#george rr martin wanted to make the valyrians black

[sarcasticsweetlara]

Can you please help me finding out the name of Aemon's faceclaim?

Daemon and Laena's son: Aemon Targaryen - Headcanons

I chose to pick a faceclaim and an AI drawing for this beautiful boy had he survived and grown to be his father's heir.

PD: I've given him the name Aemon in honor of his great-grandfather Aemon.

I think it's important to note how things would have happened had he survived:

1. Even if Aemon is Daemon and Laena's firstborn son, he could not inherit Driftmark (at first at least).

After debating with many others, I've come to the conclusion that even if Aemon survives, he could not inherit it because Luke is older and he carries the last name Velaryon, though obviously he's a Strong and everyone with eyes knows it, Corlys would be ecstatic about the birth of his first and only grandson, but he can not give him Driftmark because of his agreement with Rhaenyra in which he wanted Laenor's line to inherit it, because that way his last name would keep going. Of course, Corlys wants both his name and blood in the Iron Throne and Driftmark so that is why he supported the marriage agreements Rhaenyra and Laena had arranged of Jace/Baela and Lucerys/Rhaena.

I think the reason why Corlys insisted in the inheritance going this way was to protect Laenor, granted everyone knew the Strong boys were not the sons of Laenor and mocked him behind his back, but Corlys wanted at least the register that Laenor could fulfill his duty and with Adam and Alyn, Corlys wanted to make it seem that Laenor was capable of having enough physical attraction to women, and because he still didn't want to admit he cheated on Rhaenys and that it was him who risked the succession line of Driftmark .

2. As a result of Aemon not being able to be Lord of Driftmark but still being Daemon and Laena's only son who nonetheless is Daemon's firstborn, he would have to be given a castle and inheritance by Rhaenyra; also this would be a key factor in keeping him from wanting to take Driftmark as he would have a household of his own Aemon would be able to expand that will keep him occupied and satisfied enough that he will have no need of Driftmark.

Also ...

3. Aemon would need a strategic betrothal, Daemon would want to give Aemon a suitable match, an heiress, like a Baratheon maid.

Or for the sake of keeping his son's bloodline pure Daemon would betroth Aemon to a Velaryon from a minor branch in order to appease the Velaryons even more; Book! Daemon is actually pretty clever when it comes to politics.

Of course, in order to soothe the nerves of Corlys and Rhaenys over their bloodline, Aemon's firstborn son would be wed to Joffrey's firstborn daughter and viceversa.

4. Aemon would want to fight during the Dance, however as he would still be a boy, since Aemon would be like one year older than Aegon the Younger - around 11 months- he would be only nine when the war started which means Aemon's too young to fight.

5. If Aemon survived the dance, he would probably be Lord of Driftmark. As Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey would be dead, Corlys would ask Rhaenyra to change Aemon's name from Targaryen to Velaryon when he ascended. Of course, he would still ask for the legitimization of Addam and Alyn, but since he had already had problems with Rhaenyra and Daemon at this point, Corlys would give them "this boon" in order to reconcile.

6. Aemon would not rule as king, yes he's the firstborn son of the Rogue Prince, the younger brother of King Viserys, but since he already is heir to Driftmark and has his own keep - that would be built since the beginning because obviously Daemon would want his firstborn son's inheritance secure- away from the Red Keep, and as Aemon would emphasize Aegon's claim was stronger as he had the support of the Blacks as the only living son of Rhaenyra The Black Queen (as it was thought back then before Viserys II returned) he can not rule, Aegon would still have a better claim since he's King Viserys' grandson, while Aemon is Viserys' nephew, Aegon would win by proximity - something their great-great-grandfather Jaehaerys had done with Viserys to have him as heir. Also, it would be a homage to the fact Viserys never changed his heir: Rhaenyra, as The Blacks were still fighting after Rhaenyra's death while the Greens killed Aegon The Elder.

7. In the case Aemon has not married his betrothed and Baela is also single Aemon would marry Baela. The regents would want him isolated from his younger brother Aegon The Younger in order to manipulate the boy, and would still want to wed off Baela. Baela would go to her brother and ask him to wed each other. Just like their great-great-grandparents did. They would have so much potential together, the first daughter and son of Daemon and Laena, who both were dragonriders - as obviously Aemon would be given a dragon egg - and who grew up loving and respecting each other.

