#skyrim x HOTD

[serendipitous-soul]

In HOTD high valyarian is how the Targaryens speak to their dragons. In Skyrim thuum is a power used by the dragonborn, dragons, and The Graybeards. For those who don't know thuum is the power used to control dragons. Originally it was used by dragons to enslave humanity until a dragon named Paarthanuax betrayed his kind and taught man thuum. Soon the humans were able to overthrow their dragon overlords and banish their leader, Aludin.

Only a few humans can actually use thuum such as the Greybeards, Last Dragonborn, and Ulfric Stormcloak. On Valyria the Targaryens weren't the only dragon lords. So what if High Valyarian was a lesser form of thuum? Since the dragonlords were able to control their dragons. Maybe Aegon the Conquer was able to harness a form of this power and use it to conquer Westeros?

In the game the third era was ruled by the Septim Dynasty , a line of dragonborn emperors. The emperor's job to maintain a portal between the mortal realm and prevent Menehus Dagon from entering. Unfortunately Dagon managed to come into the world and cause the oblivion crisis. After Martin Septim died there was no heirs to the Septim Dynasty and there would be no more dragons until the fourth era 201.

Perhaps after the death of the last dragonborn(or not)

Aegon tried to wear the amulet of kings but couldn't as only blood relatives of Alessia could wear it. So imagine if (immortal) dragonborn reader could keep it on her neck and it was discovered she was heir to the Empire of Tamriel.

Maybe she puts herself to sleep so that she raise up again if need be...

My idea is that the dragons fled Skyrim after the death of Aludin and one of those places were Valyria. And perhaps in an attempt to protect themselves from potential attacks the peoples of

Or the last dragonborn could be one of those peoples who taught magic to the shepherds of Valyria in an effort to protect the people from any draconic uprising

after the doom of Valyria only the Targaryens had the spells and magic once used in Old Valyria and leaving them as the only dragonlords.

What if due the destruction of Old valayria it was like the Oblivion crisis all over again? All the magic and spells used to protect Valyria was destroyed. Now it's a matter of time before the portals of Oblivion open up again this time releasing Aegon conquers Skyrim

Or...

Ageon's prophecy was a lie and an attempt to legimatize his own reign and hide the history of the dragonborn?

the prophecy does sound similar to the prophecies of Skyrim with Alessia and the Septim bloodline.

What's your thoughts? Leave them down below

[itspronouncedjulia]

Summary: Rhaenyra and Hadvar have successfully escaped Helgen and head to Riverwood where Rhaenyra gets her first official errand quest.

However, before that Rhaenyra ruminates on her children still in Westeros and begins to wonder if perhaps her best course of action is to return to Westeros to reunite with them and rain fire and blood on everyone else.

Finally, Rhaenyra meets Riverwood's 'village hero' who volunteers to go with her to Whiterun.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Last Dragonborn

Pairings: Freyja Raengyreon x female reader / Aegon Targaryen x female reader x Aemond Targaryen

Content Warning: implication of foul play

Words: 664

Masterlist

Credit for Dividers: @cafekitsune + @strangergraphics

Summary: “Is this some kind of joke?” You questioned your older brothers Aegon and Aemond. “If it is, it’s not funny. You know how much this means to me, and you threw this in my face?”

You couldn’t believe your eyes, the beast. It was no beast at all. But a woman of immense, significant height. Eyes piercing the darkness like a knife through butter. You were the one to find this large, unsightly ‘beast.’ You were promised a dragon of immense power. Yet the snickering from behind the ladies fan felt more like a joke you weren’t aware of.

“Is this some kind of joke?” You questioned your older brothers Aegon and Aemond. “If it is, it’s not funny. You know how much this means to me, and you threw this in my face?”

You flattened out the wrinkles in your dress, fiddling with the sleeves of your dress, and your excitement met with a bottle of disappointment. Gods know whose judgement made this act possible. Not that it mattered now. Faced with the outcome of their meddling and your obvious disappointment.

“Did you know of this?” You questioned.

“Know of what?” Freyja answered puzzled.

‘Thank the seven, you weren't part of this mess.’ You thought a weight drifted from your shoulders, easing them slightly. “I accept.” You said at this point what they wanted was far away from your mind you couldn’t see it anymore. “I will take her as my dragon.” You continued with a layer of finality.

Aegon piped up to say something, you were sure of it, yet it was Aemond’s glare that silenced the words in his throat. “Surely, sister, you jest.” Aemond muttered into your ear.

