#rip steffon darklyn

[aemondswifexoxo]

a thing that is pissing me the fuck off during this season of hotd is not the supposed scrapping of nettles, the sudden name drop of daeron, not even criston cole, but the fact that NO ONE in the black council has pointed out that rhaenyra needs more queenguards. by the start of the season she only had three, and since then they began dropping like flies. ser lorent marbrand is the only one left standing. where is the search for the other six??? aegon solved his kingsguard problem really quickly, why doesn’t lord celtigar or fucking arthur broome say “hey rhaenyra, maybe it’s time to start recruiting some men that will swear to die for you, because, you know, we’re at war and the people we are fighting against have already sent an assassin to kill you”.

while i’m on the matter, WHERE IS HAROLD WESTERLING??? last season it was implied that he would go to dragonstone, but it’s been 6 episodes and none of him. did he pull a barristan selmy and is on his way to volantis to declare himself to saera targaryen?

[sihtryggr]

rip to anyone who tries to claim seasmoke in the next episode when seasmoke has already begun courting and doing his dragon dance for thee beautiful addam of hull

edit: I know I wrote this post but I did not see seasmoke just straight up barbecuing steffon darklyn coming lol

[generalkenobitrash]

spoilers for ep6 of hotd s2

i'm completely confused by the writing at this point, but i do like that we're getting more team green representation because they were too cartoonishly evil and not cool last season. i would've wanted corlys to have an outburst over rhaenys' death last episode, rather than simply going to driftmark for baela to convince him. rhaenyra making him hand of the king would have had more importance then, i think. jace is sitting the council at last lol. knowing what will happen to steffon darklyn, i feel kinda bad for him. it was a bit of a stupid decision, especially considering bastards are perhaps a better bet than a kingsguard (a very needed one, at that) whose relation to house targaryen is pretty distant. but i do admire than he genuinely wanted to help his queen and thus kinda sacrificed himself. okay, my wish for daemon to hallucinate viserys has come to pass at last. though viserys says the same stuff as in season 1, but it's much more...soft. i actually prefer this one to the scene in s1. viserys is more vulnerable and it's always a pleasure to see paddy considine. daemon's storyline is a bit slow but i'm glad to see him being driven to the edge of madness. matt smith is a phenomenal actor, so he carries the sometimes boring writing. simon strong is being an icon as always. i love caraxes so the screen time is much appreciated. i just know alys giggles to herself when daemon has his luigi's mansion moments. i do love that she makes him face his faults when he's trying to run. daemon has always wanted the crown, but it's so clear to see that he's not fit for it. he's right that rhaenyra never wanted it, but she rose up to the occasion. she's being a leader. daemon struggles to raise men by threat of fire. alys and mysaria are the most interesting characters to me this season. by saying that in three days the winds will shift, i think alys meant that grover tully will die and oscar will take his place and therefore secure an army for rhaenyra. i am still sad to lose kermit tully. i understand the muppets association but it's legit a cool name 😂. the scene where ser steffon tries to bond with seasmoke was very interesting. it's pretty neat to get more insight into the dragonbonding process. anyways, rip steffon darklyn. you did your best. i do like sylvi (the brothel madam) and dyana, so i'm curious to see what's next for them, though i think sylvi may not appear again. anyways, the smallfolk have my heart. i like that after suffering yet another loss, rhaenyra feels utterly frustrated and desperate. i love love and love rhaenyra and mysaria. i kind of don't like the "the people will be hungry and will need someone to blame", because yes, the keep has more than enough food for themselves, but it was rhaenyra who initiated the blockade. the blame could easily shift to her. with all the dismissing and whatnot, i don't think otto even managed to reach oldtown before he's being summoned back lol. aegon didn't really listen to his council, but atleast he tried, while aemond's being outright mean to his council. tom glynn carney is amazing. no matter what aegon did, i don't think he deserves to be lowkey tortured by aemond. tgc is seriously too charismatic and too good to make me hate aegon. i truly wonder if they'll make rhaena tame sheepstealer. i love my sweet girl sm. the baby dragons are so cute. i'm sorry jeyne arryn is so beautiful i can't focus whenever she's on-screen. i'm lowkey stressed that the battle of the gullet is coming. i love the rather subtle way they're using to show that addam and alyn are bastards. i like alyn in the show. i love that even rhaenyra is sick of daemon. he truly has to get his act together and recognize that it is rhaenyra's claim he should uphold. how did the fisher guy not see the boat before it was right there at the beach? oh well. food for the smallfolk yay. lyman beesbury haunts the narrative. i write as i watch the episode and i'm already at the limit and the episode is not even over 💀

