 days as to not arouse suspicion.

"Brother!" I called out to my twin brother, Aeron.

"The training yard is no place for a Lady. Return inside. Whatever the matter is can wait." He scolds me.

"A raven has arrived from our uncle. The king has wished the heir of House Bracken to accompany our Lord Uncle to bend the knee and declare for His Grace." I say, holding out a scroll for my brother.

"This makes no sense." He says, snatching the scroll from my hand. "There is no seal. When did this arrive?"

"Just now, brother. It is the King's words and penmanship."

"How am I to trust an unsealed scroll?" He snaps.

"I suppose you could ignore the request. But if you do, His Grace may believe it to be you wish to declare for Rhaenyra." I say.

He contemplates. My foolish brother. "If you leave now, you will meet Uncle along the Kingsroad. You will only be a few days behind. You might chance meet him at Harrenhal."

He sighs, "When are you to leave for Casterly Rock? We simply cannot leave Stone Hedge unattended."

"Uncle simply said within the fortnight. I will send a raven at once to Casterly Rock to inform them of a possible delay of my arrival." I say, "But you must hurry, brother. A war is coming. House Bracken cannot end up on the wrong side. We need the King's trust."

My words, sweet like honey but full of falseness persuade my brother. He makes his preparations, and is gone by the following morning.

I begin my own preparations.

—————

The clarity of my foolish plan set in shortly after my brother left. But it was too late to turn around. My brother had told our servants and knights I would be leading House Bracken until their return.

Maybe I couldn't escape this betrothal. Maybe I couldn't support the rightful Queen. But maybe... just maybe I could make a fool of my House as revenge. My House, my blood, who never showed me any sort of attention. They simply sold me off as a broodmare once l was finally useful to them.

My foolish blood. They will soon come to find out just how useful I can be.

I sit in front of my vanity again, for what will be the last time. I twirl the dagger in my hands, prodding its sharp edge with my dumb. Plenty sharp. Well enough for killing Blackwoods.

I reach my hand up and grab my hair into an even hold. I raise the dagger, and cut it all off in one clean swipe.

I stare at my reflection, setting down the knife so I may run my fingers through the freshly cut blunt ends. I shake the loose hair out of my hands.

"Lord Bracken." I say to myself in the mirror, lowering my voice deeply to sound more of a man. I shake my head. "No, I sound foolish."

"Lord Bracken." I say again, adding a rasp to my voice. "Getting somewhere."

I clear my throat, "I am Lord... Aeron of House Bracken, the heir..."

Gods, I was screwed. I didn't even know my brother's proper title. Was he a knight? I think so... mayhaps?

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

"Bloody fuckin' hell." Benjicot snaps in anger, as he stares at the cattle on his land. "I swear to the seven I'm going to murder that Bracken cunt."

"Someone ought to teach that little prick a lesson." His cousin says, spitting at the end of his sentence. "We'll move the stones back for now. When you see him on his guard, show him how a Blackwood takes care of business."

Benjicot nods slightly.

"Oy, did you hear? Turns out they're marrying the Lady Bracken off to some Lannister cunt." His cousin says. "I've heard she's very pretty. Got them soft Bracken genes."

"And what do I care? Probably another cunt like her brother and uncle."

"Never said you did. Just found it funny. They seem to have a thing for letting their cattle roam on other people's land." His cousin insults. Benjicot chuckles at this.

"Poor girl. If there's one thing I hate more than a Bracken, it's a Lannister. Bloody cocksuckers they are." Benjicot says, his cousin agreeing.

"We best get these bloody cattle and stones back where they belong."

[mswyrr]

This moment shapes how I interpret where they will go in season 3. In the book, Rhaenyra relies increasingly on Mysaria as her advisor as the war continues. Including during some of the darkest chapters of her reign. I can see the seeds of that here - Rhaenyra committing to a path of taking and holding power by any means necessary and Mysaria supporting her in that, believing that it is justified by the kind of queen Rhaenyra will be (and their apparently now shared belief that the gods have chosen Rhaenyra - very significant that they're on the same page religiously in that, or that Mysaria is choosing to say that she shares that view. With Dae/mon's visions and commitment to Rhaenyra as the ruling queen, that makes three people on this "team" who are all in on mystical fanaticism).