“Surely, you remember it was you that gave her to me and not the other way around.” You countered, stepping away from him. “Surely. You understand the implications of this gift, brother.” Your lips formed a thin line on your face.

“The last dragonborn is indeed mine.” You commented, a slow smirk spreads across your face. Determined to have them see the foolishness of giving you something so rare, so precious as this.

You have chosen this path, and you were more than dead set on following through with it. They have given you something most would have killed for, died for, and clambered for the hope of ever having this chance to begin with.

“To take a mother’s child from this world is a most dangerous thing.” Freyja reminded them. “Taking more life do you no good. Gloat all you like. You are no different from the beasts of old. You are no different from the people of old Valyria. Refined you say? Civilised? Is that what you call this kind of slaughter. Stepping upon the bodies you have killed to make your own side seem worthier. A repulsive desire. More beast than human in its nature. I am twenty years older than you. I have seen more, done more, and felt more in that lifetime than you have in your miniscule length called a life.”

“Silence beast.” Aegon demanded.

“Let her speak.” You countered, throwing a glare at your inconsiderate brother of yours. You won’t allow them to take more from you than they had already. This would be the one chance you have to finally claim something as yours and yours alone.

“I will not beg for you to open your ears and eyes. As far as I am aware, those of privilege will rarely listen. If at all. You decide whether you want to go through with this on your own terms.” Freyja remarked.

“I have.” You said firmly. “You will be by my side until either your death or mine.”

“Then its settled.” Freyja whispered. “A deal set in stone.”

A large weight lifted from you, as if you were holding it all this time. An indescribable amount of relief came from it. Your brothers scowled as they walked out of the room. Their plan backfiring on them so spectacularly it was little to no avail of wonder why you felt like gloating about it. Not like they knew you were going to be so accepting of their ‘gift’ after all.

[dontforgetoctober3rd]

Masterlist of my fics so far

Forgot how frustrating writing was but also how much I used to love it (I was churning out fanfics every other day when I was 14 lmaooo)

A lot of them I genuinely pulled out of my ass, a few I had to entirely rewrite before publishing on here and a couple are unfinished BUT this is them! It's a wide variety (Mostly House of The Dragon, my current obsession, but there's other fandoms too!)

Not This Time

A short, Cregan Stark-centric drabble about his grief during Jacaerys' visit to Winterfell. This is a sad, doomed-by-the-narrative fic.

A Piece Of Home

A oneshot Aemond Targaryen X Yi Ti OC fic. Nothing but cute and peaceful domestic fluff!

Come Go With Me

An extremely cheesy, corny, Michael Gavey oneshot where he meets his dream girl at the bread and butter, 'ol reliable of every meet-cute fanfiction: a coffee shop. I love it tho! Tried my best to keep Michael's personality canon compliant (imo)

Life Eternal

A multi-chatper hotd fic based off another incredible hotd fic (which I highly recommend), Second Sons by @avengingangelfanfic .

Status: unfinished

The Lesson

A short Rhaemond (Rhaena X Aemond) drabble where Aemond basically openly simps for his wife Rhaena via caring for her hair and has...issues with how some men perceive that as demeaning. So he handles it lol

Untitled Aemond X Rhaena fic

Pure fluff. I never gave this a title, but all the same here is the summary: Pregnant Rhaena craves limes/lime-flavored things so her husband Aemond of course does everything he can, causing innkeeper Hotpie some difficulties in the process. Hotpie is actually the star of this fic lmao

Untitled Aemond X Rhaena fic 2

More random Rhaemond fluff. A no dance of dragons AU where everyone gets along, the lovely couple is at a ball having a discussion on when is the appropriate time to say the "L" word to someone.

A Keen Eye

A mini Aemond x Rhaena fic that they aren't actually in but it's still about them! It's a bunch of highborn girls gossiping about their marriage.

Untitled Daemon X Rhea Royce fluff

Exactly what it says on the tin. Not really a coherent story but little snippets of their life together if their marriage had been a happy one.

Spillways

A multi-chapter The Gilded Age fic featuring Marian and an OC who is a future Earl! Agnes is also a huge part of this story, I love her character!

Status: unfinished

One Day

Another Gilded Age fanfic, this one is just a little snippet of Bertha's mother's life in Ireland before she married.