However, that would be if as I said, Aemon has not married his betrothed who will be the Lady of Driftmark. If he is already married, his wife's family would not want him to remarry as part of the agreement they had made with Aemon's father, so what Aemon could do is have Baela wed to Alyn (knowing Corlys, he would have legitimized them but not make them heirs since Corlys has his grandson).

[bohemian-nights]

- Nettles is specifically stated as a brown girl in the book. Take it up with George RR martin. The speculated actress for Nettles is a brown woman. You think she's black? That's okay since she's clearly of mixed heritage. However, you weaponizing race isn't going to go over well since main point is most of us wocs don't want a woc to be given this treatment in the show.

- "She is an adult by westerosi standards"? That doesn't mean anything. Do you also count 14-yo Rhaenyra as grown woman in the book when Daemon was "educating" her about seduction and sex? Do you count the likes of Helaena who was forced to give birth at 13-14 and adult simply because she was married? This is the same excuse people use to excuse the grooming of young girls in what's clearly a patriarchal society.

- IT IS GROOMING!! You're making excuses for Daemon's behavior. I'll give it to OP last time who called out your "i can fix him" behavior when yous said "he isn't all bad". They're 100% right!! We literally have lines from the book where he is teaching her how to act, giving her gifts, etc. She's a lowborn teen girl and he's a middle-aged royal prince. There is no world this isn't grooming!

- Him letting her go does not mean he loves her. Ya'll just be romanticizing sh*t. This is a grown man of 50. He does not need saving from his depressed and paranoid wife who lost her children just because of your misogynoir and self-insert fantasies!

You have to look outside your little bubble and realize Nettles/Daemon isn't liked outside of your little circle because of all the problematic aspects and not because of some shipping war. Is this is how you want a woc to be treated? Do you want to see women being pitted against each other just because you hate the other one? Over some white man...seven help us then

Her alleged actress and her first canon depiction back in 2015👆🏽 Black people have brown skin too dear(which is how Netty is described). She could be Blackish(never denied that just the insinuation she wasn't Black at all), but why should she even be Valyrian? I'm terribly afraid that the point keeps going over your head🙃

Daemon did groom Rhaenyra, but he isn’t the villain when it comes to Nettles. I’m sorry this isn’t a gotcha moment for you but she was a legal adult who he had a consensual relationship with. Him rescuing Nettles and put her, someone who wouldn’t be missed by anyone except him, above his own safety. That is nothing to sneeze about(and no, you can’t compare their relationship with Dumbnyra because it’s actually supposed to be romantic).

Instead of wanting her to have a rich character arc, you want to put Nettles into a box where she’s Rhaenyra’s Magical Negro/Mammy who helps her wake up and realize that she’s being groomed and wipe her tears away so that she can live another day.

You need to step outside of your bubble and acknowledge your misogynoir(which is a term created by and for Black women to describe our issues, not for whoever you are trying to hijack and use it for). Acknowledge that the sisterhood ends with racism. As a WOC you should know that.

Nettles is the victim of a woman who used racially charged language while ordering her to be murdered in her sleep. Rhaenyra isn’t just some poor unfortunate woman who lost her marbles(being mentally ill doesn’t excuse racism). She’s a queen who uses her power to punch down and she chooses Nettles as one of her many victims.

She chooses to try to make a Black woman(and potentially her baby) into victim(s) of a hate crime. I’m under no obligation to ignore that for the sake of the sisterhood(how dare you suggest I do).

I am under no obligation to sing a racist woman’s praises just because she’s a woman to stick it to the man. If that’s what you want from me or else you’ll accuse me of I’m pitting women against women, then sweetheart, you need to have several seats and take up your issues with GRRM (because he most certainly didn’t write your self-insert to be considered “a clear cut good person who you must worship or else,” which is why you are boiling over people like myself calling out your drivel).

[beautifulsnake2162020]

The Vitulation Cycle: An Arthuriana fanfiction (King Arthur x OC and Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot) CHAPTER 10: ARTHUR PART IV

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction I do not make any money from this. Cultist Simulator elements belongs to the Weather Factory, House of the Dragon/Game of thrones elements belongs to George RR Martin and Arthuriana while generally regarded as under the public domain, it comes from the culture of Britain.