I think it's important that, despite Rhaenyra and Dae/mon's reunion in a prior scene, it is Mysaria who Rhaenyra shares her doubts and moral discomfort with. It is her opinion alone that has that weight. This is due, I believe, both to Mysaria's own history as a low born woman who has suffered due to that, her advocacy for the smallfolk, her support and loyal validation of Rhaenyra, and the long-term fractures of trust in his judgment Rhaenyra had with D/aemon over young Jaehaerys' murder and their prior disagreements over who will "rule" in that relationship.

Rhaenyra is Rhaenyra - she has always craved love and will not deny herself any connection that sustains and comforts her. But I think that, going forward, the "lady wife" role Mysaria can play to her [a role that, as I've argued before in this meta, Rhaenyra seems to crave in her life and has since her youthful bond with Alicent] will be vital to shoring her up, intellectually and emotionally, and that Mysaria's strategic thinking will be important to her as well.

Their bond will be an essential one for Rhaenyra going forward, imo, based on s2 and the book info. I hope the studio is brave enough to let the queerness of that bond be clear as the story continues.

[sukibenders]

Some in the HOTD fandom really don't care about black people or their voices, and it shows especially during conversations about the portrayal of black characters. I've been seeing an uptick mostly in regards to the possibility that Ryan Cordal may merge Rhaena's and Nettles's storylines and, while I'm not finished with the book (audiobook) nor have reached Nettles part, I don't want that to happen for a couple of reasons. However, it's very apparent the very "here, there!" energy some have when people complain about this by going "But they made the Velaryons, this great house, black! Corlys and his family, his children, and grandchildren are black, so what's the problem?" If they actually cared then they would have gathered the issue a long time ago, but instead, they play ignorant. I've stated some of the issues of HOTD's treatment of black characters in my post about Laena (+ featuring Baela, Rhaena, and even Laenor), but one really annoying thing is the belief that just making these characters black was enough. This is a very common theme that I see with some who go "Oh, we don't mind that you changed the race of this/these character(s)" but only as long as they remain in the background after that change, completely ignoring how, in the original text, said character was given more to do than what is shown after the change.

I was very excited to hear that the Velaryons would be played by black actors, especially after hearing all the things that happen in the books, but then I get little to nothing from the show in those regards. Many vital plot points for these characters have been skipped over, or rushed, or just plain ignored and yet whenever we criticize it we're met with people saying we should just be happy that we got something. That we get to be in it at all. And it's very apparent the disparities in treatment because I've seen think pieces and the praises they receive when people call out how HOTD portrays Rhaenyra, or Alicent, or Daemon and many of the other white characters (which is fine, as it makes since because there are big differences) but it's crickets or passive aggressiveness when it comes to the black and other poc characters. Sometimes they can't even have any plot of their own without it relating back to their white counterparts (eg. Laena's dragonriders death being brought back to Rhaenyra to elevate her, or her death just being used as a stepping stone to bring Daemyra onscreen). I remember seeing people being mad at Rhaena for daring to be upset at being sent away, not even bothering to see her side of things and calling her selfish and whiny because she dared to make the decision harder on Rhaenyra. Like gods forbid black and brown characters get testy because suddenly it's a problem.

Another argument I see when it comes to Nettles involvement is because, apparently, "there are already black characters in the show" as if that, not only, ignores the treatment they face but also acts as a reason as to why she can't be added to the show. Why can't there be more black characters? Why do they only have to be silver-haired or illegitimate children to be important? Like, at this point, say what you want to say out loud. And I know that some don't want her added because of how it makes Rhaenyra look (because I know she says some nasty and borderline racist things in the books) and the show has a thing for not making her, or other members of TB, morally dubious/complex, as well as splits Daemyra and, if that's the case, JUST SAY SO! Stop creating fake think pieces when you really just don't like this black character because you don't want her to take away from your favorite white incest ship, which, in HOTD, is already crashing and burning from what it seems at this point. Like Nettles and Daemon could still be a thing, maybe with some slight changes, and Rhaenyra could still be involved (because I think these three characters are connected plotwise, from what I've seen so far, so it wouldn't really make sense to split them up) by making her see the same grooming tendencies that Daemon used for her toward Nettles, maybe she gets protective if they want to follow HOTD canon. Maybe not, who knows, but in the end erasing this prevalent black character does nothing helpful to the story just gives some of these fans the ability to not see more black people in their fantasy genre.