He Is

However cheesy you might find my Michael Gavey fic, this oneshot out cheeses it for sure. A crossover Bridgerton/HOTD fic with some Skyrim mentions, it's a timeskip to where Philomena Finch is of age and on the marriage mart. Except, she doesn't want to marry. She wants to write! Aemond also loves to write! Well, well well...and yes, the title is another Ghost song surprise surprise.

[legitalicat]

20 Questions for Fic Writers.

Thank you to @foxyanon for both tagging me and giving me a clean copy of the questions so this did not have to wait until after work.

1. how many works do you have on AO3?

Just one, it's old and unimportant. I'm actually about to private it as I no longer like writing fanfic for real people.

2. what's your total AO3 word count?

Since I don't really post to AO3, I'm going to try to guess my word count from Word.

I would guess, just knowing the size of some of my larger works and how many things I fucking have in there, it would be at least 500k. Probably more. Y'all see the length of shit I post and I don't have nearly everything posted.

3. what fandoms do you write for?

Currently, HOTD, TLK, Assassin's Creed and Skyrim. Check out my requests to see which fandoms I'm willing to write for!

4. top five fics by kudos

So, my top 5 fics on here are probably

Sweet Sister (Aemond x Reader x Jace, canon)

Keeping Up With The Targaryens (SMAU Aegon x reader)

Player 3 Found (SMAU Jace x reader x Aemond, no targcest)

we can't be friends (Aemond, modern)

Forged From Death (Sihtric x reader, canon era)

This is a guess, but I know Sweet Sister and Keeping Up are my most popular ones.

5. do you respond to comments?

I try, unfortunately most of my time online is also while I'm working so things do slip by me. However I do try to stay on top of my asks and my inbox, so if you ever need to make sure I see something, those are the best ways. Unless you are in my discord server, then just message me on there.

6. what is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

It's no where close to the end, but just for what I have planned, I think my angstiest thing will be "Dragon of Valhalla".

For one shots, either "Too Sweet" (a personal favorite) or "we can't be friends"

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

What I have planned for the future of Out of Time is probably the happiest. Mostly because that is my "fix it fic".

Although when I post Alisanne's fic, that will get happy ending. Also a fix it fic.

8. do you get hate on fics?

I've not received hate, thankfully, of any sort.

This is not an invitation to start my friends are crazy (lovingly) and they will ride in battle for me before I even notice it's happened.

9. do you write smut?

Yes! Maybe not well. But I do write it.

10. craziest crossover?

"Dragon of Valhalla". It's combining a fantasy show, a historical fiction drama show, and a historical fiction fantasy video game. Truly, the deepest of brainrots.

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

No. But again, not an invitation. See above.

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

Not to my knowledge! If anyone is interested, ever, please reach out so I can consider it!

13. have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes! Many times in fact. It was a lot easier as a high schooler who had no life otherwise.

14. all time favorite ship?

Fuck. Y'all asking the wrong person, I'm full of bi panic and my favorite ship changes A LOT because of it.

Some of my favorites though would be

Fred Weasley x Hermione Granger (back when I read HP fanfic and participated in the community)

Jess Mariano x Rory Gilmore

Robb Stark x Margaery Tyrell x Danerys Targaryen (crackship yes do I care no I love them and they should have met and dominated)

15. what's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

It's a private project that few people know about. I intend to finish all my things, but brain doing brain things is hard.

16. what are your writing strengths?

I think I can "emotion" really well. Make you understand it as a reader, make you feel it, without necessarily giving a name to it.

17. what are your writing weaknesses?

Smut.

18. thoughts on dialogue in another language?

I only speak English so you'll probably never catch me include it unless it's High Valyrian. I don't trust Google translate. HOWEVER, I do genuinely think it's a beautiful thing.

19. first fandom you wrote in?

Harry Potter 💀

20. favorite fic you've written?

Probably, legitimately, "Out of Time". It was my first genuine dance into HoTD fandom creating. It was my first idea in years.

I had originally written it as an Alisanne fanfiction, actually. But I didn't think anyone would read OC content and so I made it x reader, and lost passion for it in the process.

Idk who has done this, but here are some no pressure tags.

@zaldritzosrose @thenameswinterfics @lady-phasma @anjelicawrites @alexagirlie

[foxyanon]

Thanks to @sihtricfedaraaahvicius for her Sihtric, Masema and Arnas edits!