"Are they still there kepa (father)?" Daeron asks you through a whisper as he holds your hand tightly as the two of you help settle the horses in the inn's stable as you make sure your hoods were still on. You squeeze his hand back, your sign to him to stay as calm as possible. Just act naturally and neither of you would be noticed.

"I swear we don't know any witches sir!" The inn's owner says as he pleads at the door to an armed man accompanied by two more men who were similarly armed and was thoroughly searching the inn.

"Then have you seen anyone who is going by the name Targaryen?"

"No sir! I haven't heard that name before."

"Nothing in here sire, all clear."

"Hmm very well. If you see anyone using magic or anyone going by the name Targaryen bring them to us immediately. Are we understood?"

"Ye-yes sire." You had never been more thankful that Daenara and Ayrmida were shopping for provisions in the market and were going by the name Bardugon. In Valyrian it means to write, and it was similar enough to your actual last name to not raise any suspicions of its origins.

You continue to quietly teach Daeron how to brush your horses, the black stallion now named Midnight and the white mare now named Aurora, as you eavesdrop on the conversation the witch hunters were having as more of them gathered around.

"No one here so far."

"I'd say it's a dead end."

"Argh you're right, we've been here for a week it's time to move on."

"Let's head for Camelot, maybe they've breached their defenses by now. All in favor?"

You hear their murmur of agreement as they get on their horses and exit the town. You wait until you can no longer hear their horses anymore before you speak.

"They're gone now tresy (son). But we'll have to refrain from speaking in Valyrian for awhile. Can you do that?"

"Yes papa."

"Good."

Later that evening you hold a private meeting with your family. Fortunately the four of you occupied one room to yourselves and could converse in hushed tones.

"They are also headed towards Camelot. Which means we'll have to change our path for now."

"Where are we headed now Arthur?"

"I'm thinking of going to a nearby kingdom."

"The one with many waters papa?"

"Yes Daeron, I wanted to ask your mother first."

"Well if you believe it is safe, then I don't see why not."

"There is something else that I wanted to ask your permission on."

"What is it?" You calm yourself down.

"It is to the nearby kingdom that the Fisher King reigns. It is him who has asked for your blood - or rather he calls it his medicine since I believe no one in his court knows that the concoction they are treating him with must have contained some amount of Targaryen blood."

"Ah I see, is he the one who brought this on you?"

"Yes. I don't know how Oxenburg's influence over him is since there isn't any magic in his kingdom. You don't have to give blood to him if you don't feel comfortable right now and it might even lead to the mages or the witch hunters finding us."

"Why will it lead them to us? It's just mama giving some blood." Ayrmida asks in confusion.

"But the mages whom we ran away from will know it is us. And we need to refrain from using magic until we are safe." Daenara explains gently.

"We'll see once we get there. If the Fisher King could arrange a private meeting when I could provide my blood then I don't see why not. But otherwise I would not want to risk our safety before reaching Camelot."

"Right now it is the only safe place since Camelot might be under attack or the witch hunters heading there might block our way. I have foster family relatives in the Fisher King's kingdom where we can stay."

"Why is the Fisher King's kingdom the safest place for us now?" Ayrmida asks in concern. You couldn't blame her, based on her experiences the witch hunters could seemingly go anywhere. It was why she took advantage of her youthfulness and made it a habit not to reveal her last name.

"It is the safest place for us because there is no magic in the Fisher King's kingdom. Or at least there is no magic in public. If the witch hunters were thinking logically they wouldn't bother searching the Fisher King's kingdom because there are no mages who serve the public. And because there are no mages that serve the public, there might not be any Targaryens. Also they wouldn't want to waste time if their search is fruitless and there is no magic for them to destroy or mage or magical creature to kill."

"Oh, but wouldn't it also be a very suspicious place to find any of our relatives because there is no magic?"

"You are right Ayrmida. But right now the risk of that is lower than if we continued to head toward Camelot the same route that the witch hunters are using. Also I could send a coded message to Camelot that I'm returning."

She relents and after discussing a little bit more, it was agreed that you would depart for the Fisher King's kingdom after breaking fast.

After a few days travelling you finally reached the Fisher King's kingdom. And your aunt from your foster family was more than happy to accommodate your family in her dwelling.

"Oh it's genuinely a delight Arthur, ever since my husband died and since I have no children, it's been quite lonely here." Your foster aunt Fiona says excitedly. She's always loved entertaining and whenever she visited it was always an event you looked forward to.