[venusintheblindspots-blog]

Finished the episode so here are my complete thoughts.

Unfortunately, I don’t think it really lives up to the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones, but it isn’t bad, and it’s only the first episode so I’ll reserve judgement when the entire season is out.

One of the main highlights of this episode has to be Rhaenyra grieving Lucerys. Emma did their big one with the acting. Also, I LOVE Syrax’s roar, it’s so distinct. The scene where she embraces Jace as he’s trying to keep a brave face while naming allies is absolutely incredible, so shoutout to Emma and Harry.

Speaking of Jace, the episode opening with the Stark theme and Winterfell, was nostalgic and almost had me tearing up. I was not really feeling “Stark” vibes from Cregan, I’m not sure if it was the lack of a beard, or just the quickness of the scene in Winterfell, but I didn’t connect with him. The “northern” accent from Game of Thrones was a nice touch though.

As for the dragon twins (sisters, since they aren’t twins in hotd) they are still very scarce this episode. As I said earlier though, it is only the first episode and Baela plays a vital role in the war so I’m hoping that she gets more screen time in the upcoming episodes. As for Rhaena, that shot of her at Lucerys’ funeral was beautiful.

Daemon Daemon Daemon. I can’t tell if the writers intended for him to be grief stricken or just hungry for war, (it might just be both) but his character was a tad bit annoying in this episode. As irritating as he is though, his characterization stays true to season one- Daemon handles his negative emotions violently and aims his vitriol to anyone around him- which this episode demonstrates well with his conversations with Rhaenys, Mysaria, and Ser Erryk.

I’m very excited for Rhaenys this season, her first scene was so good and the imagery is top tier. Mysaria’s storyline is also one that I’m very intrigued by. (Also shout out to the directors and writers who toned down Mysaria’s accent. It was the best choice.)

First sight of the dragonseeds- lovely to see Alyn, I can’t wait to see the others. I must admit though, seeing Alyn made me remember that Corlys was cheating on Rhaenys so :/.

Onto the Green faction… Aegon is a delight. Unlike season one, his character is actually quite funny, and his scenes with Jahaerys were very heartwarming, and it did quite a lot to actually make me sympathize with a character that was kind of flat in season one. His frat bros are very funny. There’s one new aspect of him I’m excited to see being explored and it’s his interactions with Larys. Their brief conversation has to mean something by the end of all of this and I’d love to see it.

As for Alicent, I’m not sure what the writers are doing with her, but her scenes with Criston are very delicious though. The guilt between them as they ‘dishonor’ their respective vows is so very intriguing. “We will not do that again”- only to be riding him later? Ma’am?

Aemond was scarce this episode, but his appearances were all hilarious. He’s literally your average anime villain with a dragon.

As for Helaena. The show did her wrong. I cannot even describe how awful the adaptation for blood and cheese was.

[atopvisenyashill]

are there any performances in HOTD that you find to be overrated or underrated?

i think we all know my feelings about rhys ifans lmao. i’ve certainly seen him in roles i liked him in but the man has no rizz and i do not buy that he managed to snow viserys that hard and that’s vital to the dynamic. the first scene where daemon smack talks otto’s wife is really good but every other scene is lacking in the SEXUAL TENSION where is the rivalry so intense it looks like they’re about to fuck or murder on the small council table. matt is putting in his best here rhys and you are slipping!!

i’m assuming i’ll be hunted for sport for saying this altho i’m hoping some people agree but i am very underwhelmed by ewan mitchell. for one thing, why does he look 30 while tom looks like 12. i wish they were less unserious about the ages of the younger characters. second of all i’m just. idk he’s fine?? i was ROCKING AND ROLLING with leo and ty and i was so whelmed by ewan’s switch up. he’s got good chemistry w phia and olivia & there are a few scenes i felt a bit struck by - mainly the street of silk scene & the lil slap fight when he finds aegon - but idg what everyone is screaming for. he’s not bad but come on. i feel like i’m being punked or something with how often people wax poetic about him aksjsj

underrated is paddy considine hands down. the fact that he didn’t win a single award and a few of those annoying golden glove people were like “i didn’t even watch the show” WELL YOU MISSED SOME AMAZING WORK YOU PRETENTIOUS FANTASY HATER. i think the fandom at large appreciates him enough but man the awards were so disrespectful to him. anyways.