Content Warnings:

🌹=Fluff 🥀=Angst

💦=Smut 😈=Monster Smut

🌕=Sexual Themes 🌑=Dark Themes

🩸=Blood/Gore 💀=Major Character Death

Nothing yet…

Convincingly Human 🩸

Eve: Modern!Masema Songfic 🌕🌑

Zahkriisos: Cultist!Masema x Breton Dragonborn!Reader, Skyrim AU 🌕🩸

All For You: Vampire!Masema 💦😈🌕🩸

Nothing yet…

Nothing yet…

To End A War: HoTD/TLK Crossover, ATLA AU 🩸 Hiatus

[745voiceofthepeople]

Good morning!

So I have a question. You asked me a few days ago if Serana would make an appearance in my HOTD x Skyrim crossover. I do plan on writing Rhaenyra and her companions going through the Dawnguard quest at some point in my life but I want to know your opinion. How do you think Rhaenyra will react to meeting Serana?

Do you think they’d get along? What do you think Rhaenyra would think about vampires trying to destroy the sun and take over the world?

And speaking of DLC how over it do you think she’ll be when she realizes she’s going to have to save the world a third time against Miraak? Honestly I think she’ll be most upset about Miraak coming in at the end of her dragon battles and taking her rightfully earned souls.

Hi @itspronouncedjulia !

Sorry for the long delay, I wanted to get all my thought down properly and thanks for the ask!

Regarding Seranna, I can see hers and Rhaenyra’s relationship go in several direction. Rhaenyra’s view on vampires in general would be at least in part derivative on her overall view of Daedra. Which could be from a positve or very negative standpoint. When it comes to vampires specifically, a lot this depends on how you decide Rhaenyra views immortality and the darker more daedric magics. But I can also see Rhaenyra being pissed off as well. Especially since her blood is “required” via Valerica’s trap to wake Serana.

Prior to Rhaenyra discovering the truth of how Serana became a vampire, I can see the two of them having a case of clashing ego’s. The immortal creature of night (herself the pinnacle of her species) and dragon in human form. Rhaenyra’s own views on vampires (in general) would be conflicted. On the one hand, she would be intrigued about the concept of immortality. Never dying and never aging. Though it also depends on what you decide Rhaenyra’s mindset is. She was “transported” to Tamriel after the dance of dragons. Meaning her lover(s) and most of her children are deceased. She may desire to join them sooner rather than later. Unless of course, she finds something or someone to live for in her strange new world 😉

+ I could also see Rhaenyra at least tolerating Vampiric blood magic. Since pretty much all forms of magic in GRRM world is a rehashing of blood magic. Which would Lilly include whatever the ancient Valyrians did to go from sheep herders in Essos to empire ruling dragon riders. Even the others (themselves born of the children’s/old Gods blood magic) another “undead race”. Her main disdain, would come from the need for blood as sustenance, and harm from the sun.

Valyrians of course have a special connection to dragons and Fire, with Rhaenyra in your story being a dragon in human form ;). But this does not completely translate to sun worship or anything of that ilk. However, they must still have a certain regard or respect for the celestial body of fire. I this so anyway… Rhaenyra in the show is seen carrying on certain Valyrian customs. Perhaps a respect for the sun is one of them.

Of course, the sun itself in “Mundos” isn’t a physical body like in Westeros. Instead being a whole Magnus made escaping to Atherius after he realized his powers were being drained on Nirn. Depending how you want to go with this, Rhaenyra (being someone with a regard for Valyrian customs) might consider the entire idea that the sun is not truly the sun to be blasphemous. Though Harkon’s attempts to obscure the sun’s light (and thus destroy the world) may be more blasphemous still. Or she could see the Sun being in and of itself still metaphysically the Sun and thus not offensive to her Valyrian sensibilities. In which case, she would bodily despise Harkon and his Volkihar Vampires.

Lastly, I think Rhaenyra would also feel protective over Serena. Depending on how close you want to right their relationship. Once Rhaenyra learns that Serena is a daughter of Coldharbor and more importantly about the bile ritual that her parents forced on Serana. I can see Rhaenyra

This has the potential to remind Rhaenyra of her own frustrations with her father. Which could be something she and Serana bond over. Not that Viserys I own misconduct in anywhere near Harkon’s level…

Perhaps Rhaeneys even confronts Valerica in the Soul Carn about Serana and her undergoing Molag Bal’s rape ritual. It would provide Rhaenyra with even more motivation to slay Harkon.

I can also see Rhaenyra being potentially conflicted about the fate of the Snow Elves. On the one hand, Rhaenyra descends from the Valyrians. A forgotten people with few remnants left in their native continent of Essos, and feet still in Westeros. So she might feel a certain kinship with them.