[presidenthades]

Hi, what do you think of the latest episode. Frankly for me the season has been a bit of a dissapointment so far … but highlights of the latest is the Daeron mention he is kind, good with a sword and a lute, and all implied that he is like that because he was not raised by Alicent.

I’ve been pretty negative with most of my reactions so far this season (Episode 6 is no different), so I’m gonna do something different and focus on all the fanfic fodder I’m harvesting from the episodes. Just so it isn’t all negativity all the time.

Paddy cameo!! It reminded me just how good of an actor he is, because for a minute I forgot how much I dislike Viserys. 😅 I usually try to avoid character bashing in my fics, which can get difficult with Viserys when I’m writing from POVs like Aegon and Aemond. But the Viserys scenes helped me remember that for all of Viserys’s flaws, he’s definitely not evil. He is in fact very human, subject to his emotions and instincts.

Although the Harrenhal scenes have been getting a bit much, I still really enjoy Alys as a character. Joff would love her.

We already knew from S1 and earlier S2 episodes that Aemond is arrogant and impetuous, and his scenes this episode reinforce that. I’m not a fan of what they did to his character arc this season, but it’s validating to see that what I think is his most fatal flaw—hubris—is in the spotlight this season.

As a member of Club Targbro, the Aegon and Aemond interaction was really painful to watch. 😢 But it was interesting how Aegon, who’s drugged out of his mind and in a heckton of pain, was able to remember to play dumb when Aemond asked if he remembered anything. Considering how Aegon initially flinched away from Aemond, I think he definitely remembers Rook’s Rest.

(And please, just let Orwyle do his job.)

Larys was interesting. I think this was the nicest we’ve ever seen him. Of course he’s still manipulating the heck out of people like Aegon, but there’s some genuine emotion and empathy. It’s always better to have a villain who isn’t just 100% evil.

Gwayne continues to be the most relatable character. I love the continued Daeron mentions, though it feels like the show is trying to make up for pretending he didn’t exist at all in S1. I definitely pointed at the TV when Gwayne mentioned Daeron plays lute. Must be the Targbro instrument of choice.

We get a little more insight on the Hull boys. They’re definitely Corlys’s sons. Alyn seems to be Laenor/Laena’s age or just a bit younger, so Corlys must’ve been unfaithful pretty early in his marriage. Rhaenys can’t have liked that, especially since it had to be a prolonged/ongoing affair for Addam to also be born. 👀

Not a fan of the Rhaena/Sheepstealer arc they’re going for. But I really like Jeyne Arryn, she’s sassy and sensible. And hatchling Stormcloud 🥰. (But he’s so little, I wonder how the Gullet is gonna go…)

RIP Steffon Darklyn, you were a real one.

[heelhausen]

Seasmoke bein like aye sorry mate I only like velaryon blooded twunks. Nice try tho lol.

Anyways rip steffon darklyn 🫡

[witchofvalyria]

HOTD Season I spoilers:

Episode 10. - Title: The Black Queen

Written by: Ryan J. Condal

- Directed by: Greg Yaitanes.

Premiere: October 23

Episode 10 opens with Rhaenyra and Luke talking about Corlys being unwell.

There is a scene of Jace learning High Valyrian with a maester and Rhaenyra is watching, she is very encouraging.