i wouldn’t say anyone else is super underrated. i think everyone agrees the acting is a STEP UP from the last few seasons of got, so even tho there’s some insane fan behavior bc people can’t be normal to actors who play complex characters, i feel like everyone generally agrees they were all good? just my experience anyway!!

i will say i think some of the more minor actors are doing a good job at giving you a whole character in 2 second snippets - Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Ryan Corr, Graham MacTavish, Phia Saban stand out to me - and the girl who played Dyana was amazinggggg. I also have seen some people say that Milly is a better actor than Emma, and like, idk about that lmao i love Milly she was great, i’m not trying to debate and say Emma is better I think that comes down to taste but I feel like some people got soooo attached to young Rhaenyra and then Emma didn’t really look the way they wanted and they got mad. Sucks to suck tho Emma is divine and also amazingly talented.

[theprincessandherloyalprotector]

“He was very sweet,” I smile softer and then lean back as the dinner is served.

Daemon and Aemma fall into easy conversation as all of you eat, with Rhaenyra watching him nearly the entire time.

He’s so very happy to be home, and settles in quickly, thinking he’ll get to be there a while.

Until the greatest threats are resurgent once more and Daemon is shipped out along with ever soldier King’s Landing has to offer. Including the Velaryon fleets, and everyone else who has pledged their allegiance to the crown.

Daemon fearlessly leads the armies through fight after fight, his only goal being to end the war and get back home to you.

Days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months. Months turn into a year. He manages to come home for Yule and spends every waking moment he can with you, only joining Rhaenyra for a visit whenever you’re absolutely too busy to see him. Which is rare.

And then a year turns into two years. Then three. He can never make it home for your birthday, which breaks his heart. How is it fair that he has to send you gifts by a raven or by shipment instead of giving them to you himself?

Sure, you have Yule together each year. But… he loses his birthday. Loses your birthday. None of it is fair. Every time he sees you, he notices how much you have grown since the last time. And each time he is home, he is different as well. His most recent visit was marked by reactions to loud noises and nightmares every other night. He’s quieter. Not as big a jester as he was before. A maturity has been honed in him as if it was forged at the blacksmith as roughly as his sword was. His youth? Gone. Sure, he has his moments and days where he’s happy and joking and playing around, but his exhaustion outweighs the rest some days.

This is now the fourth year he has been at war and the fighting has reached its worst yet. All of his men are dying. Starving. He’s starving. He’s lost more blood than he thought possible but he still pushes forward. His injuries grow by the week, and his body hurts terribly.

It doesn’t help that he’s now sitting in a cave during a rare calm moment, sobbing with his head in his hands. The enemy is recuperating and instead of doing so himself he’s experiencing the harsh snap of his very last straw. His mental stability? Gone. His will to keep going? Gone.

What’s the point? He won’t be able to come home this year. He won’t be able to see you. At all. Every year he’s managed a small visit but the war has officially gotten too bad.

Caraxes stays curled up outside the cave to look out, whining softly every few minutes as Daemon just continues to wail.

When his sadness dissipates into madness and a frightening numbing feeling, he spends ten minutes beating the shit out of some dead guy in the cave with him, until his knuckles are bloody.

And then, once he’s at the brink of exhaustion, he grabs his journal and starts to write you a letter. His hand shakes and fucks up his handwriting but he couldn’t care. It won’t get any better anyway. He continues to write even as he has to look at his writing through tear-blurred vision.

My darling wife,

The war has reached a new height of violence that I admit I’ve never seen before. My days are full of blood, sweat, death, and fear. I often fall asleep wondering if I will rise to see another day.

It pains me beyond explanation that I must stay. I cannot come home for Yule. Our forces are too depleted and victory too vital for the safety of the kingdom.