"Hello children, you can call me Aunty Fiona. Don't worry you're safe here with me although I may need your help every now and then with chores around the farm."

"What will you say children?" Daenara asks gently stirring Daeron and Ayrmida from their awe at your aunt.

"Yes Aunty Fiona." They both say.

"Arthur I'd advice you not to send a message right away." Your Aunt says with a serious tone.

"Why not?"

"Because then everyone searching for you will immediately connect the message to Camelot from you. I suggest waiting till I send goods to Ector and Kay that way it won't be as obvious that there is a message from you."

"Hmm good point."

"She has point Arthur. I'd rather be safe than sorry."

"Oh don't you worry Daenara, I'll make sure all of you are safe here. But enough dreary subjects now I'm about to prepare dinner. Arthur would you like to help with the cooking?"

"OH CAN I SEE!"

"Me too! Can Ayrmida and I watch?"

"Oh of course children. As a matter of fact I think you can all help, but wash your hands first."

"Yay!" They both say as they rush to get their hands washed.

"Children don't run!" Daenara says as she follows them.

"I have to say Arthur they are quite excited to do chores." Fiona says as she is back in her teasing tone.

"This is finally their chance to do so. And it is thanks to you that I learned how to cook almost any meal."

"Oh is it?" She asks in delight.

"It is, whenever we are travelling and have needed to camp I'm the one who cooks the meal to everyone's enjoyment."

"Can we start now? The mages never let us do it!" Ayrmida says with still very wet hands as she runs to you and Fiona.

"Ayrmida come here, I need to dry your hands." Daenara enters with a towel with Daeron following behind as you and Fiona begin clearing the table to prepare it for salting.

"Can we start?"

"Of course Daeron, this is the first step."

"This is called salting children. This is a very important step to make sure everything is clean before we prepare the food."

This was the start of your life in the farm for about a year and a few months. You've began to wonder if Kay and Ector have managed to see or decode your message about preparing three more rooms in the castle discreetly. You have no doubts that they will be assured that you are still alive and staying with Fiona while there was still a high chance of witch hunters in the direction towards Camelot. Originally you were planning to travel to Camelot after the autumn harvest. That way you and your family could use the pretense of delivering the freshly harvested goods to Kay and Ector to divert suspicion. A few weeks before the harvest Kay and Ector sent a letter using the same cipher you have used telling you to stay there since there were still attacks from the witch hunters towards Camelot and they were a nuisance. As promised they've only told Guin and Lancelot that you were still alive but not where you were since the witch hunters may have made a connection between you and the Targaryen family if they were now making themselves a nuisance to Camelot. You haven't disclosed if whether or not you were successful in your quest just in case an unwanted spy were able to read your letters.

There was also another reason.

"What do you desire for your birthday children?" You ask as you and Fiona butcher two freshly slaughtered ewes who have showed signs that their best years are behind them and to put them out of their misery and to do so while they are still healthy to be eaten. Daenara was busy plucking out the feathers of several pigeons that you've shot down with the arrows that Fiona has given you. Rather than just driving away the birds eating and destroying the crops, your family was going to eat them for the birthday feast of the twins as they become twelve years of age.

"Oh I would like to have painting supplies. I miss painting and I want to paint everything here."

"You just miss painting on a flat surface!"

"Am not! I want to sketch Aunty Fiona!"

"Oh I'm flattered Daeron." Fiona chuckles as she hands you the bowl of organs that needs to be cooked and immediately eaten since they don't preserve well over time.

"Cook these immediately Arthur. Daenara could you help me here?"

"Yes, let me just pluck the last few feathers here then I'll be right there."

"Why can't we help?" Ayrmida asks.

"You're still too young to be butchering Ayrmida. You still have some growing to do first." Fiona says as she hands Daenara a similar butcher's knife and they continue cutting and preserving meats. Mainly with salt but some parts were also placed aside to be preserved in smoking. During your stay here and thanks to Fiona's guidance, Daenara and your children have not only learned how to do chores needed to be learned in any household but also how to do them well.

It was also clear that they were enjoying doing these chores. Probably because they weren't allowed to do any while staying with the mages and this allowed them some control over what they can do. Daenara was still not as good as a butcher that Fiona was but it was also clear that she was eager to learn and Fiona was also a good teacher.