Rhaenyra Goes Into Labour

Rhaenys lands on Dragonstone wearing black and red armour with dragon scales on the bust and black jewels on the shoulders.

She is the one to deliver the news of Viserys’ death and Aegon’s coronation to Daemon and Rhaenyra, which eventually sends Rhaenyra into early labour.

Rhaenys wants Baela and Rhaena to go to High Tide for safety - Baela seems determined to fight.

Rhaenyra giving birth is spread out over a few scenes, Daemon leaves them, then she moves to her chambers and has a group of midwives and the maester attending her. Towards the end, she screams for them to get it out of her, but the baby starts crowning and everyone moves away in horror - Daemon is here at this point and looks a bit shocked.

Daemon makes Ser Lorent Marbrand and Ser Steffon Darklyn swear to Rhaenyra during her birth scene.

Rhaenyra has to pull the baby out herself and just sits on the floor lovingly cradling her for a minute, Daemon comes over silently and puts his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Rhaenyra then says ''we must burn it''.

Rhaenys also interrupts Ser Steffon Darklyn who’s training with Jace and Luce and tells them that their mother wants to speak to them. Jacaerys is told what happened and goes to find Daemon to tell him not to plan an attack until his mother can weigh in.

Rhaenyra’s Coronation & Visenya’s Funeral

Ser Erryk Cargyll shows up having stolen Viserys’ crown, he gives it to Daemon as he kneels.

At Visenya’s funeral, Daemon crowns Rhaenyra with her father’s crown and kneels before her, as does everyone who’s present.

The Black Council

In the Black Council scene, the following characters are present: Rhaenyra, Daemon, Rhaenys, Ser Steffon Darklyn, Jace, Luke, Ser Erryk, Ser Lorent Marbrand, Lord Celtigar, Lord Staunton, 6 Targaryen guards and 20 unnamed Black council members.

The Black Council happens over several scenes; it is not very hopeful until Corlys joins the cause after being persuaded by Rhaenys.

It is made clear that Rhaenyra initially does not want to go to war and wants to find a more diplomatic solution, which is the reason why Rhaenys eventually decides to support the Blacks and convinces Corlys to do so too.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys may have a bit of a tense relationship and rivalry, but Rhaenys really respects her when she demonstrates restraint when everyone else wants to go to war.

When Corlys swears fealty to Rhaenyra, he has just recovered from his injuries and the council chamber is waiting on what he will say, as his support would make or break the Blacks' cause, he starts off by calling her ''Princess'', but he then declares his support for her and says all of his ships and assets are hers.

After Corlys declares for the Blacks, the Black council starts planning a siege of King's Landing and they cut off sea supply as Corlys controls it after conquering the Stepstones.

Daemon and Rhaenys have a tense scene.

Daemon takes Jace to have the Kingsguard at Dragonstone swear fealty to him, he uses Caraxes to intimidate them and gives them the opportunity to have a clean death and be written into the White book if they choose not to swear, but die by Caraxes if they swear and turncloak.

The Greens’ Terms of Peace

Otto goes to Dragonstone after it's suggested the Blacks should be killed, it's Alicent who sways them to offer terms instead.

Otto says that she needs to be sure because once the Blacks learn about Viserys' death, they can't take back that information and thousands could die in the war.

Otto comes the next day with terms, Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax - wearing her father’s crown and once she lands, she rips off his badge as she believes him to be a traitor to both her and Viserys' memory.

Daemon wants him dead and has already drawn his sword, but Otto gives her a page from a book which Alicent held onto for years, from their shared childhood as a reminder that Alicent remembers how close they were and that she wants a peaceful resolution. This is what makes Rhaenyra stop Daemon from killing him and tells him that he’ll have his answer the next day.

The scene with Rhaenyra and the painted map table from the trailer is in episode 10 after Otto comes to Dragonstone with peace terms, this is Rhaenyra relaying the terms to her council.