I am so sorry, Lilium. Please do not be angry with me. Please. If I had any say in the matter I would be home with you right now, far away from this wretched, hopeless wasteland. I am so sorry.

Please give everyone a hug for me. Please pray for me. I did not consider myself religious but I do not think I can hold up much longer in these conditions.

I hope to see you so soon. I miss you so very much. So much it aches. And it’s not just my injuries, it’s in my chest. My heart. My soul.

I am so sorry.

I love you with everything I have.

- Daemon

He sobs harder as he rolls to the paper and ties it tight with a small rope he found before forcing himself to his feet.

Caraxes studies Daemon and gently nudges him with his snout, whimpering again.

“W-We cannot go h-home, old boy,” Daemon sniffles. “Go… go lick your wounds if- if you need. I’ll tend to mine later.”

He limps out of the cave and delivers the letter to the boy who typically runs them for the soldiers before moving back to Caraxes.

When the letter arrives at King’s Landing, Dina slowly walks it down the hall, terrified for you to see what’s inside. Because… upon glancing at the outside of the letter and holding it…

Blood crusts the paper, staining it in dark puddles here and there. And it’s so dirty. If the letter has been through hell and back to get here, what has Daemon gone through?

“My Lady?” She asks quietly as she enters the chambers. “I… I have a letter…”

[forwithinthishollowcrown]

ACOB historical counterparts:

Aliandra as Eleanor of Aquitaine:

Eleanor was considered to be beautiful, incredibly intelligent, and strong willed. She was also raised by her father to be his heir to Aquitaine which made her one of the wealthiest heiresses in all of Europe at the time and the people of Aquitaine adored her her whole life. She was also quite close to her sister, Petronilla, and supported her in her pursuit of a relationship with Count Raoul (even though he was married and it was quite scandalous). She also faced more than her fair share of nasty rumors. Aliandra shares similar character traits: beautiful, intelligent, strong willed, etc. She will be raised by Qoren to be his heir to Dorne and I definitely think the people will adore her (as she is clearly Dornish as opposed to some of her other siblings). I also think that she’d be incredibly loyal to her siblings (even when they are in the wrong) and would be one of the first people to defend Qyle taking Aemond’s eye and would argue against Aemma’s betrothal. However, her heritage, looks, and charming and flirtatious nature could lead to some people in other areas of Westeros gossiping and spreading rumors about her

Visenya as Catherine the Great:

Catherine the Great grew up under her strict and abusive mother and was arranged to a less than great husband (Peter) who was the heir to Russia. However, she did the best with what she was given and wholeheartedly cared about her new home. She converted to the local faith, changed her name, and made a concerted effort to assimilated into the culture. She did her best to grow Russia’s power and influence during her reign and is regarded as one of the best rulers of Russia in its history. While Rhaenyra and Qoren would be loving parents, they would have to focus a lot of their energy and time on their respective heirs (Jace and Aliandra) which could leave Visenya feeling alone. I think it would be interesting to see Visenya going to Winterfell and actually thriving there. Her parents are worried that she won’t like living in a place that’s so different to where she grew up and the Northerners expect her to act like a total southerner and turn her nose up at them and their lifestyles. But she surprises everyone (including herself) by how much she actually loves it there and the people love and respect her. Maybe she could play a role in defending her husband’s claim when his uncle Bennard tries to usurp him and later on trying to get people to recognize how important and vital the North is to the realm

Baela as Eleanor of Provence with hints of Marie Antoinette:

Eleanor had a loving relationship with her husband and she was a devoted wife and mother. However, she was extremely unpopular with the people and was once even attacked by a crowd of peasants. Marie Antoinette was an Austrian who married the heir to the French throne. This match was highly controversial as many of the French people were still highly untrusting of the Austrians and even accused Marie at times during her husband’s reign for not caring enough for the French and being “too Austrian”. She was placed in an impossible situation. Like Eleanor, I imagine Baela and Jace to have a very happy relationship and that she would be a great wife and mother. However, she is technically married to “the enemy”. She like Marie is placed in an impossible situation. If she supports her husband and his ambitions, she’s turning her back on her family, her blood. If she asks for clemency or mercy for the teals, she’s a traitor who may be plotting against her husband. For example, I can’t imagine that defending Aemond won her any favors with the Blacks. She loves people on every faction and doesn’t want war but she has to do what’s best for her children. Out of everyone, I think she (like Eleanor) will receive a lot of flack from the people and (like Marie) will receive a lot of negative press and a bad reputation/legacy

OH MY GOSH! I love these thank you so much anon!