"Ayrmida, would you like to help me cook these?" Your daughter enthusiastically goes to your side. You figured you would have her help you so that she wouldn't bother Fiona and Daenara. You remember the frightening time when you almost cut your own finger because you weren't focused on the angle of the cut while you were learning how to butcher. Daenara may have healing blood but you doubt it would be enough to cure a finger that was cut-off. Daeron was enjoying watching and observing and wasn't as much of a bother as Ayrmida may have been.

"Now that we are alone, is there anything you would like to have on your birthday?"

"Well there is but I don't think you will like it Papa." She says as she mixes the dough mixture to make the crust of the pie.

"How do you know if you haven't asked?"

"Because you love me and you, Mama, Daeron, and Aunty Fiona will worry about me. That's why I think you won't like it, but I really want to experience it." You put the organs in the cauldron along with other vegetables to help bulk up the filling of the meat pie you two were making. After being satisfied with the consistency of the filling being cooked over the fire, you go to Ayrmida's side to check the consistency of the dough.

"What is it that you want? I'll do my best to be as open minded as possible." You two sit down facing each other.

She tells you her wish and why she wants to experience it.

She was right that you would be worried. But after listening to her, you also cannot deny her own logic for it.

"I will have to talk to your Mama about this first. She already worries whenever you sneak out and away from us." She nods, you could tell that she had already understood that this would need the cooperation of many people should she want to truly experience it.

Daenara of course was worried.

"Ayrmida why would you want that?" She does her best to stay calm and keep the worry from her voice.

"Because once Ke-Papa goes back to Camelot everything will change. And I want to experience this so I could know what it's like."

After much talk, Daenara couldn't deny that Ayrmida was a lot like her when you two were newly married. And Ayrmida wanted to experience the same thing.

That didn't mean that she needed to be alone in doing so.

"My foster father sir Ector and my foster brother sir Kay will have to know about this so they can ensure your safety. That is non-negotiable." You tell her as your family was having a midday meal and after a lot of discussion with Daenara and Fiona about how to achieve Ayrmida's wish without compromising her safety as much as possible.

"Of course Papa."

"Do not cause too much trouble for your Papa. Is that understood tala (daughter)?"

"Issa muña (Yes mother)."

"Do not let anyone know of our secret."

"But-but what if someone is dying?"

"That's an exception but be discreet. I've taught you how to properly do it but be careful with the blade nevertheless."

"Yes mama."

"No magic until you are behind Camelot's walls. But even then be discreet tala (daughter). Camelot enjoys magic but not everyone may be trustworthy. When in doubt either wait for us or ask Ector or Kay."

"Or when in doubt run." Fiona adds as she pours herself some ale.

"Yes Aunty Fiona."

"Don't be annoying."

"Daeron!"

"But Mama it's true! Also don't be impulsive or impatient." Ayrmida chuckles as she lightly shoves him.

"Kirimvose (Thank you) Daeron."

"Biarvose mandia (You're welcome older sister)."

The time came when sir Kay finally arrived. The first thing you both did was to embrace each other.

"It's been so long brother."

"Too long. Camelot is beginning to really miss you." He pats you on the back and messes up your hair as you both chuckle.

"So where are they?"

"KAY! You better wash up before entering! I could smell you all the way from here!" Fiona says as she was using a wheelbarrow to bring the freshly milled wheat for baking bread.

"Same as ever?"

"Same as ever. At least now she has us for company for the meantime. How are the witch hunters?"

"Thankfully they've stopped attacking Camelot for the meantime. We have efficiently wasted their resources and they will have to regroup before their next attempted siege on Camelot. Since they are only loosely organized they will need to find some other source of livelihoods to restock their supply chain before they will attack us again. The routes are cleared of them now so it is relatively safe apart from a few bandits here and there."

"Thank the heavens."

You both stop as you hear giggling from the apple trees that you pass by.

"PAPA! I MANAGED TO REACH A NEW BRANCH!"

"Very good Ayrmida. Would you like to come down? I would like you to meet your uncle."

"Alright papa." A part of you was concerned but you couldn't deny that she also made you smile. She has learned to be strategic in climbing up and down trees and wore trousers instead of skirts to make things easier.

She almost fell though she was near the ground, but you were able to catch her and help her up.

"Ayrmida, this is your uncle sir Kay." She performs a curtsy as he bows to her.