Regarding Rhaenyra and Miraak, I can very much see her being annoyed that the world is in danger a third time. Though more so in a “another day at the job” fashion than genuine anger. Where she gets genuinely angry over the Dragonborn DLC can be several fold. Though we must also keep in mind that Rhaenyra has saved Nirn at least twice at this point. Perhaps even thrice, if she does the mage quest line. She’d likely be annoyed about having to save Nirn again and again and again…

It also depends on how far the Elder Scrolls rabbit hole you wish to go. Is Rhaenyra the dreamer? Does she achieve Chim? Does she Zero sum in the end? Though I wouldn’t deal with those topics unless you want to write about existentialism. Which is its own can of worms.

(Counting in Latin below to honor the Imperial Legion 😉)

Primus : you are absolutely right about her annoyance that Miraak is stealing the dragon souls that that she has already “rightfully stolen” (to use a Princess Bride quote ;). Rhaenyra would be upset that her hard work is squandered but also Rhaenyra may be upset over Miraaks expressed laziness. Waiting for her to do all the work and then stealing what belongs to her. Which is sort of call back to her Time in Westeros and tangentially her younger half siblings for her. It doesn’t help that Miraak lives in Apocrypha. Where that air is constantly filled with noxious fumes. Fumes that are a pale yellow-green in color. Or his sword “Firstblade” which also is green in color. Which may remind Rhaenyra of other greens she has battled in the past. In which case, poor Miraak… we hardly knew ye.

Secundus: depending on how you write her view of Alduin. Rhaenyra may be pissed that Miraak hand waved his own “destiny” to slay Alduin when he was a mortal dragon priest. Which then foisted the task onto her a few thousand years later.

Tertius: Miraak is the first dragon born and Rhaenyra is “the last”. The seal of the dragon burns if you will. As such, Rhaenyra may consider to herself duty bound with Miraak. A sort of “only a dragon born can slay a dragon born” thing.

Quartus: It also depends on how you write Rhaenyra’s viewpoint of the Daedric princes. Does she like them? View them as a necessary evil? Does she dislike them in the fashion of the Vigilants of Stendarr? Or is Rhaenyra’s viewpoint more nuanced, where she has positive feelings for some and negative for others?

Quintus: If she’s negative on the Daedra overall, Rhaenyra may be more than willing to fight Miraak. As powerful as he may be, Miraak is a servant of Hermaeus Mora at the end of the day. Though Rhaenyra may be influenced by all the books and information that Mora has in Apocrypha. I could see Rhaenyra looking for spells that could either take her back to Westeros or spells that would allow to “resurrect ” her slain children. Not necromantic spells that would place them under her power, but true resurrection spells. I could also see her being annoyed at Miraak interrupting her “research”.

[dontforgetoctober3rd]

He Is

(A timeskip Bridgerton/HOTDish fanfic)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen X Philomena Finch (faceclaim for Philomena will be the amazing Taylor Richardson, who plays Bridget in The Gilded Age!)

Word Count: 2800ish

Cheesiness: Off the charts, cheesier than the state of Wisconsin

Summary: Just as her mother Philippa predicted: Philomena Finch is a writer.

But Philomena is disappointed that none of the men in real life live up to the fictional ones she reads and writes about. None of them until Aemond Targaryen, that is.

Author's Note: This fic is a somewhat convoluted, three-way crossover (kinda???) because it obviously has elements of the Bridgerton universe but also the HOTD/GOT universe, with mentions of the Skyrim video game lore! Basically, Philomena writes what we know in this world as Skyrim but in a book form and Aemond is the author of what we know as Game of Thrones in this fic. Get it? Alrighty. Also, yes, the fic title is yet another Ghost song big whoop I love them ok?!

Dividers: @cafekitsune

GIF Credits: In the gifs themselves, I used the gif search function

The first time Philomena Finch knew she didn’t fit in with The Ton of London high society was in boarding school at age 12, when the teacher asked each girl to come to the front of the class and share what their goals in life were.

“I want to start a charity for orphans,” came one of the replies.

“My goal is to throw the most glamorous balls anyone has ever seen!” another girl said.

“I will tutor respectable young ladies on how to speak French,” yet another said.