[multistoty]

@musings-with-ash​

His laughter sounds like beautiful bells to her ears. Not the caution filled sassy chuckle, but true boyish laughter.Hope wasn’t sure about agreeing. She was as much an agent of chaos as him though she struggled heavily with the idea and sentiment of pushing away the one ally and soon to be sister she had here. Besides, Helaena could get whatever she wanted with that wide eyed wounded look. She had let her braid flowers in her hair a few days ago and stayed in the future queen’s rooms for most of the day to Aegon’s delight. He already felt much like a brotherly annoyance. Maybe it was how he treated those to be his own or his own respect to his brother, but there had been nothing overtly flirtatious besides lingering gazes. Aegon could be disagreeable in the best sense, but he wasn’t without a sliver of light. Honestly, there were a lot of things that she had not imagined doing including chasing a lavender butterfly down the training areas no doubt adding to rumors. “Hmm , as long as I can blame you should she ask and you take me out on a ride of that dragon if yours. That is if he is not inclined to burn me to a crisp. Might make me feel better about joining the painting session with your sister. Wolves are more used to ice than fire. I never thought about how much black you all wear besides the queen. Is it a Targaryen trait to dress for funerals? Almost as tiring as the crimson my father insists we wore. I should hope you don’t ruin my attempts to seduce your mother. She’s very vital to this union- and you to as well. I’m kidding. But I want your family to be mine. And Viserys doesn’t seem to want to play father to anyone besides rhaenyra. I’ll have to show you the ones that aren’t of you. Keep some mystery about it. Might educate you on your in laws. Imagine how you’d threaten a man for Helaena. I have a lot lot lot of uncles. Besides. I have a knife to add to my attempts at capturing you.”

[last-ofthe-starks]

HOTD SPOILER

~don’t read below the gif if you want to avoid a rather large spoiler/foreshadowing~

This scene between Sir Criston and Rhaenyra in episode 3 is incredibly significant for a number of reasons, so I wanted to discuss.

First, we get subtle cues that in the three years that Criston has been serving as her sworn shield, the two have become friendly. This means Criston has analyzed and considered Rhaenyra’s character in great detail. He has likely had many conversations of a similar nature with her, where she expresses her frustration and anger of the situation with her father, the marriage to Alicent, the pregnancy, and eventually the birth of Aegon.

In all that time, he’s made an assessment of her character, no doubt. So when she asks him this vital question, his response is incredibly telling.

“Do you think the realm will ever accept me ask their queen?”

He pauses,

“They’ll have no choice but to, Princess.”

It is true that for the subjects of the realm, they have no say in who comes into power next. But they do have opinions, and much of the key players in the show believe the realm is not yet ready for a woman to sit on the throne. Especially now that Viserys has a son. This answer is a non-answer, and in a moment where he could offer Rhaenyra a compliment or reassurance as a friend, instead he gives this answer, which we could learn later on that this was a calculated response.

There are no obvious indicators yet for people who have not read the books, but Sir Criston plays a pivotal role in the events of this story. It will eventually be Criston who encourages the young prince Aegon II to take the throne from Rhaenyra, and essentially start the Dance of the Dragons upon the death of Viserys.

His belief that the realm will have no choice but to accept the named heir will later apply to naming Aegon II to the thrown as well. Sir Criston knows that with the right push Rhaenyra could easily be replaced. At present, the only person who truly wishes to see her sit upon the throne is Viserys, and–in a departure from the books–Alicent is seemingly reluctant to take away that station from her as well. That will change when the King dies.

Criston's motives in supporting Aegon II Targaryen in the Dance of the Dragons are/were largely unclear. It could possibly be due to self serving ambition, as he later is named Lord Commander of the White Cloaks and given a position of influence and power. Aegon would have been easier to control and manipulate than Rhaenyra.