"Hello uncle, I'm Ayrmida Targaryen Pendragon. But I have to go by Bardugon - oh but can I change it when we arrive at Camelot?"

"My you're very excited." He chuckles as he begins noticing how energetic she could be.

"I've already packed my things - I'm ready to go with you tonight."

"Ayrmida he'll be staying here for a few more days. He and his horse needs to rest too."

"Aww."

"Hahaha don't worry Ayrmida, your grandfather and I will be with you in whatever you want to do."

"Within reason."

"Of course Arthur but let her have some fun."

"Oh I really like you uncle."

"Now freshen up so your mother won't scold me."

"Yes papa." She runs ahead to the house as you and Kay take a detour to wash up.

"By the Gods Arthur, she really is your daughter. No one can deny you are her father." You chuckle at his astonishment.

"Thank you, you should see Daeron."

Dinner was a lively and joyful affair. Kay was having fun entertaining Daenara and the twins with even more embarrassing childhood stories with Fiona adding more details every now and then. You and Daenara finally being able to talk more about your early days in the commune, Ayrmida and Daeron eagerly asking what Camelot was like from someone who wasn't you.

The third night before they leave for Camelot, Kay asks what are your plans for the Fisher King.

"I've managed to make a private meeting happen tomorrow at midday between Daenara, myself and the Fisher King. Since Elaine and other members of his court are the ones doing the actual administration of the Kingdom here, I've managed to have them meet at one of his favorite fishing spots. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me?" Kay snorts at you.

"As if I would miss finally seeing what secret lies in their blood."

"You know you could always ask Daenara."

"Eh I want to see it."

And see it he did. While Fiona was watching over and supervising the twins back at the farm, you, Kay and Daenara met with the Fisher King, his private guards who carried him around and his most trusted alchemist.

"Hmm" Daenara contemplates as she examines the genital injury.

"Is - is it too late?"

"No, the problem is not whether or not it can be cured - which it can - I'm more concerned about your lifespan with all due respect your majesty."

"Oh - but your blood, doesn't it heal the wound of mortality too?"

"Targaryen blood can heal mortal wounds. But even we are mortal and will eventually die. There comes a point when we too will pass on. I don't know how much time you will have left but live while you can still live your majesty. For we all become one when we have our last breath."

And it was then that you felt your love for her grow. Daenara was more perceptive than what she gives herself credit for. The Fisher King's injury may have been his excuse, but it is now that you could see that what he feared was dying or not having lived his life. Traditionally he has no heir, but as much as you detest Elaine for what she did to Lancelot, even you couldn't deny that she was an excellent ruler, even if she did have to use a puppet to implement her ways.

Daenara then takes out her obsidian blade and makes a wound on her hand. She squeezes her blood on the injury and everyone watches as the injury begins to heal with just a few drops of her blood. Once she was finished she puts her non-dominant hand arm out towards the alchemist as he ties her upper arm and sterilizes the needle of the syringe with distilled alcohol. She donates her blood and once it was done, she gives instructions to limit it to at most 5 drops of blood at most should there be any problem that arose later.

The Fisher King awards you both officially and unofficially. Officially he gave some of his finest troops for sir Kay to escort to Camelot - some of whom have been trying to be a member of your round table - thus giving him an official reason to be in his Kingdom. These troops were to help with the Saxons and the nuisance of the witch hunters. But deep down, it was understood that it was also for Ayrmida's protection as they traveled to Camelot.

Unofficially the Fisher King gives you and Daenara treasures and money and bestowed upon Fiona the water mill and the spinning wheel she had been saving up for.

All that and his own favor while he lives out the rest of his new life given to him by Daenara.

"Be a good girl alright?"

"Yes mama. I'll see you and everyone when you come to Camelot!"

The two of you kiss her forehead as she embraces Daeron and Fiona. The Fisher King has given her a beautiful friendly brown mare whom she has named Goldie because of the warmth of her color. You help her up on her saddle as she kisses your cheek one last time before she, Kay, and the new troops in their layman's attire for discretion, begin their journey to Camelot.

You and the rest of your family will remain here for one or two more months. In those two months, the Fisher King would take his last breath and Queen Elaine would have ascended. Fortunately she didn't know you were still within her kingdom as you observe the effects of her policies to the people. It is still too early to say if she is an ally or not, but you could only hope for the best.