On and on the answers came, but they all had one thing in common: before telling what their goals were, they all prefaced their statements with “After I marry-”

Philomena knew she wasn’t going to marry then and she knew it still now, at age 19.  It's not that she didn’t want a husband, she just had always known that the type of man she desired to be with was not to be found outside the books she read or little stories she would write. The kind of husband she wanted had to be amazing and handsome and approve without question whatever she wanted to do in life.  The years had taught her she would not find him in the real world and she accepted as her fate that she was to remain unwed, as if it were a commonly given fact like any other.  Her parents’ and aunts’ marriages were simply lovely anomalies in the humdrum, rigid world of the english Ton.  The way of things would not change.

The sky was blue, grass was green, taxes were to be paid and Philomena Finch was destined to die alone.

That being the case, she preferred to fully throw herself into writing, which her parents wholeheartedly supported. 

 “The world is changing!” her father had informed her, contrary to what she herself believed. “Women hardly have a need for husbands like they did before and besides, how else could we survive the monotony of life without stories to read?.” 

Her mother agreed as well and for that Philomena was so grateful, as her own grandmother constantly moaned about having a spinster in the family and her well-meaning Aunt Prudence put the famous Violet Bridgerton to shame with the amount of gentlemen she sent her way at balls. 

It was relentless, so the minute Philomena would get home and dress for bed,  she went straight to her writing desk instead to create worlds she could escape to. Every time she sat to write she thanked her lucky stars that she had a mother and father who bought her all the quills, ink and paper she wanted.

 In fact, she was working on a story she hoped to publish soon but it was rather gruesome…and violent. Recent inspiration had hit her about two years ago after the country of Valyria had ceased its war with England and everyone had seen the new, foreign aristocracy trickling into London to break bread with new allies.  

Before the war, stories had floated around of beautiful white-haired men and women, but to see them in person?  Everyone in society clamored to be near them, to win their favor and possibly their love in some cases.  Philomena thought they were otherworldly. It was as if there existed a version of the Bridgertons that was fifty times as popular and a hundred times as good-looking.  Being near them felt practically magical. 

Certainly too magical for an ordinary, plain English girl like herself.  She knew this because only last season the one time Aunt Prudence had managed to snag a Valyrian Lord at a ball to bring to her, practically elbowing away other girls from him (a Daemon Targaryen, she remembered) the conversation had remained one sided.

  Lord Targaryen seemed incredibly disinterested and practically fled as he excused himself after hardly saying more than ten words the entire time.  “I must find my brother, pardon me.” Daemon had told her as he walked away. 

  The only type of men in reality that seemed to interest her…had zero interest in return. 

So Philomena dealt with her increasing feelings of inadequacy with writing, as always, and got to work.  A world of dragons and magic, of elves and warriors. Not at all what a typical lady would read, let alone write! 

The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, she called it and she finally had about two thirds of the story written to show her parents before the new season got going. She had anticipated horror from them both, but they had been utterly enthralled by the story and wanted to know more. 

“Oh, please tell me Ulfric Stormcloak wins!! I need to know!” her father had begged.

Her mother was of a different opinion. “I do hope he gets executed by the Dragonborn! Preferably while Elisif The Fair watches! It's what he deserves after killing her husband! Hmph!”

Aunt Prudence was a fan of the character Maven Blackbriar, and positively preened when Philomena told her she had based the character off of her. “I do have a knack for finances and running my family well,” she had said with a smile at tea one day.

“Like no other, my love.” Uncle Harry was quick to put in. 

The most help had come from, surprisingly, her uptight grandmother Portia. She had dropped by for luncheon one day and insisted on seeing this story her daughters had been ‘blathering about’.

“I do wish you would concentrate on finding a husband instead of that scribbling…,” she had began, after receiving the hefty manuscript from Philomena in the parlor and having read through it for a few minutes. “-but if you must insist on continuing with it, then you might see about getting some assistance in trying to publish from your uncle Colin and Aunt Penelope, after their return from Germany.  No doubt they’ll go straight to the Viscount Bridgerton, who will then reach out to his contacts and ensure you have a chance at this little story of yours getting printed into an actual book. Maybe.”

Philomena was ecstatic.  Writing was her greatest passion, it was what brought her the most joy, and now there was a chance that hundreds (possibly thousands!) of people would read her work and feel that same joy. Who needed a husband?

The latest season started as the last few had: everyone shamelessly fighting to get a hold of a Valyrian lord or lady.  Or one of their lesser family members, but the objective remained the same for the Ton, which was to align themselves with a wealthy Valyrian family.