There is also the suspected fallout between himself and Rhaenyra after the two are rumored to have had a secret relationship. Many think Rhaenyra tried to seduce Sir Criston, but he denied her. Some think he took her virginity, confessed his love and asked her to run away together, but she refused him. Others believed that Criston supported Aegon II simply out of respect for ancient Andal custom which gives precedence to sons over daughters.

Since the events of Fire and Blood are all told in third person, the truth of that will undoubtably come to light and will likely be some combination of all three rumors in the show. What I love about HOTD is that the showrunners and writers have complete and total control over confirming what the truth of this book actually is. Each event in Fire and Blood, including the actions of Sir Criston, are all told in third person with different recollections. The show gets to choose the truth, which is so rare for a television series to have the opportunity to dictate the source material.

I have a hard time believing that there was no personal motives behind Sir Criston’s decision to betray Rhaenyra, but I held my breathe for a moment when this scene took place because it is the very first piece of a very complex puzzle falling into place here between these two. I am curious, nervous and excited to see how the show decides to tackle their storyline, because it is deeply interwoven into many other characters and their subsequent actions.

Long story short, at this point in the show I don’t think there is any bad blood between these two. I genuinely think Sir Criston cares for Rhaenyra and finds her to be a fascinating woman. But his feelings towards her drastically change, and we’ll have to wait and see what the show runners decided would be the root cause of his anger and defiance.

[nataliescatorccio]

hotd really should have shown us more of rhaenyra's relationships with laenor, laena, and harwin. laenor and laena were her cousins, she's known them all her life! and she loved harwin so much she chose to have his children! all of them deserve to be more than footnotes in this story. i'm so sad.

exactly exactly exactly!!! i'm honestly incredibly disappointed in their treatment of laenor, laena and harwin in general but especially in relation to rhaenyra. up until this point i thought the show had actually given us more than the book (since it's a third party account) but this was one thing i felt like i saw more of on the page. i know there's a lot of talk about it not being plot relevant and therefore they wanted to skip over these bits to skip to the meaty bit, but i personally believe that these characters and relationship are extremely important to the set up of what is to happen.

laenor and laena are extremely important in showing the bond between the targaryen blood and how it strengthened with their unions (both rhaenyra and laenor and daemon and laenor respectively). which will play a big role later if you've heard anything of the blacks! to rhaenyra, they are particularly important because they are a support system for her at a time when she feels incredibly isolated. they are her confidants, she trusts them, and having them there is so vital in understanding how backed into a corner she will come to feel when they are no longer there. as someone who is a big supporter of female friendships i am particularly bitter about laena and rhaenyra, because rhaenyra deserved to have someone she could think of as a bff after losing alicent long ago. and i think there could have been a real emotional pull there if rhaenyra had finally allowed herself to get close to someone again only to lose them once more. really, losing laena last episode could have had so much of an emotional pull had the audience actually had a chance to see her as an established character.

and then harwin? harwin and rhaenyra are so key to what happens when you consider the spin that the show took, which is that alicent knows rhaenyra's children are not quite legitimate and that is fuelling her to push her own children as the rightful heirs. so to see why rhaenyra did it, both as a source of comfort for herself but also maybe the need to produce an heir so she could strengthen her own claim(?) i feel actually would have been really valuable to the storyline. harwin was supposed to be her fiercest protector, always by her side, an ever looming presence of strength and support for her, and we got to see so little of that. seeing how they were drawn together and how it gave rhaenyra the strength to continue to live in king's landing where she constantly felt uncomfortable and undermined would have been amaizng for her own storyline as queen. then again with the twist the show took in alicent being responsible for harwin's death, i would argue it makes harwin's role in the story even more important. because he is the first unnecessary tragedy in what is to come. he is that first step alicent has made to becoming a murderer, and that ultimately is very cruicial in her own arc. if the show had taken a second to establish harwin (and subsequently his relationship with rhaenyra) it would have made the audience care and this could have been one of those shocking twists game of thrones was so known for (at least for non-book readers).

apologies as i have completely rambled here, but i've been thinking a lot about this and it was nice to have a moment to vent my own feelings on the subject! in a tldr summary: they really did deserve to have their stories told and could have had so much more to give had the show given them time.