[agentem]

Is Viserys I a veiled GRRM and more coherent thoughts about "House of the Dragon"

I didn’t want to watch House of the Dragon. Like many readers of George RR Martin’s epic A Song of Ice and Fire series, I did not have any real desire to see HBO churn out more faithless adaptations of the books I loved. A great many people love Game of Thrones the TV series that was based on Martin’s (currently) five-book series. I liked it a lot at first. It was fun to see characters I knew come to life. And it was wonderful that suddenly other people in the world knew what my “House Stark” t-shirt was about. But I had to stop watching Game of Thrones in season 4. Something had changed and now it felt “off.” I unsubscribed from HBO Max.

Then HBO put the first episode of House of the Dragon up on YouTube for free, and I figured I might as well watch. Free things are my favorite kind of things.

It’s easy to get swept up in the grandeur of the scale of Dragon. However I found myself drawn to the little details. King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine.) wears the crown of Jaeherys I Targaryen as it was described by Martin. The dialogue was dense with references to other places and people in Westeros. All the lords and ladies wear their house sigils on their person at all times, so you know who is from what house.

Basically, it was like GRRM took someone by the scruff of the neck and said, "THIS is what it looks like. Do it right."

Further, the tourney scenes look a lot like George RR Martin’s own models. Yes, GRRM is a nerd like us who likes to play with tiny knights.

Curiously, I thought I recalled him criticizing the tourney scene in Game of Thrones’ first season. He wanted it to be bigger. House of the Dragon comes out of the gate with a big tournament in the first episode.

He also didn’t like a boar hunting scene involving King Robert in Thrones. Sure enough, the third episode of House of the Dragon has a hunt.

Further, Martin had spoken on his personal blog about complaints of lack of diversity in Game of Thrones. He agreed there should be more people of color and though it would’ve been a good idea to make the Valyrians Black people. Now the leader of House Velaryon—the second most famous house from Old Valyria—is played by Steve Toussaint but, unfortunately he is getting hate for it.

Whatever your feelings about House of the Dragon thus far, it’s incredibly clear from the show, that he’s had more input on this series. So much so that I have started to wonder about what some added details might be intended to convey.

In the book “Fire and Blood” that House of the Dragon is loosely adapted from, King Viserys is described as someone who turned the Red Keep into "a place of song and splendor". He looks like this. On the screen, they’ve add the curious detail that he is a fan of the history of Old Valyria, and is making a model (models again!) of it in his rooms. This reminds me of Martin himself, who loves medieval history and model-making.

Viserys is also desperate for his male heir to just come out already, but these things can’t be forced, so in the end he’s torn between two warring factions and doomed to never be able to appease both of them.

It got me thinking about the pressure Martin is probably under to finish A Song of Ice and Fire and his own desire to see his world rendered properly on screen. Of course, all characters are a reflection of their creators on some level, but was the choice to make Viserys more like Martin himself intentional?

If so, whose choice was it and what does it mean for the show and the books? Does Viserys’ decision to replace the impetuous Daemon Targaryen as his heir maybe reflect Martin’s own decision to pick Ryan J. Condal as the co-creator of House of the Dragon over the Game of Thrones showrunners? Could the show’s theme of the patriarchy of Westeros not allowing a woman to sit on the Iron Throne be about Daenerys Targaryen’s surprising end on Thrones?

I have no answers to these questions but House of the Dragon sure has got me thinking about the world of Westeros more than I have since 2011, when A Dance of Dragons was released.

[where-theres-smoak-2]

Missing Dragons Theory

So there’s this theory going around that Drogon might have layed some eggs that have since hatched while he was away in Valyria and that they might be what Euron is looking up at in that promo shot for tonights episode. I personally think its more likely that its Yara showing up but it did get me thinking about how likely it is that there could be other dragons out there. So I did some research and now I have a couple of theories as to how more dragons could be introduced to the show despite people believing that Dany’s are the only three in a hundred years. Fair waning there are book spoilers. So here are three ways I could see more dragons showing up.  

1) The drogon theory may be right, it is possible he might have laid some eggs on Valyria that have since hatched grown and that they’ve now come drawn to the sire and to the Targaryen blood. 