The second black council meeting is more tense than the first, and Rhaenyra orders everyone to get out except for Daemon. They discuss peace and what being a good ruler means. Daemon is convinced that war with the Greens is the only solution and does not see an easy way out of this. He flips between furious and caring when Rhaenyra tells him that it’s her duty as Queen to try and keep the peace, trying to convince her otherwise. Rhaenyra tells Daemon about Aegon's dream thinking he knew about it, but Daemon flips out because Viserys never told him about it - meaning that his brother never actually considered him as an heir. (“Dreams didn’t make us kings, dragons did.”)

Aegon I Targaryen’s dream that every heir is aware of concerns the unification of the Seven Kingdoms and the reasons behind it - A dream of a threat that will in the future emerge from beyond the Wall.

Daemon keeps trying to convince her to start planning the war, but she’s still unsure of how to handle it. He calls her weak and storms off.

Daemon's emotional scene on the beach is described as a big release of emotion after their fight, Visenya’s funeral and the news of Viserys’ death.

The next morning, Daemon spars with knights, while Rhaenyra and Jace stand on a balcony watching. Rhaenyra tries to explain to Jace the importance of peace. But Jace says they cannot trust a usurper.

Daemon wears a modified version of his episode 1 tourney armour when he's training on the beach after Rhaenyra lost the baby, it's all black and heavy, not delicate looking, the helmet has a dragon on it, its wings go over Daemon's cheeks and its head is on top of his head, the red plume and wings that stick out were removed.

After Corlys has declared for the blacks, Rhaenyra reluctantly sends off Jace and Luke as envoys after they volunteer. She makes the boys swear to be messengers only and not participate in any fighting.

Luke is clearly afraid and runs back for one last hug before he leaves on his dragon.

Daemon & The Lost Art of Dragon Song

Daemon goes into the Dragonmont tunnels where the dragons dwell, he sings in slow, calm Valyrian lyrics as Vermithor stirs from the darkness, it's described as ''bronze with bright grey eyes, one horn is broken'', Daemon finishes the song and Vermithor lets out a rumble from its gut which is described as ''the purr of a lion''.

At this point Daemon is still just preparing for the eventuality of war, he doesn't want to sit idle while Rhaenyra decides if she wants to act, Daemon mentions in an earlier council scene that they had unclaimed dragons on Dragonstone, he's starting the process of taming them and claiming them for the Blacks' side.

Storm’s End

Luke lands on Storm’s End only to find Aemond already there, talking with Lord Borros Baratheon - who is described as obnoxious, rude and loud. We find out that Aemond has chosen his betrothed, Floris Baratheon. Lord Borros does the “which of my girls will you marry, boy” song and dance, but Luke refuses to participate because he’s already betrothed.

Aemond insults and provokes Luke, throwing a dagger at him. He demands he take his eye off to settle their score.

He proceeds on taking off the eyepatch from the injury he had inflicted on him, only to dramatically show off a sapphire in its place.

Borros stops them from fighting and lets Luke leave Storm’s End safely, but Aemond goes after him through the storm - Vhagar chomps on Arrax’s neck and kills Luke, devouring him. Luke's final moments happen while bastard-themed insults are hurled at him.

The last scene of the season is Daemon informing Rhaenyra about Luke's death, telling her that “she has war in her eyes”.

Notes:

● The Storm’s End scene lasts for about 15’.

● Rhaenyra's coronation/Visenya's funeral was intimate and not lavish,

there was a fair amount of Dragonstone locals there though.

● The baby prop was pretty monstrous, like a dragon foetus looking thing.

● The painted table glows at night time, as if it has molten lava inside it,

Ser Erryk, Ser Steffon, Ser Lorent and Lord Caswell are present.

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly]

Do you believe Drogon burnt that girl in ASOS or that it was a ploy by the Sons of the Harpy, Great/Wise Masters, &/or The Green Grace to get Dany to lock her dragons away so that they could molest Meereen uncontested by Dragon fire?