Philomena mostly avoided the season these days, as she was busy trying to publish her novel (which had turned into a several novel series, as her publisher had suggested because the story was so long).

A few weeks in, all of London high society received quite a shock: Daemon Targaryen had brought his nephew Aemond.  He was badly scarred on one side of his face, a patch covering the missing eye.  Rumor had it the Targaryens were  so rich, a sapphire was put in.  

What would have spelled doom for the prospects of a normal Englishman, however,  did nothing to cause Aemond to be seen as lesser by the Ton.  The loss of an eye didn’t deter daughters and their mamas in the least.  Aemond Targaryen was rich, beautiful and available.  

All were determined to secure the position of being his wife but that determination was soon snuffed out. 

 To the dismay of every marriage-minded mama, Daemon proclaimed to the queen herself that Aemond had already selected his future wife when she asked why he had brought his nephew along this time.  The surprises didn’t stop there, for soon after Prudence Dankworth and her husband arrived, Daemon and Aemond were witnessed by all approaching them and engaging in what seemed like a long and animated conversation. 

Lady Danbury gleefully suggested to Lady Kate Bridgerton that the gossip rags would soon be printing headlines about a very lucky match indeed, for no Valyrian had yet married anyone of English descent. 

Philomena could hardly believe it.  Aemond Targaryen was sitting across from her in the Finch  family parlor.

She had been in her father’s office minutes ago (which he had generously surrendered to her for the duration of however long it took to get Skyrim published) when she had heard a huge commotion near their front door and someone rapidly running (stomping, more like) to the office.

It had been Aunt Prudence, out of breath and slightly disheveled.  The maids didn’t even bother to try to announce her as they caught up and turned to leave just as quick. “Wash that ink off your hands and let down that bloody hair!” Aunt Prudence hissed. “And put on your best dress.  You are to have a special caller today!”

"In the evening?!" Philomena had said in disbelief. "The sun is about to set! I have candles already lit, for goodness' sake. Who calls at this hour?!"

"NEVER YOU MIND!" Prudence had all but shrieked. "Ready yourself!"

So Philomena had.  She was not really expecting anything to come of this visit but no sooner had she sat at the couch adjusting her hair than the maids were announcing the arrival of one Aemond Targaryen.  

Now here they both were.  Philomena’s parents were out but Aunt Prudence remained to chaperone. She tucked herself as far away as possible near a window with a large lamp lit nearby, pretending to read so as to try to give them some privacy.

  Courteous introductions were made, stiff small talk attempted.  Aunt Prudence made a show of loudly flipping pages to fill the silence, so that the young couple might feel like they were being thoroughly ignored and perhaps open up to each other more.

Philomena did not know what she was supposed to do.  

She felt clumsy and ugly next to Aemond, whose hair seemed to sparkle in the candlelight and whose face looked like it was carved by the most expert of artisans.  His magnificently sculpted jaw tempted her so, she struggled to keep her eyes from simply staring at it the entire time.  

Her own hair was slightly frizzy from having been rapidly combed, wisps of it escaping in front of her ears. It was a rusty, orange color.  Not the beautiful, brilliant red that her mother had.  Certainly nowhere near the gorgeous silver of Aemond’s hair.  How she longed to touch it! To smell it! God must be mocking her, because she had also heard he was an avid writer. Simply put, he was perfect for her.  Too perfect.

Desperate to take her mind off of gawking at him so that he wouldn’t think her a lunatic, she hurriedly offered him some biscuits, which he politely refused. 

“The last thing I wish to be is overzealous, but,” Aemond began. “My uncle has told me about you.  His contacts in publishing say that you are working on…quite a story.”

Philomena frantically looked to her Aunt, who quickly mimed what looked like…writing on paper? 

Show him your book!  What you have been working on! Show him Skyrim!

The scene in the parlor was quite comical.  

Aemond could clearly see Prudence Dankworth furiously miming to her niece and yet she continued with it as though he wasn’t present.  It almost made him laugh but he did not wish to ruin his chances.

Philomena Finch was not everything his uncle had said.  She was so much more.

She had the most alluring, fire-colored hair.  Her face was the perfect shape, with full cheeks and deep brown eyes.  Keeping his one functioning eye on her face was a monumental task, as he longed to slowly drag it over her seductive body. 

Best of all…he had clearly just caught her as she was working on her writing.  Aemond could still see a few spots of ink she hadn’t managed to wash off.  

Aemond let himself think for a moment, gazing at Philomena as she “communicated” with her aunt.  