2) I read in a World and Ice and Fire that a guy named Mushroom once claimed that the dragon Vermax laid eggs in the crypts of Winterfell during a diplomatic visit to the North. There are also folklaws that say the hot springs under winterfell that keep it warm are actually heated by a dragon that lives beneath Winterfell. I actually think its possible theres some truth to it. Here’s why, first off Jon has several dreams about the crypts of Winterfell this one in particular is interesting to me ‘ And then I find myself in front of the door to the crypts. It's black inside, and I can see the steps spiraling down. Somehow I know I have to go down there, but I don't want to. I'm afraid of what might be waiting for me. The old Kings of Winter are down there, sitting on their thrones with stone wolves at their feet and iron swords across their laps, but it's not them I'm afraid of. I scream that I'm not a Stark, that this isn't my place, but it's no good, I have to go anyway, so I start down, feeling the walls as I descend, with no torch to light the way. It gets darker and darker, until I want to scream." (AGOT) Jon seems to be drawn to something in the crypts but its something he’s afraid to face. It could be a dragon or a dragon egg that is calling to him. The line where he says ‘I’m not a Stark, this isn’t my place’ is also interesting because although we know the truth about his father and had things turned out differently then he may have had the Targaryen name, he is still half Stark meaning Jon still belongs to the that place. There is a theory that the bond between dragon and rider is similar to that of warging that the riders and dragons can feel each others emotions. I’m wondering if in that moment he’s feeling the dragon’s emotions, that the dragon knows he’s not suppose to be there and that maybe he’s trapped. Also the part about it getting darker and darker until I want to scream makes me feel that claustrophobic trapped feeling which again I wonder if there is a trapped dragon that’s alone in the dark would it call out to Jon and could he be picking up on the dragon’s feelings of fear. 

  Another reason why I think the dragon under Winterfell might be true is because in a Clash of Kings Bran while warging may have seen a dragon through Summer’s eyes  "The smoke and ash clouded his eyes, and in the sky he saw a great winged snake whose roar was a river of flame. He bared his teeth, but then the snake was gone." (ACOK). This happens right after the Iron Born burn down Winterfell. Now it could be something as simple as Bran was hallucinating or something but I don’t think George RR Martin would have put it in there if it didn’t mean something. But let’s just say for this theory’s sake there was a Dragon under Winterfell that was trapped or too scared to leave without a rider’s reassurance. It’s possible that when Winterfell began to burn either an opening was created so the Dragon was able to escape or if it was a case of the Dragon only stayed before because it was scared maybe now it was more scared of staying and so that triggered it to leave. I’d be pretty mad if I was just chilling in the basement and then someone came along and set fire to the house above me. But where would the dragon have gone? Well my theory is it flew over the other side of the wall. That’s where Jon was at the time and maybe it was drawn to him. North of the Wall is a huge space easily big enough for a dragon to hide un-noticed. So yeah it could suddenly show up who knows. I think this one is more likely for the books though just because the show never included Jon’s dream or the scene where Bran saw the Dragon through Summer’s eyes. 

3) At the end of the Dance of Dragons there were only 4 dragons still alive. Of those 4 two disappeared never to be seen again. These two dragons were Sheepstealer who left with its rider towards the end of the war and The Cannibal who was a huge wild dragon that had never been tamed and that fed on hatchlings and small dragons. It was rumoured that the Cannibal was at Dragonstone long before the Targaryen’s even showed up and that the reason why it would feed on other dragons and couldn’t be tamed even by those with pure Targaryen blood was because it came from a different line of Valyrians. But as I said no one knows where these dragons went or what they did. We also don’t know how old Dragons live to be. The oldest appears to be Balerion who died at over 200 years old. So its possible that either 1) Those two dragons themselves could return. or 2) they have laid eggs that have since hatched and are now full grown.

  To be really honest I personally don’t think we’re going to see anymore dragons on the show but if we did I can see it happening in one of those three ways.  

* This isn’t really a theory on how dragons might show up but it is related to dragons so I figured I’d put it here. But just imagine this scenario for a sec. Drogon the last of Dany’s dragons is killed and the series ends with us believing that all the dragons are gone once more, maybe Dany and Jon are gone too so it seems like the Targaryen line has been completely wiped out as well, but then the last shot of the show is similar to the map in the opening credits only instead when they focus on the locations they go deeper into them and show nests of dragon eggs all around the world, in the crypts of winterfell, in the doom of valyria, in the mountains of the moon. Then it pans in on a ship on the ocean and there standing on the deck is Young Griff/ Aegon. How frustrated would you be by that ending?