Regarding a potential ploy, the book answers this for you:

Her name had been Hazzea. She was four years old. Unless her father lied. He might have lied. No one had seen the dragon but him. His proof was burned bones, but burned bones proved nothing. He might have killed the little girl himself, and burned her afterward. He would not have been the first father to dispose of an unwanted girl child, the Shavepate claimed. The Sons of the Harpy might have done it, and made it look like dragon’s work to make the city hate me. Dany wanted to believe that… but if that was so, why had Hazzea’s father waited until the audience hall was almost empty to come forward? If his purpose had been to inflame the Meereenese against her, he would have told his tale when the hall was full of ears to hear.

–ADWD, Daenerys II

Furthermore, we’ve seen in historical stories like the Dance of the Dragons that dragons have very little regard for human life and will kill and eat people as well as animals, especially if the people are in between them and their food, especially if the dragons are wild.

Even for a son of House Targaryen, there are always dangers in approaching a strange dragon, particularly an old, bad-tempered dragon who has recently lost her rider. His father and mother would never allow him to go near Vhagar, Aemond knew. […] Later he would say that he was so afraid of being caught that he forgot to be frightened of being burned to death and eaten.

–The Rogue Prince

Sixteen men lost their lives during an attempt to become dragonriders. Three times that number were burned or maimed. Steffon Darklyn was burned to death whilst attempting to mount the dragon Seasmoke. Lord Gormon Massey suffered the same fate when approaching Vermithor. A man called Silver Denys, whose hair and eyes lent credence to his claim to be a bastard son of King Maegor the Cruel, had an arm torn off by Sheepstealer. As his sons struggled to staunch the wound, the Cannibal descended on them, drove off Sheepstealer, and devoured father and sons alike.

–The Princess and the Queen

The smell of blood roused the dragon, who sniffed at Her Grace, then bathed her in a blast of flame, so suddenly that Ser Alfred’s cloak caught fire as he leapt away. Rhaenyra Targaryen had time to raise her head toward the sky and shriek out one last curse upon her half brother before Sunfyre’s jaws closed round her, tearing off her arm and shoulder. The golden dragon devoured the queen in six bites, leaving only her left leg below the shin “for the Stranger.”

–The Princess and the Queen

And considering what Drogon did, later:

Barsena’s blade was running red, but the boar soon stopped. He is smarter than a bull, Dany realized. He will not charge again. Barsena came to the same realization. Shouting, she edged closer to the boar, tossing her knife from hand to hand. When the beast backed away, she cursed and slashed at his snout, trying to provoke him… and succeeding. This time her leap came an instant too late, and a tusk ripped her left leg open from knee to crotch.A moan went up from thirty thousand throats. Clutching at her torn leg, Barsena dropped her knife and tried to hobble off, but before she had gone two feet the boar was on her once again. Dany turned her face away. […]Above them all the dragon turned, dark against the sun. His scales were black, his eyes and horns and spinal plates blood red. Ever the largest of her three, in the wild Drogon had grown larger still. His wings stretched twenty feet from tip to tip, black as jet. He flapped them once as he swept back above the sands, and the sound was like a clap of thunder. The boar raised his head, snorting… and flame engulfed him, black fire shot with red. Dany felt the wash of heat thirty feet away. The beast’s dying scream sounded almost human. Drogon landed on the carcass and sank his claws into the smoking flesh. As he began to feed, he made no distinction between Barsena and the boar.“Oh, gods,” moaned Reznak, “he’s eating her!” The seneschal covered his mouth.

–ADWD, Daenerys IX

…I have no doubt whatsoever about the circumstances of Hazzea’s death.

Sorry to say, but Drogon eats people. Also, please remember that GRRM feels that his main theme is “the human heart in conflict with itself”. What makes more sense with that theme, turning out to be completely justified and blameless with all your sins merely a conspiracy of your enemies, or realizing that your “children” are monsters and having to deal with the consequences?