Writing was his passion.  It soothed him and gave him strength, especially when he had lost his eye.  It was everything to him.  To find a woman who shared his dreams…it was too good to pass up. 

“With writing, you can create anything from nothing, like a god.” his Uncle Daemon had told him once, when he had spiraled into doubting himself again.  “It is your gift, nephew.  Don’t throw it away.  For anyone.  If your future wife truly loves you, she will love all of you.  Do not stop your writing.” 

So Aemond hadn’t.  

He had cultivated it and was on the cusp of publishing his first work, A Game of Thrones. A great deal of people had been disgusted with it…but an equal number had loved it, likening it to a Shakespearean work. His uncle had friends who worked in the book writing world and he told him there was a somewhat similarly violent story in England, also with dragons, about to be published.  It was written by a lady. 

Aemond had begged for a copy of at least a few chapters to read it.  Obtaining it wasn’t difficult for him, being already an author about to release his own book.  

He loved everything about the story. 

Everything the characters felt, he felt.  Really, the similarities stopped at the dragons.  

He longed to walk in the world of Skyrim. To see the babbling brooks of Whiterun.  To wander through caves, fighting his way against hordes of Falmer. Everytime he reread his copy of Philomena’s beginning chapters, he lost track of time.

To have created such a universe…if she could only feel a fraction of that passion for him, as a husband, he would be the happiest man alive.  He knew it. 

His heart was already hers.  It was just a matter of letting her know it. 

“Marry me.” Aemond said, coming out of his thoughts.  Zero hesitation.  Matter of factly. 

Philomena felt like her heart was sliding into her throat as her head snapped to look at him.  Aunt Prudence audibly gasped. 

“Marry me.” Aemond repeated. “We belong together.”

He would be miserable married to her, she just knew it.  If they married, she knew she would love him…how she could possibly love a man that wouldn’t love her back she didn’t know but that was what she felt.  

He would grow to eventually hate her and still she would love him, like a fool. He would try to change her and when she refused, loving him the entire time,  he would hate her.  And it would break her heart.  So that was not going to happen.  It could not happen, because she would not let it. “I don’t know you!” Philomena cried.

“We will get to know each other over the years.” Aemond said, taking her hand. She did not remove it but continued to protest.

“I detest going to balls.” 

“I do as well. I prefer to write.”

“My aunts are a lot to deal with.”

“As is my uncle Daemon.”

“My family is nowhere near as wealthy as yours.”

“No matter.  I stand to inherit more than enough money for the both of us.”

“Well, I often argue.  It’s not my intention but it happens a great deal.” Philomena persisted.

“Husbands and wives will argue.  It's the way of things.” he shrugged, still holding onto her hand.

“I often write very depraved scenes.  I have a few more horrid bits to add to Skyrim.” 

“Did you know incest is featured prominently as a storyline in my own book?”

Undeterred, Philomena barreled on, Aunt Prudence watching in shock from her corner.

“I do not want to have children right away.”

“We have various useful contraceptive methods I can get for you.”

“I often get up at night to write.”

“One cannot control when the muse calls upon you. It’s good to work when you get the inspiration for it.”

“I want to travel.”

“I want the same.  We can go wherever you like first.”

“If any of your family were to insult me, I will not just take it.”

“Understandable.  I love them with all my heart but family can be quite insufferable at times.”

Out of options, Philomena didn't care how pathetic she sounded when she said it but it had to be said. “I am not…as beautiful as you.”

“I do not know what to say to ...that.” Aemond said, rubbing her hand gently.  “Other than youre wrong.  So very wrong.”

Philomena was silent. For once, she did not have words, either on paper or to speak.  What Aemond asked next felt like a dream. Prudence had long since dropped all pretense of reading her book and was watching, jaw dropped.

“May I touch your hair?” he asked.

“I- we are not even betrothed!”

“Aren’t we?”

“Yes…? I suppose...?” she whispered, her own eyes boring into his one.

“Excellent! I’ve been dying to to touch your hair since my uncle told me the color. No one has such a color in Valyria.”

“Very well.” Philomena said with a smile.  “I am right, though.”

Aemond looked puzzled. “Right about what?”

“You are more beautiful than me!” 

He fiddled with her hair, blushing.  “Lies.”

“I would not lie to you!” 

“Arguing with me already?

Prudence Dankworth could contain herself no longer. 

Loudly declaring her congratulations, she ran to hug her niece while Aemond Targaryen finally burst out laughing.